I'm sorry this story took so long to continue. I'll try to finish it as quickly as possible.

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed and commented so far.

Well, here it is. I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 6: Hostages

All Teyla could do was stare at the gate as it shut down, her heart pounding. She had no idea what to do next. The impending birth of her son added to her anxiety, and the fear of John missing it was overwhelming. What if John never came home? The thought of raising three children alone, without her husband's help, was a heavy burden. Plenty of people on Atlantis would help her with the children, and she knew that, but it still wasn't the same as having her husband help. Little did she know, a far greater danger was about to unfold.

She turned to look at Lorne and tried to let him know how she felt," so Colonel Lorne, what happens now?"

"I'm going to try again. The people on the other side of the gate didn't even give me a chance to explain what was happening last time," Lorne stated with determination.

Teyla wasn't sure, but she thought they had nothing to lose by trying. Perhaps if they could explain, the people would listen.

Lorne turned to Chuck and indicated that he should dial the gate. " Dial the same address, Chuck?"

Teyla stood and watched as the Chevrons lit up, not holding out much hope that things would be different from the last time Chuck dialled.

The eight symbols lit up as before, and the wormhole spang to life.

"It's ready to send a transmission, sir," Chuck informed them.

I am Colonel Lorne of Atlantis, and we wish to speak with you, "Lorne said with determination. "Please listen to what we have to say before breaking the connection?"

An annoyed voice, dripping with disdain and disbelief, answered, "Atlantis is a myth—a legend. If you dare to contact us again, we will send an explosive device through the ring to obliterate your world. Don't underestimate us, for we possess the technology."

The threat hung in the air like a dark and ominous storm cloud, leaving Teyla and Lorne to grapple with the unsettling question: Who were these people, and what did they have against outsiders? Were they able to carry out their threat? And if so, why would they do it? The mystery of their identity and intentions deepened, leaving Teyla and Lorne with more questions than answers.

The gate shut down, so Teyla turned to face Lorne, but the military man did not look happy.

"Colonel Lorne, do you think they can destroy us?"

"I don't know, Teyla, but I'm going to increase security around the gate room just in case."

Before Lorne could call any extra troops, the wormhole sprung to life," Teyla, I want you to stand back," Lorne commanded, the worry evident in his voice. "Chuck, make sure the shield's up?"

A strange blue sphere, about the size of a basketball, emerged from the gate, emitting a pale golden light that bathed the room in an ethereal glow. It was a sight to behold, and Teyla knew she shouldn't look at it, but she was drawn to its beauty like a moth to a flame. Suddenly, the light intensified, and lightning beams shot around the room, stunning everyone they touched. The last thing she saw before she succumbed to unconsciousness was the arrival of people through the gate, their identities and intentions shrouded in mystery.

oOo

As they neared Ilaria's exit, John's heart ached with empathy for the locals. He sensed their struggle and desperate need for aid, yet his team's capabilities were limited. The most they could promise was to send help if they could trace the planet the Hilarians had migrated to centuries ago.

As they exited the building, John was relieved to find the surrounding area empty. His arm and back throbbed with every step. His lungs burned thanks to the smoke he inhaled on Ilaria two, which was a reminder of the physical toll their mission had taken. The last thing he needed was to be mistaken for a deity by the locals, for he was just a man and a flawed one at that.

"Is there another way out of here? Or do we have to go back the way we came?" John asked, having lost all sense of direction. By this time, he was finding breathing a little difficult, but there was no way he'd tell Carson. Perhaps the damage to his lungs was worse than Carson had initially thought.

"We can leave through the wall we took General Sheppard through ten thousand years ago," Carson suggested, "I think it comes out near Johan's cabin."

Ronon chuckled, "I doubt there'd be much left of it, but maybe we could look anyway."

John had no idea what the cabin looked like because he had a brain injury and was in the infirmary when Carson visited ten thousand years ago. That was when Logo gave them two ZPMs, which were still almost full.

"What do you think, General?" Carson asked, interrupting his thoughts, "Is it worth a look?"

He considered refusing their request because all he wanted to do was return to the jumper and rest his aching body—the fact that he was breathless didn't help matters—but he knew this was important to his friends, as Logo and Jonan were real people who had helped them when needed.

"I guess we could go and look and see if anything is still there."

"Are you alright, General?" Carson asked with concern, "You seem breathless. Are your lungs hurting you?"

"Stop fussing, Carson. I'm fine." John replied while trying to suppress a cough.

Thankfully, Carson let the matter drop, and John was able to subdue his desire to cough.

Five minutes later, they were walking through the wall that Carson and Lorne pushed his gurney through ten thousand years ago - although technically, it was only a year ago for him.

