CHAPTER 142
EPISODE…THE PRODIGAL
(A.N. Again, another chapter where what would have happened with their help during the said episode, which is what I do, but have come to realize lately that I don't necessarily have to go along with everything that really happens in the episode. I should have started doing that when I started this story but didn't think about it. Stupid me. Oh well, too late now to go back.)
It was night time at Atlantis and there hadn't been any serious missions, in the sense of extreme danger or otherwise since the trial issue a few weeks back. Not everyone was in bed and Woolsey, like most a lot of people like him, was finishing paperwork and other details that, in some ways, could be put off until tomorrow, but being the man he was, didn't really happen that often. Teyla was walking around the corridors as she held her baby that wasn't in the mood to sleep. Sheppard and Rodney were in one of the corridors playing with remote controlled cars they got back on Earth recently. Sure it was childish, but a lot of fun anyway.
Ronan, he was getting a lecture, from Woolsey. And it was about how he wanted everyone in the city that went off world to file mission reports, and that was back when he took over and spoke to everyone on day four. Being almost a year since he took over, he tried to ignore the fact he didn't do something sooner instead of now. Even when he confronted Ronan about the fact he had never filed a mission report since the day of the announcement, and Ronan saying he didn't remember hearing it, though there, Woolsey got on his case about doing the reports anyway. When Ronan said he wasn't much of a writer, he handed over a small voice recorder, figuring Ronan would say something like that. When Ronan said he didn't talk much either, Woolsey just told him to at least try and gave a audible sigh as Ronan was leaving, figured he'd talk to Sheppard later and see if the Colonel could get through to his teammate better. He was unable to get back to reports and such as he had to leave because there was an unscheduled off world activation.
"Is the shield raised?" Woolsey asked.
"Yes sir." she said punching keys. "It's Major Nelson's IDC."
"Hmm, they are early and not due back till tomorrow. Drop the shield." Woolsey said.
A Jumper came through and landed instead of going up like it should have.
"Hmm, it's not going up to the Jumper Bay. What's wrong?" Woolsey asked aloud.
"Major Nelson, what's your status?" the lady asked as she touched her earpiece.
Instead of getting a response, the Jumper's shield activated and gave off a audible resonance sound.
"What is that?" Woolsey asked.
"Get everyone out of here." Ronan said as he reached for his gun and started for the balcony and then yelled loudly. "Get them out now!"
The shield suddenly extended out rapidly and everyone fell down as the stunning effect hit them and went around the main section of the tower and down a few floors making it unable to enter the tower from below and barely from above, which was not possible anyway since there was no way to get up above the tower currently.
Rodney and Sheppard were having a blast racing their two car's down two adjacent corridors with a couple of beer like barrels at either ends for turning around and being the finish spot. When Teyla came from one of the branching corridors and almost fell as the cars raced past her feet, holding the baby, they quickly ran up to her apologizing and saying they figured no one was around that area, hence why they were playing here. She mentioned the baby was colicky and wanted to be carried around and that Keller said it was a faze that would eventually pass. Bidding the boys goodnight, she went back towards her quarters leaving the boys to their fun. As she arrived at her quarters, she found Keller there, apologizing for not thinking of the solution to the problem she was having with her child as she handed over a simple solution to put into a bottle for the baby to drink that Samantha Carter learned about early on with Sally and later, Avon. Thanking her, she went inside and fed the still squirming baby who, shortly after eating, fell into a peaceful sleep. Happy, not only because she didn't have to worry about her baby on the colic problem, until he arose again, she put him in the crib she and Kanaan made, which had a large fur lining, and then sat down to just watch him sleep for awhile before going to bed herself a bit later.
The two got finished playing when their machines kinda broke down. Rodney was looking over his car making suggestions to himself and observations about the car having trouble as Sheppard shook his head.
"What?" Rodney asked.
"Only you could turn a moment of fun with machines into a work project when something simple as over use makes it stop working." Sheppard said.
"It's what I do for a living, what do you expect?" Rodney asked rhetorically.
"Next, your going to tell me that you'll be asking the General for help in making it better so you can beat me since your own skills in repair and upgrades aren't enough." Sheppard said, goading his friend.
"I am not! I can do this myself! And I can beat you without help!" Rodney exclaimed as Sheppard chuckled. "Though I might ask him for a few ideas…."
"See, I knew it." Sheppard said pointing his finger with the hand holding the remote. "And if I find out you did, I will be asking him for the same thing, but with him doing it, and K-9 as well."
"That's not fair." Rodney said.
"I'm not that great with repairs Rodney. Especially on a technical level like that. These as they are, I can replace parts and some basic tune up using the instructions…" Sheppard said.
"Fine, I won't ask for help." Rodney grumbled.
"That means you can't upgrade yours either." Sheppard stated.
"What? Why not? It's my car." Rodney said.
"Yeah, and since I can't do that stuff, you'll be me easily since I won't be able to upgrade mine either. And I don't trust you enough like that to be bias and make our vehicles equal." Sheppard said.
"I wouldn't sabotage your car. Probably wouldn't make it as great as mine..." Rodney said trailing off as Sheppard shook his head.
"They are only coming here to get some help with the X-wing. Something about a ion storm causing…." Sheppard said.
"Minor malfunctions in some software issues along with internal and external damage because they didn't get the shield up in time, and that was only because they ended up dropping out of hyperspace into the storm. I know, they sent the damage report so I'd have a team ready." Rodney said.
"They are suppose to show up pretty soon, right?" Sheppard asked while looking at his watch. "I forgot what time they arrive."
"I think another hour, probably less. Considering some of the navigational issues, they had to link up the T.A.R.D.I.S. better to ensure better flight stability. Seeing as they don't mind waiting till morning, they are coming now since they don't want to risk any time travel jumps." Rodney said. "Or jumps to another universe, which could be bad since the ship isn't really battle worthy and such."
"Ah, I remember reading that now. Didn't understand the technical aspects…." Sheppard said as the power suddenly shut off around them. "Hmm, wonder what that is about?"
"Beats me. Radek?" Rodney said touching his earpiece. "Radek, come in. Control room, this is Doctor McKay, we just lost power in the east pier, what is going on?"
"Let's go look outside." Sheppard said.
Several turns later, they exited a smaller tower and saw the city from near the end of the east pier.
"Strange, all the power is out across the city but in the control room." Rodney said.
"I wonder why? Obviously it has nothing to do with the X-wing since it isn't here yet." Sheppard said.
"They aren't going to hook up their ship to the city, so I doubt there will be any problems when they land." Rodney said.
"Stranger things have happened." Sheppard said as Rodney grunted.
"This is Doctor McKay to anyone in the control room, please respond." Rodney said touching his earpiece again.
Other than the click from activating the device, they got no response.
"Something definitely isn't right." Sheppard said.
"Wait, you hear that?" Rodney asked.
"Yeah, I do. Sounds sort of like an engine noise." Sheppard said.
"It's the X-wing." Rodney exclaimed.
"How can you….oh, I see." Sheppard said looking to his left.
"They are the only ship coming here. And a Wraith vessel makes a different noise." Rodney said. "Is that smoke?"
"I think so. Maybe they'll be able to tell us what's going on since they have power." Sheppard said.
"Doubtful. Their angle is wrong. They'll be landing on the other pier." Rodney said.
"Maybe they can pick up our com signals. General, Sam, this is Colonel Sheppard, do you read us?" Sheppard said touching his earpiece.
Static came over the line along with a few words he didn't make out. Both ducked slightly even though the ship wasn't going to hit them as it passed over their position. They didn't see it land, mostly because of the dark and their location, but they did hear the scrapping of metal and then impact of metal on metal followed by a small shake that ran through the city.
"I think they crashed, sort of." Rodney said.
