CHAPTER 122
EPISODE……………..SPOILS OF WAR
As the Replicator parts were growing into a large mass and the Earth people were doing their thing, the Wraith were up to their own plans.
"The human's plan worked." a Wraith reported to the head Wraith, that was with the Atlantis people for awhile.
"Status on the Darts?"
"They are still on the planet. We do not have much time."
"We are not leaving without those Darts."
The large mass began descending into the planet rapidly.
"The mass is beginning to reach critical density. The planet is about to implode. Commander, we must jump into hyperspace!"
"Not until I get what I came for!"
The other Wraith vessels took off quickly as the Daedalus was still sitting in orbit, almost on the other side from where the Wraith ship was.
"Commander, the human vessel has not left yet."
"It is of no concern. If they die, it will be one less ship for them and one more step closer for us to conquering Atlantis."
"Their shields are still fully functional and they have no battle damage." the Wraith said in shock.
"Hmm. Interesting." the Commanding Wraith said with intrigue. "We can deal with it later. What about the Darts?"
"They have just entered the bay."
"Then get us out of here!"
The planet began to explode just as they jumped away, still noticing that the human ship was there at the time they made it into hyperspace. While still in hyperspace, the Commanding Wraith wondered about the human ship, seeing as their last sensor readings indicated the ship was still undamaged as the planet was exploding. Though they could have had engine trouble seeing as the other vessel left back at Atlantis also had engine trouble, which wasn't a far fetched idea seeing as it was obvious it took awhile for the Earth vessel to return to Earth and come back, which meant a pretty heavy strain on the engines, or so the Wraith, or at least the Wraith that had dealing with Atlantis, thought.
"Commander, I have the cargo dematerialized from the Dart."
He turned from his console as a box was brought before him. Opening it up, he was pleased to see a ZPM inside, and still glowing with power.
"Now we have all we need to complete our mission." he said happily as he held it.
It was another day for Atlantis, no problems had came up that morning and there was no current problems from any of the teams off world, either exploring or helping the people that they were still getting off Atlantis to new planets or helping those that were taken straight from their planets to new planets, or for those going back to their planets that the Replicators left alone after finding no life signs. Most of the personnel were working on various jobs as usual. Ford and Carter were in her office talking about a few things about the city, going over a couple reports and such, with Ford waiting for Daniel to get done looking up some information and doing something else in the city since Daniel wanted to come for a few hours seeing as Ford had to come back to the SGC to deal with a issue that Landry needed his help with, concerning a item he dealt with during his stint as commander of the SGC. Teyla was either with Keller for a check up or doing exercises to maintain her form while still keeping the baby safe and healthy. Sheppard was glad to hear that the stun did nothing to the baby and that everything, so far, was just fine with both mother and child. Since Sheppard wasn't in the mood to spar, plus duty called, Ronan was with him, going to the command center because Rodney said he needed to talk to John.
"Rodney, what have you got?" Sheppard asked as he and Ronan entered the command center.
"As you already know, it has been just over a week since the battle." Rodney said while looking at a screen that showed Wraith activity on their sensors. "A very clear pattern is emerging. The Wraith have scattered into various groups. You can see it all here on the long range scanners."
"Now that the Replicators are gone, they are sizing each other up." Ronan said.
"Too many Wraith and not enough humans to feed on. Intel states that they are settling into several factions." Sheppard said.
"Yeah, well, with any luck on our part, the will find themselves in a nice long civil war that will hopefully end with a lot of them killing each other off quickly." Rodney said waving a hand and then pointed at a spot on the screen after typing in a few commands. "However, I found something particularly interesting. This."
The screen moved in on a sector of space that turned the square on the grid into a red blinking dot.
"What is it?" Sheppard asked.
"That is our friend, the Wraith. The same one that helped us finish off the Wraith, along with saving that….Sharon girl." Rodney said.
"How do you know?" Sheppard asked.
"Well, it's transmitting a subspace signal, the same one he used." Rodney stated.
"Why did he reactivate it?" Ronan asked.
"I don't know. But it is safe to assume that he'd know we'd be the ones tracking it." Rodney stated.
"Why, is he sending us a message?" Sheppard asked.
"I don't know that either. Look, the Hive ships that we have been tracking have formed into distinctive groups. But this one, it's all by itself out there, in the middle of space, totally alone. There is no habitable planet nearby and the ship is over an hour away from the nearest gate at sublight." Rodney said.
"So, what does he want?" Ronan asked.
"That's the question. And I have no answer." Rodney said with a shrug.
"We'll have to talk to Sam to see what she wants us to do." Sheppard said.
"I'm going off to spar or exercise." Ronan said as the two left.
Ronan picked up a wooden Kendo and walked into the room, hoping to find someone inside sparring or exercising, in hopes of a good work out. The marines on the base did spar with him occasionally, if Sheppard or Teyla weren't already doing so. Ford did it as well, but not very often. Ronan didn't mind sparring with the General, it was just the fact it was extremely hard to get past his defenses and when he got past Ronan's, more often than not, he had bruises for the next few days. Then again, so did John almost every time he sparred with Ronan and got whacked quite often in the process. He did like sparring with Rebecca who had gotten a lot better over time and was better than most of the marines seeing as she could recover very quickly and get back into the fight without needing to rest. Ronan knew if it came down to it, he more than likely could take her, but he also knew if that sort of fight came up, she'd probably attack him in a way that would get herself injured enough to be killed while killing him, just not in a way where she'd loose her head. One of the reasons Rebecca was becoming such a good fighter was with her medical training, and still learning, she knew where to hit in order to do a lot of damage.
"Hey.." Ronan said with a wave of his hand holding the kendo sword.
"Hello Ronan." Teyla said while riding an exercise bike. "Did you come here to use this?"
"No." Ronan said as Teyla kept pedaling. "I didn't expect to find you here."
"I'm pregnant Ronan, not ill. And Doctor Keller said exercising would not have any ill effects on the baby. I also spoke with Gen…Samantha and she told me that she exercised quite often when she was pregnant. However, she did so usually when Ford was around in case there was a complication, though none ever arose. Plus, exercising is beneficial." Teyla said.
"Hmm. You are taking it very hard." Ronan said seeing her sweating pretty hard.
"I must in order to keep up with you and the team." Teyla stated.
"Who said you have to keep up?" Ronan asked.
She only smiled with a small chuckle before concentrating on pedaling again. He shook his head and walked over to a more open area and did various moves with the blade, attacking invisible opponents.
The next day, Rodney and Sheppard came back into the command center, about mid morning, seeing Radek looking at the screen. After talking to both Carter's yesterday, Sam said it would be best to wait till tomorrow, maybe longer depending, to see if the ship moved or did something else. Ford agreed so the two left to do other things that day.
"Any change?" Sheppard asked.
"Nope, it is still just sitting there. Hasn't moved at all, or done anything." Radek said. "It could be disabled."
"Maybe." Rodney said.
"Is it sending a distress call?" Sheppard asked. "And is any of the other Wraith ships getting it?"
"Possible, but if so, the other Wraith are ignoring it." Radek said. "No Wraith ships have came near that sector or made any approaches towards it since we found it yesterday."
"How long did you say it would take to get there by a gate?" Sheppard asked.
"Just over an hour. Wait, I know we helped this guy out before and he helped us, but we don't seriously think we owe him anything, do we? He's a Wraith." Rodney said.
"True, and we don't owe him anything. However, that's no reason not to go check things out." Sheppard said.
"Plus…" Ford said as he walked up behind them, startling the group. "Maybe his ship was badly damaged as it was leaving the planet as it exploded, or was heavily damaged and they are still working on it. Or, it was abandoned, or possibly the life support is near gone. There is a lot of possibilities. I had someone check the records on the sensors and that ship has been there for more than a few days."
"You want to go with us?" Sheppard asked.
"Why not. Haven't left the city in over a week, at least to anyplace interesting and I exclude the SGC. Besides, who knows what we might find. If we are lucky, we can bring the ship here, after disabling whatever we need to, to make sure the other Wraith don't know it's here and hopefully gain better intel on their ships." Ford said. "If nothing else, we might be able to even use it to attack another Wraith vessel or facility."
"Sounds like a plan to me." Sheppard said. "Besides that, it would be better to check it out and make sure that the location of Atlantis isn't there, or if it is, erase it before any Wraith decide to come looking."
"Now you're thinking." Ford said.
Carter gave the go ahead and told them to be careful, while also telling Ford to call before calling the T.A.R.D.I.S., unless it was an emergency. He got his Heavy Arms rifle from the T.A.R.D.I.S., wearing his heavy coat and a midnight black suit. Sheppard's team along with Major Lorne's team were in the armory room on the base, still getting ready when Teyla walked in. Seeing as Rebecca's former team had broken up because one of them got too injured to stay on Atlantis and the other retired to go home and be with his newborn child, Rebecca was on standby and asked to go along, which Ford and Carter said would be good in case anything happened.
