Chapter 7: Trouble
Teyla couldn't believe her eyes as the jumper left Atlantis. Clearly, Jannar possessed the ATA gene, a genetic marker, allowing him to interface with Ancient technology effortlessly and pilot the jumper. It was a potent representation of the gene, too. She knew she had to devise a plan quickly because, as far as she knew, there were no ruins on the mainland. She didn't even want to think about how cold it was this time of year.
Sitting behind the Pilot's seat, Teyla was engulfed by a profound unease as she overheard Jannar and Bannar's meticulous plans for Atlantis. Their careful consideration was a chilling testament to the imminent danger they posed. She strained her senses, searching for any hint of weakness, a detail that could aid her in devising an escape plan.
"I told you I had the gene to operate the ancestor's technology, Bannar. You may have it too since our mothers were sisters." Jannar boasted a hint of pride in his voice.
That explained why Teyla thought they looked similar - they were cousins.
"Maybe I'll try and fly the craft later." Bannar answered, "Can this ship tell us if there's ancient technology on the mainland?"
Teyla shuddered at the thought of the unexplored parts of the mainland. The mystery they held was both terrifying and exhilarating. It was a place where anything could be lurking, waiting to be found. She hoped there were no hibernating wraith on the planet. But what if there were ancients in stasis? That would certainly be an unexpected turn of events.
"I'm detecting some ruins on the mainland," Jannar announced, "although I'm unsure if they're ancient." The uncertainty of the situation added to the suspense, leaving Teyla on edge. The tension in the air was palpable, each moment stretching out with uncertainty.
"Perhaps we should head in that direction and do some exploring, "Bannar suggested, his words dripping with potential danger. "Who knows what we might find. There may be something useful we can use to overpower the Lanteans and claim Atlantis for ourselves."
Teyla's conviction to thwart these unknown adversaries, who had seemingly schemed for years to seize Atlantis, was stronger than ever. She understood that the key to reclaiming Atlantis lay in neutralising Bannar and Jannar, the apparent leaders of the mercenaries. If she could halt their plans, her fellow Lanteans, Lorne and Zelenka, would have a fighting chance to recapture their home. However, the issue of preventing more enemy troops from entering through the gate was a problem. For now, it was Lorne's job to solve this, though.
If she had to, she'd die to protect Atlantis. Her children were there and needed to be protected at all costs. Her unborn child, too, was a part of this fight for survival. If she died, he wouldn't survive. There was no time to think of that because she had to stop these men at all costs.
Her back was aching again, a sharp, stabbing pain that made it hard to concentrate, which led her to one conclusion: the birth of her child was imminent. She stood and walked to the back of the jumper, her steps unsteady. She knew stunners were in one of the back compartments, and she needed to get her hands on one and then conceal it under her jacket somehow. Perhaps she'd put on a winter Jacket while standing, and then she could hide it in one of the inside pockets.
"What are you doing?" Jannar asked, and Teyla could sense the suspicion in his voice.
"I am cold and looking for a warm Jacket. Would you like one because I know how cold the mainland can be at this time of year?"
"Yeah, maybe you should get us both one because we should be landing in five minutes," Bannar suggested, ignoring what she was doing.
Teyla pulled three jackets down from the overhead compartment and threw two toward the front of the jumper. "I believe these are your size," she told them while putting on her own.
When she was sure Jannar and Bannar weren't looking, she pulled a stunner gun from the compartment and put it inside her pocket. Now, she had to wait for a chance to stun them. Hopefully, she wouldn't have to kill them because the last thing she wanted to do was take a life, but these men were dangerous, and if it came to it, she would kill them to protect her home and family.
She sat behind the pilot's seat and gazed out the window. They flew over the lake where she and John had spent their last vacation with the children. It looked very different from what it did in the summer months because it appeared covered in ice. She wondered how thick the ice was. Maybe John could take the children ice skating when this was all over.
"Do you know where the ancient ruins are?" Teyla asked the men while trying to look at the HUD.