The passage was a gloomy abyss, its walls adorned with patches of mould, evidence of past water flow. John's skin prickled with a chill, and the air, heavy with staleness, threatened to suffocate him. He couldn't help but wonder if these tunnels were the final resting place for unfortunate creatures or even people.

They walked with only flashlights to light the way, the beams cutting a swath through the menacing darkness. The silence was eerie, and the ground was damp and slippery. On more than one occasion, John had to put his hand against the slimy wall to stop from falling. A wave of relief washed over him when he noticed that others were also grappling with the treacherous conditions, a shared struggle that made the journey less daunting.

They reached the exit in five minutes, but because of the slippery ground, it seemed to take much longer. When they exited the tunnel, John took a deep breath of fresh air - which seemed to help his aching lungs - before asking the others for directions.

"Okay, guys. Where do we go next?"

"Just follow me," Ronon announced before walking off ahead of them.

John's breath hitched as he followed Ronon, knowing they were moving further away from the jumper's safety. He prayed they wouldn't encounter any unforeseen threats before they could make their way back, their ignorance of the planet's other inhabitants a looming uncertainty.

As they continued on the narrow dirt path, John enjoyed the sunshine and the warm air, a nice contrast to the tunnel he'd just walked through. The scent of wildflowers filled the air, a stark contrast to the eerie silence that hung over the landscape. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and the air was still, but the fact that there was no wildlife disturbed him a little.

There, in the distance, stood a crumbling stone wall, a relic of the past that seemed to have materialised out of thin air. John couldn't shake the feeling that it hadn't been there the last time they visited Hilaring, adding a layer of intrigue to their journey.

They walked silently for a few moments before Ronon stopped abruptly before him.

"What's happening, big Guy?" John asked cautiously, his voice betraying a hint of concern for his companion Ronon, who was known for his stoic nature.

"The last time we were here, there wasn't a stone wall near Jonan's cabin, let alone a crumbling one. "

"What do you suggest?" Rodney whispered, fear evident in his voice.

John had no idea why Rodney whispered but knew the question was valid.

"I think we should continue," Carson whispered, and again, John had no idea why he was whispering.

Were they afraid that the local Hilarians were near and ready to jump out at them at any moment? Given how the mission had gone so far, that was certainly plausible.

The pain in John's arm and back was notching up again, and he longed to be in the jumper, where he could pass out for a few hours. But he knew that wouldn't be happening for a while, so he took a deep breath and made a decision.

"I think we should go on. The stone wall has me curious. How long ago was it built, and does anyone live within its walls?"

"I'm with you, Sheppard, so let's go," Ronon said before walking off again.

John took a deep breath and followed, hoping he wouldn't regret the decision he'd just made.

Unfortunately, he regretted it a few minutes later when he felt a tiny pin prick in his neck. He reached up and pulled it out and realised it was a tranquiliser dart.

"Aww Crap.." he muttered right before he hit the ground and lost consciousness.

oOo

A loud moaning sound pervaded Teyla's senses the next time she became aware, and it took her muddled brain a few seconds to realise it was coming from her. It didn't take her long to realise she was sitting in a chair with her hands tied behind her back. Her feet tied to the legs of the chair.

Slowly lifting her head, she looked around the room and realised Lorne was sitting in a chair beside her, and they were in John's office. Zelenka was no where in sight.

A tall man with dark brown hair stood near the door, clearly guarding them. His beige tunic and pants were meticulous and appeared to be some kind of uniform, as others in the control room wore the same clothing.

By this time, Lorne was awake and staring at the man before them.

"Is there any way out of the gate room, "Teyla whispered, hoping not to draw the guard's attention.

"Nope, the gateroom and gate have gone into lockdown, and these guys, whoever they are, keep trying to find a workaround. They've got Radek out there trying to help, but he seems to be stalling for now so that we can devise a plan."

Teyla knew Lorne and Zelenka could easily release the lock because it only required two senior codes, which they both had —she even had a senior code.

The guard walked away and left the room, which gave her the confidence to speak louder.

"I told them General Sheppard has the only code to release the lockdown, and he's off-world," Lorne said with a smile.

Teyla nodded, "Is there a way to send a message to the others?"

"If I can get to a jumper. I can send a message to Sergeant Stackhouse."

"Can you get me to the infirmary?" Teyla asked, a plan forming in her mind.

Lorne nodded with a worried look, and she knew exactly what he was thinking.

"Do not worry, the baby is not coming. Just follow my lead."

Teyla moaned loudly, hoping to get someone's attention, "Colonel Lorne, my baby is coming."

Luckily, Lorne played along, and by the panicked look on his face, she almost believed what she was saying.

"I think She's having her baby!" Lorne shouted, hoping someone would hear.

One of the guards came into the office, looking panicked, "You can't have your baby now."

