CHAPTER 141

EPISODE…INQUISITION

(A.N. Oh boy, this episode was rather hard to deal with considering certain things. It's not going to really turn out as well as the episode did and many of you are probably going to look at what I've done thinking I was being a heartless bastard about things. Yes, what happened was sad, but in my opinion, I made a honest point about everything. Agree or disagree, this is how it turns out.)

The sun was going down slowly as evening was nearing, say 4ish, and Woolsey, along with Sheppards team, was in the conference room talking about a recent communication that came through, which was an invitation to see some important people or something like that.

"We have received an invitation. Or I should say, your team has received an invitation to represent Atlantis as a meeting of different leaders comprised of the many human populations within the galaxy." Woolsey said as he looked at each one of them.

"What is this? A Pegasus version of the United Nations?" Sheppard asked as he leaned back and crossed his arms.

"Nothing quite so formal. Right now, it is a coalition." Woolsey said.

"Is there any advanced technology in this coalition?" Rodney asked.

"No. But the I.O.A. thinks this is a first step in an interplanetary government." Woolsey said.

"I gotta ask, what did the Carter's or even the General say about this?" Sheppard asked.

"Nothing that I know of. At this point, I don't even think they know of the invitation. Why do you ask?" Woolsey asked curiously.

"Ford mentioned on a few occasions when they were in command here that he didn't really like the U.N. because of dispute problems and they were really trying to via for control of the Stargate program since various governments are working with America on the project." Rodney said. "Bad enough some arguments lead to having the Antarctic chair removed and put in Area 51, which pissed a lot of people off according to the story. Those two had a helping hand in getting it moved because they were needed to help keep it in contact with the Antarctic weapon systems in case the planet was suddenly attacked."

"I do know about the chair being moved. It has placed some strain on diplomatic relations, but I doubt war will start over something so trivial as a weapon meant to protect the planet instead of being used on other countries on Earth. Doing so would no doubt alert the population of what we have and compromise the SGC's secrecy." Woolsey said.

"Which could lead to mass hysteria and global chaos. Heard the speech and read the report on what happened to the Carter's when they ended up in that other parallel universe." Sheppard said.

"So did I. Why are we doing this anyway? If there is nothing in it for us, I don't see the point. We're only known by many people out there because of what we've done against the Wraith, who we've helped and the fact so many people know how to use the Stargate's allowing for information to get spread far and wide." Rodney said.

"Just because we may not gain anything from seeing these people, does not mean that we should not go. Cooperation will bring about more friends to help us." Teyla said.

"She's right. About time everyone started to get together and stop hiding, and fight back against the Wraith as a collective group." Ronan stated as he leaned on the table.

"With the Wraith in disarray because of all the fighting between themselves, this is the perfect time for people to come together and form a, Federation, if you will, in order to take out the Wraith before they can become stable and organized again. They want us to be part of this coalition." Woolsey said, the entire time keep a straight face.

"Yeah, but the Federation has more ships. Besides Larren's group, which don't have very powerful ships and the fact that most of them are a compilation of parts held together by a wing and a prayer, we've about the only ones putting out in the fight here." Rodney said. "I don't see why the X-wing isn't being used to travel around this galaxy and destroy any and all Wraith they find."

"The idea was brought forth by several people on Earth, including General O'Neill. However, even if we knew the locations of every Wraith in this galaxy, ship, facilities and hidden bases in asteroids if there is any, the X-wing wouldn't be able to go after them all at the same time. It's believed that the Wraith would start doing runs against any planets they could in retaliation, even if it ended up with them dying in the process. The loss of life wasn't worth attempting the idea." Woolsey said.

"Plus, it was also figured that the Wraith might try harder to find where we are and or for any Wraith that might think Atlantis is still out there, come after us in one massive attack." Sheppard said.

"Oh. Well, I can see where that flaw in the plan is." Rodney said.

"If that is all then, I suggest you all get ready to go. You leave in one hour." Woolsey said.

Coming to a very nice planet that had many yellow trees for the immense forest around the village, made up of a large amount of houses with barn like architecture, the team were escorted to a room with a brick interior and metal door, being told they'd be seen in a few moments.

Rodney groaned at the lack of space, the enclosed like room and the fact only a candle lit room. Teyla and Ronan only stood as Sheppard sat down on a table next to the wall that had some fruit in a bowl, with what looked like an apple that he began eating.

"They are just rolling out the red carpet on us aren't they." Rodney said sarcastically.

"I am sure they are just keeping the details of this meeting secret." Teyla said.

They all went on alert quickly and tried to get out as small vents in the wall near the floor began flooding the room with a visible gas. Teyla and Rodney passed out quickly as Ronan fired at the door, hitting an energy shield. Sheppard and Ronan tried to pull the door open themselves only to succumb to the gas within a few moments.

Waking up later, they found themselves in another brick room, which was in great condition. It had a small bench to sit on, not much room to move but enough to hold them, a guard outside the door and thick metal bars as the only way in. They still had all their clothes on but it was obvious they were searched because most of their stuff was gone. They still had their watches and dog tags, but nothing else.

"Where are we?" Teyla asked as she slowly sat up.

"We aren't in the same room." Ronan said looking around from his seated position.

"What the hell happened?" Rodney asked tiredly as he stayed on the floor.

"That's a very good question." Sheppard said while straitening out his black shirt.

Rodney sat up and looked at the cell door as a couple of people were now in front of it.

