The Man of A Different Galaxy

by The Lady More

Sir Thomas More travels to the future on Atlantis, and goes a journey that transforms him from a pacifist to a man willing to do anything to save the one's he loves.

5. Snakes In The Grass

Don't kill me but the Playby of Sora here will be of the lovely Megan Fox...I used her as a PB as Sora on a board so I am going on that.

Chapter based on the Episode "Underground" (Episode timeline AU)

Thomas stood in front of the large metal ring in the room. His hands gripped tightly on the large gun he had to carry with him. He really hoped he didn't have to use it. He did know how to shoot it; he practiced over and over again. What he did fear was actually using it to kill a man. It was one thing to sentence a man to death and watch him burn before his eyes. But to know he fired a weapon directly to end someone's life was something a gentle man like Thomas could not exactly stomach.

He did one last check of the uniform. It was gray with black panels as he requested since he was used to wearing it. On one arm there was a patch with the Atlantis insignia and on the other was a flag with Saint George's cross on it. He could have went with the old traditional flag but he much rather wear that then the complicated one that represented the United Kingdom.

He wore something called a tact vest. It was a bit heavy...but according to John for the most part it protected his chest from flying bullets. It wasn't so bad. He was able to hold things like his prayer book and his rosary in the pockets and not have to worry about them falling out. He didn't have that luxury wearing a simple doublet.

He was shaking out of nerves but excitement.

I was so excited to see the world at that very moment. As much as I loved Atlantis and spending my days there, after being in the tower for 10 months seeing the same god forsaken stone walls and the sight out the window which ever changed I would have much rather preferred seeing the world rather than staying in one place. Oh if only I knew it was the beginning of the end...the beginning of my walk to the Scaffold to end the life of the man that I used to be. But I was naive...believing the people we were going to meet, these Genii...were harmless...guess again.

"Don't worry Gramps," John said as he walked by the side of him giving him a reassuring grin, "I was rather nervous to walk through it myself the first time...well it was that and I was about to travel to another Galaxy. But it's not so bad...considering I am a man who likes things who go over 200 miles per hour I found it fun."

Thomas looked down and chuckled. Of course John would like things like that. He like planes and flying them, just like he wasn't surprised that John liked Ferris wheels because they touched the sky like the young man often wanted to. He lifted his head and smiled.

"Oh no I am not worried about that," Thomas said with a chuckle, "I am just eager to get through. I always loved to go out and travel and meet people from distant lands...If I would have known all those times I went stargazing that I would walking among the planets that surround them I wouldn't be this excited."

"You sound like me before I went on a Field Trip to the Zoo when I was in second grade," The youngest of the group Lieutenant Ford came to walk by him. Thomas gave the young man a small smile. It wasn't that he didn't like the young Lieutenant; he was energetic and full of life...especially when he blew things up with his...bombs. He thought it was most endearing trait. It was because he was so young and energetic it gave him another painful reminder of home.

Harry, he had been with the King since he was 12 and first learned he was to take the throne. Thomas watched him grow from a frightened young boy who believed he wasn't good enough for anything...to a confident young Prince ready to take the throne. As Harry became king he became energetic and into his sports...sometimes it was very hard to keep up with him. Ford was like that...and it wasn't his fault...it just when he looked at him...he remembered he would never make amends with Harry for what happened between them.
He couldn't help but wonder did he regret what he did? Would he ever apologize or did Harry believe that Thomas would never ever forgive him which seemed thoroughly and humbly to be the case. But he snapped out of it and looked ahead. The tower...what happened to Bishop Fisher and the fucking whole nonsense with the church was now all in the past...he now had a future to look ahead to.

And he shouldn't let the poor Lieutenant be a scapegoat for his problems right? He was going to be one of the people that were going to be constantly in his life. He had no choice but to get along with him.

"What's a zoo?" Teyla and Thomas said at the same time at unison. It was another reason Thomas had felt so comfortable having Teyla here. There were so many things neither of them understood that they had in the world. Though Teyla wasn't from his time….she still lived on a planet that was devastated by the wraith. It was hard for them to develop things like flying carriages….or a little thing in which humans sit around and watch moving pictures on a metal box called television.

"A zoo is basically what you had in your backyard Socrates," Rodney said coming over to the group. He then turned his head over to John who was beginning to throw on a weird pair of glasses. Unlike the ones Thomas were wearing John's were less defined and had dark shades around them. Now how John was able to see through those was quite the wonder. "Right you said your gramps kept a bunch of strange Animals in his backyard."

"It wasn't just my backyard," Thomas corrected, "I had monkeys in my house, dogs, cats, goats and peacocks. Then of course I owned the typical farm animals….like cows…turkeys and chickens. I wouldn't eat them though…."

"I know," Rodney said again, "every time I ate with you had a salad, fruit and maybe some fish…so it's safe to say you are a what science calls for the most part a herbivore. Not that matters though….for the lack of animal protein…" He paused to look Thomas' body up and down, "you did manage to keep quite the attractive figure…."

"McKay….stop flirting with my gramps," John said rolling his eyes.

Did he just….try to seduce me? Thomas thought raising his eyebrow. The question if Rodney openly liked men as well as women maybe even both made him even more curious now and even more driven to the sin of him being attracted to another man.

"Are we ready to go Elizabeth?" John said turning his head to Elizabeth who was standing at the balcony waiting for them to have the all clear.

"Yes," She said before turning the gate technicians furiously worrying working at the controls, "dial the gate."

By surprise Rodney grabbed him by the collar and pulled him back. It shocked I'm a little since he wasn't exactly expecting it….but he calmed down never the less.

"I would stand back," He said, "would want you getting sucked in by the Kwaoosh! It would be inconvenient because I wouldn't have my buddy over here protecting me."

"What's a…Kwaoosh?" Thomas asked raising an eyebrow.

Suddenly the ring activated turning in a directions back and forth all on its own. Though he shouldn't be as fascinated if he knew many things moved on their own. He shouldn't have been surprised that the gate moved on its own…maybe because it was so massive in size he couldn't believe it did that. Suddenly a wave of bluish liquid flowed out of the gate before sucking back in. Ah that must have been the Kwaoosh.

"Ready to go Gramps?" John said raising an eyebrow. Thomas nodded his head and watched as the others stepped through the gate.

He was the last to go. He stood at the gate for a moment before turning his head back to Elizabeth who was watching with keen eyes waiting for him to go through. He bowed his head before looking forward at the blue liquid like substance flowing in front of him.

"See me safe up," He whispered, "and when I come out of here again let me shift for myself."

He closed his eyes and went through. The force that went through his body was 100 times stronger than the force he felt in his chest when he was on the airplane. He felt as though he was being sucked in the great force of a title wave as he was pulled through. He was being moved around moving back and forth all around and bouncing out the walls. But as quickly as it began it stopped.

They always said the first time through the gate was rather difficult when you are prone for motion sickness. Being the type of man who got seasick on sometimes choppy water, I knew I wasn't going to go through my first trip through the gate in one piece. Luckily I was prepared for that. But ironically the more I pushed through the gate the more I got used to gate travel.

When Thomas got to the other side he fell to his hands and knees. The ground beneath him span quickly. His stomach twisted into knots. He needed to throw up. But he didn't want to he hated vomiting. Retching up always frightened him because he feared he would puke out a lung and die. But he couldn't help it; he felt the bile creeping up his throat like a steady stream.

"Aw man is he going to puke?" Ford exclaimed, "I'm queasy at the sight of body fluids! If he pukes I am going to puke!"

"Oh be sensitive Ford!" Rodney growled, "The man has never traveled through the gate before he is not used to it!"

John ran over to his side and knelt down. His hand steadily moved around his back in reassuring circles. It felt odd for Thomas. He was the type of man who was so used to taking care of others but when other's take care of him it was rather...odd! Especially he wasn't used to someone in his family taking care of him. He would usually fight through his sicknesses to make sure his children were well. In the Distance he saw two figures making his way towards him.

"You help Doctor Moore," Teyla said with a reassuring grin, "I know most of the Genii here...one of the men here used to watch me very often when my parents went on hunts. Stay put."

She tapped on Ford's shoulder gesturing for him to go with him. She must have understood that he was not good with puke and with Thomas inches away with throwing up his guts from been motion sick. He knew Ford was not going to react well. When he walked away...he looked up at John.

"Is it clear for me to?" Thomas asked.

"Yeah gramps let it all out!" He simply said, "Rodney block him so he could do his vomiting without Ford throwing a shit fit."

Rodney nodded his head and stepped in front of him. The moment he felt secure, he began choking, gripping the green grass beneath him for leverage. Out of his mouth spewed out unfortunately what was a good pastry of something called a waffle. It was very delicious especially with the brown sticky liquid one was allowed to put on top of it. Oh well there were probably plenty and he could have some more in the morning. The puking lasted for a few moments before he looked at John.

"Better?" John said with a smile.

Thomas nodded his head.

