CHAPTER 138

EPISODE…WHISPERS

(A.N. I seriously hope this chapter makes up for the last one. Big surprise ahead! Also, for the record or whatever you want to call it, I loved this episode and loved writing what I did even better.)

On a planet where technology was barely present, at least of the electrical kind, two men were walking through what seemed to be a dead forest. They wore hand made clothes that were drably, one carrying a large wooden bowl and the other beside him with a lantern. The entire area was heavily fogged, almost so bad you could barely see more than a couple feet. The one with the lantern thought he saw someone and the two slowly walked through the fog to find someone kneeling on the ground. When they got close and asked if the person was okay, the mutilated looking woman turned around screeching horribly, scaring the hell out of both of them. The guy with the lantern fell to the ground as the other man ran away quickly in extreme fright. He stopped to look back and find he was alone and then turned around seeing someone with a strange mask, which was a breathing mask, on their head.

One year later…

A team from Atlantis, consisting of four beautiful women, were on the same planet and looking into some energy readings they detected. They were all in black off world outfits and following a man made tunnel, square in shape, that was in the side of a mountain. Two of the women were leading, the leader on the right and the doctor beside her that was looking at the scanner in her hand. The other two behind them followed while one tossed aside glow sticks every few feet.

"The signal is getting stronger." she said looking at the scanner.

Tossing another glow stick aside, the lady stopped and picked up a gas mask that covered the entire head.

"Hey, what's this?" she said looking at it as she brushed the cobwebs off.

"Creepy is what it is." her partner said a bit unease.

"Hey, we found something!" one of the ladies ahead of them said.

She tossed it aside and they moved ahead, passing a branching off corridor to their left. Entering the room, they were also surprised at what the other two saw.

"I think we better contact Atlantis." the leader said.

Rodney was talking to Carson, who left to go back to Earth for several months and then came back only to decide to leave once again after just over a week. Carson was in the middle of packing as Rodney was trying to talk him out of leaving. Carson thought Sheppard entered his room to help him leave only to find out that his departure was delayed because his help was needed since Major Tedly and her team found one of Michael's labs. Plus, other help was coming along and would probably help him get to Earth much sooner after the mission was over, which he was extremely grateful for.

"Ah, express first class travel then with excellent meals while you wait. I can live with that." Beckett said putting down the shirt he was holding.

"You called the Carter's?" Rodney asked.

"You heard the General when he was still in charge. Any Wraith labs, he wanted to be there. Besides, you know he won't deny us if we beg him to cook and they are great back up if we need the help." Sheppard said.

"True, on both accounts. I'd probably be dead if they weren't here to help with that parasite thing. I'm just glad my forehead didn't scar where she drilled me." Rodney said rubbing the spot.

"I only wish he knew how to make haggis." Beckett said with a sigh.

"At least he apologized for the face that came when you asked." Sheppard said with a small grin.

"Aye." Beckett said. "I'm also glad he didn't vomit either when he turned green when I asked what the problem was."

"When will they arrive?" Rodney asked.

"Unfortunately, not as quick as I wish. The General came and dropped off this blue crystal thing so he can home in on our position and bring the T.A.R.D.I.S. there. The X-wing is currently helping with some problems on a Jaffa planet and the T.A.R.D.I.S. is being used to help with some mission for SG-1, which is why he'll be along shortly after that is over." Sheppard said.

"Have fun. I'd go but I'm dealing with some problem that Radek needs my help with." Rodney said.

"I'm just glad that the General will be there in case we need his help. Ronan is off helping Teyla with something with her people so other than Major Tedly and her team, I only have Carson here to rely on. No offense, but you are a better doctor than a solider." Sheppard said.

"None taken." Beckett said with a smile.

Carson took offense later when they stepped through the gate and then had to do a lot of hiking which also involved rappelling down a cliff face and then more hiking up the side of the mountain to their destination. Carson was still complaining when they came upon Major Tedly in the large but somewhat open forest that was still inclined roughly causing some serious footing issues.

"Colonel." Tedly said with a nod.

He looked up to see Major Tedly and her team walk down. She saluted and then he did so slowly a moment later.

"Major Tedly, Carson Beckett. Beckett, Major Tedly." Sheppard said.

"Hi." Beckett said giving a warm smile even though he was still catching his breath.

"This is Sergeant Mehra, Doctor Porter, and of course you've already met Captain Vega." Tedly said.

(A.N. The descriptions below are from my observations and guesses, not actual fact in real life. But for the story, consider them that way, for those that watched the show.)

Major Tedly was American, somewhere in her thirties and had a British like ethnic background, but not the accent. Sergeant Mehra was a slightly dark skinned lady with a Middle East background and her dark hair tied in a pony tail behind her head. Captain Vega was a young looking lady with red hair that was tied behind her head like the Major's, with little to tell of her ethnic background. Doctor Porter was someone very familiar if you knew her twin sister, which no one really knew personally.

"I didn't realize that you ah…" Sheppard began.

"That my team is a bunch of girls sir?" Tedly stated.

"I wasn't going to say that." Sheppard said quickly while shaking his head as Carson said no.

"It was with General Carter's help that all female teams were established." Tedly stated.

"Yeah, because of that Amazon woman like tribe they encountered." Vega said.

"That was not one of his finer memories." Tedly said.

"Yeah, if the then Colonel Carter hadn't stepped in and managed to talk them down, there would have been a blood bath rather quickly. At least, from what I recall of the report, those people have accepted our society, but only want to deal with women." Porter said.

Before Sheppard could respond, the group turned as they heard a winding and grinding noise, seeing a blue phone box land nearby. Because of the incline and no flat surfaces, once the ship finished materializing, it tilted over slightly and leaned against a tree.

"Speaking of the General." Sheppard said looking at the blue crystal thing in his hand.

"Why didn't you activate that sooner when we were at the gate? We could avoided all that hiking and climbing?" Beckett exclaimed. "My legs feel like rubber!"

"I did. Maybe it takes time to get a signal to them since we are in another galaxy." Sheppard said as the door opened, opposite of the group.

"It's not my fault there was a flash lightening and extreme rain storm Mitchell. We can go to that planet on another day. It's not everyday you get to go to another galaxy anyway." Ford said as he walked out with his heavy coat on, plus SG-1 insignia on the arm and wearing a very blue suit underneath.

"Yeah, you and Sam do it frequently besides going to other universes." Mitchell said shaking his head.

"You and the rest of SG-1 have been with us many times too." Ford said as he put his sunglasses on, while pushing the button in the side. "No, not X-ray. I want normal vision…."

"I called General Landry and informed him what happened and that we'll be back soon. He told us not to get the team killed and if at all possible, uninjured. You want adventure, this is perfect." Carter said walking out in a black off world outfit. "It is your first time being in another galaxy on a planet. I think anyway…."

"I can't wait to see what could be out here." Vala said walking out giddy, also in black off world clothes.

"I don't mind being here. Looking at a planet in another galaxy can be fun. New cultures and civilizations." Daniel said walking out next. "I just hope I get back to Sha're uninjured. We have plans out tonight."

"You have plans out almost every night." Carter said.

"I am making up for lost time." Daniel stated happily. "Hopefully in a year, I'll be a parent."

"I for one am glad to get away from the politics for awhile." Teal'c stated.

"Yeah, but I promised Amy I'd be back soon so we could go away for the weekend." Mitchell groaned as he exited last.

"I hate having to say this over and over. She is a time machine! Remind me when this is all over and I'll have you back just after Sam made the phone call." Ford said.

"I'm just glad we were able to get out of that storm before it hit us." Carter said.

"I would have went straight back to Earth, but Sheppard and the others are probably wondering why we haven't shown up yet. And there is another reason to enjoy going somewhere out of the mountain, because we are with friends here. Wherever here is. That beacon has been on for almost half an hour. Speaking of which…" Ford said while glancing around curiously.

"We're behind you General." Sheppard said.

The group turned to see Sheppard and the others with him several feet behind the T.A.R.D.I.S.

"Sorry Sheppard, many things went wrong. We barely managed to right the inside in time when the T.A.R.D.I.S. was hit by a load of uprooted trees. It's best not to try and move her when she's being tossed around from the outside. I would have came sooner, but I figured you were okay." Ford said trailing off as he noticed the four women.

"Where is your team anyway?" Carter asked.

"Ronan is helping Teyla and Rodney is helping Radek. It's just us, which shouldn't be any trouble. Hello Colonel." Sheppard said.

"Colonel." Mitchell said giving a two finger salute.

"Stop, we don't need to do this." Ford said quickly while waving a hand, as the Major and her team began going through the motions. "We all pretty much know who each other are. Rank wise anyway."

"So you're the famous SG-1 and General's Carter." Tedly said impressed.

"We, have retired. Now just help as scientific advisors and backup. I would prefer if you call me General, or if you want, Ford, but not sir." Ford said.

"Yes sir." Tedly said with an amused smile as she introduced her team and ignored the grumble Ford did, while Sam smiled at Ford's expense.

"Before you ask, yes I have a twin, she did play on Star Trek DS9, we didn't have similar interest which is why I am here and she is acting. No she does not know what I do, but we do keep in contact. Our last names are different on purpose because I got tired of being called Dax's sister. If you are looking for an autograph, give me an address and I'll have her send you one. Anything else I should cover before we move on, sir?" Doctor Porter said.