"What is the meaning of this?" Teyla asked as she moved to the bars.

"It will all be explained very shortly. The Council wishes to speak with Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard." the man stated.

Though a bit woozy, he left with the two men, was taken down a few hallways and brought into a room where a raised pedestal was in the middle of the room with a judge like bench high off the ground in front of him, and sat three people in well designed high back chairs, two men and a woman. A large red closed curtain was behind them and they wore dark clothes of varying design, the woman's covering her neck and chest but leaving her arms and shoulders bare. Behind Sheppard was a few large red curtains of sorts hanging off the walls as decoration plus the way out through two large wooden doors to his left and another metal cell like door to his far right.

"I am Kalor, of Latira." the man on the far left said. "This is Shiana, of the tribes of Santhal, and Dimas, of the free peoples of Riva. We speak on the behalf of the coalition."

"You know.." Sheppard said in a relaxed tone as he put his fingers into his pockets. "If you wanted to keep this location a secret so badly, you could have just blindfolded me. I wouldn't have peaked, I swear."

"Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard, you stand before us as a representative of the Atlantis expedition." Kalor said.

"Okay." Sheppard said glancing around.

"And as such, it is up to you to answer the charges." Kalor stated.

"Excuse me?" Sheppard asked confused.

"You will be given ample time to present your defense, and when all is said and heard, we will determine the outcome." Kalor said.

"What the hell is this?" Sheppard asked.

"The Atlantis expedition has been accused of crimes against the people of this galaxy. This is your trial." Kalor stated.

Back at Atlantis, after Sheppards team didn't report back, Woolsey sent Major Lorne to check things out with his team. They came back an hour or so later and met Woolsey at the bottom of the stairs.

"What happened?" Woolsey asked worried.

"We're not sure yet sir. But we know one thing for sure. Sheppards team isn't in the village." Lorne said.

"But they wouldn't have gone anywhere without informing us first." Woolsey said.

"Not voluntarily, no." Lorne stated.

"I see. Take as many men as you need and search the entire area. Look around with a couple cloaked Jumpers as well. Talk to as many people as possible and get back to me the moment you learn anything." Woolsey ordered.

"Yes sir." Major Lorne said as his team departed.

"Great. I really hope I won't have to pick up the phone again." Woolsey muttered.

"You know, this was suppose to be a meet and greet thing. Talk, eat, drink, maybe even dance around some." Sheppard said.

"Subterfuge was necessary. You possess technology and military power outside of most of the indigenous populations of this galaxy." Dimas said. "Other intel suggest that Atlantis is in possession of time technology as well. If this is true, we had little choice but to do what we did."

"In case you are expecting a rescue, I will tell you now, only the members of this Council and key personnel know the gate address for this secure location." Kalor said.

"Well, I can't deny the things you just said, but the guy with the time machine left back to our galaxy, taking it with him because he's the only one it will operate for and the only one that can really understand it to begin with. Which I'm beginning to think is why you didn't ask for him or anyone else but my team to come." Sheppard said.

"That is one reason, yes." Kalor said. "Such technology would benefit many people in this galaxy and yet, it hasn't been used in the ways many of our scientist suggest it should have been."

"I don't pretend to understand how his time machine works or could even give you a good comparison. All I know is that having it be in the same place, correction, same timeline more than once raises the chances of causing some immense explosion that could do more than take out a solar system. That ship however was used many times to help rescue people and or move them to safer planets when we could." Sheppard stated.

"And yet, so many lives were lost anyway. It makes us wonder how much more could have really been done. It has even been reported that three different ships even though of the same design, perhaps four including the somewhat modified one we've heard about and seen, and all belonging to Atlantis, were in this galaxy for awhile and instead of saving more lives or attacking the Wraith to further diminish their numbers, that didn't not happen very often." Kalor said.

"There was many different circumstances we were dealing with that prevented our ships to be places you think they should have been. We don't even know about a lot of the people out there in this galaxy even after all the time we've been here. We use the Stargates to get around and the ships to fight when needed or to get us somewhere there is no gate." Sheppard said.

"That does not excuse the charges." Dimas said. "You will be allowed to present your case further…"

"What is it exactly that you think we had a hand in to begin with?" Sheppard demanded.

"By our calculations, the Atlantis expedition is responsible, either directly or indirectly, for the deaths of over two million people in this galaxy." Dimas stated.

"You've got to be kidding me." Sheppard stated as he put his hands on his hips.

"We shall start with your entering this galaxy. What happened with your first encounter with the Wraith?" Kalor asked.

"Oh, I see where this is all going. Nice set up…" Sheppard began as he waved a finger at them.

"When you arrived in this galaxy, were not the Wraith still in their long hibernation?" Kalor asked.

"Not all of them." Sheppard said as he crossed his arms.

"What do you mean?" Dimas asked.

"They attacked us." Sheppard stated as he went over meeting the Athosians and then the Wraith showing up later that night.

"That was a scouting party, not a culling." Kalor said.

"I didn't know that. The Wraith were completely new to us and they took some of our people." Sheppard stated.

"And you went after them." Dimas said.

"That's right." Sheppard stated.

"You should have left them to their fate." Kalor said.

"Oh, I'm sure that is what you would have done, but we don't leave our people behind. Not only is it a motto of our military, but a creed as well. We went in, rescued as many people as we could, and then got out." Sheppard stated.

"But not before encountering a queen." Kalor said.