"Teyla." Sheppard said while picking something out of his locker.
"Colonel." Teyla said walking up as the others were still getting ready. "I just heard. I would like to accompany you on this mission."
"Thanks, but we have it covered." Sheppard said while putting on his vest.
"John, I understand what you are trying to do, but I assure you, it is not necessary." Teyla stated sternly. "My skills have not diminished, and I still have much to offer the team."
The others kept getting ready while giving each other looks. Sheppard looked at Lorne and nodded his head.
"All right guys, let's all head out. We'll meet you at the Jumper bay sir." Lorne said.
They all grabbed whatever they needed quickly and walked out. Rodney however was still sitting on the bench, trying to get his boot on. As John closed his locker, Ronan came back in and grabbed Rodney's arm.
"Hey, I'm not even…" Rodney said while being pulled out of the room quickly.
Ford entered from the other side of the room while giving his gun a quick once over.
"Hey Colonel we…" Ford began and then saw Teyla. "Oh, hey Teyla."
"General." Teyla said before glaring at John.
"I heard you wanted to try one of these out." Ford said taking a Heavy Arms rifle off his shoulder. "It doesn't have the powerful ammo I use, but it still has a kick."
"Oh. Um, thanks." Sheppard said taking it. "Damn, this is heavy. I think I'll stick with my P-90 for the moment."
Ford only shrugged as Sheppard set it on the bench.
"Can you give us a minute General?" Sheppard said.
"I was wondering where everyone else was." Ford said heading for the doorway out on the other side of the room.
"Wait General." Teyla began.
"Teyla, I'm sorry, but you can't come." Sheppard stated.
"Oh no." Ford muttered as he realized what was happening and rubbed a hand over his face.
"General, I am completely capable…" Teyla began.
"Teyla, I am not your commanding officer, team wise. I can't over rule John on this. I know you want to help. And if it was anything else, I'd probably step in. But Sam, Keller and I have all decided that you can't go off world anymore. It's too dangerous." Ford said trying to ignore her glare. "I do not want to be responsible for you loosing your only child."
"Teyla, I know you want to continue to help. I know you want to go out there and get back at the Wraith in anyway possible, and hopefully find out where your people were taken and if they are still alive, including your husband. I understand that, but you can't. Even if this Wraith ship has no one on it, it still would be to dangerous for you to come. All it would take is one wrong thing to happen and the babies life could be in serious jeopardy. I'm sorry the next six months are going to be a pain in the ass because you won't be able to help like you usually do, but that's the way it is. If, and I'm saying if, when we find your people and they are unfortunately dead or worse, then you and your baby is all that is left of the Athosians. I do not want the complete genocide of your people and you as a friend on my conscience." Sheppard said.
Giving her a friendly pat on the shoulder, despite the fire in her eyes, he walked past as Ford followed.
They went through the gate, with Sheppard asking after they left the space gate if Ford wanted to fly. Sheppard was in the side seat with Rodney behind him and Ronan behind Ford as he was piloting the vessel. Lorne and his team were in the back, playing cards to pass the hour. Half way through the flight, Ford pulled a king size Hershey bar out.
"Got another one of those?" Rodney asked.
"Sure." Ford said.
"Cool." Rodney said as Ford handed him it. "Wait…"
"I have another." Ford said pulling another king out.
"How many of those do you carry?" Sheppard asked.
"Several. You want one?" Ford asked.
"Sure." Sheppard said happily. "You want half Ronan?"
"Yeah." Ronan said.
"Lorne?" Ford asked.
"Yes General, we'd love some." Lorne said as the men with him nodded or said no.
Sheppard passed back four more bars as Ford pulled another out for himself.
"There is just one thing." Ford said as everyone was opening the bars.
"What's that?" Rodney asked looking at the bar.
"Unless Sam ask, we don't tell her." Ford stated while holding up a finger that he waved lightly.
"Why?" Sheppard asked.
"The only real problem I have with Sam is the fact she has limited my intake of chocolate." Ford stated.
"Same question." Sheppard said.
"I have a high metabolism. I could eat five of these a day for a month and maybe gain a couple pounds. Sam, she'd probably gain twenty, or more. I agreed to keep my limit low because it is unfair to her that I can have lots of sweets and she can't." Ford stated.
"Oh." everyone but Ronan said in understanding.
"Wait, then how many of these have you had today?" Rodney asked.
"This will be my third." Ford stated as he waved the bar and then took a bite. "Mmm."
"Hmm, if it wasn't for your cooking and the fact we've seen you eat with us in the mess hall, I'd swear you only eat chocolate all the time." Sheppard said.
"Before I married Sam, I ate a pound or more a day, plus five to six cups of coffee. About the only regret of getting married, if you want to call it that. Personally, I don't mind the limit." Ford said as a bright smile came across his face. "Makes our night life interesting."
"I had a girlfriend once that was that way. She found being fed and feeding me, stimulating." Sheppard said.
"That is so unfair." Rodney muttered.
"Rodney, when the SGC and the knowledge of Atlantis goes public, which I believe will happen within the next twenty years, probably sooner, you along with many other people are going to be extremely famous. Women flock to famous people. Oh I got a story for you Rodney." Ford said with a small but cheerful laugh.
"For me?" Rodney asked confused.
"There was a bounty hunter, actually more than one, after SG-1. Some years ago for me and Sam, a year or so ago for you all. Anyway, Sam and I had to go to one of those scientific conventions where we had to present the latest technological advances…" Ford said with a somewhat bored tone from the memory.
"Is this the story where Sam had to use the plasma rifle in front of everyone?" Sheppard asked. "And your car blew up in your face?"
"That's the one. So, we're there, hours before those incidents. Doctor Lee was with us. You all know what he looks like…" Ford said.
"Yeah, bald guy. Smart, but not like we are." Rodney said.
"Everyone has different abilities of smart Rodney. While I love playing video games and am really good at most, excluding sports, I am unable to program a game into creation. So anyway, Sam and I were in the main room with many other people walking around and talking before the presentations really started. A few ladies were walking around with champagne. Sam and I didn't touch any, though Lee did, especially after, and I will admit, a couple of very attractive ladies, who were obviously scientist as well, waved fingers at us."
"Wait, they wanted Lee?" Rodney asked surprised.
"Yes. They were no where near how great Sam looked, but then, maybe I am just bias. Point is, if ladies like that liked him, imagine how much they will like you when your name becomes renown?" Ford said.
"Hmm. I do like the sound of that." Rodney said rubbing his chin while thinking.
"McKay, aren't you going out with that, Brown lady? What department was she again?" Sheppard asked.
"Botany." Rodney and Ford said together.
"Yeah, I'm still going out with her. But we haven't really, gotten together, in the further sense. Usually too busy to even have lunch sometimes." Rodney muttered.
"Hey, is that the ship?" Ronan asked.
"Looks like it." Sheppard said. "Rodney, bring up the HUD display. I'll take over General."
"Why? This is rather easy." Ford said enjoying himself despite the fact nothing was really happening.
"If we start getting shot at, we'll be in trouble if you're still driving. I'd like to keep living myself…" Sheppard said putting a hand on his own chest.
"Well, when you put it that way." Ford said changing seats as a few people chuckled.
"All right, let's see what there is to see." Sheppard said while looking at the HUD.
"Yeah, that is it. Readings indicate it had been shot up pretty bad." Rodney said.
"From the battle with the Replicators?" Ronan asked.
"No, I am picking up residual radiation from Wraith weapons fire." Rodney said.
"Interesting." Ford said while holding his rifle again. "Either there was something on that ship the other Hive wanted or a dispute took place. Wonder why they didn't just take the ship along with? Is there any life signs?"
"Not picking up anything." Rodney said.
"Maybe they are hibernating." Sheppard said.
"That would be a rather odd thing to do after an attack." Rodney stated. "Besides, they usually only do that when they land the ship."
"All right. We're going to go in and check on things. See what we can find out." Sheppard said.
"Works for me." Ford said.
They managed to land in the Jumper bay with no trouble and then cloaked the ship. Lorne's team went one direction as they went another with Rebecca with them. The ship was rather quiet and they came across no bodies, even though there was considerable damage on the inside. They all had to use their lights attached to their weapons to see better, and the floor was covered with a thin white mist that was everywhere, even in the hanger bay.
"Hey Lorne, you have anything?" Sheppard asked over his com after they had walked through various corridors for a couple of minutes.
"Nothing yet Colonel." Lorne said.
"Well, we finally found some bodies." Sheppard said.
"Acknowledged. We'll keep looking." Lorne said.
