Blood Rituals – I'll Trade Ya
by Angel Ruse

Sheppard, Beckett, McKay and Teyla gate to a world with a deadly secret—will Sheppard and Beckett become the victims of genetic exploitation? Sheppard and Carson whump. No Slash.

The sun was slowly rising as the group from Atlantis walked with several of the Khon'Suans towards their destination. Indaali led the way, a fact that Sheppard found strange given his position, but he said nothing of it. Minal Iilara was there as well, along with several security officers and a Khon'Suan scientist called Atius, who was talking animatedly with Beckett. They genuinely seemed to get along, and if the exchange going on was any indication, it would seem they had lots of information to share with one another.

John took in his surroundings with mild interest. They were again moving through forested territory, a landscape, which Indaali informed him, was dominant over the entire planet. The sunlight was pale and sickly, and shadows ran rampant everywhere. "The day does not get much lighter than this," said a voice at his side. Sheppard turned his head towards Minal.

"No?" he replied, glancing around. "Shame. Nothing like a nice tan on a sunny day." He gave her a lopsided smile.

She returned the expression. "I have only been to another world once. The light there was blinding."

Sheppard nodded. "Yeah, I guess it would be. There's no place like home, huh?" He bent down and scooped up a thin twig, twisting it in his fingers absently.

Minal bit her bottom lip, looking around her at the ancient trees and earthen floor beneath their feet. "Indeed. Tell me of your home, John Sheppard."

He cocked his head. "Well, for starters friends are usually on a first name basis. You can call me 'John' and maybe someday you'll let me call you 'Minal'?" Her blush made him grin. "Second, I think you'd like it there. It isn't too bright if you avoid the windows, and there's always an adventure around every corner."

"Adventure?" McKay butted into the conversation with a grunt. "More like there's a disaster around every corner."

"Aw, come on, McKay. It isn't that bad." Sheppard ripped a piece of his twig off and tossed it at the other man's head, causing him to turn and glare. "Carson, you like it don't you?"

The doctor let out a breath. "Bloody love it. Explorin' new technologies that could kill us, gettin' sick from new illnesses brought back from other worlds, the threat o'the Wraith. Couldn't be better."

Sheppard tossed a twig at his head too.

They broke out from the trees and at that point they beheld the ocean whose whisper they had been hearing ever since they had entered into nature. And near that was a settlement, smaller than Khon'Sora and not as flashy. There were a few people out and about, working the fields of their farms. They looked upon the delegation with unsmiling eyes.

"Gloomy looking bunch," Rodney murmured, then glanced at Indaali. "No offense."

The Minister shook his head. "Our world is not without its toils. Life is not easy, no matter what advances a civilization makes."

"What's the matter with them?" Carson asked, not taking his eyes away as the townsfolk went about their business again.

"We are seeing difficult times," Indaali replied, and that was all that he would say. Beckett did not pursue it, but Sheppard knew that the healer was naturally concerned with anyone that looked that unhappy.

The chit-chat in the little group did not continue with the same vigor as it had before they passed the village. The mood of the Khon'Suans had definitely changed, but they did not offer any explanations and under the circumstances Sheppard wasn't prepared to ask.

Mercifully, the ruins were not far. It offered a distraction from the awkward moment when they finally entered and could speak of something else. "The power source is definitely coming from here," McKay reported, fiddling with his scanner. He searched the vicinity and pointed ahead. "Somewhere over in that direction, Minister?"

Indaali nodded, impressed. "Yes, the entrance we seek is there. Very useful piece of technology you possess."

They came to a building made of stone which was covered in cobwebs, dirt and looked very weathered. Fallen pillars littered the dirt all around them. There was an archway entrance to the building and it was there Indaali stopped. "This temple is very old. It is believed that long ago our people honored the Ancestors here. Of course, they had no idea what technological wonders sat within their grasp. Obviously, neither do we, else we would be utilizing it. The stonework within is in a somewhat fragile state, so I caution you to be careful."

And with that, he entered. Minal and her guardians motioned the crew of Atlantis to follow first, then brought up the rear. Inside it was very dark and bore the evidence of the fragile state Indaali had mentioned. Dust was everywhere and the walls had crumbled, worn places all over. Carson sneezed loudly.

Minal lit up one of those glow lamps Sheppard had seen earlier, and carried to a great steel door at the end of the room. John moved closer, watching as Indaali placed his hand within a recess on the door. He turned the ancient locking mechanism and the doorway opened.

Inside was quite a bit different than the outside. It seemed much better preserved, from what Sheppard could see in the dim. They entered another room and it was there he could see the evidence of technology. Minal hung her glow lamp on a stand and began lighting other ones that had probably been left by Indaali's own scientists.

In the center of the room was a pedestal with a flat top about waist high. It was dark and dingy from disuse, but Sheppard could tell it was some sort of interface. Indaali moved to stand beside it and watched the Lanteans examine the strange room.

