"Secrets and Challenges"

Ch. 18

(Secret Lab)

After a day and a half of vigorous translating, McKay had finally finished with the journal. As soon as Dr. McKay finished Weir had him start going through the different types of inventions, including the capsule. Dr. Weir, John, Stacey and McKay surrounded the capsule.

"What have you learned about this machine?" Weir asked McKay.

"Well, for one thing, whatever was powering it has depleted right after Dr. Grayson got zapped by it," he explained. "There aren't any form of life signs as for as I can tell."

"Okay, keep working on it. I want you to make this your fist priority," Weir told um.

Rodney nodded and got back to work. Dr. Weir then turned to Stacey.

"Dr. Grayson, I bet Dr. Beckett could use your help with his latest experiment," Weir said.

"Probably," Stacey shrugged.

She kissed John before she left. Once Stacey was out of ear-shot, Elizabeth turned to Major Sheppard.

"Is it me or is Stacey not acting like herself?" se asked.

"Stacey hasn't been acting like her self," John said. "Not since she got zapped by that thing," He pointed at the capsule.

"I agree," she nodded. "At least she hasn't gotten crazy on us since the last time."

"Well, give it time," John said. "If she wasn't pregnant, Stacey probably would have gone crazy."

"Speaking of which: are you two going to try again?" Weir asked.

"Why do you ask?" John asked.

"Well, as commander of this operation, I need to know. So that we can make room for another person, be sure we'll have plenty of food for it, and clothes," Weir said.

"Okay," Sheppard took a deep breathe. "Yes, we're trying for another one. But, we haven't had any signs yet."

"When you finally find out, you'll let me know, right?" she asked.

"Of course," he said.

"Good," she paused before continuing on casually. "We should get up to the Briefing Room. Your team has a mission in a few hours."

(Briefing Room)

The briefing was cut short, however. There was Peter's voice ringing through out the Atlantis base.

"Security to the Infirmary. Dr. Weir and Major Sheppard to the Infirmary,"

(Infirmary)

Weir and John ran to the Infirmary, along with a security team. When they arrived they found Dr. Beckett being crushed against the wall by Stacey. Except it wasn't Stacey. Her lush green eyes were white and foggy. The security members aimed their weapons at her.

"Stace, let him go," John said.

She quickly released him. Carson dropped to the ground. Weir helped him to his feet. Stacey turned and faced them swiftly.

"Who are you?" Dr. Weir asked.

"My name is Nemesia. You're Dr. Weir?" she said.

When she spoke, her voice was cold and her movements agile.

"Yes," she said. "How do . . ."

"I can access her memories. Although it took me some time to gain some control of this body," Nemesia turned to Major Sheppard. "Your wife has a strong mind, John."

"What do you want?" John asked.

"I'm here to strike a deal," she said.

To be continued . . .