Ronan was the first to walk up to the body with his weapon pointed at it.
"Looks like these bodies were fed on." Ronan said.
"Better that than unconscious." Ford said.
"I'm still picking up the locator beacon." Rodney said as his hand held beeped.
They followed the reading down a few corridors and then into a room with a few consoles and a bench like seat.
"The reading is stronger in here." Rodney said as the beeping changed to a rapid pace.
"I don't see our guy." Sheppard said as he glanced around. "Did you find him?"
"No." Ronan said as he kicked a dead body aside. "Just more fed on Wraith."
"I don't think we are going to find him." Rodney said.
"I thought you were still picking up the tracking device?" Sheppard asked.
"He is. It's right here." Ford said picking up the small chip from the floor that Rebecca pointed out to him.
"Some one cut it out of him." Rodney said.
"On the bright side, looks like the ship is ours. We just need to shut off whatever it is to make the Wraith not detect it, see if the engines are running and take her home." Ford said as Rodney pocketed the chip and handheld device.
About an hour later or so, Lorne and his team came to the bridge after completing their search. Sheppard and Ronan were standing nearby as Rodney was going over the info he could find in the ships database by hooking up to the main console. Rodney was also, while feeling happy about having to teach him, showing Ford how to read Wraith since he wasn't as fluent in understanding it as he wished he was.
"No sign of the rest of the crew. Whoever attacked the ship must have taken them prisoner." Lorne said.
"Including our friend." Rodney stated while not looking away from what he was showing Ford.
"Stop calling him that." Sheppard said.
"Then what do we call him?" Ronan asked.
"How about pale death." Ford muttered.
"I think Todd would work better." Sheppard said, getting looks in the process. "You mentioned pale and it reminded me of a collage buddy I had. His name was Todd and, he was rather pale. I thought he was ill, but he said that was his normal complexion."
"Todd is a lousy name." Rodney stated.
"Do you have a better one?" Sheppard asked.
"As a mater of fact, I do.." Rodney began.
"You know what, forget I asked. We'll stick with Todd." Sheppard said as Ford chuckled.
"God, you two remind me of Jack and Daniel. Always bickering about something." Ford said.
"I'll take that as a compliment." Sheppard said with a happy smile as Rodney shook his head.
"Colonel." Lorne said.
"Yes Major?" Sheppard asked turning to Lorne.
"What is the plan now?" Lorne asked.
"Well, the General wants to bring this thing back for our people to study. I happen to agree. The question is, can it fly?" Sheppard asked.
"Well.." Rodney said as Sheppard looked at him for an answer. "The ship is severely damaged. About 30% of the ship is exposed to space. But, with some work, I think we can get the main systems back online."
"That settles that. We have a new ship." Sheppard said. "Get her moving Rodney."
"I did say time didn't I?" Rodney said.
"Yes, you did. Wish K-9 was here to help translate." Ford said while looking at Rodney's laptop. "Hmm, weapons still function, but just barely. Unless I am reading this wrong."
"No, that's right." Rodney said looking. "We should shut down power to them for now so we can use it for other systems, maybe even repair."
"Good idea McKay. I'd do it myself, but I can't read all of this." Ford said.
"I'm going back to Atlantis while you two fix what you can. Lorne and his team will keep watch in case anything shows up." Sheppard said. "Maybe a Wraith in hiding."
"We'll be fine." Rodney said waving him off.
"Wait, why are you going back to Atlantis?" Ford asked. "I can use my phone to call Sam to make a report."
"We need Teyla." Sheppard stated.
"After that whole speech we both gave her, now we need her. Why?" Ford asked.
"She's part Wraith." Sheppard said.
"Knew that. Still don't…" Ford asked confused.
"Wraith technology is a lot like Ancient technology. You need the gene to get certain things to work. The Ancients just did a much better job of keeping others from using their stuff. We can manipulate quite a bit of the Wraith tech, but we will need her to fly." Rodney said.
"You're telling me this now?" Ford said with a cocked eyebrow.
Radek was walking through one of the hallways when he saw Sheppard heading for the commissary.
"Colonel. How did it go?" Radek asked hoping for good news.
"No confrontations thankfully. The ship is pretty banged up, but functions enough for our needs. Rodney and the General are trying to get it running so we can bring it here to be checked out and eventually used by us, or perhaps sent back to Earth for further study." Sheppard said.
"Then why are you here?" Radek asked.
"Unfortunately, Teyla is the only one that can pilot it." Sheppard said as he kept walking as Radek stopped.
She was eating at a table when Sheppard sat down across from her. Before she could speak, he told her the situation.
"So, the ship is totally secure from what we can tell, there is no immediate danger, and if something does come up, the General can call his ship. However, you are the only one that can pilot it." Sheppard stated.
"Oh really? What about my condition?" Teyla asked still miffed from earlier.
"Look, I'm sorry about that. I was really tough on you, but I'm trying to look out for you and your child. You may personally feel just fine and capable of anything you normally do, but one wrong move…." Sheppard said.
"I know John. I understand. If this wasn't my first child, I would probably have different feelings or know my limits better." Teyla said with a apologetic tone.
"Does that mean you are going to come help?" Sheppard asked.
"Yes. And I will do my best to, limit myself, so you don't have to worry." Teyla stated with a nod.
"Thank you." Sheppard said feeling relieved.
"When do we leave?" Teyla asked.
"Once you're done eating and I get a few things in the Jumper." Sheppard said with a small roll of his eyes.
"Such as?" Teyla asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You know Rodney, always hungry when nervous. Plus the General wants more chocolate since he shared what he had on him with the rest of us." Sheppard said getting up.
"Ah." Teyla said understanding the chocolate thing greatly.
Ford was following McKay as they came back to the bridge. Rodney was looking at his laptop, making notes and pressing buttons, while also still teaching Ford what things said and did.
"And this is their equivalent to our power re-route system." Rodney stated.
"Hmm. Wouldn't be so complicated if I could read it better." Ford muttered. "Looks pretty trashed like everything else, but functioning better than the weapon systems."
"Yeah, at least we won't lose life support anytime soon." Rodney said.
"Hey, I found these in the Jumper before Sheppard left." Lorne said tossing one to Rodney.
"Oh, thank you. I am starving." Rodney said grabbing it quickly.
"You just had a king sized chocolate bar." Ford said as he took the tablet.
"I burn food fast." Rodney said looking at the strip of food in the vacuumed plastic. "Apricot jubilee?"
"If you don't want it." Lorne said while reaching for it.
"No, I'll eat it." Rodney said as he opened it up. "Oh that is so unfair."
"It's my last bar." Ford said as he took a bite into his chocolate bar.
"So, how are we doing in here?" Lorne asked.
"Well, the two of us got the hyperdrive to work, which was a lot of work…" Rodney began.
"Go on Rodney." Ford said rolling a hand.
"Right, right. Anyway, unless I can get the interface to work, we aren't going anywhere or doing much of anything." Rodney stated waving at the console.
Ronan leaned over near a column that had blue light come from the bottom and played with something. Rodney was surprised as the wall came on and showed various screens giving info about the ship.
"This is how they see when fly or doing anything?" Ford asked.
"Yeah." Rodney said as he turned around to see Ronan standing.
"This sucks. Reminds me of the Jem'Hadar on Star Trek. I prefer seeing out a window." Ford stated. "Or a view screen."
"What did you do?" Rodney asked.
"Helped. Maybe just a little." Ronan said as he looked at the screen with the others.
"Rodney, what does this say?" Ford asked.
"Can't you make out anything?" Rodney asked.
"Yes teacher, you've only been showing me how to read for the last couple of hours." Ford said sarcastically. "Maybe next we can move to ancient Babylonian since I mastered Wraith so quickly."
"Whatever." Rodney said ignoring Ford's tone. "Hmm, this is interesting."
"Well, what is it McKay?" Lorne asked.
"Looks like a map to me." Ronan said.
"It is a map. But I'm not sure to what." Rodney said as he stepped closer to read the writing scrolling on the screen.
"Dude, read it aloud for the rest of us and so I can learn." Ford said smacking Rodney on the shoulder lightly.
"I wanted to tell you sooner, but it was shortly after Doctor Keller and I returned from New Athos. It was a difficult time." Teyla said tiredly.
"It's okay. I understand." Sheppard said.
"Now, with everything else, I am burdened with the thought that…" Teyla said as her voice wavered. "This child may be the last of my people."
"We don't know that yet. I am sure we will find them." Sheppard said.
"I still hold out hope. But you must understand why I cannot just stay in Atlantis and do nothing. My best hope in finding them and learning of their fate, whether good or bad, is to be out here with you." Teyla stated.