"No." Sheppard said as he told them the story of loosing his commanding officer and the stuff that happened afterward.

"So, you admit it. You woke the Wraith." Shiana said with a contemptible sort of tone.

"They were going to wake up sooner or later anyway." Sheppard said.

"But not for generations." Dimas said. "You seen Colonel, most of the populations have yet to recover from the last culling's. As a result of this early awakening, several worlds have been brought to the brink of extinction. Their survivors scattered, their civilizations all but destroyed or lost forever."

"We are out there, every day, putting our asses on the line!" Sheppard all but yelled in anger.

"But the fact remains, many who have been killed, would still be alive today if you never arrived." Kalor said. "Isn't that true?"

"To hell with this. I'm playing this game anymore." Sheppard said turning to step off.

"This is just the first of many charges. If you refuse to participate, we will consider this a admission of guilt on all charges and immediately proceed to sentencing." Dimas shouted.

"What are you going to do? Put everyone in Atlantis in jail?" Sheppard asked sarcastically.

"Obviously that is not possible." Dimas said as Sheppard grunted in response. "However, we can refuse cooperation. That means no more trade or relations of any kind. Atlantis would be totally isolated."

"No relations with the likes of you people? Hmm, that doesn't seem like a very tough choice. If need be, we can be very self sufficient." Sheppard said. "But we'd rather not."

"The coalition grows in strength and number everyday. And very soon, all of your trading partners will join and then they will have to abide by the rules of this Council, meaning they will not be allowed to do anything with Atlantis on any level." Kalor said.

"As for you and your team, an example must be made." Shiana stated with a angry and happy tone. "Justice demands it."

"Justice? Is that what you call all of this?" Sheppard exclaimed.

"A suitable uninhabited planet has been chosen." Dimas said. "If you are found guilty, you will be sent there, with no hope of rescue, to live out the rest of your lives."

Sheppard was sent back to the cell with the others and told them all that happened.

"It's not an execution, technically, but we'd be stuck alone on that planet for the rest of our lives. There's enough food to survive, but we'd have to build our own shelters, weapons and everything else to get by." Sheppard said while pacing the cell. "And the DHD is gone so it only allows things to come through, not go back."

"We all know that wouldn't be for very long." Rodney said. "You know those two would be searching the galaxy for us and with the X-wing, they'd be able to find us pretty quickly."

"I wanted to shove that in their faces, but then they might just kill us instead." Sheppard grumbled.

"I find it strange we aren't rescued already." Rodney said. "On the other hand, if we end up being sent there, technically we could dial out. We just need a good lightening storm and some other things we could hope to find. Long shot really. I'm hoping to see the T.A.R.D.I.S. soon myself."

"What about busting our way out?" Ronan asked.

"I've been thinking about that. Since they have taken me to that chamber a few times, I've got a good idea of the layout here. About half a dozen guards that we'll have to keep watch on for shift changes. Weapons seem to be either sticks that may or may not stun to small arms. For getting out, I'm not sure since I haven't seen daylight or any windows. I'm sure we are in some underground facility or bunker." Sheppard said.

"What about convincing them we are not guilty? Seriously, the Pegasus galaxy has been a lot better off since we arrived. Not to mention, we'd probably be in trouble or dead if we haven't came here because that black hole was needed to stop the Ori Supergate." Rodney stated.

"It is true that you coming to this galaxy has helped greatly. Where hope was all but gone, there is more than before. An Earth saying I heard once would explain it better. It's making up for lost time." Teyla said.

"Makes sense to me." Ronan said. "I'd still be running, or dead if you guys hadn't helped me."

"Unfortunately, many lives have been lost as well since you came." Teyla said.

"It was unavoidable." Rodney said. "Had we never arrived, everyone would still be cowering in fear and the Wraith would still be keeping the populations low to avoid an uprising. And let's not forget the Genii who, though having a interesting plan, would have never gotten it off the ground and be dead by now. Or, got it off the ground by some miracle, blew up a ship and end up making the others awake anyway and cause worse trouble than we have ever done."

"As much as I'd rather go tell these people where to stick this pathetic trial, we need to keep it going until we get rescued. Don't need to give them any ideas that might make them jump right to judgment against us." Sheppard said. "I have a few ideas on what to say when I go back, and what you just said Rodney may help our side."

"Thanks, I think." Rodney said a bit unsure of what Sheppard meant.

Woolsey was waiting at the bottom of the stairs after getting a message from Lorne that they were coming back with a individual from the coalition. He almost picked up the phone and called for help, but when Lorne called back, he left it there in hopes that he would get some answers and resolve the situation without help.

"Mr. Woolsey, this is Mr. Myrus." Lorne said as his team and him came back with a young man. "He's the representative for the New Coalition of Planets."

"Are you the leader of Atlantis?" Myrus asked.

"Yes, I am." Woolsey stated.

"Then we need to speak." Myrus said.

"I should hope so." Woolsey said.

"So, what's next on the agenda here? Should we step on the rose bushes on our next trip to Veedena?" Sheppard asked.

"Perhaps you have heard of a sickness that arrives suddenly, and has crossed many worlds. It comes out of nowhere, last a few days and then disappears." Dimas said. "And it kills one in three of every man, woman and child."

"There are many that believe it is not a sickness, but a poison deliberately made by one individual." Shiana said.

"Yes, and that individuals name is Michael." Sheppard said.

"It is said that he is neither human nor Wraith, but some sort of half-breed." Kalor said. "Can you explain to us how such a thing is possible?"

