Hello everyone. I am so sorry. Words cannot express how sorry I am. RL just won't stop. It is not bad just too much. Since my grandmother died which was very hard, I have changed jobs and now have fifth grade math homework, kindergarten homework and just don't have time to really work through this because of exhaustion. I was going to write a longer chapter but keep getting e-mails about when I will post next so I have completed this one and it is now betaed. I am writing the next chapter and I will finish, but I continue to struggle, primarily because just so much going on. I promise I will not stop until it is done. Thanks for your support and all of you who have reviewed and sent me PM with encouragement. I fear disappointing all of you.

Disclaimer…Still not mine and still don't make any money off of this.

Chapter 6- The President

Sheppard sighed as he crossed his arms. There were stacks of the Armentarian version of suitcases. He shook his head as Samsus talked to the chief valet Fiare as they inventoried and checked the list, not twice but three times. After more checking, Samsus finally looked up with a smile. "Your majesty, all is prepared."

"Sam, we are only going to be there five days. I could put everything I need in a back pack. Isn't that right Fiare? " The valet looked at Sheppard helplessly. Sheppard continued. "I mean jeez it looks like those women loading their trunks onto the Titanic and you know what happened there. "

Samsus put the list down and dismissed Fiare. "My lord. I do not understand the comparison to this 'Titanic'."

Sheppard looked thoughtful a moment. "We didn't watch that one?" Sheppard smiled. "I think it was Rodney's pick that week. He said he has figured out how to build a theater here where we can watch all the latest...well at least what we can get."

Samsus listened, bemused, as Sheppard got sidetracked for a few minutes until the king realized he was off track and took on a serious look.

"Well as I was saying, do I really need all this stuff? Come on. I need a pair of pants, maybe a tux…."

"Your Majesty, I received an itinerary from the President's protocol staff where all was explained. You are a head of state and much of this visit is formal."

"Why can't I just wear a nice suit or a tuxedo?"

"I do not know what a tuxedo is and these are your suits."

"There is no use arguing with you, is there?"

"No, Your Majesty."

Sheppard rolled his eyes then turned toward the door. "I need to go talk to Teyla."

Samsus studied Sheppard a moment—sensed the trepidation but said nothing about his observation-and simply nodded. "I will make the final preparations."

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Teyla watched him play with his food. She knew something was on his mind because, though he tried to hide it, he was doing a poor job of it. "John," she said with a smile, "I was not sure what to pack for our trip to Earth. We leave tomorrow afternoon and I really do not have much time."

Sheppard did not make eye contact with her at first. She sighed. She knew what he was going to say, he had been more distant and worried since the wedding of Caldwell. "John?"

He looked at her and she could see that his eyes looked wet. "John, what is wrong?"

He reached out and clasped her hand. "Teyla…you know that I love you, right?"

"Of course John. But, you have been so distant lately," she began, "I know you have been busy as have I."

"Teyla…I have, but look. There is no easy way to say this." She watched him fidget and look away. Finally his gaze met hers and she could see that he was determined and fearful all at the same time. "Teyla…I can't let you come with me."

This she had not expected. "Why not, John?" she said calmly. Surely there was a good reason.

"Teyla, they are going to try to use you against me…to get to me. I can't let that happen."

She looked at him quizzically. "John, what are you talking about? What has happened?"

"Nothing has happened….Not yet."

"What do you mean?" she stared at him for a moment and then she realized what he was thinking. "You have had dreams…or maybe visions. At the dance that is what happened."

He looked up at her. "Yes," he said quietly.

"John. You know those aren't always true. The last time you thought there was a Wraith attack on that planet."

"This feels different, Teyla. It feels like the one where the Wraith attack was true. When I couldn't remember who I was. Remember we checked. Teyla…"

"What did you see John?"

He stood up and turned away and looked out the window. He did not want to tell her how he saw her dying over and over again. "You were taken from me Teyla…used against me…hurt."

