Stargate Atlantis: Path of the Storm

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Chapter Five

Vengeance. This word carried on echoing throughout Sheppard's mind, and for some reason it inspired a sense of dread in him. All that was clear in all of this, he hated Kolya and Kolya hated him and now the time had come for him to take his revenge for what he did. Okay, so Sheppard had taken out many of his men and then left him in a hole to stew for a while but then again, the son of a bitch had killed two of his men then claimed Atlantis as his own and in the name of the Genii people. Oh, and not to mention the fact he had led Sheppard to believe that he had actually killed Weir. Then there was the whole incident with The Brotherhood and their people taking the Z.P.M from them thanks to being set up.

"Your silence is not surprising to me," Kolya finally said, immediately crashing into his thoughts. "You obviously thought I would not try and get even."

John glared at the man, it took a lot for him to hate someone but this was starting to develop into something far more ugly. The man had called his people arrogant, Kolya really did need to stop and take a serious look at himself right now. "I thought you didn't like even," Sheppard retorted.

"I don't like losing either," he replied walking up to him, his face only inches away. "Vengeance will be mine Major Sheppard, on that you can depend." Kolya took a step back and motioned for the two men who had accompanied him, they both stepped forward, pistols drawn. "It would be easier if you came along quietly." Sheppard took another step back.

"What about my people?" he asked quietly, glancing to them then to Kolya.

"They will return to Atlantis once we have departed." Kolya gave him a serious look. "On that you have my word."

Departed? Sheppard frowned softly while exchanging a glance with McKay then Ford. He looked back to Kolya. "Your word?" he asked as if he had heard the world's most pathetic joke. "Since when did that mean anything?"

This was proving to be even more problematic than he had first anticipated and he had been planning this for a long time. From the moment Sheppard had managed to get the best of him, Kolya knew something had to be done and this nuisance eliminated once and for all. "If you like, I could just kill them now and save you the bother of discussing this further."

McKay looked up in alarm as soon as he said that, surely Sheppard wasn't just going to let this lunatic kill them without even putting up a fight. Right? He was the hero, or he liked to pretend to be. A knight in shining armour if you will. "Speaking would be good Major," he said speaking up quickly.

"Doctor McKay," Kolya said with a smile. "You have just volunteered to go first."

Eeep he thought while narrowing his eyes and looking back to the ground. Note to self…if I survive this, in future just keep my mouth shut in this kind of situation. McKay looked to Ford who desperately looked like he wanted to get up and beat the hell out of this guy, but they were all in the same boat.

Kolya finally turned back to Sheppard. "Well Major?"

There was only one acceptable outcome in this situation, all the odds were against him and it was three lives to his one. Sheppard put his hands on his hips and looked over to Teyla, the strong warrior who had been reduced to being on her knees. Rodney, the strange yet brilliant scientist and okay, he had his flaws, being Canadian was one of them but there was no one who he'd rather fight with. And there was Ford. Hell, Sheppard didn't know any other people who knew so much about their chosen area. For this kid it wasn't just a job, it was his life.

Atlantis could not afford to lose these people and Sheppard knew what he had to do, he looked away and back to Kolya. "Okay," he said quietly, trying to salvage what little was left of his pride. Silveas took a step forward and over to Sheppard.

"I apologise for what must be done Major," the Bre'tar said gently, putting his hood up. "But with the Wraith consuming worlds at a tremendous rate, my people need allies and we have found them in the Genii. I assure you that Teyla and your friends will be returned to Atlantis unarmed." Sheppard turned to him, a soft look in his eyes and he looked as thought he were going to say something extremely kind. Of course, he didn't and his eyes grew extremely stormy. "Save it," he muttered as Kolya's men seized Sheppard by the arms and led him over to the entrance.

"Major I cannot allow you to do this," Teyla said firmly, trying to stand up but failing.

"We don't have a choice Teyla," he replied looking down at her as he passed them all by, he gave a weak smile to all three of them. "Look after each other." Without a second glance, the two Genii led him out into the open and to the stargate. Kolya hung back and looked over to Silveas. "A job well done," he said then looked down to Teyla, McKay and Ford. It was almost amusing at the concept of them on their knees before him, a half smile appeared on his lips and he took his leave.

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With heavy hearts, the team had to sit back and watch as Sheppard was taken without a fight. Teyla felt extremely powerless that she hadn't been able to prevent this, she looked back to Ford and instantly knew that he was thinking the same thing. McKay was shaking his head slowly and staring at the floor, who'd imagine such a selfless act?

Teyla could not stand such a defeat, it was not in her nature, in any of their natures and she glared up at Silveas who moved to help her and the team to their feet. "We shall return you to your home once we have word that Commander Kolya and his people have left."

"Why commit such an dishonourable act?" Teyla asked finding her voice, it was low and strong.

"For the safety of my people…the Wraith. The Genii can provide protection," he answered as if all this was ethically acceptable.

"No world is safe from the Wraith, you know that. These people, they cannot help you. If the Wraith choose to visit this world, there is no stopping them." Teyla looked at him with such disgust and the repulsion she felt was unlike something she had ever experienced. Ford and McKay were helped by other Bre'tars and led over to the entrance, slowly. Silveas had thought it wise to not reply to her comments. "I only hope," Teyla said, her voice still firm as she was taken out. "That you can live with your decision. For I surely cannot." As two Bre'tar helped her walk, Teyla turned her back on Silveas and knew it would be the last time they ever crossed paths.

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