"Yes, yes, now let's get me over there quickly so I can make a good impression on the foreigners." He said

Using John's shoulder for leverage, he rose to his feet. He was still a bit wobbly but after he took a couple of steps he was fine to go ahead. He walked slowly as he was still a bit dizzy. But he took a fine look at the clothes and relaxed. They may have not had the hats they wore. But most of the clothes the Genii were wearing reminded him of home. He took a deep breath and relaxed. He thought he might as well be comfortable here.

If only I wasn't so stupid and realized the opposite! It turned out looks were obviously deceiving.

"Ah," Teyla said with a grin as the three men approached them, "there are the rest of my teammates...Sora, and Tyrus...this is Doctor Rodney McKay." She pointed over to Rodney who awkwardly waved. "Doctor Thomas Moore," Thomas assuming he was still in a world that seemed to be close to his own leaned forward and deeply bowed towards the young Brunette woman and the man she assumed to be her father. Teyla couldn't help but smirk at this "And Major John Sheppard."

He made a flirtatious smirk over to Sora. Unlike him John was very direct with women and not even close to shy.

"You must be proud," He said tilting his aviator sunglasses just a little.

The father frowned.

"She's betrothed." He said.

"I wasn't hitting on your daughter. I was just, uh …" John said trying to make the situation less awkward. It was a situation the man of all seasons seen in court all the time….even with his own children. Men would walk over to betrothed daughters and try to court them. But most men weren't as rigid as he was….the richer the man the more they pushed their daughters towards them. The Genii seemed different when it came to traditions.

"Trust me….Lord Tyrus is it as I recall," Thomas said tilting his head, they told him they shouldn't give him any hints of his old life back in Tudor England but maybe in this situation maybe since they seemed to be simple people with simple tradition of betrothing some people to others, "your daughter is a beautiful woman," Thomas said with a grin, "but some cultures don't have a betrothal system like yours….and even mine do." He wrapped an arm around John's shoulders, "my nephew over here," He paused…part of his new back story was he was John's maternal…which made sense because they looked alike and his mother was descended from his line, "lived in a culture where they didn't have betrothals….if he wanted a wife, he would have to find her himself…he apologizes for jeopardizing the arrangement you and whatever family you arranged the marriage with."

"You didn't have to bail me out gramps I'm a grown man," John leaned over ever so slightly and whispered in his 12th great grandfather's ear.

"And when you avoid getting being held captive for breaking their customs," Thomas whispered back still remaining with his eyes fixed on Tyrus, "you will definitely be grateful for my intervening."

Unfortunately for me….John will have a nasty habit for getting abducted. It will be the cause of all my gray hairs and the earning of his mocking title Penelope Pitstop. Of course I didn't realize it at the time because I believed other than the incident with the terrible bug creature; John was for the most part very invincible.

"They have come to trade for a share of your crops," Teyla quickly said bringing the conversation back to focus before they went off topic with the conversation of dynamics of courting.

"Yet you bring weapons," Sora said suspiciously. She had every right to be suspicious. After all if Thomas was still in his time and they came with weapons such as that he would probably be as frightened as them especially if they never seen weapons such as theirs.

"Only to defend ourselves," Ford responded.

Thomas stood waiting for the last possible opportunity to come in. The situation was calm as he perceived. They were probably integrating the group even though they seemed to know Teyla to make sure they were indeed safe. He remembered he had to go through the same interrogation routine when he went to Rome even if he had a reputation of being saintly throughout Europe. If he needed to he would step in to help.

"You dress as they do of your own accord?" Tyrus asked Teyla eying the uniform up and comparing it to the others wearing it in the area.

"Of course. Why?" Teyla asked tilting her head. She seemed to be alarmed that they were asking this question. Maybe because she assumed they would trust her immediately as her people and their people have been friends for years.

Thomas thought it was a perfect time to intervene. Elizabeth specially gave the job as the head of diplomacy because dealing with foreign cultures was something Thomas excelled at greatly, he needed to do what he came here to do. Interact with the Genii and making sure they are safe amongst the Lantean people…even if they never seen weapons as vast and advanced as the Lanteans.

"Our people are obviously new in the area," Thomas said nodding his head, "with all the dangerous things in this galaxy it is protocol by her majesty…" John waved his finger in the circle. It was his way of telling his ancestor to not throw life in Tudor England into his life in the modern Pegasus Galaxy. He quickly went into focus and took breath. "Leader," He quickly corrected herself, "Doctor Weir….but what I seen so far your people seem as far from dangerous as possible. We do not attack people unless they give us a reason to attack."

As Tyrus and Sora's faces became less tense and suspicious and calmer at his answer.

"Good job Socrates," Rodney whispered to him with a cheeky grin, "you are doing better at interacting with Alien cultures than Captain Kirk over here…."

"Thank you," Thomas said blushing. Even at Forty Three years old he still wasn't quite used to compliments from his authority figures. He sometimes thought he didn't deserve it but if leaders complemented his good work than he would take it for what it was. But then he twisted his face at his confusion of the name, "Um who's Captain Kirk?"

Rodney made a quiet gasp.

"I forgot," He whispered, "you poor people in Henry VIII's court were deprived of the wonderful Genius of Gene Roddenberry through his artful Masterpiece called Star Trek. When we get home…I have all the seasons and movies in quarters…..we are having a marathon."

"Sounds like a plan," Thomas whispered with a smile.

Though he didn't trust being alone with Rodney after the revelation that the two of them had a mutual….attraction to each other. He shook his head violently. It didn't do well for his nausea. He felt sick again closing his eyes for a moment but breathing in the air deeply. He quickly shifted his head back ahead.

"Doctor Moore has a point they do mean no harm," Teyla elaborated on the humanist's statement. She seemed to appreciate a man having a background in the same tradition as the Genii, "These are my friends, Tyrus. I would not have brought them if I did not think them worthy to become yours."

Finally Tyrus seemed to trust them. It told him that he and Teyla would make a good team when it comes to diplomacy.

"We'll take you to see Cowen," Tyrus said, he turned his head to Sora and nodded his head.

They were off following Sora through the heavily wooded area. Teyla was at the front talking to the young brunette. Already they were laughing they were probably making up for lost time….like old friends. He sighed. It wasn't as painful looking at two friends interacting as it did in the past. No flashbacks, it showed how he was slowly but surely adjusting in his new life. He was satisfied at that. John and Rodney were play bickering with Ford quietly looking on.

But with his smart observation he realized that Tyrus was missing from the group. Maybe he had some problem where he couldn't walk as quickly as the others? Maybe something happened. In concern stopped and turned his head slightly ready to call him over. But he noticed something strange. Tyrus was there but he lifted his sleeve and started talking quietly into his arm. But he quickly shrugged it off. He was still a bit sick and dizzy and maybe he was hallucinating.

"Gramps come on!" John called out.

And he followed quickly moving through the queasy feeling that was rumbling through his stomach.

Cowan was a kind man though from his first appearance he seemed to be a tough man. He even laughed when Rodney exclaimed that the leader reminded him another Star Trek character named O'Brien. But when it came to his people he got right down to business. He knew what he needed to ensure the success of his country and what they didn't need for his people. A true leader, a leader he often tried to raise Harry off to be as a king. But he seemed...very...secretive. Then again something's about a country...in this case his people's affairs couldn't be let out into the open.

But for some reason as secretive as he seemed, which he caught from his skills as a lawyer, a diplomat and a humanist, along with what he thought he saw when they all walked to the Tavern gave him a feeling that couldn't shake off.

There was something terribly off about these people. He had a feeling that they weren't who they said they were.

But he didn't mention it aloud. When John took Cowen and the group outside to demonstrate a power explosive called the C-4...Thomas said. He said that he was still not feeling well and offered to stay behind. Rodney concerned as he was decided to stay behind with him...as if he was sensing his concerns.

The Genii had given them this bubbly drink that tasted sweet for his stomach. He had to admit it was good. When the people who served him his drink cleared out, he looked around the around the room to see who else was left. His eyes caught sight to one gentleman sitting in the back that looked around his age sitting in the back surrounded by five younger men...closer to Ford's and Sheppard's ages. Rodney made a comment was that man looked like the villain from another movie franchise called the James Bond series.

He did look like someone sinister. With his goatee and large broad shoulders his blue eyes were piercing into them.

But Rodney furrowed his brows quickly and scoffed.

"Hey Mr. Fratelli!" Rodney squealed, "mind your business...besides...don't you want to see the cool little things they have outside?!"

The man just scoffed and went back to drinking...probably Genii variation of Ale looking back and talking to his men. The whole thing alone quickly raised his suspicions further.

That man who stared at Rodney and I that fateful day in the Genii Tavern...get used to him. He will be a thorn in our sides...The cause of all our problems...The reason I constantly, CONSTANTLY kept a close watch on John my precious descendant. If I would have known that day that the man staring us would be my undoing...I would have raised my P-90 and shot him in the head...right between the eyes!

Thomas turned his head to make sure that the man was not staring at him any longer before looking back at Rodney. He leaned in ever so slightly to make sure that the fact he was whispering to him wasn't that obvious.