She came up to him and put her arms around his waist and rested her head on his shoulders. "John. I would never allow them to use me against you. I would die before…"

He swirled around so fast that she would have fallen back if he had not gripped her arms so tight. "Don't you think I know that! I know that you would die for me Teyla and I can't let that happen."

She looked at him confused. "What do you mean, you can't let that happen. You would die for me John; we have proven that for each other."

"But things are different now," he said still gripping on to her.

"How so?" She said as she pulled herself free.

"Teyla," he said incredulously. "Our enemies may have wanted any one of us, but if they find out about this place then all these people and everything we planned is in jeopardy."

"Do you not you trust me not to reveal…"

"Of course I do, damn it! I know that, Teyla, but," he said looking down. "I could never let that happen. I would do anything, jeopardize anything to protect and save you. My love for you is my weakness and they will use that."

She glared at him. "Our love a weakness? What about Rodney or Ronon? What about them? You would do anything to save them."

"I didn't have visions about them," he answered weakly. He would try to save them, but as much as losing them would hurt, losing Teyla would devastate him.

"So...what? You will have me a prisoner here on YOUR worlds? I am unable to move freely where I desire?"

"Not just you, Teyla, anyone not directly on a sanctioned mission."

"So I will no longer go on missions?" she said her voice cutting through him.

"Teyla I need you here, to watch over OUR people. They are our responsibility Teyla. We need warriors here as well."

"Are we not equals, John?"

"Yes Teyla, of course we are!"

She walked toward the door and looked back at him. "If that is the case then why do you get to choose where I can and cannot go?" She walked out before he had a chance to answer.

He sighed because she had a point and one he could not argu-at least, not fairly. He hoped she would come around but it unsettled him how she left. It was his weakness and not hers, and he had not thought differently of any member of his team until more recently when he came to love her, but she was right. He would do anything to save them and maybe the problem was that he had to accept that maybe he would not be able to do this one day and he could not protect them or her or these people here forever. He reached out to her with his mind but she rebuffed hum. He could sense very clearly that she was crying. He swirled around and slammed his fist on the hard wooden table.

There was a knock at the door. "What!"

The soldier bowed low. "Forgive me my lord. I was told to inform you that the Guardians and Pegasi are assembled for you."

Sheppard growled deep in his throat. "I will be right there."

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They should be arriving any minute Mr. President."

Crowley looked out the window of the oval office. "Thanks Marcus, I'm ready." He hoped this was the right thing to do. He had looked up Sheppard's file right and left and inside and out. He was virtually alone on Earth, save for his brother who by all intense and purposes, he had very little contact with. Sheppard came from a very well-to-do family but abandoned it to serve his country. He did that well except for a problem with following orders, but even though that was frowned upon, Crowley respected a man who put his friends and his word before his career. Crowley liked General Jack O'Neill and Sheppard was, in many respects, like O'Neill. Unfortunately both men were no longer under his service and the IOA had a great deal to do with that. Now he had to make amends with Sheppard because, like it or not, having Sheppard and O'Neil and for that matter Caldwell on his side was important. They had messed up relations with their best ally because the IOA could not keep control of its members. But maybe that is what the IOA had in mind all along.

Crowley walked outside to greet his guests. There were some who still viewed Sheppard as a rogue lieutenant colonel who did not deserve the state meeting they would be having, but Crowley knew, Sheppard was legitimate. The president had spent a good deal of time getting to know Ambassador Samsus. Many would underestimate Sheppard, look down at him, but he was powerful…maybe too powerful and Crowley wanted him on his side.

There were a number of other heads of state lined up to meet the king, but Sheppard was going to see Crowley first and that gave Crowley and the US an advantage. He turned and walked out of the office. It was supposed to be the symbol of power in the world, but here he was, going to see the most powerful former Air Force lieutenant colonel in the universe.