While most of everyone was a bit surprised at her candor, Ford only smiled.

"I like you. Your spirit too. You'll want to keep a strong grip on her Major. If Jack, General O'Neill finds out about her, he might have her transferred to working for him." Ford said with a very amused tone.

"Despite being married, Jack does like having spunky girls around to talk back to him." Daniel said with a chuckle.

"No wonder he liked irritating me and Janet." Carter said as she crossed her arms. "Remind me to smack him upside the head later when we get back."

"I heard SG-1 was rather lax, but I never imagined this." Tedly said with some surprise.

"I used to be able to order him around when he was still a General, now, I can with more authority because I'm the only one officially enlisted on the team anymore. If it weren't for the trust we have and the fun that comes with, I think I'd feel left out. Enlisted speaking I mean." Mitchell said. "So, we hear there is some sort of lab that a former Wraith guy who likes to play Frankenstein, is here to be checked out."

"Yeah, it's further up the hill here Colonel." Sheppard said waving a couple of fingers. "I was about to get informed of what the Major's team found when you all arrived. Oh, here's this thing back."

Ford caught the object, turned it off and put it in his pocket.

"Though I and Sam are retired, for the moment, I suggest that we defer to Colonel Sheppard as the person in command since this is more his territory than ours." Ford said.

"Fine with me." Mitchell said as he rested his arms on his P-90. "I'm just glad to get out of that base after a week of nothing but gray walls and paperwork. I wanted to work there to do this, not sit in a room and write all day."

"Indeed. The scenery was acceptable, but the constant political bickering began wearing on my patience." Teal'c said.

"Great, so lead on then Major." Sheppard said waving a hand.

They followed the ladies up the hill past many trees and a few turns before coming upon a high rise in the mountain that had an opening in the small cliff side. It was easy to see it the former building was man made by the bricks, though decaying with age and falling apart in many places. The entrance was very decayed and damaged by time, barely showing what was once the way in. Walking down a short hallway, it met up with another hallway that was square in shape and relatively flat with cracks and plants on it and only a few places here and there where it had bulged out but not enough to hamper the walkway nor collapse the structure. This section looked like it was well maintained for someone's purpose, which didn't surprise them since it was underground and out of the way of anyone who might be looking around.

"We were passing through this area on a routine survey when we detected a faint energy signature." Doctor Porter said.

"See something interesting Jackson?" Mitchell asked as Daniel was shining his light on the walls as the people ahead of them continued to talk.

"Thought I saw some writing, but there is so much faded around here to really be able to tell." Daniel said.

"We were eventually able to triangulate the signal and then follow it down into these catacombs. It's a bit of a walk but better than climbing the mountain." Porter said as she held her scanner out that beeped in a regular pattern.

"Thank god." Beckett said. "I'll be glad to be able to go back to Atlantis in their ship and then straight home where I can rest for awhile."

"What about the protocol of contaminates?" Doctor Porter asked.

"The T.A.R.D.I.S. is almost completely sterile and has a decontaminate chamber of its own. Considering all the travel we've done it her, if we followed the protocols to the letter, we'd spend a good portion of our lives just in de-con." Ford said.

"And there has never been a health issue at all?" Porter asked.

"Aside from one instance, which was caused by the Ancients, no." Carter said.

There was small chit chat for a few more minutes before they turned another corner and Porter told them that they arrived. The room was dark with a few Wraith computers along the left wall and by the wall behind them. Glowing pods went along the wall on either side and in the middle of the room where another large Wraith computer was at the front. They didn't have any idea how long the place had been there but it was apparent that no one had been back to it in some time and left everything on automatic.

"Stasis pods." Beckett muttered.

"There's a lot of them. Guess the ex-Wraith was playing more than just Frankenstein." Mitchell said. "Sort of like Aliens, but without the face hugger part."

"Aye, the analogy is frighteningly correct. The Wraith in particular is Michael." Beckett said. "I'll bet this is more of his research into perfecting his hybrid army."

"This reminds me of some other movie, but I can't place it." Mitchell muttered.

"Yeah, same here. I think there was an anime of something like this too." Ford said as he scratched the side of his head.

"I wouldn't doubt it about this being for that freaky army. Nice find Major. Hopefully this will give us some insight into helping us take him and his 'freaks' down." Sheppard said, mostly ignoring the two that tried to recall what movie or cartoon it reminded them of, which even Teal'c was trying to recall as well.

"Hopefully before he comes at us." Ford said. "Fighting a normal Wraith personally, is only easy because they think they are so superior and that, that it makes it easy to take them out. One of the reasons why Teyla has been so successful in her fights. With Michael, I'm sure more thought into fighting tactics would be used."

"Yeah. I hate to say it but he is a cunning bastard. If the Daedalus hadn't taken out the hyperdrive on that cruiser, we wouldn't have saved Teyla or her son." Carter said.

"That is the story you told us about how you almost caused some subspace time thing because you kept going back in time to the same moment over and over?" Mitchell asked as Ford nodded.

"It is fortunate that we have not had to deal with such a fate. The trouble Ba'al caused us was more than enough." Teal'c stated.

"That was almost two months of trouble we didn't need, even though it was interesting in many ways." Ford said.

"Why haven't I heard about this?" Sheppard asked. "Or anyone else on Atlantis since most of what you two and SG-1 has done usually gets to us rather quickly."

"Ba'al went back and changed history and the group of people Ford and I got together along with SG-1, managed to go back before we were also erased from history. Long story short, the SGC never happened, Ba'al was supreme ruler of the Goa'uld and he came to destroy Earth if they didn't bow down. We found out how he did it, went back and fixed history making everything go back to the way it should be. Only the people in the T.A.R.D.I.S. at the time knows what happened." Carter said.

"Okay. Why didn't you come get anyone from Atlantis?" Sheppard asked.

"Mostly because if we had failed, our only option was to go to Atlantis and get her out of the ocean to survive there since the Earth was most likely destroyed or uninhabitable." Carter said a little uneasy. "We wanted to, but we didn't think having everyone on Atlantis come with us and then, if we did fail, would be able to cope very well with everything they knew was gone."

"Thank god you succeeded." Beckett said.

"I understand why you did it. I would have managed, but Rodney, I seriously doubt he'd take it well because of Jeannie." Sheppard said.

"Which would include her family to bring along. And then other people would want to do that as well, which would extend further for their families and etc, etc." Ford said rolling his hands. "We really did think about it though."

"Sounds interesting. Have to hear it sometime later." Sheppard said. Something suddenly occurred to him as he snapped his fingers and looked at the Major. "You and your team came in and then left to call us and didn't touch anything, right?"

"Porter did something on that computer." Tedly said. "Why?"

"The last time we checked out one of Michaels labs the place was booby trapped bring a few tons of building on us." Sheppard said.

"That was not a pleasant experience. Reminded me of being buried in that avalanche. I'm just glad Rodney was able to dig me out." Ford said. "If it wasn't for the T.A.R.D.I.S. being there at the time, I think we would have been buried and dead. At least until I was unburied or got myself out."

"What did you do?" Sheppard asked Porter.

"I disabled the security protocols." Porter said.

"Why didn't McKay do that before?" Sheppard asked not really looking for an answer.

"He didn't know about them ahead of time. Because of what intel he gathered from those hard drives, I knew what to look for and shut down the security system. Beyond that, nothing else." Porter said.

"Oh, well good work. Just in case, before we start looking around more, can you two use those Sonic things to see if there is any traps or if we are being monitored? I'd rather not get buried or suddenly be over run by his men and ship." Sheppard asked. "Or whatever the hell he was playing god with in here if possible."

"K-9, link up with the T.A.R.D.I.S. and scan where we are please. We need to know if there is any monitoring devices, explosives or transmissions going in or out." Ford said into the headset in his ear. "Thanks. We'll know in a minute if it is safe."

"Hey Doc, is this place like any of the ones you were in?" Sheppard asked.

"I did spend a lot of time in his various labs, but this is not one of them." Beckett said.

"Judging by the dust content and lack of tracks outside, I'd say it has been quite awhile since anyone has been here." Tedly said as Ford touched his earpiece.

"Considering what I have been told of the Wraith, cleanliness doesn't seen to be a big thing on their list to do." Vala said.

"For having organic ships, they do seem like they are sick, in the illness sort of way." Porter said.

"Thanks K-9. Keep a watch in case anything changes. He didn't find anything other than this facility is in some sort of stand by mode. And there is a lot of life signs besides our own. However, the other life signs coming from the numerous pods, though human for the most part, have been mutated pretty badly." Ford said.

"Did he say how many?" Daniel asked.

"Hard to determine really. Some of the life signs are fluctuating but he estimates a few dozen." Ford said.

"Let's spread out and look around, but not touch anything just yet." Sheppard said. "Doc, you know how to read Wraith better than the rest of us. Find out what you can on this computer. And if anything changes, let us know instantly."

"Got it Colonel." Beckett said.

"I'll help. I do have a pretty good understanding and can read Wraith." Porter said.

"Thanks lass. A second set of eyes will be appreciated." Beckett said.