"There's a reason I didn't follow them out there," Thomas whispered quietly, "I think these people are LYING to us. There's something they are hiding."

Rodney raised an eyebrow before leaning in closer. Their faces were so close to each other that their noses almost touching. He tried not to be distracted by the fact that his lips were merely a breath away but focused more on getting his suspicious across.

"Usually," Rodney said surprisingly just as quietly, "I would say you were having a paranoid delusion," He paused and added a very small chuckle. "I would be like dude you are having a paranoid delusion...you know like a Beautiful Mind...John Nash type shit...but the way Jake Fratelli over there is looking at us like he wants to skin us alive...I am beginning to think so too...especially since you know humanist...lawyer...you are the expert of knowing who is Lying."

Suddenly he heard a slight beeping noise. On unison the two men turned their heads and saw the man fumbling with what looked like a small computer. Thomas hummed and nodded his head.

"I thought they said they were simple farmers," He said now aloud raising his eyebrow at the stranger, "I don't think I was hearing….things."

He was making a daring move but he need to make sure that his theory was indeed correct. He stood up slowly but Rodney grabbed his arm standing up next to him.

"What are you doing!" Rodney whispered, "That man looked like he wanted to kill you!"

Thomas turned his head towards Rodney and chuckled lightly as the stranger began to quickly fumble to put the little computer back into his pocket. Thomas with his head up high walked over to the stranger who was fumbling curses as he was trying to hide the computer from the man of season's very keen and sharp view.

"Oh!" Rodney cried as he ran over to his friend's side.

Thomas approached this the same way he would as if he was interrogating a heretic. He acted all calm and friendly as he pulled up a chair up towards the group of men. The group stared at him with curious eyes as he sat and folded hands on the table.

"Did I ask you to sit here sir," The stranger grumbled he was probably annoyed this random Lantean was approaching on their territory without permission. But when he took out that small little computer in a supposed primitive community he waved an open invitation to come over.

"Actually it's Doctor….Doctor Thomas Moore of Chelsea, England….on earth," Thomas said, he tilted his head back to his companion, "behind me is Doctor Rodney McKay. We won't bother you for long if you have nothing to hide…we are just wondering why…in a territory with a group of people of who are just…..simple farmers….why you are fiddling around with a computer so….efficiently."

The Stranger stood up abruptly. He heard Rodney's audible gulp behind him. In the past in a hostile situation….he would be terrified of the possible agony that would be inflicted on him if he made one false move. But considering he spent over a year in the tower with the threat of the axe constantly looming over him…..a man standing up threateningly was did not faze him for a minute.

He didn't even grip the rosary that he wore around his neck. He would not show any ounce of fear. He sat up tall with his hands remaining flat on the wooden table. He kept the firm faith that even if this man did attack him, he had his fellow allies here along with the hope that the Genii would not inflict harm on their guests.

The man did not raise his hand to him. Instead he leaned forward bringing his face close. Thomas could feel his breath on his neck. He couldn't help but wonder….if he did find his way to the block….would the executioner feel this close. But he knew this tactic….it was something Thomas learned that an invasion of personal space was an affective interrogation tactic.

The evidence was piling up. They were not simple farmers there was obviously something hidden beneath the surface that not even Teyla knew about. They were good….but not good enough to hide it to someone like Sir Thomas Moore who knew the art of lying.

"Why does it matter to you….Doctor," The stranger growled.

Thomas smirked and kept his face firm and keen on the man's enraged gaze.

"I am just curious," He said tilting his head, "as to why you have a computer in your hand….I mean you're people have never seen technology such as ours before….either your people are hiding the fact you are really technologically advanced or you curious and stole it from us."

The stranger slammed the object on the table causing Rodney to shriek and jump. Thomas remained in his confident upright position not even blinking.

Was this man foolish enough to believe angry and violent tactics would scare him? He inwardly laughed. He was threatened with the axe these violent acts did nothing to faze him.

"Fine," The man said growling in his ear, "I was curious...and I saw you dropped this and I couldn't help but wonder what did this wonderful glowing box did and took it...happy." The fact this man was a hot head did not help his case in telling him these people were just simple farmers curious about the technology Atlantis had to offer, "now if excuse me...as Cowen's second in command he might need me out there." He waved off for the others to sit with him to rise to their seats and follow him out. Not before the man leaned forward once again this time to whisper in his ear, "word of advice...around here...terrible things happen to people who have the tendency to STICK their noses into places they shouldn't...I would quit while you're ahead."

Before Thomas could utter a word the man and his little entourage had disappeared to where the rest of the Genii had gathered. Rodney took a deep sigh of relief before collapsing onto the chair next to him. He must have had a panic attack watching the events unfold and Thomas was deeply apologetic about it but he wasn't leaving this place without any answers.

"Don't you ever do that again his grace Sir Thomas Moore Duke of Sussex?" Rodney cried.

'"I was made a Duke in your timeline," Thomas said picking up the computer and examining it. It was a small grey box with what looked like a touch screen. As a matter of fact it looked like a smaller version of the tablet Rodney had often carried with him, "Interesting...usually I would never accept a Duchy...but I guess if I married Katherine in that timeline I needed something to...give me status as an agreement of Spain. But back to topic," At least since Rodney had the same habit he accepted Thomas' tendency to go off topic when he was deep in thought on a matter. "Whatever suspicions I had before Doctor McKay had just further increased with...whatever the man's name was before."

Rodney looked over his shoulder as the box lit up.

"Uhh it seems to be Commander...Koala?" Rodney said raising an eyebrow.

Thomas looked at the little words on the screen. He would expect the letters to be in code maybe even small little symbols...but no...It was just as easy to read as a Document that Harry placed on his desk for him to look over.

Commander Kolya, The little box read, I told you it was a bad idea to take out your device in front of the visitors. If they spotted you I would suggest leaving before they interact with you before you blow our cover...Commander A. Strayden

"It's pronounced Kol-ya." Thomas said nodding his head, "Russian, or Slavic. It can either be a last name or short for Nikolai. When a Russian ambassador came to England many years ago with his family he referred to his son as that. Sweet boy...he was often a playmate of my son John. This ambassador told me it means Victory of the people." He smirked, "I wouldn't consider it a victory if he made it so easy to compromise his people."

"Well I would quit your snooping while you are ahead Socrates!" Rodney said t, "okay so it is obvious these people are hiding Technology...which would make for a wicked steam punk novel but you heard Mr. Victory of the People just now...I don't think they take well into their visitors looking through their shit! I think the best thing to do...call John...tell him we're going back to Atlantis which we will...inform Elizabeth...she'll send people while Teyla, John and Ford distract them...she'll make a decision as to whether or not we should tell them we now know they have technology we can possible use against the wraith."

"Agreed but," Thomas said narrowing his eyes, "I can't shake this feeling that they are just farmers with hidden technology...I mean the way that man leaned forward like this." He leaned close to Rodney again this time their lips we're merely a breath away. Oh was he tempted to bridge the gap...and just simply taste them. But he bit his lip and remembered it's a sin...oh did he wish he had his hair shirt to remind him otherwise! But obviously self mutilation here would send you to an asylum. "When I first took the position as a lawyer and a politician I had to learn the art of interrogation this….method of invading a person's space they have every right to instilled fear into them and therefore it was an effective method to get answers without even….lifting a finger. It was a method I often used back when I was investigating heresy." Thomas sat back in his seat folding his hands back into their position. The temptation to kiss the man he had feelings for soon abruptly ceased. Reminding him he of course had restraint. "Commander Kolya was obviously trained to be a master interrogator which of course leads me to believe that these people aren't just farmers who have advanced Technology…..but they have probably an advanced government we don't know about."

Thomas quickly rose to his feet.

"But I am going to find out," He said. He paused and tilted his head towards a back door, "And you….Dr. Rodney McKay are coming with me."

"Seriously?" Rodney said rising to his feet. It was quiet between the two men for a moment before the scientist made a deep sigh in defeat. "Ugh…fine even if I say no you are going to guilt me into going anyway…I'll call John.

Thomas smiled. He had seen plenty of strange things when he traveled other countries. Should he even mention the shenanigans he had seen during his visits to France? But never in his wildest dreams would he expect to fall in a world where a seemingly normal society was holding something much deeper within their mindsets. At least time when he went on this adventure to cover the truth….he had someone to go along for the ride with him

A friend!

"This is a really dumb idea!" Rodney whispered quietly as they walked. Thomas's eyes scanned around as they walked through grassy field surrounded by large heavily vegetated trees. His ears kept open for any sudden sounds that would indicate that they were being followed "we're gonna be spotted and captured...or worse killed."

"They are all at the demonstration," Thomas whispered back. "They were too distracted by the impressive weapon that Sheppard had to even realize that we how do I put this slip out?"

"Not necessarily," a voice said from behind them. How they reacted showed how stark opposite they were. Rodney jumped and shrieked; while Thomas calmly turned his head to see it was none other than John Sheppard...still wearing the strange shaded glasses.