Rodney was working on a console as Ford was reading the tablet, trying to learn more, but not doing a very great job. Lorne and his team were off somewhere in the ship, doing recon and checking around again. Ronan was leaning against a pillar, really bored. Rebecca was sitting against a pillar with her back against it taking a nap.
"So, how's it going?" Sheppard said as he walked in with a backpack.
"Thank god you are back." Rodney said. "We are starving."
"Yeah, yeah. What have we got so far?" Sheppard said tossing the bag to Rodney.
"Well, I got the neural interface hooked up to the main systems." Rodney said while digging into the backpack of food. "Hmm, turkey sandwich. That will work."
"Rodney…" Sheppard said with the hidden threat of taking the food to get answers.
"The system still needs some tweaking, so I'll have to monitor it as we get things going. I haven't been able to test the interface yet. Beyond that, the weapons array has been a big problem though." Rodney said taking another big bite.
"Wait, weapons array?" Sheppard asked.
"Yeah, I thought they would come in handy as we go after the Wraith." Rodney said.
Sheppard turned to look at Ford, only to see him not paying attention.
"General." Sheppard asked with a tone that he wanted to know why the man took over apparently.
"We found out where this Wraith ship was headed. Not good news." Ford said scrolling the screen back on the tablet.
"We being I brought up the screen and McKay reading it." Ronan said.
"Okay." Sheppard said a bit lost.
"Yeah, the logs talked about a top secret Wraith outpost." Rodney said.
"Wraith outpost?" Sheppard asked.
"You forgot the words, top secret." Rodney said.
"Why is it important?" Sheppard asked wondering if the trouble of coming here in the first place was worth it.
"He doesn't really know." Ronan said.
"The logs didn't specify, but what I did read makes this outpost to them seem like the Holy Grail to us." Rodney said.
"Which, from what the General here said about this, holy thing, means we should really check it out." Ronan said.
"Hang on. Hold on a minute. We don't even know if this bucket…" Sheppard began holding up a hand.
Teyla pushed or touched something on the main console, making the room darken as a light shined down on her. Ford found it a bit surprising when he heard the engines come to life which made Rebecca suddenly sit up awake and on her guard instantly as the ship shook slightly.
"Wow, how'd you do that?" Ford asked looking at the console.
"Yeah?" Rodney asked in wonder as he looked too.
"I am unsure. My abilities seem to be much stronger than before." Teyla said while leaving her hands on the console.
"She's not kidding! We've got navigation, propulsion and communications online." Rodney said while pointing at the screen that was showing more details than before.
"Teyla?" Sheppard asked.
"I cannot explain it…." Teyla began.
"It's obvious you idiots. Everything in her body is in a slightly accelerated rate or at a heightened sense, bit of both actually." Ford said.
"How?" Sheppard asked as Ford slapped himself in the face.
"The baby." Rodney said in realization.
"Duh." Ford muttered.
"How do you feel?" Sheppard asked worried.
"Physically, fine. At the moment I touched these controls, the ship came alive. I can feel the various systems at my disposal." Teyla said.
"Various?" Rodney asked.
"Many are down because of damage." Teyla said giving him a pointed look.
"Oh, right." Rodney said feeling stupid.
"Do you think you can get it to fly?" Ronan asked.
"I am not sure." Teyla said closing her eyes.
After a few seconds, they were a bit surprised as they felt the ship move forward.
"We've moving. Not real fast though, but moving." Ford said.
"You're right. Teyla is moving the ship." Rodney said while still reading the screen. "Albeit slowly at the moment."
"Are you alright Teyla?" Sheppard asked.
"Yes, perfectly fine. This is much easier than before. Almost effortless. I can fly this ship to the Wraith outpost…" Teyla began.
"Wait, I didn't bring you here for that. We can get the Daedalus…" Sheppard began.
"John, that Wraith ship that attacked this vessel no doubt has the same information that we do, and is a day ahead of us. If this outpost is as important as the log suggest, do you think we can afford to wait?" Teyla said.
"Well, we can go check it out." Ford said. "If the situation becomes bad, I'll just call the T.A.R.D.I.S. and we'll be safe."
"Okay. I don't like this, but at least we have an escape route. However, only get us close enough to check things out, not into sensor range. We can take the Jumper to get there." Sheppard ordered.
The ship shuddered slightly but jumped into hyperspace without much trouble. Sometime later while still in hyperspace, John came back onto the bridge finding the General sitting on the floor in front of the console Teyla was still holding, reading from the extra tablet that Rodney had Sheppard bring when he went to get Teyla. Ronan was sitting against a pillar doing something with his gun as Rodney was standing nearby the console, looking at another tablet.
"So, what's going on?" Sheppard asked.
"Well, I have been looking over the rest of the logs." Rodney said.
"And?" Sheppard asked as Rodney didn't continue.
"I didn't find anything else about the outpost. Surprising huh?" Rodney said.
"I wouldn't know." Sheppard said giving him a look.
"This goes back a long way. The Wraith haven't been back to this place in a couple of thousand years." Rodney said fascinated.
"So, why now?" Sheppard asked.
"We've been dealing them some pretty serious damage and so forth." Ford said. "Must be that reason if nothing else."
"Sounds about right. Let's face it, they don't have any fancy beach resorts or places like that." Sheppard said as Rodney gave him a look. "I'm just saying.."
"We have reached the coordinates." Teyla said as Ford stood. "I am taking us out of hyperspace."
The ship shuddered slightly but exited without breaking up or falling apart.
"The planet is just ahead. I have established an orbit around one of its moons, just out of sensors range." Teyla said.
"Good, let's get to the Jumper." Sheppard said.
Teyla stepped away and started to fall when Ronan and Sheppard caught her.
"I'm fine." Teyla said standing as she leaned on the console. "I'm fine, really."
"What are you doing?" Rodney asked.
"This thing has many uses." Ford said as he waved the Sonic device over the front of her as he looked at a device in his hand. "You're blood pressure is a little low. Probably from being connected to the ship so long and or standing in place for as long as you did. A few other things aren't in your normal range, but otherwise, you are as you said, just fine."
"Okay, since we need someone to stay behind anyway, you'll be it. We may need you to come help us or to be here for a quick get away. Major Lorne and his team will stay with you." Sheppard said.
"Very well." Teyla said.
"If things get bad on the planet, I'll call my ship and then land in here. From there, we can jump to hyperspace and make a run for it, or leave the ship behind." Ford said.
"Sure you don't want to stay here General?" Teyla asked.
"And miss the chance at killing Wraith, hell no." Ford said grabbing his rifle. "Unless you want…"
"I shall be fine General." Teyla stated. "Perhaps you may be able to learn something about my people while you are down there."
"I will certainly try." Ford said.
"We'll see what we can find out." Sheppard said.
Shortly after they left the hanger, leaving Lorne's team with Teyla, Sheppard cloaked the Jumper as they headed for the greenish looking planet.
"Anything?" Sheppard asked.
"We're entering sensor range, now…" Rodney said as the HUD display came up. "Hmm, that's interesting."
"Not really." Ford said from behind Sheppard's chair. "The fact there is a space gate here is no surprise."
"Considering the Wraith do have ships that can fit through a gate…" Rodney said with a small shrug. "I guess they'd put one here if the place is that important."
"Anything beyond the space gate?" Sheppard asked.
"Yes, I'm getting an energy reading on the surface." Rodney said.
"Any idea on what it could be?" Sheppard asked.
"No. But there is something else…" Rodney said dejectedly. "A Hive ship in orbit."
"That is not surprising either." Ford said as the HUD showed the ship.
"That just means we didn't miss the party." Sheppard said.
"Well, I've crashed a party before, which involved a lot of fighting, mostly with the use of guns. I'm game to do it again." Ford said with a smile.
"Same here." Ronan said with a smile as well.
The Wraith complex was built into the side of a large rocky mountain near a open desert. They landed nearby, but not close enough the Wraith would bump into the cloaked Jumper and then got out quickly. There was no patrols and detecting no one on the other side of the door, they entered with weapons ready anyway.
"I don't see any guards." Ronan said.
"Let's hope it stays that way. Which way Rodney?" Sheppard asked.
"The energy reading is strongest this way." Rodney said pointing to the left.
They went down a few corridors, keeping quiet and close to the walls to avoid detection or been seen.
"How big is this place?" Sheppard asked.
"Don't worry, I have an excellent sense of direction." Rodney said.
"Didn't get say you got lost in one of those garden mazes?" Sheppard asked.
"I was ten!" Rodney exclaimed.
"I got lost in one a few times. Part of a training thing I did once upon a time." Ford muttered. "Thankfully, the rest of the team I was with also got lost too, so we didn't get penalized as much. I'll tell you the story another time though."
"Well, now I don't feel so bad." Rodney said as Sheppard shook his head.
