Category: Encoded (Page 3 of 3)

“How are you feeling then, Rodney?” Carson asked as he took the man’s vitals. AR-1 had just returned from a trading mission, and since it had only been a couple of days since Rodney had been given the ATA therapy, Carson wanted to make sure all was well.

Rodney scowled. “I’m going to be black and blue this time tomorrow.”

Raising his eyebrows in alarm, Carson looked up, then turned his attention to John when he piped up from the next bed, “Aww come on, McKay. It wasn’t that bad. So I pushed you down. It’s not my fault there were rocks hidden under that pile of leaves, and at least you didn’t get beamed up by a dart.”

Somewhat mollified, Rodney nodded. “True. I suppose bruises do beat being eaten by the Wraith.”

“Indeed, Dr. McKay,” interjected Teyla who stood waiting her turn to be checked out. “We were very lucky to have escaped the culling.”

Carson blinked as his eyes met Major Sheppard’s. “Again?” Wasn’t this the third time their team had walked in on a culling?

The major’s jaw set, he nodded. “Yeah. Say, Teyla, were the Wraith always this active?”

Teyla shook her head. “No, Major. It has not been that long since the Melorans were culled. They should have been safe for another generation at least.” She sounded both puzzled and extremely worried.

Major Sheppard scowled down at his arm as the nurse took his blood. Carson felt for the man. He knew that he blamed himself for waking the Wraith and the subsequent loss of life his actions had brought about. Sighing, Carson shook his head and shared a knowing look with Rodney, who seemed genuinely concerned for his teammate.

Getting ready to take Rodney’s blood, he tried to push thoughts of Wraith out of his head so he could focus on the here and now. “I’m going to have to take a little more than normal, Rodney,” he cautioned.

Alarmed, Rodney stared at him wide-eyed. “Why? Is something wrong?”

Smiling reassuringly, he patted his friend’s thigh. “No need to worry, I just need to run some tests to see how the gene therapy’s affected you. See if there’s anything that I need to be aware of, or that needs tweaking before we start to administer it to the rest of the expedition.”

“Well, if you must,” Rodney conceded with ill grace. “I feel perfectly fine, you know. Not like I grew a second head or anything.”

Fighting a grin, Carson ducked his head and kept his thoughts that while what he said was true, he thought perhaps that Rodney’s head had gotten a little bigger. Carson wasn’t stupid enough to say that aloud, however. He liked having warms showers, after all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Penny for your thoughts,” his brother said quietly as he bumped Ioan’s shoulder.

Ioan felt the heat rise on his cheeks as he cast a sidelong glance a couple of tables over to where Kimberly sat having breakfast with several colleagues. Running his fingers through his hair, he sighed and turned to look at his brother fully. “You’ll think I’m nuts.”

“Guess you’re safe then, because I already do, so spill,” Evan teased, earning him a glower.

“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her,” Ioan confessed. “It’s insane, I mean… I’ve been into girls before and stuff, but nothing like this.”

Evan leaned forward a little to see past Ioan in order to check out Kimberly. “I can honestly say you’ve never met a girl like her before. She’s way out of your league,” he said, grinning. “Gorgeous, funny, beautiful smile. Incredibly smart. She could run circles around both of us, intellectually.”

Grumbling, Ioan sunk lower in his seat. “Tell me about it.” Tracing the edge of his plate with his finger, he stared morosely at it. He could tell from the corner of his eye that his brother was watching him closely.

“You really have it bad for her, don’t you?” Evan asked finally, his voice low and gentle.

Scrubbing his face with both hands, he nodded. “Not that it matters. Regulations won’t allow it-” Ioan started, only to have Evan cut him off.

“Screw the regs, Ioan. Don’t get me wrong, the rules are there for a reason, and I’m all for them on the whole, but we’re in another galaxy, in case you hadn’t noticed. On top of that, it isn’t looking very promising on the ZPM front from what I can tell, so who knows if we’ll ever get back home. What are they going to do? Court-martial us? Throw us in the brig? Decommission us? They can’t, Ioan, they need every single one of us.”

Ioan sat up straight, shocked at the vehemence in his brother’s voice. Both he and Evan had been brought up to believe in following orders. Leaving no man behind. Everything that the Air Force stood for. They both held it sacred, and yet here was Evan basically telling him to flaunt the regulations.

Evan’s jaw twitched stubbornly, a look of defiance in his eyes that Ioan hadn’t seen there in a very long time. “Don’t give me that look, either. It isn’t like I’m suggesting mutiny here, or going on a murder spree. All I’m saying is, at some point Dr. Weir and Major Sheppard are going to have to realize that the rules from back home can’t all apply here in Atlantis. It isn’t feasible in the long run. We’re basically a new colony now, Ioan. Surely you realize that, too?”

Tilting his head, Ioan gazed thoughtfully at his brother. He had to admit, he had a point. They were cut off from Earth and unless they started to look to the Pegasus natives, there would be very limited options for the people of the expedition when it came to dating. Ioan caught sight of Mac and Carson walking into the mess hall out of the corner of his eye, and suddenly another thought occurred to him. He grinned. “Your inciting to break the rules wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain Scottish charmer having gotten under your skin, would it?” he teased.

Turning his head to see who Ioan was looking at, Evan blushed. Even so, he feigned nonchalance when he refocused on his brother. “Don’t know what you’re on about. Carson and I are just friends.”

“Uhhuh, yeah,” Ioan said, grinning wryly,” because that was who I was referring to.” Mac’s laughter rang from across the mess hall and Evan’s blush deepened, proving Ioan’s point. Ioan nudged his brother’s arm, his smile fading as he grew serious. “All kidding aside here, Ev, but it’s about time. It’s been what? Five years since Jim passed away?”

A pained expression flitted over Evan’s face at the mention of his late fiancé. “Yeah, I know,” he ground out hoarsely as he fidgeted with his napkin, refusing to look at Ioan.

Placing his hand on Evan’s wrist, Ioan sighed. “Jim wouldn’t want you to be alone forever, Ev. You know that. I haven’t seen you interested in anyone since he died. Not until Mac, and if he’s the one who has you paying attention again, then I say go for it.” At Evan’s flinch, Ioan added quickly, “Finding someone else attractive doesn’t mean you’re betraying Jim’s memory, Evan. Hell, it doesn’t even have to mean that you’ll end up with Mac. For all you know, it is just infatuation and it leads nowhere aside from friendship, but that’s still a chance worth taking, isn’t it?”

Casting a sidelong glance to where Mac stood talking to a couple of nurses, Evan sighed. “You’re right,” he said quietly, cupping his hands in front of his face. “I know you are, Ioan. I just… I still miss Jim. Every day. I don’t know if that’ll ever really go away.”

Ioan nodded in understanding. “Whoever you end up with’ll get that, Evan.”

“Yeah,” Evan said with a sad smile. Shooting another look at the doctor, he sighed. “It’s stupid. It’s as if I can’t even help myself around him,” he mumbled under his breath.

Chuckling, Ioan tapped his brother’s foot with his. “Yeah, I noticed.” Then sneaking a peek at Kimberly’s table, he sighed, too. “I know the feeling. Guess we’re both pretty gone, huh?”

Evan snorted, rolling his eyes. “Oh no. You’ve got it way worse, little brother. You’re hell and gone already. Now, what are you going to do about it?” he challenged.

The look in his eyes told Ioan the subject of Evan’s infatuation with Mac was firmly closed for the time being, which was fine. Evan knew Ioan was there for him if he needed someone to talk to. Scratching the back of his head, he leaned back in his chair and stared at Kimberly as he gathered his thoughts. “I don’t know, man. Not like I can ask her to go out with me on a date.”

Raising his eyebrows, Evan huffed. “And why not?”

Turning to his brother, he gaped at him. “Have you forgotten where we are? In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a decided lack of nice restaurants and cinemas around here.”

A sly smile formed on Evan’s lips and his eyes twinkled with mirth. “Yeah, but the city has great views, the mess hall will pack a picnic if you ask them, and the logs say there’s land several miles from here. You have the gene, so you could pilot a jumper and take her for a ride.”

Ioan blinked, mulling that over. “That actually doesn’t sound half bad. Except… there’s no way I’d be given permission for that, Ev.”