"Any idea of how long it will take?" Sheppard asked.

"From what I can see Colonel, there is a lot of information here. If this place is anything like the others I have been in, it will take more than a few hours to see what is all in here." Beckett said.

"Well, if we have to stay here long, we have a great place to eat and sleep, even take showers if we want." Mitchell said.

"The village doesn't have that. And MRE's have never been great." Tedly said.

"Mitchell means the T.A.R.D.I.S." Daniel said as Tedly nodded in understanding.

"Did you say village?" Sheppard asked.

"Yes. We spotted it this morning as we followed the signal here. It's a few clicks south of this place." Tedly said jerking a thumb over her shoulder.

"Perhaps the villagers will have some insight into what has transpired here." Teal'c said.

"Sounds like a plan..." Sheppard said trailing off as he was about to say something else. "How should we do this?"

"Do what?" Mitchell asked.

"He means split up Colonel." Tedly said as a particular smile crept across her face. "We obviously have to go because we know where the village is. But I am guessing he thinks himself and us three women can't handle ourselves without more men to be there as backup."

"I wasn't thinking that." Sheppard said quickly as Ford barely hid a laugh.

"I have the solution. The Major's team, minus Doctor Porter, will go show the place to Sheppard, Vala and I. The rest of you guys can stay here and protect the two doctors." Carter said as only she saw Ford muttered the word ouch.

"I planned on staying anyway. I've been trying to learn how to read Wraith in case we suddenly need to know it on Earth." Daniel said.

"That works for me. You guys can look around here and report anything you find useful." Sheppard said with relief.

"Call if you need help or find anything useful on your end." Mitchell said as they headed out.

"Ladies first." Sheppard said waving a hand.

"I heard something on Earth that made complete sense of why men say that." Vala said as they left the room.

"Oh really?" Sergeant Mehra asked as Sheppard groaned.

"I've heard it too. Men say that so they can look at a woman's…" Carter said.

Carter's voice trailed off as they got out of range. Porter looked up as she realized what Sam was saying and then turned to look at the three guys behind her since Carson and Jackson were near the computer and Carson was telling Daniel what he was reading.

"Didn't Chevy say something like that to you…" Mitchell asked while crossing his arms.

"Yes Mitchell." Ford growled lightly as he put his hands into his pants pockets. "I'm going to go look around this place. Make sure all these pods are closed."

"I shall accompany you." Teal'c said putting his hands behind his back as he followed.

"Who's Chevy?" Porter asked as Mitchell walked off another direction.

"Long story short, SG-1 in a parallel universe where the genders are switched. Instead of Ford, the name of his female counterpart was Chevy." Daniel said.

"They were named after vehicles?" Porter asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Ford after the Mustang and Chevy after the Bel Air." Daniel stated before thinking a moment. "Strange when I think about them now and that reference. Ford is powerful like a Mustang, but doesn't try to flaunt it. At least in the way of attracting female attention. Chevy on the other hand is incredibly beautiful like the 57 Chevy Bel Air I drive and is….how should I say this? She is more in touch with her sexuality than Ford is. Even our Sam and Janet were rather surprised at her candor. Along with a few other people."

"I heard something about that from Doctor Frasier once. Please tell me the rumor of them getting together is false?" Beckett asked.

"Total rumor. Other than fighting, though they called it sparring, that was as close as they got. Didn't even shake hands as far as I can remember. The only really strange thing that happened, at least strange to us if you really know Ford and Sam as well as we do, was when Chevy made a comment about how great Jack, our General O'Neill looked, to his face, which Samuel Carter took for as more as a pass. She got in real trouble there. Especially when Jack made a pass at her in a playful manner." Daniel said.

"How so?" Porter asked curious.

"If Ford does something wrong, and it really pisses Sam off, he has to sleep on the couch or floor for a few days. Other than not getting really great sleep, the two do okay. For Chevy and Samuel, it seems their relationship is….a lot different." Daniel said with a low tone.

"Doctor Frasier wasn't jesting me. It does make sense though considering the parallel world theory. And the only reason Doctor Frasier told me anything was incase they ended up on Atlantis and needed medical treatment or things of that nature." Beckett said a bit surprised. "At least to a point."

"General Carter's counterpart is a nymph?" Porter asked getting small nods from them. "Wow. I know people keep secrets, but that's something most people keep to themselves. Sorry I asked."

"Shocked me when I heard about it too lass." Beckett said. "But apparently that Chevy lady liked to talk about her life in that regard."

"But only to other women for the most part. And usually to Ford just to rile him. I have never seen anyone drive him so crazy in a way where he was unable to retaliate." Daniel said. "He once mentioned he'd rather hear nails across a chalkboard instead of hearing Chevy talk about that personal aspect of her life."

"Wait, does that mean that Sam Carter is…" Porter began before suddenly quitting as she didn't really want to know. "Never mind…."

"I actually don't know." Daniel said. "They don't talk about that part of their life, which is not surprising. Though I do know Sam talks to Janet and a few other girls about that aspect of her life, but from what I understand, girls do that normally."

"I don't but it is rather common with a lot of women." Porter said.

"We'd better get back to this in case anyone starts asking about our progress." Beckett said.

"Let's just keep what we said to ourselves. And especially from Vala." Daniel said.

"Yeah, this subject is getting awkward enough as it is." Porter said.

"Aye." Beckett said.

"Did you see the looks on those guys faces? Ever since I got command and was able to pick my own team, I've been able to do stuff like that to quite a few men. Only once was I ever yelled at for it, but he was a older superior officer." Tedly said as they walked down a path in the forest.

Sheppard tried his best to zone out what the girls talked about unless he was spoken to directly, which was barely at all since he was following from behind a few feet.

"I did stuff like that on and off with Daniel, but it doesn't work on him all that often." Vala said. "I've been getting on his good side a lot more lately now that I'm not trying to get together with him, even though I did want another date. But now he is married again."

"What happened on the last one?" Sergeant Mehra asked.

"I was kidnapped, tortured, thankfully it was more mental that physical, lost my memory and then got it back. No one is after me anymore, but he kept coming up with excuses. Now I lost the chance entirely." Vala said sadly.

"Doctor Jackson lost his wife to the Goa'uld, right?" Tedly asked.

"Unfortunately yes. The ironic thing was that she was a gift to him because Shar'es people looked at him like a god. He couldn't turn her away because they would have been insulted and she would be shamed so he let her stay. Eventually, they fell in love." Carter said.

"And then Teal'c killed her because the Goa'uld in her was killing Doctor Jackson. That is what the mission report said right?" Tedly asked.

"Yeah. Since then, even though it has been almost ten years, Daniel has been rather secluded when it comes to relationships. I even had all but gave up until Ford asked me out one day. I figured I had nothing to loose and ended up having a lot of fun that night. Many dates later we got married. I still wake up some mornings thinking my life is a dream." Carter said. "But we managed to finally get Sha're back, long story, and now he is extremely happy again."

"I wanted to be a mom once. Then I found out about this and signed up to go here. There are days I miss it, but exploring stuff like this is worth it." Tedly said. "Something to tell me children or grandchildren one day."

"I got somebody back home waiting for me. Another year or so of this and I go home for awhile. Might stay planet side and just work at the SGC or Area 51. Maybe as one of the standby teams." Sergeant Mehra said. "You have that X-wing ship right?"

"Yes." Carter said. "She's helping Teal'cs people right now."

"Wish it was here. We could have avoided all this walking and just been transported over to the village. That's all we've been doing since we got here and started looking around, walk, climb, scale a cliff." Sergeant Mehra said.

"Can't deny the workout is good though." Tedly said.

"Sorry ladies. I walk a couple miles or more every morning with Ford and have been for more than fifteen years, so this really isn't anything for me. Had to run a couple miles in one universe to get to safety so might as well look at it as getting ready for the possibility of running a mile or more, non stop, to save your life." Carter said. "Besides that, we workout together more often than not, a lot."

"You two have only been together ten years or near it." Tedly said.

"We are older than we look. Having a time machine only makes it so the present is always there to go back to and everyone and everything is still the same as you left them, but you've changed depending on how long you've been gone." Carter said. "I've got two lovely children, so I'm a lot older than I look…."

Back at the lab, Ford was slowly walking down the different corridors as Teal'c followed.

"It never ceases to amaze the hell out of me when I see someone who has a twin or counterpart that is on TV or something like that in regards. That Doctor…um, what was her name again?" Ford asked snapping his fingers.

"Are you referring to Doctor Porter?" Teal'c said.

"Yeah, her. Her sister is the lady on DS9, or was since Star Trek is over. Michael ends up looking like the actor who played on the Star Trek Enterprise series. Jack has a twin, Sam's father has a twin. Found out later that Doctor Weir has a cousin or something like that, but not a twin, and she's some doctor that has worked with NCIS. I once thought that Jonas had a double here on Earth when I saw that music video that Toby Keith did, but was shocked to find out it was actually him that was in it." Ford said. "Good music video too."

"Many at the SGC were also surprised when they learned he was in the video. I did not think Joan Quinn was interested in music and was surprised when I also learned he was infatuated with the Toby Keith like many are with Elvis Presley." Teal'c said.