"It's alright Rodney...it's only John" Thomas said quietly slightly adjusting his glasses to make sure his eyes were not deceiving him.

"Look before you get all pissed at us..."Rodney said making his way to Thomas' side, "it was his idea I was just dragged into it. I mean I had a perfectly good reason." Rodney raised hand with the little computer Commander Kolya had in his possession. He passed it over to the Major who scanned his eyes over the device. "I mean….they said it was ours but it looks like a smaller version of my tablet….and we obviously we don't have a commander Kolya in our Expedition."

"Amish people with computers," John said nodding his head, "you thought we've seen it all…when you told me you went snooping around, considering these sorry excuse for the Amish could be dangerous….I thought it would better if I went with you…." John looked down and ran a hand through his hair, "I don't talk about my personal life that much but….since I am around family. I don't have much of a family at home…this is really the first time in a long time I had someone who except me for who actually ya know gives a shit about me. I don't want to lose that anytime soon. So I want to make sure he's okay"

There was a reason I always felt connected to John. It's not only because he is my family or the fact my blood run through his veins. I just look into his eyes and see a young me. A man who has so much promise and potential in the future. Not just physically….I can see him stand under my portrait and see the resemblance between us but emotionally. We lacked the confidence we needed to move through this big wide word. We were witty and brilliant…but above all we both were each other's last ounce of support in our tub lent lives.

It was that that made our relationship much more special….it was also being our undoing.

Thomas smiled gently at John. Usually he would reach over and begin to give a comforting gesture…but they were in a professional setting even if they were running to see if the Genii were hiding something in their midst. But he narrowed his eyes to give him a small little reassurance. He noticed he eased just a little but to the point where there was some apprehension in his eyes.

"Don't worry John," He said with a grin, "as long as you are in this galaxy I am not going anywhere."

Rodney cleared his throat.

"I hate to break up this little cheesy moment…but I just got strange readings," He said before moving forward holding his little ancient detector. Both men were quiet as they looked at each other before they started to follow him. As they walked the little computer that Rodney held his hands became louder and louder each step they had made.

"Define strange?" John said keeping his eyes peeled for any Genii were following them. But he still didn't hold his weapon. His gun was resting on his side. He must have believed he wasn't as much as a threat. They were harmless enough that if they were caught they would simply banish them from the planet. If only he heard the grumpy commander's threat!

Rodney stopped at a large barn. Thomas sighed. Again….another thing that reminded him of him. As a lover of animals he had his own farm at his Chelsea Estate….filled with Animals. He connected with each and every one of them….instead of using them for food like any typical citizen in Tudor England…..they were his pets…refusing to make him his food.

They were gone….they were all sold when Thomas was thrown into the tower. Never to see them again….who knew the horrors they endured before landing on someone's dinner plate. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Rodney's little computer…smaller and possibly just if not more advanced than the little computer Commander Kolya had held in his hands….beeping. It must have detective something.

"You don't know what 'strange' means?" Rodney said.

"I know what 'strange' means, Rodney ..." John responded.

"Weird, freakish, odd ..." Rodney responded in the manner Thomas would have spoke. He always had joked even when the situation didn't call for it.

He couldn't help but smirk at the interaction and the jokes. It reminded the banter between himself and Mr. Cromwell. He sighed. If Cromwell were here….in this galaxy…..in a society that pretended they were helpless only to be more advanced than they say…. Being as inquisitive and curious as he was, The Raven secretary would have had quite the little heyday. In fact he would have a lot for questions on why they kept their society in this manner….and how if England had the same system they could benefit from it.

Thomas would agree with him that it would be a great system to make countries that were hostile and make them seem like less of threat. But on the other hand…

Now was not the time to focus on how Cromwell would have reacted and the brilliant discussion the two men would have had pertaining to this topic. He knew in this world he would have to think of the present and the fact that the little computer picked up a signal somewhere, even further heightening his suspicions about this place. He knew it was picking up something….either dangerous or beneficial.

"Quit the shit Rodney," John snarled with a deep sigh, "what is it? Life signs? Hidden wraith in the basement?"

"Its radioactive readings on Amish world," Rodney said. Thomas had no idea what the words "Radioactive" and "Amish" met as he was still getting used to this brand new world…but he had to assume either weren't anything good, "and it's in there….look if you still don't believe us…..I think this should be a clear sign."

"You I can see making up wild stories," John said nodding his head and grinning, "but the King trust gramps so I trust him more than you…but that little thing confirms his answer….Alright. Let's check it out."

The three men walked into the barn with quiet procession.

"I would raise your gun gramps," John whispered quietly as they followed Rodney.

Thomas wanted to object. His vow before to make sure he wouldn't have to use the damn gun for any reason was broken. He had a feeling in his gut after meeting Commander Kolya in that bar men were not just as but even more dangerous on this planet. The last thing he wanted was to wind up in a situation where he was tortured. He bit his lip. Even worse…..they would torture John as a torture tactic against him. He couldn't have it. He made a mental prayer to god forgiveness as he raised his gun and held it tightly in his hands.

He rather kill to protect himself and John then let whatever they wanted to do to the two of them and Rodney slide. If the killing was for a worthy cause god would definitely forgive him. He had to!

When they walked inside Thomas looked around. It looked like a typical barn in England for the most part. There was hay covering the ground where not an inch of the wooden floor showing and there were little stalls were the animals would go to rest for the night and feed. The strange thing about it was Thomas looked around and saw not a single animal around…not even one to help them plow the fields. It was a cover but definitely a very WEAK cover.

All the stalls were basically empty except for one. One by the door was a large pile of hay. Rodney walked over and moved his little computer in a straight vertical line. He nodded his head and hummed. The beeping was at its loudest. Thomas and John walked over the pile and helped the scientist push the hay aside only to find…it was a large metal cylinder in the middle of the floor.

"Now that," Rodney said with his eyes wide in shock.

"Is definitely strange," John said.

"What is that?" Thomas said tilting his head to the side. It looked like some sort of strange well. But how could it be a well? Wells were made of bricks and clay…not of metal.

John slowly turned the top of the well and rubbed his fingers together. He tilted his head at the gesture but hummed.

"This hatch has been oiled recently," John said inquisitively, "We have to check it out. Gramps why don't you go back to Atlantis and inform Elizabeth what we saw down here and obviously what you saw."

"If you don't mind major," Thomas said narrowing his eyes, "if you and Rodney have to go down there-"

"Who says I am going?" Rodney grumbled. John turned his head furrowing his brow, "ugh fine!"

"Anyway as I was saying," Thomas said keeping his face as stern as he possibly could. This was a very dangerous situation he didn't want John or Rodney to see any ounce of fear that was rattling through his bones. The major saw him as a strong and stoic creature even in the face of danger and he was going to remain that way even if there were…..thousands of men like Commander Kolya down here ready to pounce. "I would feel much better if I went down there with you."

John nodded his head.

"Let's go then," He said no longer objecting on the manner. It was definitely a matter of respect, since he was his family he had be treated as if he was one of the member of his family. He opened the latch and slowly descended inside.

Thomas followed next. He never climbed down a ladder before so he was a bit unsteady on his feet. But after careful maneuver he managed to make it down at the bottom of the ladder. John shinned a light on his P90 and scanned it around the dark hallway.

"Are you absolutely positive that the Genii created this bunker?" John asked quietly in case someone was listening. "I mean I saw their faces when I detonated the P-90, they looked terrified and amazed at the same time! I mean it could be that there's a separate society underground that they don't know about."

"Believe me…as a lawyer," Thomas following suit with his own weapon. The grip on it was tight…but still it shook. "I know that lying is an art form it takes….a very long time to perfect. And they could be good at it. However the way this….commander spoke to me…he used fear tactics that I myself often used when I was interrogating heretics it was a clear sign he was trained."

"Hum," John said with a smirk, "if you are right it looks like the aliens here isn't so different from us after all. While we're down here gramps why don't you call Ford and tell him where we are….in case you are right so he could call Elizabeth to get us out if we don't come back."

Thomas nodded his head and tapped his ear piece as Rodney came down the ladder and began to use the lights to guide him. He was still fascinated by the fact he could communicate with people without being face to face with them. Oh how much easier would it be to make negotiations between countries without waiting months for an answer? It would certainly go much faster if that was the case.

"Ford, this is Doctor Moore," Thomas said….nothing, only static, "I don't think it works down here….the fortified walls are blocking the signal."

John nodded his head and pointed ahead to follow Rodney. Now Thomas was extra cautious as he walked. He moved around in a 360 degree turn in the building, hallway tunnel he wasn't exactly sure what to call this fortress or structure.

"This place is built like a bunker," Rodney observed. Thomas quickly asked what a bunker was and John explained about the terrible weapons that were built. A monster called a nuclear bomb was able to wipe out an entire country and kill thousands or people. Bunkers were where people could go underground and remain unharmed by any of the bombs dropped by their enemies. It was very effective when dealing with the Wraith. "Must be shielded for R.F, the readings stronger this way. It's neutron radiation. It's definitely a-a-a powerful energy source."

