Home Again

Sheppard found Chimera on one of the Balconies of the Control Tower. She stood overlooking the sunlit sea and didn't move as he came to stand beside her.
"I saw Atlantis on my first day in San Francisco."
She said suddenly. He looked at her in surprise.
"I was sitting on top of a tower on the large red bridge over there. As I stood up to leave, I noticed something shimmering behind the Island. I thought it was a trick of my eyes, but now I know, it was the cloak over Atlantis. It looked familiar, but I thought you were still in the Pegasus Galaxy. I never imagined that the city was here on Earth."
Sheppard looked to where the Golden Gate Bridge stood proudly in the distance. He said nothing for a moment.
"You were on top of one of the suspension towers?"
He asked in amazement. She gave him an amused smile.
"Yes. Was a beautiful place to watch the sun set."
He shook his head and said no more on the subject, a bemused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Woolsey wasn't sure about your idea, but General Landry said to go for it. He's getting the necessary paperwork organised. A bit of computer work should easily change your eyes to suit."
Chimera nodded absently, then frowned.
"General Landry?"
"He's the General in charge of Stargate Command. As its a military base we want to infiltrate, Woolsey wanted to confer with him."
"Ah yes. I vaguely remember you mentioning him. A charming man if I recall. I saw him conferring with Elizabeth over video at one point."
They fell silent for a moment, lost in their thoughts.
"I'm sorry, to hear about Elizabeth. I know you were fond of her. Everyone was."
Sheppard smiled sadly.
"She was indeed. Brave as well."
They fell silent once more. Sheppard leant on the railing, his hands clasped as they both gazed across the ocean.
"We never stopped looking for you. You had a strong effect on us, despite being in Atlantis for such a short time."
Chimera looked at the railing, running a hand over it as she smiled softly.
"I know. I would hear of the green clad people who defied the Wraith, who had been asking about a yellow eyed girl. They would offer me a place to stay, until your next visit."
The pilot looked at her.
"You never did?"
"No. Sometimes I wanted to, but I had my own mission to follow and I didn't want to cause trouble. Nor did I want to risk any Atlanteans livelihood by deny your government their orders. I had no doubt they would want more then I was willing to provide."
Sheppard straightened with a frown.
"Teyla and Ronon were left alone in Atlantis."
Chimera sighed.
"Teyla is handy as an Ambassador. Ronon has proven himself by fighting alongside and both know where Atlantis is located. Discarding them is not an option, but you bring forward an Alien who is from a far advanced race and can run circles, not only around your military strategists, but your scientists as well, what do you think they would say? I have vast knowledge of the workings of our weapons, ships and shields, Sheppard and experience in commanding an entire fleet in a galactic battle."
Sheppard nodded, his shoulders slumping. He knew she was right. The knowledge Chimera possessed would be a goldmine to the American Government. Beside him, the Alien shook her head.
"So, what more can you tell me of our daring plan?"
Grateful for the change of topic, Sheppard shrugged.
"I believe they plan to make you a Special Agent of the OSI."
"Who?"
"Office of Special Investigation. Basically, they are the Air Force police. Any crime involving a member of the Air Force is automatically transferred to the OSI. You outrank everyone in the Air Force, except of course ones like the Secretary General, but it's highly unlikely you will ever face someone like that. The Winchester's will be two of your Junior Agents and thus under your command only."
Chimera nodded slowly, processing the information.
"Do these police not have a commander of their own?"
"A Director in charge of the OSI, but he is a very close friend of General Landry and has agreed to cover for you if necessary. You also have General Jack O'Neills backing."
Chimera grinned.
"That's some heavy backup Sheppard. Isn't O'Neill from the very first team? The infamous SG1?"
Sheppard laughed.
"Yes he is. The former leader, till he got promoted to Brigadier General. A good man. Tends to like to stick it to the man, even after he became the man."
Chimera gave a short bark of a laugh, turning away from the railing. Sheppard turned and joined her as they returned inside.
"So, how long before we can get access to Travis Air Base and what's our story?"
"A couple of days at most. We will sort out the details tomorrow. For now though, how about you join us for dinner in the Mess? It's been a long time and I think we would all love to catch up."