Quirking a brow, Evan grinned. “Have you forgotten that with Sumner gone, I’m second in command again? Besides, Sheppard and I have already talked about sending people to scout the mainland, so if you don’t mind taking a few scans and stuff, you’d have a good excuse on paper.”

Ioan stared at his brother, perplexed. “You’ve got it all figured out, haven’t you?”

Taking a sip of water, Evan nodded, looking smug. “Yep.” All humor suddenly gone, he met Ioan’s gaze and murmured, “I’ve got your back, Ioan. No matter what.”

“Thanks, Ev.” Ioan smiled, then swallowed hard when Evan urged him to go ask Kimberly out already. Steeling himself, Ioan wiped his sweaty palms on his thighs, got up and walked over to her table. “Hey,” he managed, trying to smile.

“Hey, yourself,” Kimberly said, beaming up at him, amusement and curiosity clear in her eyes.

“Can I talk to you for a sec?” Ioan hedged, casting a furtive glance to her companions.

“Sure.” She followed him out into the hallway away from prying ears. “Everything alright?”

She watched him carefully, which made him laugh nervously. Good grief, why did he have to feel so jittery? It wasn’t as if he’d never asked a girl out before. Still, this felt… different, somehow. “Yeah, sorry, I just… I didn’t want to do this in front of everybody.”

Surprised, she stared at him a moment. “Do what?”

Biting the corner of his lip, Ioan rubbed the back of his neck. “Er… ask you out?” he asked stupidly, flinching. “Sorry, I didn’t… I mean.” Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes briefly, then tried again. “I was wondering if you’d like to go on a date with me.” Ioan crossed his fingers behind his back, waiting anxiously for her answer. Seriously, what was he, fifteen again? It was ridiculous how his stomach was trying to tie itself into knots over this woman.

Kimberly was obviously fighting laughter, as her mouth twitched and her eyes fairly danced as she watched him flounder. “A date? With you?” she clarified, and Ioan felt his heart sink to his knees. A giggle escaped her as she reached for his hand and squeezed it. “I’d like that a lot,” she mused, eyes intent on his.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Carson peered at his screen as the results of Rodney’s DNA test post-therapy came up. Pulling up both Rodney’s pre-therapy results and Major Sheppard’s results for comparison, Carson carefully went over every change he could find. It never ceased to amaze him just how little was still known about the human genome, really. Carson had noted long ago, when he first started doing research after General O’Neill’s encounters with Ancient technology, that there were some minor differences between ATA and non-ATA people. It was what had led him to the gene therapy, after all.

Frowning, he checked against the two others. “Well, this is odd,” he murmured. Pulling up General O’Neill’s DNA results, he compared them to both Rodney and Sheppard’s, but the discrepancy wasn’t the same. If you could call it a discrepancy. Post-therapy, Rodney appeared to have a marker in common with the major, but that same marker wasn’t present in General O’Neill. Or rather, O’Neill had a marker, but it was slightly different again from the other two men.

“I wonder,” he murmured as he found his own DNA results and checked it. Like O’Neill, Carson, too had a marker in the same area, but it was different again from the other men. Sitting back in his seat, he frowned up at the ceiling as he let his thoughts drift. In all his years as a geneticist, he had never encountered the like. He’d seen genomes that differed because of a variation in species, like rat to mouse and such. Or even human and Ancient, but this appeared to be something else entirely. Filing it away for later thought, Carson focused on what was pertinent: whether the therapy worked. The rest, he would figure out at a later date, since it was apparent that there were variations within the ATA itself. He promised himself he would find out what that meant.

 

next

They spent the next few minutes going over all the applications they could think of for the shield. John couldn’t believe their luck. If there were more of these things, it could make all the difference for his men out in the field. “Hey, McKay, did you find any others?”

Rodney shook his head, looking dismayed. “No. The log did mention there were several made, but I was only able to locate this one.”

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, John scowled. “Did it mention-?”

“No,” Rodney cut in. “It didn’t say anything about where the others might be. They might be somewhere in the city, though. I mean, it isn’t like we’ve managed to explore even an eighth of the place, after all.”

Nodding, John conceded the point and settled on hoping they’d come across them at a later date. Eyeing Rodney, he contemplated what else they could do to test this shield of his. Pulling his knife from its sheath, he held it up, again asking for silent permission which he was granted. Tossing the knife between his hands twice while he thought how best to try, he once again opted for the other man’s thigh. It was the safest area he could think of should something go wrong.

Slashing down, he let out a yelp when the knife connected with the shield. Between the resistance of the forcefield and the slight jolt of energy on contact, it was definitely not a pleasant experience for John. Rodney, however, didn’t appear to have felt a thing and stood grinning triumphantly at him. “Okay, what next?” Snapping his fingers, he pointed to a chair. “Hit me with that.”

Giving him a skeptical look, John shrugged and did as requested, swinging it with all his might at Rodney’s upper back. He dropped the chair on his toes, unable to hold onto the thing once it hit the shield. John’s arms weren’t too happy either. Frowning, he glanced at McKay. “Anything?”

“Not even a tickle!” Rodney practically giggled with glee.

A tickle. John suddenly grinned as the thought crossed his mind that perhaps the shield was intent-based somehow. Hey, this was alien technology, after all. Who knew what the Ancients were capable of.

Rodney took an involuntary step back at the sudden change in John’s demeanor as he stepped closer. “Major?” he squawked, holding out his hands reflexively.

John swooped in, intending to tickle the other man’s sides, but was thwarted by the forcefield again, though this time there was no shock from the contact.

“Nothing, huh?” John said pensively. Stepping back and scratching the back of his head, he hummed. “I wonder how it’d hold up against a fall?”

Eyes widening, Rodney smirked. “Like from the balcony?” At John’s nod, Rodney’s grin grew broader. “Let’s go!”

They didn’t quite run up to the gate room balcony, but it was a near thing and several people turned their heads. Ioan even called out after them, “Where’s the fire, sir?”

John called back with a grin, “No fire, Lieutenant. Just science.” That was his story and he was sticking to it. So what if John got a kick out of messing around with this shield? Or that watching Rodney get this excited was more enticing to him that it should be.

Still, by the time Rodney and John made it up to the balcony, they had a little bit of a following. Everyone was curious what they were up to. John was sure it had as much to do with the fact that they’d been hurrying through the corridors as it was seeing Rodney this gleeful. John was well aware that Rodney had a reputation of being a bastard, and that he hadn’t been much liked in the mountain. Not that John cared about that. He knew better than most that a reputation wasn’t always warranted, and that they didn’t always sum up the whole of a person.

“You sure about this, McKay?” John asked, his stomach knotting at the thought of this not going as they both thought it would. It was all fun and games until someone broke their neck, after all, and he was getting rather fond of the astrophysicist.

Rodney waved his concerns off, rolling his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he squared his shoulders. “Okay, I’m ready.”

“Okay,” John muttered under his breath as he gave Rodney a shove, sending the man flying backwards over the railing, much to everyone’s shock.

Leaning over to make sure Rodney was alright, John looked up as he caught Elizabeth’s, “Oh my God!” from the opposite balcony.

“Did you see that?” John grinned.

“Yes, I saw that,” she bit out. “What the-?”

Below them, Rodney jumped to his feet, throwing his hands up in the air in victory. “I’m fine,” he called up.

The delight on Rodney’s face, as well as the proof that he truly was okay, turned the knots in John’s stomach to butterflies. At least, that’s what it felt like to John. He knew that falling for the guy would mean nothing but trouble considering the regulations, so he did his best to stomp down on his attraction – and there was no denying to himself that he was attracted to Rodney.

John practically skipped down the stairs in his eagerness to congratulate his friend. “Look,” Rodney said, beaming up at Elizabeth and Peter who were on John’s heels. “Beckett’s gene therapy worked! I was able to activate this,” he added, pointing to his chest. “It’s a er, a personal shield. Acts like a protective skin.” Rodney’s hands were moving rapidly as he explained the device. “I’m invulnerable. Here, I’ll prove it.” Turning to Peter, he grinned. “Hit me.”