"Hold up." Sheppard said suddenly.
Turning his light off, Sheppard made a few motions with his hands and they crept forward silently. Coming to a open doorway, they looked in seeing a Wraith woman in a large chair, with lots of tendrils coming off her. From the looks of it, she was asleep.
"What is that?" Sheppard asked.
"It's a Queen." Rodney stated.
"I say we kill her." Ford said stepping forward.
"Wait, we don't know what she is even doing." Sheppard said while grabbing his arm.
"Does it matter? She's the enemy, one of the leaders. Cut the head off, the rest are confused…" Ford stated.
"There is multiple Queens…" Rodney said. "And killing her, despite being a good idea, would probably trigger all sorts of alarms."
"Then we shoot her when we leave." Ford said. "Or place a nice bomb."
"Let's continue on then." Sheppard said.
They continued down a few more corridors, ending up in a dark area with alcoves that had a faint yellow light and some grayish tubes that looked sort of like slick worms in the alcoves.
"What is that?" Sheppard asked as they saw the middle of the object sloshing around.
"Revolting." Rodney said.
"If that burst open, I'm going to be sick." Ford said.
"Hey, check this one out." Ronan said.
They lights moved to another one that was much bigger in the middle to another nearby that was about adult human sized and with claws pocking at the inside.
"I think this is a breeding chamber." Ford muttered.
"We got company coming." Ronan stated quickly.
They all backed up fast and hide in the dark behind a pillar nearby as they heard footsteps approach. A Wraith followed by two masked Wraith came up to one of the larger alcoves as the object inside kept squirming.
"This one is ready." the Wraith said.
Ford turned his head away as he heard squishy noises. The others saw one of the Wraith rip the skin open and another masked Wraith tumbled out. The two masked Wraith helped hold the one up as the Wraith reached in and pulled the mask out, putting it over the new Wraiths head.
"Put him with the others."
The two nodded and took the naked Wraith away as the other followed.
"Oh, I am going to definitely have nightmares about that." Rodney stated.
"The sound alone was sickening. I'm just glad I didn't watch." Ford said.
"Let's keep moving." Sheppard said. "As you said General, this must be a Wraith farm or breeding ground."
"It would make sense. All those, tendrils or whatever we saw on the Queen, must send out genetic secretions that get pumped through the entire system and into those different pods. Presto, new born Wraith." Rodney said.
"Nice." Sheppard said.
"Disgusting it the word I'd use." Ford muttered.
"Very." Rebecca said. "Reminds me of those zombies I encountered back in that mansion outside Raccoon city."
"Ugh, that day still gives me the creeps when I think about it." Ford said with revulsion. "Much more disgusting too."
"Disgusting yes, but if you think about it, the Wraith descended from insects. We always just assumed that they did so on Hive ships, so why here? What's so special about this place?" Rodney asked.
"I think I have an idea." Ronan said while looking into a enormously large room.
The other three looked and were shocked at what they saw. There was several rows of what could have been mistaken as old run down buildings. The ones with the large windows one right after another. In this case however, seven stories high and going back so far they couldn't see the end, they were each dark pods that had Wraith in them.
"Dear God…." Ford muttered.
"There is pods everywhere." Rodney muttered as they entered the room. "Thousands of them."
"More like hundreds of thousands." Ford muttered slowly as he looked at his Sonic Screwdriver with wide eyes.
"This is like a giant beehive." Rebecca muttered. "I hate bees."
"Rodney…" Sheppard said as he pointed.
"I'm on it." Rodney said linking his tablet to the console in front of them. "Whoa.."
"What is it?" Sheppard asked.
"What we saw outside, is just the tip of the iceberg. This complex is miles wide in diameter." Rodney stated.
"Are there any other chambers like this one?" Sheppard asked.
"Over a hundred." Rodney said after checking his tablet.
"Jesus Christ. There has to be over a million Wraith here." Ford muttered with mixed emotions, one of which was fear.
"I'm starting to think I should have stayed at Atlantis." Rebecca said with a shudder of fear. "If we get captured, I'm in serious trouble."
"Why?" Sheppard asked confused.
"I'll just recover after my life is drained, or I'll just stay looking like this as they kept sucking my never ending life from me." Rebecca said trying to not think about that happening.
"I'll do everything to make sure that doesn't happen." Ford said seeing her brighten up.
They left the room quickly and stayed in a darkened hallway while thinking.
"This doesn't make sense though. There is no way one Queen could make enough genetic material for that many Wraith." Rodney stated.
"Maybe there is more than one." Ronan said.
"Even if there was, the power needed would be enormous." Ford said. "We know this place has been here for a thousand years or more, just from what that log said. But unless they are using solar power in some way we haven't seen, or possibly thermal…."
"It's staggering isn't it? The power requirements would surpass that of a nuclear reactor." Rodney said.
"This place must have been built to make an army to help fight the Ancients. We need to stop it before they finish creating it to come after us." Sheppard said.
"Our C-4 isn't going to make much of a dent." Rodney stated.
"I've only got one planet nuke in my T.A.R.D.I.S. at the moment. It would do the job, but you never know when we'll need it next." Ford said. "Those things are not easy to create either."
"How about we fire down at it from orbit?" Ronan suggested.
"Theoretically, that would work. But the other Hive it up there." Rodney said.
"What about the power supply?" Sheppard asked.
"Maybe. That would shut them down for awhile." Rodney said.
"Then lead us to it." Sheppard said.
Rodney pulled his tracker out and turned it on.
"I can't get a definite signal lock. We're basically in a giant machine." Rodney said.
"I read it, rather deep in this place." Ford said as the Sonic Screwdriver whined either deeply or lowly depending on the direction he pointed.
The Wraith from before and the two guards followed him into the main room where the Queen was. He started forward and then stopped, looking at one of the others.
"Wake her."
The masked Wraith walked forward and pressed some of the buttons on a multicolored panel. The tendrils moved off and out of her as they went to someplace in the back of the chair. After a few seconds, she awoke and looked at the three.
"What has happened?" she asked.
"You have done well. The second batch of warriors has turned out flawless. We now have a suitable genetic template and can continue to the next phase." he said proudly and happily.
"Where is the commander of the fallen Hive?"
"He is in a holding cell. He completed the recalibration that was required."
"I must regain my strength. Bring him before me." she ordered.
"His understanding of this technology is impressive. I wish to keep him alive."
"You said the device was ready!" she exclaimed.
"It is. We are simply making final adjustments before finally bringing main power online."
"He has outlived his usefulness, and I must feed." she said forcefully before standing. "Unless you are volunteering yourself!"
"Bring him!" he said to one of the guards behind him.
Todd, as they called him now, was pacing in his cell and then turned as he heard footsteps approach. The two guards came up to the door and it opened before them.
"I believe I am about to receive my reward."
They raised their stun lances as his face turned into a scowl.
"So be it!" Todd said with a growl.
Several energy blast hit the two guards, and a couple were in the head. They dropped quickly as the group ran forward and pointed their weapons at him.
"Sheppard, how did you find me?" Todd asked.
"We picked up your signal." Sheppard said while not lowering his gun.
"I wasn't sure that you would come." Todd stated.
"What are friends for." Sheppard said with some sarcasm while lowering his gun.
Ronan stepped forward putting his gun to Todd's head as Sheppard smiled.
"Now, how about you tell us everything about this place, or you can choose to join your two friends on the floor." Sheppard said.
Teyla was sitting on the bench like couch as Lorne walked in.
"Hey, any news yet?" Lorne asked.
"No, they have not made any contact with us yet." Teyla said.
"Guess we have nothing to do but keep waiting." Lorne said sitting next to her. "Um, I didn't get a chance to congratulate you yet. That's really great. I didn't even know you were seeing anyone."
She smiled lightly as she nodded.
"My sister has two kids. Two boys, five and seven. I have to admit, I miss being around them. Seeing both Generals juggling work and family makes me envious of not having my own and not seeing my sisters." Lorne said.
"I am not really sure what to expect." Teyla said after a moment.
"No one really is. At least, not with the first one. But you get through it. Both Generals want another but aren't sure when yet." Lorne said.
"Samantha has told me so." Teyla said.
"Hmm. I believe you will make a great mother." Lorne said.
"Thank you." Teyla said sincerely. "I wish I could be so sure though."
"Hey, if you can deal with handling your people as their leader as long as you did, before joining us, being a mother will be much easier." Lorne said giving her a smile.
She nodded in understanding at what he meant.
"Did Rodney eat everything in that pack?" Teyla asked while gesturing at the bag near the console.
"I certain hope not." Lorne said with a small laugh as he grabbed it for her. "Hopefully, the General didn't take all the chocolate either."
"I seriously hope so as well." Teyla said.