"One of our people was conducting research in order to come up with a way to solve the Wraith problem once and for all." Sheppard said explaining the story behind Michael.

"You found a way to convert Wraith into humans?" Kalor asked with surprise.

"Don't ask me the medical questions, I'm not a doctor. I just saw the process of change happen." Sheppard said.

"And Michael was one of your test subjects?" Dimas asked.

"He was the first actually." Sheppard said as he continued the story. "We tried very hard to convince him he was one of us, but he knew something was wrong and unfortunately, found proof. After that, he escaped. Went back and forth between human and Wraith a couple of times before finally settling on something in-between."

"So, once again, you admit responsibility." Shiana said. "You let this, thing, loose on the galaxy."

"We didn't let him escape. We've been chasing his ass all across the galaxy!" Sheppard stated as he pointed a finger at her. "And a few months ago, we managed to catch up with him."

He told them the story of rescuing Teyla and her baby along with blowing the Wraith ship up.

"Are you sure he was killed?" Dimas asked.

"The ship was vaporized. There was no body to recover." Sheppard said.

"You cannot testify before this Council and before the eyes of the Ancestors that you know for certain that he is dead." Kalor said.

"No, unfortunately I cannot. We haven't heard anything or seen anything, so we believe he is dead." Sheppard said.

Major Lorne's team was in the conference room with Woolsey and Myrus as the representative told them what had happened and was taking place.

"This is totally outrageous! I cannot believe that the first official act of your new government was to assault and kidnap my people!" Woolsey stated with anger as he slapped the table.

"They weren't assaulted, they were arrested." Myrus said.

"You've got to be kidding me." Lorne said in disbelief.

"Believe me, this was not taken lightly as many of us did not accept this proposition, but it was not taken entirely without reason." Myrus said.

"We've been trying to help you people!" Lorne said.

"What you've been doing is making unilateral decisions that have affected the lives of millions of people, without consultation and without accountability! This is no longer acceptable!" Myrus shouted.

"I refuse to get drawn into a debate here." Woolsey said, still angered. "I'm only going to ask you one thing, where are my people being held?"

"I cannot answer that." Myrus said.

"Fair trials are not done in secret places!" Woolsey exclaimed.

"Nevertheless…." Myrus began.

"I think Mr. Myrus needs a little time to consider his position. Major, take him to a secure room." Woolsey ordered.

"My pleasure sir." Lorne said taking the man by the arm.

"You are making a terrible mistake." Myrus said as he stood.

"Am I? You people made the mistake when you kidnapped our people with false information." Woolsey said.

"When I was chosen to deliver this message, I knew there was a chance I would not be coming back. Detaining me will only confirm the suspicions of many people, that you are a rogue element, operating in this galaxy without any restraint or regard for due process!" Myrus said.

"Lock him up. I need to make a phone call." Woolsey said with a sigh.

It didn't take but a few minutes when Woolsey was informed that the X-wing was on approach and asking for permission to land. He gave them the go ahead and waited as the ship landed and then the two beamed into the command center. Sam was in black jeans with a long sleeved black shirt, hair currently not in a pony tail, and Ford in a black with white striped suit.

"So, what's the trouble Richard?" Ford asked .

"Sheppard's team was kidnapped under false pretenses. We have no idea where they are at this moment or any real idea of how to even start looking for them." Woolsey said going over what Myrus told them.

"Someone really thought this plan out." Carter said as she leaned on the balcony rail. "This coalition must have started in secret to keep us from knowing about it."

"I have to agree. This is the first we've heard of it. When Sheppard's team was asked to come, we just assumed it was going to be a day of talks before coming back to have me take over since I am a better diplomat." Woolsey said. "I wasn't even going to call, but this secret trial could end up very badly for Sheppard and the others very quickly. For all we know, if this Mr. Myrus doesn't report in at a certain time, they could be executed."

"That would be a very bad position for them to take. They have to know we'd retaliate." Ford said. "Or at least partially, from here, since I am sure the people back home would decide to let it slide on some level."

"Sadly, I have to agree with that statement." Woolsey said. "This situation turning into that outcome, would definitely make some people move people into play here. Plays that you both know would go against many of the rules, but would be overlooked, since I am sure I would be removed and blamed for what happened."

"If this was happening back in our galaxy, I would be willing to bet that people on Earth were behind this, to get control, but there is no way they could have done so here." Ford said.

"I seriously doubt that Larren and her people have anything to do with this coalition. We helped them greatly, not only by supplies, but giving them that Ancient ship." Carter said. "Besides us, they are the only other people out there with ships."

"Either the coalition has ships hidden or they base their strength on using the Stargates. Considering most people don't keep a watch on their gates since many people come and go, it would make sense that they think they can get away with so much because of that. We keep a constant watch on our gates no matter where we are." Ford said.

"At least where we have bases and such." Carter said.

"We'll start looking around. See what trail we can pick up. Have the gate address and planet they went to sent to our ship." Ford said as Woolsey nodded.

"Before you two leave, I want to talk to Myrus again with you present. Maybe seeing you might make him change his mind about things." Woolsey said.

"Willing to try." Ford said as Carter nodded.

"Look, we have made some mistakes, but we're the only ones out there risking our lives in this fight." Sheppard stated. "No one else out there is taking on the Wraith."

"Isn't that your own fault as well?" Kalor asked.