Chimera nodded, giving him a disarming smile.
"Sounds good.

Chimera adjusted the black jacket, looking at herself in the mirror. The white shirt and black casuals showed of her figure and the high heels would be only a minor hindrance in any altercation that may occur. Although, at five foot eight already, the extra three inches of height put her on equal ground with Dean. She knew she was tall for a woman, especially among her own people and she was no stick either. Strongly built and tall had made her even more menacing in uniform and she had perfected the hard expressions needed for the more troublesome of crew. Watching the Senators and their followers squirm when faced with her ire had always been amusing as well. She sighed as her thoughts drifted back to those times, then she shook her head and twisted, examining her reflection again. Satisfied, she turned away and strode out into the hallway, heading to the Control Tower, where Sheppard and the team waited. People stared as she walked past, so use to seeing her in the more casual and menacing, black leather outfit. Grinning, Chimera held her head high and strutted proudly into the Control Room. Sam and Dean were not there yet, but their quarters had been placed further away and they no doubt wished to talk between themselves before joining everyone. Teyla greeted the feline with a smile and an inclination of her head. Chimera returned both, then smiled at Sheppard, who had turned around. Woolsey was grinning at her, dressed in his own impeccable suit and Rodney was tapping away at his tablet. He glanced up briefly, grunted and returned to his work.
"You all set?"
Sheppard asked, giving her a quick once over.
"I'm good, though I do wish you would let me take some weapons. I feel quite uncomfortable without anything."
Sheppard raised an eyebrow.
"You have claws and I have seen how lethal they are. Actually, as a Special Agent of the OSI, you would be permitted to carry a firearm and you need a badge."
He handed her a holstered gun and a shiny shield to be clipped to her belts. Once in place, she unclipped the gun and examined it, testing its weight in her hands. She raised it, to check its sights and saw the Winchesters coming up the stairs.
"Wow, who gave her a gun? Was that a smart idea?"
Dean said, raising his hands in mock concern. They were also dressed in black suits and Chimera couldn't help but run her gaze over both of them with a slight smile.
"Chimera is one of our most trusted allies."
Surprisingly, it was Richard Woolsey who spoke. She looked at him in amazement and he gave a coy shrug. It seemed he had done his homework since they last met. Chimera uncocked the Beretta and reholstered it.
"I prefer knives."
Sheppard rolled his eyes.
"You are not carrying knives around. Regulations state that you can carry a handgun."
Chimera huffed, though in truth, she didn't really care. In the Therian Starfleet, she had been trained to use many different weapons, including her claws. Saying that, her instructors had marvelled at her skill to turn anything within reach, into a weapon. Especially after she had been captured on an exercise and escaped by killing her captors with an apple, her cuffs and the key to her cell. No one had ever been able to quite figure out how she did it. Chimera pulled herself back to the present, listening to Sheppard as he handed the gun and badges to the Winchesters.
"As far as Colonel Smith is concerned, you are investigating stolen goods from the supplies around the base. It's been happening in a few of the bases and you're investigating this base first. Supplies have gone missing, from ammunition and clothes to rations and medical supplies. Should give you access to whatever you need on the base."
"Whats Colonel Smith like?"
Chimera asked, crossing her arms and leaning against the console.
"I don't know him but he has a good background and word is he is loyal and good to his men."
Chimera raised an eyebrow. Sheppard shrugged.
"General O'Neill knows him though and says you should get along just fine."
"What happens if things go south?"
Dean asked, studying the badge, before clipping it into place. Sheppard and Woolsey exchanged a look.
"Stick to the story and it shouldn't."
Chimera shook her head, rolling her eyes.
"You know better than anyone Sheppard, the importance of having a plan B."
"and C, D E and F."
Rodney added from the side without looking up. Sheppard threw him a glare.
"General Landry and General O'Neill will deal with any problems. You just get yourselves in and out with minimal trouble. Get a vial of the vaccine and destroy the rest."
"You're no fun."
Chimera said with a pout. Dean rolled his eyes.
"That's another thing. Why is she in charge?"
