A/N: As always, many thanks go out to ladygris for all her kind words and assistance with all aspects of this story. IMs, emails, laughter, yadda, yadda.
Namaste,
~Sandy
Not a Hero
Chapter 8
The Smallest Decisions
Area 52
Infirmary
Derek left his office and walked to the nurse's station where Ana was deep in updating medical files, probably Sheppard's to go by the look on her face. They had other patients but he was the most…disruptive. She noticed him before he could speak and smiled. Not much had made him happy in the past year or so, except when he was here with her. She always had a smile for him, no matter what was happening, and it made him feel better just to be in her presence. That's why he was here now.
"Hey. How's the research going?"
He waggled his left hand. "We still haven't figured out why Carter's gestation is accelerated. If it keeps going like it has, she'll have those babies in the next couple of weeks." They absorbed the reality of that for a moment, Derek's hand flexing on the object in his hand. "Um, do you have a minute?"
"Sure. What's up?"
"I, uh, need to show you something. Well, not need, wantto show you something." He took the papers from the envelope and handed them to her.
"What…Derek! This is you divorce decree." Holding the documents in her hand, she couldn't help the disbelief in her voice. "I didn't know you'd filed."
"Yeah, well, I didn't exactly post it on my Facebook page. We'd been living apart for over a year. Wynell just decided she didn't want to be married any longer."
"I'm still sorry." She shrugged. "So, why are you showing it to me?"
"I haven't done this in a few years, so I'd appreciate it if you would please not laugh at my clumsy attempt at asking a woman on a date." She waited patiently, her hands still holding the papers. "Ana, would you like to have dinner with me?"
She pursed her lips in thought for a moment. "I would. When?"
"Tomorrow night? We can celebrate…" he nodded to indicate the finalizing of his divorce. She nodded and watched as he shoved the documents back into the envelope. "We're moving Detective Sheppard to a regular room today. Would you mind giving him a hand?"
"As long as he doesn't throw anything at me, yeah." They had a chuckle over that. "Um, I've been thinking about it myself, Carter, I mean." She stopped to go over the last couple of weeks again in her mind. "Sheppard's recovery is happening much faster than it should be, even with the use of the healing device. Sounds like a there's a connection to me."
He thought it over, his face showing intense concentration. "Now that you mention it…" Turning to go, he took a few steps, tossed a distracted "Thanks," over his shoulder and was gone. As he made his way down the hall, Derek took out his cell and speed dialed Jennifer. "Jen, get the gang together. Carter and McKay, too. I've got an idea. Actually, it was Ana's idea." He ended the call and broke into a jog. In his office, he quickly booted up his computer and got to work.
San Francisco
Peace Conference
The Civic Center
Evan was getting a little antsy about this whole situation. The post he'd been given was far from everything. In the hours he'd been here he'd only seen three people. One had gotten lost looking for the restroom. Another had gone out the exit he was guarding after showing her ID. He recognized her but didn't say anything, just held the door for her with a nod and a softly muttered, "Ma'am." The third had stood in the hall, her expression by turns confused, determined and pleased, all within the space of less than a minute. He'd recognized her as well-she was some sort of doctor, but he didn't remember her name.
Crackling in his headset preceded the routine check-in. He gave them the all clear and went back to watching. A few minutes later, one of the Secret Service agents came and told him he was being moved to a new post. Another sentry took his place in front of the exit and he was shown to an area of more activity.
"Sir?" His inquiry didn't slow the fast moving feet of the other man.
"Don't ask questions, Lorne. Just do as you're told." They stopped at the opening of a long corridor that went back to the kitchen area. Lowering his voice, the man told him, "There's been an incident. We're keeping it under wraps for now. Just stay frosty."
Area 52
Employee Overnight Area
Room 2B
John shoved his clothes in the dresser and tossed the magazines he'd taken from the break room on the bedside table. Fashion and Style, Las Vegas Life, Cooking for Health, Weekly Digest, and Celebrity Gossip. John snorted. There hadn't been a sports or car magazine in the bunch and these were boring. Still, he needed something to read when he was done with the DVDs. Won't need the sleeping pills anymore.
He examined the visitor's badge Ana had given him so he wouldn't need an escort. It would only let him into the Infirmary, the overnight sleeping quarters, the Commissary, the main entrance, the workout room and Slater's and Adams' offices.
