CHAPTER 139

EPISODE….FIRST CONTACT

(A.N. Concerning the episode, The Queen, where Teyla is turned into a Wraith for awhile, I had different ideas that never really panned out. Basically, if things got to bad, they were going to call for back-up from the Carters but since it all turned out well in the end, they didn't bother. The episode Tracker went as is.)

"If this keeps up every time someone important shows up around here, we'll never get any work done." Rodney complained as they walked through the halls.

"Work done? McKay, that is all you do. We haven't been off world since last week and that thankfully was a quick run of the mill and no encounters. Before that, you were with Ronan and Keller." Sheppard said.

"My point is, instead of being able to work on other things, I've been pulled off my work to help Doctor Jackson with his research into this Janus figure. We don't roll out the red carpet every time the Carter's show up." Rodney said.

"And we never have. They didn't want that sort of thing. Hell, Sam would have been happy with being a Colonel in charge of this place for that time she was here. She only got promoted further because Ford insisted on it to avoid problems with other high ranked officials." Sheppard said.

"Which never really happened." Rodney pointed out as they entered the gate room.

"For the most part. There was that incident with them and the I.O.A., but they had already retired." Sheppard said as he glanced around. "Strange, where's Mr. Woolsey?"

"Up here Colonel." Woolsey said from the upper balcony by the command center. "Doctor Jackson will be here shortly. But not by the Stargate."

"Oh, by the T.A.R.D.I.S. then. Good idea, saves power on both sides." Sheppard said.

"At least there is that blessing." Rodney said.

"The X-wing will be landing within a few minutes. Apparently the General wants to help Doctor Jackson with his research. Which doesn't surprise me one bit." Woolsey said.

"Nor I." Sheppard said.

"Does this mean I can go back to my work?" Rodney asked loosing his hopefully expression as Woolsey shook his head.

"If after you've helped them at least find whatever it is they are looking for, if the General says they can do without then you can." Woolsey said.

"Just don't beg him McKay." Sheppard said.

"As if." Rodney said scoffing. "Could end up they will need my help through the entire process even when we do find it. I guess that Sam is going to help as well?"

"No. She is going to be helping the engineers on the Daedalus with a few upgrades that she also did to the X-wing. I don't know the specifics but any bit of a edge we have over the Wraith or any of our enemies is a welcome." Woolsey said,

"I agree completely." Sheppard said.

"Sir, the X-wing has just landed." Chuck said.

"Thank you." Woolsey said as he turned back to the control room. "Contact them and…"

They and a few others turned as a bright light appeared near the gate dropping off Daniel, Ford, Sam and K-9. Daniel was wearing black slacks and a dark green shirt with his fading leather jacket while carrying a couple large tote bags on either arm that had notes and other important materials, along with a ring on his wedding finger this time. Sam had a bright blue long sleeved shirt on with blue jeans and a red ladies long trench like coat on with her hands in her pocket. Ford was without his heavy coat and wearing a black with thin red stripes suit.

"Hey guys. Long time no see." Sheppard said shaking their hands. "When I heard the X-wing was here, I was sure the rest of SG-1 might come along."

"We tried." Ford said with a sigh.

"I did not want Vala here bothering me or anyone else." Daniel said.

"And Teal'c was off doing Jaffa politics." Carter said.

"Mitchell went off with Amy since standing around here while the scientist and doctors work meant boredom for him." Ford said. "So we're the only ones here."

"What about the rest of your family?" Woolsey asked as he walked up.

"Mom, dad and the kids are back in Colorado, with Sha're. By our time standards, we left about five minutes ago and should be back sometime before night." Carter said. "Mark and his family is there along with a few other close friends so we decided to come. Haven't actually been anywhere recently in the adventure sense."

"The Daedalus is in orbit so you may go up there when you are ready." Woolsey said.

"Actually, the upgrades, though nothing strenuous, needs to be done without the engines online. I'll need them to be on the pier to get the work done." Carter said.

"I'll have them land right away then. Seeing as the X-wing is here, I assume that if any trouble takes place you'll be ready?" Woolsey asked.

"Easily." Ford said with a small wave of his hand.

"Good to hear. I'm going to guess that you'll be staying on your ship instead of looking for accommodations here?" Woolsey asked as they nodded.

"Saves you the trouble of cleaning up and such." Ford said.

"Appreciated. So, is there any specific plan you have…." Woolsey began.

"I'd like to get started right away if possible. I got other work backing up at the SGC and the information I got recently about Janus is quite intriguing." Daniel said smiling. "After all that, back to my loving wife."

"No problem Doctor. Rodney can show you the way." Woolsey said.

"Great." Rodney muttered.

"Rodney, I'm surprised. From what I read, Janus was a really great inventor. Do you want me and Daniel to have all the credit for finding what could be some very interesting inventions, if there are any?" Ford asked.

"Well, when you put it that way." Rodney said as Sheppard shook his head with a laugh.

"Nice way to appeal to his ego General." Sheppard said.

"Daniel can have the historical credit and whatnot. I really don't care for the publicity." Ford said with a shrug. "I know what I have done and that's enough for me."

"Works for Mitchell too." Carter said.

"Yeah. He was really proud of that accomplishment of getting the team back together." Daniel said.

"I couldn't even do it, and I begged." Ford said.

"Yes, but you were going to let me go to Atlantis as well back then." Daniel said.

"Well, you boys go have fun and hopefully find something interesting. I'm going to the transporter here with K-9 to go work on the Daedalus." Carter said giving Ford a quick kiss before walking off.

"The only problem we have here, is that I've been over all of Janus's logs already. Even you read some or all of them when you were in command here." Rodney said. "There's nothing here we found."

"I thought the same thing until Daniel showed me something." Ford said.

"Janus was one of those people who went outside the rules, a renegade. Kinda like Ford here." Daniel said as Ford smiled mischievously plus smugness. "So, in order to continue his unauthorized research, he had a secret lab in Atlantis."

"A secret lab? We've been in this city for like five years and there is a secret lab." Rodney said skeptically.

"Have we went through ever single room, corridor and access hatches in the city?" Ford asked.

"No. There is still quite a bit of the city left to fully explore. Most of what we haven't looked at has been taken at face value based on scans and what information is told to us in the cities computers." Woolsey said. "Many rooms are completely empty along with a few of the smaller towers."

"Which means that none of you have found Janus's lab. It can't hurt to look. And if we do find something, it could very well help us in the fight with the Wraith." Daniel said.

Going to McKay's lab, Daniel looked up information about Janus in the cities computer.

"I thought you said you found something? And yet, here you are looking through information I've been over dozens of times and you've looked at back on Earth." Rodney said.

"Yes. I had a few other resources as well, but after cross referencing a few things, such as a report that one of Janus's assistants made, along with notes and reports from others who believed Janus had a secret place in the city where he did what he wanted without the Council knowing, I believe I know where that place is." Daniel said.

"How so? I never saw anything mentioned about a secret lab." Rodney said.

"This assistant wanted to talk to Janus about something, or it was a question. However, when he went to talk to Janus, who was just with him moments ago, he ended up in a dead end hallway. He didn't find Janus or learn where he went even when he saw and talk to him later. But, he did say in a report where he last saw Janus." Ford said. "Something I remember reading, but missed at the time."

"So you think this dead end hallway has a secret door in the wall?" Rodney said as they nodded. "I suppose it is possible. There have been a few places where hidden doors have been found. And most of the access hatches in the city that are in the walls look so much like the walls that unless you know where to look, you aren't going to find the hatch."

"Let's see the hallway on the screen first to get an idea ahead of time." Ford said as he punched keys.

"The Daedalus is almost finished unloading the supplies but the upgrades aren't finished and don't expect to be for awhile. Samantha said we could take the X-wing and go off on this mission to meet up with Todd and one of his Hives." Woolsey said as he walked with a bag on his shoulder. "The T.A.R.D.I.S was brought to the command center in case anything goes wrong here and the city gets attacked."

"That's comforting. Do you really think he is going to show up and let you and Keller try out the gene therapy thing on him and a few of his guys?" Sheppard asked.

"We did come through with him on the deal when he needed Teyla as a Wraith Queen to help gain control of the Alliance." Woolsey said.

"He's already got what he wants. I should be the one going with you since I have a relationship with Todd already…." Sheppard said in hopes of getting out of command.

"That is exactly why I don't want you there. This mission is basically going to be a simple negotiation. I have a lot less baggage with him than you do." Woolsey said.

"Look, I'm not saying you shouldn't take the lead on this…" Sheppard said.

"Like it or not Colonel, you are second in command here." Woolsey stated.

"But the Carter's…." Sheppard almost whined.

"Have retired. If something serious comes up, then you can hand the reins over to either of them, but until then, you are in charge. Samantha is busy with the Daedalus and the General is helping Doctor Jackson and McKay. If there is important Ancient inventions in there, then the General will have a better understanding of how to make them work considering his background. And if there is something dangerous, such as a security system, then he is better prepared to shut it down than risking someone else." Woolsey said.

"But…" Sheppard said actually whining.

"Look Colonel, I know the previous commanders were rather lax when it came to the rules and regulations set forth by the I.O.A. I have bent them here and there, but the rule where if I have to leave for whatever reason, you must stay put and in command." Woolsey said.

"Fine." Sheppard muttered dejectedly.

"Good. I should be back soon if all goes well. Try to keep her in one piece." Woolsey said heading up some stairs.

"No promises." Sheppard said.

Keller and Ronan walked past them as they were headed for the hallway they found.

"Bye Rodney, wish us luck." Keller said.

"Good luck. Wait, what do you mean by us?" Rodney asked suspiciously.

Ronan only smiled as they kept walking.

"Jennifer!" Ford yelled.

"Yes General?" Keller asked as they came back.

"Were you informed you're not going to the Daedalus?" Ford asked.

"The mission has been cancelled?" Keller asked.

"No. You're suppose to go to the X-wing. The Daedalus is still being worked on so we let the Colonel and his crew take our ship. It's not that much different. Also the T.A.R.D.I.S. is staying here." Ford said.

"Oh. Thanks for the heads up General." Keller said giving them a smile as she walked away.

"Thanks man." Ronan said slapping Ford's arm lightly before following her.

"What's with the worried look Rodney?" Daniel asked.

"It's nothing." Rodney said as he walked away.

"Ronan has an interest in Jennifer?" Ford asked with some surprise. "I admit she is very attractive, but I never thought he'd go for…"

"For what?" Rodney asked accusingly.

"She seems fragile to me. Though Teal'c has respect for the different nurses and doctors, he also knows that most of them aren't big on fighting if it comes down to it. Which is why he likes strong women. I kinda figured the same for Ronan." Ford said.

"You're going out with Doctor Keller?" Daniel asked.

"Yes. So what?" Rodney asked defensively.

"Nothing, just surprised really. Congratulations. I hope it works out." Daniel said.

"Yeah, me too. Let's get this over with. I'd rather not think about what might happen with them. Bad enough he's teaching her how to fight." Rodney said.

"And this is a bad thing?" Ford asked.

"He has a romantic interest in her like I do. Of course I am worried. Wouldn't you be if Sam started doing something that you couldn't teach her and that teacher had a love interest in Sam?" Rodney asked.