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Tristan and Etienne stood in their armor on either side of Sheppard. Behind them Lorne was also adorned in armor while O'Neill and McKay were behind him in the clothes of the noblemen of the Armentarian worlds. The remaining Atlantis Pegasi were waiting on the Scabeur ready to intervene while the Earth Pegasi were standing ready. Sheppard had transported down into the designated area-of course after it had been properly scanned and cleared by the "imperial guard." Somehow, Lorne's nickname for the combined bodyguard and advisors had stuck. Samsus had remained behind having done his job to set up negotiations.

The armor is a little much, don't you think Tristan? Sheppard asked as they walked up the stairs to the waiting President.

Sheppard could feel Tristan smile. Truly my lord. As much as a crown and the regalia which adorn you.

I am surrounded by smart asses.

Yes my lord.

Sheppard was smiling crookedly when he reached could see the disdain on some of the cabinet members. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, however, was smiling broadly and Sheppard actually felt a sense of pride emanating from the fellow Air Force officer. The President stepped forward and extended his arm.

"Your Royal Highness. Welcome."

Sheppard took the hand and nodded with a smile. "Mr. President. Please call me John."

"Welcome John."

Sheppard turned to Tristan and Etienne and introduced them. They nodded curtly but said nothing and Crowley eyed them warily. The President's eyes scanned over McKay briefly before settling on O'Neill. "Jack," he said warmly. "It is good to see you again."

"Thank you sir," O'Neill said almost reflexively. Sheppard could sense that O'Neill was uneasy...or, perhaps, wary.

Crowley introduced his wife, then guided the entourage inside and they made their way to the oval office. He looked over at McKay. McKay actually looked relaxed. Why wouldn't he? Etienne was standing next to him looking intimidating as hell. Crowley was the one looking nervous. Tristan and O'Neill accompanied the President inside the oval office. Sheppard had actually never been in it. It was impressive, the office of the greatest power on earth. Sheppard couldn't help himself and he smiled. He was not an arrogant man, but he knew that the greatest power on Earth or, for that matter, even the combined strength of all the powers on the Earth did not compare to the power he possessed if he called upon it. A shiver ran down his spine has an image of him cold and hurt in the dark woods flashed in his mind. He saw the dead men around him and it made the hair on the back of his neck rise as he looked at Crowley and realized that he could, with a thought, take his life. He felt Tristan's curious stare on him but ignored it as he took a seat in front of the president. O'Neill sat next to him and Tristan stood guard behind him. Crowley was with the vice president and one secret service agent.

"John," Crowley began, "We are very happy you agreed to visit with us. I know things have been a little…difficult since LaPierre went rogue."

"President Crowley, I sincerely doubt that LaPierre acted alone. Where does the IOA stand currently?"

Crowley shifted. "Not much has changed except that LaPierre has been removed from his position."

"If not much as changed," Sheppard said slowly, "then pardon me, sir, but what authority do you have to actually negotiate? And, for that matter, what do you actually have to offer?"

Crowley shifted uneasily. "The IOA hopes that I can serve has an intermediary between you and them. They hope to make amends for LaPierre's behavior."

Sheppard sighed and he stood. "I'm sorry, Mr. President. I'm tired. It was a long trip and the dinner is tonight. I doubt there is much the IOA or you could offer me for that matter. I am here because this is my home and the home of many that have chosen to remain on Atlantis. I don't want them caught in the middle."

"They don't have to be in the middle, John. What is it that you want?" Crowley could see the weariness in Sheppard's eyes.

Sheppard glanced back and looked almost lost in thought. "I'll let you know. "

Crowley put his hand on Sheppard's shoulder then took it off. He wouldn't normally do that with a foreign dignitary especially a royal, but Sheppard was homegrown and that was hard to ignore. "Let's talk more tomorrow, then. Tonight is just an excuse for them to show off and maybe get a little dancing in."

Sheppard smiled slightly as he excited the office. He half turned back before he left. "Have you been able to locate Dr. Weir?"

"No, John. We haven't. We are still trying."

