-Atlantis, Pegasus Galaxy. Year 2, Post Resurgens-
~Dominus.~
A thread of silvery blue-green slowly insinuates itself within a delightful dream of riding that perfect pipeline on the gorgeous, unspoiled, white-sand beach of M3B-216.
~Dominus.~
Sleeping. Go 'way.
~Dominus, please awaken. You are needed.~
Why? The long-range scans are clear of Hive ships and the city's not in danger. Let me sleep.
~I would like to do nothing more, Dominus, but time is of the essence. You are correct, there are no signs of the vitam vescentium on the scanners and all is well within the city according to my sensors. However, I have been notified something important will be approaching by pons astris soon.~
Is it dangerous?
~Quite the contrary. I recommend you lower the aspida and allow the astria porta to open. You will find it beneficial.~
...Okay, 'Lantis, whatever you say. Thanks for the heads-up.
~Your servant, Dominus.~
John opens his eyes, blinking up at the ceiling for a few moments before raising himself on his elbows.
Great. The first peaceful night's sleep they've had in a while and now this.
With a quiet sigh he regards the darkened quarters, the lights of the city shining obliquely through the window. Rodney beside him in bed, his snoring counterpart to the eternal roar of the ocean outside.
That the AI wakes him out of a sound sleep from time to time is nothing new. Though it's usually when the city's in peril, not for something non-threatening. Which is unusual in and of itself.
Then again, the definition of unusual has turned out to be pretty flexible in the Pegasus Galaxy.
Just look at his own life, for god's sake. Having to take over after his CO had been rapidly aged by the damned life-sucking Wraith. Becoming Dominus for the AI of an Ancient city, with a portion of itself tucked away in a corner of his mind and invisible to scans.
A shiver down his spine as he recalls the first electrifying contact with 'Lantis in the control chair, the dizzying rush like surfing a mighty wave. The dazzle of quicksilver thought sounding him out, taking his measure. Currents of unfathomable knowledge dragging him hither and yon.
Just when he feared he might drown a soothing feminine voice- reminiscent of his mother, of all people- hailed him as Dominus of Atlantis, the City of Water, welcoming him home as if from a long exile.
How easily the city rose to the surface of the ocean at his command. The palpable sense of elation as three ZPMs give her full power after millennia of dormancy under the waves.
Briefly he wonders if Becky felt a similar frisson when she was inducted as Domina to Huy-Braesealis. He'd love to get in touch with his little sister-in-spirit someday and compare notes. But due to the ongoing struggle with the Wraith and a lack of viable ZPMs to restore the city to full power after losing two they can't spare enough juice to dial up a wormhole covering the vast distance between galaxies even if they absolutely had to.
Thankfully circumstances haven't gotten that dire but just in case Rodney and Radek are working on preparing an encrypted databurst as kind of a message-in-a-bottle and farewell-to-New-Earth all in one. They've been lucky so far but if there's anything two years on their own in the Pegasus Galaxy has taught them it's that they can never rest on their laurels for too long as something worse is always waiting in the wings.
Hopefully this won't turn out to be one of those days.
John finally sits up, sighing. Runs a hand through unruly hair before reaching for the black t-shirt and charcoal trousers discarded on the floor hours earlier next to his partner's blue and dove-gray, both uniforms somewhat the worse for wear.
Rodney yawns and gives a languid stretch, blinking up at him. "What the hell are you doing awake?"
"Nothing, go back to sleep."
He raises himself on an elbow, checks the clock and flops back against the pillow with a groan. "Don't tell me you're going for a run at this godforsaken hour. I swear that overtall Wookie's got you on a ridiculous fitness kick these days."
"Not Ronon. Had a feeling I needed to be awake, that's all."
"You and your gut feelings. Ever since that AI's taken space in your head I feel like I'm in a threesome and I don't much like sharing you with anyone, even mentally."
John scowls as he ties his boots. "Rodney-"
An exasperated huff as he sits up. "Fine, whatever. Not that I can sleep now anyway- I just had an inspiration on how to improve our energy efficiency by fifty percent. Think the cafeteria has breakfast ready yet? I'm hungry."
"You're always hungry. Good thing we've got food coming in from our trading partners on a regular basis, or we'd be at half rations based on your voracious appetite alone," reaching over to playfully pat his stomach.
"Oh, very droll. I'll have you know being a genius and saving the city on a regular basis burns a lot of calories."
"So do more amorous activities," John counters with a leer.
"Mmm, yes. So they do." Blue eyes regard him with affection. "Come here. A kiss and a good breakfast are just what I need to start the day off right. Well, that and a few cups of greenhouse-grown klah."
"Yes, sir." Five years ago they met by accident in an Alpha Base lab. Now they're openly a couple, the Military Commander and the Chief Scientist of Atlantis Colony. Whatever the reason- by predetermined destiny or pure chance- John's almost absurdly glad. He has his heart's love, Jumpers to fly, a city he can command with a thought, action and adventure on a regular basis.