"And all it was, was that he managed to find the man's cell phone number and told him he was a real big fan and worked with the military and wanted a autograph if possible because he was unable to go to a concert. So many twins and or doubles out there. And when I was looking into the K.I.T.T. thing concerning the nanite Replicator thing, there is a guy working for them that is the twin brother to a former Admiral that was in charge of JAG. Just when I think I've seen all the people with twins or doubles, another one comes out of the wood work and surprises me yet again." Ford said shaking his head in amazement.

"You forgot to mention Mr. Woolsey's twin as well." Teal'c said.

"Yeah, him too!" Ford said tossing his hands in the air. "That's what, three maybe four people from Star Trek alone that I have encountered that aren't those actors. Even that ass Simons had a cousin who played Q. Blows my mind."

They continued in silence for a few moments, still walking down another corridor as they kept searching the area that even lead to what was a secret wall which had more of the stasis chambers.

"You know Teal'c, I remember the days where you would ask about a statement one of us said because you didn't understand what we meant. I said a few things that you didn't comment or ask on. Finally spent enough time among us to understand huh?" Ford said.

"Indeed. Though I am not a big fan of TV shows, I have seen and heard enough to know what people say most of the time." Teal'c said.

"Do you watch the new Star Wars cartoons too?" Ford asked.

"I do. The animation is not as great as it could be like many of the cartoons I have watched with you and other computer generated movies, but the story line is worth it." Teal'c said with a small smile.

"A true fan through and through." Ford said with a chuckle as he patted Teal'c on the shoulder. "The storyline is rather good."

"What still surprises me is that he was able to talk to George Lucas. I don't think he bought the story of Teal'c being from another country, but he didn't ask any questions thankfully." Mitchell said as he walked up.

"Star Wars has helped a great many Jaffa in many ways. One of which has helped with certain political issues." Teal'c said.

"For a people with advanced technology, seeing as the Jaffa pretty much have the biggest fleet of ships…" Ford said.

"Pretty much? Talk about the only. Besides the Asguard, which we have not heard from since they gave us their technology, there is no other alien races out there with ships." Mitchell said. "And I don't count the Lucian Alliance."

"We still haven't found that ship Sam and I encountered that beamed away our people when we were on the Prometheus. There is also those other species that do races, but we don't really do much with them either. Point is, even with all those ships the Jaffa have and such, they still find the concept of TV fascinating." Ford said.

"Being as oppressed as long as we were and then finally getting our freedom, it is no surprise that we have been unable to broaden our culture. It is only recently that many Jaffa are now living simple and relaxed lives without having to think of an attack or something equally worse about to take place." Teal'c stated. "Because of the Tauri, our people are beginning to settle into a better peace and less aggressive life style."

"I know we are glad to help. Just never thought TV would be just the thing to help aliens understand us better." Mitchell said.

"A lot easier and better than teaching them how to read our language. Some grasp it quickly while others can barely get through the beginnings of our alphabet." Ford said. "As much as the small talk is interesting, either of you see anything we should talk about or inform Sheppard of right away."

"Nah. Just pods upon pods. A few dark ones here and there, but otherwise nothing stands out for me." Mitchell said.

"Nor I." Teal'c stated.

"Half expect the Wolfman, mummy or some other old movie type monster to jump out, considering this place sort of resembles those old movies as a setting." Mitchell said.

"Yeah, it does. Reminds me of a Doctor Who episode too. Might as well head back and see if the two doctors have learned anything yet then." Ford said.

"That's three Doctor's there General." Mitchell said.

"Right." Ford said with a small sigh.

It was no surprise when they got back finding the three talking and the subject about recent experiences or something along those lines.

"Find anything yet Doc?" Mitchell asked.

"Aye. Alison and I have discovered that Michael's work here revolved around these people being his first experiments." Beckett said.

"The prototypes for the army he is building." Mitchell said as he glanced around. "With all the pods in here, he's either captured all of the villagers or the village is much bigger than the Major figured."

"There could be other villages nearby that we are unaware of." Teal'c stated.

"There's that. But then, we didn't do a scan of the area and K-9 only checked this place out. Hopefully what you've found will help us in the long run." Ford said.

"Hopefully. We have yet to go through it all though." Porter said.

"I am going to keep looking around. I saw a hallway on the way in here, which probably is another bunch of these pods. Never know though." Mitchell said.

"I'm going to sit over here for a few moments. Maybe doze off for a bit." Ford said as he rubbed his eyes and hid a yawn.

"You're going to sleep?" Porter asked rather appalled.

"General's prerogative." Ford said with a small smile.

"His clock is off from ours. There are times were he has stayed awake for days and there are times when he sleeps 24 hours." Daniel said after the woman gave him and then Daniel a look. "But, whenever there is trouble, serious trouble, you can count on him to be there."

"I believe I will check the area around this place outside. Perhaps I may find something of interest." Teal'c stated before walking out.

"Thankfully, when he does nod off, we won't hear him snore." Daniel said.

The village, which was relatively large and mostly made of two story buildings, was in the middle of a large forest. There was walls here and there, such as archways and a few other places, made out of a hard rock that almost seemed as if it was shaped into a poured mold. The few trails left and what was old cart used roads, were hidden well in the forest unless you were on them. They didn't find anyone right away and considering how the village looked, it was doubtful if there was anyone living there anymore. Vines and other plants had grown over and in the buildings and walls, some still alive while others dying or dead from lack of water and nutrients. There was no bustle of activity or any recent signs of such either. Not even any signs of animals other than birds.

"If it wasn't for the sunlight I'd swear I was on a different planet." Carter muttered uneasily.

"Which one?" Sheppard asked.

"I don't recall the name or number, but SG-1 was infected by a small bug that ended up killing people because they never woke up. Even the animal life was unsafe, except for some reptile Mitchell and Teal'c found. If it wasn't for Ford keeping us awake, by shooting us I must add, I don't think we would have survived." Carter said.

"He shot you and the rest of the team?" Tedly asked appalled.

"In the arm, burn blast from blank rounds. It didn't scar but I would gladly taken the scar over death. I was so afraid that Sally was going to grow up like I did without a mother. Thankfully that's not going to happen here." Carter said.

"Not saying you have to, but you can go back if you wish." Sheppard said.

"I'll be fine. It was many years ago." Carter said. "Just the atmosphere brings the memories up. Highly likely I'll be on another planet that will bring them up again later."

"This place is pretty big. And from the looks of things, pretty abandoned." Tedly said.

"Yeah. Seems so. I suggest we all split up. Keep in radio contact and call the moment you hear or see anything, even if it is some wild animal walking by ahead of you." Sheppard said.

They nodded and took off different directions while keeping their guard up. Tedly walked into an area that had a building overhead and on either side where a walkway was built between them. Mehra entered a building finding dishes scattered around and some food molding away or turned to brick. Carter and Vala were still looking around apart from each other but staying outside as they continued. Sheppard entered a building that had a already open door and glanced around before walking out.

"Vega, you got anything?" Sheppard asked on his com.

"Nothing interesting. I'd say the locals all left and did it some time ago. And from the looks of things, without packing." Vega said.

"Yeah, same sort of thing here. Carter?" Sheppard said.

"Other than a few birds, no other signs of life. Not even a dog, assuming there is any on this planet. I haven't even seen any signs of animals being here much less droppings. Could be the people here are all subjects in those pods." Carter said. "Maybe even some of the animals…."

"Maybe. Let's hope it isn't from some sort of disease or illness." Sheppard said.

"I hope so too Sheppard." Carter said.

"Vala?" Sheppard asked switching channels.

"I found some old jewelry in what I believe was a business of some sort. Looks like gold and silver too." Vala said.

"We are here to look around, not dig and plunder though other's belongings." Sheppard stated.

"I don't think anyone is here. The place isn't ransacked even though some of the glass is broken. Most of everything for sale is still where it was left, untouched and covered in dust. Plus cobwebs. They must have cleared out of here or something, leaving all this stuff behind." Vala said. "And I think in a hurry."

"You do know it's all useless. You can't take it and use it on Earth because it might draw attention, especially if it is made of something you can't find on Earth." Sheppard said.

"Doesn't mean I can't take pictures and have Ford recreate the item in the T.A.R.D.I.S." Vala said.

He muttered something under his breath as he called Mehra who said she hadn't found anything of interest either.

"I also should point out, with all this jeweler left here, they must have left in a serious hurry because of some danger, or were taken away. Whatever the case, something made them leave valuable items behind." Vala said. "And no one has came form other villages to take them."

"Considering the food I have seen lying around that went bad and such, I see what you mean." Sheppard said.

"This is interesting and yet, disturbing." Beckett said.

"How so?" Daniel asked.

"These people are more than human Iratus hybrids. Michael was experimenting with the DNA of several other life forms." Carson said.

"Like a chimera?" Porter asked.

"Aye." Beckett said sadly.

"He must have given it up because it was over ambitious or something he was unable to get perfected." Porter said as she looked at one of the pods.

"According to the research, they were a complete success." Beckett said.

"Any idea why he quit and hasn't came back?" Daniel asked.

"Not that I have found out yet. Unfortunately though, everything he has done to these people cannot be reversed. They are not human anymore and there is nothing I can think of to even begin helping them. Which I doubt is even possible." Beckett said sadly as he shook his head.