"What are you talking about?" Sheppard asked exasperated.

"The Genii had a way to fight the Wraith, but they were thwarted when you betrayed them." Kalor said.

"Oh, is that was they told you, because that is not the way I remember it, nor was it the way it happened." Sheppard said telling them the story where they worked with Cowen once and where a ladies father, named Tyrus, died on the said mission.

"So, you betrayed each other." Dimas said.

"No, we came prepared. They made the first move. Now look, the Genii's plan was never going to work anyways. They had bombs they would have never finished without our help. And they had no way to even deliver it if it ever got finished, which wouldn't have happened anyway since they would have died of radiation poisoning beforehand." Sheppard stated forcibly before telling them what Rodney said earlier. "Now, if you ever want to take any military action against the Wraith, we're the only ones that will be able to do it, and much more successfully than anyone else we know that has ships."

Ford and Carter were doing checks on the DHD that was on the planet where Sheppard's team first went. Considering their better and superior computers, plus more active research into checking DHD's for last usage, they were getting somewhere, narrowing it down to four addresses at the moment. They were still in the X-wing doing the said checks while waiting for Woolsey to bring Myrus back to the table to talk. Right at the moment, and for the last hour or so, Woolsey was letting the man sit in the brig to think over his situation.

"You were able to get into contact with our off world contacts?" Woolsey asked as they walked into the command center.

"Most of them sir. Unfortunately, no one knows anything." Lorne said. "At least, that is what they are saying."

"What do you think?" Woolsey asked hoping the man had some good news or good insight.

"I really don't know what to think sir. If we can't walk into a village where the people are suppose to be our friends without expecting an ambush at any moment, then what's the point?" Lorne asked.

"I refuse to believe that the whole galaxy has suddenly turned against us." Woolsey stated.

"Well, we can at least trust the Athosians." Lorne said.

"There is that, but they also lack technology and the ability to do what these people have. For the most part anyway." Woolsey said with a sigh.

"We've got nothing to go on otherwise sir. Short of forcing people to talk, I can't think of anything we can try or do at this moment." Lorne said.

"I think I have an idea. Have Ford and Sam meet me in the corridor before Mr. Myrus room." Woolsey ordered.

All three shortly met up several minutes later and Woolsey told them his idea.

"I don't mind taking over. If it wasn't for what we're able to do because of the T.A.R.D.I.S., I wouldn't even agree to this idea." Carter said.

"If Mr. Myers refuses, then we'll have to come up with something else." Woolsey said. "Have you gotten anywhere with the addresses yet?"

"We know three of the planets they were taken to through the gate, but not sure about the fourth yet. It's a very busy planet with the gate active a dozen times an hour sometimes. So many different addresses are there that K-9 is still looking through." Carter said.

"Did you try going back in time?" Woolsey asked.

"We did, but seeing as we don't have an exact date, we're not sure when they arrived." Ford said.

"And asking the people questions was a bad idea since it would only alert the people that took Sheppard and his team, if we were there before they arrived." Carter said.

"All things considered, it would be best to go with your idea Richard. If they take us to their home planet or base of operations, we'll have an idea of where they are and be able to bring a rescue party there much easier than searching for it." Ford said.

"I agree. Let's go see if he will too." Woolsey said.

The guards stayed at attention as they walked up, only giving them a brief nod.

"Open it." Woolsey said.

The guard waved his hand over the control allowing them into the mostly dark room where Myers sat, at a table under a single light from above.

"Mr. Myrus, we have a proposal for you." Woolsey said.

"So, you claim to have military success against the Wraith?" Dimus asked.

"Very great success actually. We've destroyed several Hives, a bunch of their Cruisers and we've lost count on the Darts along with the many Wraith we've killed personally." Sheppard said.

"Really, and how did you manage to accomplish this remarkable feat?" Shiana asked.

"Let me tell you, it's not easy. But one good trick is get them to shoot at each other." Sheppard said telling them the story of him taking a Dart out with a bunch of others and instead of going with the pack, went and attacked the other Wraith vessel nearby, causing the two large ships to fight and blow each other up.

"Now, when two Hive ships are going at it, and you happen to be on one of them, then you've got to improvise greatly." Sheppard said telling another story where Todd was on the ship Teyla and Lorne were on that was used to blow up a Wraith facility that had the ZPM, by ramming the ship into it.

"We've also got a fair amount of Ancient technology at our disposal, which comes in very handy too." Sheppard said telling them the story where the Ancient ship that was hidden under the caldera volcano was used in a fight and unfortunately got destroyed.

"Let's see, there has been so many others over the years. It's kinda hard to keep track. Oh wait…" Sheppard said.

"Enough." Shiana said forcibly. "You spin a wonderful tale of fantastic claims, but for all of it, there is no proof and we have only your word."

"This farce trial is evidence. None of this would be happening, this precious little coalition would even exist if we hadn't pushed the Wraith so far back that it allowed you an opportunity that you haven't had in ten thousand years!" Sheppard exclaimed.

"You're responsibility in this has already been determined. You woke the Wraith early, which the rest of the population of this galaxy has yet to recover from, causing the Wraith to go to war with each other over feeding grounds!" Kalor said. "That is what has given us this opportunity. Not some imagined victory on your part."

Sheppard shook his head and then turned it with the others as the door opened behind them. Mr. Myrus came in and bowed before going up the stairs to where Kalor was sitting and spoke into his ear. The other two beside Kalor heard it and looked at each other as Myrus finished.