"I believe the entrance is nearby, and most of the city is underground," Jannar excitedly answered.
That explained why they hadn't come across the ruins yet. But Rodney hadn't done much exploring on the mainland yet. He and John intended to explore in the warmer months when she'd had her baby.
"Can we land in that clearing over there," Banner suggested.
"Yeah," Jannar answered, " and I think we should tie the woman up because I don't want her to know what we are up to."
Teyla shuddered at the thought of her hands bound again as they were still bruised and swollen from the last time - now they were beginning to turn black from the bruising. She knew she should do it now if she were going to act.
By this time, they were flying low over the mainland, and Bannar and Jannar were ignoring her, so she pulled out her stunner, took a deep breath and shot them both. Her bravery in facing danger was a testament to her determination to protect her home and family.
The ground was approaching, and Teyla knew the jumper was about to crash. She sat down, put her head between her knees, and prayed to the Ancestors that she would survive. Teyla's thoughts were filled with the hope of returning to Atlantis if she could endure the crash.
As the jumper hit the ground, the impact jolted Teyla, and the sudden deceleration threw her off balance. She managed to steal a glance at her surroundings, but the force of the crash was too much. The last thing she felt before slipping into unconsciousness was the violent collision of the jumper with a rock.
oOo
Lorne couldn't believe it when he heard the jumper lift off from the jumper bay. The excitement in the mercenaries' voices was disturbing. The hostiles left in the control room cheered and spoke excitedly, but all he felt was a sense of dread. Teyla was in the jumper with Bannar and Jannar, and it was clear one had the ancient gene. The last he heard was that Jannar wanted to go to the mainland to search for ancient ruins, so his fear and worry for Teyla increased. He knew that Teyla was a survivor and would do whatever it took to keep Atalntis and her family safe, but what of her unborn child? Would General Sheppard ever forgive him if something happened to Teyla and their unborn son?
Feeling the weight of the situation, Lorne closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He knew he had to act quickly. The first thing Colonel Lorne needed to do was free himself from the restraints. Then, he had to overpower the hostiles in the gateroom, prevent more hostiles from coming through the gate, and launch a rescue mission to find Teyla. Time was of the essence.
Just another day at the office, he thought before struggling with his bindings. Because unless he freed himself, he couldn't do anything else.
oOo
John felt the familiar feeling of the transporter beam as he was transported to the ancient craft in orbit. The view of the cabin dissipated and was slowly replaced by the view of an Ancient craft.
The ship was smaller than the others he'd seen but was still as remarkable. Like Atlantis and numerous other ancient cities, the colour scheme was red and green. He longed to pilot the ship but knew that Carson wanted him to rest in the ship's infirmary.
His back and arm still ached, but his breathing was easier now, thanks to the miraculous silver disc attached to his chest. This disc, a piece of advanced technology, was designed to regulate his breathing and provide comfort until his lungs healed.
A doctor named Ronon had also informed him that as soon as they reached Hillaring, his broken arm could be fixed without invasive surgery. The prospect of his arm being restored filled him with a profound sense of relief and hope.
Doctor Ronon also stayed on the planet to help with the relief efforts. Which was a good thing because having two people with the same name was becoming confusing.
It seemed strange that they were going to a planet called Hilaring when they left Hilaring, but apparently, Jonan's ancestors decided to name their new planet the same as the old one. The confusion over the planet's name added an intriguing layer to their journey.
While on the planet, John met his and Carson's namesakes, but both decided to stay and help the locals. Twenty men and women had been transported to the planet to try to contact the local populations with large shipments of food and clothing.
"Come on, lad, it's time to get you to the infirmary," Carson suggested, taking him by the arm.
A tall man with dark hair and brown eyes spoke to them before Carson could lead John away: "I am Minister Toth, and I would like to talk to you all before John Sheppard goes to the infirmary. I have informed Dr Logo that you will be there shortly. I wish to discuss the political situation on our home world." John's curiosity was piqued at the mention of Minister Toth and the political situation on the new Hillaring.
