Attack of the Atlantean Gizmo

Part 7 – Escape

(Teyla's POV)

My trip to the infirmary last longer than I had first assumed and I could tell that Ronon was getting tired of the waiting. Though I had told him time and time again that he did not need to stay but he claimed it was John's orders. I knew otherwise. It was Ronon's way of letting you know he cared. John had insisted that I should go to the infirmary as soon as we reached Atlantis though I did not see the need. The wounds would heal naturally themselves. However he managed to convince Ronon to get involved and that point I knew I was not going to get out of it. There was no point wasting time and energy trying to avoid the infirmary, Sheppard and Ronon are too stubborn to reason with when they've set their minds to it. I hoped the visit would be a brief one though… A few bandages, a minor reprimand from Dr Beckett was all I expected. Standard procedure.

That's how it went for the first few moments until Dr McKay arrived covered in some pink substance clearly out of breath. Now that was a curious sight indeed. But there was something different about him I could not place, the way he moved, the way he spoke… it was familiar yet didn't fit with McKay. It was almost as he was thinking out his responses carefully yet McKay had a tendency to launch himself into any conversation without even thinking. I was puzzled by this but I simply thought I was over thinking things.

I only became suspicious that something was amiss when McKay and Carson disappeared to his office for a few moments and the good Scottish doctor came out with a confused expression and left the labs. After a great deal of time passed still he did not return, and I grew worried. Another doctor had taken his place and dealt with my injuries but it was no longer myself that I was concerned about. Perhaps there had been an accident in the labs…? Ronon seemed curious himself about the situation frequently asking the doctors when Dr Beckett would be coming back. Hoping to get to the bottom of the problem we both waited for the Scottish doctor's return…

A while later we got our answer when two medical teams rushed out in the space in one minute to two separate locations and that both Dr Beckett and Dr McKay were the ones in need. Me and Ronon exchanged a knowing glance.

"I'll head to Weir's office." He said gruffly before rushing out of the infirmary. Pushing myself to my feet I headed in the direction of the labs fairly quickly, hoping that the feeling in my gut was wrong however it rarely was…

Earlier that day…

(Maj. Lorne's POV)

Woah, there was a lot of paint outside the labs. I examined the scene just outside the lab Drs McKay and Zelenka were previously working in. Following the trigger wire, I noticed a large sized bucket suspended by some average wire on an upper floor. From about that height I calculated that- well it would have made one hell of a splash. At this point I was beginning to doubt it was a good thing to be associated with the Colonel on such a prank as this… then again the offer of taking over my next two exploration shifts was more than worth it… if Dr Weir doesn't assign me extra work when she finds out about this.

I wondered how mad they were… I know on a rough day I'd be ready to send any cocky marine who pulled the same stunt as me to run around the perimeter of explored Atlantis. Then again I wasn't really the one who shot them, that was Sheppard I just gave him the equipment. …Though if it had been arms I'd been trading back on earth then I'd be a fault too… but it was harmless fun. I just have to make sure I don't get involved in future… besides I hear Dr Zelenka goes all out when he pranks people in retaliation. It's a good lesson to learn; don't prank the engineers…ever.

Taking a deep breath I strolled into the labs awaiting the worst. I was surprised to find Dr Beckett present in the labs. He was the one who warned me about the science staff and their abductions of anyone with the gene. I hadn't tried the chair as of yet and from the way the doc described it I'm not sure I want to… unless it's an emergency of course. Zelenka was the first to glance up from whatever they were working on. They seemed rather engrossed in their work; well they usually were, just more than usual.

"Ah Major. Is there something we can help you with?" The Czech inquired. Dr Beckett's head immediately spun around to my direction and he gave me a death glare. Uh oh… was that paint he was covered in? But I'm sure he hadn't put two and two together and figured that I was in on the paint scheme… at least not yet.

"Hullo Dr Z-" Zelenka winced at the abbreviation of his name… I didn't think it was all that bad. This way I had less chance of getting his name entirely wrong and aggravating him further. "And Dr Beckett. Just checking up on how things are in the labs… any reason why there's a big paint spill outside?"

"Ask your CO." Beckett muttered. Wow, he seemed in a grouchy mood today... Zelenka looked back at the doc and shot him a glare and he sighed and got back to work on the small devices littered across the desks.

"I apologise Major, Carson… he doesn't like to be working on ancient technology. He fears it may explode in his face-"

"That would be an improvement…" Beckett muttered to himself just in hearing range. The Czech shot the Scot a dirty look.