"I believe we should inform the others to return." Teal'c said as he entered the room. "Though I do not know when this planet will achieve nightfall, I surmise it shall be soon. The sun has already begun setting on the horizon."

"I'll go out and call them." Ford said as he got up and pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. "We can stay the night in the T.A.R.D.I.S. where it is safe, has better accommodations and more importantly, good food. Plus a soft bed instead of this stone wall and floor."

"Agreed." Teal'c said.

"I could go for some roast beef myself." Mitchell said as he walked back in.

"I could too. It's been a week or so since I've had anything with meat." Ford said. "I'll be right back."

Sheppard and the others were still walking around and had yet to really find anything important. That was until Sheppard noticed something and talked to the others quietly about ten minutes ago. He walked down a alley way of sorts, passing by a opening to his right that lead to some dark area as he went over and sat on some stairs leading to a upper section. As expected, an unknown man walked out and stopped as he saw Sheppard sitting there with his hand gun pointed, instead of moving on as the man had been following him around the village.

"Hi there." Sheppard said with a smile.

He started to turn and bolt when he found two women behind him followed by a blonde to his far left and a dark haired lady that came out of the dark area he just exited.

"Don't run. We're not here to harm you." Tedly said calmly.

"Who are you people?" he asked warily. "Where do you come from?"

"We came through that big round ring. We're explorers. Mind telling us who you are?" Sheppard asked.

"My name is Mirellus." Mirellus said still warily.

"Well Mirellus, can you tell us what happened here?" Tedly asked. "Where is everyone?"

"Gone." Mirellus said.

"Why?" Sheppard asked.

"It began a year and a half ago. People began disappearing. At first it only happened in the surrounding forest and then it started here in the village. Day, night. It just continued to happen with no reason for it to be. Except one, this village was cursed." Mirellus said.

"Okay. Why are you still here then?" Sheppard asked.

"I live in the village next to this one. I spotted you all exiting the caves. And then I followed you here to see what you were doing and warn you of the curse." Mirellus said.

"Warning noted." Carter said. "You must have been following us pretty far away for us to not have seen you."

"I have been in this area all my life. There is, or was, many trails that lead in and out of this village, now almost totally forgotten and avoided because of the curse." Mirellus said.

"Can you tell us anything about the caves?" Sheppard asked as he put his weapon away.

"They are considered very dangerous. But seeing as you have all made it out, the danger must not be present. What did you find there?" Mirellus asked.

"A lab." Vala said as the man looked at her a bit confused.

The group was a bit startled as a musical melody filled the air. Carter reached into her pocket and pulled the blue T.A.R.D.I.S. phone out.

"Hello." Carter said.

"Hey, Teal'c says it should be dark soon, which looks the be the case. Does Sheppard want us to come there or you all to come back here?" Ford asked.

"Not sure, I'll ask him. Colonel, it is getting dark soon. We leaving or they coming to us?" Carter asked.

"Have them come get us and we'll figure out things from there. Does Carson have anything yet?" Sheppard asked.

"Doctor Beckett and them find anything?" Carter asked.

"The people in the tubes are chimeras. They're downloading the information right now so it can be looked at more easily." Ford said while looking at the forest from outside the cave. "They want to stay here just in case they find something relevant."

"What about the chimeras?" Carter asked.

"Probably have to shut down the machines and let them die in peace. Beckett is pretty sure there is nothing we can do for them." Ford said.

"Alright, we'll see you in a few minutes then." Carter said.

"You find anything?" Ford asked.

"We're talking to a guy from another village nearby. We'll update you when you get here." Carter said.

"Okay, see you soon." Ford said.

"What was that?" Mirellus asked as she hung up.

"We call it a phone. With it you can talk to other people, even if they are on other continents. But only as long as they have one also." Carter said as she put it away.

"Amazing. I have never heard of such a device." Mirellus said.

"They are pretty common where we are from." Sheppard said. "Can you tell us anything else?"

"Not at this time. I must get back to my home before nightfall. This village and the forest are unsafe at that time." Mirellus said.

"Why?" Tedly asked.

"There is monsters that only come out at night. Forgive me, but I must leave now. I suggest you do the same if you value your lives." Mirellus said.

"Thanks, but I'm sure we'll be safe." Sheppard said as the man shrugged and took off.

On their way back to the T.A.R.D.I.S., Beckett and Porter were talking, mostly making conversation to pass the time. Ford and Teal'c both tensed up suddenly as did Mitchell a second later followed by Daniel.

"What's wrong?" Beckett asked as he saw them stopped and looking around intensely.

"I do not believe we are alone." Teal'c stated.

"Same here. Something is out there, but I don't see anything." Ford said.

"Can't your Sonic Screwdriver help?" Mitchell asked.

"Yeah." Ford said pulling it out slowly. "I just hope it doesn't set off whatever it out there."

He slowly moved it around as it whined and then changed to a higher pitch as it signaled at somewhere behind them.

"Interesting. Someone has been able to sneak up on us." Ford said quietly.

"Where?" Mitchell asked.

"Behind that tree and those large ferns…" Ford said.

The location he spoke of began rustling fast as whoever or whatever was there started running away quickly. Teal'c and Ford ran over trying to see who or what it was only to see more bushes move as the unknown life form got out of view.

"Too much underbrush and god only knows what to try going after them." Mitchell said as he moved a few branches aside with his P-90. "Considering the amount of downed trees around us, one of us is more likely to get injured."

"Whoever or whatever is several meters ahead of us and still going. They or it must have intimate knowledge of this area. Might as well move on." Ford said putting his Sonic device away.

"Must have been someone to run away like that." Daniel said. "If it was an animal, I'm sure it would have attacked or at least made a noise for us to back away."

"Indeed. Only after we located their position did the said person move. Perhaps it is another person from the nearby village." Teal'c said.

"Maybe." Mitchell said. "Let's just keep an eye out in case they return."

They got to the T.A.R.D.I.S. without incident and no one following them from what they could tell and scan. Landing near the group by a well in town, Sheppard thought it best to keep out of sight in case anything came by so they'd be able to check it out without scaring it off and to see if anymore people showed up suddenly. Even though the T.A.R.D.I.S. emitted a field to make people not really look at it as anything, they agreed it was better safe than sorry, so Ford and Teal'c tipped the phone booth over and carried her into a building nearby. It was from experience that animals weren't effected by the field only because Ford had to, more than once, clean dog piss off the door on more than one of the sides.

Night came about an hour later and they had all managed to eat and were just relaxing for the moment. The large oak dining table in a mostly white and open room that had two doors going into the kitchen and one leaving to go into the rest of the ship, was where they were at for a good hour or so. Most of them were drinking coffee now as they talked about everything they saw and learned. Even though Ford was capable of taking the T.A.R.D.I.S. to the other village, Sheppard decided to go on foot to go talk to the locals, taking the Major with him along with Vala, who went because she had been in the SGC for a little over a week and wanted to get out more and breath fresh air even if it was on another planet. The ladies were really impressed with the ship and the short tour they got before they all went to eat and talk about the day.

"We'll keep in radio contact." Sheppard said in the Console Room as he clipped his gun to his vest. "Hopefully the locals will have some information for us. And maybe we'll find out who was tailing you guys and what monsters are out there."

"If we need backup, you'll be able to get right to us, yes?" Tedly asked.

"The moment you call, we'll be there." Ford said as he patted the console.

"Good luck." Carter said as they nodded and walked out the door.

"He was afraid that we'd end up in another universe instead of the village." Ford said.

"Can you blame him?" Carter asked.

"Not really. Let's see if we can help the other two or three and if not, get ready for bed." Ford said putting his arm around her as they walked out.

"K-9, keep us informed please." Carter said.

"Yes Mistress." K-9 said as he parked by the console.

Unbeknownst to them, mostly because they didn't set the scanners to check the lab area out while they slept, several of the pods started to open, spraying out massive amounts of fog that quickly engulfed the entire lab and proceeded out of the cave and into the forest and surrounding area within a hour or so, getting larger and thicker as all of the pods eventually opened.

Mehra was off either at the shooting range, the Jacuzzi, or in her temporary quarters taking a long bath before going to bed for the night. They didn't check and weren't sure but knew there was nothing to worry about. The only reason they thought about any of those things was because Mehra seemed very interested in the first two when they gave the brief tour. As for the bath, it was no surprise since it was commonly known women liked long baths. Tedly was certainly looking forward to one herself when she got back.

Daniel was looking over some notes and a few other things in the T.A.R.D.I.S. databanks on Wraith so he could hopefully help Carson and Porter more later and in case he was suddenly called to the Pegasus galaxy. Plus he had a interest in the Wraith because they were a new culture, even though they were the enemy, just like the Goa'uld were. Ford and Carter proceeded to bed and after an hour, she nodded off sleeping peacefully while Ford left a note and went back to the Console Room to monitor things because he was still wide awake since the short nap earlier. Mitchell also went to bed for the night, but after playing a video game for awhile. Teal'c had already went to bed early on seeing as he had came from a political meeting that morning to go with SG-1 on the mission that ended up with them where they were currently. Carson and Porter were in one of the computer labs looking over the information as the T.A.R.D.I.S. was able to analysis, decrypt and translate better for them to read, which was proving to be valuable as they began understanding things quickly.