Toth must have read his mind because before long, he was explaining: "I know what minister Toth did to you ten thousand years ago, John, but I am not named after him. My name comes from an ancestor who discovered the planet we call home."
Carson looked as if he was about to argue, but John interrupted, "Lead the way, Minister Toth?"
The Minister, a figure of authority, nodded and led the way to a small office on the other side of the bridge. Rodney, Ronon and Carson followed him. John's thoughts returned to the events ten thousand years ago on the planet they'd just left, and he wondered if things could be any worse than the events of that time.
When they were all seated around a small round table, the minister spoke calmly and composedly, "When we arrived on our new world generations ago, it was uninhabited, so we claimed it for our own. Over the millennia, other races have come and gone, but we have always lived peacefully with them—until ten years ago, when a race of people came to explore our ancient city. It's not that others hadn't come to explore the city on occasion, but they always shared their finding with the Hillarian council. These people were secretive right from the beginning. Initially, we thought they were doing research and would tell us their findings when they'd finished, but as time passed, they became more secretive, and we became more suspicious. One of our archeologists befriended one of their people, and he found out that the men were planning on infiltrating Atlantis…"
This shocked and angered John. Why would these people—whoever they were—want to possess their home?
"What happened next? Ronon asked, and John could sense his anger.
"The last I heard, they'd taken control of the ancient city," Toth answered, "and they were looking for a way to dial Atlantis."
"Who are these people, and what do they want with our home?" Rodney asked, and John could sense his sorrow. The mystery of the unknown group hung in the air, adding to the tension.
"The one thing the council does know about them is they sabotaged the ancient city known as Ilaria two so that if anyone came through the stargate from Atlantis, they wouldn't be able to return, which they hoped would lead them to our planet."
John's mind raced. Whoever these people were, they were dangerous, and he needed to stop them at all costs. His family was on Atlantis, and he was determined to protect them, even if it meant dying.
The more the discussion went on, the more John's military mind kicked into gear. He needed to find a way to throw these people out of the ancient city and dial Atlantis himself.
"What are your plans for retaking the city?" Ronon asked before John could say anything.
"When we arrive on Hillaring, Minister Voth would like to speak with you. He is the leader of our military."
Ever since they came onboard, John had one question on his mind:" How do you know who we are?"
"Johan contacted us the minute he discovered you were on the planet. He recognised you from the pictures in our great hall of history." Toth answered, and John could sense the awe in his voice.
For whatever reason, John and his friends were heroes to these people and a part of their history. Which made him uncomfortable because he hated people worshipping him in any form.
"You have our pictures in your history records?" Rodney asked in awe, and John sensed pride in the scientist's voice.
"And how do you know I'm military?" John asked with suspicion.
"Look," Toth began," We have extensive records from ten thousand years ago and comprehensive records of Atlantis in our database. But these records are for historical purposes only. The Hillarian people have no desire to use them against Atlantis. This band of mercenaries who have taken over the ancient city on our planet comes from a planet called Core, and until recently, we had no idea the planet was inhabited."
John's whole body was aching, and he longed to rest. Maybe now was the time because when they reached the new Hillaring home world, he knew there was plenty of work to be done. He only hoped the mercenaries in the ancient city hadn't infiltrated Atlantis yet.
oOo
A strong icy wind raged through the jumper, jolting Teyla into awareness. Her head throbbed, and her back ached, but she refused to succumb to panic. She carefully assessed her body for injuries, knowing that the situation could worsen once she opened her eyes and moved.
She tentatively opened her eyes, only to be met with the sight of the jumper's front, crushed like a tin can. The window, shattered by the impact with the rock, allowed the wind to howl through the cabin. Testing her limbs, she was relieved to find them all functional. But as she reached up to touch her forehead, the size of the bump and the pain it caused hinted at a deeper bruise.
Despite the shock of the crash, Teyla's survival instincts kicked in. The two men in the front seats remained motionless, prompting her to check their vital signs and assess their injuries.