"What makes you think that?" Sheppard asked.
"They landed struts weren't out, that metal scrapping we heard was a good indication of that as well, plus the ship didn't explode so, they must have hit the deck and slid to a stop." Rodney said.
"What if they landed in the water?" Sheppard asked.
"I don't see any waves and the city isn't rocking around." Rodney said waving his hand around them. "They must have had one, maybe two struts out, or they were all out and some failed, which is why we heard that loud thunk like noise and then felt the city shake a little."
"Let's go see what's going on. Maybe we'll be able to contact them soon or they'll contact us." Sheppard said.
"Entering atmosphere. Atlantis still hasn't signaled us yet." Carter said from the controls in the auxiliary bridge. "Not that we'd really get them anyway. Most of the antennas were burned or broke off."
The T.A.R.D.I.S. was in the alcove where the jump drive was, with various cables and other wires coming out the door where they were hooked up to the underside of the T.A.R.D.I.S. console and a few ports in the walls. Ford was in a rustic orange suit and Sam was in brown khaki's with a loose red long sleeved shirt.
"I'm not reading them even there." Ford said while working on the console.
"What? What do you mean?" Carter asked.
"Oh wait, I found the city. But she's totally off line for some reason. There is no power anywhere but in the control room." Ford said. "Somehow, I am not surprised they are in some sort of trouble."
"I'm sending the message we're coming in anyway. I don't know how long we'll be able to keep this ship flying." Carter said.
"I know. The T.A.R.D.I.S. is compensating the best she can, but there is a lot of system errors and other navigation programs offline. Engine output is falling." Ford said.
"We'll make it, just barely." Carter said guiding the ship towards the city she now was seeing. "Kinda like a light house, but with less light."
"Any of our lights work?" Ford asked.
"Some. I'll be able to land using the infra-red and night vision screens here." Carter said.
As they got closer to the east pier, a static filled signal came through the speakers.
"Did you get that?" Ford asked.
"I can say it was a guy, but not sure who. Won't make the east pier and I don't think I can make a pass to get to it." Carter said.
"Land on the other one then. The Daedalus is not here right now." Ford said.
"Landing gear has malfunctioned." Carter stated.
"I'll use the shields to make a cushion of sorts, but we'll still drop to the deck when I turn them off." Ford said.
"Better than sliding off into the ocean." Carter said.
It was a rough landing that caused a few systems to short out when the ship impacted the deck from half an inch up, but otherwise the pier was okay for the most part and the ship had some structural issues that could be dealt with easily.
"Not a bad landing. Let's go see what's going on." Carter said.
"Transporter systems are offline. We'll have to walk." Ford said walking out.
"Ah great." Carter grumbled. "What about using the T.A.R.D.I.S…."
"With all these cables and other wires still hook up to her…" Ford said.
"Yeah, take an hour or so. Well, the walk is good exercise." Carter said.
"Good thing we put those various ladders on the outside of the ship to help get around better, and to get to the ground quicker." Ford said.
"Oh, I thought you had them there to have those barbeques we have every so often…" Carter said teasingly.
"Admit it, you enjoy the view. Especially when we can do that sort of get together while in space watching planets or other interstellar objects." Ford said.
"Almost can't believe how well that T.A.R.D.I.S. shield functions." Carter said still amazed.
Only having her candles for light, which was normal at night, she didn't actually notice the power was off until shortly before the sudden shake of the city, when she looked up from her baby because she didn't see light coming from things she didn't power down for the night. Walking to the door and finding it not opening, she touched her earpiece calling Rodney and not getting any response. She tried Sheppard and a few others, but still got nothing.
In a open storage room, Sheppard grabbed several flashlights and hand held CB's before heading out into the corridor where Rodney was trying to figure out things. Other people were walking around also confused and talking amongst themselves.
"There is no power to anything. I can't find out what the hell is going on." Rodney said taking the offered CB.
"Rivers, here." Sheppard said handing over CB's and flashlights. "If you find anymore marines, head up to the central tower and find out what is going on. And if you see Woolsey, let me know right away and tell him communications are down and we don't know what's going on."
"Yes sir." Rivers said.
"Radek…" Rodney said as the man walked up.
"Rodney, what's going on?" Radek asked.
"What, you don't know?" Rodney asked.
"No. I was on my way to the control tower and tried to radio you." Radek said.
"All power seems to be off and communications are totally down." Sheppard said.
"Was it an explosion? I heard a…" Radek began asking.
"No. Remember that Ford and Sam were coming here for help with repairs? Their ship crashed, sort of. There was no explosion." Rodney said.
"How can you tell?" Radek asked worried.
"There was no smoke or fire. Well, they were smoking to begin with, but it didn't look like it got worse." Sheppard said. "We were outside when we saw and heard it land. McKay said something about the landing struts not functioning because he didn't see them all out."
"So, they might be in the city or trapped in their ship. Should we send people…" Radek began asking.
"No. Apparently they are in the city, or still trying to get in somewhere. A few people said they saw two people walking away from their ship, and that was only because the General is well known for having that powerful blue flashlight that is about as bright as a spotlight." Sheppard said. "They may try to get to the central tower since it seems to be the only thing with power right now."
"Look, I need you to go to the main power room and see if you can reboot the system from there." Rodney said as Sheppard gave over a flashlight and CB.
"All right. If I see those two, I'll let you know." Radek said as he walked off with them going another direction.
"Ford, I know we work out a lot and walk quite often, but I don't think I'm going to make it to the top of this tower if we have to walk all the way there. We've already walked five miles or more and most of it has been up stairs and prying open doors." Carter said tiredly.
"I'm not use to this either." Ford said sitting on a step beside her. "Wonder where everyone is?"
"Probably grouped together somewhere trying to figure out what's going on. All we've been able to tell is that the central tower has power and the rest of the city is shut down." Carter said as she wiped her forehead.
"That and the strange energy signature we also pick up around the tower. Whatever it is, it's also effecting the cell phones. We can't call in." Ford said.
"Yeah. And since I doubt the Daleks are here causing trouble, I don't think we are in that situation. The city isn't even out of time." Carter said.
"True. Well, if it is something serious, we need to get moving. Climb on my back." Ford said.
"Say what?" Carter asked.
"I'll give you a piggy back ride. Even though this is tiring, I can handle it. My heavy armored coat I left behind weighs more than you do so it won't be all that different really." Ford said.
"I don't know if that was a compliment or not." Carter said with a frown.
"Sam, now is not the time for jokes." Ford said.
"This coming from the man who has laughed uncontrollably in the middle of a fire fight because of a comment Jack said once." Carter said.
"I couldn't help it. Jack has always been funny." Ford said climbing the stairs with her on his back.
"Glad to see you don't have your guns on you. I'm not sure my thighs would like it." Carter said.
"Truthfully, I forgot them. We haven't been in dangerous situations lately." Ford said.
"I forgot my gun too." Carter said.
"We do have our Sonic Screwdrivers at least." Ford said shining his light down a couple of corridors. "This way I think."
"No, the other direction. Trust me…" Carter said as she took the flashlight so he could hold her legs better.
Teyla, not getting any responses, stayed by her baby and tried not to worry about things. When the door suddenly opened, she was somewhat relieved and somewhat scared since she was unsure of who was actually there. Thinking it was Sheppard or one of the other members of the team, she called out there names as she walked over, only to fall to the floor as she was hit with a stun blast.
Radek pulled levers, pushed buttons, flipped switches, checked different crystals, but even with everything he did, nothing changed. Swearing in Czech, he picked up the CB he left on the console nearby.
"Rodney, do you read me?" Radek asked.
"Yeah, go ahead." Rodney said tiredly as he was following Sheppard up another flight of stairs.