Without so much as a second’s thought, Grodin took a swing at Rodney with what would have been a right hook hard enough to knock any man on his ass. What happened instead was Peter cried out in pain as he cradled his hand in disbelief, while Rodney merely looked smug. “Well you didn’t have to swing so hard.” Glancing at John, he added, “And notice that he didn’t even hesitate?”

John grinned and turned his face to try to hide the satisfaction he felt that Grodin was hurt after that. He had definitely taken note of the man’s immediate reaction to Rodney and he found it didn’t sit well with him. It made him wonder just how poorly people thought of Rodney.

Elizabeth huffed. “I’m still trying to understand why you thought it was a good idea to test that out by having someone throw you off a balcony.”

Rodney and John exchanged knowing looks and Rodney said conspiratorially, “Oh, that wasn’t the first thing we tried.” As he explained what they had done prior to the balcony incident, Elizabeth’s face turned ashen so John hurriedly pointed out that he had aimed at non-lethal areas. Mostly.

Throwing his arms wide, Rodney beamed. “I’m invulnerable.”

“Aren’t you the one who’s always spouting off about proper and careful scientific procedure must be adhered to?” Elizabeth asked skeptically.

“In-vul-ne-ra-ble,” Rodney sing-songed, flailing his hands in time.

Shaking her head in disbelief, Elizabeth sighed. “Alright. Take it off. Let’s go have this meeting.”

“You’re just jealous,” Rodney muttered.

“Oh yes, green with envy,” Elizabeth retorted with a roll of her eyes.

Rodney made to grab at the device but when his hand encountered the shield, his previous look of elation turned to one of dawning horror. “Uh oh. This could be a problem.” When everyone turned to look at him, he cast a panicked glance at John. “I can’t get at it.”

Narrowing his eyes, John stepped closer and reached out to try for himself, making sure to put everything he had in thinking ‘off’ at the device. Nothing. Cold dread settled in John’s stomach. “Just checking,” he offered apologetically.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Well, Major, did your team encounter any indigenous life forms on your second trip? I heard your first dalliance in Pegasus was rather eventful,” Mac said jovially as he stepped up to Major Lorne’s bed.

The major’s team members groaned in unison, while the major’s face turned crimson. “C’mon, doc. How did you hear about that?” Lorne asked.

Mac chuckled, placing a cuff on the major’s bicep to take his blood pressure. “Word gets around, Major. What can I say? I’m told you were quite the sight. One of the nurses kept the lei you left after your check up and has it hanging in the office.”

“Oh, God,” Lorne moaned under his breath as he closed his eyes. “Please, doc. Don’t remind me of that mission. Like, ever.”

One of the major’s men chuckled, “Aww come on, sir. Guy like you doesn’t have anything to be ashamed of, trust me.” He winked at Mac, who laughed as he eyed the major.

“Stevenson, if you know what’s good for you, you will keep your mouth shut or you’ll find yourself on KP duty for the next three months. Got it?” Lorne growled.

Mac shivered slightly in response. Casting a sly look at him, Mac grinned. “Don’t worry, Major, your secret’ll be safe with me,” he said sotto voce.

Lorne appeared nonplussed as he stared at him. “What secret?”

Eyes traveling downward discretely, Mac indicated Lorne’s bulge which Mac had noticed becoming a bit of an issue as the conversation had gone on. No doubt, the major was remembering that mission and seemed to mind it less than what he pretended. It made Mac incredibly curious, but he would never ask the man about it, and certainly not in front of his men.

If anything, Lorne’s cheeks reddened further, which didn’t help Mac in the slightest as far as his own reactions to the man went. For all that this was their first interaction, Mac had paid close attention to the major from the first time he had laid eyes on him back in the mountain. Their paths simply had never crossed before now. Deciding to throw him a lifeline, Mac smiled. “Today’s mission went better, then, I take it?”

Sighing in relief, Lorne nodded. “Yeah, doc, it did. Well, in the sense of nothing happening at any rate. Unfortunately it looked like the natives either fled the area recently, or something happened to them, but there was no one around.” After Mac had listened to his heart, Lorne added, “I’m Evan Lorne, by the way. I don’t think we’ve met yet, have we? I’m usually pretty good with faces, but…”

Grinning, Mac straightened up and held out his hand which Lorne took. “Pleasure to meet you, Major. The name’s Muiredach MacTavish. Mac, to my friends.”

Lorne’s face twisted slightly as he tried futilely to pronounce Mac’s name. “Just call me Mac, please, Major,” Mac said amused, squeezing the man’s arm.

“Deal, if you’ll call me ‘Evan’ instead of ‘Major’.” Evan sounded relieved and pleased, but Mac could tell there was an all too familiar question brewing behind the man’s eyes. Sure enough, after they’d gotten through most of the examination, it came. “Muiredach? What kind of a name is that? I’ve never heard it before.”

With a sigh, Mac settled on the edge of the bed and folded his hands on his lap. “It’s an old Irish name that means ‘lord’, and you could say I was given the name out of an extreme sense of loyalty to country. Which might seem strange, since I’m from Scotland, but my mother was half-Irish and half-Scottish, my father Scottish, and the name Muiredach also is used in Scotland. My mother, God bless her soul, was very proud of our heritage and my parents had moved to London a month before I was born for my father’s job – or rather, my Da moved, and my Mum and I followed as soon as we could. Also, I’m their only child, so my mother felt it fitting as I was her ‘little lord’.”

Evan let out a low whistle. “Wow, that’s… pretty great, actually.”

Mac gave a derisive snort. “Aye, I suppose it is. It just wasn’t so grand growing up with a name like that, if you catch my drift.”

Chuckling, Evan scratched his jaw. “Yeah, I suppose you have a point, there. Kids can be cruel.”

“Indeed, they can,” Mac agreed as he got back to his feet and placed a tourniquet on Evan’s arm. “Just your blood sample left and you’re free to go.”

Evan’s jaw twitched as Mac pierced his skin with the needle. “So, doc. Did anything interesting happen while we were gone?”

Mac shot him a knowing look. He knew diversionary tactics when he saw them, and he had to admit that he was amused that the man seemed to have an aversion to having his blood drawn. “Aye, you could say that. Dr. Beckett’s ATA therapy had its first human test subject this morning.”

Intrigued, Evan tilted his head. “ATA therapy?”

Grinning, Mac explained about the gene therapy they had devised and that Dr. McKay had received the first dose earlier that day. His smile faltered and was replaced by a frown of worry when he got to the part where McKay had put on a personal shield and now couldn’t take it off again. “He was in here just before you arrived, actually.”

“Is he okay?”

“Aye, for the moment at least, but unless we can figure out how to turn off the device soon he’ll be in a spot of trouble.” At Evan’s querying look, he added, “He can’t even eat or drink or anything else if you catch my meaning.”

“Oh! Yeah, that… Hmm.” Evan frowned down at his boots for a bit, then turned his attention back to Mac. “I’m sure they’ll figure out something.”

“No doubt,” Mac agreed. “Alright, that’s it for you, Major. Until next time.” Mac smiled warmly at Evan, pleased when the other man’s cheeks flushed slightly as he nodded and headed off to be debriefed.

A few hours later, Mac was sitting in the office going over some paperwork when there was a knock on the door. Eyes widening in surprise, Mac started to get to his feet. “Evan? What can I do for you?”

Evan waved him off with a small smile, indicating he could remain seated. “Nothing. I stopped by to check on Ford, figured I’d pop my head in and say hello.”

“Ah, yes. The lieutenant’ll be fine. Just needs a few days rest and some lotion for his skin. Though the man needs to learn to stay away from energy beings,” Mac teased. It wasn’t really a laughing matter, of course. Ford had been extremely fortunate not to have been hurt worse in the encounter. Still, Mac couldn’t do anything for it. He felt inordinately pleased that the other man had dropped by. Eyeing him carefully, he took in the way the major seemed to bite the corner of his lip, the way his gaze kept flicking away from Mac only to return again as if he couldn’t help himself.

Evan’s cheeks flushed as his eyes landed on the lei hanging on the wall behind Mac, slightly off to his right. Mac didn’t even need to check to know that was what had caught the man’s attention. He could tell simply from the way Evan’s blush deepened. Mac fought to contain his grin, though he was certain he was failing miserably at it.

Clearing his throat, Evan stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Right, well… I’ll head back to work then.”