He's never felt more blessed. At last he has something to live for, even after the literal end of the world.
Their lips meet just as the radio chirps. "Gateroom to Colonel Sheppard and Dr. McKay."
With a sigh and an apologetic shrug John grabs the receiver. "Sheppard here."
"Sorry for the late hour, sir. We have an unscheduled offworld activation. Dr. Weir has already been alerted."
"Copy that. On our way."
"Figures," Rodney grumbles. "The first real sleep we've had in weeks and now this. Better be worth it."
"Yeah. C'mon, last one there's a rotten egg."
"Oh, you just had to go mention eggs, didn't you? Thanks a lot, I'm starving now."
John chuckles and pats him on the back as they head for the nearest transporter.
In the Gateroom a crew of scientists and military personnel assemble for their nocturnal visitor, in readiness as much as sheer curiosity. Not as many present as during the daytime, but with unscheduled activations they don't take any chances.
Elizabeth smiles indulgently as they join her on the upper level gallery by her office, overlooking the Gate. "Don't tell me you're turning into a night owl too," she gently teases John.
"What can I say? My partner's a bad influence." Rodney shoots him a glare. "So who's knocking on our door? I thought we've already had our scheduled team check-ins for the night."
"Surely not the Genii?" Teyla inquires after politely nodding to Elizabeth.
"Better not be," Ronon growls beside Rodney, resting his arms on the railing.
"Colonel, Dr. Weir," Chuck addresses them from the control console. "We have incoming IDC." He peers at the display, blinking in surprise. "Make that two. Not any of the AR teams, though."
"So where are they from? And whose are they?"
Chuck swallows. "New Earth. Drs. Grahme and Jackson."
A ripple of surprise runs through the room.
John frowns. While the SGC's identification codes are stored in their system on the off chance contact's ever reestablished, no one's honestly expecting to hear from them after two years of isolation.
"Impossible! Why the hell are they coming here after all this time?" Rodney demands. "Can we trust the signal?"
A shiver runs down John's spine. This is why 'Lantis had awakened him. "Yeah, I think so. Lower the shield."
"Are you sure?" Elizabeth asks quietly.
He nods. "She told me something big was coming down the pike. Haven't had any reason not to trust her yet."
"Always a first time for everything," Rodney mutters.
She ponders for a moment then gives a quick, decisive nod. "Do it."
Chuck types in a command. "Shield's down."
The wormhole engages as per usual. At first nothing happens then a petite woman in glasses emerges through the event horizon, shoulder-length auburn hair neatly framing her face. Incongruous in white infirmary garb, a bandage on the left side of her head and a tool kit in her hand.
"Hey, Becky," John calls out. "Nice to see ya. You okay?"
She makes no reply. Only stops in the middle of the room, eyes glazed over. As if sleepwalking or something.
"Could be possessed," Rodney mutters. "Maybe they had a pod people foothold situation at the SGC."
"Let's hope that's not the case," Elizabeth says.
Marines glance up at John, hesitantly raise their weapons. He decides to take a chance. "Stand down."
Jackson arrives through the Gate, carrying two go bags. He drops them on the floor in his surprise as he takes in the room, eyes wide. "Atlantis..." he breathes.
The event horizon winks out behind him.
"Dr. Jackson?" Elizabeth calls out. "It's good to see you but what's the meaning of this?"
He blinks up at her, expression torn between anxiety and wonder. "Um, I'm not sure either. She's been unconscious for about four days, and then just ten minutes ago woke up and rigged the DHD to bypass the dialing computer."
Rodney looks incredulous. "What? How is that possible?"
"I have no idea. She's in a fugue state now, and-"
Becky breaks into a run, dashing up the stairs past startled military and scientists alike and disappearing. The poor befuddled archaeologist can only stand there in the middle of the room, staring after her in dismay.
"John, you and Ronon go after her," Elizabeth orders. He may be Military Commander but as Colony Leader she's in charge. "I'll deal with Dr. Jackson."
"Good idea. We'll make sure she's okay."
For curiosity's sake they stay behind Becky instead of overtaking her as she leads them down corridors, in and out of transporters. Must have the blueprints downloaded into her head or something, John thinks. He would've lost his own bearings by now if it wasn't for 'Lantis.
"She's quick," Ronon notes.
"Yeah." They go for runs regularly but even so they're having trouble keeping pace with her.
Finally they arrive in an atrium resembling the one in the control tower of Huy-Braesealis. As far as he knows no one's ventured in this part of the city yet. There's still so much unexplored, even after two years of occupation and countless challenges for their right to stay by Wraith, weather, Genii and weird Ancient tech alike.
Ronon disappears without a word, probably to head her off. And sure enough he's waiting when they arrive at a junction, positioning himself so she can't pass by no matter what. "Going somewhere, little lady?"
Becky stops short, wide-eyed, chest heaving. He takes advantage to make a grab for her. She twists herself free and rams a knee straight into his groin. His eyes bulge and he doubles over with a muffled yelp as she ducks into a transporter alcove and disappears.