"I have tried everything, nothing has turned on no matter what I do." Radek said.
"What about the ZPM?" Rodney asked leaning on the rail tiredly.
"I've checked it along with the naquada generators. They are completely off line. Someone must have disabled them from the control room and is using a external power unit." Radek said.
"Alright, I want you to do the same thing. Initiate a temporary patch using an external power source…" Rodney said taking a couple of breaths. "One of the auxiliary battery units should work."
"That won't be enough to power the entire city." Radek said.
"Don't worry about that. I just need enough juice to access the mainframe and find out what the hell is going on up there." Rodney said.
"All right?" Radek said working on a tablet. "Where are you right now?"
"Level 36?" Rodney said unsure.
"35 actually." Sheppard said from a flight above.
"Oh, great, 35. Another 28 floors to go and that is just this stairwell." Rodney complained while climbing again. "From there we cross over from 63 to a…"
"I know the route Rodney. I don't need to know the distance." Sheppard said.
"Radek, see if you can route any power to the transporters while your at that." Rodney ordered tiredly.
"I'll see what I can do." Radek said.
Sometime later, the two finally made it to the level with the stairwell that lead to the gate room. Sheppard was tired, but doing well as he walked up to the closed door. Rodney was breathing very hard and sweating enough his shirt was damp and his face was wet. There was other people with flashlights walking around and left them alone for the moment.
"This is the stairwell to the gate room, right?" Sheppard asked.
"Yeah." Rodney said panting as he leaned on his knees. "It must have already been closed when the power went out."
"It think it was sealed on purpose to keep people out." Sheppard said.
"What, you think someone has infiltrated Atlantis?" Rodney asked worried.
"Yeah." Sheppard said.
"Rodney, you there?" Radek asked.
"Yeah, what have you got?" Rodney asked still breathing hard.
"I've managed to gain temporary power and it has been transferred to your lab." Radek said.
"Oh, good. What about the transporters?" Rodney asked.
"Still working on it." Radek said as Rodney groaned audibly.
"Well, let me know when you've got one online." Rodney said.
"Go back to your lab and see what you can find out. I'm going to try one of the other stairwells in hopes I can get access. Probably all locked up as well though." Sheppard said.
Rodney nodded and started off when they both stopped as they heard the people just down the small hallway cheering.
"What's that about?" Sheppard asked.
"I don't know. Power isn't back yet." Rodney said also confused.
They came out finding two people they didn't expect to see just yet and had hoped was already well ahead of them. Sam was sweating somewhat, but not as bad as Rodney. Ford was sitting on the floor with his back to the wall as he breathed shallowly.
"Hey Colonel, got any water? Something to drink?" Ford croaked out.
"Sorry General. We thought you were ahead of us, or at least hoped." Sheppard said.
"We had to force open a door on one of the towers, then climb the stairs to the point of the walkway across to the central tower here, and then up the stairs from there. I have never, ever, had to walk that much in anything I have done. And I have been on some long walking missions off world." Carter said tiredly as she wiped her forehead with a wet washcloth one of the resident's handed her. "Thank you."
"All we have is a warm Coke, a half drunk ginger ale and a beer." one of the people said. "No one else seems to have any water bottles since they were used to get the wash clothes…"
(A.N. If ginger ale has citrus in it, then someone give me an idea of something to drink that would work better here, other than something alcoholic and not another pop, but still have sugar in it.)
"We'll take it." Carter said grabbing the beer. "Anything is better than nothing right now."
"Sam…" Sheppard started saying when she downed it, quickly. "General…"
"Health wise, bad idea. For the situation, better than me drinking it." Ford said downing the Coke with a grimace.
"Not my brand, but it works. Thanks. Remind us later to repay you." Carter said wiping her mouth with the cloth as she handed it back.
"Are you going to even be able to do anything now?" Rodney asked. "You're retired, but getting drunk…"
"Takes near three to get a buzz and then depending on my current state, usually with what happened that day, four to five before I get drunk McKay. So, what's going on?" Carter said.
"We have no idea." Sheppard said as Ford got up and was wiping his face with a wet washcloth he was given. "I think someone has infiltrated the command tower and has taken it over, shutting off the rest of the city. The door over here is locked down and we don't have any way to open it without power."
"The only way someone could have gotten in and done this would have to be through the Stargate." Carter said. "When we were coming from a few light years out, we detected nothing in this area of space that was a ship of any size. We just got the city as an energy reading, that suddenly faded."
"We tried calling you when we were on the east pier. You passed right over us." Sheppard said.
"Communications are just about totally shot on the X-wing. We've got internal, sporadically." Carter said. "Someone must have taken over the control room and must have broken the cell phone or is jamming it somehow. We can't call it."
"Can I have that?" Ford asked.
"Yes General." the man said handing over the ginger ale.
"Rodney, drink this before you pass out." Ford said pushing it into his hands.
"I don't like…" Rodney began.
"And I don't like Coke. A drink that has the ability to rust out a nail has to have something wrong with it, other than taste issues. Now drink it before you pass out from dehydration and low sugar levels." Ford said shoving it into his hands again. "We can't do all the work around here."
"What have we got so far?" Carter asked as Rodney drank with a grimace.
"Radek was able to restore some power to Rodney's lab so he can find out what's going on." Sheppard said and then jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "I was going to see about there being another way up to the top of the tower."
"K-9 isn't here is he?" Rodney asked as he grimaced further at the ale after finishing it.
"No, he's back on Earth with the rest of the family." Carter said shaking her head. "The T.A.R.D.I.S. picked up some strange readings out past Neptune and we thought it was something else only to get hit with an high intense ion storm after we exited hyperspace. Had K-9 been with us and on the X-wing instead of in the T.A.R.D.I.S., he would have been damaged pretty badly."
"The ion storm broke through the T.A.R.D.I.S. shields?" Rodney asked with shock. "That shouldn't have happened…"
"We didn't have the shields online at the time." Ford said. "And we were hit before we knew it. I barely got the shields in place before the ship was severally damaged more than it currently is. We only came here because things aren't too friendly with the Area 51 residence when dealing with the X-wing."
"Oh, they want to take her still." Sheppard said.
"The President agrees with us that we should keep the ship considering the argument we made. We've helped a lot of people in the Milky Way and here, along with a few universe we ended up in, but didn't tell the SGC about." Ford said.
"What sort of argument did he agree to?" Rodney asked.
"Even with the ships we have, if a serious emergency suddenly came up, be it of a defensive nature, or offensively needed, that sort of thing, if the other ships were off somewhere and couldn't be there in time or at the emergency at all, having one ship not doing anything and on stand by would be the perfect solution. Considering the time traveling we do, the X-wing stays hidden in cloak mode above the Artic 90% of the time." Carter said shrugging.
"And we have yet to fail on responding to any emergency we've gotten either from allies or the SGC. Seeing as we can get to most areas at a moments notice, its never been a problem." Ford said.
"Makes sense." Rodney said. "And yet there is still idiots who don't see that point and want her anyway."
"A bunch of idiots who don't realize how dangerous it really is out there." Ford said.
"Yeah, we can talk and reminisce later. Can you go with him in case there is trouble and help access the cities systems?" Sheppard asked.
"Yeah. I'd rather not climb more stairs anyway." Carter said. "And I'm not really in any condition to fight after all that walking. I need a weapon since I left mine in the ship."
"That won't be a problem. I'll need you with me if we can get up there and need to fight." Sheppard said.
"I didn't bring my guns either." Ford said.
Sheppards face fell for a brief moment as the man apologized.
"We'll make do. The rest of the marines are spread out around the city helping others and somewhere around here. I think one group is trying to get up there like we are. Any backup will help and more than likely, they have extra weapons." Sheppard said.