Sitting at the small desk, he booted up the laptop he'd been given and connected to the Internet. After thirty minutes of unproductive searching, he slammed the top with a sound of frustration. He had no idea what sites this strange agency used but he didn't have access to any of them. He'd also tried accessing some of the sites he'd used as a cop, but all of his passwords had been removed. Not that he hadn't expected it to happen, but at the rate the LVPD moved, he'd hoped IT hadn't gotten around to taking care of it yet.
He glanced at the clock seeing that it was still relatively early, at least for a secret agency that did business 24/7 in two different galaxies. Getting stiffly to his feet, he snagged his cane and left the room he'd be staying in until… Well, that's what he was about to find out, how long he'd be here. Now that his injuries were almost healed, he didn't quite know what he was going to do though he had a vague idea, sort of.
Though tired, he made his way to the secured door between where he was and where he wanted to be. A boop followed when he swiped his card. The light stayed red and the door didn't open. Through the glass he could see someone coming toward him. It was the young woman who smiled and waved whenever she saw him.
"Can I help you, Detective?"
"Don't call me…never mind. Uh…" he gave her a smile he hoped was sociable and inquiring.
She returned the smile and supplied her name. "Melissa."
"Well, Melissa, I need to see Mr. Woolsey. If you could see your way to letting me in, I'd really appreciate it." He nodded down the hall and watched her think it over before finding in his favor.
"Sure." She stood back so he could enter and pulled the door closed behind him. "I'm sure Mr. Woolsey will be happy to see you, Detective Sheppard." She said his name a little too loud as he followed her to Woolsey's office. At the door, he looked her up and down, not bothering to be subtle about it, before thanking her with a smile then watched her walk away.
Not pretty in the traditional sense, he thought she could be if she changed the way she dressed and her hair style. Brighter colors, hair loose instead of being held off her face, heels instead of flats. You've been reading those fashion magazines too much, Sheppard. She did, however, have the most enticing walk he'd seen on a woman in a long time. Well, aside from Angel. Her backside was just the right size for the rest of her, not too big, not too small, the firm round cheeks chasing each other in a lazy figure eight over and over. I hate to see her go, but oh how I love to watch her leave.
He shook his head to clear it and tried to ignore the effect her walk was having on his no longer slumbering libido. It jumped up waving its arms to remind him that it had been two full months plus a few days since he'd last had sex. He kicked it in the knee sending it whimpering under the sofa. You aren't here to get your jollies, he reminded himself. You're here to…
Why was he here? Not here as in meaning of life crap, but here in Area 52. The papers Magee had given him hadn't made it clear. Lifting the hand not holding the cane, he knocked.
"Come in." John entered, closed the door behind him and stood in front of Woolsey without saying anything. "Have a seat, Detective."
Ignoring the moniker, he sat down and watched Woolsey watch him impassively in return for all of forty-five seconds. "So, Woolsey, about that contract…"
~~O~~
When someone who wasn't authorized to be in a certain area tried to gain access, an alert appeared on Melissa's computer screen. And she was glad it did. I can't believe my luck! There in front of her was the one man she could use to get back at David and she didn't even have to go looking for him.
As she reached David's office door, she raised her voice so he would know his most recent nemesis was near. "I'm sure Mr. Woolsey will be happy to see you, Detective Sheppard."
She left him the door and went back to work. As she entered the office she shared with four others, she heard David's door open. Peeking out, she saw him stop in front of their boss' door and listen to the voices inside.
He always stayed late so it would look like he was working harder than everyone else, but she had computer skills. With a few taps of her PC keyboard she hacked into his computer and read the file he was keeping on everyone and everything. Not only that, she found his plan for taking over Area 52 and the sweeping changes he would make.
Not gonna happen!
She would see to it that he got what was coming to him on two fronts, personally and professionally. When she was through, his next assignment would be in Alaska far from everything that meant anything to him.
San Francisco
Peace Conference
The Civic Center
Bentareshchecked Anthony's pockets once more, just to assure himself that the items he'd placed there hadn't been lost. His fingers wrapped around the shapes that seemed to conform to the operator's hands, as if they were living and pliable. He caressed the metal finding comfort in the familiar contours, his finger tracing the writings on the surface.