Still trying to stifle a grin, Mac managed a, “See you later, Evan,” just as the other man walked out. Shaking his head, he allowed himself a chuckle before turning his attention back to his paperwork.

Carson was busy with a patient when Major Sheppard radioed, “Medical team to the gateroom!”

“On our way, Major,” he replied before shutting the com. Mac grabbed the first aid kit and beckoned a nurse to follow him as he took off running. When they got to the room, Mac took a few seconds to asses the situation. Rodney was beginning to sit up, with Elizabeth, Dr. Grodin, Teyla, and Major Sheppard hovering over him. Evan and his brother stood off to the side with twin looks of concern on their faces.

Kneeling down beside Rodney, he went through the motions of checking the man’s vitals even as Rodney grouched, “Thank you. Take your time.” Rodney tried to stretch, but couldn’t move very well judging by the ginger way he shifted. “Ugh, man down.”

Mac suppressed a grin. “Come now, Rodney, don’t be such a baby,” he muttered, pressing the stethoscope to the man’s chest to listen to his breathing.

“I’m not being a ‘baby’, Mac!” Rodney protested in a huff. “You try evicting a giant energy monster from the city and see how well you fare.”

“Did you now?” Mac said, impressed with his friend. With a nod at the nurse, they each grabbed Rodney by the elbow and shoulder and helped him to his feet.

Looking exhausted but beaming with pride anyway, Rodney straightened, his chest swelling as he confirmed, “Yes, I did, thank you very much,” and off he went, telling Mac in great detail about how they had lured an energy creature that was hiding on Atlantis to the gateroom with a naquedah generator in front of the open gate. How instead of the M.A.L.P. leading the creature through the gate, the being instead drained the thing of its power and feasted on the generator. How it had continued to grow until it had expanded all the way to the steps, and how Rodney had bravely stepped into the shrouded being and tossed the generator through the gate at great personal risk.

Mac’s eyes flitted over Rodney in assessment as they walked. “What about your shield?”

Rodney gave him a triumphant, if tired, smile. “Oh, it fell off after the creature drained it of energy.”

Eyes widening, Mac shook his head in astonishment. “You don’t say. In that case, I do believe you’re quite lucky to be on your feet at all,” he murmured.

As they slowly made their way to the infirmary for a more thorough check up, Mac glanced over his shoulder. He smiled at Evan who was trailing behind them, his brother walking beside him with an amused glint in his eyes. At Mac’s raised eyebrow, Evan shrugged. “Just making sure you get him to the infirmary okay. You know, in case he ‘passes out’ again.”

“Thank you, Major,” Rodney said, sounding somewhat petulant.

“Aye, thank you, Major,” Mac repeated, but with sincerity in his voice. He had a feeling that life in Pegasus would prove very interesting, indeed, and for a myriad reasons. He fervently hoped that one Evan Lorne would be one of them.

 

next

“Hey, McKay. Got a minute?”

Rodney looked up absently to find Sheppard standing in the doorway to his office. Blinking stupidly, he nodded. “Sure, Major. What can I do for you?” Somewhere in the back of his mind, Rodney wondered at his easy acquiescence, since he was rather busy and didn’t normally appreciate being interrupted.

Flashing a grin, Sheppard stepped inside and the door closed apparently of its own volition, though more likely the major had thought it closed. When he got to the desk, Sheppard randomly picked up a doodad and muttered, “Huh. Cool, I can hear music in my head.” Shaking his head, he put it down and reached out for something else – a small green thing about the size of his fist – seemingly unable to help himself, but Rodney grabbed his wrist to stop him.

“I’d rather you wait until I’ve done some more research on these items, Major. You can play lightswitch later. Now, what was it you wanted?” Rodney prodded, only remembering to let go of the man’s wrist when John cocked an eyebrow.

“Right. I want you to join my team.”

“You… what?” Rodney frowned in confusion. “What team?”

Rolling his eyes, John huffed. “My gate team? I want you on it.”

“But… why?” For the life of him, Rodney couldn’t fathom why the major would ask him of all people. Sure, he was the smartest person here, but he wasn’t unaware of his limitations. Gate teams had to deal with unknown and often dangerous situations. They had to be fit, which Rodney most certainly wasn’t, and they had to deal with people, which Rodney definitely wasn’t the best person for. In his entire career at the SGC, he had never been in the field, and he had liked it that way. Hell, up until stepping through the gate to come to Atlantis, he had never even been through a gate at all! Labs were safe, and tech he – mostly – knew how to deal with. Even if it was alien.

Sheppard gave him a level look, then held up his hand and began counting off his reasons. “One, you’re the smartest person I know. Two, you are the foremost expert on Ancient technology. Three, because of your previous positions within the SGC and Area-51, you’ve had the most exposure to alien tech of anyone on this mission. And last, but not least, because I feel you would be a good asset to the team.”

With each example, Rodney’s heart thumped a little faster. He certainly knew all those things about himself. Well, the first three at any rate. But to hear the major tell him so… it meant something to Rodney. It actually meant a whole hell of a lot, if he were completely honest with himself. No one ever really gave him that kind of credit except himself. Oh, sure, people knew his credentials and made use of them, but to hold it up to him like this? Never mind being asked to do something as important as joining a gate team?

He felt his cheeks heat a little with elation at the prospect of being on Sheppard’s team. He couldn’t stop the goofy grin, nor unfortunately the somewhat excited if insecure, “Really?”

The fond look Sheppard gave him did funny things to Rodney’s stomach. Then again, he had skipped lunch today, so maybe he was just experiencing hunger pangs. “Yes, McKay,” John said gently. “Really. What do you say?”

Casting his eyes around his office for inspiration – or an excuse, he wasn’t entirely sure which because as thrilled as he was at being asked, he was also a bit frightened – he mumbled, “Well, like you said, I’m the foremost expert on Ancient technology. It would be bad if I got hurt or killed, even. The city wouldn’t survive without me,” he blustered. An obvious exaggeration, but all in all not too big of a one in his opinion.

“Do you really think I’d let that happen?” Sheppard looked at him skeptically, and for some reason that same feeling Rodney had had that first day in Pegasus resurfaced. No, the major wouldn’t really let anything happen to him, but accidents did happen after all. It wouldn’t do to forget that, Rodney figured.

Checking his hip against Rodney’s desk, Sheppard crossed his arms and grinned. “C’mon, McKay. Would you really let someone else have the glory of finding us a ZPM?”

And that was just unacceptable to Rodney and from the look on the major’s face, he knew he had hit his mark. “Alright, fine,” Rodney blustered. “Just so you know, I’ve never fired a gun in my life.”

Sheppard’s grin widened and his eyes seemed to light up. “Don’t you worry about that, McKay. We’re going to be spending some time on the shooting range to get you qualified. You’ll need to at least be able to defend yourself.”

Rodney gaped at the man, unsure of his feelings. In part he was horrified at the idea of having to shoot anyone, but a tiny voice in the back of his head was pointing out that spending time alone with Sheppard would not be a bad thing at all. To Rodney, the man was like an intricate puzzle that just eluded his abilities to solve and if there was one thing he could not stand, it was not knowing something when it was important. Though why it was important, Rodney had no idea.

“Right. Okay,” he stammered, gesturing to the chaos that was his desk. “In that case, I’d better get back to work, then.”

Clapping Rodney’s shoulder, Sheppard said jovially, “Attaboy, McKay. We’ll start tomorrow at oh-eight hundred.”

“That early?” Rodney squawked, eyes wide in shock.

“That late, you mean?” Sheppard teased with a wink. “Better get your beauty sleep, McKay. Don’t be late.”

It took Rodney a minute to realize that Sheppard had actually left. Shaking off the stupor he found himself in, he returned to work, only to be interrupted hours later by Carson radioing him. “Rodney, if you still want to be the first to receive the gene therapy, you’ll need to stop by my office first thing.”

Straightening so fast he cricked his back, Rodney spluttered, “It’s ready? You sure?”

“Aye, Rodney. Now, did you want to be the first or should I go looking-?”

“Of course I’ll go first,” Rodney snapped.