"Point taken. However, seeing as things went well with the skull drilling you took and all that, I'm pretty sure she likes you more than Ronan." Ford said. "You did admit your feelings while doing that film remember thing, which she was there to hear in person."

The look on his face showed he was thinking it over and then smiled as they continued on. Passing through a few hallways and corridors, they turned into a darkened hallway that was where they needed to go. Rodney was looking at a tablet that was scanning around while Daniel and Ford were looking around with flashlights.

"Is that a water line?" Daniel asked.

"Yeah. This section of the city was flooded during our first year here. Anything salvageable was moved to the main tower." Rodney said as the lights came on suddenly.

"Good timing." Ford said putting his flashlight away and pulling out his Sonic Screwdriver.

"This place is rather remote and far away from other areas of extreme important in the city. Perfect place to have a hidden lab where no one would see him go in an out of." Daniel said.

"Ooh, sounds a lot like the bat cave." Rodney said making Ford laugh.

"I like that. Bat cave. Now there is a super hero that is possible with all the technology we have at our disposal. Considering my skills, I could be him." Ford said.

"Well, you certainly have the money and with the T.A.R.D.I.S.'s replication system, you'd never really have to worry about not having enough stuff to work with." Daniel said. "Even have the technology for the car."

"I don't think you'd look all that great in a cape though." Rodney said as he tried to imagine Ford in the outfit that Ford was obviously thinking about as well.

"I doubt Sam would even go for it either. Besides, I'm not vigilante material. I would kill the Joker instead of having him committed. I'd rather be Master Chief." Ford said with a happy smile.

"You were." Daniel said. "You did buy the suit even though it is for looks and plastic."

"Oh yeah. I'm trying to see about actually making the suit for real. Even with the specs I got from scanning Master Chief, I haven't really been able to recreate the suit all that well considering it takes a cyborg to operate it. Plus, I've been busy with family matters so…" Ford said.

"Well, I'm not reading anything here. Not even any power readings that should be." Rodney said looking at the tablet in his hand.

"What about this?" Daniel asked touching a indent in the wall.

"There is one here too." Rodney said.

"And one more on the next part of the wall down here." Ford said. "By the design, something was in them and probably came out when this area was under water."

"Most likely the run of the mill sconce interface. There is a lot of them around the city." Rodney said.

"Any idea where they went?" Daniel asked.

"Probably put with the rest of whatever was found in here lying around once the water was gone." Rodney said.

"Everything was taken to the main tower that was salvageable. I'm going to assume that everything, no matter how insignificant, was cataloged, reported and then put somewhere." Daniel said.

"If they didn't I'd be surprised." Ford said. "Even the toilet paper is counted at the amount left at the end of each week at the SGC. Records are kept on almost everything here, even more so considering how far from Earth we are."

"I don't know if these sconces are important or not, but they might be. We need to find them and try." Daniel said.

"That could take hours, or longer. Unless they were shipped back to the SGC for further study and cataloging." Rodney said.

"Well, there is something here. The area behind this wall is hollow and the size of a possible room." Ford said as he used the Sonic Screwdriver and looked at the small screen in his hand.

"Great, we found it!" Daniel said excitedly. "Can you open it?"

"Trying. Must need a different setting." Ford said with a frown.

Five settings later, there was no change.

"Hmm. Five down and many more to go. How about this one, usually works." Ford muttered.

The indent sparked at him making the two back away as the lights flickered.

"Okay, let's try looking for those sconces. I'm betting one or all three must have something to do with opening the door." Ford said tapping the Sonic device against his hand.

"Can we find the location of where those might be from here?" Daniel asked. "From that?"

"No. This just scans things, doesn't bring up information from the cities data banks." Rodney said.

"We could if K-9 was here but he's with Sam." Ford said.

"Why?" Rodney asked.

"Most of the upgrades are programming issues, which K-9 has to upload personally." Ford said.

Going back to Rodney's lab, which was easier to access, they found out that the three light fixtures were still in Atlantis but put away with a bunch of other stuff in various crates and other boxes that resided in a tower on another pier nearby, in a black plastic crate with many other crates on a metal shelf in the large storage room that took almost a hour to finally locate.

"Here they are." Rodney said.

"Even after all these years, they stayed in here." Ford said.

"They aren't really useful for anything, so it is no real surprise they weren't taken to the SGC." Daniel said.

The two walked over seeing the three sitting in a foam side by side in a large crate.

"Damn, these lights are the size of footballs. Wonder what makes them so special." Ford said taking the case.

"Thankfully we have the transporter system otherwise we'd be walking all day to get to the other side of the city." Daniel said as they walked out and signed a release form.

"Actually, we wouldn't get there until well after dark and by then, we'd all be too tired to even walk." Ford said.

"I'd starve first." Rodney said. "Especially if I had to lug that thing the whole way there."

Getting back, they each took one and put them in at the same time.

"What the hell was that?" Rodney exclaimed as he stepped back.

"A musical tone?" Ford muttered tapping his making it give off a piano like key sound. "Very interesting."

"All three of them made a different tone." Daniel said tapping his. "Does any other lights in the city do this?"

"Not that we've seen or heard." Rodney said tapping his. "Hmm, this is very intriguing."

"I'm glad to see mine is working." Ford said tapping his. "I was thinking it wouldn't work after that spark from before."

"Hit yours again Ford." Daniel said.

He did getting the high hum tone. Daniel touched his getting a lower hum tone and then Rodney touched his as Daniel waved at it.

"Starts low and gets higher. Must be a puzzle that is the key to opening the door." Daniel said.

"There is only six permutations possible with three nodes." Rodney said. "Shouldn't be that hard to figure out."

"True. The assistant said that Janus disappeared rather quickly so it couldn't be a long code." Daniel said.

"Stand back. I have an idea." Ford said pulling out his Sonic Screwdriver. "Rodney, scan the area as I make them activate."

"What if the door just opens or the wall moves over?" Daniel said.

"I didn't see anything that moved around by this back wall. There is a hollow room on the other side but whatever happens to this wall, it doesn't move…." Ford said trailing off. "Wait a minute, there is only one way this wall could open to us if it doesn't physically move."

"You think it is a hologram we're seeing and a very sophisticated shield is what makes it seem like there is a solid wall there?" Rodney asked as Ford nodded. "It does make sense. The Ancients did have that sort of technology though we haven't seen a lot of it in use. Even with this area was scanned by the cities sensors, we don't find anything other than a dead end wall."

"It would have to be on some sort of back up power system or linked to the main power in some way where no one really notices it unless they look closely…" Ford said.

"Or know what to look for." Rodney said. "Ingenious!"

"If this is a shield, can't you disrupt it?" Daniel asked.

"I could. But considering that Janus wasn't liked by the Ancient Council because of the work he did, the room might have a trap of some sort in case the place was ever found and forced into. Whether it be something dangerous that killed people or something that only destroyed the research, either way, I don't think using force to get in is a good idea." Ford said.

"So we just have to figure out this puzzle then?" Daniel said.

"Yep." Ford said waving the Sonic Screwdriver.

The lights made multiple noises as they activated at random intervals quickly.

"Hey, I got something for a moment." Rodney said. "Give me a moment to check the readings. Okay, okay. Ah, there it is. The brief reading I got where the wall changed was when they were activated from lowest tone to the highest."

"Like this?" Daniel asked walking down them as he touched them.

"Yes, there is the change. And now it is gone." Rodney said.

"And the hum is gone too. It's the sound of those three in unison." Ford said. "When the sound fades, the wall is solid again."

"Janus was gone quickly, which explains how he vanished so fast. And the tone only last for a few seconds which would be all he needed to get from the last light and through the wall." Daniel said.

Daniel touched them in sequence again and they trio moved through the wall quickly.

"Cool. It's a controlled magnetic harmonic resonance." Rodney stated.

"Better system than a hologram. And it explains why it is so difficult to detect. There is a wall there until those tones are played allowing matter to pass through. Which needs to be done quickly or you get trapped in the door." Ford said impressed.

"Why is it so dark in here?" Daniel asked.

Ford stepped forward and the lights instantly came on.

"Guess it needed to detect someone or someone with the ancient gene." Rodney said.

Going from left to right around the somewhat circular room, five different screens came on with the middle screen being one very much like the one in the command center that was not part of the wall. They each had different info on them and a computer console in front. A table to their left had different objects and small powered devices on it as did the table on their left with had a bigger device of unknown origin a bit bigger than a basketball.

"We really found his lab." Rodney said. "And it still functions."

"Yes, it does." Daniel said as he walked up to a console and began reading.

"Must have had this place programmed to activate and be ready when he walked in. Very nice. He must have liked the color blue since most of the consoles give off that color of light." Ford said.

"There is some very interesting information here." Rodney said looking at another console.

"This is interesting." Ford said.

"What did you find Ford?" Daniel asked.

"Some sort of device that has a blinking red light on it. I'm getting a signal being transmitted from it to somewhere in the city, I think. But I'm not sure." Ford said as the Sonic Screwdriver whined at him. "Can't get a fix. Fascinating and yet, disturbing at the same time."

"Could the Wraith detect it?" Rodney asked worried.

"Doubtful. It's not something you normally detect unless you are looking for this particular signal. Thankfully, I can access some of the T.A.R.D.I.S. from here and have her begin tracing the signal in hopes of seeing where it goes." Ford said while picking up the hexagonal like object with a slant on top where lights and other functions were shown. "It could also be a signaling device for telling Janus someone has entered his lab without his permission, or something along those lines. But something like that wouldn't need to be this big with the technology they had."

"It could be a monitoring device to see who is in his lab and what's going on." Rodney said as Ford was still looking it over.

"Possibly. Maybe we can find some answers in these computers." Ford said setting it back down.

"Can you shut the signal off?" Daniel asked.

"I don't know whether to or not. I know it isn't a bomb because there is no explosive material inside and I'm not even sure how to shut it off without damaging it in the process. For all we know, it could be a control piece like a key to something he created. There is slot like ports in the bottom that shows it links to something." Ford said going to a computer nearby. "You two look up whatever you want, I'll try to see what this thing is. If you do come across anything on this, let me know."

"We don't even know what it is called." Daniel said.

"Might show a diagram or picture. There is pictures of other ideas he had." Rodney said.

On a planet extremely far from where they were, which was mostly covered in ice even though it was habitable even with the extreme conditions, a hidden Ancient base activated after many long years of inactivity. The screen came online along with the large console plus a blue light system around a unknown object in a sealed room nearby that was attached to a special antenna system outside that still functioned and stood high outside the hidden facility. Though the true function of the facility was not activated just yet because it was missing a important piece. And unfortunately, the people currently living in the facility knew where to get it once it became active.

"Alert the others. The device has been activated." a robotic like voice said from a power suit.

The X-wing was traveling through hyperspace with no troubles as the crew was adjusting to the few changes that made it different from other Daedalus class vessels. Certain areas of the ship didn't have what was normally on the vessel, such as standard crew quarters. The kitchen was much bigger, their was a gym with various exercise equipment, more storage space plus the four hanger bays that had twelve F-302's in them from the Daedalus. The engine room was bigger with more consoles and a spot where the T.A.R.D.I.S. was where the jump drive used to be and special cables that came out of the wall to go inside the T.A.R.D.I.S. to link up with the X-wing. More missiles and a few extra areas where the Asguard beam weapons were and some extra power only because of the changes in a few areas of the ship, such as engineering. Colonel Caldwell was impressed, especially since the vessel was integrated with Ancient technology giving some systems a holographic interface system or voice command. Because of the lack of rooms for everyone, some of the storage rooms were turned into sleeping areas for the duration of the mission.

