The central room of the cella natatoria et thermae dimósia is enclosed by panels in smoky shades of teal set between wide windows looking out over the ocean, the vaulted ceiling of clear vidrium supported by tall fluted columns and beams in bronze. More Art Nouveau in style than the Art-Deco-meets-Frank-Lloyd-Wright prevalent throughout the rest of the city.
Everyone in Atlantis makes a point of coming here at least once a week to enjoy the remarkable properties of the treated thermal waters. The entire complex is vast enough to accommodate the current population- citizens and guests alike- with spaces designed for all manner of aquatic activities ranging from heated tubs for soaking and hydrotherapy to shallow pools for wading and deep ones for diving or swimming laps, each area separated by partitions or paths winding among the columns, low stone benches and potted Pegasus trees and flowers.
Until Evan's team came across the place last year no one ever believed the Ancients were capable of building things like this just for fun.
The only occupants at this hour are relaxing against the edge of a secluded pool tucked in a corner, the room silent save for the gentle lapping of water and the barely-audible hum of maintenance machinery beneath the floor. Steam swirls in the humid air, pierced by shafts of sunlight illuminating the room. At night embedded lights shine in the water, imitating stars twinkling in the night sky.
Becky languidly pushes hair away from her eyes with one hand while teasing her husband's chest with the other. Daniel regards her through slitted eyes, a complacent smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "When you suggested an afternoon break from the lab I had no idea this is what you had in mind. Pretty adventurous, sneaking in here while everyone's gone."
"Call me inspired," leaning forward to rest her head against him, nuzzling into the smooth skin then kissing and licking up stray drops of water. "Picked up a tip from 'Lantis last night about that secret transporter alcove, probably used for maintenance back in the day."
"Or arranging couples' trysts," he adds with a smirk. "She's been finding all sorts of delightful little clandestine locations for us since the wedding a couple weeks ago."
She laughs softly. "Yeah, by the time we leave we'll probably know all the nooks and crannies of Atlantis, better even than John and Rodney." She squints at the watch resting on top of their discarded clothes. "It's almost 1400. Should we shower in our quarters and get back to work?"
He raises his arms in a long graceful stretch. "Nah, let's take the rest of the day off. After this morning's session in the lab I'd rather not have my ears assaulted by McKay's endless verbal barrage any time soon."
"Me neither. I swear the guy's not happy unless he's complaining." Her gut gives an odd lurch and she winces. "Oof."
"What's wrong?"
"Not sure. Could be lunch, the cooks probably added more pepper to the tuttleroot soup than Teyla's recipe calls for."
"You poor girl." He brings her hand to his lips, playfully nibbling on the knuckles. An exquisite shiver ripples through her body. "Good thing I know how to make you feel better then, hmm?"
"Oh yes, a dose of Dr. Jackson's ancient and reliable remedy. Never fails to cure what ails me." She meets his playfully lascivious look with her own wicked grin.
"Glad to hear it," as he settles her on top of him. "But first I need to conduct a thorough physical exam of my favorite patient before administering a dose. The better to ensure a complete recovery, you understand..." he breathes into her neck, his hands eagerly exploring her body.
"I certainly hope so," she murmurs as their lips meet. He treats kissing like it's not merely a step on the way to lovemaking but an important part of the whole process. Soon desire claims them, the need to feel loved and nurtured reaffirming their mental and physical bond, leading as ever to a mutually satisfying conclusion.
Afterwards they listen to water splashing against the sides of the pool, their heartbeats easing into a slower rhythm. Taking a different kind of pleasure in the tranquility of the moment.
"Cor meum et animam meam," he whispers, stroking her hair and planting a kiss on her forehead.
"Anima mea cor tuum," she replies just as quietly, resting her head on his shoulder. From a collection of Ancient love poetry they found in the database of Huy-Braesealis and translated for fun one day. Fitting endearments for twinned souls, a part of each in the other.
She's glad he shares her passion for words, not only to keep languages alive in this intimate fashion but also the ebb and flow of ideas, the give and take of deep, meaningful conversations, the use of romantic banter as foreplay.
Truly well matched for one another, intellectually and physically, at work or at play.
Hours later Becky stares gloomily into the toilet bowl and contemplates the merits of doing a swan dive off the nearest balcony. Surely that would be an improvement to her current misery.
Bile rises in her throat and she compresses her lips in a thin line. She hasn't been this nauseous since last year's offworld flu made the rounds of the settlement. But she can't be getting sick now, they only have a month left before returning to their respective duties back on New Earth and there's a lot to get done before then, not the least of which is the Janus Project.