"Doctor McKay is quite correct. It would be impossible for a Queen to breed so many warriors without artificial means." Todd said after hearing what they knew and thought.
"What are you talking about?" Sheppard asked.
"The Queen only produces a handful of warriors. Each of which is reproduced a thousand times over. This is a cloning facility." Todd stated.
"Another race of clones. Figures." Ford muttered. "This is starting to turn into a Star Wars remake."
"It all makes sense. No wonder the Ancients lost. They always had more and more warriors, we and the Ancients never knew where the Wraith kept coming from." Rodney said.
"Aren't there too many Wraith in the galaxy already? A couple weeks ago, when we were fighting the Replicators, it made sense. But why now?" Sheppard asked.
"Answer him." Ronan demanded.
"This facility was never used during the Replicator war because we never had means to power it. The power requirements are enormous." Todd said.
"ZPM's. He's talking about ZPM's." Rodney stated while shaking a finger.
"I managed to acquire a few before the Replicator planet was destroyed." Todd said proudly.
"Guess what, so did we. Atlantis is pretty much, fully operational." Ford stated.
"Pretty much…" Todd said with a arrogant tone.
"We don't have enough people to run everything in the city, but enough to easily fight off a fleet of your kind!" Ford spat as he stepped forward, only to have Sheppard hold him back, seeing as the General looked ready to rip into Todd.
"He hasn't answered all my questions. Besides, despite being a Wraith, he has been on our side, for the most part." Sheppard said with a small wink that Todd didn't see. "Just back off General, please."
"Fine." Ford grumbled, playing the part as he walked to look out the doorway.
"Feisty that one." Todd said.
"Your people were instrumental in pretty much destroying his people. Let me guess, you wanted to use the ZPM to make an army and take out Atlantis?" Sheppard asked.
"No. The plan was to make an army to take out the rest of the Wraith in the galaxy. However, another Wraith betrayed me and gave the info to another Hive." Todd said with distain.
"The one that disabled your ship?" Rodney asked.
"Yes." Todd said.
"Hey, all we have to do then to shut this place down it to get the ZPM and leave." Rodney stated.
"And I know where they are. I am quite sure you didn't come all this way to rescue me, but it would be in your best interest." Todd stated.
"Hate to admit it, but he has a point." Ford grumbled.
"It wouldn't be the first time we collaborated in each other's interest." Rodney said.
"Let's go." Sheppard said waving his gun.
They followed him down several corridors and to another area that had a large closed door.
"Through there." Todd said while pointing.
"We'll check things out. You two stay here." Sheppard said.
"There is one thing I don't understand. Back when you defeated the Ancients, how did you get your hands on a ZPM?" Rodney asked as Ronan and Sheppard went to the door.
"Very good question." Ford said glaring at Todd.
"The Lantians were powerful, but careless. Believing their ships were unbeatable, they sent them further and further into Wraith controlled territory. It took us nearly three months, but eventually, we were able to capture three of them. Each one powered by a ZPM."
Ford growled and then grunted with a shake of his head.
"My people were stupid and still are." Ford said looking up at the ceiling as the last part.
"Are you talking to the ascended Ancients?" Rodney asked.
"I'm one of their people Rodney, and my parents are up there. Of course they all hear me." Ford stated.
"Door's open, let's go." Sheppard said as he walked up.
They headed in and through a few corridors as the lights changed and they heard alarms blared.
"They have discovered my absence!" Todd said.
"Then we need to hurry." Sheppard said as he kept his weapon pointed.
From a corridor ahead, they all saw masked Wraith coming at them. Sheppard got down behind a pillar as the other two also took cover, while Todd hid behind one near Sheppard. Ford stood in the middle of the room, ignoring the stun blast that hit him as he opened fire. Rebecca knelt down near a pillar by Ford making head shots with her P-90. Rodney was the only one not firing as four Wraith went down quickly.
"This way!" Todd yelled, pointing at a passage nearby as he ran into it.
"Go!" Sheppard yelled.
Rodney ran past Ford only to get hit near the passage. Sheppard made a move for it and went down with a hit to the side. Ronan grabbed him and made for the passage, barely ignoring the first stun and falling on the second. Ford didn't stop firing as another couple of guards went down, leaving a unmasked Wraith in the hallway.
He looked at the bodies of the others and then back at the Wraith. Getting shot in the back, he spun around and let two guards have it in the face as one shot hit Rebecca who turned just enough to look at Ford before falling over as she called out his name. Three more guards from the passage they were just in fired at him as he turned giving them several burst to the heads after he shot Rebecca a few times in the chest, feeling guilty but hopeful that they'd toss her out or something where they wouldn't be able to feed on her when she woke up.
He bent forward quickly as the Wraith took a swing at where his head was from the side. Swinging up, he hit the Wraith in the arm, knocking him off balance. Before he could bring the weapon to bare, the Wraith grabbed it and held it. Ford kicked him in the chest hard and tossed his rifle aside, rushing forward to deliver a quick spin kick that broke the Wraiths jaw as he was tossed back into the wall. Two more guards came behind him, which shot him in the back. Seeing the stun didn't work, he ducked one swing as he moved in and gave a quick uppercut to the guard. Grabbing the stun lance shoved at him, he pulled on it, dragging the masked Wraith into his foot, making the guy let go as he dropped back to the ground. He quickly swung around, using the lance to block the other guards attack, shoving him into a pillar as he brought the end up into the guys head.
The other guard got up as the normal Wraith got up and used his energy to fix his jaw. Ford was grabbed around the arms, holding him tight before he could counterattack. Smacking the guy behind him in the face with the back of his head, he planted his feet on the pillar and pushed back, slamming them both into another pillar. When the arms around him sagged, he struck out with a round house kick that broke the guys neck. Quickly turning, Ford noticed the Wraith he had broke the jaw of rush him, slamming him into a pillar. As the Wraith went to feed on him, he punched him in the face, breaking his nose, and then kicked him hard in the chest as he was holding his nose. Two more normal Wraith and four guards came in, rushing him quickly as he turned. He got off a few good hits before getting the end of the lance smashed into his face.
Rodney was the last to wake seeing Sheppard next to him. They both noticed each other, and were not surprised to find they were in a cell. Seeing Ronan, just staring at the wall and then at them, they were really surprised to see Ford on the floor, face bloodied, but up, and unconscious.
"At least I'm not the last to wake up." Rodney muttered with a groan.
"Nope. Ronan woke first, got me up and then we tried you, but that failed as did trying him." Sheppard said.
"How long have I been out since you tried?" Rodney asked.
"A couple of minutes." Sheppard said.
"Where's Todd?" Rodney asked.
"He escaped." Sheppard said shaking his head. "I'm guessing the General fought pretty hard, or got beat before he could try."
"Lucky him. He heals quickly." Rodney said sarcastically.
"What do we do?" Rodney asked.
"About him, don't know. Just have to keep waiting. As for rescue, we are on our own." Sheppard said.
"Something tells me that is not going to matter." Ronan said as he stood.
The other two stood as well as several masked Wraith and a normal Wraith stood before the door. The Wraith looked down at the man on the floor, seeing him still laid out and then back at them.
"Open it." the Wraith said forcefully.
"Oh, I guess you are letting us out." Sheppard said as the door opened. "That's very kind of you."
"Bring them. And him as well." the Wraith said pointing at the ground.
They followed as two of the masked Wraith picked Ford off the ground between them, bring him along as his feet dragged. Several long corridors later, they ended up back at the room with the Queen.
"The Commander of the other Hive has escaped." the Wraith said to her as her eyes narrowed and she hissed. "But I have brought you these."
"Hmm." the Queen said standing.
The three were held hard by the backs of their necks and by the arms. The other two masked Wraith stood off to the side of the other prisoners, still holding the sagging man between them.
"This must be the man that I heard killed several of our troops. And injured you." the Queen said walking over to Ford.
"Yes my Queen. We are not really sure who he is, but he is very powerful." the Wraith said rubbing his fixed jaw.
"Hmm…" the Queen said lightly brushing her hand across his cheek while holding his head up with her other hand. "He is not injured."
"We noticed that as well my Queen. His healing abilities are remarkable. I am uncertain, but he may be the dangerous man that the other Hives have spoken of."
"He is obviously a danger because he killed several Wraith!" the Queen spoke venomously. "And he used no weapons!"
"Yes my Queen. But the real danger I meant to speak of is in his body. If what we have heard it true, feeding off him would be fatal." the Wraith stated.
"I guess the Wraith don't share a lot between each other." Rodney muttered and then groaned in pain as he was squeezed harder.
She let the mans head drop and then moved over to Sheppard, putting her hand just near his face, making him drop to his knees against his will as she hand lowered.