Keller was impressed with the larger infirmary and space that allowed the doctors to move around more if there was a rush of injured personal. Right at the moment, she was entering the commissary where several crew members were eating at the dozen or more tables as she got a cup of coffee. Spotting Mr. Woolsey at one of the tables, looking over some papers as he was also drinking coffee, she walked over saying hi.

"Oh, hello Doctor Keller. I find it strange to see you alone. Usually your burly protector is following you around." Woolsey said.

"He's in the gym with a few marines. Hopefully there won't be any serious injuries." Keller said.

"Well, if there is, the Daedalus's doctor can tend to them while we are dealing with the Wraith." Woolsey said.

"True. What are you up to?" Keller asked sitting across from him.

"Writing a speech." Woolsey said.

"What for?" Keller asked.

"Well, it is a momentous occasion. The Wraith are taking a step forward not only for their people but for the rest of the galaxy. This will be a historic day and I feel it deserves recognition." Woolsey said as she nodded.

"So, what have you got so far?" Keller asked.

"Today is a historic day…" Woolsey said.

When he didn't say more, she realized he hadn't gotten anywhere past that point.

"Ah. Well, it is a start. I'm sure it will come to you soon." Keller said.

"Thanks." Woolsey said.

"I've got to get back to the lab again. See you later." Keller said.

Sheppard entered the room as other people were leaving with a few things or tablets of information to look over in other departments.

"That is so freaking cool!" Sheppard exclaimed.

"Harmonic resonance." Rodney said turning away from a console.

"I was told, but I didn't think much beyond that until now. That is incredible." Sheppard said.

"Marvelous piece of technology. It's no wonder this place was never found by us or the Ancient Council." Ford said as he looked away from the unknown device that was still blinking the red dot that was still sending a signal the T.A.R.D.I.S. was still tracing.

"What happens if the sound suddenly goes off and someone gets stuck in it when it freezes again?" Sheppard asked.

"It doesn't freeze, it just becomes a solid wall again. But to answer your question, they die when the wall breaks them down as it solidifies." Rodney said.

"That's to dangerous to keep going then…" Sheppard began.

"We have nothing to worry about. I've been through it several times along with a lot of other people. There is a sub harmonic resonance generator out there that is keeping the wall open." Rodney said as he moved to another console.

"If you say so." Sheppard said.

"I did." Rodney said.

"Whatever. What have you found so far?" Sheppard asked.

"We can say for certain that this is Janus's secret lab and getting in was the easy part." Daniel said.

"Our biggest problem is that Janus encrypted his files so well that even K-9 would take awhile, such as a few hours to get through them. The only time I've seen this much protection is in the T.A.R.D.I.S." Ford said.

"Even the NSA doesn't have this much level." Rodney said. "Whatever he was doing that the Ancient Console didn't approve us he wanted to keep extremely hidden in case anyone besides himself got in. We're just lucky this place wasn't booby trapped."

"We haven't even got through the first level and usually, I can break through most I've came across by just using my Sonic Screwdriver. I have a better chance of breaking into the most secret levels of the Pentagon within a few minutes or less than I have getting through the first level of this within one hour." Ford said.

"We have little to no idea what half this stuff in here is and won't know till we crack this thing. Janus could have been in Mensa." Rodney said.

Ford, Rodney and Daniel had a small laugh that Sheppard was totally lost on.

"Okay. Once you three know something, give me a call. I'm going back to leader duties again, which are rather boring." Sheppard said.

"You could help us with this." Daniel said.

"I don't think so." Sheppard said walking out.

"If it wasn't for what this wall really is and because it is from the far past, I'd swear he got the idea from that Doom movie. And seeing as Hollywood doesn't know about this place, I'd almost swear they got the idea from what we've just found. Uncanny." Ford said shaking his head.

"That's why the wall seemed sort of familiar." Rodney said.

"You watched Doom?" Ford asked.

"Wasn't really in the mood to work that day after a mission we did and it was movie night so I went despite the fact I wasn't interested in the movie. Sheppard thought it was cool though, which was no surprise." Rodney muttered.

"Mitchell likes those sort of movies. We still get together once a month or more to watch something as a team, but lately we haven't been able to." Daniel said.

"We aren't there as much and usually doing something family related at night." Ford said.

"And Mitchell is usually using his free time to spend it with Amy." Daniel said. "It used to be we were working towards a goal that meant saving someone, our planet or the galaxy. Now, the only real threat is the Wraith so many people are moving on with life. I got Sha're back and even Teal'c got married to Ishta."

"That was a interesting wedding." Ford said. "Lasted all day too. One of the foods there looked interesting, a name I could hardly pronounce, and made me sick surprisingly."

"Now our job is just exploring and other work that isn't really risky anymore." Daniel said.

"Those were the days." Ford said with a sigh. "Unless we end up in another universe…"

"There is that." Daniel said.

Three Wraith cruisers and one Hive vessel were rather far apart from each other and sitting in space as the X-wing dropped out of hyperspace. They moved past two and stopped near the Hive ship.

"We're being hailed sir." Marks said.

"Open a channel." Caldwell said as the man did. "This is Colonel Caldwell of the X-wing. We stand ready to receive your delegation."

"The delegation is on their way." a Wraith responded.

"Marks, you have the bridge. I'm off to meet our guest." Caldwell said standing and walking out.

"Yes sir." Marks said taking the command chair. "Which bay do we direct them to?"

"Have them land in the upper left one. There's enough room in it." Caldwell said.

The Wraith ship, much bigger than a Dart but still small enough to fit inside the hanger flew in and landed without hitting anything even though the leeway between the vessel and both the floor and ceiling was pretty thin. Once the hanger door closed and the bay re-pressurized, the door to the hanger opened to let the Wraith in. Woolsey, Ronan, Jennifer, Caldwell and a couple of guards were waiting outside the door as it opened and let the three in.

"Thank you for coming." Woolsey said as he stepped forward.

"Thank you for welcoming us." Todd said.

"Today is a historic day." Woolsey began after he cleared his throat.

"I would like to get started as soon as possible." Todd said as he turned to Keller.

"Yes, of course." Woolsey said.

"I have my doubts that your plan will be effective." Todd stated. "Can we forget these unfounded pleasantries and get to work?"

"Very well." Woolsey said a little disappointed. "Doctor Keller, if you would please lead the way."

She nodded and started off with the three Wraith and Ronan following.

"So much for your speech." Caldwell said.

Woolsey only grunted as he walked away.

Night descended upon the city making her show off brightly as most of the cities lights were on. Carter and K-9 managed to get finished a bit after the sun had set and after having a meal with Ford, she went to the command center to help Sheppard after he begged for her help, on his knees. K-9 was still on the Daedalus though helping with the finishing touches as simulations were done and final checks were made on the upgrades. Some hours later, Sam looked at her watch and realized she had been up most of the night.

"Ford, let's get some sleep and then I'll be able to help you guys." Carter said calling down to him from the command center.

"Good idea." Ford said covering yawn that Rodney had a moment later. "Let's go get some sleep and come back at this with a fresh approach."

"You can go. I'm going to keep at if for awhile." Dnaiel said rubbing his eyes.

"Nah, you two go get sleep. I'll keep at this." Rodney said.

"This isn't a competition Rodney." Daniel said.

"Boys, we're leaving, now. Or I will cut the power to this section so you do leave. We got three hours till dawn and this place isn't going anywhere." Ford said as they began objecting. "I will call Sheppard to order you out of here. We'll be back on this in a couple minutes anyway."

"How?" Rodney asked sarcastically as Ford lightly slapped them both up side the head. "Ow!"

"What was that for?" Daniel asked rubbing his head.

"Because you are both either to tired to remember what I am and what I have you're your just being stupid." Ford said glaring at them.

"Oh." they said after a few moments.

"I swear, the way people keep forgetting about her makes me think she's deliberately doing it to annoy me." Ford said with a frustrated sigh as they started out.

"Sam is doing what…" Daniel began.

"Not Sam, the T.A.R.D.I.S." Ford stated.

"Why can't you just call her here so we don't have to walk?" Rodney asked.

"We've been sitting on our asses for several hours staring at those screens. I don't know about you two but my ass is numb and my legs ache from sitting so long. A walk is what we need. Go to the transporter and get to the main tower and finally into the T.A.R.D.I.S. Get twelve hours of sleep or so, eat, shower, fresh change of clothes and we come back here. Be gone a minute, maybe two by present time standards."

"My butt is numb and my right foot is asleep." Rodney muttered while shaking the said foot.

Sam was waiting when they arrived and went inside. Just over ten hours later, they came back out one minute after they left and started back to work.

"Ma'am, can you look at something before you go?" one of the tech's asked.

"I'll be there in a couple minutes guys. K-9 should be along too." Carter said.

"Great, maybe we'll finally get through more of the encryption finally." Rodney said.

They made it back and started working again while drinking coffee. Sam finished helping the tech out with a small glitch that arose and started out after K-9 showed up when the sensors suddenly alerted them.

"Whoa, we have a hyperspace window opened." Chuck exclaimed.

"The X-wing is back already?" another guys asked.

"No. And the ship isn't registering any I.F.F." Chuck said.

"What's going on?" Carter asked as she came in.

"Unknown ship is approaching Atlantis. Hyperspace window was opened over the ocean several miles out." Chuck said.

"Hail them. And get Colonel Sheppard up here on the double." Carter said taking command quickly. "You, raise the shields."

"Coming online now." one of the guys said.

"Colonel is on his way ma'am." Chuck said.

"Good. Have they responded yet?" Carter asked.

"They are ignoring us." Chuck said.

"Have the weapons platform closest fire a warning shot at them." Carter ordered.

"We can if you wish, but at the speed they are going we won't be able to get a fix on them if we tried." one of the guys at the console said.

"What's going on?" Sheppard asked as he entered.

"Unknown vessel heading for the city sir. They refuse to respond to our hails. They'll arrive here in twenty seconds." Chuck said.

"Shields are already up. I wanted to fire a warning shot but they are coming in to fast for us to hit them." Carter said.

"Get the Jumpers ready. Have what weapon platforms we can turn towards them anyway. Maybe we'll get lucky with at least one shot." Sheppard ordered. "Inform them to back off or we will open fire. They may not respond but we know they'll hear us."

"Sending message now. They'll be here in ten seconds." Chuck said.

"Weapon platforms will be ready in 8 seconds sir. Jumpers will be in the air in five minutes." one of the guys said.

"They aren't stopping sir. They're going to hit the shields in five, four…" Chuck said.

The screen changed showing the city where they went right through the shields and stopped over a tower.

"That's impossible." a lady remarked.

"Weapon platforms unable to get a lock anymore sir." one of the guys said.

"None of them?" Sheppard asked.

"We may hit them from the towers weapon but if we miss, we'll do serious damage to the city and loose lives in the process." the guy said.

"Have the weapons on standby." Sheppard said pointing a finger. "What are they doing?"

"They're at the area where that lab was found." Carter said. "Oh god! It must be that unknown signal the T.A.R.D.I.S. still hasn't found a lock on!"