Ford was reading the T.A.R.D.I.S. manual, yet again, as he kept a watch on the sensors. When it beeped at him, he set the book aside and raised an eyebrow.

"That is a lot of fog, and more importantly, it's something other than fog. Sheppard you read me?" Ford said into the radio getting nothing as he asked again. "Hmm, even with the incredible boosting power of the T.A.R.D.I.S., this fog is interfering with communications. Disturbing and yet, fascinating."

"I believe the problems lies with Colonel Sheppard and the two ladies with him Master and not the T.A.R.D.I.S." K-9 said.

"You mean that their radios are so low tech compared to us and they are in this strange fog which is making their equipment malfunction." Ford said.

"Yes Master. They are currently in the fog." K-9 said.

"Great, we have a problem." Ford said opening the door and walking out with his blue flashlight that gave him a good look at the surrounding area. "Not here yet, but the T.A.R.D.I.S. said so anyway. I think I can see it above us unless that is really low clouds."

"The scan results lead me to the conclusion that the fog interferes with powered devices Master." K-9 said as he came back in. "I find no traces of Colonel Sheppard or the two ladies carrying anything with any power signatures."

"I'm not surprised since they can't hear us calling." Ford said putting his flashlight away. "Don't go outside K-9."

"Noted Master. Additional information Master. The well in town is emitting the unknown fog into the town." K-9 stated.

"That's, disturbing. Not to mention strange. I'm going to go check it out. If anything happens, inform the others." Ford said.

"Yes Master." K-9 said as Ford put his heavy coat on and walked out.

"Wow, this fog settled in extremely quick." Tedly said as they were walking through the forest slowly with their lights on.

"Are we even going the right direction?" Sheppard asked.

"According to this device Sam gave me, yes." Vala said as she looked at the circular device in her hand that had a grid on it with two glowing points and a distance meter at the bottom. "Strange, it quit working."

"My light just died." Tedly said.

"Mine too." Sheppard said as he smacked his.

"How could the fog have done this?" Tedly asked.

"What makes you think it is the fog?" Sheppard asked.

"I don't see anything else new around here and Sam said she didn't detect anything within the path or any other energy signatures nearby other than the gate and the lab." Vala said. "So the obvious conclusion is it has to be this thick fog. And is it just me or does the air smell funny?"

"I don't smell anything. At least nothing strange." Tedly said.

"What do you mean by funny?" Sheppard asked.

"Different. Not like smoke or some gas or anything. Not sure how to describe it. Isn't unpleasant, but not very comforting to my nose either." Vala said wrinkling her nose.

"I don't think we are alone." Tedly said as she lifted her gun into position.

"No, we aren't." Sheppard said as he lifted his as did Vala as something ran past them in front of their path.

"It could be an animal." Vala said. "A mutated one like I and the rest of the team encountered on Earth. What was that park's name again?"

"I read about that and since those cloaking devices aren't being used here, I sincerely doubt that that is happening here." Sheppard said as they stayed back to back and kept watch, occasionally seeing something run by just out of their range of sight very fast.

"Whatever it is, it is stalking us." Tedly said.

"That creature on Earth was stalking us too." Vala said.

"It's not that Vala. Besides, we heard what Carson and Porter told us. Michael made some sort of chimeras, which are probably the monsters that guy was talking about that come out at night." Sheppard said.

"You think they might have came out of those pods in the lab, and only at night and then go back to the pods during the day?" Tedly asked.

"I don't know. We'll have to ask the two if they learned anything when we get back. Let's stay back to back like this and head back to the village as quickly as possible." Sheppard said.

"Why not call the General to come get us?" Tedly asked.

"Because, the radio is dead like the flashlights. I can't even get it to make a click noise." Sheppard said. "So we can't call him or the others for help."

"Mines dead." Tedly said.

"Mine too." Vala said as she checked something in her pocket only to put it back. "Even my cell phone isn't on anymore."

"Must be the fog then. This wasn't happening earlier when we set out." Sheppard said.

"I'd have to agree sir." Tedly said.

All three of them quickly turned as someone stumbled out of the fog and dropped near their feet.

"Mirellus?" Sheppard asked as the man got to his feet. "What are you doing here? I thought you went back home."

"I tried, but didn't make it in time. The demons came after me and I barely got away." Mirellus said scared as he looked around.

"Demons?" Tedly asked.

"The monsters I told you of earlier." Mirellus stated while still being very jumpy. "They are all around us and will attack very soon."

"There is something out there." Vala said as she pointed her gun behind the man.

The rest did as Mirellus got behind them cowering in fear. A few shapes began showing up through the fog and were moving very slowly. When a loud screeching noise filled the air and two banshee like people came out of the fog suddenly, lunging at them, they opened fire. They went down quickly and before the group could check the bodies, more started to come from the other sides. Several rounds of fire later, there was over ten bodies down and they were changing clips.

"We need to get back to the village, now." Sheppard said as he fired off a few rounds. "Fall back and keep watch on the next person until they do the same."

Carson and Porter, other than getting better with understanding what they read, also started to get a little more closer on other levels as they laughed and talked more personally. When it seemed like they were just on the verge of possibly kissing, a loud bell began ringing through the T.A.R.D.I.S.

"What is that?" Porter asked as she got up with him.

"I'm not sure, but I believe it is some sort of alarm." Beckett said.

"Sheppard the Major and Vala are in trouble. There is a lot of gun fire but we can't get a signal because of something interfering with the fog all around the area." Carter said as she opened the door wearing her black off world outfit again that she was still putting on. "They may be coming back injured."

"I'll be ready." Beckett said.

"The others should be in the Console Room soon." Carter said as they headed for the Console Room. "K-9, what's going on? And where is Ford?"

"The Colonel and his team are headed back for the village Mistress. One other person of unknown origin is with them. Scans indicate there is many unknown hostile life forms following them and in this village." K-9 said.

"And Ford?" Carter asked.

"He is currently in the village fighting off several of the unknown life forms." K-9 said.

The group jumped slightly as they heard a couple of very distinct and loud gun shots nearby.

"That's Ford's personal cannons." Carter said as she pulled her gun off her hip.

"What's going on?" Mitchell asked, though while in his black off world outfit again like the others coming in behind him, he had a bad case of bed head like Mehra.

"Something is attacking the Colonel and the two with him." Beckett said as Carter was looking out the door. "The General is out there as well."

They looked up as they heard a few more loud gun shots and then saw Ford rush in as Carter moved out of the way quickly. He landed on the floor and turned around quickly firing as one of the unknown creatures dived in screeching only to be blasted back out the door. His suit was seriously slashed and tore, plus bit in several places with blood on different areas of his body, including his face and hair.

"K-9, raise shields!" Carter yelled.

"Online now Mistress." K-9 said.

The group raised their weapons as they saw another one of the creatures jump at the doorway only to bounce off. It got up and started screeching and wailing at them as it clawed at the shield.

"My god." Beckett said as he lowered his pistol.

"They came out of nowhere." Ford said as he slowly sat up and rubbed blood out of his eyes. "Damn strong too. Reminds me of that time at the mansion outside Raccoon City. Like creatures out of a nightmare, or the Silent Hill game."

"You're bleeding General." Porter exclaimed.

"Was, but thanks for the concern. One of them jumped on my back and bit into my neck. Luckily it didn't hit a very vital vein." Ford said while shaking his head. "I got more injured by the one that about ripped my side out."

"What are we going to do about that?" Mehra asked. "The Colonel and them can't get in with that in thing in the way."

"Shoot it in the head. We'll drag the bodies away." Ford said.

"There is over a dozen nearby Master." K-9 said.

"Let's even the odds then." Ford said as he worked at the controls after wiping the blood on his hands on his ruined suit. "Don't anyone panic now. The building is going to fall is all."

"What?" the group asked.

The heard a rumbling noise followed by lots of screeching and wailing noises that were drowned out as the building collapsed around them. Shifting the shields around, he made a large path out to the road and several feet on the sides of the T.A.R.D.I.S.

"Okay, I made the shield into a igloo like shape. The areas to stay in are easily seen because there is no wood or other debris in the way. Shoot any of these creatures that come near. I'll go out and see if I can find Sheppard and the others. Do not leave the field." Ford stated.

"Why not? If the others are injured…" Beckett began.

"I will bring them back then. The shield is set up to let out but not back in. Sam can override it at any point but we don't want any of those things to get in here. As much as I am thinking of your safety, I'd rather not see the Console Room or any other part of the interior shot up with a bunch of bullets." Ford said grabbing his Heavy Arms rifle. "Cleaning my blood off the floor is going to be hard enough."

"Master." K-9 said.

"Yes K-9?" Ford asked as he was getting the weapon ready.

"The Heavy Arms rifle is useless." K-9 stated.

"Right. No energy sources work in this fog." Ford said setting it aside as he also put his energy pistols up in the large cabinet. "Whatever this fog is, it even interferes with the Sonic Screwdriver, and my watch. Good thing I'm not a cyborg, or my android counterpart."

"New information Master." K-9 said.