"I cannot help it! You need to get me to the infirmary now!" Teyla shouted right before letting out a loud moan.

Suddenly, the man became serious and pointed his gun at Lorne, "If she needs to get to the infirmary. You will lift the lockdown."

"I told you I couldn't do that!" Lorne shouted, "I need General Sheppard's code to release the lockdown."

"What do you suggest then?" The guard asked, coming closer to Lorne with his gun.

Teyla saw the malice in the guard's eyes and feared for Lorne's life. The man looked unhinged, and she knew they needed to proceed with caution.

"Please?" Teyla begged, "I do not want to have my baby here."

The man's face softened, and for a moment, Teyla believed their plan might work.

"How are you supposed to get out of here?" The guard asked.

"I can take her to the infirmary in one of our crafts."

"Can't we all leave that way?" The guard asked dumbly.

At that moment, Teyla knew the plan wouldn't work. She could only hope that Colonel Teldy was coming up with a plan to somehow get into the gateroom.

"Do not worry. I think the contractions have stopped for now. So Colonel Lorne and I will not have to leave in the jumper."

Teyla hoped the guy was an idiot and would fall into their trap, and thankfully, he took the bait.

"No, you will take my friends and me for a ride in your craft. Then you will show us how to access the city's systems from one of your science labs, and if you don't know how we can take the scientist in the control room with us."

Teyla stared at the man in front of her, wondering where he had gotten the idea that they could access the city's systems from other places. Perhaps Zelenka gave them the idea.

She smiled at the guard using her best fake smile, "You are a brilliant man to figure that out. May I please know your name?"

The guard blushed, and she knew she was getting through to him," my name is Jannar."

"Well, Jannar, Colonel Lorne and I would be happy to take you for a ride in a puddle jumper - that is the name of our craft. There is an ancient city on the mainland that might interest such a brilliant man like yourself and his friends."

She wondered if it was overkill and if the man would eventually realise she was humouring him. She almost expected Lorne to stop the conversation.

Jannar's eyes were wide with excitement, and Teyla couldn't believe he was falling for her lies.

"I think I will take you up on your offer. But I want to leave some of my men here to keep guard and keep an eye on that scientist of yours. I do not trust him."

"Very well, we have an agreement then," Teyla commented, using her best fake smile again.

"I will tell Bannar what we have discussed. He is always interested in all things Ancient."

Jannar left the room, and his excitement was palpable. She only hoped Banner would be as excited as Janaar was.

"What's your plan, Teyla?" Lorne asked, interrupting her thoughts.

I am trying to lure some enemy men away from Atlantis so the soldiers can overpower the rest. We can quickly subdue two or three in the jumper. Then, we can return and lift the lockdown. We can keep the enemy men in the holding cells until we decide what to do with them."

"That's a brilliant idea, Teyla; the only problem is, what if more of their people come through the wormhole looking for them? You're also nine months pregnant. And the general would never forgive me if anything happened to you or the baby."

"Do not worry, Colonel. I can take care of myself, and I know John worries about me, but I have also told him numerous times that I can look after myself." She glared at Lorne for good measure.

"Okay, when Jannar returns, we'll give it a go. That's providing Banner agrees with the plan."

A few minutes later, Jannar walked in with a man who looked similar. Teyla suspected they were related.

"I will take you up on your offer, but the female comes alone," Banaar said gleefully, "I do not trust you, military man. Besides, Jannar is a pilot and can fly anything."

Before Lorne could respond, Teyla said, "That will be acceptable." She hoped neither man had the ATA gene, and she could buy Zelenka and Lorne some time to overthrow the rest of the men—although that may be difficult with all the military tied up.

"You realise you won't be able to fly the jumper?" Lorne commented, and Teyla gently shook her head to indicate he shouldn't pursue that reasoning.

"She comes alone, or you will lift the lockdown. If you don't, I will kill a hostage every fifteen minutes. Starting with the woman." Banner sneered, and at that moment, Teyla realised how dangerous these men were. She only hoped she was right, and neither man had the ATA gene; otherwise, she'd be in big trouble.

oOo

The next time John became aware, the first thing he noticed was cold, smooth metal on his chest. This was followed by the feeling of a soft pillow and mattress, which led him to conclude he was lying down. The question was how he got here. A tiny dart hitting him was the last thing he remembered. He was sure Rodney, Ronon and Carson suffered the same fate.

Gentle voices were the next thing to enter his consciousness, and one of them was Cason; he had no idea who the other belonged to. 'What do we do now?' Cason's voice was filled with worry.

Eventually, he realised he was lying on his side, and the pain in his back and arm was muted. His breathing seemed easier as well. This led him to his next question: Where the hell was he? The fear and confusion were palpable.