"There is definitely something on in here," McKay said, scratching at his cheek as he gazed down at his scanner. "Lots of somethings. I think our Zed-PM might be…ah, yes." He walked away, voice trailing off as if he were lost in his own world.

Sheppard left him to it and approached the panel near Indaali. "You've had people studying this room?" he asked.

The Minister nodded. "With little success." He ran his fingers along the smooth interface as if the tactile interaction would yield any information.

Leaning in, Sheppard looked over the panel, seeking any sort of markings that might identify its purpose or anything that might look familiar. Absently, he brushed his hand across the face of the device to wipe the dust off and it suddenly sprang to life. A holographic map appeared in the air above the panel and suddenly the room brightened.

"How did you do that?" Indaali exclaimed, clearly startled. He shielded his eyes from the uncommonly bright lights. "It has never worked for any of my people, yet by the mere touch of your hand…"

Sheppard pulled his hand off of the panel, but everything remained on. "Definitely Ancient technology," he murmured, knowing the only possible explanation was the Ancient gene.

"Clearly the Ancient gene activated the dormant systems," McKay agreed, peering around a large pillar. He abandoned his study of the ZPM. "It looks like a map of the solar system. Here's your planet, Minster," he said, pointing to a dim ball of light with a crimson satellite orbiting, "and…interesting, interesting." McKay stood back, hand on chin, thoughtfully contemplating their findings.

Indaali was not focused on that, however. "Ancient gene?" he asked, puzzled.

"Yeah," Sheppard said a little hesitantly. "Some of our people possess a gene that allows us to interact with Ancient—Ancestor—technology."

"And you happen to be one of these people?" Indaali pressed. Sheppard shrugged in reply.

The Khon'Suan scientist Atius was fascinated and very verbal about it in contrast to his silently pondering leader. "A gene that allows one to interact with technology. Absolutely brilliant," he was saying to Beckett. "You can imagine my interest. We are just understanding genetics ourselves. Do you possess this gene, Dr. Beckett?"

"Aye," the physician answered, sharing in the Khon'Suan's enthusiasm. "It's an interesting concept, isn't it? When I first learned about it I was just as interested as you are. 'Course, when I learned I had the gene I was terrified at first, y'know. And then when I started givin' those that didn't have the gene the ability, don't even ask. We still don't really have any long-term data on the effects of that treatment."

McKay's eyes bugged. "Excuse me? What did you just say?"

"Don't worry about it, son." Carson said, waving a dismissive hand.

Indaali was ignoring their banter, studying the map from an out of the way spot. He glanced up as if sensing Sheppard's eyes on him, and said, "So we have a map." There was something sharp in that gaze, but for the life of him John couldn't figure out why.

McKay shook his head before Sheppard could reply. "Not just a map, Minister. I'm picking up some sort of extended database inside this panel. I should able to download the information onto my computer and take it back to Atlantis for analysis."

"With your permission, of course," Sheppard supplied quickly. He had a feeling Indaali knew how to keep the scores even and wouldn't want to simply give the data away.

Which was why he was surprised when Indaali nodded. "By all means, Dr. McKay. Be my guest."

"Excellent. I have to check on my project anyway, but that shouldn't take me too long. And I'll need a few hours to analyze the data from here. I should be back by midday."

The Minister directed his gaze at Sheppard. "Won't you three be my guests then, while we await your companion's findings? It would please me to extend my hospitality. Perhaps a meal would allow us the chance to further get to know one another?"

Sheppard was tempted to decline, but Atius was already describing to Beckett what sort of meal he might expect and the doctor seemed very receptive to the idea, so he decided to take the Minister up on it. But something about Indaali's expression warned him to keep his eyes and ears peeled.

"Why not?" he said with a grin and all was settled.

McKay had gone, leaving Sheppard, Beckett and Teyla sitting at a beautifully decorated table near a large window that let the pale sunlight in. Though it was midmorning the glow lamps were still used. There was no talk of trade or business during the meal. The Minister was particular that they enjoy their food without worry or thought.

Before them were plates and bowls and saucers full of different types of food, most of which John could say he genuinely enjoyed. He wouldn't necessarily refer to them as breakfast foods, however. Lounging in his chair, he took a bite of the warm, soft biscuit before him, and reflected on it. Breakfast was a time for sweets, he figured. Fruit, syrup and cinnamon rolls. Maybe something with a sausage gravy type of flavor when he really needed something homey. This meal had a 'dinnerish' feel to it, he felt, though he couldn't for the life of him really categorize any of it into a particular food group. Not that it wasn't good. He noticed Beckett certainly ate enough to prove the wonderful taste.

"Are you enjoying your meal?" Indaali asked him from across the table, leaning back comfortably.