As Teyla rose to her feet, a wave of dread washed over her. She felt for Jannar's pulse, but it was absent. The same was true for Bannar. The thought of their lifeless bodies was too much to bear, especially considering the force of the impact and the sight of blood. She couldn't bring herself to look at their faces, fearing what she might see.
She knew that she needed to leave the jumper and find shelter. Somewhere, she could wait until Lorne and the others managed to mount a rescue mission. Her only hope was it would happen soon because she feared labour was imminent. However, she longed to see John and wondered what was happening to him. Would he be home soon? Would she ever see him again? The thought of being alone, of having to raise three children without him, was a fear she couldn't bear. But she pushed these thoughts aside, focusing on the immediate need to find shelter. The weather was colder, and night was on the way, so she took a deep breath, took a backpack from the overhead compartment at the back of the jumper, and left. Luckily, the impact hadn't damaged the controls of the rear hatch.
She shivered violently as she stepped out of the jumper, her coat offering little protection from the biting wind. The Woolen hat and gloves were no match for the harsh elements, and her fingers were already numb, making every step a painful struggle.
She placed her hand on her stomach, feeling the life within, and spoke softly to her unborn child, "I am sorry this has happened, Halling, but I will do everything in my power to protect you and return to Atlantis as soon as possible." Her determination was unwavering, a testament to a mother's love and resilience.
Her heart ached as she walked the narrow path ahead of her. Things were not looking good for her and her family, so she prayed to the ancestors that she didn't even believe in Atlantis would soon mount a rescue mission.
After a brief walk, she discovered a large cave, its entrance concealed by a rocky outcrop. 'This will do,' she thought, preparing her handgun. If a creature inhabited the cave, she was ready. Her resourcefulness in finding shelter was a testament to her survival skills.
She entered the cave cautiously, her senses on high alert. To her relief, the cave was devoid of beasts. However, the scattered bones hinted at a past inhabitant.
A large pile of firewood sat in the corner, which was a relief because she dreaded leaving the cave again.
She built her fire close to the exit so the smoke would have somewhere to go. Hopefully, it would blow in the direction of the exit.
Ten minutes later, she'd built her fire and lit it with a match from her survival backpack. The wood was dry and brittle, so it burned fast, but luckily, there were some thicker logs in the pile, too.
Now warmed by the fire, she turned her attention to food. Pulling out a power bar from her rucksack, she ate half, determined to ration her supplies for an unknown duration of survival. With two full water canteens, her next task was to find a water source at daybreak.
With everything in order, she sat by the fire, her vigilance unwavering. She longed to sleep, but she knew she had to stay alert. The cave was still a mystery; she didn't know if any creature called it home.
oOo
Lorne's hands were sore and swollen after five minutes of struggling with his bindings, and he wondered if he was ever going to get out of them. As a special ops soldier, they were trained to handle situations like this. Still, nothing had prepared him for life in the Pegasus galaxy, a galaxy with its own set of challenges, and it was particularly demanding. Time and time again, he'd had to protect his home from numerous enemies and wondered if it were time to return to Earth. He chuckled at that thought because if General Sheppard could keep fighting after so many years and difficulties, so could he.
His thoughts were interrupted when Zelenka entered General Sheppard's office.
"What's happening, Radek?" Lorne asked with a glimmer of hope.
"I've discovered that the hostiles come from a planet called Core, which is in galaxy KK203. They desire to rule that galaxy as well as the Pegasus galaxy."
"Great, a bunch of egomaniacs. Can you get me something to get out of these bindings? They took all my weapons away from me when they tied me up." Lorne's frustration was evident in his voice, as was his determination to escape and rescue Teyla.
"I will see what I can do."
"And be quick, Radek, because Teyla is alone with two hostiles, and I don't need to tell you that she needs to be rescued as soon as possible, and we don't need reinforcements coming through the gate." Lorne paused before continuing, "Have you heard from Teldy or any of the others?" The urgency in his voice was palpable; the need for swift and decisive action was pressing.
