Chapter 2
The interior of the massive city had Rodney following Connor for several hours as she explained how the complex had been built inside a mountain to hide from the wraith, so when the next culling was to begin, the planet would be seen as deserted. Once all the inhabitants were safely inside the new city, a biological plague was released into the atmosphere to kill every living thing not hidden in the sanctuary.
It was in coming across a piece of technology that he'd seen only one other place before that brought Rodney to a screeching halt. "Master Connor, this is an air filtration unit similar to that on Atlantis. How did you get this?"
She paused in her steady pace to study the equipment before continuing on, "The builders brought them when they helped us move the gate."
Feet firmly planted, he wasn't about to budge after that little bombshell. "The builders? Architects from Atlantis helped you build this city?"
Discovering that her guest was no longer following, Connor turned around to face her inquisitor. The agitation on his rapidly reddening face looked remarkably familiar. "They helped us build both of the cities."
"Both?" He needed to sit, or pace. Either would work right about now. Arms folded, he glanced about and not spying a convenient stool or ledge, he began stride back and forth across the hallway.
"Yes, two cities. Over time, we have joined them with tunnels, but in the beginning we used the gates as a means to travel between the two.
He stopped so quickly, his direct gaze boring into her, that Connor took a step back. "You have two gates?" he asked.
Not familiar with being on the receiving end of an inquisition, she found her emotional footing and stood up to the suddenly intense stranger. Her color began to darken red as she snapped, "Yes, millennia ago, we were granted a second gate."
"You just asked and were given a second gate?"
"Dr. McKay, why are you so surprised? The wraith cullings destroyed our civilization. We once thrived as a trading station between hundreds of planets; Atlantis was only one of the many. When the wraith began their raids, we asked for assistance and only the builders came." She, now, was the one stalking back and forth across the hallway, her hands tightly fisted at her side. "But to them and several others, our choice to go underground was considered too drastic a measure and they would not join us so we have waited alone, knowing one day, the builders might return. Only one signal would be able to unlock the outer planetary code to our gates, no others have ever been granted passage in case it was the wraith."
Rodney stood silent, staring down the long passageway they had come. "How long ago did you build the cities?"
"It has been ten thousand, eight hundred and fifty seven years."
He blinked. His arms unfolded as he leaned against the wall, tipping his head back to stare at the pipes stretching across the ceiling. "And the Wraith have never found you?"
"No. We were able to track their ships in our system every 50 to 100 years but they have not been back in over 500 years." Her color once again pinkish purple, she ran her hand over her hairless head and sighed.
Between everything he'd seen in the past couple of days and now what Connor was telling him, Rodney was amazed at the sacrifice the Krahn's had made. He needed to get back to the Major and tell him what he had learned, but he also needed to know more. "So you're telling me you've lived underground for close to 11,000 years. Have you ever gone back to the surface?"
"No. All of the exits were sealed thousands of years ago and our physicians believe that we are no longer able to withstand natural sunlight."
"Why not?"
"Dr. McKay…"
"Rodney," he interrupted.
She began walking down the corridor once more, "Rodney, we once looked like you, but over the generations our appearance has changed. Havis and some of the others believe that it is the residual effects of the plague, and the destruction of our atmosphere filtering down into our environment, that has caused our biological makeup to metamorphose."
"Haven't you ever wanted to leave?"
"It is not a matter of what I want; to leave is no longer an option."
They continued in silence for several minutes, each pondering their discussion. The nagging headache that he'd ignored for the past few hours made its presence known once more and he rubbed his eyes and back of his neck. Tension was always a bitch and the recognizable pain would only be eased with one of his infamous five minute power naps or a trip to the infirmary. With neither available any time in the near future, he tried changing the subject instead. "You wouldn't happen to have a spare ZPM, would you?"
Connor shook her head, before glancing up at the ceiling. "Our energy is collected from the sun reflecting heat into pools of water. We're standing underneath one as we speak."
His eyes traveled up, while his jaw dropped. If he hadn't been feeling claustrophobic before knowing he was in a buried city, the immediate anxiety of drowning washed over him causing the throbbing in his head to escalate. "There's a lake above us?"