Sheppard frowned. It was odd as he expected to easily meet up with her per their last conversation. He reached out his mind to her but sensed only the smallest thread. He looked at Tristan a moment who had sensed Sheppard's concern and nodded slightly.

"Please let me know when you locate her," he said quietly. He was certain Crowley did not know, but something was wrong.

"Of course we will. In the meantime, I know that you all have to be tired. We have made arrangements for you to stay here as well your men," Crowley motioned toward a gentleman waiting quietly just outside the door. "Mark will show you where to go, John, as well as Jack and Dr. McKay, while Jacob, my secret service agent, will show your escort where they can stay as well as discuss all the security questions I am sure they will have. I'll see you tonight."

Sheppard gave his thanks and they followed their escort and met up with the rest of their group. Tristan remained with Sheppard while the Pegasi sent Etienne to discuss other plans with the Secret Service.

Sheppard excused himself. He was tired and worried. He should have easily been able to find Elizabeth. Sheppard knew this was all a trap, but he had not figured that Elizabeth would have been a pawn. Crowley had been telling the truth when he said that they did not know where she was. The President was truly worried and this is what had made Sheppard even more concerned. He had asked Etienne to communicate with the other Pegasi that had remained behind on Earth to monitor all communications to look for her. Tristan entered the room and said nothing as he took the crown from Sheppard as well as the light robe. The Pegasi had already inspected the unpacking of the eveningwear for tonight. Sheppard did not want to bring everything down at once. Tristan determined the king had a sixth sense.

"My lord, we have just over five hours until the beginning of the dinner. "

Sheppard looked at him curiously. "What happened to the valet they provided?"

"I dismissed him."

Sheppard rolled his eyes. "Well I don't need one anyway. But I will take a nap if you will agree to rest."

Tristan laughed. "I will do so. I have posted one of the Pegasi outside your door. Lorne, Etienne and I will take our leave until tonight to accompany you."

Sheppard stretched out on the bed and yawned despite himself. "Okay. Then have him wake me in a couple of hours."

"Yes my lord," Tristan said as he left and quietly closed the door behind him. He could sense Sheppard's weariness and his worry for Elizabeth Weir and for Teyla.

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Gareth looked at Weir. He felt a small pang of sadness. She was a strong woman, a good woman who deserved better than to be a pawn. Unfortunately it was the only way to get Sheppard into their trap. He despised working with the IOA but their ignorance and stupidity were the opportunity he needed to fulfill his mission. Evander had left a legacy but there had been too much leniency and interference by the Pegasi to see that legacy come to fruition. The humans had been given too many opportunities and it was time for them to be on their own. The Pegasus Galaxy would have to do without its savior. Perhaps Weir would survive. He looked at her once more then turned and left.

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Sheppard glared at the IOA representatives across the table. They looked at him smugly, except for Chen. She looked slightly uncomfortable. Sheppard tried to read their minds but that was difficult to do. He was not sure why but he could not read their thoughts-only get a sense of their duplicity from at least two of them. "John," Crowley said, "let me introduce Vice President Eilson." Sheppard shook his hand and was surprised to see a flash of Elizabeth in his mind. Sheppard stared into the eyes of Gareth and searched his mind. It was odd-there was nothing particularly suspicious that stood out-but Sheppard felt as if he was looking into a dark pool-almost a pseudo mind. He nodded politely. He conveyed this feeling to Tristan. The Ancient was standing with Lorne near the entrance. It was obvious that they were there to protect Sheppard and, despite how they looked, no one bothered them. Tristan sent Sheppard a mental shrug but Sheppard knew Tristan would continue to watch the Vice President.

"I think I deserve another title after being subjected to this."

Looking at Jack O'Neill, Sheppard could not help but smile. "Don't you think you have enough already?"

"Well, maybe my own fishing hole."

Sheppard laughed. "You have a whole lake."