"We will take a recess." Kalor said. "Please take the prisoner back to his cell."

Sheppard was shoved into the cell with the door closing hard behind him as he kept himself from falling to the floor. Looking up, he was very surprised to see two people he didn't expect.

"Woolsey, General, what the hell are you two doing here? Why aren't we getting into the T.A.R.D.I.S. and leaving this absurd place?" Sheppard asked.

"We've talked. The plan is for Woolsey to talk on our behalf and for me to talk if I'm called in to speak." Ford said as he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. "If things go bad, we get rescued."

"We do? I don't see anyway out of here and you look weaponless." Sheppard said.

"I left everything back in the T.A.R.D.I.S. because I'm sure these people would have taken everything from me like they did you." Ford said.

"Then how do we get out of here?" Sheppard asked. "They are ready to toss us through the gate to a planet…."

"We've already told them what you have told us John." Teyla said.

"Since I don't see Sam here, I guess she's in command of Atlantis." Sheppard said.

"Yes, she took over so we could come here." Woolsey said. "I believe I can put up a strong defense on our behalf. I was an exceptional lawyer before joining the I.O.A."

"And if things go south?" Sheppard asked.

"The X-wing will arrive shortly, if she hasn't already. She'll be cloaked, but ready to beam us out at a moments notice." Ford said.

"How's that possible? Wait, those transmitters…" Rodney began.

"That, or because each of you have a unique signature that you give off from spending time in the T.A.R.D.I.S. Plus, my life signs are extremely unique so it would stand to reason that you would all be near me." Ford said.

"Makes sense. How will we know when the X-wing arrives?" Sheppard asked.

Ford only shrugged as Rodney told Sheppard that he gave them the same response.

"So Colonel, bring us up to speed on what is happening." Woolsey said.

Woolsey was thinking heavily after what Sheppard said. About half an hour after the two arrived, they were both taken out and brought before the three self appointed judges. Both stood side by side on the pedestal, Woolsey looking stern and ready as though he was in an actual court and Ford, relaxed with his hands in his pockets as he looked around with a bored expression.

"You are both the current commander's of Atlantis from what we understand." Kalor said.

"No. I am the commander that took over after the General here retired some time ago." Woolsey said. "Brigadier General Samantha Carter was truly in command before me, but it was a sort of joint leadership the two had."

"And yet, from what little we've learned, you are still very active in Atlantis affairs in the galaxy. And that you possess a time machine of some sort." Dimas said. "That fact you are here now only proves it to be true."

"I quit to settle down, for the most part. As for my time machine, you're not getting any info on it. Now, however, my wife and I still help our military when we are needed. Such as for this kidnapping and ridiculous trial." Ford stated sarcastically. "You idiots really have no idea what's really going on or how lucky you are to still be alive. There was another power out there that the Wraith even feared, but we managed to take down."

"I see. This other power must be behind the number of human worlds that were attacked and utterly destroyed." Kalor said.

"And they have advanced technology…" Dimas was saying when he was interrupted.

"They were called Replicators." Woolsey said. "They were created by the Ancients many thousands of years ago."

"Just one of the blunders of my people." Ford muttered.

"Repeat that." Shiana demanded as she was sure she heard him say something that wasn't possible.

"I said, just one of the many blunders of my people. The Ancients, or Alteran's as we called ourselves, though advanced, were complete idiots. Instead of trying to fix a lot of their mistakes, they dropped the ball and walked away. The Ori was about the biggest and stupidest mistake…" Ford began.

"General, I do not believe this is helping. They don't even know who the Ori are since they were from a completely different galaxy." Woolsey said.

"Point is, we had to clean up that mistake and then also clean up the mistake with the Replicators." Ford said. "They are, were, very advanced robots on a technological level I can't even begin to explain in a way you'd ever understand. They didn't need to eat or sleep. And were able to copy someone else down to their memories."

"The Ancients as you know them, created the Replicators as a way to fight back against the Wraith in hopes of defeating them quickly without any more losses on their side." Woolsey said as he told the story that Doctor Weir was given about how Oberoth and the other Replicators were created. "It didn't work out as well as they planned and so the Ancients tried to destroy them completely."

"Some survived, and after all that time, they took over the planet and rebuilt everything they lost. Only attacking Atlantis because we were the descendants of the Ancients." Ford said turning to glare at Woolsey a moment. "Personally, I would have tried for a peaceful resolution instead of attacking them again, causing a repeat of history that ended up with them attacking us out of revenge and retaliation."

"Is this why they attacked other planets?" Kalor asked. "Because you people attacked them like you did the Wraith?"

"No." Woolsey stated. "The Replicators began that strategy when they were at war with the Wraith. Seeing as the Wraith were not falling back as much as they hoped, they began by attacking their food supply. Which is why so many lives were unfortunately lost."

"I don't understand." Dimas said. "They were originally created to fight the Wraith. In all these years since then, why did they not finish the fight and eliminate all the Wraith back then, only to start up so recently now?"

"The Wraith managed to figure out how to change their programming to make them stop fighting the Wraith. Doing so made the Replicators go back to their planet and live their lives as they wanted. The Wraith avoided that planet because they couldn't feed off the Replicators and they didn't want to provoke them into fighting them again. We ended up learning about this programming change and turned it back on." Ford said.