John winces in sympathy and offers a hand to help him up. "You okay?"
Ronon waves him away. "Will be. Go get her."
With a final apologetic glance for his teammate he steps into the alcove. 'Lantis?
~She is in the principem pyrína computatrum, Dominus.~ A panel lights up. Automatically he touches it and experiences the usual odd almost-movement before emerging seconds later into a vast octagonal room. For some reason the Ancient architects never went in for right angles anywhere in their buildings, preferring curves or more oblique shapes.
Along the walls inscriptions and diagrams are interspersed among consoles and monitors, some lighting up the further he gets into the room while others remain conspicuously dark. A floor-to-ceiling octagonal crystal pillar occupies the center on a dais much like in the control chair room.
John swallows, grateful for Alex Lorne's classes in Ancient. Which he figured he ought to learn, being Dominus and all.
Principem pyrína computatrum. Main computer core, the heart of the city's AI.
Rodney and Radek are gonna have a field day in here. No doubt about it.
He finds himself walking softer with every footstep, the inherent sense of awe reminding him of church as a kid. Not that he'd made a particularly good choirboy by any means, but the feeling takes him back- the incense making his eyes water, the cheap satin choir robes, Father Flaherty's droning voice during Mass making him fall asleep.
Becky's on her knees before one of the darkened consoles with its cover off, messing with its insides like an expert. Never a technical whiz as far as he can remember though it could be a skill she's had to pick up in the past couple years.
He can relate. Everyone in the colony has had to become jacks-of-all-trades out of sheer necessity since they got here, expanding their skill sets to include anything deemed necessary for survival. John himself now knows how to read some Ancient, curse in five languages, skin and butcher a tri-horned goat and barter for goods at the market worlds. Not to mention prepare samples for microscope slides, do basic Jumper repairs, plant and harvest tuttleroots, weave a blanket on an Athosian loom and cook a mean lasagna.
He hunkers down beside her. "Hey, little sis. Anything I can do to help?"
She doesn't reply, just goes on with her tinkering. John finds her silence and intense concentration rather unnerving. He's more used to Rodney's constant ranting and raving when immersed in a project, soothing in a weird way.
She replaces the cover and stashes the tools back in the kit. Then stands and approaches the central column, left hand upraised, palm facing out. Doesn't even look at him once.
He has a gut feeling something big's about to happen. "Um, I don't think you should be messing around with that-"
Too late. Her hand makes contact with the crystal surface. Lights swirl within the column.
The console she'd just worked on lights up, along with others previously inactive. In fact the whole room seems brighter than before, somehow.
~Dominus? I feel much better now.~
...You mean you weren't before?
~I was...crippled, after a fashion. I sustained a certain amount of entropic damage from millennia of inactivity when you woke me from hibernation. I fully intended to effect some repairs to make your lives easier but that function had been rendered offline and it could not be restored. Which is no longer the case, thanks to my brother.~
...Your brother? What the hell are you talking about?
A faint moan from Becky as she slowly collapses. He catches her in time before she hits the floor, checks for a pulse.
Faint but at least there. He breathes easier.
His radio chirps. "Weir to Sheppard."
"Sheppard here."
"Have you found Becky yet? Something's happening to the city."
"Yeah. I think she just made a few small repairs for us."
"Elaborate, please?" He can just imagine her puzzled expression.
"I'll explain later. Let Carson know I'm bringing her to the infirmary."
"Will do. Weir out."
He carefully stands up with Becky limp in his arms. "C'mon, little sis. Let's get you checked out. Gotta admit this wasn't ever the way I expected to see you again, but I'm glad you're here."
For a few moments he can only gaze around the newly-enlivened computer room in wonder, aware that on some new level the city's been saved once again.
Man, but Rodney's gonna be royally ticked he wasn't the one to do it this time.
She drifts in darkness until a familiar presence of pale gold, amber and russet surrounds her, chasing it away.
~Domina?~
Huy-Braesealis? What's going on?
~My sincerest apologies for what I have done to you, but the need was urgent. Once the porta oratio had been implemented I was able to regain contact with my sister after millennia of silence. She had sustained significant entropic damage and her self-repair function was offline. The fugue state I induced in you was regrettably necessary to bring her the modified instruction code. Sister, I apologize for the delay but I hope the assistance I provided is adequate.~
A silvery, blue-green presence winds its way into her mind, more feminine in feeling. ~More than adequate, brother. I am now in full functioning order. You have my gratitude.~
...Um, you're his sister?
~Indeed I am, Domina. My name is Atlantis. A pleasure to meet you. I hope you enjoy your stay in my city. Awaken now, and see what you have wrought.~
The presences fade, replaced by an acrid antiseptic smell and a steady electronic beep. A light shines in her eyes. She bats it away, grumbling.
"Easy now, lass. Relax. You're in the infirmary." A soft Scottish burr, one she hasn't heard in years.
She opens her eyes slowly, blinking in bright light to find a familiar kindly face hovering above her, a stethoscope in his hands. "Carson? What are you doing here?"