And apparently christening every delightful secret nook and cranny with their lovemaking thanks to 'Lantis. Despite her stomach churning the memory of their ardor brings a smile to her lips. They're on their honeymoon, after all.
Behind her the sink faucet shuts off. Daniel kneels by her side, holding out a damp washcloth. "Here you go. Feeling better yet?"
"Somewhat." She buries her face in its warmth with a little moan as he rubs her back in gentle soothing circles. "God, what a night. Sorry if I ruined any plans."
"Don't worry about it. Do you need to see Carson in the morning?"
"Nah, it's probably nothing. I have a hunch we're close to finding one of Janus' secret labs, and there's no time for slacking. Bet you Rodney's pulling another all-nighter as we speak."
"And no doubt itching to boast about his singular devotion to the task in the morning-"
"-Even with so many other, vastly more important, projects he could be working on," she quips in a fair imitation of his pompous tone and Daniel chuckles. "I swear, supervising you two is like herding cats. Good thing I happen to be a cat person."
"Well, I for one am glad you're in charge. Ready to stand up?"
"I think so." She stumbles a bit, leaning heavily against him.
"Easy now, I've got you," steadying her, his hands spanning her hips. "You okay?"
"Yeah. Thanks for looking after me."
A sympathetic smile. "Our wedding vows included in sickness or health, remember? Now," leading her out of the bathroom, "in my professional opinion the best treatment for your condition is some serious cuddling."
"Fine by me. You're the doctor."
"Of archaeology," he says out of reflex, then catches the teasing glint in her eyes. "Oh, very funny."
"You started it. Least my sense of humor's intact."
"Glad to hear it." A gentle kiss on the lips as they settle under the sheets. "Sleep now."
They curl against each other and she utters a contented sigh, her upset stomach all but forgotten with the healing presence of her beloved.
Perfection.
As predicted McKay's insufferable the next day, alternately boasting and complaining about sacrificing precious hours of sleep for the project. Finally he pushes himself away from his console with an irritated huff. "Seriously, I don't know why we're going over these entries again. We haven't yet come across even a single offhanded remark regarding any secret labs belonging to Janus. This is a complete and utter waste of my valuable time."
"That's because you don't know enough about the Ancient language to read between the lines," Becky points out. "Some of it's dependent on metaphor and allusion as well as context, almost like a shorthand reminding people of what they already know. You have to read it on the slant."
A disdainful sniff. "Ridiculous. No real scientist writes that way."
"Janus did a lot of secret and unsanctioned research his superiors never knew about," Daniel notes. "It's possible he deliberately encrypted his notes for an extra layer of security."
"Pointless obfuscation, more like. I for one always keep my work concise and well-documented, which will come in handy someday when I write my memoirs. Honestly, I've never read so much purple prose in my life."
"I have," John idly remarks. He's slouching in a corner with long legs crossed at the ankles, reading from a battered copy of War and Peace. "In your private diary. Especially the entries about us."
"And how would you know, Colonel Nosy? Unless-" His eyes widen. "Oh, my god. You're the one who drew those dirty pictures, aren't you?"
Becky and Daniel share a glance and snicker. It's fun watching McKay turn crimson.
"It needed illustrations. And you're not exactly the master of subtlety and nuance yourself."
"I'll have you know nuance is my middle name! And furthermore unlike the average marine around here with the IQ of a houseplant I am perfectly capable of distinguishing between fiction and reality."
"Sure you are," John drawls. "Like those nightmares about Moby Dick you had as a kid?"
McKay sputters, "I knew it was a mistake confiding in you after the dream crystal incident. I'm never telling you about my dreams ever again!"
"Even if they're about me and chocolate sauce? I'm crushed, truly."
"Oh, very witty for someone who could've been in Mensa."
A derisive snort from Daniel.
Becky swats him on the arm. "Be nice. He's really good at math, he totally could have."
"If you say so." Oh, he'll pay for that cheeky grin later.
Not now, though. The topic- or maybe just breakfast- is making her real queasy all of a sudden. "Alright guys, enough already with the chit-chat. Let's focus on the task at hand, okay?"
"That's right, listen to your supervisor," John drawls, turning a page.
Rodney scowls. "We're doing very important work here and you're too much of a distraction. Go pester Lorne, I'm sure he's got some completely meaningless paperwork for you to make airplanes out of or something."
"Nah, I'm good," stretching his long legs and resting his feet on top of a nearby console. "Hey, how about after lunch we grab Ronon and take a short jaunt offworld to that market on M3X-271, see what kind of fun we can have?"