The group split up with Sheppard and Ford going around a few corners and finding Major Lorne and his team trying to enter another stairwell.
"Colonel, General." Lorne said surprised. "Surprise to see you, but appreciate the help."
"This one locked?" Ford asked.
"Yeah, they all are." Lorne said. "We've been working on it since the power failed. Any ideas on what's the problem."
"Not really, but McKay's heading to his lab to work on it right now with Samantha." Sheppard said.
"We think someone has infiltrated the command tower using the Stargate. There's only power up there and the rest has been disabled throughout the city from the primary command consoles. At least that seems to be the case considering the evidence." Ford said.
"Could it be just a systems failure?" Lorne asked.
"Possible, but that wouldn't really account for the power still being on in the command center. It could be if there was something wrong they managed to detect before the crash and was able to prepare for or halt from shutting down everything. I only think that isn't the case because of the unknown energy reading we get from our Sonic Screwdrivers." Ford said.
"Why am I hearing this now?" Sheppard asked.
"Didn't think of it again until now." Ford said. "I'm still trying to recover from that really long walk. Some of which I was carrying Sam around on my back."
"Well, if you think it is invaders, why not blow the door with C-4 and storm the tower?" Lorne asked.
"We'll probably do that, but not yet. I want to hear from Rodney what he finds before doing something we may not have to do. And if it is intruders, it's best we know what we are going up against before heading in." Sheppard said.
"We'll keep trying then sir." Lorne said.
"What now?" Ford asked.
"We go see how those two are doing. If we need to arm up, there is a armory nearby." Sheppard said.
The two were working on different laptops, back's to each other, checking over as much as they could. Sam used her Sonic Screwdriver on the laptop to make it search faster and perform better, but wasn't getting as much info as she wanted.
"Hey, how's it coming?" Sheppard asked as they walked in.
"We know that someone has infiltrated Atlantis." Rodney said. "There was a dial in and then a few minutes later, everything went off line."
"We're not sure what came through though. I was able to do some work with a camera feed in the command center, but only got a photo negative look making it impossible to tell who is up there." Carter said showing the 20 second shot. "Whoever they are must have noticed that I patched in because it was shut off before I could look around or access the other cameras."
"They are armed from the looks of the bulges on their hips." Sheppard said.
"I'm not really sure, but I think that it the top of a Puddle Jumper." Ford said. "And if that is an angle, then the cockpit is facing away from the Stargate."
"But who could do that? We only have a few teams off world and none with a Puddle Jumper." Rodney said.
"Someone could have found a Puddle Jumper and figured out how to work it, or found one of those teams and made one of them work it and that's how they got inside." Carter said. "I was really hoping to get the feed from the camera inside the command center, not from the one just above the balcony to the left of the gate."
"Wait, didn't you loose a Puddle Jumper?" Ford asked. "Back on Michael's ship?"
"Yeah, but that was your Puddle Jumper. But we didn't loose any people and being Wraith, I don't see how he could have flown it out." Sheppard said. "If he was the one behind this, why hasn't he blown up the city in revenge then? We ruined all his plans already. Found and destroyed several of his labs and blew up his ship."
"If he managed to figure out how to bypass or integrate Wraith technology on some level to allow him to gain access to Ancient systems, he could be trying to take Atlantis." Rodney said.
"That's a little far fetched McKay." Sheppard said. "It takes a lot to run a city like this and even more to make it fly and do a lot of it's functions. Besides that, the chair is not online either."
"I didn't say it was a sure thing. I just said it was possible…" Rodney said.
"Okay, no need to argue. Anything else important?" Ford asked tiredly as he rubbed his eyes.
"We can't barely access any of the critical systems and most of what I can are read only." Rodney said. "How did you get here so fast?"
"Oh, I managed to get a few of the transporters online. Hello Sam, General." Radek said as he entered.
"Hey Radek." the two said.
"What about the transporter to the control room?" Sheppard asked.
"Sorry, there is a lock out code on that one." Radek said.
"Are you sure you can't get more on the surveillance cameras?" Sheppard asked.
"They aren't a critical system." Rodney said. "Why did you do wrong?"
"Nothing." Carter said as she moved while Rodney began typing away at the laptop she was on.
"There's irregularities and other errors that aren't suppose to be here. Lines of code that aren't normal." Rodney said.
"Only Replicators play with codes…" Sheppard began.
"Wait, bring that line of code back up." Ford said.
"Why?" Rodney asked.
"It looked familiar." Ford said while waving a hand for the man to work.
"Fine, what is it? Some alien or people from another universe…" Rodney said standing back.
"Um, no. Actually rather simple. Sam, you're on the wrong setting. The other one near it is what you wanted." Ford said using his on the screen.
"Oh, oops. My bad." Carter said looking at hers. "I thought it was on the right setting already."
"What is going on?" Sheppard asked.
"We can use these to reprogram computers and even make some minor upgrade adjustments. However, we've learned another setting is similar, but tends to start re-writing other programs, some associated with it, others not. Basically, it is like the saying says. The more advanced it becomes, the more complicated it can or will be." Carter said.
"That should fix it." Ford said.
"We got the surveillance feeds back. That is a Jumper and it is pointed away from the Stargate." Rodney said taking the seat again.
"And unless I am seeing a glare, I think the controls in the Jumper are online. There's a blue tint to the window pane." Ford said pointing.
"I think they are. Wait, it would make sense then. We have little to no power and whoever is in there would need a external power source to run the command center as they are doing. Using a Puddle Jumper would work as a great substitute and be able to do the job." Rodney said.
"Okay, so we know how they are powering themselves. Switch to the camera in the command center so we can see who it is." Sheppard said.
"It isn't our people." Rodney said. "I can't make out any details at the moment either."
"Woolsey's office." Sheppard said.
"That's Teyla." Carter said.
"Only Michael has been after her. Unless there is someone else…" Ford said turning to Sheppard.
"Not that I know or can think of. Only Michael has ever been obsessed with her and that was only because he wanted her son." Sheppard said.
"He must have came for him then." Rodney said with worry. "Michael just stepped into the room."
They watched Teyla get up from the sofa like chair and pick her child up from a similar chair nearby as Michael was standing just in the doorway. She turned around and was visibly startled as she stepped back.
"Michael.." Teyla said with fear and distain.
"Hello Teyla." Michael said.
"How did you get here?" Teyla asked as she held her son close and stayed behind the desk.
"The ship I borrowed from your people." Michael said looking back at it. "It has provided me with a wealth of technology and information. And the key to infiltrating this base."
He told her about taking the Jumper and using Nelson's team to get into Atlantis, hitting everyone within range with the stun field, then shutting down power to Atlantis except for the tower so they could continue his plans. Everyone stunned was taken to a room a few floors down and being watched where as she was up here because he needed her.
"What work are you trying to continue?" Teyla asked.
"Forgive me, I forgot to congratulate you." Michael said stepping forward as she backed away from the desk but stayed behind it. She continued to give him death stares and he shrugged when she reused to tell him the name of the child. "We haven't much time. My hybrids are preparing to activate Atlantis's self destruct system. As soon as we do that, we will leave."
"You're going to destroy Atlantis?" Teyla asked.
"It is punishment richly deserved. Even more so with that obstinate General being here now so that I can finish him off as well." Michael said with a happy yet evil smile. "I admit I was surprised to see him show up and to find his vessel damaged. Seeing as he has yet to arrive here, there must be damage to his time ship making it impossible to come up here and stop me. Everyone on this base, including him and his ship will be destroyed, but you do not have to worry. You and your baby will be safe with me."
"We are not going with you." Teyla stated venomously as she held her son closer.
