Check it out. Another update. Feel proud of me. Anyway, thanking ye for the reviews. it's time to see how much damage Kavaunagh's really done. Told you it got interesting eventually.

Chapter 25:Balcony Scene, Mark 4

As the door slid open, Elizabeth savoured the cool breeze. What she had just heard worried her.

"Things really couldn't get much worse, could they?"

"The Genii have certainly spread their influence a long way."

John and Elizabeth both leaned on the railings, staring out at the sea.

What they had just found out was that on the planet that the team had been visiting, it had become clear they were 'friends' of the Genii. 'Friend' was in the sense of that they were prepared to tell the Genii exactly where the team was. A captured Atlantis team would be perfect to get what they wanted. The team had also found out that the network of Genii spies spread far and wide. Things weren't looking good.

"You're right though John. I don't think thongs could be much worse either. We'll have to be more careful off world. I'm also slightly worried that the headsets may be faulty; mine wasn't working earlier. If we've got a team with important information, I really will need it."

Still staring out, she didn't see the fearful look cross John's face.

The dream.

For just a little while at least, he'd forgotten about it. Everyone was in position, he hoped, and Ford was watching Meecha.

"Everything ok John?"

"What? Sure. Just thinking."

"What about?"

John looked at her fully.

Why was this happening to him?

To her.

After everything that had happened, she didn't deserve this.

"Well, I was just thinking, things could be worse, really."

"Yeah. The Genii aren't actually here trying to take the city…again."

Elizabeth had to smile. John forced a smile too, though he felt sick to his stomach.

'What had the guy said? I'll take the city when you're dead or something. Oh God.' John's thoughts seemed loud in his own mind.

There was a knock, and then the door slid open.

"My apologies Doctor, Major. Doctor Weir, may I speak with you in private?"

John eyed Meecha again. It was times like these that John wished Elizabeth would let him have his sidearm in the city. But Elizabeth didn't like guns.

"Of course. John, are you sure you're ok?"

"I'm fine. You go."

Elizabeth smiled and left with Meecha. John went to leave as well to take up his post outside when a familiar figure stopped him.

"Major Sheppard, I was wondering if I could talk to you."

John wanted to push past Kavaunagh, but he found himself being pushed back onto the balcony. John had a last view of Elizabeth and Meecha entering her office before the door slid shut.

"Doctor Weir, why are you having me followed?"

"What?"

Elizabeth hadn't even had chance to sit down before Meecha launched his verbal attack. Spinning around, she faced him. He was also still standing, smiling calmly.

"Lieutenant Ford. He was very insistent when I asked to speak to one of your scientists alone."

"Well, I apologise. We are just trying to be careful after what happened last time."

"Yes. The Genii."

Elizabeth froze. How did he know about the Genii? She hadn't told him, so who had?

"You seem shocked. Well, I know a lot about Atlantis now thanks to my good friend Kavaunagh."

Elizabeth felt sick. How could he have betrayed Atlantis like that?

"I…I…"

"Spare me your pathetic babbling."

Meecha pulled out the gun and pointed it levelly at her chest.

"Now, you are going to give me what I ask for."

"No."

"What?"

Meecha's voice rose up as he looked at her calm face.

"I said no. I will give you nothing that Atlantis has."

Meecha sighed, looking dejected.

"I thought you might say that."

Lunging forward, he grabbed her around the waist, spinning her round in the process. Holding her tight against him, he pushed the gun under her throat.

"Perhaps Major Sheppard will be willing to help. The wonders of Atlantis in exchange for your pathetic life."

Elizabeth tried to struggle, but he held her tight.

"He won't help you."

"You know, I think that is where you may be wrong."

No more was said as Meecha pushed Elizabeth towards the door of her office.

On the balcony, John was getting bored. Kavaunagh was going on about…we he wasn't really sure what.

"Is there a point to this Doctor?"

Kavaunagh looked up at Major Sheppard. He could see the boredom in Sheppard's eyes, and his complete disregard for him.

"I…er…well I…"

Then, out of know where, John heard a shot. It had come from the control room. Shouting and yelling followed it.

John looked at Kavaunagh. The colour had drained from his face.

"What the hell have you done!"

Leaving him gawping, John ran to the doorway and headed out to the control centre.

Stood in the middle was Meecha. He had a gun pointing to the air. He was also holding Elizabeth.

John froze.

It was happening.

"Nice of you to join us Major."

Meecha had turned to face Sheppard, the gun once more under Elizabeth's throat. John could see the fear in her eyes, but she kept it well hidden.

"I suggest you tell your men to move out of the way and not to shoot, or else."

To make his point, the gun was pushed up further. Elizabeth let out a little whimper. Meecha smiled sadistically.

Reaching up, John turned on the headset.

"Everyone, stand down unless further instructions are given. This is an order from Major Sheppard. Stand down."

With a triumphant smile, Meecha began to drag Elizabeth towards the stairs.

"Perhaps we can negotiate this further later major, but, in the meantime, Doctor Weir is my hostage and if anything happens, I will shoot her. That I guarantee."

At the bottom of the stairs, Meecha turned, walking backwards away from everyone. John stood at the top of the stairs watching it all unfold.

Suddenly, Elizabeth cried out.

"John! Don't give him anything. The city is more important than my life alone."

Meecha's grip tightened and the gun was again forced up.

"When we're away from here, I am definitely gagging you and tying you up. Now, shut up."

Slowly, the pair disappeared down the corridor.

In the control room, John sat down heavily on the stairs. He had failed to protect her, and now she was a hostage. Putting his head in his hands, John wished he was in her place.

"Major, there is still time to stop it you know."

Looking up, John found Peter stood over him. John sighed and stood up.

"You're right. I need your help again."

"Military frequency blocking out Weir's headset?"

"Yep. We've got to save her."