"Oh god, you're talking about the kind of fun that'll get us killed, aren't you?"
John looks a little put out. "Hey, I know how to restrain myself."
"You absolutely do not. We almost got thrown out of the tavern the last time because you and Ronon got so drunk on thoroughly mediocre beer you challenged everyone to a knife throwing contest."
"And won fifty talents each and a tanned hrathgar pelt for our bedroom, which you always say you like the feel of against your bare feet. A hrathgar is sort of a very large lynx," he adds as an aside to Daniel and Becky.
Becky rolls her eyes. "While we're on the subject of felines, supervising you guys today is most definitely like herding cats."
"Good thing we know how to purr and look cute then, isn't it?" Daniel's in a playful mood today, it seems.
Well, so is she. Leaning in close she kisses his neck, murmuring suggestively, "I'll scratch your tummy later."
Mischief twinkles in his eyes. "Looking forward to it."
John and Rodney's communicators give a sudden chirp. "Weir to all senior command staff, please report to the Situation Room. Repeat, all senior staff to the Situation Room immediately."
The paperback falls from John's lap to the floor as he stands up, fully alert. "Copy that. Rodney?"
"Yes, yes, I heard. Knew our luck couldn't hold much longer." Closing his laptop and leaving without so much as a backwards glance.
John follows but hesitates at the doorway, looking back at Becky and Daniel.
"What's going on?"
A distant look on his face, querying 'Lantis. "Something's appeared on the long-range sensors. Could be any manner of things or nothing at all. You guys sit tight, okay? Maybe even head on back to your place, just in case. See ya later." Then he's gone.
Daniel frowns. "We should probably do what he says."
"Probably," Becky agrees.
As one they stand, then share a speculative look.
"Then again they might need our help-"
"Wouldn't want anyone to think we're not willing to pull our weight around here, after all-"
As seasoned SGC personnel they naturally hurry towards the action, instead of away.
The Situation Room is a hexagon in bronze and blue, more of the no-right-angles rule of Ancient interior design. Indirect lighting is dimmed and conversation muted as scientists and Lantean Guard officers huddle over glowing laptop screens connected to consoles.
Everyone else surrounds the center unit, studying a hologram of the Pegasus Galaxy: Atlantis and allies in blue, neutral worlds with Gates in yellow, those fallen to Wraith culling in blood-red. There's a lot more of the latter than the former two combined, a grim reminder that despite the current peace and prosperity they remain at war with an implacable and ravenous foe.
"Like living in the middle of a minefield," Daniel notes.
"In a sense, yeah," John agrees. He's not even surprised they showed up, despite what he said earlier. "Our allies are pretty spread out in comparison to the extent of the Wraith's influence. Doesn't look like much, but we are making inroads. However, one misstep in our strategy could have serious consequences down the road if we're not careful." A look of determination in his eyes, the experienced Military Commander replacing the laid-back facade.
"Let's have a closer look at the ships," Elizabeth says.
The view zooms in quickly to their own solar system. Between the orbits of the two outermost planets blinking red icons mark the four inbound Hive ships, each accompanied by brief but informative lines of Ancient text.
"The AI's been tracking their progress soon as they emerged from hyperspace, thanks to the satellite network and external sensor arrays," Radek says. "Moving inbound at a steady speed."
McKay scowls. "Like they already know we're here. Great."
John frowns at the display. "Okay, but how exactly did they get this close to our system in the first place without the sensors in the Oort cloud taking notice?"
"They masked their approach by sending a false all-clear signal on continuous repeat," Radek explains. "Similar to playing the same loop of a security feed over and over again."
"Completely idiotic and unimaginative, but effective nonetheless," Rodney admits grudgingly.
"How long until they reach us?" Elizabeth inquires.
"Two days, possibly a day and a half."
"With our increased population that's not much time to get both city and mainland settlements evacuated through the Gate." She sets her mouth in a thin line. "Options?"
"Theoretically a lot. Since we can produce all the ZedPMs we need power's not an issue. Cloaking and shielding, also no problem. Plenty of drone weapons, plus the aktina-"
Radek consults his laptop. "Not the aktina. Two of the pier emitters sustained wind damage during the freak storm the other day before the shields went up, remember? The self-repair function is underway but they remain offline and need to be recalibrated and tested afterwards before reactivation. We could fly the city away from here, find another planet to land on."
Teyla frowns. "But what of those on the mainland? It would be cruel of us to abandon them to the Wraith."