"Yes Teyla, I am. Whether you come or not is up to you, but he will come with me if I have to kill you to take him." Michael said with malicious intent. "It will be much easier if you accept the fate that is to come and leave with us when the time is ready. Because of you and his father, your son has been given a great gift with which I will utilize to gain greater control over my hybrids. He is the key to gaining my strength and reign over the entire galaxy."
"Your reign is over. You will not make it out of here alive." Teyla said sternly. "My people will come and rescue us…"
"Enough!" Michael yelled making Torren cry as he got in her face. "Yes, your people have managed to destroy my facilities, ruined most of my research, but you will never weaken my resolve. I will have your child, with or without you. I will take what it rightfully mine, destroy this city and anyone else that stands in my way for conquest over this galaxy and beyond!"
He stepped away stretching out his arms as he continued to talk with an air of superiority and bitter but glorious happiness.
"Look around you my dear. I have managed to take over Atlantis. The very place where my life was changed forever for the worst until I took control of my destiny for myself. I will have my revenge by extinguishing this city and the blight is has been on this galaxy once and for all. Choose quickly whether to stay here and die or come with to see my success as the master of this galaxy." Micheal said pointing a finger before walking back out.
"I thought Michael was dead." Lorne said after they informed him.
"A lot of us was sure of that as well." Ford said.
"How did he survive when we blew up his ship?" Lorne asked.
"That Jumper we came in was gone, meaning he had to have been the one that took it and escaped." Rodney said.
"All right, we're going to take this city back." Sheppard said as he and several armed men came in. "General, here's one of the Heavy Arm's rifles we have."
"Cool." Ford said checking it.
"Seeing as we have no idea what Michael may or may not have done up there, I want you to come with us McKay. Lorne, your team will take this stairwell over here while my team will take the other side. We'll blow the doors together on my mark, and then storm the command center. Zelenka, Sam, I want you two to stay here and keep watch, radio us if anything changes, here or there." Sheppard said.
"Sure." Carter said.
"If any of you see Michael, shoot him. I want him dead and gone this time permanently." Sheppard said getting nods. "Okay, let's move in."
Ronan woke up sitting up quickly and glancing around seeing many people all around him still unconscious on the floor. Getting up, he made his way to the door and waved his hand only to get a beeping noise as the door didn't open. Trying again and getting the same response, he went for his gun that was suppose to be behind his back only to find it missing, and not surprising. Checking himself over, he found none of his weapons on him and gave a grunt of frustration as he looked around in hopes of finding something.
Michael had just left her when one of his men walked up.
"I must speak with you." the man said.
"Very well." Michael said as they stopped on the small walkway just outside Woolsey's office. "What is it?"
"We are having much trouble with the self destruct device." the man said.
"Why?" Michael asked.
"As I told you before we did this, there was a high probability that they would have the system encrypted to prevent anyone from accessing it easily. And it is proving to be much more difficult than anticipated." the man stated.
"How so?" Michael asked.
"It is not the standard Atlantian system as we expected. It's been changed in a way that we do not understand. Questions that make no sense and a language we have never seen nor have been able to decrypt. We failed to answer one question correctly and the system shut down on us. We managed to get back in, but are having the same trouble again. I surmise that repeated attempts and more failures may lead to dangerous results against us." the man said.
"Then work harder. Go send some one to ask the Atlantis personnel to give us the answers and codes needed to operate the system." Michael ordered.
"They may refuse to answer and will die before giving up what we need." the man said.
"Then they will keep dying until one of them talks. Do whatever it takes to find the answers and then report back to me when the system is ready to be set. I do not want any failures." Michael demanded.
"I will try." the man said bowing slightly. "But, if we fail to get the answers before the others outside the field eventually manage to overcome our shield somehow, we should leave immediately. We already have what we want…"
"What I want is this place destroyed before we leave, is that understood?" Michael said growling in the guys face.
"Understood." the man said.
"Then get to it." Michael said pointing at the command center.
"I see you are having problems." Teyla said with a smirk.
"It is nothing that can't be dealt with." Michael said.
"You will fail. I assure you I have no idea the codes needed to unlock the system, but I do know that it was changed by Ford and Samantha to ensure no one was able to blow up the city by accident or otherwise unless the right people did so themselves." Teyla said.
"We will break it." Michael said with firm belief.
"I believe that you will not, well before Colonel Sheppard and his strike teams manage to get up here and stop you." Teyla said.
"I know that they will try, but will ultimately fail." Michael said with a knowing smile. "I have already prepared a contingency which was activated the moment I arrived here to ensure they will be unable to get to us. Short of blowing the tower top off, which it highly unlikely, they will not be able to stop my plans."
Both teams got into position near the doors to the stairways leading up to the command center. Sheppard set a block of C-4 on the door as Lorne was doing it on the other side of the tower.
"Major, what's your status?" Sheppard said as he went around the corner to hide with the others.
"C-4 is in place and ready to blow on your orders." Lorne said.
"Do it Major." Sheppard ordered.
"Yes sir." Lorne said.
"Fire in the hole people." Sheppard said as everyone covered their ears.
Both doors were blown inwards and was heard by many plus felt from the shockwave in the confined spaces. Not even waiting for the smoke to settle, the two teams quickly rushed in and up the stairs, weapons ready in case they had opposition ahead of them. Coming up another flight, Rodney called the two ahead of him to stop.
"What's wrong McKay?" Sheppard asked.
"Hold up Major." Ford said into his radio.
"Holding." Lorne reported back.
"I'm getting a strange reading up ahead. More than likely the same reading that Ford here picked up." Rodney said looking at the scanner in his hand that beeped at him as he pushed buttons.
"I'm getting it still. Rather strong, and a bit familiar, though I can't identify it." Ford said as he looked at his scanner while the Sonic Screwdriver was active over his head. "It's a few feet above our heads."
"Can we disable it?" Sheppard asked.
"I don't know yet." Rodney said.
"Could be a forcefield. Give me a moment to check." Ford said walking past Sheppard.
"Be careful General." Sheppard said.
"No need to worry about me Sheppard. Worse thing that could happen is I get fried. But I don't think that could be the case here because something like that would also effect the walls and such around the field." Ford said. "Plus, that would burn more energy."
"Unless it is set to only affect organic matter." Rodney stated.
"We'll know in a moment." Ford said reaching out slowly.
They saw a blue field as Ford's hand went through it and stayed there until he backed it out shaking his hand.
"Damn, that made my body tingle, in a bad way." Ford said shaking himself. "Had I kept that up, I think I'd piss myself."
"I didn't need that mental image man." Sheppard said with disgust.
"I'd rather had been electrified." Ford said touching the field with his Sonic Screwdriver and then pulling it back out. "Hmm. I know what it is."
"Care to let us in on it or do we have to guess?" Rodney asked sarcastically.
"It's a highly charged stun field. Very sophisticated. Seems to envelope two floors above the command center and two floors down in a very large bubble making it virtually impossible to get to the command center. Even if we could get on the top of the tower, we still couldn't get inside the bubble." Ford said looking at his scanner. "Impressive actually."
"How's he managing to even create something like that?" Sheppard asked.
"It's that Jumper we saw. He's probably using it as an external power source to run everything up there since he's not drawing power from the ZPM's or naquada generators." Rodney said. "And since I was able to manipulate the Jumper's field to create a bubble of sorts to keep the Replicators from getting to you guys when you were getting that ZPM, Michael must be doing the same sort of thing."
"How do we get pass it then?" Sheppard asked.
"I don't have a clue at this moment." Rodney said.
"Major, you and your team back off for now. There seems to be a stun field surrounding the tower making it impossible to get there by any means right now." Sheppard said. "Sam, Zelenka, we're coming back in hopes you two, Rodney and the General here can find a way past this stun field Michael has in effect…."
"You guys go back and think of ways past this. I'll go on ahead." Ford said stepping through the field.
