Disclaimer: All characters and locations are the intellectual property of others. This amateur work is not intended to infringe on those rights.
A/N: Thanks for the reviews. For those waiting for Shweir, there are three more setup chapters.-----------------------------------------------------------
Status Reports
The conference room at the SGC was filled with people. Caldwell was there as well as the commander of the Odyssey. General Hank Landry was there with the current members of SG1 as well as General O'Neill. There was also a bald accountant-looking type who was sitting next to General Landry. McKay and Ronon entered, followed by Dr. Lam.
"Thank you for joining us, gentlemen," said Landry, as the members of the Atlantis team found seats. "I believe you know everyone except Mr. Woolsey. He is here representing the interests of the International Oversight Committee for the Stargate Program."
The accountant nodded in their general direction. Ronon heard Rodney mutter, "oh please!"
Landry continued. "I'd like to start this debriefing with a quick update on Colonel Sheppard's condition. Dr. Lam?"
Dr. Lam stepped forward and scanned the room as she began. "Colonel Sheppard has a severe eight inch laceration on his left thigh. This wound was received approximately six days ago when he caught himself on a piece of equipment while running to avoid detection. Limited supplies were available, but he attempted to cleanse the wound and keep it covered. I estimate he lost around a pint of blood in that time. He also contracted an infection that is currently of unknown origin. We are investigating. He is currently unconscious and running a fever of 103. 5 degrees. We are attempting to control the fever while determining if a bacterium is the source of the infection."
"Thank you, doctor. Any estimates of when he can return to duty?"
"Not until we know what bacteria we're dealing with."
"Ok, doctor. You may return to your patient." Dr. Lam nodded at General Landry and the rest of those present before turning and leaving the room.
"To continue, Colonel Carter, could you provide a review of the information sent from Atlantis warning Earth of the wraith threat."
Rodney put his chin in his hand and got a slight smile on his face watching Colonel Carter as she reviewed the beginning of the wraith alliance. Then Caldwell jumped in with the Daedalus' early experience attempting to deploy the virus.
"Dr. McKay?"
"Hmmm?"
Ronon jabbed McKay, shoving his arm off the table and dislodging his chin. The scientist looked up and saw everyone looking at him.
"Dr. McKay," said Landry, again, with obviously limited patience, "why don't you tell us what happened on the hive ship."
"Of course, general," said McKay, straightening up. "We were working with the wraith on the best way to deploy the gas form of the virus. I had also been working on some of their other systems. Ronon was acting as a body guard of sorts, though it didn't exactly matter. We were walking down one of their corridors when they turned on us. I tried to use my automatic beam-out device, but it failed. I have not had a chance to investigate why. We were pushed into cocoons where we stayed until Sheppard found us."
"Colonel Caldwell, continue with your experiences with the battle."
Caldwell continued, describing the decision to launch fighters and the failure to retrieve Sheppard.
Looking at Ronon and McKay, Landry said, "Do either of you know how Colonel Sheppard got onto the hive ship?"
Ronon looked at the general. "He flew his fighter into the landing bay and hid it."
Rodney continued with what they knew of Sheppard's search for them followed by their rescue and making plans.
Caldwell looked at McKay. "So that explosion was my F-302?"
"Yes. I came up with a way to overload the engines while giving us time to escape. It was pretty impressive even if I do say so myself."
"You realize you wasted an expensive piece of equipment." Mr. Woolsey decided to chime in before the self-congratulations got too far.
"Maybe so, but by destroying the F-302, we took out one hive ship and covered the escape of three people. I would think even an accountant could see the value in that."
"Moving right along, people. Mitchell, can you give an overview of the battle?"
Colonel Cameron Mitchell described the fight from the F-302 view, with Caldwell contributing extra details. The battle had been going badly until the drones began to attack the other hive. Then the tide turned, and the -302s were able to concentrate on the darts while the Daedalus and the Odyssey pressed the hive.
"Speaking of the chair, Dr. Jackson and General O'Neill, could you tell us how it is that you could not operate the chair before Colonel Sheppard arrived?"
McKay had to break in. "They couldn't operate the chair because they were not aware the drones were stored in silos. The automatic switching between silos was not working, so the operator had to intervene. My interface was able to detect the problem, and I told the colonel."
Landry looked at McKay then back at Dr. Jackson.
Daniel Jackson pushed up his glasses as he glanced at McKay. "Essentially, he's correct, General. We knew there were more drones; we just couldn't figure out how to get to them."
O'Neill nodded his agreement.
"OK, so it looks like we owe both Colonel Sheppard and Dr. McKay our gratitude for getting the chair working. Now, how many darts got through?"
The debriefing continued for some time, with various people contributing information. By the final count, five darts had been able to collect people, but no one knew how many people were collected before the darts were destroyed.
As the talk turned to preventive measures, Ronon looked over at McKay. The scientist was once more staring at Sam Carter. When Ronon glanced at Carter, he could tell she was aware of his regard but tolerating it. Ronon caught Teal'c's eye and saw he was just as bored with the proceedings as he was. These humans sure liked to talk!