With his host's father's connections, he'd been able to arrange to be close to the action in order to be in the right place at the right time. From his position on the upper mezzanine, he had a perfect view of the banquet hall below. Foreign dignitaries from all over the world were in attendance, but he was looking for one specific person. One who was not what she seemed. The six months he'd spent cultivating her trust were about to pay off. She was the leader of a Goa'uld nest that had been biding their time looking for just the right circumstances to begin their takeover of Earth. With the Wraith no longer a threat in this galaxy, hopefully, he and the other Tok'ra operatives would see to it that Jendayiand her people never got the chance.
Sensing someone behind him, he returned control back to Anthony. They both recognized Elizabeth Weir and waited for her to speak.
"It's been a while, James. You're looking well."
"And you, Elizabeth."
She glanced around and lowered her voice. "A friend would like to speak to you." At his hesitation, she continued. "Her name is Anouke." Without changing his expression, he watched as Elizabeth's eyes flashed, her voice deepening. "I would speak to Bentaresh, please."
~~O~~
"Anouke, it is good to see you are well. When I heard about the death of your host I feared the worst." Bentaresh grasped Anouke's hand and held tight. She gripped his in return.
"I was fortunate enough to find a new host before I died as well." She gestured at her body. "Elizabeth Weir is an integral part of this conference. Now I will be able to move even more freely among the delegates. I know that our plans had to be fluid. How shall we proceed?"
Before Bentaresh could answer, one of the senior Secret Service agents chose that moment to pass by. His head bowed as Anthony took over. When Anouke saw, she too traded places with her host.
Elizabeth gave Anthony a bright smile. "It's been great seeing you again, James. Your father is quite proud of you." She dropped his hand, clasping both of hers together in front of her.
Anthony rolled his eyes and smirked. "Yeah, well, it'd be nice if he told me."
Taking a step forward, she returned the smirk. "Oh, you know how he is."
"Yes, I do. That's the problem." She nodded and turned when the other man spoke.
"Something I can do for you, Dr. Weir?"
"Sergeant Anthony is the son of a dear friend. We were just catching up." To Anthony she said. "I'll let you get back to work. Let's have dinner while I'm in town."
"Of course."
With a last smile, Elizabeth lifted the hem of her gown and walked away. Anthony's eyes met those of the other man who was scowling. "Don't think you can break the rules just because your father's such a mover and shaker in Washington. You're on duty. Now act like it or I'll have you replaced."
Anthony watched the self-important jerk walk away, careful to keep his features blank while an internal conversation took place.
**Would he really do as he threatened?**
*No. If he did, he'd have to explain to the man in charge why he had the son of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court kicked out of such an important event. It would not go over well with Dad or his best friend, the Vice President. Dad, he and Elizabeth have known each other since they were kids.*
**Is having a parent so high up in your government not an asset to your career?**
(Internal snort) *More of a hindrance. I've had to work harder than everyone else just to show that I'm serious about making it on my own merits instead of riding my father's coattails.*
**That is unfortunate.**
*Yeah.* Anthony touched his radio. "Upper Mezzanine, south side, clear."
Area 52
Woolsey's Office
"…and I'll tell you what I told Magee…"
"Detective Sheppard, I'm sorry, but the terms on this page are non-negotiable. You must comply with these conditions or the offer will be withdrawn." Woolsey's voice was firm yet understated. Just the right amount of give. The times he let his anger or displeasure show were to provoke a desired response. It was the same with John Sheppard or anyone really. Getting emotional would only create more problems. When pushed, he would push back. It was just his nature. This time when he did the pushing, he found a cushion instead of a brick wall though the cushion bounced back to its original shape.
"Yeah, yeah." Richard could see the wheels spinning in Sheppard's head. "How soon does it have to start?"
"End of the week at the latest."
"If I sign this, you realize that I'm still not a hero. I'll just do the job, get my paycheck and that's it."
"Understood, Detective." It had taken some fast talking on McKay's part but he'd finally made Richard see the potential in Sheppard. He really was capable of being the man McKay had told him he could be. Eventually, he'd see it too.
~~O~~
John rubbed a hand over his face and through his hair. From the description laid out in the contract/non-disclosure agreement, it looked like he would be a combination investigator and fixer, someone to check out unusual sightings or events that could be related to aliens hiding on Earth and keep them from becoming public knowledge, leaving the SGC to defend Earth from threats from without. Signing seemed like such a small decision, but it wasn't. In his life, there'd been no small decisions and this was one more not-small decision. With a deep sigh, he reached for a pen. "All three copies?"