"Radiation?" Thomas said biting his lip. Whatever it meant, the way Rodney was stuttering he could tell it was something bad.

"It means there are nuclear weapons around here," John responded. The words caused Thomas to cross himself rather quickly. Were this people sick enough to kill hundreds of men women and children with these things? "Let's check it out" He muttered before walking in the direction that Rodney pointed at.

"I really think we should, we should get out of here." Rodney said who unlike Thomas who was doing nothing to mask his fear. It was understandable. They were lucky enough to make it past guards without being caught. Who knew how long it was until their luck ran out.

"I have to agree," Thomas said finally agreeing with Rodney on the matter of whether or not they should stay here, "we have enough evidence to prove there's obviously more to this place that meets the eye and we can show the readings to prove it."

John didn't listen. He just kept moving forward until he came to a large metal door. As much as Thomas wanted to object and try to persuade him not to continue this venture even further. He had to keep his vow. A vow he couldn't break even if he was hesitant to not enter a dangerous facility with only two armed men.

John shined the light forward and pulled the structure to the side revealing an open passage. He moved into an attack position before disappearing into the darkness. Thomas slightly turned his head to Rodney.

"We should seriously get out of here," He whispered, "this is dangerous."

"I am not leaving John alone," Thomas said sternly.

"And I don't want to leave you alone either," Rodney mumbled rolling his eyes, "great that means I have to go with you too." He sighed and pointed forward. "Just lead the way."

The moment he entered the room his eyes widened. The room was large and filled with nothing but shelves of weapons and supplies. Between two of the shelves a large wall of water flowed from a cliff to a small river beneath the balcony below them. This was obviously not the work of simple farmers.

"Who are these people?" Thomas whispered.

The answer was a small grunt from John. Thomas turned his head and saw John being held in a chokehold by a large uniformed man. A small pistol rested against the Major's skull. But he was struggling trying to use his military tactics to get out of this trap but to no avail. Beside him two uniformed men pointing their guns directly at him and Rodney.

"Hey guys," John said trying to keep some good humor despite the fact that this was a very dangerous situation, "looks like I made some new friends, Gramps get Rodney out of here….I'll be alright!"

Thomas moved his eyes as far as he could. It was enough to see he still had an opportunity to run just like the major had ordered. Yet he still had to figure out how to get John out of the man's grip first. He didn't want to leave this fortress without him. He had a sharp aim for years of practicing his sole sport of archery. With careful precision he could manage to hit the bastard in the head. But at what cost? Would he be able to live with himself knowing that he killed a man maybe more to save his family and his blood?

He still regretted killing those heretics. Especially since they died for a cause that was in vain! But it wouldn't…he had a reason. He raised the gun in the very same position John had taught him. His finger steadily moved towards the trigger.

"May god forgive me," Thomas whispered.

But he never fired. The large uniformed man threatened to blow John's head off if he even tried to run and didn't drop his weapon. With no objects and no hesitation, he obeyed letting the gun fall clumsily to floor before raising his hands to surrender. He felt John's eyes burning into him. He didn't understand why John was angry at him. He just saved his life. But Thomas didn't let them affect him.

Even if it meant surrendering to the hands of the enemy and if it meant that John would never speak to him again. He rather have his family never talk to him again than having to bury the closest thing he had to home.

Luckily for them they weren't thrown into a prison cell. Thomas didn't know how well he would be able to handle it after his traumas he endured in the Tower. At least it was somewhat comfortable, even though he was alienated to one side of the table while John and Rodney sat by side on the other side of the table. Not one man uttered a word to each other.

Thomas looked ahead on the table. All their things were scattered out when they first arrived…..maybe to make sure they were completely unarmed. He didn't like silence especially in a moment such as this because of his nerves. Finally he spoke.

"Look I am sorry," He whispered looking away, "I didn't want you to get killed….if you don't want to speak to me or have me in your team anymore….I understand."

"Shhh," John whispered putting a finger to his lips, "I am not mad at you…..this is your first trip. I wasn't expecting you to get a hostage situation without getting it right the first time….I'm just annoyed you didn't run with Rodney when I told you to run….he…..obviously didn't want you to go without you either….next time you see me in trouble and I tell you to run you run."

Thomas folded his arms and looked down making a deep sigh.

"It isn't as easy for me for me to leave you at the hands of the enemy," He said he couldn't help but reach forward and take his decedent's hand in own. He gripped it lightly and ran his hand up above the palm. John had felt tense before and now he was feeling a bit better. Obviously having no parent to comfort him before he wasn't used to such a comfort but he didn't mind.

"I know…." John responded nodding his head, "but sometimes we gotta choose our job over the family if it means saving lives….you'll learn. Now we have to think about getting out of this shit hole." He moved his head to two guards standing ahead of them. "How long are you boys planning on keeping us here?" He gave a grin, still giving a bit of his sense of humor to the guards.

The guards didn't budge. They remained in their spots pointing their guns at the three of them.

"You know," Rodney began folding his arms in front of him either t comfort himself, or make it look like he was going into a threatening position, "if people could just learn to keep their secret underground hatches locked ..."

The sound of the door creeping opened jolted Thomas into attention. Following suit with the two men, Thomas moved his head to the back to see a man coming through the door. He raised his eyebrow at the site. It was dark. He couldn't quite make out his face just yet but he was wearing a uniform like the rest of the men in the room. Finally he came into the light and Thomas furrowed his brow…

It was Cowen.

"Well, well, well," Thomas said gently folding his hands on the table, "it looks like my hunch was right after all."

"So much for two separate cultures," John grumbled.

Cowen adjusted his belt and walked to the front of the table. He placed his hands flat and looked at each of the three men.

"What am I going to do?" He said.

"Maybe we could negotiate," Thomas said. He was brought here to deal with diplomacy in this expedition; perhaps it was the best time to use it. The Genii seemed to be focused on things that would keep their people protected and Atlantis had plenty of that.

"Do not speak unless spoken to," The Genii leader growled.

Suddenly Cowen reached forward and planted a vicious backhanded slap across his face. As a child he suffered brutal abuse at the hands of his father. He was used to slaps, punches and kicks. This was nothing new to him. But the force of the slap was much worse. He could hear the ringing in his ears and the blood spill down his lip. On instinct John got up from his seat and ran to his side.

"Sit down Major Sheppard," Cowen grumbled.

John narrowed his eyes.

"My uncle is in shock," He growled using Thomas' cover and keeping his gaze straightened at Cowen, "he's not used to such….harsh tactics."

"Since the Genii stress the importance o family I will allow it," Cowen said as he sat down at his seat.

Thomas looked ahead in shock as Cowen rummaged through the items lying on the desk…like what he did was no big deal. They were prisoners for heaven's sake? Shouldn't they be treated with respect? Or were human rights not important to them in the name of their bloody secret? He was ready to strike and lash out at them. But fearing another punishment he sat as John lovingly ran his hand up and down his arm.

"You alright Gramps?" John whispered.

Thomas growled and turned his head away. This was definitely a form of him showing weakness to the enemy. But he couldn't believe he was smacked for suggestion a less violent way of getting things done! He could have at least taken the suggestion.

"Why did he hit me?" He whispered bewildered, "I didn't say anything wrong!"

He looked ahead as Cowen rummaged through the stuff scattered out on the table. He looked at it for a moment before throwing it down as if it were nothing but a scrap piece of wood or metal that was unneeded.

"Some people," John whispered looking ahead at Cowen at disgust, "don't take kind gestures very well. We are going to find a lot of hostile people here….but you can't let them discourage you….let him calm down and then talk alright."

Thomas nodded his head. He would take John's advice. These people just did…..negotiating, much differently than the foreign cultures he often came across back in his time. It wasn't a reflection on him but on them, though part of him was very frightened that they would kill him for making a false move. It was one thing to die in your own country for treason. At least you would be surrounded by people you know at your execution. But it was another to die far away from home knowing you would never see your loved ones again.

The fact he was in some foreign galaxy made the idea much more frightening. As John made his way back to his seat, Cowen picked up Rodney's trusty scanner he often carried with him.

"Oh, can we be careful with that?" Rodney said in alarm. Thomas couldn't help but smirk. Rodney to his gadgets were like Thomas to his books they were his most valuable possessions and therefore it would ail him if anything were to happen to them. He could understand him being upset at the way his things were being mistreated by this Genii brute. "It's just that it's rather fragile and if it's, um ..."

As if Cowen was not listening to his pleas. He gave Rodney a look before tossing it roughly onto the large pile of items rummaged by the Genii. Thomas curled his fists ready to verbally strike at Cowen for the taunting of his friend but he remembered how the man slapped him last time he spoke out of turn. He did not want to experience that again. He put his hands down on the table and looked back over at him with his fists curled but eyes burning a hole into him.