“First thing in the morning, then,” Carson piped through his ear, sounding far too amused to Rodney’s liking.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“It should be illegal to be up this early,” Rodney groused upon entering the infirmary at half past seven the following morning. “I haven’t even had-,” he paused, eyes widening at the mug Carson was holding out for him. “Oh! Coffee! Gimme!” Rodney said, making grabby hands.

Shaking his head, Carson rolled his eyes at his friend. “I know better than to ask you to function before you’ve had your first cup of coffee, Rodney. Now here, sit,” he said, patting the bed.

Draining the mug, Rodney placed it on the table before hopping up on the bed. Carson cocked an eyebrow and suppressed a grin. “I’m surprised you’re so eager to volunteer for this, Rodney,” he said while preparing the syringe.

“Oh, you know me, always eager to help.” Was Carson kidding? Like he would be able to resist the chance to be able to work the Ancient tech himself?

Giving him a skeptical look, Carson tied the tourniquet above Rodney’s elbow. “So, did you have any questions about the process? I mean you are a scientist.”

Rodney scoffed. “Er, yeah. I’m sorry, but er, medicine is about as much of a science as, oh, I don’t know, voodoo?”

Slapping Rodney’s elbow a little harder than Rodney felt completely necessary, Carson said tersely, “Right.”

“All I need to know is that it will enable to me to use Ancient technology like Major Sheppard… or yourself,” Rodney added almost as an afterthought.

“Yes,” Carson agreed amicably. “Hopefully. You are the first human trial.”

That gave Rodney pause. Of course he knew he was the first to be given the therapy, but he hadn’t really considered that that meant it hadn’t be tried on humans before. “W-why now?” he asked, suddenly feeling uncertain. “I mean, if this is possible, we need as many people with the gene as we can get.”

“Well, actually, without FDA approval it’s virtually impossible to-,” Carson trailed off when he noticed the look of discomfort on Rodney’s face.

Suddenly, Rodney wasn’t at all sure this was such a good idea anymore. Every B-movie he’d ever seen that involved gene manipulation began to play itself out in his head. And when Carson mentioned using a mouse retrovirus to introduce the therapy, Rodney started to feel a little ill. Before he could protest, though, Carson pierced the skin of his elbow and injected the serum into his system.

Wincing, Rodney clenched his fist, surprised to find something in it. He hadn’t even realized he had taken it out of his pocket during Carson’s little speech.

Carson glanced at what he was holding as he finished up with Rodney. “What’s that?”

Tossing the device in his hand, Rodney grinned. It was the same one Sheppard had tried to pick up the day before. After the major had left his office, Rodney had done a little digging and found an entry on the thing in one of the logs from one of the myriad Ancient scientists. As far as he could tell it was sort of like a personal shield, and now that he was going to be part of a gate team, that didn’t seem like such a bad thing to have.

“This? Oh, nothing. Just something I found in one of the research labs. Something the Ancients were experimenting with,” Rodney hedged.

Raising his eyebrows, Carson sounded worried when he asked, “Do you know what it is?”

Gazing at the device, Rodney gently stroked its edge with his thumb. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure.” At least, he hoped he was. He really hoped he was. Clearing his throat, he sat up a little straighter. “So, how long before we know this worked?”

Carson shrugged as he tidied up. “Eh, it could take some time. Just go about your day and let me know if you notice any changes.”

Pocketing the device, Rodney hopped to his feet. “Will do. Er… I should be safe to go to target practice, right?”

Looking over his shoulder in surprise, Carson gaped. “Target practice? What do you need target practice for, Rodney?”

Beaming with pride, Rodney bounced on the balls of his feet, his hands clasped behind his back. “Major Sheppard asked me to be a part of his team.”

“You don’t say?” Carson replied, seeming pleased. “Aye, Rodney, you should be fine. Just go about your business as usual.” After a pause, he added mischievously, “Remember, Rodney, the barrel of the gun is supposed to point away from you.”

“Oh, ha ha,” Rodney scoffed. “Very funny.”

As Rodney headed out the infirmary, Carson called after him. “Be careful, Rodney, and good luck.”

When Rodney arrived at the shooting range, Sheppard was already there. Without taking his attention from checking the guns laid out before him, he muttered, “You’re late.”

“Oh, am I? Sorry, I had to stop by Carson’s first thing.” Rodney actually blushed, a sinking feeling in his stomach at the thought of having disappointed the major before they had even begun. What if he changed his mind about letting Rodney on the team?

Sheppard abruptly looked up, concern on his face as he inspected Rodney carefully. “Everything alright?”

Grinning, Rodney rocked back and forth. “Oh yes, everything’s fine. Well, maybe. Hopefully,” he added when he saw the man’s eyebrows try to climb up to his hair. Waving the major’s concerns aside, he said with more confidence than he really felt, “The ATA therapy was finally ready, so if you’re ignoring the fact that my DNA is being rewritten quite literally as we speak, then yes, I’m perfectly okay.”

Flashing a grin, Sheppard nodded. “Good. You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” Rodney said, gulping as he wiped his suddenly sweaty palms on his pants.

First, the major walked him through the various guns they would be using on a mission. He showed Rodney how to safely operate each one before he allowed Rodney to take his first shot. They were focusing on handguns for now, leaving the P90 for when he had more experience.

The theory behind everything came easily enough to Rodney. It was the actual holding the gun and having it recoil with every shot that threw him off. Every time he squeezed the trigger, Rodney wanted to shy away from it, which was absolutely the wrong thing to do. Sheppard remained patient throughout, calmly explaining the steps again.

When Rodney still had trouble not flinching with every shot, Sheppard tapped his shoulder and held out a different handgun. “Here. Use this instead.” A questioning look only made the major roll his eyes and point to the target. “Shoot.”

Shaking his head, Rodney sighed, took his stance, and fired – only to nearly drop the gun completely in shock. “What the hell, Sheppard?” Was he playing some kind of joke on him? If so, it was not funny! That time had been much worse than the others.

Raising his eyebrows in challenge, John merely pointed to the target again. “Keep firing. Trust me.”

Watching him closely for a while, Rodney weighed his options. He could throw in the towel and for certain lose any hope of actually going on away missions, despite the invitation. Or he could do as Sheppard said and trust that he knew what he was doing. Biting his lip, Rodney quickly ran several scenarios through his head, but all of them resulted in the same. He honestly had no idea why, but he did trust the man in front of him, and trust wasn’t something Rodney was known to give easily.

“Okay,” he finally said, gripping the gun and turning back to the target. He fired ten times, only hitting the board twice, and he just could not keep from flinching. Feeling utterly disappointed in himself, he gently put the gun down and scrubbed his face in annoyance. “I’m sorry,” he said when he finally looked Sheppard in the eye. “I’m just no good at this.”

Clasping Rodney’s shoulder, Sheppard gave him a reassuring smile. “Sure you are. Or at least, you will be.” Handing him the first gun again, he tilted his head toward the target. “Try again.”

Frowning, Rodney accepted the gun and after taking several deep breaths and casting a dubious look at his teacher, he tried again. And hit center mass of the target, the lesser recoil practically a relief. With a whoop, Rodney flailed his hands, still holding the gun, all but forgotten. “Oh my God! Did you see that? Did you see?!”

With quick, efficient movements, Sheppard grabbed the gun and removed it from Rodney’s hands with an admonishing look. “Yeah, McKay. I saw. Great shot.”

Blushing, Rodney started to babble, talking with his hands as much as his mouth like he always did when he got agitated. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. But did you see? I hit it! Right in the chest, and I never thought I’d be able to and then you switched guns on me and the recoil got worse and I reallyreallyreally thought I was just going to screw up completely and then you’d never let me go on the team and-.”

“McKay!” Clamping a hand over Rodney’s mouth, Sheppard sighed. “Just be careful next time, okay? Guns aren’t toys. Now come on. Try again. You have to practice so you can get a perfect shot every time.”

Rodney nodded, wide-eyed. He was mortified that he’d first started waving the gun around and then basically word-vomited all over the major. Though now that he thought about it, the man didn’t seem phased in the slightest. In fact, unless Rodney was very much mistaken, he thought he detected a hint of pride in his eyes as he watched Rodney.

Sheppard lifted his hand away slowly and flashed Rodney a grin. “Ready?”