"At first, that's all the Replicators did. Seek out and destroy the Wraith." Woolsey said. "It was only later that they changed their attack plan and began killing on a massive scale. When we learned of it, we began saving those we could, sometimes taking a whole planet of people to another planet out of the line of the Replicators attack."

"Back when the Ancients created them to fight the Wraith, I'm guessing the populations of the galaxy were pretty slim to none so the Replicators never thought about killing off people. Now, there is much more life which they unfortunately noticed, giving them a new attack plan." Ford said.

"Once again, they admit to causing the problem that lead to the many lives lost." Shiana said.

"You people have yet again acted rashly without accepting the consequences of your actions!" Kalor shouted.

"I ordered the code to be turned on. It was an opportunity we couldn't dare pass up." Ford stated forcefully. "Because of it being turned on, the Wraith were dealt a very serious blow."

"Another admission of guilt…" Shiana said.

"Had we just took the damned ZPM we needed and left, they would have came after us and then went back to their planet after we were taken out! Then the Wraith would have had free reign over this galaxy and by now, would have total control once again! If we hadn't arrived is this galaxy, everyone would still be living in fear of the Wraith, the Genii would be dead from radiation poisoning, scouting parties would continue to go to populated planets to make sure there was just enough to keep their food supply going but not enough to fight back. And Atlantis would be destroyed because her shields would have collapsed from all that water pressure over ten thousand years. There was no chance in hell that anyone in this galaxy would have even found her, and if they had, unless they had the Alteran gene to make the systems function, nothing would have happened and they would have died when the shields gave out." Ford shouted as he pointed a finger and ignored the two guards that moved closer behind him. "Lives were lost, unfortunate but it happens with war and it fucking sucks!"

"General…" Woolsey began as he laid a hand on Ford's arm who brushed it off brusquely.

"Now you tell me, would it have been better if we never showed up and everyone would still be living under the Wraith, knowing one day you'd either die of old age if lucky, some illness or the eventual culling that would happen because no one was able to fight back. Or, be where we are now, where the Wraith are running and fighting against each other because they are loosing and once gone, people will be able to rebuild and live without the constant threat anymore." Ford asked.

The silence was very eerie and Woolsey was uncomfortable under the glares they were getting.

"We've been fighting against bent on total domination aliens for over ten years, in another galaxy entirely. One race we managed to take out was worse than the Wraith because they took over your bodies to do what they wanted, while you stayed alive in the back of your former mind, watching everything they did with your body against your will. And they were capable of keeping that body alive for thousands of years. We stopped them, we will stop the Wraith. I wouldn't be surprised if all three of you lost people, be family or friends in this war and are looking for someone to blame. We've lost people as well. Hell, I'm the last of the Alteran's. If anyone deserves to feel bad about this war it's me!" Ford shouted, making the three judges give them appalled looks. "What Ancients did survive, ascended, and they've already told me they don't want me joining their club. You have no idea how that feels to be rejected by your own people…"

"I lost my husband and child…" Shiana said as she stood seething in anger. "Because your people made those machines attack my world…"

"Do you think you would have even got what time you had with them if you were still living under the Wraith's watchful eye?" Ford asked as she gasped. "I'm sorry you lost your family. A lot of people have. But many have been able to actually live life again because of what we are doing."

"This was suppose to be a peaceful argument General. Any chance of them seeing our side I think has long since gone out the window." Woolsey said.

"You are correct Mr. Woolsey." Dimas said. "It is obvious to us that you and your people have no regard…"

"That is not true!" Woolsey exclaimed.

"Nor accept responsibility for the actions you have done. You try to justify the deaths of so many lives with what you believe was the best course of action." Dimas said.

"How about this course of action? We are not a dictatorship nor do we try to force others to do what we want. But we are the super power in this galaxy and the only capable people of going against the Wraith with any chance of winning. The Genii do not have access to ships that we know of and if they did, they have no idea what space combat is. Fighting against us would be against your best interest and forcing us to leave this galaxy will only make it easier for the Wraith to take over very quickly and probably destroy any signs of technology beyond the stone age to ensure there is no chance of an uprising of happening again. We are the only ones that have managed to make the Wraith have fear again." Ford stated.

"I must admit, what you say is true." Kalor said. "Atlantis is the most powerful people and in military might other than the Wraith, second only to the Genii in many regards. And you have ships capable of standing up to Hive vessels much like the Ancients once did."

"You can't seriously be agreeing with what they've done…" Shiana shouted.

"His argument is logical, though the results have been devastating." Kalor said.

"I agree. Had they wanted, I'm sure these people could have forced themselves on many people in this galaxy instead of making allies, helping with food and medical supplies and continuing trade." Dimas said. "I cannot deny that many important changes and advancements have taken place with the Wraith so occupied with other matters."

"We are more than willing to help in this coalition despite what has happened here today. What has happened is very unfortunate and we've seen similar events in our own galaxy where another race tried to destroy anyone who refused to follow their rules. We managed to stop them eventually, but not before millions more lives than done here were lost as well." Woolsey said.

"We only did what we knew to do and was the best course of action. Because of that, many lives were saved while others were lost in places we couldn't even get to or knew about until later. We save people when we know where they are and need help, but we're not capable of watching the entire galaxy. And as powerful as our ships are, they can only do so much before they begin running out of power to fight back. We destroy the Wraith whenever we can and leave those ships alone when the danger outweighs their destruction." Ford stated.

"What of the charge we have against you that Atlantis has not only conspired but formed an alliance with a particular Wraith?" Kalor asked.