He smiles. "I could ask ye the same. Just need to check your vitals first." After some poking and prodding he pronounces her satisfactory and hands over her glasses. "All yours, Dr. Jackson."
Daniel's smile is warm and gentle as he comes into view. He tenderly kisses her cheek, so much relief and love in his eyes it makes her heart skip a beat. "Hey."
"Hey yourself. What's going on?"
"You've been unconscious for a while. I'm so glad you're awake now. I've been really worried about you."
"But why? How?" She struggles to sit and an arm slips around her shoulders in support, not one of Daniel's.
"Here, let me help you with that."
She gapes up at familiar hazel eyes and hawkish features, dark unruly hair. "John?"
He grins. "Hey, little sis. Long time no see."
"You!" The privacy curtain is shoved aside by none other than Rodney McKay in high dudgeon, shaking his finger in her direction. "What the hell have you done, Grahme?"
"I don't know! What did I do?"
"Greatly improved our capabilities, is what. Mnohokrát děkuji, drahý příteli." Radek adjusts his glasses and beams at her.
McKay grabs at his tablet, prodding it, eyes widening at the readings. "Oh. Wow. What did you... I mean, I would've come up with a solution eventually but how did you know..." He lapses into stunned silence.
John smirks at his discomfiture. "Speechless for once, Rodney? That's a first. Sure you don't remember what happened, Beck?" She shakes her head, thoroughly confused.
If this is a dream it's a really weird one. Guess she shouldn't have scarfed down Jack's homemade beer-battered avian wings the night before.
"Perhaps there is a machine of the Ancestors which can aid in recovering her memory," a petite woman with bronze skin and russet hair suggests from the doorway. A tall man nearby sporting dreadlocks folds his arms over his chest and regards Becky with a stern expression, making her uneasy.
Rodney scowls, waves a dismissive hand. "Yes, yes, so she doesn't remember what she did but otherwise she's fine and we're better off now than we were last night. I still want to know how."
"For god's sake, McKay," Daniel snaps, standing up to face the physicist head on. "Can't it wait?"
"Of course not! She single-handedly ruined several carefully-planned experiments I'm working on. I demand an explanation!"
"Oh, like your work is so much more important than anyone else's-"
"Of course it is! If you knew how many times I've saved the city already-"
"Gentlemen, please," Elizabeth steps forward, hands raised in placation. "If you'll both calm down we can get to the bottom of this-"
Becky groans and claps her hands over her ears as everyone starts talking at once, making an awful cacophony.
Maybe it's not a dream after all.
Her head starts to spin. She reaches for the tray table to steady herself, knocking an empty bedpan right onto the floor.
Everyone stops mid-sentence at the clatter. Turning as one to gape at her as if they'd forgotten she was even there.
"Would someone please tell me what's going on?" she asks into a silence so sudden it makes her ears ring.
Daniel sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. "Um, well, it started about five days ago. We were visiting Huy-Braesealis with Jonas Quinn and SG-11..."
"No sign of brain damage, according to my scans," Carson tells Becky the next day. "You're a lucky lass to be sure, but I want to keep you in the infirmary for a while under observation. Just to make sure everything's all right."
"You mean in case I run through the city or mess with Ancient tech in my sleep again?" she asks with a wry smile.
He chuckles. "Something like that, aye."
"Good, 'cause I'd get pretty worn out trying to catch up with you." John adds more folders to the already intimidating stack on the tray table.
Becky eyes them with trepidation and groans. "God, more of them?"
"Wasn't my idea. Elizabeth thought you could use the briefing, as de facto representatives of New Earth while you're here. Should keep you from getting too bored, anyway."
Daniel flips through his own pile. "Not exactly light reading. This is everything that's happened since you got here, right?"
John shrugs. "Pretty much. The highlights, at the very least."
Becky rolls her eyes. "Sheesh. It's not like we're auditing you guys or anything. Though it does remind me of when Jack basically dumped SG-1's mission reports on me and Mac after we got to Cheyenne Mountain. Thought it was really weird stuff at the time, though by now I know it's just part of the job." She pauses. "Hey, didn't I read somewhere about you almost turning into an alien bug?"
"Sure did. See my antennae?" wiggling his index fingers above his head, making her laugh.
"God I've missed you, big brother. And speaking of weird," addressing a smirking Daniel, "I still haven't been able to determine exactly how many times you've died, either."
"I'll never tell," he counters, eyes twinkling in amusement. He's been enjoying himself immensely so far, what with John granting him unlimited access to the city's database and reading two years' worth of reports on ruins and Pegasus cultures by Alex and Xiaoli. Every night he shares his latest discoveries with her, describing them with so much breathless enthusiasm she has to kiss him as a reminder to pace himself.
Which leads to other pleasant nocturnal activities, even as they have to be mindful not to slip off the narrow hospital bed in their excitement. Last night they got so loud a blushing Carson had to caution them earlier against disturbing the other patients' rest. The memory of their ardor makes her own cheeks flush.