"Civilians also reside here on Atlantis," Elizabeth points out. "I won't risk us taking a hit."
"Not gonna happen," John says firmly. "We don't leave anyone behind, civilians or military. Ever." He turns to Evan. "Which is why I want you and Markham to take a couple squads of marines to the mainland in the Jumpers, just in case any darts make it there."
"Understood, sir."
McKay consults another console. "The cloak will give us a tactical advantage, at least long enough to launch our drones and cause as much damage as possible before they even know we're here."
John smirks. "Yeah, because with invisibility they never see it coming. Hey, what about that prototype Death Star beam thingy we came across just before Recontact?"
Rodney turns to stare at him, aghast. "The 'Death Star beam thingy'? You mean the igni summam? Have you completely lost your mind? That's possibly the most dangerous weapon ever! I thought we'd agreed it was our last resort."
"Starting the self-destruct routine is our last resort," Elizabeth corrects him though she also looks troubled. "And I'd rather we not go down that road unless there's no other option."
Daniel raises his hand. "Um, igni summam means Supreme Fire in Ancient. Is it as bad as it sounds?"
McKay scowls. "Worse. Essentially a disruptor ray, guaranteed not only to destroy but completely disintegrate its target, and if it backfires we won't get our money back because we'd all be in a million tiny particles. For god's sake, we have no idea if it even works properly!"
"Well, we don't exactly have a choice, do we?" John demands. "If the aktina was online I wouldn't bring it up otherwise. C'mon Rodney, it's not like you've never pulled off a miracle with a lot less before."
"True, but for the record I still think this is a really bad idea and it's gonna get us all killed. As if I don't have enough on my plate already. But doesn't it strike anyone else here as odd that while the Ancients enjoyed all the power plus a fully functioning city they wound up running for their lives regardless?"
A derisive snort from Becky. "Take it from me, for their achievements the Ancients were fundamentally a race of cowards. Running away's all they knew how to do when the going got tough."
John nods in agreement. "And we're not them, so we're staying put." His eyes acquire a distant look. "Okay. 'Lantis concurs that's our best option for now. Rodney, get that thing working and connected to the weapons array. We'll strike with the drones first while cloaked, then see what happens."
Radek adjusts his glasses. "Controlling the igni summam is not the same as the aktina. Not to mention the drones will require all your attention once they're launched. You cannot handle both offense and defense at the same time, the multitasking will push your capabilities to their limit even with the AI as mediator. Someone else will have to sit in the secondary control chair."
"Which we've never had to use before now," McKay notes, "and requires an ATA carrier of equal strength to boot. Hardly anyone in the city fits the bill save for our chief witch doctor here."
"I suppose I could," Carson reluctantly agrees. "Only I'll be needed in the infirmary if there are casualties."
John gives him a reassuring wave. "You won't have to. By an amazing coincidence we just happen to have a special guest here on her honeymoon." Turning to Becky with a faint smirk. "Well, little sis? Care to lend a hand?"
She shares a look with Daniel who nods in silent agreement. Of course they'll do their part, Atlantis is practically their second home after all. "Sure, whatever you need."
Elizabeth nods approval. "Sounds like we have a plan."
John looks pleased. "Yep. Cloak, drones, shields, Death Star ray. Protect the civilians, blow up the ships. Piece of cake."
Rodney grimaces. "Barely doable, given the odds. One of us against four of them. Could still end in utter disaster."
"Always the optimist," Becky quips, earning one of his patented baleful glares.
"We'll just have to do our best," Elizabeth says. "Let's get to work. There's not much time to prepare."
The Janus Project is on hold (again) due to the emergency. Becky's busy all day with Sheppard, Zelenka and McKay, discussing contingency plans and prepping the long-unused secondary chair for a trial run. Since all he has to do is monitor her condition when the time comes Daniel's currently at loose ends.
He's tried to keep his mind occupied by working in the lab for a while, enjoying the peace and quiet. Yet he finds himself missing Becky's helpful presence and- strange as it sounds- McKay's constant bickering. So now he's restlessly wandering around the public spaces of Atlantis and doing his best not to get underfoot of the preparations, filled with the usual frisson of curiosity and anticipation that accompanies missions or unscheduled offworld activations.
The sense of being on the outside looking in is hardly a new sensation for Daniel. It's practically in the job description of a social scientist after all, the role of objective observer. But thanks to his years with SG-1 he's also become accustomed to direct participation, and a certain satisfaction in knowing he's done his part to keep his world safe.
On a whim he takes a transporter to the outdoor market on the southwest pier, which is far busier than expected. How these people can calmly go about their lives in the face of imminent danger is a mystery to him.