Taking a deep breath, Rodney nodded again. They spent another half hour on the range before calling it quits. Rodney was fairly pleased with himself. He hadn’t managed another kill shot as the major called it, but he had hit the target more often than not in the end.

Sheppard smiled as he set about cleaning the guns before putting them away. “You did good, McKay. You keep it up, we’ll make a crack shot out of you yet.”

Rodney snorted. He doubted that very much, but he would be happy enough if he could hold his own in the field. He hated the idea of becoming a liability. That reminded him of something. He fished the device out of his pocket and held it in front of him as he thought ‘on’, just to see if the gene therapy had done anything yet. “Yes!” he cheered, loud enough to make the major jump.

“McKay?”

Grinning, Rodney felt as if he had just been given the best gift ever. He stuck the device to his chest where it remained, glowing faintly. “It worked,” he said triumphantly. “Carson’s voodoo actually worked!”

“That’s great, McKay.” Sheppard both looked and sounded genuinely pleased for Rodney. “Isn’t that that thing I was about to pick up yesterday?” Rodney nodded as John tried to touch it only to be met by a forcefield that caused the area the shimmer with green light. “Whoa… is that-?”

“A personal shield? Yes, yes it is,” Rodney gloated. “Go on. Try to hurt me.”

Frowning in disbelief, Sheppard shrugged, then kicked Rodney in the shin. Or, he tried to. “Ow!” Hopping on one foot, the man scowled at him briefly before the implications sunk in. Then his expression shifted to one of childlike delight as he pulled out his gun. He held it up, silently asking for permission which Rodney gave by virtue of waving him on. Sheppard hesitated a moment, apparently trying to judge where he would do least damage in case things went wrong, then fired at Rodney’s leg.

The bullet ricocheted off to the side, embedding itself in the partition. Eyes shining with glee, they grinned at each other and in unison declared, “This is so. Cool!”

 

next

“Where do you want this, doc?” Ioan asked, trying his best not to drop the heavy box filled with equipment. Williams grunted as he shifted his end of it.

Radek and Mac both turned to the soldiers, unsure who was being addressed. “Ah, yes, yes,” Radek muttered. “Please, put over there, Lieutenant. Next to kettle. Careful please, so as not to break beakers, yes?”

Ioan grinned as they did as directed. He rather liked the little Czech man. “So, doc, how’d you convince the higher ups to okay a distillery?” Ioan asked even as Williams left the room.

Radek grinned mischievously. “Actually, I didn’t.”

Mac coughed into his fist, giving Ioan a sly look. “I did. Alcohol is one of the main antiseptics we can produce, after all. There are many applications,” he added seriously.

Barking out a laugh, Ioan shook his head incredulous. “And they bought that?”

Mac chuckled. “General O’Neill did not take much convincing. In fact, he seemed rather miffed he hadn’t thought of it himself.”

“Nice. I’ve always liked him.”

“General O’Neill is good man,” Radek agreed.

“Well, I’m looking forward to seeing what you two manage to do with this thing,” Ioan said, patting the kettle. “Good luck. I better get back to work.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kimberly surveyed the empty space with a critical eye. “You sure this one’ll work best, Miko?” she asked her friend. She had to admit the room was large enough to house all the sewing paraphernalia and other craft related things. The light in here was great – as was the view – thanks to an entire wall of windows. They’d already discarded several other areas before finding this one and, in all honesty, Kimberly just wanted to be done.

Miko cast another glance around, then nodded. Her face was alight with pleasure at the prospect of working here. “Hai! It will be perfect. You’ll see.”

Smiling, Kimberly chuckled. “You seem pretty eager for this. I didn’t realize you were such a seamstress,” she teased.

Miko turned to her wide-eyed. “I learn to sew when all I could find in shops was clothes for young girls. Is hard to find suitable wardrobe if you don’t want to wear Hello Kitty.”

Markham, who was walking up behind them pushing a cart with sewing machines and bolts of cloth on it, snorted a laugh. Quickly turning it into a cough, he mumbled, “Sorry.”

Stackhouse, following along with a cart full of tables, laughed at his friend. Shaking his head, he grinned at Miko. “Where would you like these set up, ma’am?”

Kimberly’s lips twitched as she fought a smile. She studiously looked out the windows to avoid meeting her friend’s eyes. She heard Miko’s stifled amusement, though.

“Set up here, and here if you would, and leave the rest against the wall. Will figure it out once we have unpacked everything and start working,” Miko said quietly.

Once the sergeants were done, they left the two women to their own devices. Pushing up her sleeves, Kimberly shot a quick glance at Miko. “You know, I’m actually a little surprised that McKay doesn’t have all of us slaving away, trying to figure out every little thing they’ve discovered so far.” Kimberly was fine with getting the household part of the equation over with as fast as possible, but she couldn’t deny wanting to start doing the real work, either. They’d been hard at it for days already, finding places to live, to use as offices, gyms, changing rooms. The list was ongoing but at least they were nearing the end, since this would be one of the last spaces to set up.

Pausing from opening a box, Miko hummed thoughtfully. “I suspect he would, except Dr. Weir has said the tech will be there later and we need to settle in as much as possible first. All we do now is go through everything as we can, organizing as we go. Dr. McKay and Dr. Grodin are busy connecting our computers to the Ancient consoles in the control room and the lab Dr. McKay will be using, and now distillery is set up and running, Dr. Zelenka will help them.”

Kimberly nodded. She knew that, of course, but she had still been surprised by it, knowing how eager Rodney had been to get started. Dr. Weir had a point, though. It was probably a good idea to get things set up as quickly as possible. Who knew what they would need or when, and working out what was where in a crisis situation could prove disastrous. Of course, the same could be said for figuring out all the Ancient technology in the same situation, but they could only do their best.

They worked for a while, sorting through the boxes and getting a couple of sewing machines set up and in working order. They had just maneuvered a small weaving loom – still unassembled – into the spot Miko had picked for it when Ioan knocked on a table to get their attention.

“Hey,” he said, smiling. “How’s it going? Did you two need any help with anything?”

Straightening, Kimberly brushed her hair out of her face and smiled. “No, we’re good, thanks.”

Ioan looked almost disappointed, she thought. Clearing his throat, he scratched the back of his neck. “Okay. Well… Evan said they had the kitchen all set up and would be serving actual food for lunch rather than MREs. Would you like to grab some?”

Kimberly bit her lip to keep from grinning at the hint of a blush on Ioan’s cheeks. She found it far too alluring for her own good, not that she’d admit that to anyone. Well, maybe to a girlfriend after a bottle of wine, but certainly not to anyone else. “Sure. I’d like that.”

He really was cute, she thought as she stared just a beat too long into his eyes. Shaking her head, she turned to Miko. “You hungry?” Without waiting for an answer, she hooked her arm through Miko’s and said cheerfully, “C’mon. Any votes on what’s being served? I say mashed potatoes with gravy, and Salisbury steak, with jello for dessert.”

As they passed Ioan, who was looking mildly disappointed, she slipped her free arm through his and winked. She chuckled at the transformation on his face as the three of them headed toward what had been dubbed the mess hall.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Later, Carson, I’m busy,” Rodney said, waving him off before Carson had even finished saying hello.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Carson huffed. “I can see that. When’s the last time you ate, lad?”

“Ate?” Rodney asked confused, actually having to think about his answer.

“Yes, Rodney, ate. You know, that thing you do where you put food in your mouth and generally chew and swallow in order to nourish your body and avoid going into hypoglycemic shock?” Carson snarked, though there was no real bite to it. He knew his friend too well after all this time. When he got absorbed in his work, everything else was forgotten including his basic needs, which in Rodney’s case could lead to dire consequences. It was, after all, why Carson had sought him out in order to make sure Rodney wouldn’t end up in the infirmary.

Finally raising his head, Rodney mumbled, “Idon’tremember… I think I had a PowerBar this morning?”

“A PowerBar. Right.” Sighing, Carson grabbed Rodney’s shoulder and manhandled his friend out of his office. “Lunch for you, lad. No arguments. Doctor’s orders.”

Rodney protested more out of habit than anything else as they walked along the corridor. When Carson didn’t relent, Rodney huffed. “Fine, but there better not be anything lemony in sight.”

“I know, Rodney,” Carson said patiently, rolling his eyes.