"Have the area searched for their ship. It must be nearby somewhere. And find that other Commander!" the Queen growled at them, before smiling as she lightly stroked Sheppard's face. "I plan on asking quite a few questions that need answers."
Teyla was at the console again as Lorne came back in as she called for him a minute ago.
"What is it?" Lorne asked.
"I have detected a Dart approaching our position." Teyla said.
"Could be a scout. Have they spotted us?" Lorne asked standing by her side.
"I do not think so." Teyla said.
"Have you detected any communication between it and the other Hive?" Lorne asked.
"No." Teyla stated.
"Then we still have a chance. We should destroy it before it can." Lorne said.
"Colonel Sheppard has flown a Dart before." Teyla stated.
"He would have radioed us by now. And we can't send out a signal ourselves." Lorne said.
She nodded and moved to another console nearby.
"I am charging weapons." Teyla said.
The screen changed and a Wraith came up on it.
"Do not fire. Do you recognize me?" Todd asked.
"Yes." Teyla said but still kept the weapons charged.
"Have you seen our people?" Lorne asked.
"I have. But you must allow me on board. I will tell you everything then." Todd said.
He was allowed into the bay and then was following the group as they all went for the bridge.
"They were captured?" Teyla asked.
"Yes, I saw them all get stunned. Except for your, General, it is? He took several blast but was unaffected. He took down several Wraith before they managed to overpower him. I did not stay long enough to learn anything else of their fate. I was lucky, had I been captured, I would have been killed instantly." Todd said.
"How will we rescue them?" Teyla asked.
"By now, they have been brought before the Queen." Todd said.
"So, there is still a chance of saving them then." Lorne stated.
"You do not understand. By now, the Hive in orbit will have detected the Dart I escaped in. They will be come suspicious and start looking for it. Our only hope is to leave now and come back later undetected." Todd said.
"We are not going anywhere." Lorne stated.
"There is no way to help your friends right now. You must face this!" Todd stated as the men behind him raised their weapons.
"Wait, there is a chance. I have an idea." Teyla said.
"How were you able to find this place?" the Queen asked Sheppard, who was still on his knees trying to resist her influence. "Interesting. I do not believe I have ever encountered so much resistance from a human before."
"Well, I have had a lot of practice." Sheppard said with a strained voice.
"Well, there is a much simpler way." she said with a smile that turned into rage as she pointed at Ronan and Rodney. "Tell me what I want to know, or I will feed on one of your friends!"
Sheppard kept resisting and she moved away.
"Very well." the Queen said.
"If you are hungry, then I am the one you are looking for!" Ronan said trying to move forward only to be gripped hard enough he almost went to his knees.
"No, this one!" the Queen stated as she moved to Rodney.
"Oh great, never in my entire life have I ever been chosen first, and now fate decides to restore the balance." Rodney groaned, both in pain and misery as he was forced to his knees. "Ford, a little help!"
"You're friend will join you in death soon enough." the Queen said lightly touching his face before turning to Sheppard again, who tried to move but was forced back to his knees again.
The two guards holding the very limp man between then suddenly fell onto their backs. Seeing as they had his arms on their backs, Ford used the leverage to push as he brought his feet forward, hooking them into the backs of the two legs by his. Pulling quickly, he flipped them backwards and then rolled to the side as the guys holding Sheppard let go to grab him, giving Sheppard a chance to trip them up. The other normal Wraith tried for him, only to trip over the downed guys once holding Ford as they tried to get up. She turned with a hiss and reached out, missing as he ducked and moved behind her, putting her into a tight headlock that made her choke while driving her to her knees.
"Tell them to let go of my friends or I will take your damned head off." Ford growled with a hard jerk that made a couple popping noises. "You already know I can't be stunned, so go ahead and shoot anyway. It will be easier to break her neck with less resistance."
"You.." the Queen barely hissed out while trying to pull his arms off.
"TELL THEM NOW! Three seconds and then I rip it off even if my friends die in the process." Ford yelled.
Ford was a bit surprised when she went rather limp on him suddenly.
"That isn't going to work. Three…" Ford said counting down.
Though her vision was a bit dimmed, Teyla, in the Queen's mind, knew the voice she heard and that it was behind her. And then she figured out what Ford was doing because of the arms around the Queens neck and head that was making it a bit difficult to breathe.
"Two…" Ford growled with a small turn.
"Let them go! Leave the room, now!" the Queen yelled.
"My Queen…"
"Go!" the Queen said waving an arm at the door. "Far away!"
They left, leaving the team alone.
"What did she say?" Todd asked, watching Teyla on the bridge where she was sitting on the bench with her eyes closed with a strained look on her face.
"She's not talking to us." Lorne said. "She's taken control of the Queen's mind."
"Impossible." Todd said in disbelief.
"I wouldn't be too sure of that." Lorne said.
"Ford, let….go." Teyla sort of choked out.
This confused all of them.
"Ford, let….go." the Queen's voice said in a weak voice.
"What?" they all asked.
"It's, me….Teyla…John, help…" she managed to croak out.
"Whoa, General, let her go…" Sheppard said quickly as he rushed over.
"What the hell is going on?" Ford asked letting go just enough she could breath, but not get free.
"Teyla is part Wraith. She was able to take over a Wraiths mind once before." Sheppard said quickly as he knelt by the Queen. "Ronan, keep watch."
"Already on it." Ronan said.
"Teyla can do that?" Ford asked confused and shocked as he let go and the Queen's body slumped to the floor on all fours, barely.
"Oh thank god. I was so sure after being stunned I was going to live the rest of my life in hell. Glad to see you guys are still alive and free." Rebecca said coming in panting. "Thanks for the shot General. They did toss me outside, but I managed to find my way here."
"Who is this that dares to enter my mind?" the Queen said as she appeared by Teyla, but wasn't really there.
"Who I am does not matter. What matters is that I am stronger than you." Teyla said as the others kept watch, namely Lorne, his team and Todd.
"Really?" the Queen asked as her voice echoed.
"Even now I am gaining control of your body." Teyla stated.
The Queen hissed in pain as she felt it.
"Yes, you do have strength. I can feel it now. But even you cannot sustain this level of concentration forever." the Queen said.
"I do not need forever. Now, get up!" Teyla stated.
"You are hiding something from me. Something very important. I can sense it." the Queen said.
The others watched the Queen slowly rise to her feet, shaking her head a few times.
"Teyla, come on. Stay with us." Sheppard said holding the Queens arm a moment.
"I'll be the only one touching her." Ford said putting his hand on her arm as he waved Sheppard away. "If Teyla is trying to gain control, and fails, the Queen can't harm me."
Ford looked into the eyes of the Queen, noticing that she was looking around, but not really seeing things.
"Ah, I see it now. You are not working alone. There is another life inside of you, helping you." the Queen said.
"Stay away!" Teyla shouted.
"Here…" the Queen/Teyla said slowly, handing over a pistol stunner. "Get them out of here."
Ford took the ugly weapon, but understood what she meant.
"Probably bad timing, but do you know where are things are?" Ford asked as she wobbled.
She shook her head, not knowing anything.
"Okay. Do whatever you need to do to let go. I can handle the Queen." Ford said tightening his fist.
There was a nod and then the head dropped as the Queen took control back. She hissed and then looked up, getting a fist to the face that knocked her out instantly as she slammed into the wall.
"Teyla, are you alright?" Lorne asked as she was bent over breathing hard.
"I, will be fine. The others are escaping. We should hear from them soon, hopefully." Teyla said.
Ronan took the body and tossed it behind the chair after Ford snapped her neck.
"Were you really going to rip her head off?" Sheppard asked as they traversed the hallways slowly.
"Yes. Done to a few people before." Ford said as he held out the pistol. "This thing feels weird and is really ugly."
"Give it to me then." Sheppard said reaching for it.
"And when you go down Colonel…" Ford asked.
"Right, you're the only one not able to be stunned." Sheppard said.
Five masked Wraith came at them from another passage and started firing. The group took cover as Ford picked them off quickly. The others grabbed the weapons dropped and then followed as Ford kept going. It was no surprise when they came into a larger chamber with several pillars and found several masked Wraith and the normal Wraith from before. Ford got three of them before firing started back and forth. The others managed to avoid getting hit as Ford moved forward, knocking the pistol from the normal Wraith as he grabbed him by the throat, lifting him into the air.
"Now, despite how much I wanted to rip your Queens head off, I didn't. We left her in that room though, stunned." Ford said lying as the others came forward. "Now, if you wish to live, take us to our belongings, or I will take your head off instead of stunning you after we leave."
All they got was a few gurgles.
"Just nod if you are willing to cooperate." Ford said as the guy nodded. "Good."
"Let's go." Sheppard said pushing the guy after Ford dropped him. "The moment you try something, we'll kill you."