Grunts of pain and giggles made him sit down on the landing above once inside the field as he waited for the effect to wear off.
"Damn, that was so wrong. Felt like being tickled all over while having ants crawling across me as well." Ford said shaking himself. "Ah great, it apparently effected the rifle too."
"Toss it down and I'll give you mine." Sheppard said unclipping his P-90.
"No. I think I'll do the stealth method. Haven't used that skill in quite some time." Ford said untying his boots. "Don't want to get rusty."
"Are you sure that is a good idea?" Sheppard asked unsure as he held the wapon ready to be tossed.
"Better than drawing a lot of attention to myself. I don't have my heavy armored coat so if they have any weapons of ours with them, I'm rather vulnerable to getting shot up easily." Ford said placing different objects on his person into the two boots. "I'll keep my Sonic Screwdriver in case I need it though. Glad to see this wasn't effected."
"Here, this is quite and may come in handy then." Sheppard said tossing him a serrated knife that was in its sheath.
"That's works. Take these with you along with the gun." Ford said tossing the boots into Sheppards hands and the gun onto the steps below outside the field. "Don't drop the boots because I don't want to loose the items inside them."
"I've got them. Be careful up there." Sheppard said.
Giving a two fingered salute, he crept up the stairs slowly as the others went back down.
"Well, Ford's scanner is right. Michael has a stun bubble in effect around those areas of the tower." Carter said.
"It's a force field that stuns, not a stun bubble…" Rodney began.
"I agree with that." Radek said.
"You would…" Rodney said.
"Enough people. This isn't the time for ego bashing. And you're outvoted on the name anyway McKay." Sheppard said.
"Outvoted? When did this become a voting…" Rodney began.
"How do we shut it off if the General fails? It is entirely possible if they have access to some of our weapons. For all we know, if they take him out, they'll toss him off the balcony. And if he's lucky, lands on the city, if not, sinks in the water and will need some sort of help later when we finish with this mess." Sheppard said.
"He's using the Puddle Jumper as the power source for everything up there, which includes the stun bubble. I have no idea how we can even begin to shut that off so we can get up there." Radek said.
"Is there anyway to get through the field?" Sheppard said. "Anything ideas no matter how stupid they may sound."
"Short of getting to the gate room from through the Stargate, I can't see how right now." Rodney said. "And we have no way to do that so…"
"There is one other option, though I am unsure if it would even work since Ford's still working out programming issues and a few other kinks." Carter said.
"What is it?" Sheppard asked.
"He's manage to recreate a suit like the Master Chiefs from Halo using the technology from the suit he got from those Asguard. One of the biggest problems is power issues. It last less than an hour and then locks up when out of energy. Even with the enhanced naquada cell, it's still causing issues." Carter said.
"What about shutting off certain programs and whatever else he's added? We all know that he likes to really improve or add onto things to be prepared for anything if possible." Sheppard said.
"Even doing that, we may be able to extend the power to work at an hour or just, but considering how far the X-wing is from here and the tower, you'd never get it here in time. Plus the fact only he has operated it so he knows the functions better than anyone." Carter said.
"Well, I guess we can scratch that idea." Sheppard said.
"If only some of our people off world or any of our allies were to call us. Considering how close the Jumper is to the gate, the vortex would take out a good chunk of the Jumper shutting down the field and anything else Michael is powering up there." Rodney said.
"Wait, all we need is a DHD to activate the Stargate." Sheppard said.
"We have one in the T.A.R.D.I.S., two actually I think. Problem is, stuck in the T.A.R.D.I.S. and too far away from here. And since she is linked with the X-wing, we can't bring her here and disconnecting will take too long." Carter said.
"We have Jumpers in the auxiliary Jumper bay under the city. We've used them underwater before and the trip is so short, we'd only need to get one out and up to the tower to activate the Stargate." Sheppard said.
"That would work perfectly." Carter said.
"Great, let's get going." Sheppard said heading for the door.
"That's not going to work." Rodney said dejectedly.
"Why not, it's fool proof." Carter said. "There is no way that this field can block the DHD signal. And I seriously doubt Michael shut down the Stargate because it is his only way out of here and we never saw any ships in space."
"Yes, but none of the Jumpers are functioning." Rodney muttered.
"What? I told you to get on fixing them months ago! Hell, even Ford asked you to get on it when he learned about them and he was still here in charge with Sam!" Sheppard exclaimed loudly.
"I've been meaning to get to them, but things kept coming up and I kept putting it off!" Rodney said.
"It's been two years!" Sheppard exclaimed louder.
"I said I was sorry! It was the next thing on my list!" Rodney exclaimed.
"Fine time McKay! Right when we need them most!" Sheppard yelled and then rubbed his face. "Alright, you, Sam and Zelenka get down there and use all three to get one working. We don't need anything but for it to fly, have shields long enough to get out of the water and the DHD to be active."
When Rodney began opening his mouth, Sheppard stopped him with a finger and pointed at the door. Begrudgingly, Rodney got up and went out with the other two following.
Ronan was trying to force the door open with his bare hands when he heard movement and turned around to see the woman who was at the controls when the Jumper came through getting up.
"Hey." Ronan said.
"Ronan." she said getting off the floor. "What happened?"
"That Puddle Jumper that came through sent out some sort of stun wave that hit everyone and knocked us all out. Looks like we were all put in here and the door locked." Ronan said.
"I don't think it could be all of Atlantis. Everyone here seems to be the people that work in or around the command center." she said looking at the various people.
"Could be everyone else is still being rounded up or it was only done around the tower. We have no way of knowing how many intruders are in the city." Ronan said trying the door again.
"Anyone here dead?" she asked worried.
"No. Everyone is just stunned. We all have different levels of resistance. They'll come around in time." Ronan said.
"Any idea who did this?" she asked.
"Nope. But I'm wanting to find out as soon as possible. Can you open this?" Ronan asked.
"I think so." she said walking over.
"Good, do it." Ronan said stepping aside as she pulled the panel off.
"How is it coming?" Michael asked.
"Not well. I am still unable to gain access nor have any of us figured out what this language is." the man said as he was working at the laptop on the Atlantis console.
"Were is the people I sent to get the answers from the prisoners?" Michael asked.
"They haven't came back yet or reported in." the man said.
"You, go find out what it happening." Michael said waving at a man nearby. "Kill anyone who resist. But have this Woolsey brought up to me."
Teyla was pacing around and noticed a earpiece on Woolsey's desk. She started reaching for it when Michaels voice behind her made her spin around.
"There was a time your people understood me Teyla. Brought me here and used the retrovirus to turn me human. You alone showed me compassion. The only voice of conscience. For that, I want to return the favor in hopes that you see how coming with me is the only option you have at seeing your child and what he will become. I admit, I would be unhappy to have to kill you if you refuse to give him over without a fight, but make no mistake, I will have him one way or another." Michael said.
"I will fight you with everything I am. You will not have him." Teyla said as she moved behind the desk again.
Michael began to speak again when he turned around as one of his men called for him.
"What is it now?" Michael asked.
"Forgive me, but we were unable to obtain access to the self destruct system. We've been completely locked out and are unable to regain access back in. Another program has encrypted the system further." the man said with fear as he knew Michael was going to be pissed.
"Then we will gain the information needed from the people here. This Woolsey should be here shortly." Michael said.
"And if he refuses and is willing to die…" the man began.
"We are not leaving until this city is destroyed. Do I make myself clear?" Michael exclaimed.
"We have the child. We can leave and come back later with more forces…" the man began.
The man stopped talking as Michael grabbed his throat and pushed him against the rail on the balcony.
"We will not leave until I say so, is that understood?" Michael stated as the man nodded. "Good, talk back to me again and you may not live."
"How's it coming people?" Sheppard asked as he entered the bay.