O'Neill raised his eyebrows. "True. True." He took a bite of the dessert that had been given him. "But still. I think this is above and beyond."

Sheppard rolled his eyes. "At least you don't have to wear a crown."

"Yes. There is that. Alright. Fine. Small sacrifice me being your cousin and all. I just don't see the point to this."

Sheppard looked around the room. He realized one thing. "Smoke and mirrors, General. This is all smoke and mirrors. You and I both know that this is some trap, but Crowley is sincere. The IOA, the US, nobody has anything to offer us, but something hasn't been right…hasn't felt right. The IOA has always been a pain in the ass but LaPierre? Well, that seemed like only a test. I just can't put my finger on it. "

O'Neill took a sip of his drink. "I agree. It really bothers me that we can't find Elizabeth."

Sheppard did not look at O'Neill and smiled at a group of women who were eyeing him. I saw Elizabeth when I shook the vice president's hand.

O'Neill kept his face neutral. Are you sure? Maybe a coincidence?

Sheppard sighed. Maybe. He stood up slowly. Everyone was moving to the ballroom. He smiled slightly. "Let's go make our appearance. Then we will go find Elizabeth."

O'Neill smirked. He did not know how they would find Elizabeth, but it was clear that Sheppard had had enough of the pomp and circumstance. Tomorrow was a meeting with the IOA and O'Neill had no idea what Sheppard had in mind. He was not even sure Sheppard knew, but it was clear. Something was wrong and O'Neill got the impression that although Sheppard wanted to find some way to keep strong relations with his homeworld-hell, so did he-this chapter had to be closed and Sheppard needed to focus on the Wraith in Pegasus. O'Neill watched Sheppard work his way through the room, saw the heads bow as he passed and saw the eyes of the IOA members never leave him. The President's wife was the lucky one to have the first dance. It was all show on both sides. Sheppard wanted so much to protect Earth, to have them as allies, but Earth, or at least the people who had any major say on things like Pegasus, wanted Sheppard for their own means or not at all. They would never trust him.

"If only they knew what he could really do…they would trust him even less."

O'Neill started then glared over his shoulder. "Please stop reading my mind."

Tristan smiled. "I apologize. I was scanning the room and caught your thoughts."

O'Neill shrugged. "Well, as long as you don't go poking around in there too much," the General said as he walked away.

Tristan laughed slightly. He did not have to read O'Neill's mind to know what he was thinking as the man spoke clearly what he thought. Tristan turned to make his way toward Etienne.

TRISTAN! The Pegasi swung around and looked directly into the eyes of Sheppard. They were wide and glassy. The king had made his way back to the table and no one seemed to have noticed as the music had continued on. Tristan made his way quickly there, alerting Etienne and Lorne. They soon had surrounded Sheppard as discretely as three armored men could be. O'Neill had seen what was happening and had begun to say their good nights to the President.

"I am sorry he is leaving so soon," Crowley said as he watched the three Pegasi head out with a barely visible Sheppard amongst them.

"We had a great time. He just wants to be on his A game tomorrow," O'Neill said then leaned in closer, "And, I think he is a little embarrassed by all the attention."

Crowley looked around and saw a few disappointed women. He didn't figure Sheppard to be embarrassed by the attention of others least of all women. He smiled. "I understand. Please give him my regards. We do not have anything planned in the morning so he should be able to rest before the meeting."

"Thank you," O'Neill said with a slight bow then quickly headed toward McKay who was speaking to several people and seemed to be enjoying it.

"Dr. McKay," O'Neill said with a broad smile that hid his annoyance. He couldn't help it. He liked the man well enough now, but he was still annoying, "We are retiring to the King's chambers."

"Okay. Thanks General. I'll see you."

O'Neill growled under his breath. "No, we are all retiring." McKay looked at him oblivious. "Now," O'Neill said with a smile that looked more like a tiger eyeing it's prey.