"Yes K-9?" Ford said stopping at the doorway with his personal cannons out.

"Sheppard and his team have went to the cave. They are not headed for the village." K-9 said.

"Must have decided to go there to get out of an open space." Carter said. "Without the radios working, they might have got lost and realized they couldn't call for help."

"Why can't we just go to them?" Mitchell asked.

"We'll have to do a quick check." Ford said putting his guns away. "I don't think the T.A.R.D.I.S. will be effected, but I'd rather be safe than sorry."

Entering the cave quickly, they made their way to the lab with Mirellus still following. The three were shocked to find all of the pods open and the place relatively free of the fog.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know." Mirellus said.

"Why the hell did you open them?" Sheppard exclaimed.

"Back when you asked about the caves, I knew you found something and since you were able to leave them, I knew it was safe to go in. My wife was among the people missing. When I saw the bodies in those things I thought…." Mirellus said trailing off. "I'm sorry. I had no idea those creatures were in there and that they were the demons plaguing this area. I thought I could save my wife…"

"Considering the half dozen or so we took out, there has to be another couple dozen left." Tedly said. "At least that's what I remember from what the General told us."

"Yeah. A whole bunch of those things between us and the village." Sheppard muttered as he thought.

"Well, on the bright side, we don't have to worry about them being attacked." Vala said. "We only have to worry about ourselves."

"You're only saying that so cheerfully because you can't die." Sheppard said sarcastically.

"What do we do Colonel?" Tedly asked.

"We've got no choice but to go back to the village and hope that our two doctors have learned something helpful to resolve this situation. If we have to shoot them all, I'd rather us be safe inside the T.A.R.D.I.S. where we can shoot more freely without worrying about being overrun." Sheppard said as he did a quick check of his ammo. "Vala, you take point. We'll watch your back. You, stay here. Seeing as they aren't in here, I'm guessing this place is pretty safe."

"What if they come back?" Mirellus asked.

"Hide somewhere. We'll be back as soon as we can." Sheppard said as they left.

"I'm not staying here." Mirellus said following quickly.

After a good dozen or so of the mutant people came at them, they turned and ran off quickly.

"Why are they leaving?" Porter wondered out loud.

"Maybe they realized they couldn't get to us and decided to back off and come up with some better plan." Ford said as he changed clips. "They could also have found something else to go after as well."

"Colonel Sheppard and the others are in danger." Carson said.

"I know. You all stay here. I'm going to go see what I can do. K-9 will be tracking me. If he finds out they are coming back, fire off two rounds in the sky. Even though this fog is thick, I'm pretty sure I'll see a flare if you shoot it towards the direction that they are coming from. Fire off two and wait till I signal you with one round saying I saw the flare. If I fire two, that means I didn't see it and to fire off two flares again. We'll repeat this until I fire off one round." Ford said.

"There is a problem with that General. The forest and the surrounding area is rather dry. We could easily end up starting a forest fire that will quickly rage out of control." Beckett said.

"We need a new plan that doesn't involve causing fires." Porter said.

"I'd say using compass directions and firing off different rounds for directions but this fog seems to also mess with them as well." Carter said as she looked at a compass in her hand.

"Okay, no flare usage, can't use any power devices." Ford muttered as he ticked off his fingers.

"Radio signals don't work at all and even a gas powered lantern isn't going to cut through this fog." Carter said.

"We can't go to them because the fog may or may not interfere with the T.A.R.D.I.S." Daniel said.

"How about a spot light?" Mitchell said. "Like the Batman signal thing. We could set one up in the doorway and shine it into the sky."

"That might work. Even with the fog this thick, being nighttime, it should be pretty easy to see. Using some refractive mirrors on the front we could set up pretty quickly since we made a program to allow us to design something before having it replicated, the mirrors would concentrate the beam into a more direct point possibly giving it a more brighter beam as it is tighten to a narrow point." Carter said as she used her hands to mimic her idea.

"That would work." Ford said.

"Would that not also concentrate the heat from the bulb into a more confined space?" Teal'c asked.

"You're right Teal'c." Carter said with realization. "Wow, I didn't think anyone really listened to my scientific lectures accept Ford and a few of the other scientists."

"Though I am unable to grasp many things you speak of, once the idea has been put to practice, my understanding grows." Teal'c stated. "Also, before I fully understood the difference of why the Tauri used different light bulbs, the lamp beside my bed burned out one evening and I replaced it with a much higher watt bulb than it called for, not knowing the consequences of my actions. While reading that night, the lamp shade caught fire. Only after I explained to one of the airmen what I had done was I made aware of my mistake."

"This is the first I'm hearing of this. But then this must have happened at the beginning of the SGC." Ford said.

"Indeed." Teal'c said.

"Oh, I know what he's talking about. During the first month of Teal'c joining us is when it happened. That was so long ago I completely forgot." Carter said.

"So, what do we do about this problem then?" Mitchell asked. "We can't just let you go out into this muck without being able to signal you some way."

"The team could come back while you are out there and then we'd have to try and look for you." Porter said.

"K-9, how long would a spot light with the modifications we want to do hold out before the heat becomes to great?" Carter asked as they went back in.

"Not enough data to formulate a reply Mistress." K-9 said.

"Hang on a moment then. Sam, help me out here." Ford said as they both worked on the console.

Five minutes later, they had the idea on the screen on the wall with is turning it different directions as information scrolled down the left side of the 4D picture.

"Processing Mistress. Analysis complete. 16 minutes and twenty two seconds Mistress. Any more after that will cause a small explosion from the intense heat." K-9 said.

"Alright then, we can turn it off after fifteen minutes. Give it time to cool down before turning it back on. The moment you know anything about the team, point the light their direction and fire a shot so I know to look for it." Ford said.

"Information Master. Colonel Sheppards team has left the caves and are headed here. Their erratic movements suggest they know the direction to head but not the direct path." K-9 said.

"Considering how dense this fog is I'm not surprised." Daniel said.

"How long will it take to make this and set it up K-9?" Carter asked.

"Less than ten minutes for the total process Mistress." K-9 said.

"Get it started then." Ford said as he looked at the scanners. "Okay, I have a pretty good idea of where to go in hopes of catching them. Once I find them, I'll fire off three rounds of blank ammo in quick succession. I have no doubt you'll hear me. Keep the light on as long as you can. If we get lost, I'll fire five rounds the same way and that will mean I need you to fire off one round to give us a general direction where to go."

"We'll be waiting." Carter said. "Be careful Ford. While you can survive anything, we have no idea what sort of effect your physiology would have on these creatures."

"I will." Ford said heading out.

"Good luck General." Beckett said with the others.

They heard some sporadic gun fire here and there, not only from Ford's gun but also the sounds of P-90 fire, during the entire time the spot light was set up. Then it was quiet for a good five minutes as Sam kept looking at her watch.

"Two minutes Sam." Beckett said.

"I know. At least we can tell this spot light is working." Carter said looking at the beam in the fog.

"Not as big as the one's normally used, but it is serving our purpose." Mitchell said.

"I hear footsteps approaching." Teal'c said raising his gun.

The rest of them did as they heard the steps getting closer.

"I think it is them." Beckett said.

"K-9?" Carter asked.

"It is the Master and Colonel Sheppards team Mistress." K-9 said.

They turned back as they came out of the fog with their hands up.

"Shut that thing off please." Sheppard said as it was turned off. "Thanks. How's that even working?"

"We left it in the doorway." Ford said as it was pulled inside by some cables attached to pull it out of the way since touching it was dangerous. "The fog can't do anything to the T.A.R.D.I.S. so we are safe in here along with anything that uses power."

"Interferes with radio signals as well." Tedly said.

"We know. We couldn't contact you at all." Carter said.

"The pods are all open, and this guy here did it." Vala stated as she put her gun down and grabbed a water bottle from a outlet in the wall.

"I said I was sorry!" Mirellus said.

"It's not important right now." Sheppard said waving the man to sit. "What's important right now is figuring out how to get rid of these things and then get out of here."

"That's a problem right now Colonel. According to the research notes we looked at, these experiments are behind the reason for the fog." Beckett said.

"We also learned that they are totally blind and hunt by sound." Porter said.

"That makes sense." Ford said. "When I shot one that jumped at me, more suddenly showed up. I must have killed five maybe six. I saw one nearby that wasn't coming at me and didn't move. When it suddenly ran off I was confused until I heard gun fire from them."

"We took out three I think. They last one being the one you didn't get as we entered the village." Sheppard said.

"Unless my eyes were playing tricks on me, I could have sworn that that last one attacked us by coming off one of the buildings walls." Tedly said.

"Aye, that it did. Climbing walls is one of the genetic abilities put into them. We are unsure of what predators or other creatures were used to turn the people here into those horrible creatures, but I know for certain that there is no way to reverse the process. We have no choice but to kill them I'm afraid." Beckett said.

"We can't dematerialize the T.A.R.D.I.S. because of the fog." Carter said.

"But the shields are down right now, right?" Sheppard asked.

"There is two fields around the T.A.R.D.I.S." Ford said gesturing with his hands. "One keeps the ship safe and stable from anything just coming in normally, such as the fog and the effect taking place in here. The other is the primary shield that keeps everything out and from anything harming the ship itself, such as weapon fire. We're not sure if we'd be in trouble or not by dematerializing so we're not taking the chance."