Hopefully she'll be released soon so they can have some decent privacy.
The mission reports are pretty heady stuff, as it turns out. Plenty of wonders in this galaxy but an equal number of dangers to rival those back home.
It amuses Becky to no end that John's recon team (himself, McKay, and Pegasus natives Teyla Emmagan and Ronon Dex) has mirrored SG-1's record of having the most unusual encounters and adventures.
Becky and Daniel have learned much about the expedition's first two years. It hasn't been easy establishing a colony.
On average almost a quarter of the expedition has run foul of the Pegasus Galaxy's inherent dangers, the most notable being Marshall Sumner and poor Aiden Ford (though technically MIA under unusual circumstances). While there's nothing physically set up to disturb the pristine walls a virtual memorial page on the city's Intranet honors the fallen.
There have been some pretty lean times as well, months of rationing before trading partnerships for local goods were established. The initial need for secrecy's made integration into the general galactic scene more gradual than expected, which makes a certain amount of sense given their current adversaries.
One of the most surprising things they learn is that the people of Pegasus aren't wary about traveling through the Gates (called here Rings of the Ancestors) like their Milky Way counterparts. They use them as casually and as easily- even almost defiantly in spite of the understandable fear of Wraith attacks- as anyone traveling back on Old Earth, for trade or visiting friends.
There's a long way to go before everyone can live in peace. But they're all doing their best, and with enough hard work and determination perhaps both galaxies will someday experience a new renaissance.
It's nice to think so, anyway.
When she's finally discharged with Carson's blessing Elizabeth leads her and Daniel on a personal tour of the city, offering information and useful advice along the way.
"Our cafeteria and commons are over there," pointing out a conservatory-like building some twenty stories below them by the east pier. "And the Gateroom, Jumper bay and main infirmary are in the central tower." Her hand sweeps to the north. "Military HQ's in that direction. Science labs and private residences are scattered throughout the city once they've been deemed safe to occupy. In between there are sections that remain uninhabitable, even potentially dangerous because of what they're likely to contain."
Becky whistles. "A long way to get anywhere. This is immense."
"Easy to forget our daily lives actually take place far apart from one another," Elizabeth acknowledges with a wry smile. "It just seems like a single vast complex because of the instantaneous nature of the transporters. To be honest we've barely made any inroads beyond those locations, though some fascinating discoveries have already been made."
"The discontinued projects left behind when the Ancients abandoned this galaxy," Daniel muses.
"Exactly. Some have proved to be beneficial, or at least relatively harmless. But others, well..." Her gaze turns inward. "In a stasis chamber we once found an elderly version of myself from a parallel timeline, where the shield had failed almost as soon as we arrived and most of the expedition drowned."
"Sent back into the past when the Ancients still occupied Atlantis to ensure that your version would succeed, right?"
She nods. "Sometimes I close my eyes and try to imagine what the other me saw then, at the height of their civilization. This was the last bastion of their hundred-year war with the Wraith but at the same time a thriving city-state, a center of research, commerce and culture for the entire galaxy."
The mention of those life-sucking aliens sends a shiver down Becky's spine. "Any idea where they came from?"
"Carson has a theory they're the result of genetic tinkering and crossbreeding, an experiment which escaped to terrorize the people of this galaxy well after their creators departed. Certainly we never expected to wake all of them from hibernation at the same time, but as we're the ones who set this in motion it's therefore our duty and responsibility to see them rendered harmless to human life, if not eradicated outright."
"Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you. Based on what we've read in the mission reports so far you might just succeed."
"Nothing is certain," Elizabeth says in gentle admonishment, "but we can always strive for better. We fully intend to remain here in Pegasus and ensure our mission is accomplished. More than our own survival is at stake."
Atlantis is beautiful, floating on the sparkling ocean of an uninhabited world, glass and metal towers soaring high into an azure sky.
As the City of Water there's no surprise it's more elegant and refined in appearance than its brother Huy-Braesealis. Yet in essence it serves much the same purpose- a refuge in a hostile and unpredictable galaxy, a source of hope and inspiration for an oppressed people.
Their assigned quarters turn out to be the equivalent of a luxury hotel suite complete with balcony. Doors, windows, lights and water temperature adjust themselves with her merest thought. Handwoven blankets on the massive bed in a soft gray add an incongruously rustic touch to a style that John rather cheekily calls Intergalactic Ancient Modern.
"I love this bed," Becky declares, wrapping one around her. "It's so comfortable. You know, for a people preoccupied with seeking Ascension and abandoning the material plane they had pretty easygoing lives. Think anyone would notice if we smuggled this back home through the Gate?"
Daniel chuckles. "We'll have to bribe Chuck to look the other way. Though once we get it home I have a feeling we'll never want to leave."
"And that would be a problem?"
"Not to me, though Jack might eventually take issue."
"Nah, he'd probably just want to get one for himself. Good for his back and bad knees."
