So tell me what the day brings
Has it lost it's thrill?
Are you still searching
Hoping for that
Space to fill
Everything you turn to
Is like a mirror on the shelf
And the only one you're blaming
is yourself

The hurting Time – Annie Lennox

This is so screwed up. Someone up in command must surely hate him. Why else would they send them on that rock for the grand finale of their 'Hide and Seek'-training? It is their last day and something just had to go wrong. They had split up in teams, him and Mer versus Donner and Meyers. He was on the tracking team and they were sure they had nearly found them when Meyers had radioed. Donner had fallen down a ravine and his leg looked … shredded. So, he had to dial Atlantis before the set dial back time and used the emergency code provided. He should've known something was wrong when he heard an unknown voice for Major Lorne to come through. But every attempt at answering had been fruitless.

They had arrived in a gate room which looked like home, but they had been greeted by rifles and a lot of strange faces. He had been relieved a little when the younger version of general Sheppard had taken control and ordered Donner to be treated in the infirmary.

Now he is sitting in a holding cell down in the bowls of Atlantis and is trying to find a way to tell his team mates to not let any names slip. He had seen Mer perk up at seeing her dad. She also had nearly answered when her last name had been said. But the most confusing thing had been when he had looked up to the fishbowl. Was that really Aunt Sam?

But he couldn't dwell on his thoughts any longer. The doors open and the young general, he is a Lieutenant Colonel walks in. Markus knows Meyers will let him talk, he isn't so sure about Meredith, so he decides to beat Sheppard and opens the conversation. "Colonel, we need to get back to MX7-77P as quickly as possible, so we don't miss our window."

"Don't worry Lieutenant, we will get you back there. But we have some questions, one to be more precise. You used an IDC before coming through, where did you get that code?"

He takes a moment to think. How can I answer this without giving anything away?

"He means the emergency code, which had been given to us by the general." He turns around and shoots an angry look Mer's way. Why can't she never stop herself.

The man outside the cell looks surprised for a short moment but nods his head. "Ah, okay. Just don't use it again. We are deactivating it right now."

Sheppard turns to walk away again but there is still something Markus needs to know: "Sir, sorry to keep you but what is the status of my man and when can we leave again?"

"Your man is still in surgery. When he is stable and awake again, we will escort you back to MX7-77P and you can get home. The kitchen staff is preparing some food for you in the meantime."

Thank god they hadn't taken away his wrist watch, so he could keep track of time. He knows he is growing restless and running in circles in this cell certainly won't help.

"What is taking so long?" and that would be Mer's patience running out; two hours, five minutes and 33 seconds after they had been put here.

Markus hangs his head, sighs then says: "Mer, we still have time and I am sure they will let us go soon."

As if on queue they hear raised voices outside and the recognition on Mer's face is telling him he heard right. Rodney McKay is yammering on about some MALP or other, that should've been placed on MX7-77P ages ago. Markus is crossing his fingers that, if Dr. McKay the elder enters this room Mer will not say anything. Thankfully it doesn't come to that. It is only Sheppard accompanied by two marines.

"Your man is awake, and our doctors have agreed after some coaxing and writing extensive notes, to release him to your care. We will accompany you to MX7-77P. There will be no discussion."

"Sir, thank you but it would be smart to limit contact of us with your people."

"Don't worry Lieutenant. We have thought about that and Carter had the same thought as you. So only Ronon and I will accompany you."

That is the first time he used names and now I am sure aunt Sam is /was in Atlantis. Go figure.

Fifteen minutes later they walk through the gate and the before overheard MALP is placed at the planet. He tries to remember exactly where but has a feeling they will change the placement after he and his team have left.

After one last glance at his watch he gives Meyers the signal to dial and turns to thank Sheppard once again: "Sir, thank you for not keeping us locked up and giving us the chance to return home."

"Don't worry Lieutenant. Just get your team home and the one on the stretcher back to an infirmary. Maybe until next time."

"Yeah, maybe." He replies but really thinks that he never ever wants to see these people again. Not in this time anyway.

He can already hear in his earpiece that the connection is established and wow, is that the general himself telling us that medical is on standby in the gate room? He throws one last look at the younger version of the general and steps through the gate back home.

Markus is glad when command tells him that debrief will not be before morning. He needs to get his thoughts in order for that briefing to be at least a little bit coherent. To get his thoughts in order he uses pen and paper, as he has always done.

And maybe I can write to Aunt Sam and ask about that time?