"So we need to get rid of them. Not a problem really since we need to get rid of them to keep the rest of the population on this planet safe. Did any of that data give any ideas on how to do so quickly?" Sheppard asked.

"Unfortunately no. Killing them directly is the best way I'm afraid. Michael was unable to control the creatures himself and abandoned the research. Why he did not destroy everything when he left isn't clear." Beckett said.

"He may have been hoping for a breakthrough later to return and finish the job." Porter said.

"Kinda sounds like that incident we had when we found Anubis's clone lab experiment." Mitchell said.

"Only Anubis wasn't able to go back and finish the job like Michael can." Daniel said.

"We must kill these unfortunate people and destroy the lab to ensure this Michael is unable to gain any further research if he does return." Teal'c said.

"Blowing it up won't be a problem. We already have all the information from it, right Doctor Beckett?" Ford asked.

"Aye." Beckett said.

"Then we need to round up these things and get rid of them quickly before Atlantis sends reinforcements." Mitchell said.

"I was able to send a message to Atlantis already." Carter said. "No one else is coming until we call back and say it is safe."

"How do we go about getting them to come to us?" Mitchell asked.

"They are attracted by sound. If we could set up some sort of signaling device to get them to one area, we could take them out quickly without having to go after them." Porter said.

"Yeah, but electronics don't work. Even our watches died." Mitchell said.

"Going to have to reset them. Mine's working again." Ford said messing with his.

"You said they are blind and sensitive to sound, right?" Mitchell asked getting nods from the two doctors. "That sounds a lot like that Dare Devil character."

"Intense sounds made it difficult for him to see things because his sonar like ability was thrown off." Carter said snapping her fingers.

"Something like a ultrasonic pulse would work to easily get their attention." Porter said. "But the electronic problem is still there."

"Information. Sensor readings of the fog suggest that it is less dense at ground level. Theoretically, small electronic devices may work for a short period of time." K-9 said.

"The Sonic Screwdriver is capable of emitting such a pulse." Carter said pointing at Ford. "And it is small."

"And powerful." Ford said pulling his out. "I'll set it on a low tone that hopefully won't bring them all rushing here."

"Isn't that the idea?" Tedly asked.

"It is, but since they are the reason for all this fog, killing them all around us may increase the density level to the point it may take a day or more to even try to leave the area. There is absolutely no wind out there and according to the weather currents I had K-9 check on, there is not anything happening here for almost a week other than sunny skies and little to no wind. This forest and village are practically in a valley with all these mountains around them." Carter said.

"I have to admit, staying here for a few days in your ship doesn't bother me." Tedly said.

"Nor I. I haven't had this much free time in awhile. Much less being able to take a long bath without worrying about being called to duty or something." Mehra said.

"We don't mind having you as guest, but if a problem suddenly arose and we were needed elsewhere, we can't risk leaving if the fog is still here." Carter said.

Ford turned his Sonic Screwdriver on and then knelt down as he tossed it out low to the ground. All of them watched as the blue light on top continued to stay on and slowly counted the time.

"K-9, how long you think it will stay on?" Ford asked.

"Readings indicate the fog is having an effect Master though signs are not visible. Estimate five minutes at most in its current pace." K-9 said.

"Then we need a place in the village where the density is low." Carter said as she checked the screen on the console.

"Can we tell how many are out there?" Sheppard asked.

"Yes. One moment." Carter said bringing it up on the screen.

A 3D yellow lined picture of the village came up showing the creatures moving around and some just outside in the forest. Most of the concentration was near them but spread out.

"Hey, can you zoom out and bring up the lab on the screen. There was a lot of passages in those catacombs that weren't completely checked out." Tedly said. "There could be more pods that haven't opened yet."

Ford picked up his Sonic Screwdriver and then did the scan. They were all surprised at the massive tunnel system that ran from the lab to various areas that had been blocked by cave-ins or underwater on the other side of the mountain while others branched out an lead into a big system under the village.

"Am I seeing this correctly and that well in town is empty because it runs into the tunnels?" Porter asked as she pointed.

"Yes, it is. Looks like water once came down from the mountain from the lake nearby I think, but the passage ways have been sealed off." Ford said.

"Michael must have been behind it. It explains how the people in the village were taken without anyone noticing." Carson said.

"Looks like a few of those creatures are in the tunnels as well. No wonder they made it into the village so quickly." Ford said. "As for any more hidden pods, no. Looks like they are all here."

"So how do we set up this sonic pulse thing?" Mitchell asked. "We already know you two don't like leaving those things behind if it can be helped."

"They are a bit hard to re-create since the modifications." Carter said.

"We could do it with this tablet." Porter said pulling hers out. "It's a matter of simply reprogramming it to emit the signal."

"We could boost it with the Sonic Screwdriver as well." Carter said. "How long would the signal last K-9 if we boost it?"

"Ten minutes at most Mistress with the current power level. Time will change once in the fog however." K-9 said.

"Alright, we just need to find a spot to place it." Ford said. "A lot of the buildings are pretty clear of the fog. Being so closed up, it would work out well."

"A lot of them seem to be built in the air as if water comes through the town or something." Mitchell said. "Not enough to really need to make a lot of effort to get inside or on the steps but enough to keep the water from entering the buildings if flooding happens."

"This one seems pretty good." Ford said bring it up on the screen. "The boards are weak in a few areas. I think it was a bar once."

"It was." Mirellus said. "Fights broke out on and off and drinks were knocked to the floor as a result. More than once the tables and chairs had to be fixed or replaced and so did some of the floorboards and walls."

"A few of the boards seem weak almost near the middle. I could break it, set the tablet down in there, turn it on and then run out quickly. They should come flocking to the place and hopefully the foundation will not hold long and collapse on them." Ford said.

"Why not set a bomb as well?" Mehra said. "Since we can't use a remote detonator, you could set a timer on it. Even if the building does collapse, the bomb would go off anyway."

"That could work. Plant a C-5 charge, say five minutes since we know these creatures move really fast. Set the bomb, turn the computer on and get the hell out of Dodge before they arrive." Mitchell said.

"A half pound block of C-5 would more than take out the building." Ford said. "Get the computer ready, I'll go get the bomb. Once I set this up, I'll run back here as quickly as I can. If any of them are left, we can draw them here and finish them off."

Ten minutes later, Ford was headed out and for the building. At first he left and then got lost as he nearly ran into one of the creatures. Coming back since the spot light was on again showing him the way, he got a printed map of the village giving him better directions. The ladies, besides Vala, laughed when he said he got lost and came back for a map. Ignoring them, he set off again finding the place much easier. Kicking the board out ended up making a few of them burst through the boarded up windows and start looking around. Seeing them emitting the fog from their necks, he had little choice but to shoot them and quickly set the bomb by the computer as he placed it on the ground, turn it on and then shot a couple more before jumping out another window nearby as the door was broken through making escape that way impossible. Lots of screeching noises was heard as they began rushing the place from many directions, some from the rooftops of nearby buildings. With the many around him when he landed on the ground, he stayed down for three minutes before getting up and rushing away, ignoring the pains he got from being trampled on several times, along with having to fight off several that realized he was a food source.

"What the hell happened?" Mitchell asked as Ford rushed in covered in dust, bits of wood and dirt that was also in his hair, along with his outfit having more damage to it than before, which was surprising only for the fact he had yet to change.

"Breaking the board got their attention and when I shot those, more came in so I had to jump out a window as the main door was blocked by a couple of them. With all of them rushing the place, I had to stay on the ground as they trampled me and some tried to eat me. Once it looked safe, I ran here." Ford said looking at his watch. "We should hear an explosion in a few moments."

"The screen says that most of them are there." Carter said.

"The building is beginning to fall apart Mistress. Explosion in ten seconds." K-9 said.

"I'm closing the door." Ford said.

The silence was eerie for those few moments and then the room shook as the bomb went off. A few loud bangs against the T.A.R.D.I.S. made the newcomers look up or at the walls.

"Looks like we got all of them." Carter said. "Life sign readings show most dead and those left seriously injured. They'll be dead within the hour if not sooner."

It took two hours before the fog had settled enough for them, especially when they set up a few high powered fans to blow the fog away from the T.A.R.D.I.S., which while strange and rather dumb looking, not to mention the idea, it did work. Landing inside the lab, which was devoid of any fog, Carson and Porter did a quick check with K-9 helping to retrieve any information left over that they might have missed. Setting up a bomb that would destroy the lab and one to allow water back to the village, they left putting the man back in his village while it was still night and then went back to Atlantis.

The ladies were given a few weeks of R&R because of the ordeal which Porter was happy to be rid of because she had enough of the mad scientist routine for awhile. She specifically was wanting to go home, which Ford did, as well as taking back SG-1 before returning to Atlantis. After it was determined that everyone was okay by Keller, per regulations since they weren't sure if the fog had any negative side effects, which thankfully didn't based on the fact they didn't stay long in it, they were released. Seeing as Woolsey wanted a report from them, Ford and Sam made one as Carson was in the middle of packing to go home with them. About an hour later, they said their goodbyes and went back to Earth.