Watching what little color the visitor had drain rapidly from his face; Connor decided they needed to return. "Perhaps we can continue this tomorrow."
Rodney nodded, his steps increasing in urgency as they neared an upward spiraling staircase.
SG: A
It had been a long two days for Major Sheppard with all of the diplomatic meetings, trade agreements to be made, and a general tour of the facility. Tired and ready to spend some time with an individual whose color didn't change, he asked his guide to lead him to the labs in search of at least one of Atlantis's wayward doctors. He was surprised to find it empty except for Beckett's duffle propped against a wall. "Any chance you know where my teammates might be?" he asked the pale blue figure standing beside him.
The young soldier nodded, tapping his earpiece. "Dr. Spyder's location, please." He listened a moment, his gaze falling on the major. "Yes. Do you know the location of the remaining visitors?" he questioned once more. "Thank you." The conversation over, his guide walked to the door, activating it to open. "If you would follow me, Major, I will take you to Dr. Beckett. He is currently in the biomolecular lab with Dr. Spyder."
"And the rest of my team?"
"Dr. McKay is with Master Tenbrook touring the engineering facility and Lt. Ford and Teyla Emmagan are in the aviary."
"Well, I'm glad to know everyone is having a good time," he quipped, and then scowled as it fell upon deaf ears. Some military guys just needed to lighten up. Where was Ford when he needed him? Of course that Crayonsie thing… he wasn't going to let his 2IC forget that one. How many times would he have to tell the kid to stop naming things?
His mental musings came to an end when his escort stepped inside a large doorway and directed him to two figures leaning head to head over some sort of contraption. Although both were wearing long sand colored tunics, Beckett's unmistakable brogue gave him away instantly.
"That's a bloody miracle. You actually have viable 10,000 year old DNA from before the metamorphosis?"
"Aye, but we have to keep it in the sealed air-tight chamber so that it doesn't come in contact with current conditions," Spyder replied.
A smile grew across Sheppard's face, hearing the Krahn's doctor imitate Beckett. Casually strolling up behind the pair, he leaned in beside the Scot, "What's up, Doc?"
The Atlantis physician's head came up with a snap, missing Dr. Spyder's by mere centimeters. "Give a man some warning, Major. Walking around like a bloody cat is gonna give someone a heart attack one of these days." One look at the cocky American's grin, he shook his head. "What brings you here? Do you need something?"
"Nope. It's just getting kind of late and I was wondering where everyone was."
"Havis and I have been here most of the afternoon. He's been showing me the most remarkable DNA mutation series that reflects the historical changes caused by…" stopping when the major held up his hand.
"Whoa, Doc. Save it for the Journal." He didn't miss the brief scowl shot his way from the Scot before the man turned his attention back to whatever it was he'd been studying. "You're as bad as McKay when I don't jump up and down over one of his new toys," the major mumbled.
Mention of the Canadian caught Carson's attention, reminding him of what he wanted to tell Sheppard. With one last longing look inside the 'microscope' he stepped away and leaned back against the opposite table. "Major, have you seen Rodney this afternoon?"
"No. I've been a little busy today. Why?"
"Well, I was wondering if you'd had a chance to meet Dr. Spyder's wife, Master Tenbrook. She's in charge of the developmental science division. A very dedicated scientist, wouldn't you say, Havis?"
The Krahn's doctor smiled, his color darkening slightly, "I believe you said they were 'cut from the same cloth'."
Sheppard took up the position opposite Carson and folded his arms over his chest, grinning like a Cheshire cat. "I take it; our infallible doctor has met his match?"
"Aye, lad. And it was an amazing sight to see."
"See what?" Ford asked, entering the room behind Teyla.
"Oh, nothing, just discussing McKay," the major filled in, changing the subject before they could upset their host. "What have you two been up to all day? I haven't seen hide nor hair of either of you."
"We went on a tour of the city, Major. It is really quite fascinating, what they have incorporated…" Teyla started to say before Ford interrupted.
"Did you know they have a zoo here?"
Sheppard gave him the eye, "I spent my day in meetings and you went to the zoo, Lieutenant?"