Dean ignored the elbow Sam rammed into his ribs and Sheppard crossed his arms with a frown.
"Chimera is in charge because she has no connection to anyone on this planet. Any enquiries about her, will come up blank and it is the leader who will be most memorable to anyone you meet. Secondly, I just don't trust you."
Chimera straightened.
"Sheppard, as much as I appreciate you defending me, please don't. I can speak for myself. Also, you may not trust them, but I do. They may seem shady with their criminal background or supposed Death Certificates, but I can tell that there is more to their story then we know."
Teyla stepped forward.
"Should we not focus on the mission?"
Sheppard nodded, backing away.
"There is a car waiting for you at the Docks and a GPS programmed for Travis Air Base. A helicopter will pick you up in a minute. This phone has General O'Neill's number, General Landry's number, a direct line to Atlantis and my number."
This last was said as he brandished a mobile from a pocket in his trousers.
"You get into any trouble, you give one of us a call."
Chimera took the offered phone and she tossed it to Sam.
"Most people on this world seem to use these devices. I am assuming you have at least one on you at all times. Transfer the numbers, in case we get separated."
Sam glanced at his brother, who shrugged and pulled out his phone.
"Anything else we need to know?"
Sheppard glanced at Woolsey, then shook his head.
"Not really. Just be careful, try not kill anyone and if you do meet enemy resistance, get yourselves out and worry about repercussions later."
Chimera smiled.
"Better to ask forgiveness, than seek permission."
"That sounds a plan."
Sheppard backed of, putting a hand to his ear as his radio buzzed. Woolsey gave Chimera a nod.
"Good luck, Commander."
The rank surprised Chimera, who frowned. Woolsey smiled.
"I read your files."
Chimera bowed her head and smiled as the diplomat returned to his office. She found Teyla suddenly appeared beside her.
"Can you truly trust them Chimera?"
Chimera followed the Athosians gaze to the Winchesters, who stood looking at the Stargate.
"When I stole their car Teyla, I stole everything they had ever owned. They have grown up on the road, running from the laws of this world and the creatures they hunt in the shadows. I read their father's journal and I began to understand them in a whole new way. Perhaps I can not trust them, but my instincts say I can."
Teyla watched the Therian for a moment.
"Your instincts have led you well so far. If you trust the two men, then perhaps they deserve it."
Chimera scowled at that, remembering how her instincts had warned her against certain orders and had cost the Therian Empire an entire planet and her a ship, crew and career.
"Indeed. We should listen to our instincts more often."
Ronon was stood beside the Winchesters and gave Chimera a nod when he saw her watching. The big Satedan matched Sam for height, but his broad shoulders, fierce expression and wild dreadlocks made him far more menacing. Sheppard stepped into view.
"Your helicopter is waiting."
He looked concerned as she stood.
"You call if you have any problems."
"Sheppard, relax. We are on Earth and all three of us can take care of ourselves. Yes, we will call if things get out of hand."
"Don't be too confident. The Goa'uld can be dangerous."
Chimera put her hands on her hips.
"I know. I also know that the ones left are minor Goa'uld who have very little power and spend most of their time scared that SG1 will appear. We will be fine and I am not going without backup. If need be, I can get us out of the Base in a flash, as can Castiel."
Sheppard frowned.
"Is he going with you?"
"Ha, bless the Underworld, no he isn't coming with us. He is staying here. All we have to do is pray. Though, I get the feeling that when he says he will stay here, I think he means literally in that spot."
They both turned concerned looks on the Angel who was stood to one side, watching everyone.
"I'll figure something out."
Sheppard muttered and Chimera nodded.
"Just be careful with sarcasm. Goes right over his head."
With that, she put two fingers in her mouth and released a shrill whistle. Everyone turned to look at her and she tossed her head at the Winchesters.
"Come on. Our ride is here."
The boys rolled their eyes again, hurrying to catch up with her. Ronon and Teyla came to stand beside Sheppard, watching the trio as they left the Gateroom.
"This is going to be fun."
Sheppard said with a worried look. Ronon shrugged.
"She knows what she's doing."
"I hope you're right."
Teyla laid a comforting hand on the Atlanteans arm.