Several turns later, they entered a room and found their stuff.
"Thanks." Ford said shooting him in the back a couple times, before tossing the gun aside as he grabbed his heavy coat. "Definitely can't leave this."
The others grabbed their belonging and put them on as Ford checked his rifle.
"She still works. And still has ammo left." Ford said.
"What do we do about him?" Ronan asked as he pointed his gun.
"Bad idea. They might hear the gun fire. We'll leave him stunned and just go while we can." Sheppard said. "We need to go after those ZPM's."
"But we have no idea where they are." Rodney stated.
"You looked at the schematics on the place back in that room." Sheppard stated.
"It didn't say anything about them!" Rodney stated as they ran.
"Then you'll have to look it up when we get back there. Oh look, we're here." Sheppard said.
"But…" Rodney began.
"Just try Rodney." Sheppard stated as the other two kept watch.
"This is going to take some time…" Rodney began as he linked back up.
Ford walked between them and ran his Sonic Screwdriver over it, making it beep a bit loudly as it ran information across Rodney's screen at a rapid pace.
"Wait, slow it down!" Rodney exclaimed. "No one can read that…"
The screen stopped and showed the three ZPM's several levels down and almost a half mile away from their position. Ford did something else to the console, on a different setting, making information pop up about what the location was where the ZPM's were.
"Oh my god. The Wraith have this system ready to run the moment it is activated." Rodney said. "Those ZPM's are imbedded into a system that would take at least ten minutes to just get one out. And the location is so far away, it would take us over an hour to get there even if we left at a dead run and didn't have Wraith to deal with!"
Ford pulled his cell phone out, only to notice it was damaged.
"Well, I'll just call the T.A.R.D.I.S. anyway and show Sam the phone later." Ford said reaching for his dog tags. Pulling them out, he found the remote control call damaged. "Oh, you've got to be kidding. This is your fault."
"My fault?! I wasn't the one going hand to hand combat with the enemy!" Rodney exclaimed.
"It didn't get broke that way. The Wraith were trying to examine it." Ford stated as he put the dog tags back. "I need a better way to call the T.A.R.D.I.S. better."
"Okay, ZPM's are to far away, we can't call the T.A.R.D.I.S. for help…" Sheppard said thinking as the alarms went off.
"Might want to think faster John." Ford said as he put the rifle to his shoulder.
"Why aren't you thinking?" Rodney asked as he removed his system from the console.
"I did. But my equipment was broken." Ford said.
"I do have an idea." Sheppard said snapping his fingers. "Back to the Jumper people."
Teyla was still sitting, trying to regain her strength back and avoid the fact the Queen tried to use her baby against her. Lorne was drumming his fingers on his gun, waiting to hear something soon as the alarms in the ship went off.
"The other Hive is coming." Todd said.
They got near to the exit, finding several guards and more coming behind them. Ford switched places quickly, moving to the back as they moved forward firing on the guards near the entrance. Launching a grenade at the forces coming from behind, the team covered their ears as the explosion caused serious damage to the area, blowing the Wraith different directions and killing most of them as the ceiling and floor gave out where the blast was. Shooting a couple more guards near the entrance outside, they rushed off as Ford and Rebecca provided cover from the rear.
"The Hive ship will be here momentarily. We need to leave, now!" Todd said as he took the controls.
"Not before we get our people back." Lorne said a couple feet from behind him.
"The weapons are barely functioning. The hull is severally damaged. We cannot survive another attack." Todd stated.
"We will wait for them. They are alive." Teyla stated.
"You don't know that." Todd stated.
"I know they are alive! I saw them!" Teyla said.
Todd spun around as another alarm went off.
"What is that?" Teyla asked.
"The other Hive. It is entered weapons range." Todd said as the ship rocked from a few hits. "They will target the hyperdrive, making it impossible for us to escape! We cannot wait any longer!"
"Teyla, Lorne, come in." Sheppard said over their coms.
"Colonel, where are you?" Teyla asked as the ship was rocked.
"We are on our way." Sheppard said.
"You must hurry, the other Hive has found us!" Teyla stated.
"Can you hold them off?" Sheppard asked.
"Not for long." Todd said as he took the controls and fired back.
Blast hit both ships repeatedly, causing more damage to them than the other Hive.
"They have entered the hanger bay." Teyla stated from where she was flying.
"Colonel, permission to jump to hyperdrive?" Lorne asked.
"No. I have a much better idea. We still need to finish off that cloning facility." Sheppard said.
"How are we going to do that?! We're under attack!" Rodney stated.
"Yeah, I know. Teyla, I want you to set the ship on a new course and then get everyone down to the bay as quickly as you can." Sheppard ordered.
"Very well, course set Colonel." Teyla said after he told her the location.
Everyone got in quickly, Ford getting in last as he kept a eye on Todd who took off in a Dart. Sheppard cloaked the Jumper quickly and then left the hanger bay as the Wraith ship continued on its preset course. They watched and recorded from the scans, while heading for the space gate, as the Wraith vessel plummeted down through the atmosphere and slammed into the facility. The erupting explosion took out the facility and mountain side, leaving a mark that was seen even from space.
"I'm pretty sure that did the trick." Rodney said from the front seat by Sheppard.
"Loss of ZPM's, unfortunately…" Ford said the seat behind Rodney. "But a great defeat for us against the Wraith."
"Even took out a Queen." Rebecca said.
"All good points. Let's go home. Rodney, dial the gate." Sheppard said.
As they left through the gate and exited back by the gate above their world, Ford pulled his Sonic Screwdriver out and ran it over Teyla, much to her surprise, as she sat behind Sheppard.
"What are you doing?" Teyla asked.
"It can be also used as a medical tool, to a point, remember? If there is anything wrong, wouldn't it be easier for Keller to be prepared ahead of time?" Ford asked.
She nodded slowly as he looked at the device.
"And?" Teyla asked worried.
"Other than needing some sleep, mostly by visual observation, your body is fine. A few levels are off, like before. Interesting." Ford said surprised.
"What?" the team asked.
"I can tell you the gender of your baby. Do you want to know? Especially before a mass betting pool starts on the city, if it hasn't already…" Ford said giving Sheppard and Rodney a look.
"I already know." Teyla said as the Jumper entered the atmosphere and headed for Atlantis.
"Really?" Ford said pocketing his Sonic device. "Hmm. In that case, I'm glad I didn't bet. I would have lost."
"It's a boy." Teyla stated as Sheppard and Rodney began to speculate.
"How do you know?" Rodney asked.
"When I was in the Queen's mind…I was stronger, and able to feel his presence more as he helped me be able to control her as long as I did." Teyla said.
"I still want you to see Keller after we get back." Sheppard said.
"John…" Teyla said.
"Yes?" Sheppard asked unsure of what she was about to ask.
"All of us will be going to the infirmary, remember? It is the protocol after each mission. I will not be the only one being stuck with needles." Teyla said.
Rodney cringed as Sheppard sighed while Ford, Rebecca and Ronan laughed.
Later near night, and the briefing all over a couple hours ago, most of the staff for the day had went to bed leaving the night crew. Carter and Radek weren't surprised to hear that, Todd, had taken off in a Dart instead of coming with them. They all agreed, if Todd was still around, they'd see him again, and probably for another business or alliance issue. Coming in to do a quick check in the commander center before going to bed, Sheppard found Teyla out on the balcony.
"Hey, everything okay?" Sheppard asked.
"Yes. I am just fine, physically. Doctor Keller believes I need to take tomorrow off and rest before going back to more daily routines." Teyla said.
"And the baby?" Sheppard asked.
"He is just fine. Though I did not doubt the General or Doctor Keller, she ran a test to prove it anyway. He is very healthy and stable, despite my mental exhaustion." Teyla said.
"Well, that's very good news." Sheppard said with relief.
"Until I have him, I will not be as effective a member of the team. Much less to many of the other situation here on Atlantis." Teyla said.
"That's completely understandable Teyla. You don't have to worry about that. Thing will be handled as you go through this. If you were the commander of the city, it would be more difficult, but with the position you currently hold…." Sheppard said seeing her eyebrows raise. "Not that being a member of my team is less important, I'm just saying that….um…"
"My position is important, and though replaceable and yet not as well, you are willing to wait until I am, more fit for duty again after he is born. I am quite sure that the General will not mind going off world with you until I can again." Teyla said.
"He goes off world with us, and a few other teams sometimes. More than likely, he'll continue to do so even when you come back. Don't worry about it. I won't be looking for any replacements." Sheppard said.
"Thank you for understanding." Teyla said with a smile of relief.
"Hey, what are friends for?" Sheppard asked putting an arm around her shoulder. "Let's go get dinner and then sleep of today's problems for the night."
"That, is acceptable." Teyla said following.