The young man nodded eagerly with a teasing grin. "And the aviary. And you should have seen Teyla at the gardens, sir. She was about ready to jump ship from Atlantis."
"What is this jump ship? I was merely impressed with the variety and expanse of their farming techniques."
"Careful there, Miss Teyla," Sheppard teased with a fake southern drawl, "talk like that might get the farm hands a little rowdy."
Ford and Beckett's laughter was cut short as they both wiped the smirks off their faces, seeing Teyla glower at all three men, while Dr. Spyder remained cautiously quiet. A brief awkward silence fell over the room as the individuals pondered what to do next.
Sheppard was first. "How about we go find McKay and round up some dinner?"
"Havis?" Connor's voice called from the doorway, startling the group. "May I see you for a moment, please?" Her husband nodded, following her out of the room.
The major tugged on Beckett's sleeve, whispering out of the side of his mouth, "She didn't look so scary."
"Aye. But you weren't here earlier when she caught Rodney tinkering on some piece of equipment. I never saw anyone turn that color of red before," he whispered back.
"Who, Rodney or her?"
"Both."
They quieted as the two individuals returned to the room.
"Major, may I introduce my wife, Connor Tenbrook. She has just informed me that the council is having a banquet set up for this evening in honor of your visit."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ma'am," he said, extending his hand. With introductions over, he questioned to McKay's whereabouts.
"Dr. McKay requested that he be able to return to the guest quarters. He should be there by now."
Sheppard didn't miss the raised eyebrows from his team. A herd of wild horses usually couldn't drag the man away from alien technology. "Did he say what he needed?"
"No, Major, but I believe he wanted to speak to you."
"Oh, well then, let's not keep the good doctor waiting. Shall we?" he said, gesturing the others towards the door.
Ford, Beckett, and Teyla stepped out into the hall, leaving Sheppard with the Krahn's. "See you at dinner?" he asked.
"We look forward to it."
"Good." He headed back to his crew, nodding to their guide, "Home, James."
SG: A
They were surprised to find the guest quarters dark inside, with no sign of their missing scientist. Turning on the lights, Sheppard motioned for them to split up and look about the suite of rooms.
It was Ford who found him sitting on the edge of the tub in a darkened bathroom. McKay didn't even appear to notice the lieutenant as he had his face resting in his hands with his elbows propped on his knees.
"Sir?" Aiden prompted.
"Ford?" he answered quietly.
Kneeling down beside the doctor, the young lieutenant tried to see McKay's face. "Yes, sir. Are you alright?"
The doctor's head moved minutely before he swallowed. "Get Beckett."
Ford didn't need to be told twice and ran from the room. Finding the major and physician, he directed them both to the bathroom.
Carson got there first, taking up the kneeling position beside Rodney. "What's wrong, lad?" he asked, placing his hand over the quiet man's forehead. He could feel the heat of a fever radiating.
Rodney remained silent a moment, before looking up into the concerned faces of his friends, "I don't feel very good." He swallowed again, trying to keep what little he had left in his stomach, in his stomach.
"Major, can you get me a wet towel?" Carson directed before turning to Ford and Teyla. "I need my bag. It's still in the laboratory."
"We'll get it, Doc." The pair hurried from the room.
Carson took the cold towel from the major and draped it around the scientist's neck, using a corner to wipe the overheated sweaty brow. "Tell me what's wrong, Rodney."
"Started as a headache this afternoon," he said quietly, "but by the time I got back to the room, I couldn't keep anything down."
"What did you eat today?"
Before he could answer, Rodney felt his insides rebel and he lurched once more over the commode. Strong hands gripped his sides, keeping him from falling in face first. With Carson still at his side, his foggy mind told him it must be Sheppard holding him tight. "God make it end," he pleaded, darkness enveloping him as he sank to the floor in exhaustion.
"Let's get him to a bed!" Carson barked, helping the major carry the limp scientist towards one of the bedrooms.
Stripping off McKay's sweaty shirt, both men stopped to stare at the strange rash covering his upper body.
"What the bloody hell is that?"
TBC