"Secrets and Challenges"
Ch. 20
(Stacey's Mind)
Stacey looked into Nemesia's eyes.
"The Viral Lab McKay found a few weeks ago; that was yours?" Stacey asked.
"Not quit," Nemesia said. "The Viral Lab was many of Atlantis' labs. I was put in charge of that particular one. But, I wanted to create my own virus's. The Council had specific Guidelines for scientific research. They didn't want us to be unethical. So I naturally built my secret lab right under the Council's noses."
"They eventually found it, though," Stacey had her eyes closed, trying to access Nemesia's memories. "So, they put you in the capsule."
"It was more like my conciseness and memories. But, yes, that was the general idea." she said. Nemesia explained as she circled the cage again. "Where I lay trapped I had a lot of time to think about all of the things I had done." she paused for a moment and then continued. "When they found out that it was me who created the Plague on Earth, that was the last straw for the Council . . . And my conscience." There was a sudden change in her voice. From the cold and icy voice to a more softer tone.
"And your second chance?" Stacey asked.
"I want a second chance at life, to start anew," Nemesia said. Her voice became busy like and cold again. "I need a mind that has not fully developed. One that I can take over easily."
The cage suddenly flickered. Nemesia was starting to loose control.
"Who do you have in mind?" Stacey asked.
"Your unborn baby will suffice," Nemesia said.
"Not a chance in hell!" Stacey said furiously.
"I would wait before you come so quick to your decision, Stacey," Nemesia said.
"Well, I'm not you,"
"Clearly," she said, coldly. "Just think about it for a while. But, bare in mind, if you do not let me have your child I will kill it."
(Atlantis, Holding Cell)
Although a only few minutes had pasted between Stacey and Nemesia's interaction, several hours went by in the real world. Nemesia opened her eyes slowly. There was no need for Ford to call John or Weir. The two leaders were already there. She stood up and faced the two.
"I have had a nice chat with your wife, Major," she said.
"Is she alright?" Weir and John asked in unison.
"Yes, her conscience is in tacked," Nemesia answered. "And she has made a deal with me."
"What might that be?" John asked.
"That I take the conscience of your unborn child," she said.
"She would never do that. Not unless what you offered her in return out ways it greatly," John said.
"When I leave her body, my memories and all of my knowledge will be passed on to her and the baby," Nemesia paused and then added, "I did some horrible things in my past, Major. I just want to make things right, some how."
(Stacey's Mind)
"John's right, you know," Stacey said. "I would never agree to those terms."
"When you think of any other alternatives, be my guest and feel free to share it with me," she said.
Nemesia turned from her, grinning in victory. The cage flickered again.
(Holding Cell)
"Why are you suddenly trusting us? You are showing some emotion I've observed." Weir asked.
"I have access to Stacey's memories and feelings. She sees the whole Atlantis Expedition as, not just colleges, but, family. She trusts you. Therefore, I trust you as well," Nemesia told them.
"Well, the feeling is mutual," Weir said.
Nemesia closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them again. She was looking a little fatigued.
"Are you alright?" Weir asked.
"I'm beginning loose control over Stacey's body," Nemesia said.
"Go, Stacey!" John cheered is wife on.
Elizabeth glanced over at him. John merely shrugged and gave her an innocent look.
(Stacey's Mind)
The cage suddenly disappeared completely. Stacey stepped foreword. A Zat Gun suddenly appeared in Stacey's hand. She pointed it at Nemesia.
"Now get out of my mind!" Stacey threatened.
"A Zat'nickatel will not work on me here," Nemesia said.
She was trying her best to hide the fear. It was very hard to do, given that Stacey and her mind are intertwined.
The Zat morphed into a sword.
"How about this?" Stacey asked.
Nemesia's eyes widened in fear.
"I've made my decision," Stacey breathed. "You can have the conscience of my baby. I want you to leave my body and go into the embryo."
"I want you to know, that the child you are caring will be the first Ancient to be born in Atlantis in ten thousand years," Nemesia said. "It will retain my knowledge of our technology, but, not my memories. The baby will be it's own person. It will be up to you and Major Sheppard to create a good person, or not," she bowed gratefully. "Good bye, Dr. Grayson. And thank you."
Nemesia turned into one big ball of lightning.
(Holding Cell)
Stacey collapsed to the ground. The ball of lightning exited out of her body and then entered back in into her stomach region. Sheppard motioned to Ford.
"Open the gate!" he ordered.
"Get Dr. Beckett down here now!" Weir ordered Bates.
Bates and Ford obeyed.
To be continued . . .