"I know he's never been too fond of ancient technology, warned me about the chair before I came here." I reasoned. I've never seen Carson act this way… he's only bad tempered when he's under huge amounts of strain and even then he manages to be civil to people. He glanced upwards at the mention of the chair… maybe he was just overly paranoid today. Advanced technology can be intimidating like the Puddle jumpers. Though I was already in the Air force it did take a while for me to get used to flying a spacecraft. Still once I got the hang of it, it was an amazing experience. Atlantis would be a lot less exciting if I didn't get to fly. For some reason I always feel better in the air rather on the ground but it's a trait that's pretty common in the air force.

"Ah really? That would explain your absence every time we ran our routine chair inspection…" The Czech said with a grin. It was no hidden secret that they did their inspection at the start of every month… and well I always found something to occupy myself with…. like flying Athosians back and forth from the mainland. Not exciting stuff but then again at least I wouldn't be responsible for a new hole in the roof.

"Well I think I would cause more damage than any help I could have been." I said returning the grin. Dr Zelenka had to be one of my favourite scientists to deal with… well considering I had been in charge of McKay's and Parrish's safety at times… Zelenka was much more laid back yet he worked with the efficiency that only McKay himself could beat.

"Oh please! That's what they all say Major. Besides I know the real reason you are here. Sheppard sent you didn't he?" Beckett accused. Well he's got me there.

"So what if he did? He just doesn't want things to escalate further than need be." I defended. Beckett must he having a terrible day… never ever seen him act like this at all.

"Oh? Well in case you and the Colonel haven't noticed I'm actually busy doing something important you know." He sniped as he got up from his seat and crossed his arms.

"Like what?" I challenged. He was actually beginning to irritate me on a level only one other could manage.

"How about reversing the effects of a piece of ancient technology which has the capabilities to switch consciousness around? Ha! Bet you didn't see that coming." Zelenka looked deadpanned at Beckett, so even he was finding it hard to believe. Is it me or has Beckett gone completely crazy!

"…No I didn't. Then again you aren't Beckett." He wasn't. I knew it with every fibre in my being though I had no proof. "What's going on?" I demanded. Zelenka sighed and rubbed his eyes tiredly.

"Major. I can explain…" Really? Because I sure as hell couldn't explain what was going on. I looked at Beckett more carefully, his stance, his smirk, his know it all attitude…

Oh god it was McKay!

"McKay!" The words slipped from my mouth.

"Ah so the typical military grunt has a brain. No wonder you managed to make it to be Sheppard's second in command." McKay snapped sarcastically. I just stared at him blankly for a few moments absolutely speechless for once. Zelenka looked contemplative for a moment.

"Major. Listen what McKay said about consciousness switching was true. We've had a series of …mishaps and are trying to solve it on our own." The Czech scientist said calmly.

"Yes trying." McKay interrupted. "If it wasn't for certain officers with too much spare time on their hands disrupting things." …Okay there was no doubting that McKay was inhabiting Beckett's body which means I can safely assume that Beckett must be in his. …Hopefully. Many questions sprung to my mind about the entire situation but one question stuck out my mind from the rest. So I asked it.

"But why haven't you told anyone? It'd get done faster if there are more people working on it." Zelenka was silent so my glance shifted to McKay who was also strangely quiet.

"…Because I've already been through the experience of everyone thinking I'm crazy. I don't need to go through it again." Pain echoed in his voice as well as his expression… he was telling the truth. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to have no one believe you when you're perfectly sane. Now there was a side to McKay few people see. It's strange to see McKay so doubting… but then again it does make sense. McKay values his intelligence above all else, to go crazy or at least have everyone think you're crazy must've been madding for him. Zelenka was next to speak.

"I have not been through the experience myself… but I would not like to start now." I nodded in understanding.

"Have you made much progress?" I asked innocently. McKay just glowered at me.

"No. Not really." I was surprised. How long had these two been holed up here for... since lunch? Now it was early evening and they still had no answers. Maybe I should be worried if Zelenka and McKay can't figure it out… McKay picked up on my expression and quickly began one of his rants. "Don't look so surprised Major. These devices were obviously the work of a madman. A twisted weird psychotic madman who has an altered view of electronics."

"So it's not standard ancient technology we're dealing with then." I stated. McKay just shot me one of his looks designed for those stating the obvious and 'wasting' his time.

"No." He said. Zelenka was quick to elaborate while McKay got back to work.

"Well so far we've been able to determine that the technology is based off both wraith and ancient technology. It's something we've never encountered before."

"I can see why." I muttered. The wraith were enemies of the ancients, sure they'd pair up to combine their technology. Whatever.