"We have a problem," Cowen simply said. Neither of the men responded as they remembered Cowen's demand for them not speak unless they were spoken to. They just sat silently staring at him in different ways. Rodney gazed in fear. Thomas gazed in shock and confusion and John gazed in defiance. "Now you may speak."

"Then we have something in common," John said without hesitation with Cheshire grin.

"Normally you would have already been shot for discovering our secret," Cowen responded as Thomas crossed himself quickly and discreetly. At least if he was beheaded his death for the most part would have been quick with a simple fall of an axe. But he couldn't imagine being shot. It would have probably been really painful especially if a hundred of these things called bullets shot straight into his body. He shuddered and placed his hands on his forearms rubbing it up and down as a form of comfort.

"In which case," John said keeping his brave and defiant grin on his face as best as he could though Thomas could tell it slightly faded. He was trying to mask fear like he so often did again and again, "more of our people would show up and question our disappearance."

Thomas hummed in agreement. Of course at a time like this where it was a matter of life or death he would forget that he had a whole slew of people back on Atlantis ready to fight to make sure the three of them came back safe. With the weapons they had they could probably blow this fucking place to bits!

"We would simply tell them the Wraith took you," Cowen retorted with a taunting grin on his face, "With no evidence to the contrary, they would believe us."

John's face went slightly pale at the statement. While his heart still remained pounding in his chest Thomas believed the contrary. He knew Elizabeth was a strong woman who wouldn't take any form of nonsense from no one. She could see right through him like Thomas could. For the most part he was an effective leader for his people due his concern for the intruders finding out about their secret…but he was a terrible liar. While his voice was straight, Cowen twitched. Elizabeth would catch it quicker than an arrow flying from his bow.

Even if he was right….even if they could hide the evidence that they shot the three of them. He wouldn't get away with it.

"You were saying?" John said his voice somewhat subdued.

"You have technology, knowledge new to us," Cowen said. Thomas raised an eyebrow. He had seen what was in that bunker wouldn't it be something of the contrary? They seemed to have everything they needed. "This C4 of yours ..."

"Not for blowing up stumps," John responded in hopes he could use it for negotiation. A good tactic with dealing with the enemy.

"We have a more sophisticated application for it," Cowen retorted. Okay it failed because he was stubborn and it was not easy to please him but it was worth a shot.

"Look," John said leaning forwards in one last ditch effort to get Cowen's attention and hopefully convince him to let them go, "what you people do with your C4 is none of our business. We just need food. As far as your little secret down here goes, well, uh ..."

He turned his head over Rodney hopefully to elaborate his statement.

"We say, "What giant underground bunker?"" He said with a grin.

"Wait we were in an underground bunker?" Thomas added in sarcastically causing John to smirk as he raised his hands up in the air in agreement.

"I want more than that," Cowen stated.

And them pretending what they had seen never existed wasn't enough!

"Well. Maybe we can give you more," John added his head adding onto his statement.

"You have weapons more powerful than your C4?" Cowen inquired raising his eyebrow.

"Oh, are you kidding?" Rodney exclaimed with glee. Maybe too much glee but he needed to get them out of this mess. "Weapons'R'Us. We ..."

John turned his head glaring at Rodney before turning his head back over at Cowen.

"We might," He responded looking ahead at the enemy.

"What if I wanted more than weapons?" Cowen said narrowing his eyes staring at three of them. "For Teyla Emmagan to have joined with you, you must have something much more."

"Um, did I mention that I know almost everything about almost everything?" Rodney said with a cocky grin on his face. Thomas rolled his eyes. Of course his friend had to gloat at a time like this when the situation was dire. But he noticed John stepping on his foot purposely causing the physicist to whine.

"Gramps now's the time to use the tricks you used in Tudor England!" John said nodding his head.

Thomas nodded his head. This was why Harry always sent him to do the negotiations. Not only did he have a pleasant tone of voice…he knew how to make the person he was negotiating with feel very special…which was the point of the whole thing. The more special the person felt the easier it was to come up with a treaty…a betrothal or whatever Harry sent him to do that time.

Cowen was no different from King Francis I or Emperor Charles V. He craved power yet desired to keep the Genii secret on a tight leash and from prying eyes. He had to think thoroughly on that when making his deal.

"Lord Cowen mind if I stand? Thomas asked gently turning to Cowen giving him a sincere smile, "I tend to think better when I am on my feet."

"As long as you don't plan to attack us I will allow it," Cowen said.

"Please my Lord Cowen," Thomas said gently placing his hands flat on the table, "how could I attack you when all my weapons are laid out ahead of me? And unable for me to use?"

Using the table for leverage he rose to his feet. He quickly went into his contemplation position. He stood up tall with his hands clasped behind his back. He did not even hunch over once, not even for a second. This took a lot of practice. Thomas went as far as binding his own hands behind his back to make sure he got the position right.

The key to a successful negotiation between two people is if both parties were confident at what they were doing. If one of the parties seemed unenthusiastic a treaty or an agreement would fall apart. It was one of the first things he had taught Harry during their lessons.

"Why do you call me Lord Cowen," The Genii leader asked raising an eyebrow.

"The people from my exhibition inhabit the same planet," Thomas said as he began circling the table not breaking from his posture, "but from different places around the planet, which have a different way of doing things. In my culture….we tend to call people of a high status like a Duke or as in my position….Lord Chancellor…." John waved his hands wildly. It had been a rule not to mention his old life to the natives in fears they would terrify them on the fact he traveled through time and dimensions. But since the Genii were close in culture to his world Thomas didn't believe Cowen had anything to fear. He mouthed "trust me" to John before turning a corner at the table and looking back at his target. "When you call someone my Lord it's a high honor….and someone in your position who is leader of the leader of the Genii…as a very high honor."

"I like the way you think Doctor Moore," Cowen said.

At the corner of his eye he watched Rodney lean into John to whisper in his ear.

"He's pretty fucking good," Rodney whispered with an impressed tone of voice.

"What do you expect," John said with a grin, "he used to do this shit everyday for a living. The French are no different from native Pegasus people."

"Of course you do…" Thomas said quietly inaudible to Cowen, with a smirk grazing across his lips. He walked in between John and Rodney and placed his hands down on the table. "If you like my way of thinking how about if I brought the idea of Alliance up front and to your liking."

Cowen frowned.

"Now your way of thinking seems mad," He said, "we cannot compromise our secret."

"But my Lord Cowen," Thomas began sliding between Rodney and John placed his hands flat on the table. "Why hide your advanced Culture from the rest of the world?"

"Teyla and her people know us only as the simple farmers we show to outsiders," Cowen responded staring into Thomas' eyes. "The secrecy of who and what we are is the only defense we have against the Wraith. One day, all that will change."

"Why not now?" Thomas said tilting his head to the side.

"I don't think you get it…..Doctor Moore," Cowen began folding his hands on the desk in front of him. "The Genii were once a great confederation of planets. Millennia ago, the Wraith had driven us to the brink of total annihilation. Our forefathers sought the protection of bunkers such as these - originally created for wars long forgotten - and it was here that a small number of our people managed to survive undetected. Over the course of many, many years, generation after generation, we have made technological developments here in secret."

Thomas was beginning to lose hope that he wouldn't convince Cowen's of his people's kind intentions as easily as someone as….King Francis for instance. The thought made him frustrated. Many considered Thomas a trustworthy man something rare in the cut-throat world of the Tudor Court. Why didn't this man….centuries away from his time, not trust him as well?

"Here in this complex," Cowen began slowly rising to his feet as well, "Down below, our military trains as our scientists create weapons for them. Many of our people have spent their entire lives here, making sure we have the strength and the means to fight against the wraith. Do you think we want to have all that training and all that hard work go to waste by leaving our secrets in the hands of strangers we only through a long time ally?"

"As a king there was never a man I entrusted more with my secrets more than Sir Thomas Moore," A voice said, Thomas turned his head to the voice and noticed John rising to his feet slowly. "He was a good enough friend and ally that if you told him one of your secrets on pain of death or being tortured on the rack he would never reveal your secrets to the anyone. If the king could trust him so can you!"

Thomas heart swelled. No one ever defended him in court. Not even when they taunted him greatly. This was the first time ever stood up for him. He didn't know why. It just made him feel good...that someone cared.

"You are saying King's from his providence entrusted this man with his secrets," Cowen said furrowing his brow, "and therefore we should trust him?"

John nodded his head.

"Then I shall trust him….for now." Cowen said, "If you break your deal….consequences will be dire…"

"We give thanks to our new friends," Cowen said as he raised his glass.

"We give thanks," The other Genii responded before taking a seat and sipping on their glasses.

Toasts were nothing new to Thomas as were dinners to seal the negotiation between two allies. Who knew how long how long it would last? Where he was from….alliances were often volatile. How many times England and France made alliances and then broke them in a matter of two minutes due to a bigger and better opportunity coming up was plentiful.