"Why am I hearing about this now?" Sheppard exclaimed.

"An Ancient ship would get through the shield sir." the lady stated.

"Damn. Have Teyla and a couple of teams meet me on that pier pronto." Sheppard yelled as he raced off.

"Come on Ford, pick up your damn phone." Carter said as she followed John.

The unknown ship which sort of looked like a larger and modified Jumper opened a hole underneath it letting three armored suits out. They landed hard on a balcony on the tower and entered through a door nearby. Standing in the middle of a large corridor, the three set down three panel devices that linked up forming a large circle. They got on it standing back to back as the group came around the corner.

"Don't move!" Sheppard exclaimed loudly.

One of them moved their arm up near their chest and a light on the arm came on. When a shield came up, they all opened fire and were surprised when the three suddenly dropped down through the floor and continued down.

"Hey Sam, what's up?" Ford said answering his cell.

"We have intruders! They are headed your way from above, going through the floors!" Carter yelled.

"Intruders? What kind?" Ford said as he got up quickly and turned on the speaker phone.

"Armored suits of some kind. Not like that guy from Halo but close enough. All our bullets bounced off a shield." Carter said.

"I just heard a faint noise and felt the room shake." Ford said pulling his energy pistol.

The group had landed on the floor outside the hidden wall moments ago. One turned around and watched the corridor as the other two went inside. Ford fired first only to impact a shield that one brought up quickly. Daniel and Rodney went down as they were stunned and Ford wasn't effected. Tossing his gun and phone aside, he ducked a punch while kicking out catching the knee of the suit from behind. Feeling a dull ache from the impact, he was at least happy to see he hit the suit hard enough that they person fell forward to their knees and then on their side as they lost balance. Dropping the hexagonal device with the blinking light, the other suit knocked the personal cannon from Ford's hand as he fired putting the bullet through the wall and making the screen nearby have trouble. He managed to avoid the swing and tried the same kick only to have it blocked as the other suit had moved in the way grabbing his leg. Getting tossed into the wall nearby, he came crashing down on the table breaking it as is couldn't sustain his weight.

Outside the room, Sheppard and the others came around the corner finding one of the suits standing guard. As they opened fire, a red shield was engaged from the left arm as it held it out blocking their shots. They continued to fire as they saw the two other suits leave the room with a device along with an unconscious Rodney and Daniel. Stepping onto the circular pad, the two with their people ascended back up leaving their comrade as the shield failed and they kept firing until the suit fell over.

The four made it back up into the ship quickly and then the portal closed as the engines came online. Moving off rapidly, the ship was hit by the main tower weapon platform and was only jolted slightly off course as the shield held. Exiting the cities shields as several blast were fired, they quickly jumped into hyperspace.

"Colonel, the ship has jumped back into hyperspace. We hit it with one shot from the tower platform but missed with the others. No visible damage." Chuck said.

"That's good and bad news. They captured Doctor Jackson and Rodney. Do we have a fix on them though?" Sheppard asked as the marines and Carter were moving towards the body.

"Sorry Colonel. We didn't even start tracking them the first time until they exited hyperspace." Chuck said.

"Alright, keep the city on alert and have any medical teams get to this tower in case there is any injuries. We have several dozen floors breached and the damage needs to be assessed right away." Sheppard said signing off. "What do you make of it Sam?"

"The suit is damaged, obviously, but still intact." Carter said running her Sonic Screwdriver over it. "I read a life sign inside, which isn't linked to the suit in a cybernetic sort of way, at least as far as I can tell. Whoever or whatever is in here isn't human but beyond that, I don't know."

"Teyla, go check the room." Sheppard said as she nodded and walked off. "You think anything in the medical bay can give us an idea of what is in there?"

"Possible. The Sonic Screwdriver is more tool than medical instrument." Carter said.

Teyla started in only to back out in surprise as Ford walked out, once injured heavily but now healed.

"Damn, there is some power in those suits." Ford said popping his neck. "I got tossed into a wall. Any idea who the hell they were and where Rodney and McKay went?"

"They were taken by whoever just invaded this place. They didn't kill anyone as far as we know though." Sheppard said. "We did capture one of them."

"We did?" Ford said enthusiastically. "Where are they?"

"Calm down Ford. I don't think he, she or it is going anywhere at the moment." Carter said as she stood. "We've damaged the suit in some way that knocked out the being inside, which is not human in case you ask."

"This is so cool!" Ford said kneeling down to run his hands over it. "I claim dibs on it. A few modifications here and there…"

"Dibs? Are you serious?" Sheppard asked. "This is an intruder…"

"I have a better degree in cybernetics than anyone here. Mostly because I've been working on trying to build a suit for myself for awhile now." Ford said.

"We can talk about who gets what when we've figured out who attacked us." Carter said as she started getting him to his feet and then letting go. "Damn, you're covered in blood. I hope it is yours."

"I got tossed into the wall, literally, by my leg and landed on one of the tables that broke under my weight. They were glass tables, sort of. What's the plan on this armored dude so far?" Ford asked, excitement in his voice.

"Well, this armored dude as you put it is going to the infirmary to be scanned so we might get an idea of who attacked us. I want you to…" Sheppard said seeing the mess Ford was in more closely now. "Get cleaned up and then start scanning the area for that ship with the T.A.R.D.I.S. I want to know where they went, how they managed to go right through our shields and what they took from that room."

"Okay. I'll be back in soon then." Ford said.

"Sam, can you help us check this thing out, and maybe set him straight? I don't want to deal with a pissing contest on who gets what." Sheppard said after Ford turned the corner.

"Yeah, no problem. And I'm not trying to take his side, but he really would be better at this than I. After that Halo stint, he's been working on trying to make a suit of his own when he has free time. With all the books he has read and collected, not to mention the many people back on Earth dealing with robotics and cybernetics, he is the foremost expert. Even talked with Stephen Hawking." Carter said. "He's been trying to draw up designs for a Transformer for years."

"I was afraid you'd say that." Sheppard said with a groan. "Fine, he can look it over and scan it all he wants for specs and whatever, but he cannot take it. Woolsey will have my ass if Ford does."

"I'll keep him in line." Carter said.

"Good. Teyla, can you help with figuring out who needs what here in this tower until I send someone else?" Sheppard asked.

"Yes John." Teyla said.

"Great. You men stay here and help. I'll have Radek and a few of his people come down and check that room out. None of you have to worry about going in or anything." Sheppard said.

"I'll stay with the team and wait till they get here and help them get this thing to the infirmary." Carter said. "If whoever suddenly wakes up, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to interrupt their power supply so they won't be able to do anything."

Sheppard nodded and then walked off quickly heading for the command center, shaking his head at the fact something had to happen on his watch.

The room the two were in was small but big enough for them to both lie down. In the middle of the room where they were though was a set of laser beams going from one small antenna to another forming a large triangle around them. The lasers were far enough apart to get your hand through but nothing else. Daniel had just woken up recently when he saw where he was and Rodney on the floor next to him. McKay was still on the ground unconscious until he felt someone moving his head and slapping his face lightly.

"Ow, hey, knock it off." Rodney said pushing away the hands.

"Then wake up already." Daniel said grabbing Rodney's hand and helping him to his feet.

"What the hell happened? One moment Ford was firing and then next…" Rodney said.

"We got shot obviously. And before you ask, we are alone. I don't think Ford was captured." Daniel said.

"What makes you think that?" Rodney asked.

"Ford is really resistant to being stunned. Which means he would fight back physically if his weapons failed to work resulting in what I'm pretty sure was getting his ass kicked and possibly killed, which is why we are captured instead of in the infirmary and saved." Daniel said.

"Oh, good point." Rodney said with realization. "Wait a minute. This attack can't be a coincidence."

"Yeah, I kinda figured that myself." Daniel said.

"What aliens knew about Janus's lab and could get to Atlantis so quickly? We are many light years away from where we found Atlantis…" Rodney said.

"And it's been about 24 hours since we entered the lab, which must have sent a intruder alert signal of some sort bringing these aliens to us." Daniel said.

"But why capture us?" Rodney asked.

"I don't know." Daniel said shaking his head.

"Wait, the only thing that was transmitting a signal was that strange device we never figured out. That must be what brought these, whatever they are, to Atlantis." Rodney stated.

"Possible. I can't think of any other reason why. We didn't get very far in decrypting the computers." Daniel said.

"True. Maybe they thought otherwise and figured we might know something." Rodney said as he snapped his fingers the next moment. "Wait! Ford said he saw what looked like some ports that that device linked into. What if these aliens found what that device links to, and maybe even figured out what it is for, found the signal coming from what Ford believed was a key, came to Atlantis and took the device and us along with it."

"If that was the case, why capture us?" Daniel asked.

"Maybe they can't fully activate it because they don't have the A.T.A. gene. Or they don't know enough about how to activate it and think we do because we were in that lab." Rodney said.

"Makes sense. Ford never did figure out where that signal was coming from." Daniel said.

"Probably a subspace pulse or something along those lines. They are rather hard to detect and trace unless you know what to look for." Rodney said.

"Whoever took us also took everything but the clothes on our bodies." Daniel said.

"And your glasses." Rodney said.

"Yes, those too. Whether we have our subcutaneous transmitters is unknown however." Daniel said.

"But if we do, we might get rescued pretty quickly." Rodney pointed out. "Say by a certain Time Lord."

"One can hope. I'm guessing we are still in hyperspace since we are awake but not being asked questions. Plus the added fact if Ford knows where we are, he probably can't get to us because we are in hyperspace." Daniel said.

"Hmm. We should see about trying to get out of here on our own then." Rodney said looking at the laser beams.

"How, we have nothing to work with." Daniel said.

"I don't know, yet." Rodney said touching a beam and yelping as it zapped him.

"Yeah, tried that already. This shield doesn't let anything out, and probably nothing in." Daniel said.

"You could have warned me!" Rodney said shaking his finger.

"Yes, I could have." Daniel said getting a glare in response.

The armored man was lying on the table as the Ancient scanner passed over the body. Sheppard, Teyla, Carter and Ford, in a light blue suit, along with K-9 was there as Radek worked the scanner.

"Kinda looks like a cross between the Master Chief, Robocop, those suits I've seen on the Starship Troopers computer generated series, and a mess of the different power armors in the Fallout 3 game." Ford muttered as he looked it over.

"I'd say more the Fallout 3 game." Carter said.

"You lied! You are getting games from the future!" Sheppard exclaimed. "I wanted to play that one too!"

"I only started that after we left here Sheppard. Ask me later and you can browse my selection." Ford said.

"I'm holding you to that promise." Sheppard said while pointing a finger and ignoring Sam shake her head at the two of them.

"Sorry Colonel, but I'm not getting anything. The suit is emitting some sort of E.M. field that is interfering with the scans. And I have no idea how to stop it." Radek said.

"We'll have to cut it open then." Sheppard said.

"Whoa, I don't think so." Ford stated. "We don't need to damage the suit."

"General…" Sheppard began.

"Look, Sam told me the rules already. I can't take the suit and I can't get a good scan of it if it is damaged. Now, logically, whatever is in there has to eat like every other life form. And from what little I see and can get from the Sonic Screwdriver, I doubt that something opens in the helmet to allow eating to take place. And I'm not going to even guess at the other ends. Point is, the creature or person inside has to come out of the suit at some point, even if it is for basic maintenance. Let me use the scanners in the T.A.R.D.I.S. I'm confident we'll get answers." Ford said.