"Well we've found that the device McKay is working on is the most updated version. All the devices are of similar ability …in theory." The Czech scientist explained.

"In theory?" I asked sceptically. In theory was like scientist code for 'We're guessing it'll work but if it doesn't well we never said it would'.

"Well I haven't been able to examine the other devices accurately but they seem to be prototypes. Rather redundant prototypes."

"At least one of them isn't redundant Radek. Otherwise what would have disappeared that science team?" McKay piped up.

"Woah… did you just say a science team disappeared?" I was beginning to get concerned. Things are looking worse and worse by the minute…

"Yes." McKay said exasperatedly. "That's why we're trying to fix it despite the fact I've had my body switched two times too many for my liking." Right times like this called for action.

"Right. So anything I can do to help?" I asked.

"Just don't touch anything ESPECIALLY the devices… and coffee. Get some coffee." …What was I the errand boy? But I decided I wouldn't provoke McKay's wrath any further and so I went off in search of coffee wondering what I had got myself into…

(Dr Zelenka's POV)

We'd been making a fair amount of progress but we were far from having enough of an understanding to reverse the effects… which we did not even know besides the obvious body switching. It was getting late but I knew I still had to work… I don't know how much time we have before things get worse but I have a feeling that every second would count. The Major was still here insisting that he would stay to help as best as he could and I was very grateful for it. Staying in the same room when McKay was this agitated was not a pleasant experience and Lorne was a target for Rodney's anger at times. It was quite remarkable that he could hold his own against McKay so well without losing his temper… then again he'd had experience with dealing with McKay before.

Oh right. My mind is wandering, must get back to work. I picked up my coffee mug to find it was surprisingly light… I'd gone through another coffee mug. Great. I peered up from my laptop and saw Rodney rubbing his temple and cursing. He didn't seem to be doing well today but who could blame him. It is frustrating to be in someone else's body to say the least… I am immensely relived that I am in my own. It was unnerving to be in McKay's shoes… literally. I reached for the coffee pot and poured myself another cup and was about to plunge back into work until McKay started yelling.

"THAT'S IT! I'm heading to the infirmary for some painkillers! My headache is killing me! And where is Carson anyways? It's not exactly hard to ask for a mission request… well maybe it is. But it shouldn't take this long." Ah well the silence had lasted longer than expected… I was about to answer him when he got off of the stool and looked a little light on his feet. The Major was quick to move to support him and McKay weakly tried to wave him off.

"I'm fine!" He insisted. "I just… uh feel a little dizzy." The Major looked at him sceptically.

"I don't believe you. For all we know it could be a side effect from the device…" Lorne suggested. That could be a possibility…

"I just haven't eaten… much." His last word came out forcefully as he clenched his eyes shut. No, he definitely was not well. I left my work and travelled to McKay's side and helped the Major.

"Hold him for a sec doc." I did as the Major told me as he detangled himself from McKay who was breathing rather heavily by now. The Major pulled out a radio from his pocket and began tampering with the controls.

"This is Major Lorne. I need a med team to lab 5, it's an emergency." The radio was silent until I heard a crackle on the other end.

"Understood." The voice said. Lorne immediately helped me again with the task of supporting McKay who by this point was struggling to support himself.

"Rodney… you're going to be alright. You just need to stay conscious-Rodney!" He immediately went rigid and it was apparent he was no longer conscious but was shaking violently. It was getting hard to keep a hold of him to we placed him on the ground. I was in a state of shock… I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what was wrong and before I knew it I was pacing back and forth rather nervously and cursing in Czech. This was definitely the devices doing… but for what purpose? Nothing about the stupid device makes sense! Nothing! Why switch bodies around then make them pass out hours later?

"Dr Weir come in." The Major was contacting Elizabeth, it makes sense. We've kept people out the loop long enough… the risk has become so much greater than we predicted. Time seemed to drag on and it was frustrating me.

"That's the thing Ma'am. …Dr Beckett is right here with me and Dr Zelenka; he just suddenly took ill and passed out a few moments ago. I called for a medical team." I looked down at McKay's shaking form and cursed fluently in Czech once more. We'd been fools… to leave the science team unsupervised… to assume things were okay and we could solve them… The Major halted me in my tracks when he gripped my shoulder and mimed to me it'll be okay. I wanted to believe him I did… but in circumstances such as this it is hard to stay calm. My co-worker- my friend could be dying and there's nothing I can do to help!

"Dr Zelenka assures me that it isn't the case." Lorne said on the radio. Elizabeth was bound to find out the problem by now… and if something happens to him… it'll be my fault. Lorne handed me the radio and I just looked blankly at him.