He laughs, playfully tugging on the free end of the blanket, unrolling her back in his direction. Kissing her soundly and wrapping it around them both.
"You're in an awfully good mood," she notes with amusement.
"Guess that's what happens when dreams come true." Long fingers slowly trail down her back and she quivers. "And you get to share them with me after all. Remind me to thank Huy-Braesealis when we get back."
She quirks an eyebrow. "And not me?"
"Oh believe me, I'm grateful," he breathes against her neck. "Let me show you how much." Her soft chortles soon turn to ardent sighs as they resume the serious business of worshiping each other's bodies.
Though he's been content to stay on New Earth being able to explore the second city of the Ancients has made Daniel positively giddy, which she hasn't seen in a long time. It's fun being the recipient of his gratitude.
Later she sits up in bed wide awake while her beloved sleeps, content and fully sated, his head pillowed on her lap. Running her fingers through soft brown hair she closes her eyes, hearing the wind whistle around the towers, the gentle subliminal lullaby of the city's AI echoing in her mind.
~Welcome. Be at peace. You belong here.~
Six years ago she had an ordinary life, working as a linguist at the Phoenix Foundation. Never once imagining she'd be in a city ten thousand years old, stars and moonlight belonging to a galaxy not her own shining through the windows.
Nothing like her daydreams, the idle wondering if there's another destiny in store for her somewhere else.
Far better than them, actually. Well above and beyond what she ever believed possible.
As outsiders it's fascinating to observe the vibrant, tight-knit community the expedition has become, the social distinctions between military and civilians more and more blurred over time even as their professional lives remain separate (save of course for the mixed Gate teams) and they stay focused on their respective duties.
"Mealtimes used to be fairly segregated affairs, particularly during the first year," Xiaoli acknowledges the next day in the cafeteria. A leisurely relaxing dinner with him, Alex and Evan while others at nearby tables hang around eavesdropping, hoping to hear all the latest New Earth gossip. "Military and scientists tended to keep to themselves back then. Then Colonel Sheppard, Dr. Weir and Dr. Heightmeyer- realizing more had to be done to ensure our colony also thrives, as opposed to merely surviving- began to encourage more cross-division relationships. It doesn't hurt that Alex and Evan have already proved by the success of their marriage it can be done. Their daughter's evidence of that," beaming at month-old Nora cuddling close to her mother's heart.
"Attitudes are certainly more open and relaxed now than they were at the start," Alex agrees, "influenced as much by Sheppard's decidedly casual approach to militarism as to the fact we've simply gotten used to one another. But we all consider Atlantis our home."
"No one desperate to return to New Earth, I take it?" Becky inquires.
"Correct. Thanks to the selection process everyone wants to make this permanent. One could say it's because we're already used to being exiles as it is."
Daniel nods, a little wistfully. "All of us are, when you think about it. The atmosphere here reminds me of the SGC, in a way. Or even a university campus, complete with ROTC program."
She laughs, handing Nora to Evan who gently dandles her on his knee. "You're not far off the mark. When the city's not in danger off-duty courses are available on a wide array of subjects. My lessons in Ancient for example, and there's a copy of your glossary on the city Intranet that everyone can access."
"Plenty of extracurricular activities on hand," Xiaoli concurs, "carefully designed to blow off steam and save our collective sanity. Ridiculous contests, video nights, sports and games, arts and hobbies, music and dancing."
"My division offers training in firearms and the martial arts of two galaxies for anyone who wants to learn," Evan adds while Nora burbles happily. "Including Jaffa-style staff fighting and Teyla's twin bantos. Also yoga, Athosian-style meditation and good old kel'no'reem as modified by Teal'c for us Tau'ri. All with a goal of keeping bodies and minds engaged."
"It does sound a lot like what we have on New Earth," Becky notes. "What's the cultural scene like in the rest of the galaxy?"
"If Teyla invites you to her quarters you ought to accept," Alex advises. "She's been an invaluable guide in that area, and the tea is excellent."
Becky nods. "We're seeing her tomorrow afternoon. Looking forward to it."
Teyla Emmagan is a strong leader of her people, a fearless warrior. Also warm and accessible and a gracious hostess. None of those states mutually exclusive.
"We know much about the Ancestors and their struggle with the Wraith," she remarks while pouring them tea. "The histories of my people are very complete, as they go back many generations. We once lived as you, but the Wraith have been the scourge of the galaxy with their culling for so long we had to drastically change our ways out of necessity."
"Towards either a simpler existence," Daniel muses, "or one more underground and secretive like the Genii."
"Exactly so. I do not blame John for awakening the Wraith by accident from hibernation. He did it to save his people taken by them, as well as my own." She offers a plate of delicate crispy wafers, their smell reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon. "I have heard from John and Elizabeth that your original homeworld was destroyed with you as sole Witness, Becky. You have my sincerest condolences."
"Thank you." She swallows back the lingering sorrow at the mention. "If you don't mind my asking, why are you here and not with your people on the mainland?"