"Fine, but I want the results also given to us." Sheppard ordered.

"I promise." Ford said reaching into his shirt and pulling out the remote.

Once the T.A.R.D.I.S arrived, the suit was put on a rolling gurney and moved into the T.A.R.D.I.S. console room. Radek, Sheppard and a couple tech's were nearby as Ford and Carter worked on the console with K-9 assisting.

"Master, there is a self destruct system detected." K-9 stated.

"How bad?" Sheppard asked first.

"Blast radius would take out most of the infirmary." K-9 stated.

"But we are in here." Radek said.

"He means that we should move the suit out of the T.A.R.D.I.S. If the suit blows in here, good chance the T.A.R.D.I.S. might go up to along with the solar system next." Ford said. "Good thing I know how to manipulate the transporter system along with several other things. Sam…"

Sheppard and even Radek, along with the techs were totally baffled as the two talked about different functions and scientific things that made no sense or were heard of. During the work, the two suddenly seemed extremely surprised at something they found but kept going seconds later. Five minutes later, Ford and K-9 moved away from the console as Carter manned it.

"K-9, you ready?" Ford asked as he pointed his Sonic Screwdriver over the suit.

"Affirmative Master. Laser beam has adjusted to settings specified." K-9 said.

"What are you doing?" Sheppard asked.

"We are disabling the self destruct, opening the suit and then totally shunting the power out so it becomes inactive. I'm pretty sure we can power it back up later if we have to." Carter said.

"How are you shunting the power?" Radek asked.

"You'll see in a moment. Sam, you ready?" Ford asked.

"Link established successfully. Activating now." Carter said.

The suit twitched and then the lights on it blinked rapidly for a few moments. Ford turned his Sonic Screwdriver on and pressed it onto a section of the armor. A whine was heard seconds later.

"K-9, now!" Ford said stepping away quickly.

The red shield from before activated around the suit as K-9 fired his laser at it.

"What's happening?" Sheppard asked.

"We've diverted the power needed to make the self destruct work and most of the other power in the suit to the shield. In another minute, the shield will fall and with the link we managed to establish with the computer in the suit, we are making it open with what is left of the little power it will have." Carter said.

"How did you managed to establish a link with an alien system?" Sheppard asked.

"Because, we know the system." Ford stated after a moment. "A bit different but basically, the same sort we work with almost every day."

"Wait, there is some sort of Ancient in there?" Sheppard asked as he pointed. "When did they start…"

"They didn't." Carter said as she looked at the screen on the console. "Stop firing in three seconds K-9."

"Affirmative Mistress. Firing halted." K-9 said.

The shield dropped and the suit opened with various panels before totally shutting down. The group all walked up and the others were more surprised at the being before them than the Carter's were.

"That's impossible!" Sheppard exclaimed.

"According to the Asguard history we were told by Daniel at one point after he had read it from the core they installed in the T.A.R.D.I.S., it's not." Ford said slowly. "Too bad Thor and the others won't be hearing about this for awhile."

"Can't you get to where they are in this ship?" Sheppard asked.

"No. We have no idea where they are really." Carter said.

"That sucks. Because I'd really like them to explain this." Sheppard said as he pointed menacingly at the body inside. "And why they attacked us and took our people."

"Yeah, I'd like to know that too." Ford muttered while rubbing his chin. "We'll have to ask the others when we meet them."

"At least they didn't kill any of our people." Carter said.

"We've run several hundred simulations, based on full medical scans on the Wraith we've had in captivity. They've all been successful." Keller said a bit uneasily.

She was working at a computer system on a table in the infirmary as Todd was pacing back and forth behind her looking at the different things. There was a couple guards outside the infirmary while one walked around with a heavy assault rifle in his hands.

"This ship is new to your fleet. The X-wing I hear it is called. An unusual name." Todd said.

"It belongs to Ford and Sam Carter." Keller said without thinking first.

"Oh. The super solider project human from many years ago. I see. That explains why this ship is more powerful than the other's we've encountered." Todd said impressed.

"They're not here if you're wanting to ask them anything." Keller said.

"I know, unfortunate really. I've began to admire this General of yours. Though created to eradicate our race, he has turned to assisting us. So unlike the Ancients from before. And a very worthy adversary from the reports I've heard." Todd said.

"Yeah, I've heard the same. Can we get back to this…" Keller said.

"We both know that computer simulations and live trails are very different Doctor Keller. From what I understand, the early version failed on the Wraith you called Michael." Todd said.

"We've learned a lot more from that mistake. And I don't think we are doing this cavalierly. I stand by the data." Keller stated as Todd only grunted back. "I'm beginning to think you don't want to even try."

"I do see the benefits of this research. Even if it is only on my troops who's lives, thanks to this war, are only expected to be short. Why waste perfectly good resources on them, yes?" Todd asked while standing in front of her from the other side of the table. "But it will be very difficult to ask those around me to give themselves over for the good of the human race."

"But this is all for your benefit. If you don't have to rely on feeding on humans anymore, the war will be over." Keller stated.

"Perhaps. But what would we do? Who would we be?" Todd said with a uncertain tone.

Keller quickly realized what Todd meant and that though he was keeping it well hidden, Todd was most likely afraid of the future because the Wraith only lived for one purpose, to hunt humans. There was no real culture to speak of or prospects in their society other than hunting human for food. And now, she was a little uncertain of what to do considering this recent revelation.

High above the icy planet, the Puddle Jumper like ship exited hyperspace and descended towards the planet, landing at the forgotten and iced over Ancient facility Janus left behind. Once on the landing pad, it descended and the top closed above them. They were then taken out of the vessel and down well lit hallways with one of the suited people carrying the device.

"Is it possible to speak with someone in charge? I think there has been a serious misunderstanding. There really is no reason to treat us this way…" Daniel said as he was pulled along by his left shoulder and the back of his head.

Rodney was behind him with another suited person but complaining aloud in pain. Both were pushed into a room where a large console was lit and a screen in front of it with a window to a room with blue lights lit up inside, on the wall opposite of the screen. Below the small window was a short raised platform that had a small yellow lit console on it and to the left was a familiar Ancient screen that was hanging from the wall. The device was set on the console and then the person in the suit turned to them speaking with a mechanical voice that had a slight gurgle in it.

"Get the device operational." it said pointing at the console before heading out.

"Wait, we don't even know what it is!" Rodney exclaimed as the only door into the room closed in his face as he walked up. "Oh great, they've sealed the door shut and removed the door controls from the inside!"

"Where the hell are we?" Daniel asked as he stepped onto the small platform that had the yellow console and small window in front of it.

"I don't know, but judging from the architecture, probably Janus's secret facility. Which means finding us is going to be almost impossible." Rodney said with a whined tone.

"Which means getting rescued anytime soon might be out of the question." Daniel said as he moved to the main console where the device sat. "Though Ford could show up at anytime."

"How about, right now." Rodney said.

Only silence met them and Rodney had a defeated look on his face.

"He'll probably be along sometime soon. Until then, we should see what this is." Daniel said.

"Why?" Rodney whined.

"Our lives may depend on it. They may think we are expendable and go back to Atlantis to get more people in hopes they know how to work this thing." Daniel said.

"Great, another mission where my life is on the line." Rodney muttered as he moved to look at the large console. "They did take that device that Ford was looking at."

"I noticed when it pointed at it and said, get it operational." Daniel said.

Rodney muttered under his breath as he looked at the controls and then hit a button that made Daniel move so Rodney could reach it turning the equipment on.

"Should I just stand back and let you do all the work?" Daniel asked.

"Yeah, for the moment. I'm guessing you need the gene to make anything function anyway and since you don't have it…" Rodney said.

Atlantis was still on high alert and Jumpers were flying around the city as heavy sensors sweeps continued constantly in search of anything useful. The dead being inside the suit was taken out and put in the morgue for later. Everyone that heard about it was extremely surprised to learn it was an Asguard inside the suit and many questions began filtering through the city, along with many rumors as well. The T.A.R.D.I.S. was by the command center with Ford still inside doing a lot of work on the console as K-9 assisted along with Carter when she wasn't out helping Sheppard with command. Over an hour had went by since the attack and they really hadn't learned much yet, though Ford did have a trail he was trying to find the end of. The suit was currently set aside in one of the labs to be checked out later.

"We've still got the Jumpers performing defense circles around the city sir and ready to engage the ship the moment it comes back, if it comes back." the dirty blonde haired lady with a long pony tail said as she followed Sheppard up the stairs to the command center. "The chair is ready for you to sit in it and take control at a moments notice."

"Good. What about the weapon platforms?" Sheppard asked stopping outside the T.A.R.D.I.S.

"Ready to fire the moment they have a target. Sam was able to help us upgrade the response times in them." she said.

"Good. I also want marine teams searching every level five levels. Locked and loaded, ready to go on my order." Sheppard said.

"Yes sir." she said as Sheppard dismissed her and entered the T.A.R.D.I.S.

"Anything yet General?" Sheppard asked.

"Yes and no. The T.A.R.D.I.S. managed to trace where the signal from that device was going to a solar system pretty close to here, but not the exact location. It's not a place I have been before with her either, however…" Ford said holding up a finger. "Since I have a general idea of the location where the signal is lost, I should be able to go there and do a broad scan of the area."

"Good to hear. What about that ship that ignored the cities shields?" Sheppard asked.

"Had Sam, I or K-9 been in here at the time, we could have raised our shields around the city and kept them out. Since no one was in here, she didn't do anything but a scan. The ship is Atlantian in design, somewhat, from what I can tell along with Asguard technology. It's no surprise the ship has Atlantian tech since you can find it here a lot more than in the Milky Way. Even the sides where part of the engines are come out like the Puddle Jumpers do. There is weapons on the ship, energy based but not drones. And we already know it has hyperdrive technology." Ford said while still working the controls.

"Any idea why these Asguard wear armored suits?" Sheppard asked.

"Protection, more movement ability. Easy way to fight the Wraith or any other bad guys. That suit is pretty powerful, but not meant for long fights. Considering the Wraith don't use lethal weapons and that their weapons, though energy based, only stun, technically they aren't as powerful in kinetic force like a massive round of bullets are." Ford said.

"So that's why it went down so easily." Sheppard said.

"Yes. Given some modifications, I'll be able to recreate the Master Chiefs suit almost perfectly. Minus the cyber attachments though." Ford said happily.

"Can we move on from these suits to more pressing matters?" Sheppard asked with a tired sigh.

"I seriously doubt that Daniel and Rodney are in trouble. Considering how much trouble we had in that small lab, wherever that device sent the signal, which probably was some facility, complex or space station Janus did other research or whatever, these Asguard may not be able to access and use whatever it is. They don't have the A.T.A. gene and that is more than likely the reason those two were taken. I probably would have been with them if the stun blast affected me. Since it didn't and I fought back, they tried to kill me because I was in the way." Ford said.

"You didn't die after being tossed into the wall?" Sheppard asked.

"Broke bones and a few other things, but I stayed conscious, barely and alive." Ford said.

"Let me know the moment you plan on leaving." Sheppard said.

Heading out, he got an update from Sam on what the cities scanners had and the reports on the tower that was damaged along with personnel injuries.