"We've just barely got started here Sheppard." Rodney exclaimed.
"These Jumpers are rather damaged after all the flooding that was in here." Radek said.
"From what I can tell, it will take almost an hour before we can use all three to make one of them work." Carter said. "One has no functioning power but most systems are intact, except for the power supply is damaged badly. Another is not going to fly at all and the pods won't be retracting until the sediment in the hydraulics is removed first. The other one is in fairly good condition and the best candidate, we just need that hour to take parts from the others to make it work."
"Do what you can. And as quickly as possible. We just need the systems I specified for this to work." Sheppard said.
Some minutes later, Lorne called saying he saw Ronan and Ford fighting in the control room.
Ford was walking around as quietly as possible, and had been for awhile. He did make it to the command center and then backed off into a corner when two of Michaels men walked by and down the hall. Following them around a few corners, he wondered where they were going as he kept to the dark. Coming around the corner behind the two, he knew trouble was about to happen as a guy standing by a door saw him and pointed. The two reached for their stun weapons as they turned, only to hit the ground as Ford slid at them, catching them both in the knees, breaking them. The guard fired only to miss as Ford tossed the knife into his head. Getting up quickly, he grabbed the two men's heads and slammed them into the floor knocking them unconscious. Not entirely sure of what was on the other side of the door, he pulled the two men around the corner more away from the command center and grabbed the other guy doing the same.
Pulling the knife and cleaning it on the dead man, he went back to the door waving his hand over the panel while standing off to the side. It opened and when he saw movement, he swung out with the blade only to have his wrist caught and turned. He let go of the blade pulling his arm away quickly before it was twisted further and came in with his right fist swinging, just missing someone's head as his arm was knocked aside and an elbow went for his face, which he ducked, spinning around quickly as two arms came together with his, locking them together as he slammed the person into the wall leaving them face to face. Both didn't stop in time as they head butted each other and caused themselves to drop to the floor holding their foreheads while groaning in extreme pain.
"Dammit that hurt!" Ford complained as he felt himself bleeding.
"Yeah, hard forehead there General." Ronan groaned.
"Impressive, and yet utterly stupid." the lady muttered. "You two going to be able to function still?"
"Nice moves Ronan." Ford muttered as he continued to rub his forehead and tried to wipe off the blood with his hanky. "I should have realized quickly it was you with moves like that. Damn that really smarts."
"Same here General. I should have knew it was you by the suit you only wear." Ronan said shaking off the pain as he got up and then helped Ford to his feet. "Wasn't the rematch I was looking for though."
"I know. How is everyone here?" Ford asked while still rubbing his aching forehead.
"Still unconscious General." the lady said. "I just awoke rather recently and was trying to open the door because it was locked."
"I was sure that there was a guard outside and when the door opened, it figured it was the guard opening the door because he heard us inside or realized we were tampering with the controls." Ronan said. "Any idea who did this?"
"Yeah, it's Michael. We think that he used that Jumper Sheppard and I had left in his ship when we were rescuing Teyla to escape and then figured out some way to get into the city with it." Ford said picking up the knife. "Speaking of Teyla, she is in Woolsey's office as a prisoner. Along with her child I'm betting he still wants."
"Doesn't surprise me." Ronan said. "We know how he got here though."
"How?" Ford asked with a frown.
"It read as Major Nelson's I.D.C. when the gate suddenly activated." the lady said. "Woolsey had me lower the shield…"
"And he got in by that Jumper. Damn." Ford muttered. "Not the first time this sort of trick was employed by an enemy."
"How we going to do this? I don't see any weapons with you other than the knife." Ronan said.
"It's all I have. I'll explain later why. No one is with me because there is a stun bubble around the tower that Michael has put in effect from the Jumper. The rest of the city is completely shut down of power except for two levels above the command center and two levels below. Since stun weapons have little to no effect on me, I was able to walk through it. No one else can until we shut that Jumper off. Which I think I can do since I have the gene." Ford said.
"We'll need to get weapons first. We have enough people here to attack them and I'm pretty sure enough to outnumber them." Ronan said.
"I didn't see any of them holding our weapons, but then I didn't get a good look because of two men I followed here that almost saw me. I took them and a guard out that was here and now, here we are." Ford said.
"I think someone is coming." the lady said.
"Help get the others up. I'll get them and then reopen the door." Ford said walking out and waving his hand over the panel.
Ronan started to say something and then dropped his hands as the door closed. Helping her wake a few others, seven had been awoken when the door reopened again and Ford dragged in a dead guy.
"How's it coming?" Ford asked.
"Not all that well." the lady said. "Some of them are still really out of it."
"Well, the only weapons we have are these four stunners. I doubt we can go back down since the field probably effects both ways. I only think this because I don't have my boots that I tossed back to Sheppard which made the field light up again." Ford said.
"Yeah, I saw that, why no boots?" Ronan asked.
"More stealth like that way. Can't hear me walk in socks." Ford said as Woolsey was slowly sitting up.
"Well, it's worked to take out those other four." Ronan said as he took the stunner.
"What's happened?" Woolsey asked.
"Michael is here, was the cause of the Jumper and stun field we saw and was hit by, which is why we are here, the General is unaffected by it which is why he is here and no one else is, he's taken out four of Michaels men leaving an unknown amount left. Oh yeah, Teyla is in your office as his prisoner along with her son, which is probably why he is here." Ronan said.
"Now see, that is all I'm asking for in a report from you. Short and detailed. Was that so hard?" Woolsey asked with a sigh.
"I'm not even going to ask. You, take this stunner and give the other two to whoever in here you think or know is a good shot. Ronan and I will go see about taking down Michael and the others." Ford said.
"Why don't we help?" the lady asked.
"Because if Ronan is stunned and I get taken out somehow, they'll send someone here to check things out. Where you'll be able to hopefully launch a counter attack where we failed. Plus, these people need guarding and to know what is going on." Ford said.
"Understood General. Good luck." she said giving a salute.
"I've retired, but the gesture is appreciated. Ronan, let's go." Ford said.
They both came out of the corridor on the left side of the Jumper. One guy walked out the back and headed up towards the command center.
"How many do you see?" Ronan asked.
"Not sure. I think two might be in the command center, including that guy. As for Michael, probably with Teyla, gloating perhaps. I'm going to go inside and shut down the Jumper. Stay at the back and keep watch." Ford said.
"What if there is someone in there?" Ronan asked.
"That's what this knife is for. Really, good thing I don't have my guns. I'd do more damage to the city than to the people I'd hit." Ford said.
Moving over quickly, Ford was glad to see the Jumper was empty. Ronan nodded to him from just inside so he slowly scooted forward on the floor until he was at the controls. Putting one hand on it, he concentrated only for it not to work. Grumbling, he reached into his coat and pulled the Sonic Screwdriver out, changed the setting after doing a quick scan, then placed the tip inside a panel he opened from underneath. Shortly after turning it on, the Jumper's systems flickered and died. The lights went totally out and then came back on at a dim setting as minimal power from the Jumper came back online just enough to allow lights in the command tower.
"Well, you got their attention." Ronan said as they heard voices.
"Stay down." Ford said shuffling back to his side quickly. "We'll wait for them to come to us."
One guy came around the corner not expecting trouble, which ended up being his downfall as he was grabbed, quickly spun around and then had his neck broke by Ronan. His name was called, by Michael from the sounds of it.
"I'm going out. You shoot anyone else you see." Ford said.
"Okay." Ronan said with a grin.
"How did you get in here?" Michael yelled as Ford walked out and to the steps.
"How else?" Ford asked with a shrug as he ignored the stun blast Michael shot at him. "I walked up several dozen flights of stairs, walked through your stun bubble, which didn't effect me like that weapon in your hand isn't doing either, killed your people and now, here I am. Want to surrender now or do we fight it out?"
