Stargate Atlantis: Path of the Storm

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Chapter Twenty-Four

The young man, who had introduced himself as Rico, led Ford and his team down to the hut where Silveas was staying. After Rico had greeted them, he had been extremely reluctant to answer any of the questions Ford and Bates had asked him. This made Bates highly suspicious of his motives but Ford was willing to give the Bre'tar another chance, only as long as they gave him the information he desired.

Silveas had once more drifted in and out of unconsciousness, he had been speaking with her only moments ago but now it seemed he was out again. Phena feared the worst for him; she looked back to the entrance when Rico appeared. "They're here."

"Please bring them in." Phena looked down to Silveas and shook his arm gently in an attempt to wake him but it was in vain. She sighed gently then looked back over to the entrance as two men dressed in uniforms stepped through. She left Silveas' side and closed the distance between herself and the two men before her, placing her hand on her stomach she bowed her head. "I am Phena Tagri."

Ford found himself repressing a smile, this woman reminded him of his grandma for some reason and he cleared his throat to speak. "I'm Aiden, Aiden Ford and this is…"

"Bates. Sergeant Bates," the other man stated quickly.

"Dude," Ford replied leaning in closer to him with an annoyed expression. "Were you never taught to respect your elders?"

"Not when their people double cross us," Bates answered fiercely, his eyes never leaving the woman standing between them and Silveas.

Phena instantly found herself taking a liking to Aiden; he seemed very sincere in his actions but as for the other one. Bates. That one was most untrusting and seemed to have a suspicious nature, something she predicted would be his downfall in the future. She smiled warmly to them both when Ford looked to her. "How may I be of assistance to the two of you?"

Ford glanced back to Bates, that man seriously had issues that he needed to sort out. His gaze softened as soon as he looked back to Phena. "We were hoping to speak with Silveas."

"I am afraid he is in no condition to speak with you."

More excuses Bates thought but aloud he said; "What happened?"

"Commander Kolya returned," Phena answered looking down to the floor and allowed herself a moment while she composed herself. "He took four of our younger members before we found Silveas." She looked up. "Kolya shot him."

Looking beyond her to Silveas, Ford shook his head slowly. "How is he?" he asked. Phena glanced behind her then took another step forward towards them, even though Silveas was unconscious and knew the inevitable would happen she still didn't want to admit it out loud to him. It was really hard for her to admit it but there was nothing further she could do for him.

"He isn't going to make it," Phena replied, her voice barely a whisper.

"That's too bad," Bates said as if he couldn't care less about this man's fate.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Ford answered calmly while shooting Bates yet another look, hadn't he heard of compassion? He was silent a respectful moment then continued. "Phena, we were going to ask Silveas some questions but considering he is in no state to…we were wondering…"

The elderly woman smiled and folded her arms. "I would be happy to answer any questions you have …providing I know the answers to them that is."

Aiden smiled. "Thank you."

"Rico," Phena called out. He came into view. "Sit with Silveas, if he wakes up alert me immediately."

"Yes Phena."

Phena took one last look at Silveas, not knowing whether it would be her last time then back to Ford and Bates. "Please," she said indicating another passage to another room. "This way."

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Once again, the ritual of staring at the same walls was beginning to take its toll on Sheppard and it was one of those times he wished for some form of entertainment. A pack of card, a gameboy, even a yo-yo would help to pass the time but instead he got to stare at two Wraiths and the most miserable guards in the universe. Slowly, he got to his feet and walked over to the cell door in order to try and get the guard's attention. "Hey." The man glanced in his direction then looked away again. "Hey," Sheppard repeated keeping his voice at the same level. "I'm talking to you."

Mike glared at Sheppard; he had to be the most annoying creature he had ever encountered. "He obviously isn't interested in what you have to say Sheppard," the Wraith retorted.

"When I want your opinion Mike," Sheppard said tearing his gaze away from the guard long enough to look at him. He then paused when he realized he had nothing to say in response. At least, it wasn't anything sarcastic. "When I want a opinion, I won't ask you. Alright?" Mike just hissed in response so Sheppard made a face back before shouting the guard once more. "Can a guy get something to drink around here?" he asked taking a hold of the bars. "Come on," he said resting his forehead against them.

"You are wasting your breath," Mike said making Sheppard wonder whether or not the Wraith was actually enjoying taunting him.

"It's mine to waste," he snapped back.

"Do not blame me when your efforts go on ignored."

Without taking his forehead off the bars, John turned his head just enough to get a glimpse of him. "Go suck on a lemon Mike," he said harshly then carried on facing the guard. It was one thing to be trapped in here but they seriously didn't expect him to go without some kind of fluids. "Come on!" Sheppard realized that the man wasn't going to acknowledge him anytime soon so he lifted his head up and took a step back.

Mike watched him out of interest, for a moment Sheppard looked like he was actually going to run at the bars. John inhaled deeply.

"I know a song that'll get on your nerves, get on your nerves…" he started singing loudly. "Get on your nerves." Sheppard glanced to Mike who didn't seem as amused as before. "I know a song that'll get on your nerves, get, get, get on your nerves."

Finally the guard looked at him as the song was evidentially getting on his nerves. "What do you want?"

"Would it kill you to give me some water?" Sheppard asked folding his arms.

"Why?"

Where the hell was Kolya getting these guys from? He had to ask what he wanted water for? "Well I don't know what your people do with water but my people," Sheppard said unfolding his arms and banging a fist against his chest. "We drink it." Then he added just so they were on the same page. "I'm thirsty."

The guard seemed to be contemplating it, which was progress at least. However, it made John roll his eyes if the guy couldn't make one simple decision. "I'm sure Kolya will make it a quick death for you once he realizes you let me die from severe dehydration." That seemed to motivate him and he quickly banged on the door to request some water for Sheppard. Once finished, he turned back to him. "Happy?"

"No," Sheppard replied simply. "Not being here would make me happy, in fact it would suit me just fine but then you can't always get what you want."

"Says you."

"Don't make me hurt you Mike," Sheppard said turning around and pointing at finger at him. The Wraith made a small noise that sounded suspiciously like a "humph" then turned away from him. Sheppard looked back to the guard. "How's that water coming?"

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