"No, I have not. But I can only assume they're trying to mount a rescue."
"Okay, Radek, please can you find me something to cut these bindings? Then we can come up with a plan."
Radek nodded and left the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts. Perhaps there was something sharp in the general's office he could use. Lorne scanned the room slowly and noticed a letter opener on the desk. It was not something you saw often these days, but it would probably work if he could get to his feet and jump to the desk without being noticed - or falling flat on his face.
He struggled with the bindings for a bit longer and decided to get to the letter opener. But his plan was thwarted when one of the hostiles came in and sat behind the desk. Despite the setback, Lorne's determination to escape was unwavering.
"I think I'll keep an eye on you, military man," the man said, putting his feet on the desk.
"Great," he muttered as he wrestled with his bindings.
His only hope now was that Zelenka would devise a way to eliminate the hostiles remaining in the gateroom.
oOo
John awoke to the ship shaking and loud weapons fire. Clearly, the ship was under attack, but from where? At least, he assumed that was what was happening. The last thing he remembered was feeling tired, and then he vaguely remembered falling asleep at a conference table, so someone had brought him to the infirmary. He was getting sick of being constantly tired, which he longed to rectify if they got out of their situation. No, correction, when he got out of the situation he found himself in.
His head was fuzzy, and his back and arm pain was muted—at least for now. He knew that at some point, the pain would notch up again, so he needed to find out what was happening before then.
He looked around the small infirmary and was surprised that Carson wasn't there. There was only one explanation for that: the ship was in trouble.
Carefully climbing out of the infirmary bed, he was disgusted to find he had medical scrubs and his feet were bare. Scanning the small room, he was happy to see his clothes and boots on a chair in the corner. However, he had no idea how to get them on with only one functioning arm. Ultimately, he decided he'd go in scrubs and barefoot instead of bothering to try.
Searching through his pile of clothes, he was happy to see his weapon, although he had no idea why Carson had left it there.
Suddenly, the ship's jolting stopped, and he heard weapons fire in the distance. Enemy forces had boarded the craft. He knew he needed to stay hidden to devise a plan to retake the ship. He'd done it before when Kolya had tried to take over Atlantis—although he was much younger. He decided to remain hidden in the infirmary until the weapons fire ceased; He had to stay hidden at all costs.
Ten minutes later, the weapons fire ceased, and as he left the infirmary, the corridors seemed deserted. He slowly walked through them, carefully remaining in the shadows. The bridge was his destination, although he wouldn't walk onto the bridge because he was sure that's where the hostiles would be.
When he approached the bridge a few minutes later, he put his ear to the closed door and tried to listen to the conversation. Luckily, the voices were excited and shouting, making it easy to hear.
"Now we have an ancient warship, and we can take over the galaxy," one of the voices shouted excitedly.
"Jannar and Bannar have infiltrated Atlantis, and we can also take over the Pegasus galaxy." Another shouted.
"As soon as we find an inhabited planet, we need to transport the ship's crew to it," the first voice suggested. We should also transport the Lanteans that were on board down."
"The only problem is I'm sure John Sheppard should be aboard." The second voice mused.
"We'll deal with finding him later, Thickle," The first voice responded.
"Are you sure he's here, Tulan? He may have stayed on Atlantis."
John didn't need to hear anything else. It was clear Tulan and Thickle were the leaders of this group of hostiles, so he needed to find out how many others there were. Then, he needed to find Carson and the others to try and retake the ship. His determination to reclaim the ship was unwavering, a testament to his resilience and commitment.
Sighing, he turned and walked away from the bridge; for the moment, he was alone. Just another day at the office, he thought as he walked in the shadows toward the holding cells, hoping his friends were there.
As he approached the brig a few minutes later, he heard a loud noise which had him turning around only to be hit in the chest with a stunner beam, "Aww crap," he muttered before he slid to the floor unconscious.
TBC…