"Just tell her we can't explain what's going on… not until McKay and Beckett are sorted out." He whispered.

"…Carson is ill too?" I asked faintly and the Major replied with a nod. I opened the channel on the radio.

"Dr Weir…" I started. I really did not want to worry Elizabeth but she deserved to know the truth if something bad was to happen. "It's hard to explain. Once Carson and Rodney make it to the infirmary I'll tell you." I said trying to hide the emotion in my voice.

"Understood."

"Uh oh…" Lorne said and as I turned to look at him and he took several steps back from the point where McKay was lying. My eyes shifted to his form and he was conscious! Relief swept over me until I noticed the feral grin on Beckett's face, the predatory look in his eyes… No, that was not Rodney or Carson. Lorne snatched the radio out of my hands and activated it while motioning me to get back.

"Colonel Sheppard!" He called.

"…What's wrong Major?"

"You need to head to Dr Weir's office. Now! No time to explain. She might be in danger. Oh and send a security team down here would ya?"

"Danger?" I echoed while moving further away from the thing inhabiting Beckett's body started to get up.

"So much for a day off…" Sheppard muttered and the radio clicked off. Lorne immediately pocked his radio and stared down Beckett's form. The look was returned with equal intensity, eyeing Lorne like he was a piece of meat. The stare down lasted a few moments before the thing charged at Lorne. And so a fistfight ensued between the two.

The Major was concentrating on his defence blocking the punches and only being offensive when he had to. The Major was fairly competent at fighting though I wasn't sure it was enough… the creature inhabiting Carson's body knew combat very well and was counting on Lorne to be defensive. I know he didn't want to have the possibility of hurting Carson but if he didn't pick up the pace he'd be the one getting hurt. I honestly didn't know what to do… the fighting was blocking the exit… the creature would definitely turn on me when it was done with Lorne and someone needed to explain to the others what was happening…

I heard the crash before I saw what had happened…

The creature had gotten through Lorne's guard which was inevitable as Lorne wasn't wearing down his opponent and had placed a well aimed kick into his chest and had knocked him over one of the worktops… The creature walked across to where Lorne was on the ground and trying to get up to his feet… I needed to do something!

Not sure what I was going to do yet, I got out my hiding place and looked frantically around the labs for something. The creature was closing in… I was running out of time. The thing would have no hesitation about killing the Major. Without thinking I picked up a stool and snuck up behind it and swung it hard…

…It connected with he creatures back and knocked it to the side. …I actually did it? I dropped the stool in disbelief. The Major was probably thinking the same thing as he stared at me for a few moments but he quickly recovered and got to his feet. Beckett's body got up and stared at us with that same sadistic expression only it looked more furious.

"Oh come on!" Lorne yelled exasperatedly. The body snatcher launched another attack and the Major was fighting with an increased effort giving as good as he got. They were intertwined in this violent dance when one kicked the over one dodged, when one punched the other one blocked and all I could do was watch. The Major had taken quite a few hits to his chest and his breathing had become heavy from pain and exertion. Just as the Major was beginning to tire Beckett flung a punch at Lorne's exposed side. The Major was quick to react, much quicker than he had previously been and slipped out of the way of the punch and had grabbed the attacker's wrist, swung to the outside and thrust the heel of his hand into Beckett's arm. A sickening crunch followed and I winced at the sound but found myself unable to look away. Lorne followed up with a kick to his back and the attacker fell and lay sprawled on the floor. …Had they won? Lorne kept his eyes trained on the figure waiting for it to pull a trick.

The form of Beckett got up from the floor shakily and hissed at Lorne.

"Give up." Lorne growled. The thing's expression changed for a moment to a smirk. It was up to something and I knew it but not what it was about to do… Suddenly without warning it grabbed a hold of something on the worktop and flung it at Lorne.

It had thrown the gizmo McKay had previously been working on. The body switcher!

"NO!" I could only yell as the object hit Lorne's chest with a thud, and his hands gripped around the machine. I heard the familiar screech of the nightmare as it activated because of Lorne's gene and saw the realisation dawning on the Major's face. And I could do nothing to stop it… As the bright light invading my vision I saw the stealer of Beckett's body run out the labs and I cursed the day that gadget had been born.

A.N. : Yeah I know it's longer than usual but I couldn't stop writing... the plot bunnies stole my brain. Thanks to GD for being my beta. Angw for being such a good regular reviewer. Thanks to tvnut127 and Lu 14 reviewing. I hope you enjoy the story!