"Daniel, good afternoon." He turns to see Teyla beaming at him in greeting, filled wicker basket resting on top of her expanded abdomen. Practically glowing with good health.
He has a brief, exciting vision of Becky in a similar condition, then wonders where on earth it came from. They've never talked about raising a family, and while he's warming to the idea he hasn't the foggiest how she feels about it. Maybe one of these days he'll be brave enough to broach the subject.
A matter for another time, however.
Keep your feet on the ground, Danny.
"Daniel? Is something troubling you?" Teyla's staring at him, brow furrowed in concern.
"It's nothing, sorry. Let me help you with that," taking the heavy basket from her. "You're due soon, right?"
"Thank you. Yes, very soon according to Jennifer."
"Is this your first?"
"Yes. Quite unexpected, but Kanaan and I accept it for the welcome gift that it is, an opportunity to have the family we always wanted. Jennifer has assured me it is a boy, so we are thinking of naming him after my father."
"That's great." He can't help frowning at the Pegasus citizens swirling around them, talking and trading with no apparent concern for their safety. "Um, everyone here knows the Hive ships are coming, right?"
"Of course."
"And yet no one seems to be panicking. Don't they know what's at stake?"
"The people of this galaxy have been facing the threat of the Wraith for ten thousand years," she says in mild rebuke. "As a consequence most have learned to live fully in the moment. Those here have also chosen to put their trust in Atlantis. Not only as a trading partner and ally, but also as a symbol of freedom from the Wraith, as well as a source of protection and galactic pride."
"Sounds like a lot to live up to."
"Perhaps. But it is a trust well earned nonetheless. Do you mind if I ask you a question in return?"
"Go ahead."
"Do you believe in Becky, that she will do her utmost to protect us?"
He blinks. "Why, yes. Of course I do."
"So do I. And also in John, Rodney, Elizabeth and Carson. And you as well, Daniel. Is there not a saying among your people, Keep the faith?" He nods. "The people here demonstrate by their actions that they are keeping the faith, trusting that all of us will live to see another day."
He ducks his head, abashed at the quiet certainty in her voice. "I'm sorry if I offended you. I know better than to cast aspersions on anyone here, considering your history."
She smiles warmly. "You do not need to apologize, I understand your concern. Now come," placing a gentle hand on his arm, "I find myself in urgent need of a snack. There is what Rodney calls a food court nearby where we can share a pot of excellent tea and pastries."
He could use a break, the crowd's starting to get to him. "Sounds good. Lead the way."
Hours later Daniel wakes with a start, retrieving his glasses from the table and blinking in mild confusion around the cafeteria. The enormous split-level room is practically empty save for the kitchen crew eating together, along with a handful of solitary late-shift diners. He yawns and stretches, ruefully realizing he must've fallen asleep mid-meal.
"Daniel?" Carson smiles at him, holding a tray with food and a steaming mug of klah. "May I join you?"
"Sure," gesturing to the other chair.
Once seated he picks up knife and fork and begins eating with single-minded intent. "I apologize for my bad manners," he says between bites. "Had to perform back-to-back surgeries and wound up skipping lunch altogether. I'm rather famished."
"No problem. You're here late."
"I could say the same about you. Where's Becky?"
"Going over the results for the trial in the secondary chair with the others." As Domina to Huy-Braesealis her compatibility with 'Lantis comes as no surprise to anyone.
"Ah. They'll be at it all night then, if I know Rodney." He sips at his klah. "I'll get the kitchen to fix something for them to eat and drink when I'm done. If you don't my saying you look pretty tired yourself."
Daniel lifts his glasses to rub at the bridge of his nose. "Yeah, I guess, considering I haven't done much today. But it didn't feel right working in the lab by myself when everyone else is preparing for the invasion. Have to say I'm surprised people are being so calm about it, even you."
"I might seem so on the outside but inside I'm a regular bundle of nerves." He smiles weakly and shrugs. "I always find the potential for loss of life rather unsettling. But we've had troubles before and always found a way to succeed despite the odds, in no small part due to John and Rodney of course. Even so all we can do is trust our skills and resources are enough to succeed this time as well. Along with a large dollop of luck, naturally."
"Reminds me of the SGC's first few years," Daniel notes with a wry smile.
Beckett chuckles. "Aye. Still, better to live in hope than in fear as my dear mother used to say. I'm sure the four of you will do fine when the time comes."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Daniel finds himself yawning again and he shoves his plate aside. "Guess I'll go to bed now. Be sure to check up on Becky, okay?"
