Title: Out of Control
Author: SlayersGrl
Summary: A routine trading mission goes awry when a member of Atlantis's flagship team is taken hostage by a mysterious entity.

Author's note: Again, thanks for the reviews! They keep me motivated to actually finish this story. I have a bad habit of not finishing what I start... But I'm working on chapter 6 right now. I've never written a story that comes so easily or so fast... Let's hope I can keep this up! And I promise, everything will be explained in due time.

Chapter 3: We Have a Situation

Lieutenant Aiden Ford was shocked to see the major draw his weapon and point it at Teyla. He quickly raised his P-90, appalled that the situation had dissolved into this moment. "What are you doing Major?"

He was horrified at the grin that appeared on the other man's face. "I'm just providing a little motivation. You have ten seconds to start moving towards the Stargate before I pull the trigger."

"I can't let you do that sir." Ford reluctantly aimed his weapon at a man he considered a great leader and friend. He glanced quickly at his other team members. He noticed Teyla was taking all of this in stride while Rodney looked like he might pass out any minute.

"You do what you have to do Lieutenant."

It's amazing how ten seconds can seem to last an eternity, especially when standing around waiting for someone to pull the trigger. Ford had made it to eight-mississippi when Sheppard suddenly keeled over, screaming in pain.

Teyla immediately grabbed the 9mm from his hand, along with his P-90, and threw them over to where McKay was standing. Then she kneeled on the ground, trying to find out what was happening to the major.

"John, what's happening to you?" she asked, trying to pry his hands away from his head to see if he was injured in some way.

"Get it out! Get it out!" he screamed.

"Get what out?" Ford asked, unsure of what was afflicting their leader.

"Its…in my head… I can't stop it…" He turned his attention to Teyla. "I didn't… want it… to hurt you." He was now gripping his head tightly and gasping for breath.

"What can we do to help you?" Teyla asked calmly. She hoped she would find a way to somehow relieve the pain he was feeling.

"Make sure… I can't hurt you… Ford… in charge… I've been… compromised…"

"We will find a way to help you John. I promise." Teyla replied. Then she reached for her pack and dug around until she found a short length of rope. She then used it tie the major's hands behind his back.

McKay finally found his voice. "Is that really necessary?"

"You want him pointing a gun at one of us again?" Ford replied. He was just as upset about the whole situation as McKay, but he understood what needed to be done. They needed to keep the major under control until they could get him back to Atlantis to get help.

McKay shook his head. "But… this just seems wrong…" He couldn't imagine being so completely out of control of one's self.

Teyla finished just in time. Sheppard's body was suddenly in motion as he tried to strike out at the nearest target. The Athosian easily dodged out of the way and left a frustrated major lying on the ground.

He smiled in obvious amusement at his predicament. "A challenge… I haven't had this much fun in millennia."

Realizing that the major had lost control once more, Ford began to interrogate the thing that now inhabited his body. "What are you? What do you want with Major Sheppard?"

Still lying somewhat awkwardly on the ground, the entity surprisingly responded. "There is no word in your language for what I am. I could explain it to you, but I doubt you would understand. As for what I want…" It paused for a moment and then laughed. "You'll have to figure that one out on your own."

Any further questions were silently ignored. Ford reluctantly gave up. He considered their limited options and decided that they needed to return to Atlantis. "Alright, get up," he ordered, indicating his weapon as extra incentive.

McKay instinctively moved to help him, but was stopped by a hand on his arm. Teyla softly whispered, "You must not go near him. He is still quite capable of harming you."

Ford nodded to indicate that Sheppard should go first and then followed him at a safe distance, his gun aimed steadily at the man's back.

McKay hurried to catch up. "Lieutenant, are you sure about this? We're giving it exactly what it wants, a trip through the Stargate."

"I realize that. But I don't see any other choice. We can't help him here." Ford paused for a moment and then added, "I'll make sure Atlantis knows what's going on and secures the gate room for our return. I don't want this thing getting loose in the city."

McKay nodded in agreement. He wasn't happy with it, but it was the only option they had.

A tense yet uneventful forty-five minutes later, the group was assembled in front of the gate. Teyla kept her weapon pointed at their captive while Ford punched in Atlantis's address. Then he raised his radio to deliver the news. "Atlantis, this is Lieutenant Ford. We have a situation."