A/N: Happy Halloween to those still celebrating.
Chapter 19
Aand?
The team except Williams and Janna, who stayed at the Vestibule, were led to the Venerable's apartments. They were given food, water and a story about the history of the Protectors. Then the Venerable told them another story about the current situation and a possible fix.
"So all we have to do is get this scepter and you can release our people?" Lorne asked with just a hint of sarcasm.
"Yes," replied the Venerable sincerely.
"And all we have to do is get by Refra, because you have already alerted him to the importance of said scepter?" Lorne confirmed with absolute facetiousness.
"Yes," replied the High Abbot apologetically.
"Piece of cake," Lorne chuckled as he looked from Halling and the rest of the team back to their hosts. "So where's this thing normally kept?"
"The Chancellor's main office in Mina," answered the High Abbot studying his hands as he sat in one of the Venerable's comfortable chairs.
"But since he knows we need it, it is probably not there anymore," interjected Halling. He leaned against a back wall trying to remain unobtrusive.
"Correct," replied Mede quietly.
Lorne paced the room. "Perfect." He wanted to say a good and proper sarcastic 'thank you' but instead he looked down at his watch. It had been about an hour and a half since the incident in the Protectors' chamber. It was time for a check in with those in the Vestibule.
"Williams has the Colonel's cube recharged yet?"
"No Sir, but it remains at the same energy level. No change," said Williams into the radio.
"Well that's something," retorted the Lorne dryly.
The sound of shoes running on stone floors echoed into the room from the hallway.
A burst of static redirected Lorne's attention from the echo, and then he heard sweet music in his ear.
"Daedalus to Major Lorne."
"Daedalus this is Major Lorne, good to hear your voice Sir. We've found them!" The day was definitely looking up.
"Explain Major."
"We've found the Colonel, Teyla and Ronon. Who do you have with you?" Lorne asked with a smile while listening to the footsteps getting closer.
"Like who?"
"Dr. Zelenka."
"No one but my own people."
"Send them to my location. We need them to take a gander at a contraption left by the Ancients."
"We're still about four hours away, Major Lorne."
"Real sorry to hear that sir. We're going to need your help."
The owner of the footsteps stopped in the doorway of the apartments and started to scream at everyone in the room.
"High Abbot! High Abbot! The Chancellor's men are here and are demanding the Protectors or they will attack the monastery!"
"Hold on Sir." Lorne directed his attention to the brother in the doorway. "How many?"
"I don't know," the brother looked down at his feet regretfully.
"Sir make it here with best speed, we have a situation…contact home and send a Puddle Jumper with a team and Dr. Zelenka. We could really use them now."
"Understood Major. Daedalus out."
"Lorne out." The major gave a broad grin. "Back up is on the way."
Jones stepped forward. "I have an idea on getting that scepter sir."
Yep, the day was definitely looking up.
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"IneedtogetoutIneedtogetoutIneedtogetoutIneedtogetout…"
It was not working. He could not release himself.
"Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease…"
Major Lorne was here. Rescue was at hand. He could not give up now.
"Ineedtogetout…"
Something must be wrong. What was the good of a secret if you could not take advantage of it?
The bitch had broken his toaster. Damn he was glad she was dead.
He had an add-on to his already long list of things he hated about the Pegasus Galaxy. It was a little revelation he had as he attacked the loathsome woman. A little something that happened when he had touched her. He had read her mind and it was a place devoid of humanity. If anyone ever wanted to know if true evil existed, the answer was an unequivocal yes. He hoped that the little bit of interaction with her could be easily let go. Rodney's dreams had nothing on that psycho.
Gezble's overall impression left him feeling covered in putrescence. The feelings were detestable and were clanking around in his (ha ha) head like rusted nails. If he could have vomited, he would have. If he could have showered his nonexistent body, he would have. If he could have pulled out his hair, he would have. He would say it again; he was glad she was dead.
The revelation also explained one other thing. The Protectors took memories from him in the clearing. Now he sort of knew how they did it. He guessed since they were pure energy and thought that they could connect with another being's brain. Now that was a terrifying thought. Fighting the Wraith was looking a little less attractive in this state.
It also helped explain why the Protectors were most likely in the override mode. They would have figured out that he, Ronon and Teyla were not volunteers. From what he had learned by meeting his sire- to use a borrowed term- was he was a nice guy. Dead, but nice and would not have gone through with the Sacrifice if he knew and had a choice.
So in order to not remain here as an uninvited guest for any longer than necessary…
He also needed…
"…to…get…OUT!"
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Rodney was a miniature King Kong on the Empire State Building. Instead of biplanes, there were Wraith darts buzzing around him. Although they were not shooting at him, they were scooping up people willy nilly.
Sheppard hung on the other side. His elbow hooked around an antenna.
"If gluttony is a sin in their society, you sure can't tell," he quipped as he poured the little candies from the box into his mouth.
"Just wait until they get to China," retorted Rodney as he held his hand out for some.
Sheppard obliged and Rodney popped them in his mouth.
"Be right back."
Rodney let go and landed on the pavement below lightly.
He frowned in confusion. If his team was his moral compass, in particular Sheppard, why was he allowing this?
The Sheppard he knew would not allow this. Rodney realized he would not allow this. What was wrong with him?
He could not think straight.
Sheppard was suddenly behind him and whispered, "Let's go to D.C."
"OK," answered McKay.
Oh that's right, he did not care. It was too painful. It was too expensive.
Detach and remain unattached, but that was expensive too.
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A/N: OK now, setting up the next part and hoping Sheppard doesn't burst a blood vessel trying to get out.