Rodney was looking in the small window at the strangely angled object in the middle of the room that was lit with blue lights as he thought deeply. Turning away, he moved and looked at the yellow console nearby as Daniel spoke to him.

"This facility is tapped into some serious power generation. The T.A.R.D.I.S. produces a hell of a lot more, but this is worth a couple ZPM's if I remember Sam's lecture on them correctly." Daniel said.

"I think I know what this thing is for." Rodney said with some horror.

"Well, what is it?" Daniel asked when Rodney paused too long.

"It's an endgame machine." Rodney said.

"How so?" Daniel asked.

"If this does what I think it does, it means the end of the Wraith, permanently." Rodney said.

"Permanently. Like instant death to all of them within the Pegasus galaxy sort of thing?" Daniel asked.

"No, not like that, but sort of. What this device is suppose to do would stop all of them in their tracks. It's the perfect solution to ending the war with the Wraith." Rodney said.

"Going to explain how?" Daniel asked.

"Basically it creates a subspace static, or turbulence if you will. Essentially, it makes the Wraith ships explode the moment they engage their hyperdrives." Rodney said.

"Okay, that makes sense with the stop in their tracks remark, but won't it effect other ships with hyperdrive abilities?" Daniel asked.

"No. Even though all hyperdrives are for the most part, the same sort of system, the Wraith use one based on their technology, which for the most part, is organic. The Asguard system is very different than the Ancient version of the hyperdrive but still performs the same function." Rodney said.

"I can't believe I'm using a reference Ford would, but you're saying it's like a car and a truck engine. Though they do the same thing, they function on different chemicals and fuels." Daniel said.

"Yeah, something like that. The thing is, with hyperdrive systems, they perform on a certain subspace frequency. Each one is different depending on the technology. Such as the Goa'uld ships, though used to help make our ships, the frequency is different and then later changed further when we integrated Asguard technology. Considering the X-wing is a compilation of several technologies, I'd bet anything that it is a frequency we wouldn't be able to duplicate, meaning it is unique to that ship." Rodney said.

"Okay, so the frequency of the Wraith hyperdrive is different from everyone else's." Daniel said.

"Right. And if I am right, this machine works on that frequency to keep the Wraith from entering hyperspace. When they try to, their ships explode. At least that's what I believe to be the case with this technology." Rodney said.

"I find it strange that this is here, undamaged and for some reason wasn't used in the war." Daniel said.

"Maybe Janus finished it but was unable to get back here safely and install that thing over there to fully activate it." Rodney said waving his hand at the object.

"There has to be something more to it. If this, weapon, had the ability to end the war, then Janus or someone else should have left a message, note, maybe video file in the Atlantis database so future descendants would be able to access it and keep the war from starting again like it has." Daniel said.

"You're thinking this might have some negative effects we don't know about and that's why the Ancient Council didn't know of this place." Rodney said.

"Yes." Daniel said.

"Oh. Something this powerful that effects subspace must have some drawback. I wonder what it is? Janus did a three days test some ten thousand years ago before shutting it all down and not coming back." Rodney said as he brought up the file on screen.

"And I'm guessing he didn't leave any notes on the side effects." Daniel said.

"No. Just that he did the test and then shut it down. He went back to Atlantis with that device which was and still is connected with the main system here. It's a key like Ford figured. Without it, nothing here works." Rodney said.

"And these guys think that we can get it running for them." Daniel said.

"Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure we can. Everything is here and from these notes, I can guess what needs to be done. The only draw back is the last time I played with a Ancient experiment…" Rodney said uneasily. "I ended up blowing up an entire solar system."

"Yeah, most if not all of the SGC heard. Kinda hard to miss. A lot like when Sam blew up that sun." Daniel said.

"I heard about that as well. One of those things on your record that never comes off." Rodney said.

"Yep. Mines making contact with the Ori, which almost brought total annihilation of life to our galaxy…" Daniel said.

"Yeah, I know about the Ori. The side effects could be anything since this messes with subspace. For all we know, it could even effect the T.A.R.D.I.S. and make her implode, or explode. Perhaps both." Rodney said.

"They are going to want us to activate it and more than likely will use force to make us do so. Considering the treatment we went through being brought to this room, I don't think they care much for our lives." Daniel said.

"Since we don't have any idea of what the side effects of this is, even though I don't want to die and can barely stand pain, turning this on could be more disastrous than we realize. So what do we do?" Rodney asked uneasy.

"I hope I can reason with them." Daniel said.

"Oh." Rodney said looking slightly crestfallen. "Good luck."

Some thirty minutes later, or so they guessed, on of the suited people came in and stayed just inside of the now closed door as Daniel spoke.

"Okay, we can tell it is obvious that you are excited about getting this facility working and ending the reign of the Wraith in this galaxy. However, the reason why this facility was abandoned was because the function it is suppose to perform does work, but has terrible consequences." Daniel said. "At least that is what my friend here as found out."

The head turned to look at Rodney and then back at Daniel.

"Look, we both are against the Wraith and want to see them stopped, maybe we have more in common." Daniel said with a hopeful smile.

Getting no response and a look from Rodney to keep going.

"Given enough time, there is a chance that this could be made to work as the original plan was and not have any negative side effects. We actually need more people, more scientist who can understand this much better than we can." Daniel said.

"Had you also took the guy who was with us, this place might be already running and without the negative side effects." Rodney said shaking a finger.

"Did you just….never mind." Daniel said quickly turning back to whoever was in the suit. "I'm not a scientist, I can only read Ancient, not understand the technical issues like he knows how to…"

"You will get the device operational in one hour, or he dies." the figure said pointing at Daniel before turning and walking out.

"Excellent talk there Daniel. Really managed to get us out of this situation so well." Rodney said going back to the console.

"Strange, why do they stay in the suits?" Daniel wondered out loud.

"What? Who knows and who cares." Rodney said.

"It doesn't make sense. Unless they are cyborgs they want revenge against the Wraith, there is no reason to stay in them. I figured they were a version of our S.W.A.T. or something along those lines and would have taken them off when we got back to their place or wherever this is." Daniel said.

"And the point of this is?" Rodney asked tiredly.

"Perhaps they can't function or breath in our atmosphere." Daniel said.

'Which would be pointless because the Wraith wouldn't go after a race that doesn't breath the same air as we do. At least that's what I figure. If it is un-breathable to us, probably un-breathable to the Wraith as well." Rodney said as he worked on the console. "This conversation has no meaning and is only taking up my valuable time in order to keep you alive."

"Knowing why they wear the suits may help us figure out who they are." Daniel said.

"Fine, you think, ponder and meditate on that while I keep us alive in hopes we get that rescue we need." Rodney said.

Sheppard came back to the command tower when Carter called saying that Ford found where the trail ended.

"So you popped into the middle of space and did some major scanning, finding where they are and didn't go get them." Sheppard said as he entered the T.A.R.D.I.S and saw the two at the console. "Why?"

"One, yes I did. The planet comes up in the Atlantis database as M6H-987. Before you ask, no there is no Stargate in orbit or on the planet." Ford said while still working various controls. "With the work I did on the suit, I'd have to fire off a good dozen rounds, maybe more, to knock the suits shield down with my energy pistols. Using my personal cannon's, I'd have a better chance of having the bullets bounce off and hit me before the shield went down."

"That's why you didn't go because you need back-up." Sheppard said.

"No. I'm still going alone. I've got the frequency needed to cause some chaos in their suits when I meet them. They may adapt to it, they may not. Gives me a minute, more if I am lucky, less if not, where they will be disabled from doing anything other than twitching." Ford said.

"All right, so…." Sheppard said.

"I have no idea how many of these guys there are or what their purpose is. And if I encounter more than one, I don't know if the effect will get them all at the same time or not. I want you to contact the X-wing and apprise them of our situation. If we don't call back in, 20 minutes, call us. K-9 will stay in the T.A.R.D.I.S. and take the call and then apprise you of the situation. If you get no one, then there is extreme trouble and we will need the X-wing to come to us for help." Ford said.

"Alright General. But you'll have to contact the X-wing since they are out of communications range…." Sheppard said.

"Call this number." Carter said as she handed him a card. "It's the phone number for the ship and only able to be called through out network of modified cell phones."

"How hard is it to modify a cell phone?" Sheppard asked.

"Less than a minute really. The Sonic Screwdriver makes a few adjustments and there it is. Almost impossible to trace too." Carter said.

"Oh." Sheppard said heading out as he looked at the card. "Hey, just wondering, how many minutes do these phones have anyway?"

"You watch that movie, The Core?" Ford asked.

"Yeah. A bunch of government funded people went down into the Earth's core to restart the planet." Sheppard said. "Good movie."

"Can't remember the geek, but using the foil of a gum wrapper, he gave unlimited minutes to, I think a government agent's phone. Same sort of principle, better way of doing it." Ford said.

"It's really very technical. I had to read the formula behind it twice to understand what it really did to the phones." Carter said.

"I won't ask and take your word for it. Hope to hear you in less than twenty then." Sheppard said.

"Anyway, that thing in there harasses the subspace antenna, which exit's somewhere out above this facility." Rodney said.

"And it projects the static into subspace." Daniel said.

"Yes. Once I start it up." Rodney said.

"Oh. Wait, it's already ready to go?" Daniel asked.

"Yeah." Rodney said walking away from the small window. "All Janus did was shut down the system and take that thing back to Atlantis with him. Just hook it back up and turn her on. That simple."

"And yet they need us to do it." Daniel said.

"The A.T.A. gene…." Rodney said.

"Yeah, I remember now." Daniel said looking at the console. "Rodney, if this could end up blowing up a solar system or worse, you shouldn't do this."

"Yeah, and then they'll come in here and kill you and then me next since we're the only ones here and, forgive me if this sounds so selfish..." Rodney said sarcastically. "But I'd rather not get killed yet. So I'd really rather do this now while you are alive instead of after you've been killed leaving me alone and next on the hit list."

"Fine Rodney. Just turn it on then. We can only hope that the consequences aren't extremely bad like a sun or solar system exploding." Daniel said as Rodney then hit a few buttons.

The camber through the small window began flashing brightly as electrical currents danced around the room off the four rods around the multifaceted device.

"I don't feel any different." Rodney said.

"Neither do I." Daniel said. "And I'm pretty sure we didn't die and go to heaven."

"Even though we have no idea what the consequences of this will be, they are probably bad enough we'd go to hell instead for just messing with it to begin with." Rodney said as they now were looking at the chamber and yellow console.

"Anything dire yet?" Daniel asked.

"No. All systems seem to be in the green. It's performing perfectly as designed to. At least from what I can tell. We've not dead." Rodney said.

"There's that." Daniel said. "Can you find what the consequences are?"

"Maybe, don't know. They could be results he only learned about after returning to Atlantis and then coming back to shut it off. Even with the location where Atlantis used to be, a ship could have gotten to wherever here is in about three days, back and forth." Rodney said.

"That could mean it takes time before the consequences become evident." Daniel said.

"Yeah." Rodney said worried before thinking something. "It could be the problems with this were only dire at the time for the Ancients and now, with all the time that has passed, they aren't."

"You really believe that?" Daniel asked.

"If it gets us back to Atlantis, then yeah. We did our part, hopefully they will let us go." Rodney said.