"I'm afraid so. The government wants everything original and in triplicate."
John initialed and signed in all the indicated places until he got to the last page. After a moment's hesitation, he signed his name and added the date. Then he did the same for the other two copies. When done, he pushed them across the desk and threw the pen down.
Woolsey quickly scanned the pages, his lips turning up in a slight smile. He stood and pulled a painting of a sleeping woman in a gown away from the wall revealing a hidden safe.
John had learned quite a bit about art at his mother's knee. The painting was called Flaming June by Frederick Lord Leighton. For some reason, the woman reminded him of Angel, her face relaxed in sleep, child-like and sweet. Not something he'd have expected Woolsey to have in his office.
From the safe he took several items that John couldn't see then moved to his side. He handed him a key card, a brand new silver plated Glock, a shoulder holster and a badge and ID in a leather case.
When John laid the items on the edge of the desk and stood, Woolsey extended his right hand. "Welcome to the SGC…Special Agent Sheppard."
"Thank you." John shoved the ID in his back pocket and clipped the access card to the front of his shirt leaving the weapon and holster on the desk. "Now, let's talk computer access?"
San Francisco
Peace Conference
The Civic Center
Once again Evan was moved to a different post. The sympathetic glance he got from the woman he replaced told him it was another unexciting and lonely place to spend his time at such a momentous event. With a sigh, he resigned himself to his time alone. Fifteen minutes later, he gave the all clear report. And again fifteen minutes after that.
He'd been there about an hour when he heard voices raised in anger and what might have been whimpering. He might have just told them to move on except both had that deep, echoing quality. One sounded female and the other he recognized as Anthony's. At the same time static exploded from his earpiece nearly deafening him in the left ear. He yanked it out and tucked it inside the collar of his blazer. Forget calling for assistance!
His service weapon was in a shoulder holster instead of on his right hip as it was when he was on patrol. He reached inside to slide it out and thumb off the safety. Gripping it in his right hand, he cupped the fingers of his left hand around the right, the outer edges of both thumbs touching. Moving silently in the direction of the voices, he praised himself for wearing the rubber soled shoes that didn't creak.
Sidling up to the corner, he snuck a peek and almost gasped out loud. There stood his partner holding one of the devices Evan had seen in the hidden compartment out in front of him as if it were a weapon. That wasn't the greatest shock of the night though. Not by a long shot. An even bigger surprise was that he was using the weapon to threaten a Senator.
~~O~~
Anthony finally located his team's target. She was wearing a long black gown that had a trailing hem in back. A train? Didn't matter what it was called. When he saw her, she was speaking earnestly with the Prime Minister of a small European country and leading him out a side exit that Anthony knew would take them to a secluded storage area similar to the one where Anouke's previous host had perished.
Without bothering to get permission to leave his post, Anthony went to the nearest stairwell and took it to the first floor. Cracking the door at the bottom enough to see that the coast was clear, he stepped out, turning immediately in the direction he'd seen the Goa'uld leader headed.
There they are! He could hear them up ahead and crept as close as he dared before pulling the Zat from inside his jacket. Unlike the older models that were too cumbersome to conceal, this one fit neatly in the palm of his hand.
Bentaresh took over as he leapt from cover, activating the Zat at the same time. "Stop!"
Jendayi's head whipped around in surprise at the sound of his voice though she kept one hand on the back of the Prime Minister's neck, the side of his face pushed against the wall.
The man's eyes darted back and forth in terror looking for escape. The wriggling symbiote in Jendayi's other hand screeched and snapped struggling to get close enough to join with its new host.
"Let him go! Now!"
The Goa'uld leader released the man and as soon as her grip loosened, he ran like hell. She turned.
"You will drop the symbiote now or you will both die."
Suddenly she grinned at him in triumph. "Not today, I think."
It puzzled him until he heard a ratcheting sound followed by a click and a familiar voice. The part of him that was Anthony shared that information with Bentaresh. The first sound was a nine millimeter round being chambered. The second was Evan Lorne's voice,.
"Don't move!" Anthony raised his hands out to the side away from his body. "Now drop the weapon and face me."
TBC