Despite the fact Teyla was both a bit angry and hurt that her friends to her people lied to her for all those years, it seemed to be going well. Especially thankfully for him and Rodney…Commander Kolya was nowhere in sight. According to Cowen when he asked just to make sure….he was busy training his regiment of soldiers.

It wasn't that Thomas had no desire not see that man again. It was that while tensions were still high, he thought avoiding him would be the best option.

"Please, eat." Cowen said gesturing lowly at the plate below him.

Thomas looked sullenly at his plate. Because this was a plate from people of a different galaxy he didn't know which was meat and which were vegetables or fruit. He was obviously a man who was strong on his principles since was willing to go the scaffold to keep his faith towards the Roman Catholic Church. It would remain the same when he refused to eat God's creatures.

"Sir I would take a bite," Ford who sat across from him said quietly furrowing his brow. "I'm sure it's delicious."

"I know Lieutenant Ford," Thomas said quietly trying not to offend the people around him as offended by Lieutenant Ford. Okay it wasn't that he didn't like the boy….it's just his impatience and his antics reminded him too painfully of Harry. He avoided talking to him because of homesickness. Thomas inwardly sighed. It was something he needed to get over and soon, "but I don't want to accidently eat meat."

"Just eat," Ford said visibly rolling his eyes.

"Anything that's green and orange is grown from our soil," A voice said. Thomas looked up and saw Sora was giving him a very sincere smile, "Don't worry you are not the only one of our people who prefers not to eat the creatures that inhabit the Genii lands….my good friend…Anastasia Kolya….shares your diet."

"Did you say Kolya," Rodney said lifting his head from his food, "that thing actually bred!"

Thomas moved his foot and gently slammed his foot onto Rodney's before the rest of the Genii could stare at him. He knew one of the worst things a man could do during the crucial beginnings of a negotiation, is to say ill about one of their courtiers, whether it be an army officer or a courtier. If said person was in good graces with the king or queen…..a negotiation could fall apart quickly or worse you'd be imprisoned and the King would have work tirelessly to demand your release. Something with the lack of technology the renaissance people had compared to the Lanteans would take ages. Rodney winced as Thomas gave a small gentle smile.

"I don't you why you spend your days with that child Sora," Tyrus then responded cutting into his meat, "the commander is a brilliant man but his children's brains are from this galaxy."

Cowen cleared his throat as Thomas took a bite into his food.

"I hope that by sharing this meal," He began by turning his head to John who sat between him and Thomas, "we can make up in some small way for past offences."

John bowed his head respectfully.

"I'm sure we'll get along just fine." He responded.

Cowen then smiled and turned his head to Rodney who sat to Thomas' left. To be honest, the Man of All Seasons had a funny feeling Cowen was more interested in Rodney and his big brain of his ever since he mentioned that he built a simulation of a nuclear bomb in the Third Grade. Something that got him trouble with his government just because the world was on the brink of a Nuclear Holocaust. A thought that a nine year old could be such a threat put a smirk onto Thomas' face.

But he wondered what the Genii wanted the weapons for? Was it a final defense against the wraith? He hoped it was that. If the Genii wanted the weapons to prove to the world that they were powerful race of people and instill fear onto other's it would be something that would be definitely against his conscience. But he would keep quiet until the alarm bells rang.

"What method did your people use to initiate fission reaction in your prototype devices?" Cowen asked.

Thomas narrowed his eyes looking cautiously and keeping his ears open in case Cowen's words triggered the alarm bells.

"Well, there's two different approaches actually," Rodney said. Thomas bit his lip slightly as he curled his fist. One of his weaknesses in his attraction was how he went into one of his lectures on how things worked he sounded so how did modern people put it….hot. He had heard many people speak in long lectures but not in the way Doctor Rodney McKay did. He spoke intelligently…..eloquently….it was almost unreal…it sent him into a trance. "Implosion and a gun-type bomb. Both are designed to create a super-critical mass, obviously."

"Are you alright Gramps?" John whispered breaking him out of his trance.

"Huh?" Thomas said.

John chuckled and took a sip of his ale made by the Genii.

"It's a-okay Gramps," He whispered, "If you're attracted to Rodney it's alright. Gay relationships are allowed here."

Thomas ears turned pink. How could he read him like a book? The again the young man inherited many of his traits in his bloodline, humor, charm and the ability to read others like an open book. Even if he was allowed to love Rodney…..he was a good Catholic for the most part. To lie with another man was an act against god.

He picked up his ale and took a very long swig letting the burning sensation pour down his throat.

"I like Rodney," Thomas simply stated in a low whisper, "but I do not love him….I will deny it just as much as you deny you have feelings for the Lady Elizabeth."

John's face turned beat red as he sunk into his chair. Ford couldn't help but smirk as Teyla put her hand over her mouth controlling her giggles. In the beginning it seemed to be a tiny spark unnoticeable to everyone else on the expedition except for Thomas and Rodney. But now the more time the leader and her military commander spent together it started to become noticeable to the others on the expedition as well. It was to the point where there comments being made as well as jokes.

They believed it was a matter of time before the two of them got over themselves and got together. And Thomas hoped it was soon….it would do wonders to John's happiness.

"Well," Cowen's booming voice soon halted the unprofessional conversation going on between the members of the Atlantis expedition, "our dreams may soon be a reality. With your help. Before the next culling, we plan to vaporize the Wraith as they sleep."

Suddenly there was a wave of tension that was in the room. They all knew well that the wraith were far from hibernation if that's what they meant. John had woken up the wraith but it was merely an accident. A sense of worry had washed over Thomas. What if John was punished for it?

Would they punish him? Oh god what if they executed him for it. His hand unconsciously went up to his rosary and gripped it tight. He often did that when he was nervous. He then prayed to god the secret was kept and that nothing would happen to John. He would be able to go home alive and report what happened to the lady Elizabeth!

"What exactly is your plan?" John inquired.

"We intend to take advantage of their over-confidence." Cowen elaborated. Thomas smirked a little through his anxiety though his nerves still remained. The words sounded like something a humanist would say, "That is their weakness."

"They hibernate between cullings aboard their great ships," Sora said. Thomas took a sharp breath. That was exactly what they were describing. Oh no! He hadn't had has much time with John as he wanted. And now he was at risk of losing the only thing he had left to family. "Sometimes for centuries at a time."

"There are always Wraith who watch over the sleepers but they're small in number." Tyrus added

"Small enough to be overpowered," Cowen continued.

"We intend to sneak aboard their ships with our new weapons." Tyrus finished up rounding up which was a now ruined plan.

The conversation was going too fast, as fast and as wildly as the room was spinning. He couldn't keep up. What if he missed something that would incriminate John?! And then finally Teyla spoke up.

"That may no longer be possible."

John was about to open his mouth but Thomas spoke up for him.

"Teyla," Thomas growled lowly. After John saved her life many times the last thing he god damn wanted was for her to repay him by getting him killed.

"If we are to work together," Teyla stated, "then they need to trust us - and we need to trust them."

Was she daft or just naïve? These weren't the people she often negotiated with when she was the Athosian leader. These people…god these Genii were much different. These people were tough stubborn and proud and like Harry would order a citizen's death if they were to speak or act against them. Her words were frightenly close to writing John's and their death warrants!

"Gramps," John said resting his hand gently onto Thomas' arm hoping to calm him, "let me handle this….we'll explain without avoiding-"

"Please explain," Cowen said turning his head to Teyla.

It was too late. She had no choice but to tell the truth and Teyla being the honest and sensible woman that she was had no choice but to tell the truth to the group. Thomas turned her shaking his head praying to god she would make some truth to the story but be able to calm the Genii.

"I and several of my people had been captured by the Wraith." Teyla began softly tapping his fingers silently on the table as she sat up confidently, "You must understand, it was a rescue mission to save us. I am only alive today thanks to them." She paused and turned her head to Ford, then to John, then to Rodney and finally to Thomas whose face was burning with anger, fear and worry, her words were far from salving him. "As a result of that rescue ..."

Thomas could hear no more of this. He had not been so angry since….since…damnit he found out Harry was going to break the church for that Boleyn girl! He slammed his fists on the table before rising abruptly to his feet.

"WENCH!" He roared causing Teyla's eyes to widen abruptly. She had only seen the calm and gentle side of him. Never this violent and angry side….but it was her own doing. She was about to put John's accidental awaking of the wraith in the line of fire and Thomas was going to stop it nothing to protect him. "AFTER ALL WE DONE FOR YOU! LET YOU INTO OUR CITY! AND NOT DETAIN YOU LIKE SOME ANIMAL FOR BEING OF A SEPARATE SPECIES! HOW DARE YOU THROW OUR KINDNESS IN OUR FACE BY DOING THIS?"

At the corner of his eye he watched as John turned his head to Rodney and gently gestured him to bring Thomas outside to calm him. Sheepishly Rodney nodded his head and grabbed Thomas by the arm.