Sheppard set his fork down and nodded honestly. "You read my mind. It's all very good, actually. I might have to find something to trade for some of the recipes for this stuff."

Indaali leaned back and smiled indulgently. "You honor my house with your praise. I am pleased. It's a shame Dr. McKay had to miss it."

"Yeah," the Colonel agreed mildly. "We could always take him a doggie bag, I suppose."

The Minister blinked. "Doggie bag?"

Sheppard grinned. "Sorry. A custom of my people to take food home to our pets if we eat out. We tend to think of McKay as some sort of big, brainless…well, something furry anyway. Have to think about that one."

There was a round of soft chuckling around the table. "Ah, Colonel Sheppard, you are certainly quite the character. I find I quite like you."

"Enough to give us a discount on our little trade?" he asked with a smirk.

Indaali laughed. "I will 'have to think about that one'. And Dr. Beckett," he turned towards the physician, "are you quite enjoying yourself as well?"

"Oh," Carson said through a bite of biscuit laden with sweet sauce. He blinked softly and looked at their host. "Quite good, quite good."

The Minister smiled and looked to Teyla. "And you, my dear?"

She nodded and stifled a yawn. "Apparently, I enjoyed it a lot, if that is any indicator. I thank you for your hospitality."

"Good," Indaali murmured, filling his glass from a carafe near him. He took a long sip, then set the cup down. "Now that we're all content, perhaps we could discuss our trade. Dr. Beckett, after speaking with Atius, what are your thoughts?"

"Mm," the doctor said, setting his food down. "Yes, actually. There are some interesting medications we were discussing, as well as information on illnesses recorded on several worlds in this general vicinity. And your people's knowledge of genetics is quite impressive to say the least." He yawned into his hand, then murmured, "Excuse me. But yes, I think there is plenty we could learn from one another."

"Yes," Atius concurred, looking directly at his leader. "I believe so as well."

Indaali took another drink and turned his attention onto Sheppard. "I, too, have thoughts on what I would like to trade."

Sheppard inhaled deeply. He had a strange feeling that what Indaali would propose wouldn't be what any of them expected. "And what are those thoughts?" he asked carefully.

The Minister answered the question point-blank, and the table was immediately silent afterwards. "I would like to invite someone with your Ancient gene to remain here for study." He shared a look with Atius.

It took a moment for everyone to recover from that statement. Finally, Sheppard found his voice. "Well, I might be able to convince Dr. Weir, the head of our project, to give you some data on the gene, but to actually leave someone here…out of the question."

Indaali nodded slowly. "I had hoped you would feel differently, Colonel."

"Well, I'm sorry."

Waving a hand and then tapping his fingers on the table, Indaali shook his head as if it were of no consequence. Sheppard wasn't sure exactly what he was playing at, saying nothing and not meeting any of their gazes. Not until Teyla stood suddenly. "John?" she breathed, looking pale.

He stood up as an attendant rushed her, but instead of attacking the Khon'Suan merely caught her as she fell back into his arms. The attendant eased her back into her chair. "What the hell is going on here?" Sheppard demanded, going for his weapon.

Carson, who had watched Teyla fall, was now looking a bit pale and panicked himself. "Colonel," he said, holding his hands out as if to catch himself. He glanced at Sheppard and managed to say, "Oh crap," before falling sideways in his own chair.

"Indaali!" Sheppard barked, pointing the P-90 at the unconcerned Minister.

Indaali let out an expansive breath. "You didn't eat much of your Roslaban, did you, Colonel?" he asked.

"Which one's that?" Sheppard returned, feeling a little dizzy. Atius pointed at a dish with a white soupy substance, then eyed John thoughtfully. Sheppard cursed. His hands were already shaking and he could not react fast enough as Minal disarmed him at a motion from Indaali. She pushed him back down into his chair and though he tried to shove her away, his limbs were just too heavy to do much good.

"I had a feeling you wouldn't be very interested in what I wanted," Indaali explained. He watched Sheppard fight with the weariness that was washing over him. "Don't worry. The girl will not be harmed in any way."

Sheppard pushed his head up to glare at the Minister. "Don't do this," he growled, more as a warning than a plea.

Indaali lifted one hand. "Atius, give him more of the sleeping agent. I am sorry, Sheppard. We could have been friends."

"Like hell," the Colonel replied with a hiss. He shoved at Atius and was restrained by Minal and another guard for his refusal to cooperate. His arm was forced to the table and his sleeve jerked up. Atius wasted no time in being gentle, jabbing Sheppard and injecting a clear fluid. Within seconds John could feel his consciousness slipping away, no matter how he tried to hold on. It dragged him beneath a heavy repose and he knew nothing of what happened next.

A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed the previous chapter. :-D

Email: angelruseATgmailDOTcom
Archive: Go for it.
Disclaimer: Don't own the fine hineys of Shep or Beckett. Don't mean I can't imagine I do.