With a struggle, he managed to open his eyes. The sight that greeted him was not what he expected. He found himself in a small, dimly lit room, which appeared to be a log cabin. Carson and a tall, lean man with bright blue eyes and blond hair were there. If he were to guess, he'd say the man was eight feet tall. His beige tunic and pants were meticulous, and he appeared to be a doctor - the white coat was a dead giveaway. The room was filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of their hushed whispers.

Carson and the man continued to whisper in the corner of the room. Clearly, they had no idea he was awake, so he took the time to examine his surroundings. The walls and floor of the tiny room were made of some kind of timber and covered with mud. The air was musty, and a faint smell of pine lingered.

Eventually, John decided it was time to get some answers, "Where am I?" He whispered, hoping to get Carson's attention.

"General Sheppard. It's good to see you awake," Carson said with a grin, "and the answer to your question is you're in a rebuilt replica of Jonan's cabin."

"Okay... But why were we tranquillised and brought here? And who is that man? I need to understand what's going on."

The man stepped forward. He was tall, with a regal bearing, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to hold a world of knowledge. "My name is Jonan," he said, his voice calm and measured. "I am here to study the inhabitants of this planet. My ancestors left this planet centuries ago, and we are curious about what became of the people left behind."

John's anger flared, "You're here to study them?! These people need help, and they need it now!"

"General," Carson said, his voice calm and reassuring, "Before you become agitated, let Johan explain what is happening."

He glared at Carson but knew the doctor was right. He needed to hear the man out, but before he listened to Jonan's story, he needed to know his friends were alright. The worry was etched on his face, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Where are Rodney and Ronon? You can tell me your story once I know they're alright."

"They are in the other room enjoying a meal with Carson and John. I can get them if you like," Jonan offered.

"Carson and John!?" John exclaimed with surprise.

"

Jonan replied, "Our names are sacred, and many have been passed down through countless generations—especially the names of those who changed the course of history for the Hilarian people. Now, do you want me to get your friends?"

"No, it's alright."

The metal thing on John's chest was becoming irritating, and he wondered if it was some kind of torture device.

"What's this thing on my chest?" John asked, resisting the urge to scratch the area it was on.

"It is a device to help you breathe easier." Carson explained, " When you arrived, apparently, you were having difficulty breathing due to the injury to your lung."

John was about to ask about the injury to his lung until he remembered Carson telling him his lungs were burned due to the explosion in the chair room on Ilaria Two. So, instead of asking about his injuries, he decided to let Jonon explain himself. "How about you tell me your story." His voice was tinged with weariness and a hint of curiosity.

"Our ancestors left this world generations ago. When war broke out, the others who'd settled on Hillaring wanted the planet for themselves. Our ancestors evacuated as many as we could aboard the ancient vessel that my ancestors found in Ilaria. They intended to return for survivors, but it took them years to find a place to call home. Once settled, they took years to make the planet home, so the old world was forgotten. Carson discovered some ancient recordings from this planet a few years ago, and the science council wondered what happened to the people left on this planet. So the council assembled an expedition, and we arrived three weeks ago. We have since contacted our home world, and they will send aid and assistance to these people. Carson, John and I will be returning home. You are welcome to come with us if you like."

Sheppard nodded, "That would be great because we cannot return to Atlantis now."

He was beginning to feel tired again, and a yawn threatened to split his head in two, so Carson came alongside him and spoke gently, "How about you go back to sleep for a while? I'll wake you up if anything happens."

"I still don't know why they tranquillised us," John commented as another yawn threatened to split his head in two.

"I can see you fighting it, so I'll explain more once you've slept."

John wanted to know more, but he knew Carson was right. He was still injured, and the pain meds the doctor gave him were making him sleepy, so he closed his eyes, and it wasn't long before he fell into a deep sleep.

oOo

When Teyla finally reached the jumper bay, her wrists were still throbbing from the tight bindings. The enemy had cinched the ropes so mercilessly that her hands had turned a sickly shade of purple. She clung to the hope that neither of the two men possessed the ATA gene, her only chance of escape. But if they did, she knew she had to be ready to adapt her plan.

"So, uh, how exactly do we operate this contraption?" Jannar's voice quivered with uncertainty as they stepped into Jumper One.

"I do not know. I am not a pilot." Teyla replied. "That is why you should have brought Colonel Lorne."

Banner pointed his gun at her and asked again, "How do I fly this thing?"

"Just think on."

Teyla held her breath, and a second later, her worst fear was brutally thrust upon her: the jumper lit up a Christmas tree.

"This thing reads your mind!" Jannar exclaimed, sitting down in the pilot's seat.

Now I'm in trouble, Teyla thought as the jumper rose off the ground.

TBC…

'