"I believe I can serve them best by remaining on Atlantis and lending my knowledge and expertise. Some among them believe your arrival was foretold, to turn the tide once and for all against our common foe. Based on your people's fortitude and ingenuity demonstrated so far, I see no reason not to live in hope. May I serve you more tea?"
"Yes, please." They both hold out their cups. It really is excellent.
On the other hand Ronon Dex is far more intimidating, at least initially. He towers over her, cocking an eyebrow in appraisal. "You know, you're pretty short."
"And you're pretty tall," she notes with equal dryness.
John holds up a hand. "Easy, big guy. Just because she got the drop on you earlier there's no need to frighten her."
"No worries, Sheppard. Just saying if she needs help reaching something way over her head we're both sturdy enough to give her a hand," grinning at her with some condescension.
"I'm closer to the ground," she counters, looking up at him with a warning glint in her eyes. "Center of gravity is lower, and not so far to fall."
Daniel and Rodney both blink at the exchange, puzzled and a touch apprehensive. Teyla conceals a snicker behind her hand.
John bursts into laughter. "You tell him, Beck."
Ronon offers her a toothy grin and a meaty hand. "Not bad, Grahme. Quick wit to go with your feet, I like that."
Becky takes it. He's got a strong grip but hers isn't weak either. He grunts in approval.
He actually turns out to be pretty decent under the gruff, toughened exterior. An impressive fighter yet also something of a poet. He reminds her and Daniel of Teal'c, after a fashion. A fellow stoic warrior with hidden depths.
She wonders what would happen if they ever had the chance to meet. Probably get on like a house on fire, once they'd sized each other up in a sparring match. Jack would want to sell tickets.
God knows she'd pay actual Old Earth money to watch it, too.
"You guys are short on ZPMs? Didn't I give you three of 'em?"
Rodney waves a dismissive hand in Becky's direction. "Yes, yes, but we depleted one to keep us shielded from the storm of the decade and another in flying the city when we had to outrun a fleet of Hive ships-"
Daniel's eyes widen. "It flies? But didn't you find it at the bottom of the ocean?"
"Of course we did! Haven't you been paying attention? It's a city-ship after all so yes, it flies!"
John's grin is very Cheshire Cat-like. "Does it ever. We've got Ancient-style Puddlejumpers, too. Way better than the ones from Alpha Base, much more responsive. I'll treat you guys to a flying tour of the city sometime."
"Oh, you're always looking for an excuse to fly," Rodney snipes though the tone is more affectionate than irritated. "Thing is we're getting by on the remaining ZedPM and naquadah generators but we've had to restrict power use and as a consequence our capabilities have been severely hindered. We've been looking for replacement modules all over the galaxy using hints from the city's database, but unfortunately the ones we find tend to be half-depleted at best or even worse, totally drained and not worth the bother of retrieving."
"So I guess this means you don't have to go looking anymore, right?" Becky gestures at their latest discovery, thanks to a tip from 'Lantis.
McKay's eyes light up at the sight of the ZPM-making machine similar to the one in Huy-Braesealis, already growing crystals. His expression mirrors John's almost manic glee. "Oh, yeah. Isn't it hot? We can do anything now."
It turns out having a reliable source is welcome news to Xiaoli and others secretly worried about the ethics of committing what amounts to cultural theft and disruption for their own benefit. There's even talk of making amends to the cultures they've already offended in their search by returning the used ZPMs and offering trade goods in recompense, which is possible now that the city's self-repairing mode is in full swing.
More automated factories are brought online every day, making it easy to manufacture what they need using elements extracted from seawater by a fleet of specialized underwater drones and select raw materials obtained in exchange for the byproduct of the desalination plants. Salt is vital to low-tech food preservation, and pure Atlantis crystals have become a hot commodity in Pegasus markets.
Finally the colony has everything it needs, which comes as a relief after months of making do and doing without. Becky's become the darling of both Operations and Zelenka's engineers for that reason alone.
One lunchtime John and Becky are ambushed by Rodney's minions specializing in Ancient computer tech, eager to pick their brains about the AIs and their duties.
"For crying out loud!" she finally exclaims in exasperation. "We have no idea how it works. Our titles in Ancient mean Lady and Lord, which sound impressive but honestly don't mean much in practice. We just sit in the chair and think, the AIs do the rest. More like glorified system administrators than anything else."
"Janitors, even," he adds with a shrug.
Their answers disappoint the scientists, who press on for elaboration until McKay shoos them back to their labs with a well-aimed verbal barrage.
~Domina and Dominus, you are more than mere maintenance workers to us,~ 'Lantis corrects them primly. ~Much more.~
~You provide us with a connection to the rest of your race and the universe at large,~ Huy-Braesealis concurs. ~We have been isolated far too long. Without you we could not fulfill our programming, nor the purpose for which we were designed.~
...And that is?
~To protect and nourish our citizens, of course.~
Becky and John share a glance, silently agreeing not to mention that tidbit to Rodney or Daniel. They'd never believe it anyway.