"I will. Sleep well, lad."
The apartment is dark when Becky enters, save for the lamp on Daniel's side of the bed. He's sitting upright, book open on his chest, eyes closed and head tilted to one side, glasses nearly slipping off his nose, mouth slightly open.
Must've fallen asleep reading again, she thinks with a fond smile. Carefully removing both book and glasses, she bestows a soft kiss to his cheek before changing and heading for the bathroom.
She runs a brush through her hair and frowns at her reflection in the mirror. So pale and drawn, just like when she pushed herself prepping for Operation Astria.
Or plagued by nightmares after Sidon.
She firmly shoves the rest of the memory aside. If it weren't for the dream therapy and the support of her wonderfully unconventional family she would've gone off the deep end for sure.
Her stomach churns a little. Carson had stopped by the lab earlier with sandwiches and cups of klah but she declined, finding both the sight and smell more nauseous than appealing.
And to make matters worse her period seems to be late.
Not that she's overly concerned. Both have occurred in the past, as symptoms of being under severe stress. A long rest afterwards and she'll be good to go.
Still, a visit to the infirmary sometime probably wouldn't hurt, just to make sure it's nothing serious.
No time to deal with it now, however. The Hive ships are on their way, and while every possible strategy and contingency have been worked out there's not much else to do at this point. The rest is up to fate, or the will of the Ancestors as the Athosians say.
Though it's doubtful the Ancients- even Ascended ones- would lift a single metaphysical finger to keep their city from the hands of the monsters they themselves created. Bunch of cowards, the lot of 'em.
This is all on her and John, as their Prognati.
Becky finishes in the bathroom and sets her glasses beside Daniel's, turning off the bedside lamp and slipping under the blankets next to him, greedily soaking up his warmth. She's more sensitive to cold than usual lately, it seems.
He wakes with a start, blinking sleepily at her. "Oh, hey. Just got in?"
"Yeah. Sorry for waking you."
"It's okay." They shift into their usual spooning position, tucked up against his chest, his right arm over her waist and long fingers lightly splayed on her belly, his head resting close to hers. "Everything ready?"
"More or less." She yawns. "Hope it works out, otherwise we're in big trouble."
"I'm sure it will. I'll be monitoring everything, just like with Huy-Braesealis. The city's in good hands with you and John in the chairs."
"I wish I could be so certain."
"And here I thought I'd cured you of all self-doubt."
"It waxes and wanes. Like the moons."
"Very poetic."
"I have my moments." She pauses. "Thanks for being here. I couldn't do this without you."
"Where else would I be, as my lady's faithful consort?" Long fingers lightly skim down her body. "It'll be okay, Becky. I have faith in you."
She swallows back a sob. "Oh, raven. I don't know what I did to deserve you."
"I don't know what I did to deserve you either," he murmurs, nuzzling her ear tenderly. "But I'm glad we found each other. Sweet dreams, hummingbird."
"You, too." She closes her eyes, letting the peace of the night and his slow breathing, steady heartbeat and comforting presence ease her into slumber.
~Domina. Domina, you must awaken. The naves alveo are arriving ahead of schedule.~
...What? But they're not due for another eight hours.
~Nevertheless they are almost here. My Dominus and the Chief Scientist have already been notified.~
Right, we'll be there soon as we can. Thank you.
~Your servant, Domina.~
Becky's eyes open, heart pounding. Adrenalin surges through her veins, an effective wake-up call.
Daniel's on his stomach, head facing her. She jostles his shoulder. "Hey, wake up. The Hive ships are almost here."
"Mmph?" He lifts his head off the pillow, squinting in her direction. "Already? But it's early."
"So are they." She's already out of bed, hunting for clean clothes. "We gotta get in the chairs as soon as possible."
He groans, swinging his legs over the edge of the mattress. "Fine. Not like I need much sleep anyway."
"That's the spirit. Now c'mon, the guys are waiting for us."
Three loud chimes sound throughout the room, the citywide announcements channel. "Citizens and guests of Atlantis, this is Dr. Weir. Apologies for the early hour but four Hive ships are on a direct course for our planet. Lantean Guard and other essential personnel are hereby ordered to their assigned duty stations. All noncombatants, please head for the nearest designated shelter or remain where you are and take necessary precautions. Repeat, Hive ships are incoming, this is not a drill."
All the incentive they need to finish dressing and head out. Fully awake and ready for action.