"Well, people, that's enough for now. Please get in your reports within the next two days. We'll add Colonel Sheppard's report once he is awake. Mr. Woolsey did you have anything you'd like to add?"
Woolsey turned to the General and shook his head. "I have a few observations I need to share with you, but I think this debriefing covered everything. I will, of course, report back to the IOC."
Landry nodded. "Of course. Everyone is dismissed."
Chairs scraped as the members of the military jumped to attention as the General stood. O'Neill didn't move from where he was leaning against the wall in a corner. General Landry left, followed by Mr. Woolsey, and everyone else relaxed.
Caldwell looked over at McKay and Ronon. "Gentlemen, the Daedalus will be leaving shortly. I think you'll want to be on board."
Rodney looked shocked, while Ronon looked dangerous. "What about Sheppard," said the Satedan.
Caldwell looked down a minute then looked Ronon straight in the eye. "He is currently healing and will have to wait for another trip. He also may have other orders come up. Either way, I've been ordered back to Atlantis to be sure things are secure. I know Dr. Weir will be anxious about her chief scientist and another member of her top team." With that, Caldwell nodded at the others in the room and left.
Ronon and McKay headed back to the infirmary. "We can't leave Sheppard," stated Ronon.
"The military, with its narrow mind, can do anything it wants to. And since the Stargate project is still a matter of secrecy, we can do little about it." Rodney was obviously working on the problem and not liking what he was finding. "This is one of those times when Elizabeth's abilities would be handy. She can tell people to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip."
Ronon didn't comment. As they passed people in the halls, they were given wide berth after one look at his face.
They made it back to the infirmary, donned gowns, and entered the quarantine room. The nurse was just finishing collecting a round of vital information. She nodded at the two men as she made notes on the chart. As she read off the digital thermometer, she shook her head.
Ronon looked at the pale form on the hospital bed. It was hard to believe that the man who was determined to get them off the hive ship was now shivering and twitching in a bed. His skin was dry, and his brow was furrowed as if he was still worrying about something. On the other side of the bed, Rodney pulled out his laptop and continued with whatever he was working on. Ronon was amazed at the man's ability to concentrate at such a time, but he realized it was McKay's way of dealing with the stress and uncertainty of Sheppard's condition.
Suddenly Sheppard's eyes opened and he began pulling at the restraints. Rodney stood up and leaned over the feverish man. "Colonel, can you hear me? How are you feeling?"
Ronon snorted. For a smart man, McKay could be an idiot in the infirmary. As he looked up, he noticed the nurse had left the room.
Just then, Sheppard's eyes rolled to the back of his head and he began to convulse. Ronon placed his hands on the man's legs. "Hold down his shoulders," he said to Rodney. McKay put his hands on Sheppard's shoulders and pushed down just as the doctor hurried into the room.
"Out of my way!"
She quickly approached the colonel, who was now thrashing against the restraints, and took his temperature. A nurse approached with a syringe she injected into the IV port. "We need to get this fever down. Let's sponge him off." The nurse left to get the required equipment while the doctor pulled down the sheet.
As the drug began to take effect, Sheppard's eyes slid closed and he lay shivering on the bed. The nurse came back and began using a cloth to apply lukewarm water to his chest and arms. The doctor took his temperature again.
"Julie, I'm going to check on how Dave is coming with the analysis of that bacteria. Let's switch to a cocktail until we have his results."
Dr. Lam turned to leave the room but was stopped by McKay.
"Can't you do something to keep him from convulsing?"
"Dr. McKay, we still don't know what bacteria are infecting the colonel. All we can do right now is treat the fever. The maggots are cleansing the wound and removing the bacteria around it. We have to deal with the bacteria that got into his system. Now, if you will let me go, I will see if we have an identification of the bacteria causing this."
With that, she left the room, stripping off the gown and mask. McKay opened his laptop again, but he couldn't take his eyes off the shivering colonel. Ronon leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. The waiting had begun again.
When Jack O'Neill left the debriefing after speaking with Carter, Jackson, and Teal'c, he wandered down to Landry's office. As he approached the door, he could tell Landry was not alone. The second voice belonged to Mr. Woolsey from the International Oversight Committee.
"General Landry, we are going to have to face facts in this matter. The committee is very concerned that Colonel Sheppard was the only one to successfully operate the chair, and they do not want him leaving Earth."
O'Neill made his presence known by knocking on the door jamb then leaning against it. "Sounds like a second debriefing in here. Mind if I join in?"
Woolsey looked irritated, or was that his permanent status? Anyway, he didn't object though he looked like he wanted to.
"Come in, General. Mr. Woolsey here was just explaining some of the concerns of the Oversight Committee."
"Thanks, General. Sounds like the committee is getting jumpy."