"You will not stop my plans." Michael said tossing the gun aside as he rushed Ford, slamming them both into the wall opposite of the command center.
Ford elbowed him in the back only to get punched in the face a few times and then kicked to the ground. He blocked the kick to his face by grabbing the foot and twisting, knocking Michael to the floor as well. Both got up quickly, Michael swinging first making Ford block more than strike back. One of the other guys came out from the command center pointing his weapon only to fall as he was hit by Ronan's shot. The distraction was enough to make Michael look away, getting a strong right fist to the face that made blood fly out as he fell back into the glass and out onto the balcony. Ford stepped outside wiping the blood away from his broken nose with his damaged suit sleeve.
"Nice try General. But I heal rather quick." Michael said standing up.
"Yeah, I noticed. You know what, I'm really tired after all that walking. So I'm going to finish this real quick so I can get some sleep." Ford said.
"You will be sleeping, but in a dead sleep." Michael said rushing forward.
Ronan rushed up the stairs when Ford walked out. He didn't hear most of what was said but saw Michael rush forward, grabbing Ford by his throat as he was forced back to the rail. He took aim but failed to fire as he saw Ford purposely go over the edge with Michael in his arms. Ronan heard Michael yell and quickly looked over the edge seeing Michael bounce off the tower wall that Ford apparently tossed him into.
"That is one crazy man. Must have something hidden in his shirt…" Ronan muttered while keeping watch as Ford continued to fall out of sight. "Or, maybe not."
"Ronan!" Teyla exclaimed as he came out seeing him. "Where is everyone? What has happened?"
"Ford was here. He took on Michael personally and took him over the side." Ronan said waving the gun. "And he did it purposely."
"Why? Did he have some way to save himself then?" Teyla asked.
"Not that I saw. Is there anyone else left?" Ronan asked.
"Not that I am aware. His number was less than ten people." Teyla said.
"I shot that guy there, the General killed four others along with a guy in the Jumper. Including Michael, that's seven." Ronan said.
"I think that is all." Teyla said.
"Come on, let's get the others up here so they can fix the city back to the way it is suppose to be." Ronan said.
"What about General Carter?" Teyla asked.
"Oh, I don't think we have to worry. I'll let Sheppard know to have someone look for him." Ronan said.
A few hour later, the city was back to normal, people were back at work while others were getting ready for bed. Michael was found, at least what was left of him. The had another Jumper to their inventory and Rodney still had the other three to get fixed as soon as possible. Ford was found passed out on a section nearby the main tower, totally soaked and unconscious. It wasn't long after he was taken inside he awoke, feeling pretty good and was happy to see things were doing okay and that Teyla and her son where just fine. When asked why he pulled that ridiculously stupid stunt, his reply was, you climb several flights of stairs and see if you can fight someone with more than human strength, especially when that person is ready to fight, plus rather pissed off. His best option was to toss him over the edge, with himself.
Woolsey was happy when Ronan filed a report, though it was the same things he said when Woolsey woke up and asked what was happening. The only difference was everything after when he said he and Ford went in, took out Michael's men, Ford fought Michael, tossed him and Michael over the edge. City was saved.
The next night, things got fun, seeing as the X-wing was still in for repairs.
"Hey guys, I heard from Teyla what you've been doing and decided to join you." Ford said as he walked up smiling.
"You have got to be kidding. Bad enough I got him trying to upgrade his, who knows what you've done with yours." Sheppard said seeing Ford walk up in jeans, orange sneakers and a black shirt with the General Lee on it. "Figures it would be that car."
"I did not upgrade mine. After seeing what you two use, I made the same thing, just with this body." Ford said holding up the General Lee race car. "I was going to paint it black, but decided to keep it original."
"Tell me the truth, you didn't add anything on." Sheppard said.
"He's not even using the same controller." Rodney said.
"I promise on my honor, I did not upgrade or add anything that will increase the power or handling of the car. This remote is better because I don't like the trigger and wheel on the side method of controlling. These analog sticks work better and these triggers up here are the front and back brakes. Even made a little horn I can make play from the car." Ford stated.
"You still did something to it though." Sheppard said. "Besides the other unnecessary stuff."
"Yes, but I probably won't even have to use it and no, it is not a weapon or has anything to do with giving extra speed or stuff like that." Ford said setting it on the ground by their cars. "Um, who's who anyway?"
"Mine is this red with yellow flames on the front." Sheppard said.
"Looks like a Dodge Viper combined with those new ugly Chargers." Ford said. "And that yellow Porsche like thing is yours. Please tell me these aren't the cars you wish you had?"
"No." the two said.
"Let's get started then. What's the course?" Ford asked.
They explained it and then turned their systems on as he did.
"You two will be seeing nothing but taillights and smoke." Rodney said with a laugh.
"You added smoke?" Sheppard asked.
"It was a figure of speech." Rodney said.
"It better be, speed racer want a be." Sheppard muttered. "Okay, three, two…"
"Hey, that's not fair!" Rodney exclaimed as Sheppard's car took off followed by the General with his next.
"Snooze you lose Rodney." Sheppard said.
All three cars came to a quick stop as Teyla walked out of the same corridor again holding her baby.
"Sorry, sorry." Rodney said as they walked up.
"We didn't think anyone would be here." Sheppard said.
"She's still not colic is she?" Ford asked concerned.
"No, thanks to Sam telling Doctor Keller about it. Which I heard came from you." Teyla said.
"Yeah. I heard about it from another lady I knew once." Ford said.
"Then why are you two still up?" Sheppard asked.
"He wants to be walked around till he falls asleep." Teyla said.
"That figures. I was the same way, so was Sally and Avon was following the trend." Ford said.
"He did sleep through most of the trouble Michael caused, but was woken up the few times Michael yelled at me when I refused to do what he said or told him he was going to loose." Teyla said.
"We'll all be able to sleep much better now that Michael is out of the picture." Rodney said.
"Yes. Unfortunately, there will be somebody to take his place." Teyla said.
"There is always somebody bad out there, but I can't think of any reason why anyone would want Torren. He can't help anyone research wise since Michael is gone. So, I think it is one less worry to think about." Ford said wagging his finger in Torren's face making him grab it.
"Of that, I can agree on." Teyla said as she smiled at Torren who giggled.
"So, you want to watch me kick these two's asses in this car race Torren?" Sheppard asked as the baby gurgled happily.
"Oh, I think it is yours that is going to get kicked." Rodney said.
Ford spun his car around taking off as the other two complained and started off as well. Teyla watched with a smile as the boys laughed and drove the little cars. Ford's actually drifted around the silver container as the other two spun around it taking the lead as the drift spun the car around in the front. When Sheppard and Rodney used their cars to keep Ford's from passing however.
"This the feature I added." Ford said with a laugh as the car jumped off the ground and flew over their cars with a little Dixie horn noise. "Just wouldn't be the General if he couldn't jump."
"That is not…" Sheppard began.
The car landed and then burst into flames making Ford's face fall as the two guys began laughing.
"That wasn't suppose to happen. It was just a CO2 cartridge." Ford muttered as the car continued to burn near his feet. "I worked hard on that."
"Obviously not hard enough." Rodney chuckled as he knocked Sheppards car out of the way and raced towards the finish line behind them. "Ah, the great General Lee is down and now it looks like the Colonel's is out of it too! Rodney all the way baby!"
The next episode with the Sakkari people, dealing with the supposed hallucinations that Woolsey, Sheppard and Rodney saw did happen as is. However, instead of the Jumper being what the missile like probe slash pod actually scanned was Ford's Sonic Screwdriver that sank to the bottom and was active until it broke from the pressure, but not before it was scanned first.