Snapping his fingers, Rodney suddenly grinned. “Hey, Carson. How is your gene therapy coming along? Are you going to be ready to test it out soon?”

Carson grinned. “Aye, I am, actually. I think I’ve gotten the right sequence down. It helped to have Major Sheppard’s DNA since his ATA is so much stronger. I’m going to try it on the mice this afternoon as a matter of fact,” he said happily, feeling quite pleased with himself. If this worked, then Rodney and his minions wouldn’t need to bother him for anything gene-related anymore, which suited Carson just fine. If he never had to sit in a chair like in Antarctica again, it would be too soon for him, and Carson was aware that Atlantis supposedly had one as well.

Rodney rubbed his hands together with glee. “And when it’s ready, I go first. Right? That is what we agreed on,” he reminded Carson.

“I know, Rodney. Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten.”

When they walked into the mess hall, it was packed. It surprised Carson, though he supposed it shouldn’t now that the kitchens were actually functioning and proper meals were being prepared as opposed to what the military deemed fit for human consumption.

Of course, Rodney lamented the lack of MREs, and loudly so. “But I like them. I like knowing exactly what’s in them. No mystery foods and no surprise lemon.”

Carson had impressed on everyone who would share kitchen duty that there were a few cases of severe allergies among the expedition members. Some of them were already aware of Rodney’s extreme reaction to anything citrus, having worked in the mountain prior to sorting to Atlantis. What Rodney probably wasn’t aware of was that Carson also had made sure that they had taken citrus free cleaners along, so he was fairly confident that there would be no contamination risks for his friend. “Don’t worry, Rodney. No lemons. Now hurry up and get your food, there’s a line forming.”

As soon as they both had their mac ‘n cheese, broccoli, and chicken, they looked around for a table. Kimberly waved them over. “Carson, Rodney, come sit with us.”

‘Us’ turned out to be the Lornes, Major Sheppard, Kimberly, and Dr. Kusanagi, leaving only one seat open. Frowning, Carson opened his mouth to object when Major Lorne got to his feet. “Don’t worry, doc, I was leaving anyway. Have to get back on duty, so feel free to take my seat,” he said with a smile.

“Ah, well, alright then. Thank you, Major.” Carson’s smile widened at the prospect of sharing a table with Miko, then faltered when Rodney took the seat next to Major Sheppard, leaving only the one next to Miko open, with Kimberly opposite Carson.

“C’mon, Carson, before your food gets cold,” cajoled Kimberly with a teasing smile.

Carson glanced at Miko. “Do you mind?” he asked her quietly, his throat suddenly dry. When she shook her head with a shy smile, he took a steadying breath and sat down. “Thank you,” he murmured.

Finding himself tongue-tied, Carson concentrated on his food, though he ended up picking at it more than eating it while the conversations flowed around him. Rodney and the major were discussing Atlantis’ technology, while Kimberly and the younger Lorne brother were discussing the aesthetics of the city.

Kimberly kicked Carson under the table, causing him to hiss and grab his shin. Glaring at her, he mouthed, “What was that for?” Kimberly rolled her eyes, nodded pointedly at Miko and returned his glare. He got the message quite plainly: Talk to her!

Right. He could do that. He could. Taking a drink of water, he gathered his nerve, then turned to Miko. “So how are you enjoying the city so far, Doctor?” Carson flinched. He might as well have asked her about the weather. He was such an idiot sometimes. Still, he couldn’t very well take the words back, so he waited for her to answer.

Miko chuckled, her hand covering her mouth. Clearing her throat lightly, she blushed and couldn’t quite meet his eyes. “Please, forgive me. I like Atlantis very much. Like I told Ioan our first day, I have not known this sense of peace in many years. Atlantis, she feels like home, does she not?”

Carson couldn’t quite help the goofy smile that spread over his lips. “Aye, that she does, lass.”

They made small talk after that, mostly sticking to things related to the city, with everyone participating in the conversation. Half an hour later, Kimberly got to her feet with a sigh. “Suppose we’d better get back to it, too, Miko.”

Miko nodded, then paused as she got to her feet. Leaning in to Carson, she said quietly, “You call me Miko, yes?”

Carson’s eyes widened, as did his smile. “Aye. Thank you, lass. If you’ll call me Carson.”

“Hai. Have a good day, Carson,” Miko murmured, blushing beautifully.

“You, too,” Carson managed a beat late, staring after her as she and Kimberly left the mess hall.

 

next

Peering at his screen, Rodney was still coming down of the adrenaline rush from having the shields collapse and the city rise to the surface. Of all the possible outcomes he’d come up with, that had not been one of them, but he was more than happy to be wrong just this once. Elizabeth had wanted another day in the city and now they had however long they wanted as far as he could determine.

All around him people were starting to organize. Now that the imminent danger was over, they could begin settling in for the long haul. He paid no mind to all the goings on, though. He was too busy trying to figure out their status.

With a sigh, he straightened when Elizabeth approached him. “The last zero point module is depleted, but limited power has returned now that our generators aren’t going to hold back an ocean. Life support systems are working but the planet’s atmosphere is breathable. Notwithstanding the inevitable allergens,” he added with a slight grimace.

“So… now can our naquadah generators supply enough power to the shield for defensive purposes?” Elizabeth asked hopefully.

“Not even close,” Rodney said dryly.

“On the surface without a shield? We’re target practice,” Sheppard supplied, frowning in displeasure.

“I’m acutely aware of that, Major, but thank you for reinforcing it.” Rodney couldn’t keep the sarcasm from his voice even if he’d been willing to try. What was it about these military men and always stating the obvious? He’d thought the major might be cut from better cloth than he was used to dealing with, after their time in Antarctica, but maybe he was wrong.

Taking a steadying breath, the major stepped up to Rodney. “When can you tell me where the Wraith took Colonel Sumner and the others?” The calmness with which he spoke had a hint of danger to it.

Rodney gave the major a patronizing look as he explained, “Even with the six symbols Lieutenant Ford provided, there are still hundreds of permutations.”

With a level look, Sheppard cut him off. “Seven hundred and twenty.”

Rodney blinked, momentarily stunned into silence. “Yes,” he finally managed. At Sheppard’s head tilt that clearly said, Well there you go then, Rodney continued. “I knew that of course.” Clearing his throat lightly, he added, “I’m just surprised you did.” He really hoped he wasn’t blushing because the fact that Sheppard had so readily supplied that number was more of a turn on for Rodney than he’d ever readily admit to.

Sheppard didn’t seem to notice, though. “Take away the coordinates you can’t get a lock on and that’s your one. And when you find it, send a M.A.L.P.”

Rodney’s mouth worked silently but, unable to think of a worthy response, he walked away to do as ordered. And since when did he follow orders so easily? He was vaguely aware of Elizabeth taking Sheppard aside, but Rodney was already too focused on his task to pay them any heed.

It took him a lot longer than he would have liked to hit the right address. By the time he had the M.A.L.P. ready to go, both Elizabeth and Sheppard were in the control room. “Go ahead, Rodney,” Elizabeth said.

Sending the M.A.L.P. through the event horizon, Rodney held his breath. He knew that whatever findings it came back with, people’s lives would depend on it. The disappointment that washed over him when the readings came back with no atmosphere was visceral. The confirmation that the machine had been sent through a space gate – and since when did those exist? – hit home when first the planet and then the gate itself spiraled into view.

“Well there goes that M.A.L.P.,” Rodney muttered.

“It’s in space,” Sheppard said, nonplussed.

“You sure this is the right address?” Elizabeth hedged, hopeful there was still a chance.

Rodney nodded. “It’s the only one we could get a lock on,” he replied bitterly.

Elizabeth sighed. “Very well. Shut it down.” Passing by the major, she paused. “Sorry.”

Sheppard grimaced, giving her a curt nod.

Annoyed as Rodney was about the loss of a perfectly good piece of equipment, he was more put out by not being able to give Sheppard the one thing he would need for Elizabeth to greenlight a rescue. And then it hit him. Snapping his fingers a couple of times, he straightened from his console and turned to the man. “Come with me, Major.”

He didn’t wait to see if the man followed, Rodney simply walked off. Neither of them spoke until they hit the small aircraft hangar. “I remembered someone reporting finding these before the whole shield thing happened.”