"Their position should be understandable, General O'Neill. The only person who was able to operate the chair would have been in another galaxy except for an accident of fate. We would have been almost defenseless against the wraith threat, and thousands of human lives could have been lost."
"All that is true, but remember that it was McKay who told Sheppard what he had to do to get the chair to work."
"Still, I think it is only wise to keep the person with the most powerful manifestation of the Ancient gene on Earth for its protection."
O'Neill stared at the man. He hated accountants. Woolsey had been a pain in his butt when he was in charge of the SGC, and he was still trying to cause trouble. He glanced up at Landry.
"Hank, what do you think?"
Landry sat back in his chair. "I understand the position of the committee, but I am worried about Sheppard's reaction to this request. From Dr. Weir's reports, he is critical to the success of the expedition. She argued vehemently for his promotion and position as chief military officer in Atlantis. His gene is the only thing that will activate certain equipment, and they are constantly finding new devices. I am hesitant to disrupt things."
Woolsey looked between the two generals. "Gentlemen, we are talking about the survival of this planet. I would think that would take precedence over any other concern."
"I agree that it is a major concern, but I think there are other factors that have to be considered. I'd like to consider this and get back to you tomorrow."
Woolsey stood up, taking Landry's words for the dismissal they were. "General, I assure you the committee is very firm in their request for Sheppard to remain on Earth."
O'Neill stepped forward. "Mr. Woolsey, let's take a walk." He held out his arm, ushering the man from Landry's office and down the hall to the window overlooking the infirmary.
Woolsey looked down into the quarantine room. Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard lay on a hospital bed, pale and unconscious. Various tubes went in and out of him, delivering and removing fluids. A heart monitor was beeping quietly. Next to him, Dr. Rodney McKay worked on his ubiquitous laptop. The tall Satedan leaned against the wall, his focus on Sheppard. "What exactly am I looking at, General?"
Jack O'Neill looked down at the trio. "Mr. Woolsey, you are observing a tightly knit team coming together around a fallen teammate. They will not willingly leave him behind, and he is critical to their success on Atlantis."
"I heard General Landry the first time. I think Earth should take precedence over Atlantis."
"Well, I think you should be prepared for Sheppard to refuse to stay."
Woolsey was obviously startled. "He's in the military, General. He will go where he is ordered to go."
O'Neill looked Woolsey in the eye. "That may be true. However, he also has the option of resigning. Be very sure that you are willing to risk that happening."
Woolsey looked taken aback. "He can't resign. He's the only one who can easily operate Earth's most powerful defenses."
"At present, the US does not have conscripted troops. Sheppard is an officer and can resign if he wishes." O'Neill began to lead Woolsey away from the infirmary window and back toward Landry's office. "People stay in the military for different reasons. When I met Sheppard in Antarctica, he was facing the end of his career, knowing he was going no where. By sending him to Atlantis, we gave him a reason to stay in. If you remove his reason for staying in, he could easily leave. I strongly suggest you consider some form of carrot rather than a stick if you want Sheppard's cooperation."
Woolsey continued on to his assigned quarters, lost in thought. The IOC was not going to like this state of affairs one bit.
In the meantime, O'Neill returned to Landry's office, finding the other man staring at the wall.
"You know, I never found any answers on that wall though I stared at it long and hard."
Landry started and turned to face Jack. "What did you say to Woolsey?"
"I just tried to demonstrate the loyalty of military teams to each other and to a cause. I pointed out that Sheppard could leave if he wanted to."
Landry nodded. "Yeah, that was my concern. Atlantis gave him a new start on his career. If we take that away, he could be out of here."
"I suggested Woolsey look for a carrot."
"I have an idea about that. I wanted to run it by you first, though. It may sound crazy, but there is more than one way to gain access to genes."
O'Neill leaned forward as Landry began describing his idea for assuring Earth the defenders it needed.
Atlantis
The mess hall was quiet at the tail end of the dinner hour. Most folks had eaten and moved on to other activities. In one corner, Dr. Carson Beckett sat with Kate Heightmeyer. Their dishes were empty, and they appeared to be having some after dinner conversation. However, the topic was the expedition leader.
Carson shook his head. "I don't know what to do. She doesn't appear to be eating. Instead, she seems to be existing on coffee and sheer stubbornness. With the lack of closure on John, Rodney, and Ronon, coupled with the uncertainty about Earth, I'm afraid the stress is making her ill."
Kate nodded. "All those things you mentioned can be signs of depression. I'm not sure I can talk to her without her realizing something is up."
"I don't think that matters. I'll pull medical rank if I have to. She is making herself ill, and her judgment could be questionable." He looked Kate in the eye. "That said, I don't want to add to her burden. Try to be gentle, lass."
Kate smiled. "Aye, sir. I'll go for indirect. Maybe if we begin discussing a memorial service it will give me an opening."
Carson nodded as he rose from the table, grabbing his tray. "Good idea. I wish you luck."
Kate nodded and followed him to the scullery with her tray. She was going to need some luck to get Elizabeth Weir to open up.
TBC
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