"Somehow, I doubt it." Daniel said crossing his arms.

Caldwell and the others on the bridge who heard the conversation that came from Atlantis were still thinking about things as Keller was still working on the treatment down in the infirmary. Caldwell told Sheppard to report back in twenty whether there was good news or not and if it was bad, then they'd be underway immediately. Once he got off the phone that was patched into the command chair, which surprised him and everyone else on the bridge when they heard a telephone ring, he called down to the infirmary to inform Doctor Keller of the update and to let Todd know that they'd need to be ready to leave, if the moment for the X-wing needing to head out came. Shortly after informing them, Todd was brought to the bridge.

"The twenty minute deadline hasn't came yet." Todd said as he ignored the guards assigned to follow him.

"We know. You were brought here for a different reason." Woolsey said as he held out a earpiece. "Your Hive wants to talk to you. We figured you'd want to do so privately."

Todd only grunted lightly as he took it and placed it in his ear while moving to look out the window.

"Go ahead." Todd said as the people behind him continued to work. "Very well, permission is granted. I will stay here."

He handed the earpiece back to a man nearby as Caldwell asked if everything was okay.

"A rival Hive is encroaching on one of our territories. I am dispatching the other two vessels to assist. My Hive will remain here to continue the work with Doctor Keller." Todd said.

"Glad to hear that." Woolsey said without thinking first as many looked at him including Todd. "Not the unfortunate attack part, I mean staying to continue the work…."

Todd grunted lightly again as Woolsey stopped as he looked out the ships window watching as the two Cruiser's start off away and jump to hyperdrive only to explode seconds later.

"Mark's, what the hell happened?" Caldwell exclaimed.

"We're not sure sir." Mark's said fazed like a few others were as he started checking the system.

"Find out quickly! We could have unknown enemies in our midst, deploying bombs or god only knows…" Caldwell yelled.

"You're thinking those unknown attackers that took our people from Atlantis…" Woolsey began.

"I don't know what to think right now Mr. Woolsey…." Caldwell said.

"How did you do that?" Todd asked as he moved closer to the window.

"We didn't." Caldwell stated.

"You think we did it?" Woolsey asked. "Surely you can't think we had anything…"

"You've tricked me." Todd stated as he turned around.

"What? We've been cooperating…." Woolsey began.

"This was all part of the plan." Todd stated as two glowing rods slipped out of his cuffs and into his hands that no one saw.

"What plan? We're as baffled…" Woolsey began.

"Somehow, you found the Attero device…" Todd said.

Caldwell looked at Woolsey as he looked back just as confused.

"The what? What are you…" Woolsey said.

Todd brought to two glowing rods together quickly, end to end making a large stun shockwave radiate out from the bridge and across several decks, dropping people to the floor or on their stations. Todd walked over hitting the com button on the arm of the chair.

"Commander, we have been trying to contact you." the Wraith on the Hive said. "Two of our cruisers have been destroyed."

"I know. We have been betrayed." Todd stated with venom.

"What should we do?" the other Wraith asked.

"I have control of the humans transporter system. I will begin beaming in troops immediately." Todd said as he sat down in the command chair. "We will take this ship and use it against them for this dishonorable act."

Ronan was walking through the hallway after leaving the lab from checking on Jennifer. Coming into an open corridor, he quickly pulled his gun as five Wraith troops beamed in with their backs to him. When they didn't turn around, he backed off heading for the lab. Just as he was about to enter the lab, he quickly spun around thinking there was trouble as the ships lights turned red.

"Alert, intruders detected. Unauthorized transporter use has occurred. Lockdown procedures in progress until password override is inputted. Failure to input correct code before time limit will initiate automated override system." Sam's voice said over the ships com in a serious tone.

"Ronan, what the hell is going on?" Keller asked as she walked out seeing him in the hallway.

"The Wraith are trying to take over the ship. Come on, we need to see about getting more weapons." Ronan said as they ran off.

There was about a dozen Wraith total that Todd was able to beam over, which included a couple of his subordinates that were on the bridge with him along with a few of the Wraith troops that were taking the unconscious off the bridge to a nearby open room.

"The shields have been engaged and the weapons are online." Todd's second in command said.

"Shut them off." Todd demanded.

"All systems are locked out." the other Wraith in the back of the bridge said. "I am unable to gain any access."

"Warning. Unauthorized attempt to access ships systems detected. Password not given. Automated override system activating. Ships functions switching to basic until arrival of destination complete. Further attempts to access systems without proper password will result in more drastic consequences." Sam's voice said with a plain tone.

"What do we do?" the third in command asked as they saw their Hive disappear from view as the X-wing jumped into hyperspace.

"Find out where we are headed." Todd said pointing at the other console near the command chair as he was working on the opposite one.

"I am not sure, but I think Atlantis." the Wraith said.

"Warning. Unauthorized access detected. Password not given. Life support systems decreasing." Sam's voice said with the same tone.

"What's that mean? And why is it Sam's voice?" Keller asked as they ended up outside one of the armories.

"Beats me." Ronan said punching in a code.

"Code not recognized. Finger print scan indicates this to be Dex." Ford's voice said calmly.

"That's Ronan Dex. Now open the door." Ronan said hitting it.

"It's a recording Ronan. He can't hear you." Keller said.

"Jennifer Keller's voice recognized. Ronan Dex's voice recognized. State reason for entry into armory." Ford's voice asked plainly again.

"Wow, this is an interesting system they've made. Reminds me of a movie…" Keller said.

"Figures. The way he talked about movies and the ideas along with Sheppard doesn't surprise me." Ronan said.

"Error. That is not a legitimate reason. One try left." Ford said plainly.

"The Wraith have board this ship and we need weapons to fight back with. That reason enough?" Ronan asked sarcastically.

"Reason legitimate according to current situation. Based on pre-programmed instructions, small arms, knives or swords, or zat guns will be made available. Attempts to access further weapons without prior authorization will not be tolerated." Ford's voice said as the door opened. "Explosives are not authorized."

They both went in finding projectile weapons on the left and cutting weapons, such as swords and other sorts on the right, all behind thick glass that had visible red lasers crisscrossing the closed glass panels. The weapons allowed were open and had the laser system down.

"Knowing those two as we do, I think we should follow their directions." Keller said.

"Agreed." Ronan said grabbing a few of the energy cell units his gun took along with a one handed sword made like a machete.

Keller grabbed a semi auto nine, plus extra clips and one of the zat's, following him out as he left.

"Now what do we do?" Keller asked.

"We take back the ship starting with the bridge." Ronan said.

"Wait, maybe I can access the ships computer through the one in the lab. It's worth trying." Keller said.

He grunted and headed in that direction with his energy pistol at ready.

Daniel was pacing around as Rodney was still checking on what the side effects were.

"Oh no." Rodney exclaimed in horror.

"What? How bad is it? We're not dying of harmful radiation are we?" Daniel asked as memories of the time he ended up radiated and then died came back.

"No, we're just fine." Rodney said worried. "It's the rest of the galaxy, including Atlantis that is in trouble. I have to shut this down."

"Step away from the device." one of the two suits said as they entered the room.

Rodney worked a bit quicker and then fell as he was shot in the side with a stun attack. Daniel quickly raised his hands asking to see their boss when he was stunned as well, and then were both taken out and back to their room.

With no one in the room, the T.A.R.D.I.S. landed just inside near the console, raising the shields quickly as the door to the room opened along with the T.A.R.D.I.S. door.

"I don't think they like us." Carter said as they saw flashes of red on the shield outside.

"I don't really care. That device is causing more trouble than we've ever known." Ford said rushing out.

She looked at the readings and ran out quickly seeing one of the suits go down as it twitched. The other went down a moment later also twitching as Ford switched settings. Pointing the Sonic Screwdriver at the console, a high pitched and very annoying whine was heard as he activated it.

"I think you'll have to physically…" Carter began when the console started buzzing with sparks.

Parts caught fire as others exploded and the screen shattered as it burst outward from a power overload. They heard more smaller explosions as the small yellow console behind the T.A.R.D.I.S. blew up from a overload as well. The small window shattered as the device inside blew up from a power surge that overloaded its systems, taking the door to the chamber off causing it to bounce off the T.A.R.D.I.S. shields.

"That takes care of that." Ford said putting his Sonic Screwdriver away. "Permanently."

"Yeah. Could have done it without causing the fire and smoke though." Carter said coughing as she waved the smoke away.

"You saw the readings. The longer this was on, the worse things got elsewhere in the galaxy." Ford said.

"They're up." Carter said as the shield turned red where it was hit.

"Give up. We know who you are already and know how to stop your suits permanently if you continue this." Ford stated as he pointed his Sonic Screwdriver again. "I'd rather not kill any of you."

"We are allies and more importantly friends with the Asguard in the Milky Way galaxy. We know Supreme Commander Thor personally." Carter said as they opened fire again with stronger blast. "We helped save them from the Replicators and gave them the cure to help stop the derogation of the cloning problem!"

Ford was actually surprised when they lowered the energy pistols, looked at each other and then opened their suits.

"Sam, call Atlantis. Time's almost up." Ford said.

PART 2

EPISODE….THE LOST TRIBE

Or at least for the most part…

Sheppard was pacing back an forth in the control room as he kept a eye on his watch. So far, it had been just over ten minutes and the two hadn't contacted Atlantis yet. He was happy to know he got hold of Caldwell and that they were on standby, waiting for a call back, but he had to wait and standing around waiting was something he always detested.

"Pacing around and looking at your watch isn't going to make things go quicker Colonel." Radek said as he readjusted his glasses.

"I hate waiting." Sheppard grumbled.

"Sir, we've got a ship heading for Atlantis in hyperspace." Chuck said.

"Is it Wraith?" Sheppard asked moving to see the screen.

"No sir. The I.F.F. says it is the X-wing." Chuck said also confused.

"They aren't suppose to be moving yet. And they are coming back pretty quickly." Sheppard said.

"Their hyperdrive engines are faster than the other Daedalus class vessels we have Colonel." Radek said.

"How much faster?" Sheppard asked with a smile.

"I'm not sure really seeing as I haven't seen the data, but it's not a real lot to get excited about if you're thinking that." Radek said.

"Hmm. Wait, didn't the Daedalus get the same upgrades?" Sheppard asked.

"Yes. They plan on testing it first hand on their way back to Earth." Radek said. "I think the speed is increased enough to take a day off the trip, but I am not sure."

"Oh. We need to call the X-wing and see what is happening though." Sheppard said grabbing the cell. Hearing the message that came up, he snapped his fingers getting everyone's attention while putting it on speaker phone.

"You have reached the X-wing voice message mail system. Phone data indicates call is from Atlantis. Report is as follows." Sam's voice said plainly. "Currently, the ship is on the automated override system as an unauthorized transport was engaged and the password was not given to disengage the override. Further attempts to access the ships system without proper authorization and without the password lead to the following scenario. Wraith have boarded ship, command personal unconscious due to a extreme radius stun blast emitted from the bridge. All life forms are unconscious due to life support shut down to bare minimal to prevent deaths, sabotage or hostile take over of vessel. Ships course instructions are to land on open pier and allow personnel from Atlantis to contain situation further. If you wish to change landing instructions or have a query, say yes. Otherwise, preprogrammed flight will continue unabated and only will engage in self defense if attacked."

