Stargate Atlantis: Path of the Storm

Chapter Twenty

Kolya took a step forward as the Wraith seemed to be considering Sheppard's offer about sacrificing himself in order to save the life of the Bre'tar woman. It was a noble act but it was very misplaced. Mike kept his eyes on Sheppard who opened his arms as if completely offering himself. "Come on," Sheppard said. "Eat me."

It's grip on Jeana loosened considerably. "Go anywhere near him," Kolya retorted with a growl. "And my men will shoot you." John had to actually look at the Genii to see whom he was talking too and saw it was Mike. The Wraith had two options, feed or die.

Sheppard kept his eyes on Kolya for a moment longer then back to Mike. The Wraith was extremely patient and noticed that everyone else had taken cautionary measures to insure that they didn't become a supplement to his meal. Mike had to admit that he was savouring the fear of this one and hissed to her, she immediately stopped sobbed when she realised what she had to do. Mike had spent quite some time with Acastus Kolya and he could see that if he did approach Sheppard, he would indeed regret it. Besides, the Wraith had other plans for Sheppard.

Finally, Mike paid all it's attention to Jeana, clearly having made up his mind. Jeana lowered her gaze and over to John, he had been willing to lay down his life in order to save hers. Perhaps if Silveas hadn't agreed to go through with Kolya's plan then she wouldn't find herself in this hazardous position now. The Wraith had made it's decision and was clearly going to feed on her, there was no further doubt in her mind about that and she had always promised herself that if she were going to die in this fashion then she would not leave things left unsaid.

Jeana appreciated what Sheppard had tried to do and her death was not on his hands. "Major Sheppard," she said quietly.

At the mention of his name, he actually initiated eye contact with her from across the cell. "I'm sorry," she continued softly. John straightened up and fought to keep his emotions in check, there was no time for any kind of response.

In a whirl of motion, the Wraith tightened his grip and forced its right hand into Jeana's chest. Her screams echoed through the chamber and Sheppard snapped his head to the left before turning away. He couldn't watch this, the glimpse of blood as the hand penetrated her chest was more than enough and slowly he walked to the back of the cell. Still keeping his gaze averted.

Mike carried on feeding until all her life was drained and there was nothing left to consume. When he was finished, he merely let what was left of the woman go and dropped the body to the floor for Kolya's men to dispose off. He straightened up, took a step back from the bars while giving a sigh of contentment. "I was wrong," the Wraith said addressing Kolya who looked slightly paler than he had before witnessing the feeding. "This woman was stronger than I had anticipated, she had such spirit and vitality. I only hope," he continued with a smirk as he threw a gaze directly in Sheppard's direction. "That the next meal will be as fulfilling."

--

It had taken a while for McKay to make his grand entrance and when he had finally arrived at the control room, all he could do was complain that Grodin had been consulted about this before him. Elizabeth checked her watch patiently and allowed him a thirty seconds to rant and get this out his system before she was forced to tell him to shut up.

"I am sorry," Grodin said with a tone that indicated he was used to McKay's behaviour. He knew that Rodney didn't exactly play well with others at the best of times and this was a time that didn't qualify. "Next time…I'll be sure to contact you no matter how insignificant the situation is."

"Wait a minute," McKay said confused and wasn't sure if he had just been the recipient of a sarcastic comment. "I don't want you calling me up here for…" he paused, chuckled then gave him a serious expression with a touch of nervousness thrown in. "Anything and everything! What do you think I am? On call twenty four hours a day…seven days a week…three hundred and…"

Weir had waited long enough and it was finally time to get McKay to pipe down. "Rodney!"

McKay looked up from Grodin as soon as he recognised that no-nonsense tone in her voice but didn't dare speak. "Thank you," she said lowering her voice. "Now that you're all caught up, I want to know how long it will take to trace the address."

The astrophysicist looked down to his PDA even though it wouldn't even give him the desired answer and considered the question. "Five symbols?" he asked glancing to Grodin.

"Five symbols," he confirmed.

"Five symbols," McKay repeated with a more confident tone then looked to Weir. "Well it's shouldn't take too long to search through the Ancient database and narrow it down some. Assuming they have anything that comes close to this. If not, I'm sure we can find another way." He spared a look for Ford before addressing her once more. "Then from there it's just a matter of dialling until we can establish a wormhole."

It all sounded completely straightforward enough for her find the place and get Sheppard back. There was some doubt in her mind though, knowing Kolya he was bound to have all sorts of defences in place to ensure that no one could trespass. "Good," Weir said speaking up. "Get started."

McKay did a quick motion with his hands, jotted something down in the PDA before picking up a laptop and heading over to the exit. "And get Doctor Zelenka to help you."

That comment made him stop in his tracks and he fought to disguise the disgusted look which had spread across his face. He realised he couldn't prevent it so he only half looked back to her. McKay couldn't just sit on this and turned round to face her, ready to argue. "You've gotta be kidding me…"

"Rodney," Weir said firmly.

He let the look falter. "Yes. Fine. I will work with Doctor Moron-ski," he replied sounding less than thrilled at the prospect and with that, he skulked out of the control room, heading back to his office.

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