"Ah, you are talking about Todd." Woolsey said as Ford rolled his eyes. "This particular Wraith was imprisoned with Colonel Sheppard, by the Genii. He was allowed to feed on Colonel Sheppard, but not kill him. They both came to realize that their only way to escape was by working together. Once they managed to get free, Sheppard kept his word and let the Wraith go. The continued dealing with this Wraith we call Todd has allowed us to gain many tactical advantages along with other insights of how they operate, not to mention a better grasp of their technology."

"And you trust this Wraith?" Dimas asked.

"Hell no." Ford said. "We just use him, which seems to happen both ways, us getting a better part of the deal."

"How so?" Dimas asked curiously.

"Because of Todd, he was able to bring several Wraith vessels to fight along with our ship at the Replicator home world. Our plan involved making all the Replicators come together in a large ball." Woolsey said as he got confused stares.

"Basically, we made their bodies become powerful magnets that made them all come together so we could destroy them in one attack." Ford said. "And it worked greatly. That's why planets and people aren't being destroyed anymore."

"Because of this joint attack, not only were the Replicators and their home world destroyed, but more Wraith ships were taken out as well. If they had not been there to help us, the Replicators would have continued their attacks and no one in this galaxy would have been safe and by now, everyone would be dead, including our people." Woolsey said.

"Very well." Dimas said. "General, even though you have been very rude and brash, your arguments and logic have merit. Is there anything else you wish to say before we deliberate?"

"Besides having us as allies instead of, well, not aiding you or anyone else because we'd probably just take the city and go back to our galaxy leaving this one to its fate, I'd have to say that we'd be better off as allies considering what we have and are capable of doing." Ford said.

"You mean having ships to fight against the Wraith on equal footing?" Kalor asked.

"Not what I was thinking, but it works. What I was going to say, which I'm saying now, is that our people know were we are and have for about half an hour now. My ship is in orbit and that Myrus guy can vouch for it because we showed him what it looks like." Ford said with a small smile. "If your people haven't noticed it by now, they must be blind, or not paying attention."

They were rather surprised and not sure if he was bluffing or not, until a man came in a minute later and spoke into Kalor's ear. The three looked at each other again and then Kalor waved the man away.

"What is your intention?" Dimas asked with a bit of fear.

"Nothing." Ford said as Woolsey looked at him for the answer. "If things turned out badly, we planned on just getting transported up and leaving. The computer knows were we are at all times and that we are two stories underground in the northern hemisphere. The Stargate is over a mile away to the east and if any of us got within twenty meters of it, we'd get picked up instantly instead of getting sent to some planet without a DHD as you intended."

"And if we decide on a much harder sentence, such as death? Would your ship and people enact retribution?" Dimas asked.

"No." Woolsey said quickly. "We do not do that sort of thing. We want peace and to make allies. The Wraith are the enemy and we would prefer it stay that way."

"We will provide aid, supplies, and even intel of where to go safely and places to avoid, address wise for Stargate use, if a peace happens between our people." Ford said. "If not, we leave and you fend for yourselves. Things get bad because we have not only the Wraith but the coalition attacking our people when not at Atlantis, we leave permanently and the rest of this galaxy fends for itself."

Sheppard and the others got up as the door was opened and left open as the guard walked away and Woolsey walked in.

"What happened? Where's the General?" Sheppard asked.

"They decided to have us as allies instead of enemies. For a moment there, I was sure we were about to get executed instead because of the various things the General said. But he did make a logical argument even though he was particularly rude about it." Woolsey said. "Atlantis also is more committed to a bigger part of the politics within this galaxy as partial members of this coalition. They'd really like to see less damage and deaths when we do something, if at all possible."

"Oh, well that's good and at least we aren't fighting someone else." Sheppard said.

"Thank god for that miracle." Rodney said.

"So, when do we leave?" Ronan asked.

"The General is overseeing a bunch of supplies being transported down to the planet. He was sure that we'd be able to get them to see we were better off as allies or at least friends instead of people they should avoid and had some people get all those different supplies created and ready by the time the X-wing got here. Some of which is weapons, though I am not fond of that idea, I can't really stop him. Thankfully, no explosives are being given." Woolsey said as they were now walking through the corridors.

"How did they even know were to find us? He had to have been searched like the rest of us….oh, don't tell me." Sheppard began with disgust.

"No. I can say for certain that is not the case." Woolsey said.

"Thank god for that. I've heard of going beyond and above the call of duty, but having something…" Sheppard said.

"That's just disgusting to think about." Rodney said with a cringe.

"Where did he hide the signal device if not in the other location?" Ronan asked with a small smile as he knew where they meant.

"Having long, thick and very dark hair has many advantages." Woolsey said, while unconsciously rubbing his bald head. "One of which is the ability to hide small objects as I saw him do and he told me a story where he hid a razor blade that was used to get others free and kill the captors without making a lot of noise."

"Hmm, I like that idea. Something I never thought of." Ronan said with a smile as he felt his hair. "I might be able to do something similar.."

"At least you ain't furry like Chewie." Sheppard muttered.

They were given there stuff back and then were beamed up before the surprised eyes of the people there. It took over an hour to get back to the city and from there the two took off leaving Woolsey to deal with anything else, unless he called for more help.

That night, Sheppard and Woolsey had a drink and smoked a couple cigars on the balcony for a job well done that day where no one was hurt and no one died, plus the treaty thing happening as well.