McKay got the message and quickly set his cup down. "Sorry, of course, I forgot," he said as he rushed off behind O'Neill. McKay felt a sense of urgency and dread but was not sure whether that was coming from him, the general, or somewhere else.

When they entered the suite, Sheppard was on his knees. Tristan was next to him. O'Neill and McKay froze. Tristan was helping Sheppard up. The King was sweating and he was unsteady on his feet as Tristan steered Sheppard to a chair.

"What is going on?" O'Neill finally said.

Tristan nodded to Lorne who replaced him at Sheppard's side.

"He saw Dr. Weir. Felt her presence."

Sheppard lifted his head from his hand. His eyes still had the glaze of fresh tears. His head was throbbing. "I know where she is Jack. We need to go get her."

O'Neill nodded. He looked at Tristan then back at Sheppard. "Where do we go?"

Sheppard stood more steadily now, and O'Neill saw fury in his eyes. "Just down the road." O'Neill saw the image in his mind and he frowned. "Why so close to the White House?"

"I don't know," Sheppard said. His stomach was in knots. Elizabeth was safe but she was in some sort of room. He couldn't see much more than that. The Pegasi were communicating plans and Sheppard could see McKay going crazy. He walked up to him. "We'll go and get her Rodney. We found her, now we have to go and get her and we'll take her home…to Pegasus."

Rodney looked into Sheppard's eyes and saw his friend's barely contained fury. "I know we will John. What do you want me to do?"

Sheppard smiled slightly. "Get nerded up because I need you doing your thing while I do mine." Sheppard turned away then back again. "Just make sure you bring your gun." McKay smiled as Sheppard made eye contact with Etienne who nodded slightly. The blond Pegasi came up to Rodney and McKay understood as they headed out. Every move they made was being watched so they had to be discrete and it would be Etienne's job to get McKay out of the White House. Frankly, McKay was not sure how they would do that but the Pegasi would undoubtedly figure it out.

McKay was heading out when he overheard Tristan. "I believe we should wait until the guests are beginning to leave. That should be in approximately two hours. A great majority still remain but, when they leave, the Secret Service will be at its busiest again. I will post someone here at your door once we have left to not arouse suspicion. In the meantime, I suggest we go to our respective rooms and rest." He said this with a pointed look at Sheppard who ignored it all together. He would lay down in bed, armed and ready to go, but he doubted he would rest much. The image of Elizabeth caged like an animal was overpowering. He had not been able to reach out to her, or to comfort her by letting her know that they were coming.

Hey lay down on his bed exhausted. He should rest as much as he could. No doubt tonight was going to be challenging. His mind wandered somewhere in between sleep and wakefulness. He must have been closer to sleep because when he heard a knock at his door he started. He walked out of his bedroom to the foyer of his suite. He was still a little disoriented because it still had not crossed his mind that a knock at the door was odd. The Pegasi communicated to him with their minds and it should have been no different this time. He was already opening the door as he started to register that. He looked straight at a Secret Service agent.

"The President requests a short meeting with one delegate of the IOA."

Sheppard had seen the agent before. He was about to answer when all at once he saw his Pegasi lying on the floor over to the side. He was not sure who it was because he could only make out a foot behind the couch in the outer area. Just as Sheppard was going to sound a mental alarm he felt a small prick on his wrist. He mentally called Tristan's name as he lost consciousness, but was not sure if he actually made the call or just hoped he did.

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"The ships are ready Lord Tristan and our men at the Irish base are prepared for back-up if necessary. McKay and Lorne are already on board the Scabeur and the others are transporting now." Tristan was going to answer Etienne when he heard briefly heard Sheppard's alarmed voice in his head.

Etienne noticed the change in Tristan's face. "What is it, my lord?"

Tristan hissed through his teeth. "Come with me! There is trouble." Tristan inwardly cursed at himself. He had been too busy making the final arrangements for the rescue

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I have started Chapter Six and I hope not to wait six months to post. Thanks again dear friends. Thanks to highonscifi for betaing.