Stargate Atlantis: Path of the Storm

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Chapter Six

For Sheppard, accepting defeat was something that he normally wouldn't tolerate and especially not to some bastard such as Kolya. They had just arrived on a completely new world, one he did not recognise and despite his questions, no one answered. "Okay," he said. "I am only going to ask this once more and then I'm gonna get cranky." The man behind him pushed Sheppard off the platform to the stargate and in the direction of a building located approximately thirty feet away. "Gate with a view, love it." He was rewarded with another shove, which was distinctly harder this time.

Talk about silent treatment Sheppard thought as Kolya walked ahead of them and into the building, This provided him with an opportunity to check out his immediate surroundings. He didn't recognise it as the Genii homeworld, which made this whole scenario even more compelling. Or terrifying.

As soon as Kolya reached the heavy wooden door, it was pulled back allowing him to enter. Obviously, he was getting the royal treatment. The situation had definitely escalated from compelling to terrifying within an instant. Sheppard risked a look back to one of Kolya's men, only to get whacked across the back. As they approached the building, it was obvious to Sheppard how towering it. It looked as though it belonged in some medieval tale and not a beautiful landscape such as this.

Hell, all it needs now is a princess and a couple of dragons he thought although this was no time for his mind to start wandering.

The two former Genii members escorted Sheppard into the main area of the place; it was large and open. With classic stone walls and a stone floor, almost like a castle but it had a more homely feel to it. Sheppard was pushed down into a chair in front of a table. Kolya had taken a seat at the end; he took a sip of wine and raised his glass to him. "What do you think Major?" he asked while swirling the red liquid around the glass, airing the fine wine then taking another sip. It tasted so much better after that.

"It's nice, roomy." Sheppard took another look round the room, there were many candles and hardly any windows. "Although I really do think you should pay your electric bills." That remark was greeted by a little shove from one his escorts and Sheppard glared back at him then back to Kolya.

"Ahh yes," Kolya said standing up and replacing the glass on the table, walking the distance around the table to Sheppard. "That sense of humour." He took a candlestick that was already lit and held it up by the holder. "I am sure that will soon change." The two men moved out the way as Kolya took his place in front of Sheppard, leaning in and holding the candle dangerously close to his face.

"Oh really," he retorted, his gaze going towards the candle. It was so close that he could feel the minimal heat it radiated then his eyes darted back to Kolya. He had to disguise his fear or he would never get through this.

"Oh yes Major Sheppard," Kolya said, his hand steady while he reached for Sheppard's left hand with the other, he grabbed it and slammed it down on the table to the side of him. His gaze was extremely focused and his breathing calm. "I make it a point not to lie."

Fighting would be useless there were three of them with weapons, and only one of him, unarmed. Kolya moved the flame away from his face and placed the candle onto the table, inwardly Sheppard grimaced. "I fail to agree," he said.

What was left of his self-control suddenly snapped and Kolya tilted the candle, hot wax running slowly onto Sheppard's exposed skin and down his hand. Sheppard screamed out then gritted his teeth, glaring at Kolya and moving to grab him with his free hand but was held back by one of the men. Kolya guided the candle down his hand and over the tips of his fingers. Sheppard struggled by they pushed him back into the chair, after a few agonising moments of this Kolya placed the candle back to an upright position.

"Welcome to my home, Major." Sheppard looked at Kolya, his breathing erratic from struggling and the pain in his hand excruciating. "My turf." Kolya sneered as he said the last part. "My rules."

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The Bre'tar stargate didn't take as long to reach once you knew the route, Silveas had thought it best not to escort their guests so instead he left that responsibility to the red haired woman known as Jeana. The front of her lilac dress was still stained with Drila that had been spilled down her chin from Sheppard forcing her to drink it. Perhaps a man such as that did deserve what was obviously coming to him; she glanced to Teyla who had to rely heavily on the support of her fellow team members.

"Teyla," she said gently.

"Do not speak to me," the Athosian shot back. Even though the lethal Drila had also clearly effected McKay and Ford, they were able to walk and guide Teyla to the stargate. Jeana looked down to the floor than back to her, it would not be agreeable to let her leave on such terms. "What Silveas did, it really is the best for our people."

"Don't you get it," McKay said speaking up with an angry expression. "The Genii, they couldn't help themselves out a cardboard box let alone help your people. They are selfish, traitorous and dangerous." He looked to Ford to take Teyla; he took one of her slender arms and hooked it round his neck.

"Thank you Aiden," she replied gently then looked to Jeana and McKay who was completely, how would Sheppard put it if he were here? Chewing her out?

"If you even think these people will protect you then you are seriously more stupid and naïve than I imagined," McKay said, his voice going extremely high at the end and he gave a short laugh. "It's more likely that if the Wraith do show up and they will, Kolya and his men will save their own asses and you're all just toast." He waved his hands in an expression to say that they would be wiped out. "You hear me? Toast! A delicious banquet!"

Jeana understood the meaning behind the conversation but not any of the expressions and looked at Teyla with sad eyes then to McKay. "I am sure you will be able to make it from here," she said indicating the DHD and the stargate. "I bid you good day."

"Don't come crying to us when they betray you," McKay yelled as Jeana and her people quickly retreated out of sight. "And they will!"

"Dude," Ford said while setting Teyla down to see on the grass while he searched through his pockets. "Don't you think that was kinda harsh?"

"Her people set us up Lieutenant or hadn't you noticed?" McKay retorted while leaning heavily on the DHD, getting ready to dial up the gate.

"This is no time for arguing," Teyla said gently while looking up at both men. "Major Sheppard is missing, we have no idea where Kolya has taken him which is why it is imperative that we return to Atlantis and come up with some way to find him."

"If it weren't for the Bre'tar in the first place, this wouldn't be happening." McKay stopped what he was doing and glared back down at her. "I thought you said these people were trustworthy, not deceptive."

Teyla simply let the comment sink in without any retaliation, she knew he was as upset and angry as she and Ford were for letting Sheppard be taken. It worked and McKay's look softened and when he spoke it was far gentler. "I'm sorry Teyla…"

"You are angry, it is understandable."

"It's just that I get so frustrated and I just snap…bad habit…something that I really need to…" McKay started to explain, Ford placed a hand on the scientists shoulder and gave him a ghost of a smile.

"Rodney, just dial the damn gate." McKay looked at Ford, that would be exactly the same thing Sheppard would say in this position and paid his attention back to the DHD.

"Of course," he said quietly while punching in the symbols. "Next stop Atlantis."

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