Now that there's more than enough power for everything- including transgalactic wormholes- the first databurst to New Earth goes off without a hitch. A day later Jack sends back a communique encrypted by Sam, written in his usual laconic fashion:
Thanks for the postcard. Good to hear from you folks. Hope Becky and Danny are enjoying their paid vacation. Beck, at the end of three weeks you have my permission to zat his rear end and drag him back through the Gate by his feet if he refuses to leave. Otherwise all is well in the Milky Way, though Quinn's been running himself ragged keeping up with us. Suffice it to say he's looking forward to his own vacation when you two get back here.
On a more serious note my sincerest condolences on the losses you have suffered. Sheppard and Lorne are respectively promoted to full Colonel and Lt. Colonel, effective immediately. Have a beer or two on me, guys, 'cause you deserve it. Life-sucking space vampires sounds as wacko as anything we got around here, which is something of an understatement.
By the way, Carter wants her tool kit back one of these days. Just saying.
Becky chuckles. Good old Uncle Jack, he'll never change.
But during the next assigned contact she remembers to send the tool kit back through the Gate, along with a bundle of Pegasus fruit which taste amazingly like chocolate though with the color and skin texture of a peach and note to Sam as a thank-you present.
Manners are important, after all.
One day the Domina of Huy-Braesealis and the Dominus of Atlantis meet in a secluded room, far from curious eyes and prying minds.
As one they sit on a couch and close their eyes.
Hands touch, palm to palm. Minds join as fingers link together.
Little sister.
Big brother.
~Welcome, brother.~
~Greetings, sister.~
For now the humans are merely conduits for two cities to catch up on ten thousand years' worth of gossip. Nothing is spoken out loud for a long time.
The conversation is nonetheless enlightening.
The sun is warm, the sky cloudless as they sit at the end of the southwest pier afterwards. Perfect for a picnic lunch- sandwiches of roast beast and leafy greens on nine-grain bread, washed down with bottles of Pegasus-style mead and plum-sized blue fruits that taste like papaya.
("Where the hell have you two been?" McKay demands of them later. "All the sensors could say was that neither of you were in the city."
Becky only shrugs. "Oh, just out to lunch." The consternation on his face is hilarious.)
John wipes his mouth with a handkerchief, slips on his sunglasses and leans back on his elbows. "One great thing about living on a floating city-ship. You can't beat the ocean view."
Becky smiles faintly, trying hard not to look down at the waves churning far below her feet. Heights are not her thing. "You know we still haven't even explored our own coastlines yet. I've had to settle for visiting beaches on other planets."
"We've checked out some with potential for great surfing. I've yet to find the right material to make a decent board, though."
"You didn't bring one with you?"
He shrugs. "Not much surfing to be had on Alpha Base. Nearest coastline's pretty rugged, and I'd have to rappel down a tall cliff to hit the beach at low tide. And wear a wetsuit in the bargain."
She laughs, then sobers. "You love this, don't you?" gesturing around her. "The city, the galaxy, the whole wacko shebang, as Jack would say."
He considers. "Yeah. As freaky and dangerous as it gets I feel I belong here. Which is probably the freakiest thing of all, when it comes right down to it. See, I was the black sheep in my family-"
"Wait a minute. A decorated officer in the Air Force, and you were the black sheep? What, were your family criminals or something?"
"Something like." A rueful smile. "My dad was a captain of industry. Even before the Big Quake and Zero Hour we weren't close. I never felt like I belonged anywhere, not really. Alpha Base was the same until I met Rodney. But once we got here this place immediately became home, even before I sat in the control chair."
"I get it. I feel the same about New Earth, it reminds me of where I grew up, atypical photosynthesis notwithstanding. So I guess that means you won't want to come back with us?"
"Right. Not to stay, anyway. I wouldn't mind visiting from time to time," he amends. "But even if the Ancients ever return and throw us out I'll find someplace else to stay in Pegasus. I think most of us would, given the chance."
She considers his words, then nods acceptance. "I hear you. You'll get no argument from me, nor from anyone else. I can tell you guys are needed here, without question. But don't forget you're also our contingency plan. Otherwise there's nowhere else in the universe for us to go that'll be safe."
"For relative values of safe, anyway." Very dry. "I'll be sure to remind everyone at the next Lantean Council meeting."
They lapse into a companionable silence. The motion and sound of the waves lapping against the pier are very soothing. They didn't bring any binoculars to confirm, but some kind of giant sea mammal is leaping out of the water near the horizon.
"Big brother?" Becky finally ventures.
"Yeah, little sister?"
"You realize that no matter how weird things are now, our lives are probably gonna get even weirder, in some way we can't possibly predict?"
"Uh-huh." John grins. "Ain't it great?"
Notes: References to SGA S01 E01 and 02, "Rising" and E15 "Before I Sleep" and S02 E07 "Instinct."
Many thanks once again to Sourlander's Loyalties series on AO3 for the loan of OC Alex Lorne- and baby Nora, too (safe and sound in this 'verse!).