"HIS BLOOD IS GOING TO BE ON YOUR HANDS!" Thomas screamed at Teyla. He was so furious that she did revealed what happened with the Wraith that he failed to notice the tears of hurt that were spilling down Teyla's eyes. "DO YOU EVEN REALIZE THAT? YOU CAN EXPLAIN THAT TO THE LADY ELIZABETH WHEN WE BRING BACK JOHN'S CORPSE!"

When they were in the hallway Rodney gently pushed Thomas against the wall. It was silent as he breathed heavily in and out and in and out! He tried staring into Rodney's eyes to calm himself down…but to no avail. God he should have known it wasn't Teyla's fault but he was so worried and so scared that Teyla's words were going to kill John that he didn't think about anything else other than possibility he would have to bury the last family he had left.

Rodney's hands were on his wrists gripping onto them as tightly as he could, almost as a pressure point trying to remind him to calm down as best as he could.

"Breathe," Rodney simply said. "I know I shouldn't talk." He added with a small chuckle "since um I tend to get nervous a lot myself. But yours is more rational."

Thomas tried to close his eyes and breathe….but he couldn't even find the air that he could catch in his lungs. All he thought about was the horrible possibilities of what they may do to him as punishment for unwittingly ruining their plan.

"What if….what if…" Thomas whispered whimpering.

Rodney moved his hands to Thomas' shoulders and squeezed them tight. He brought his face close again….this time it wasn't close enough that their lips were almost touching. It would have just increased his panic, but it calmed him.

"Trust me….John gets into these situations a lot it seems," Rodney said now squeezing tem in a circular motion. "But ya got to know that John Sheppard is a really strong guy. He will be able to get out of this shit…..trust me on this one. He'll talk his way out of it….we'll go home….and pretend this never happened….and you and I will continue to watch the glory that is Doctor-"

"Not necessarily," A familiar voice said. Rodney and Thomas turned their heads and there he was Commander Kolya. He was no longer in the strange farmer getup. He was instead in his Genii uniform. He stood tall with a small smirk on his face. "Chief Cowen has just called me...he told me to collect their newest prisoner."

Thomas wanted to scream at him that it was some sick prank imagined by the Commander. But instead there was the sound of cursing and a scuffle. The next thing he knew John was being dragged out by two uniformed men. He struggled in their grips.

"You are making a mistake Cowen!" John growled as he was pulled into the hallway, "my people don't take likely to our people being held prisoner."

Cowen followed and gripped John's face tightly. John just stood tall and definat. He would now let Cowen frighten him...no matter what he did or what he threatened him with.

"Say what you want to save yourself Major Sheppard," He said roughly, "we will send your remaining people back to your city...we will torture you, interrogate you and extract all the information we need...and when the Wraith attack us you will be the first they feed upon."

John's mask slightly faded. What was once a brave and defiant look was now slightly one of fears? His mouth gaped just a little and his beautiful hazel eyes widened to the size of a sundial. Thomas could only think of the pain the Genii would put him through! Would they beat him? Would they use a knife? Oh dear what if they had a rack.

He closed his eyes only for a moment and saw John tied to that monstrosity. Commander Kolya, who he imagined was the one who did the questioning...stood and the crank and pulled and pulled. Cowen would bark out questions! But at that point John would be in so much pain that he would be screaming at the top of his lungs. NO! Thomas wouldn't allow it! He wouldn't fuck stomach it. And so Thomas jumped in front of Cowen's feet.

"Thomas no!" Rodney screamed his face twisted in horror. "Let Elizabeth handle it!"

It was too late. Thomas was on his knees in front o Cowen as if he was a king. Commander Kolya's face was twisted at the sight. He obviously never seen such behavior from a citizen of a different culture but he didn't question the gesture for a minute. He just stood there and let the situation play out itself.

"My lord Cowen please," Thomas begged grabbing his hand and kissing it as if he were the king or the pope or someone important, "All my family are dead my Lord...my children...all the people I grown up to love. John Sheppard is the only thing I have left here...he's the last thing I have to hold onto to love. If you take him I will have nothing...not even a hint of my family to hang on and to remember. Please I will do anything to convince you to let him go!"

"Your pleas aren't going to help Doctor Moore," Cowen said his face showed no hint of sympathy whatsoever. It was as if he was reveling in Thomas' pain. Looking at it as something to suck in and make him stronger like some fucking leach. "We have at least five more years until our atomic weapons were ready to use against the wraith. Also how could we follow through with out plans when the wraith are waking up and increasing in numbers? Major Sheppard needs to be punished for his crimes."

"It was only an accident Sir," Thomas turned his head and say Teyla and Ford standing in the doorway. His head specially turned to Teyla who he had spoken to harshly not so long ago. Their eyes met and silently they narrowed as a silent apology to his friend. She bowed her head silently telling him, he had her forgiveness. He was glad. He didn't want to lose her friendship. After all they were on the same page when it came to their time here in Atlantis. He made a deep sigh, "his actions saved thousands of lives! Wouldn't you take the same desperate actions to save your people lord Cowen? Wouldn't you?"

"If it meant waking the wraith then no," Cowen frowned. He then slightly turned his head to Commander Kolya ready to bark out an order. Possibly it was to tell him to take John into the Dungeon and do his worst. Thomas bit his lip. He wanted to avoid anything that would cause him to suffer any intense pain. But he always said...if he had to die for his children and his family...he would take every sweet ounce of pain without a single ounce of objection. He raised his head and looked at Cowen.

"Then I will take his place," Thomas said firmly, "he is more important to my expedition than I am."

Commander Kolya smirked. There was something dark about it. It was the type that sent shivers down his spine. Almost like Thomas Boleyn's when he smiled in triumph in a victory involving his family. He remembered the one smile he had that one Christmas before his daughter was made queen. The grin told Thomas that he won and his beloved Katherine had lost. But he wasn't swayed. He had to be brave for John.

"I'll take it!" Kolya said

Suddenly Rodney threw himself in front of the crowd. Thomas's heart leapt. Like a white knight in the line of fire he was stepping him to help him. Did this mean he loved him back? By trying to defuse the situation and save him even though Rodney was usually terrified as a mouse in a peasant's home.

"WAIT!" Rodney said "What if I told you I can expedite your process of your plan without any of your men being killed! I can get your programme right back on schedule! If we work together we can get it done! Remember…..I made that atomic bomb."

"I hate to say it," Sora said walking out from behind Teyla and Ford into the crowd, "but he's right. Teyla tells me they came from the city in the ancients. The very same city that has been said to have sunk many years ago during their battles with the wraith. And from what Teyla also told me is that the inhabitants have Technology we have yet to develop. I think we should trust them."

Thomas noticed Sora moved her head towards Teyla and giving her a smile she mouthed the words "you're welcome". Teyla smiled back thanking for her long time friend for trusting her.

"I do agree with Sora sir," Kolya surprisingly piped up. By the way he smiled at Sora, it was something kind, gentle…..and somewhat….flirtatious. Thomas scrunched his face. While it wasn't the first time he saw an old man in a relationship with a woman who was half his age, he was still uncomfortable with the idea. Especially since saw his father do such a thing a plethora of horrifying times after his mother death. "But I do not believe we should trust them fully. I propose we imprison one of them….Major Sheppard perhaps for waking the wraith…as leverage. If they turn against us we will kill him."

"Fine we shall trust them," Cowen said, "yet I agree with Commander Kolya's plan….however, since we're going to need Major Sheppard for our mission…since Doctor Moore so graciously volunteered...we can use him instead."

The Commander's smile went from a confident smirk to a sadistic smile. Despite the sudden protests from the Lanteans, he leaned forward and grabbed Thomas roughly by the collar. The Man of All Seasons gasped roughly at the shock.

"I don't think it's a good idea!" John said as the two guards gently released him. For the first time he did nothing to hide his emotions he was obviously concerned. Thomas could also catch a hint of guilt in there since he knew he was the one who was supposed to be in his place, "He doesn't like being in pain that much! And he just had a long ordeal of being imprisoned. It, it, it will frighten him."

"Which is why…the Commander is not allowed to let Doctor Moore reside in the Dungeons during his stay," Cowan responded narrowing his eyes sternly at the commander. Kolya couldn't help but frown in obvious disappointment. "You are to bring him to your living quarters which is quite large….and if the Lanteans fulfill their end of the bargain…..and I see one ounce of maltreatment other than signs of restraint….you will be demoted….I will not have another fiasco like the Panelians!"

"Yes sir," He said.

With that The Sadistic Commander began to drag Thomas by the collar away with the two guards who had held John before following. As he pulled he watched as an angry John had to be restrained by both Teyla and Ford. Thomas would imagine the same if John was in his position. He preferred himself than his descendant in the end.

"Be in good cheer my friends!" Thomas said as one last ditch attempt to calm his teammates, "I trust you will not fail! If you do! I will merrily meet you all in the Kingdom of heaven!"

And as his view of his friends disappeared….he couldn't help think his words eerily reminded him on his last ever embrace from his children after he was sentenced to death. He never saw them again….even after he was released and pardoned….but it wasn't because of death, it was because of fate.

He didn't think fate would be so kind to him this time.