The Gateroom's buzzing with activity as they emerge from the transporter. Elizabeth nods a harried greeting from where she hovers near Chuck at his console. "We're all set here. John and Rodney are already in the control chair room."
"Just be sure to keep a channel open so we can coordinate with you if necessary," Becky says.
"Understood. Good luck."
"You too."
The imperium locus housing the primary control chair is similar to the one in Huy-Braesealis, hexagonal with panels in muted shades of stormy blue-gray and touches of burnished copper interspersed with banks of glowing monitors. The throne-like chair occupies its usual pride of place on the dais in the center of the room. Unlike Huy-Braesealis, the secondary control chair is in an adjacent chamber, unused and largely forgotten until very recently.
"Hey there, sleepyheads." John grins at them as they enter. Snarky as ever, the very picture of a morning person though there's no mistaking the laser-sharp focus in his gaze and the way he practically bounces on his toes as anything but a keen readiness for action.
Rodney's already on his tablet and shouting instructions over his communicator at the same time, his unfortunate bed-head (what there is of it) a better indicator of their recently-awoken status than John's perpetually tousled hair. "Okay," he finally says, "they just passed the second planet out from us and closing fast. Even though we have all the power we could possibly want there are too many variables in play. I wouldn't be surprised if we're either blown to bits or become some Wraith's breakfast."
John smirks at him. "Coming from you that's practically a vote of confidence. Don't worry, we got this."
"Where are Teyla and Ronon?" Becky wonders.
"On the mainland with Lorne and company, organizing the defense of the settlement. C'mon, let's get to work."
John and Becky take their respective places while Rodney and Daniel connect the cables to their tablets and start up the monitoring programs.
Becky catches at Daniel's arm before he can pull away, tugging him down to her level for a long and deep kiss, which he returns with equal fervor.
They pull apart, breathing heavily. "I want to tell you-" she begins.
A gentle kiss to her forehead. "Sssh, I know. Me, too. I'm not going anywhere."
John smirks at them, releasing McKay who looks somewhat dazed himself. "Ready, Beck?"
She takes a deep breath. Be brave, she reminds herself.
You already are. Daniel told her that, five weeks ago.
"Yeah. Let's do this." She closes her eyes as the chair leans her back.
Contact.
She reaches out, finds John in the other chair-
Hey, little sister. Shall we dance?
You bet, big brother.
Together they reach for two adjacent minds, linking four into one with ease-
'Lantis?
~Connection complete. Ave, Domini.~
What's your status?
~All in full functioning order. You may engage all defensive and offensive capabilities when ready.~
Then do so.
Energy thrums under their fingertips, drawn from the limitless quantum level of the universe. Eager to be of use.
~Primed and ready to activate on your command, Domini.~
Not a moment too soon. They've now passed the closest planet to ours, maintaining their typical tactical formation. How predictable, no imagination whatsoever.
Lucky we know how to take advantage then, huh Rodney? Okay Beck, do the honors.
'Lantis? Activate cloak.
~Yes, Domina.~
Atlantis winks out of sight, not even a ripple marking its place.
Ha! They're confounded, now we're invisible to their scanners. Okay, if I'm right- and I always am- this is the best time to strike. All the drones are online, so go ahead and launch because it's now or never.
On it, Rodney. Drones away. Man, that's a beautiful sight.
A golden stream rises upwards from the city and through the atmosphere, hot in pursuit of the enemy.
Better engage the shields now, or the city will be damaged by the debris.
Good thinking, Beck. You do that, I'll keep an eye on the drones.
'Lantis, disengage cloak and activate aspida.
~Yes, Domina.~
As the cloak drops the city suddenly blazes back into visibility, the clear soap-bubble of the aspida gracefully spreading over the spires and towers of Atlantis.
Nicely done, little sis. Now for the really cool stuff. Get a load of this:
The swarm reaches the Hive ships, splitting off into two groups, maintaining distance and speed in perfect synchronization-
-one heads for the first two Hives in formation, splitting yet again, surrounding both ships and burrowing deep into the organic hides before exploding simultaneously.
Beautiful, huh? A work of art.
Yes, yes, but we're not out of the woods yet, Colonel Van Gogh. The other two are already launching their darts.
No worries, Rodney. I'm on top of it.
A portion of the second group takes out the third ship in similar fashion, while those remaining pursue the darts before they can breach the planet's upper atmosphere.
One sneaky dart manages to smash directly into the shield, causing it to flicker. Followed by two more in rapid succession.
~Domina, the shield will not hold for much longer with these deliberate crashes.~
Understood.
Another dart smashes into the shield, which immediately collapses.