"Yes." Sheppard said holding the phone close to his mouth.

"Voice recognition indicates you are Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard. Access to change ships course authorized unless conflicts with current orders in a endangerment fashion." Sam said plainly.

"Umm, land approved. Can you give a current casualty list?" Sheppard asked, while finding it weird to be talking to a automated system.

"Casualties, 0." Sam's voice reported.

"How many Wraith total?" Sheppard asked.

"15. 7 on bridge, other eight scattered through ship near bridge." Sam's voice said.

"Why is the ship returning?" Sheppard asked as the report from earlier started again. "Stop. Okay, I understand the Wraith boarded without permission. Why?"

"Processing request." Sam's voice said.

"Wow, I heard the General talking about limited A.I. computer software, but I did not expect to see anything outside his car." Radek said.

"On the bright side, if it was the Daedalus they took, the Wraith would have her by now." Sheppard said.

"Why…" Radek began.

"I'm only guessing that because we don't know what has happened to cause this problem yet." Sheppard said.

"Process complete. Two Wraith cruisers jumped into hyperspace and were completely destroyed before they gained entry. The Wraith designated Todd employed a hidden energy device which resulted in stunning most of crew near bridge. Unauthorized transporter use began activating ship wide lockdown followed by decrease of life support as continual unauthorized attempts on computer systems continued and password was not given." Sam's voice said.

"What blew up the Wraith vessel?" Sheppard asked.

"Data unknown at this time. Research may begin when ship lands and password is inputted." Sam's voice said.

"But we don't know…" Radek began.

"We'll figure it out Radek. Stay on your current flight path and land when you get here. We'll be ready to remove the Wraith and take care of the ours on board." Sheppard said.

"Message understood. Signing off." Sam's voice said.

Sheppard closed the phone and set it back down as he shook his head.

"Well, at least we know our people are alive." Radek said.

"On the X-wing, if the computer is telling the truth. What about our other two?" Sheppard asked.

"Nearing twenty minutes Colonel." Radek said.

"Damn. I seriously doubt the X-wing's computer will…" Sheppard was saying as he began pacing again when the cell phone rang. "Sheppard here."

"Sheppard, this is Sam. We're okay and dealing with things here. McKay and Daniel are fine and we'll be back sometime soon." Carter said.

"Finally glad to hear your voice. We were beginning to think something did happen. Which unfortunately did but not to you two." Sheppard said.

"What do you mean?" Carter asked with concern.

"The X-wing was boarded by the Wraith and apparently they tried to access the ships systems causing some sort of auto pilot to kick in. Life support is at bare minimum and the ship is headed back here to land and let us in to take everyone out while they are still unconscious." Sheppard said.

"We did program in different scenarios in case of such situations or more. Everyone will be just fine if the ship is not damaged, depending on the damage anyway. What do you know so far?" Carter asked worried as Sheppard relayed most of the recording he got from talking to the autopilot system as he called it. "Alright. Everything is under control there and the ship will land without any problems unless one comes up in which case the ship will stay in orbit or just outside the gravity field to ensure it doesn't crash into the planet. We'll be back soon to fix the lockdown and other problems then."

"Why can't you give me the password?" Sheppard asked.

"We never finished setting up the program completely in that regard. Only certain personnel are able to counterman what's happening and no one on Atlantis is in the system yet. I'll explain later. If any problems arise, call back." Carter said.

"Alright Sam. We'll keep waiting as we've been. Sheppard out." Sheppard said as he shook his head.

"More waiting I see." Radek said.

"Yeah, they are fine. Our people are alive and fine. The ship is doing what it is suppose to and if anything arises, we call back otherwise, just wait till the ship lands and deal with it there." Sheppard said.

"You have doomed our race to death because of this attack." the Asguard on the right said as he stood next to his suit.

"And you were dooming the rest of the galaxy to death because this machine made the Stargate's overload and then go up in a massive explosion that could be seen from space." Ford stated as he pointed at the Asguard. "The Asguard we knew would have never allowed this to happen."

"Knew? They are dead then I take it?" the Asguard asked as Sam came back out.

"No. Their original plan was to blow up their planet and them on it because they didn't figure out how to solve the derogation of their cloning problem." Carter said. "They gave us all their knowledge and technology along with calling the Tauri, us humans of the planet Earth, The Fifth Race."

"Because of my unique physiology, they found the cure they needed, which unfortunately needed time to develop. We have a general idea of where they set out to make their new home back in the Milky Way galaxy, but we haven't heard from them since the exchange. You give us back our people, I'll give you the data you need and the coordinates for where the rest of your race is." Ford said.

"Though we would greatly appreciate the exchange, the Wraith would stop us before we could finish the development. They attacked us ten thousand years ago when the Ancients lost. Finding us still alive, they would conquer us very quickly." the Asguard said.

"Why haven't we run across you yet? We've been out here in Atlantis for almost five years and found no signs of anything Asguard." Carter said.

"We separated from the rest of the Asguard during the time the Wraith and Ancients were fighting. Because they were so occupied, we believed we had time to fix our cloning problem. However, the Ancients lost and the Wraith quickly turned on us because our technology was more advanced than theirs and we were unable to be fed from, making us a considerable threat. Our intergalactic ships were destroyed in the first battle leaving us with almost no means of defensive capabilities. Abandoning all our settlements, we retreated to a planet where they would not search for us. The air was toxic but with special breathing mask, we were able to survive. Unfortunately, time has only made the planet worse and become almost uninhabitable even with our protective suits." he said gesturing at it.

"Our people have no where to go for safety or to survive without the Wraith coming after us." the other Asguard said. "This device was our only hope, and you have taken it from us."

"It was a failure from the beginning. Atlantis could have been blown apart taking the planet with it possibly. We've dealt a serious blow to the Wraith since coming here, taken out the Replicators not only in this galaxy but in the Milky Way as well." Ford stated firmly. "In case you haven't been keeping up on current events, the Wraith are in serious disarray."

"They are killing each other because many of the humans in this galaxy have been effected by a retrovirus that makes many of them poison to the Wraith. And there isn't enough humans for them to share so territorial disputes are taking place constantly." Carter said. "We can help you if you give us back our people. Being allies with us is better than being enemies."

"We have noticed a increase in the Wraith becoming more agitated, especially with each other." the first Asguard said. "However, we are too few in ships and resources capable of getting our people to any place safe and out of the reach of the Wraith."

"We can help change that, but only if you give us back our people first. We gladly helped the Asguard in the Milky Way galaxy and will do the same if you help us." Ford said.

"I just got an excellent idea!" Carter exclaimed loudly startling them all. "Since you said you are limited on resources to fight back and have little in the way of ships to fight back or move your people, there is a planet that the Wraith are avoiding because there is human form Replicators on it. I'm very sure that they would gladly allow you to live on the planet, on the main land, and even help with gathering resources to help you make the cure and possibly a intergalactic vessel for you to leave this one and go to our to be with the rest of your people."

"That is a excellent idea." Ford said patting her back. "It would take awhile, possibly a year, but you'd wouldn't have to worry about any Wraith or other enemies anymore. At least not until you get to the rest of your people if they are defending themselves against any. I don't think they are because Thor mentioned something about the planet being in a safe area of space they once occupied. I think it was because most of the resources were depleted that they left, but I'm not sure."

"This plan is very feasible, but not possible. We have not used the Stargate's in many centuries nor have one on the planet we currently occupy." the second Asguard said.

"You could put one on it. We then can put one on the planet with the Replicators and lock out the system on both planets so that both gates are only able to dial each other." Carter said. "You'd have to send things through slowly since the gate only stays open for 38 minutes, unless you put so much power into it, it stays open longer. But the point is, you have a way to survive and reunite yourselves with the rest of your species."

"You people are very different from what we expected." the first Asguard said. "The Ancients from before were not on friendly terms with us and we assumed the same. I must say, I am surprised at this level of help you are willing to aid just for the exchange of your people."

"Trust us, we are actually getting much more out of the deal than you think." Ford said.

"Very well. We shall return your people." the first Asguard said as he waved his hand at the other who got into his suit and walked out. "Though we have no reason to believe anything you say, we can only hope that you are telling the truth."

"I'll get the data put on a crystal you can access." Carter said going back in.

The shield around the T.A.R.D.I.S. dropped visibly as Ford put his Sonic Screwdriver away.

"Why did you, basically surrender?" Ford asked.

"We had little choice. The machine is damaged, possibly beyond repair and we have already witnessed you using that device on us before. Somehow, I believe you were showing us mercy when you could have overloaded the systems in our suits and killed us quickly." the Asguard said.

"I could have. Very nice technology by the way. Helped me greatly with some things I am working on. On that note, I'm sorry for the friend you left behind on Atlantis. He or she didn't make it because the suits life support failed when the suit took too much damage. If you wish, we can give you the body. The suit however is back on Atlantis for study purposes. If we are lucky, we can adapt them to help us fight against the Wraith." Ford said.

"Having our friend back would be acceptable. The suit, though important, is an acceptable loss." the Asguard said as Sam came back out.

"If you can tell us the location of where your planet is, we can quickly set up the program you can put into the Stargate and DHD you'll have on your planet very soon. By tomorrow, you'll be able to dial the planet we told you about and start coming through." Carter said.

The Asguard nodded and followed her in as Ford was looking over the damaged console in hopes of finding something salvageable. Daniel and Rodney came in with the suit behind them, who asked where his leader was, getting a finger pointed at the ship. Rodney and Daniel were really surprised when the suit opened and a Asguard stepped out going into the T.A.R.D.I.S.

"They are Asguard?" Daniel exclaimed.

"Yes. I was surprised myself." Ford said as he tossed a burnt crystal aside.

"I'm guessing you blew up the machine after realizing what the consequences were?" Rodney asked.

"We knew the moment we dematerialized near the planet, while searching for you two, and got the readings on what this place was doing." Ford said as he tossed another couple of crystals aside as he retold the conversation he and Sam had with the Asguard.

"That's really strange. The Asguard have always been, friendly and caring for life. I guess having all these problems made them change their ways." Daniel said.

"Yes, it did. Once Sam finishes, we go back to Atlantis, get our ship and send Todd on his way with his people and then we go back to Earth." Ford said.

By the time they got back, Sheppard and the others had placed the Wraith in a large observation room with Todd in a cell of his own until the T.A.R.D.I.S. came back. No one was hurt, on either side fortunately, and after telling Todd what had happened and that they were in no way part of the Attero device, which was destroyed along with the facility, Todd apologized even though Sheppard found it strange and surprising. Giving them back the Wraith vessel still in the X-wing's hanger bay, they were allowed to leave as long as they promised not to give out the location of Atlantis, which really only Todd knew about because the Wraiths computer systems were erased on the recent scans and such that the ship took while still sitting in the hanger bay.

Considering that Janus didn't really seem to have anything significant to really look at closely or anything for Daniel, Rodney said he'd keep in touch and tell him if anything came across his desk that would need Daniel's attention. With everything fixed for the most part and back to normal, the X-wing took off back for home telling them to once again call when they were needed.

In the weeks to come, it was found only a few Stargate's exploded as a result of the machine and if there was anymore, they weren't sure because they hadn't found out yet, but would report it if they did learn anything. Ford was able to go around and save quite a lot of people, but unfortunately, the gates could not be.