Dammit, there it goes.
You did your best, little sis. Good job anyway.
One more crashes into a building on the north pier and Becky cries out, feeling the city's pain as her own for a brief, excruciating moment.
Becky, you okay? Your pulse and blood pressure spiked for a second.
I'm fine, Daniel. The impact just shocked me a bit. 'Lantis?
~Self-repair nanites are being activated at the crash site, Domina. No human casualties. But the remaining Hive ship is turning for a direct attack with all haste. Dominus, I recommend you implement the igni summam.~
Good idea.
Just so you know all I had time for was to check that it works and integrate it into the weapons system. Either it'll perform as advertised or blow up in our faces.
What are the odds in either case?
Fifty-fifty, possibly sixty-forty, maybe seventy-thirty on the off chance.
Sounds decent.
...I mean in favor of blowing up in our faces.
Oh, for crying out loud!
Stop channeling your uncle, Grahme! Look, for me difficult takes a few seconds and the impossible a few minutes but I had way too much on my plate this time, okay? Couldn't even run any simulations. Not my fault the Wraith decided to attack early.
We hear you, Rodney. Either way it's a risk we gotta take, we're out of options otherwise.
All right, but for the record this is the most insane idea ever and will most certainly kill us all.
As much as I hate to admit it, I agree with Rodney. This is completely nuts.
Duly noted, guys. Okay, here we go. 'Lantis?
~Dominus, the Hive ship is within range. I recommend you fire immediately.~
The weapon glows in their minds, gold with swirls of magenta and deep violet. Hot and powerful and ready to go.
Now.
A blinding column of light shoots straight upwards, the tower rocking with the force of the recoil.
The AI's presence in their minds blanks out, for the briefest of moments.
John? Big brother?
Hang in there, little sis. I'm still here.
Then the connection returns, only incomplete.
Daniel? Rodney? Oh god, they've been knocked out of the link. It's just the two of us.
I hear you. Relax, we're nearly finished. Check this out:
The beam overtakes the ship, enveloping it in white-gold fire. For a split second glowing with the magnitude of a small supernova-
-and utterly vanishes, darts and all.
Wow.
The understatement of the century, little sis. Now that's what I call cool.
~Domini, my long-range sensors report another Hive ship approaching from outside the solar system. It has not yet reached the outer planets but according to my calculations it is on a direct course for the city.~
Great, when it rains it pours.
Can we fire the beam again? Or failing that, can we open a hyperspace window and fly out of here?
And abandon the settlements on the mainland? That's even more nuts!
Only to divert attention from them, Beck. Well, 'Lantis?
~Dominus, I regret that we cannot. The igni summam drew on too much of the spare power in the potentias, there is not enough to enable a hyperspace transition and maintain city life-support at the same time. Also, neither replacement potentia nor drones can be currently manufactured without a lengthy recovery period.~
So we're dead in the water. Literally.
We're not down and out yet, Beck. I got an idea.
What is it?
Well, Cadman's been working on a couple of really big naquadria bombs...
I don't like where you're headed with this, John. I really don't.
Becky, I want you to know you're the best little sister I never had. No one except for you and Rodney has really accepted me for myself, warts and all. Not even my family back on Old Earth. I hope you and Daniel live a long and happy life together. If you ever have any kids, name one after me for old time's sake, okay?
Oh, god. Please tell me you're not gonna do what I think you're gonna do. Are you?
Silence.
John? You still there?
~I regret to inform you my Dominus is no longer using the interface, Domina.~
Oh, no. No, no, no! Big brother, you are such a dammed fool sometimes! 'Lantis, he's planning to make a suicide run at the Hive ship when it gets in range. I need your help to stop him.
~I understand and concur, Domina. Rest assured my brother and I will support you. Please save the life of my Dominus, he is needed. And congratulations on your pregnancy.~
...My what?
But she's already lost contact.
The lights on the chair go out and raises Becky to a sitting position. She practically leaps to her feet but collapses before Daniel can catch her, landing on her hands and knees and taking in great gulps of air.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she says curtly. "John still here?"
"No. He woke up and hauled himself out of the chair, saying something about a Hail Mary pass before grabbing Rodney and heading for the transporter."
"Dammit! I gotta go after them." She struggles to her feet and he helps her to stand.
"You sure? You're pretty winded, maybe you should go to the infirmary first-"
She cuts him off with a wave of her hand. "No time. John's about to do something really, really stupid and I'm the only one who can stop him. Let's get outta here."
Note: As always, for translations please see A Linguist's Guide to New Earth on AO3.