They stood at the entrance, taking a moment to take in the scope of what they were seeing. There were several spaceships parked in the area, and the bay itself lit up as Sheppard moved forward. When they got to the nearest ship, Rodney indicated where to open it and they stepped inside. Rodney firmly squashed the irritation at the tech coming to life for the major. Now was so not the time to be focused on that.

Sheppard moved to the front of the ship, looking intrigued.

“Think you can fly it?” Rodney asked.

Glancing over his shoulder, Sheppard gave him a half-grin. “Why don’t we find out?”

Which is how Rodney found himself sitting in the co-pilot’s seat as the major attempted to get the ship airborne. It took him a couple of attempts before he was satisfied he wouldn’t crash it into anything, and the entire time Rodney was equal parts thrilled and horrified as they made a tight circle in the bay.

“You did good, McKay. This ought to bring Dr. Weir around,” Sheppard said firmly.

Clearing his throat, Rodney nodded. “I’ll go get her, shall I?” he ventured. At the man’s nod, Rodney hurried back to Elizabeth’s office. When he finally got there, out of breath from both running and excitement, he wanted to smack himself. Why hadn’t he simply thought to page her on the coms and have her meet them in the bay? Ah well, too late now, so he might as well get on with it.

As they walked, he explained what they’d discovered. Elizabeth still seemed uncertain about the prospect of mounting a rescue, and it didn’t help matters when they entered the bay with no major or ship in sight – or rather, the vessel they had taken for a spin. It was just gone. There was an odd humming that hadn’t been there before, however.

“What is that noise?” Elizabeth asked, looking around for the source.

“I don’t get it, he was right here,” Rodney exclaimed, confused. “Major?!” When the ship decloaked behind him, Rodney turned in shock and before he could think better on it, waved stupidly, feeling ridiculous.

“You wanted a technical advantage,” came Sheppard’s voice over the coms.

Elizabeth seemed impressed, as well as reluctant. “Alright. So you can fly this thing. That doesn’t mean you can pull off a rescue.”

“Doctor,” Sheppard said firmly. “This is why you brought me here.”

Was it getting warm in here, Rodney wondered as he took in the absolute confidence of the man in the cockpit. He couldn’t put a finger on exactly why, but in that moment he fully believed Major Sheppard to be capable of just about anything he set his mind to.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

John tried to familiarize himself with the console while he waited for the rescue team to settle in behind him. Ford took a seat next to him, looking more like a kid being allowed on his first carnival ride than a Marine about to head out to cause trouble.

“Alright, gateship-1, ready to go,” Ford said with a huge grin.

Shooting him an incredulous look, John wondered who had thought up that ridiculous name. “Gateship-1? A little puddlejumper like this?” he scoffed.

“It’s a ship that goes through the gate,” Ford defended. “Gateship-1,” he said, as if that settled the matter.

“Oh no, no, no. That’s all wrong,” John said, smirking and shaking his head. Did these people know nothing about naming a ship? It was obvious to John that the lieutenant had never piloted a ship before.

“Dr. McKay thought it was cool,” Ford said with a hint of petulance in his voice.

“Oh,” John muttered. That certainly explained some of it. Suppressing a grin, he added, “Okay, well it’s official.” Ford nodded as if he’d gotten his way, but his smirk vanished when John continued, “You don’t get to name anything. Ever.”

Switching on the coms to the control room, John said smoothly, “Flight, this is puddlejumper,” shooting an amused look at the man next to him he added, “We’re go for launch.”

John bit his lip as Rodney’s voice came over the com. “Err, this is flight. I thought we were going with gateship?”

“Negative, flight.” He definitely enjoyed messing with the man a little too much for his own good.

“Standby.”

John could well imagine Rodney’s reaction just from how he’d sounded, but he still wished he could have seen his face. When Rodney came back, John could hear the annoyed capitulation in his voice. “Fine. Puddlejumper you are clear for launch.”

John nodded. “Dial it up, Lieutenant.” It was go-time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If John were completely honest with himself, he would admit that the longer he and Ford walked around the Hive ship, the more unsettled he became. Things had been eerily quiet from the moment he had landed the puddlejumper on the planet, and that just didn’t bode well. To put it in terms his brother used to say: his spidey sense was tingling.

A single Wraith passing near them was all the life they’d come across so far and apparently, Ford was of like mind. “I thought getting in was going to be the hard part, but that’s the first one we’ve seen,” he said, planting C-4.

John wasn’t naïve enough to believe that things could ever be this easy, however, so he remained vigilant as they moved ever inward in search of their quarry. Pulling out the handheld device the jumper had spit out, he looked at the screen. “Moving dot should be him,” he mused. Just to make sure, he ordered Ford to walk a few paces in the opposite direction. “Yeah, that’s you.”

“So,” Ford said with a smirk, “we got ourselves a lifesigns detector.”

Suppressing a sigh, as well as an eyeroll, John murmured, “We can name it later.” Taking another look at the screen, he chose a path and headed out, hoping to find the right dots.

After a few minutes, a cluster of them appeared and before he could see them, he heard Teyla whisper, “Major?”

“Shh!” Creeping up to the enclosure, John did a quick headcount. “Are you alright?”

“How did you find us?” Teyla asked, seeming uncertain he was truly there.

Halling was right on her heels with, “Is my son alive?” He looked both hopeful and fearful of John’s answer.

Giving him a quick reassuring smile, John said, “He’s well and waiting for you.” Halling heaved a sigh of relief. Scanning the cell once more, John frowned and turned to Bates. “Where’s Colonel Sumner?”

Grimacing, the man replied, “He was taken by the Wraith.”

Teyla added, “We do not know where.”

“Well, how about when?” John’s sense of foreboding had increased in leaps and bounds at the news.

A tiny spark of hope returned at Teyla’s, “Not long.”

Contacting Stackhouse, he ordered them to create a diversion. He wasn’t sure what he might be able to do, but John knew he had to at least try to get Sumner out. He hadn’t come all this way just to leave the man behind. Turning to Ford, he ordered, “I want you to plant more C-4, and in about twenty I want you to blow a hole in these cells and get these people out. I should be able to find the colonel with this,” he added, holding up the handheld device. He refused on principle to think of it as a lifesign detector just yet. “There aren’t that many Wraith around.”

Ford’s jaw clenched. “You’re the only one that can fly us out of here, Major.”

“I know. And I’ll fly us all out of here, including the colonel,” John assured with more confidence than he actually felt.

“I’m saying I should be the one to go, sir.”

John had to hand it to the lieutenant, he had a point. But like the man said, John was the only one who could fly them out and therefore also the only one that could operate the device, which left him few options. “Twenty minutes, I’ll find him,” he repeated before starting off, trusting Ford to follow his orders.

This place was a freaking maze. So many twists and turns it was all John could do to keep track of them so he would be able to find his way back. Still, he had yet to come across another lifesign, which was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it meant no other Wraith. A curse because he had yet to locate Sumner.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered by a piercing scream that John instinctively knew was Sumner’s. Keeping one eye on the screen, he followed the sound until he could go no farther. The sound was ahead and below him, so he went to all fours and crawled to a small space to peer down. What he saw made his breath catch. Some tall woman was doing something to the colonel’s chest and Sumner appeared to be aging right in front of his eyes!

He had no idea how it was happening, but he had to do something to stop her killing the colonel. He put three bullets through her back, and immediately followed by killing one of the other Wraith in the room with them. The female let out a shriek. John had to duck for cover as a third Wraith fired an energy weapon of some sort at him.

When he turned back and shot again, he paused, unable to believe his eyes. The female was standing, not a wound in sight, and Colonel Sumner was all but a living husk. Sumner stared John right in the eye with a look that said quite plainly: Shoot me. End this already. Please. John knew that look. Had seen it on several occasions in the field, but had up until now never had to act on it. He’d always persevered and managed to get the other person to safety – or they had been killed by someone else before he could think twice about the matter.

Not this time, however. This time, John knew it was up to him to end Sumner’s suffering. He knew it, he understood it, and it filled his gut with dread. Still, there was no other choice to make. Sumner was as good as dead already and not taking the shot just meant prolonging his pain. Steeling himself, John took his time to get the shot right, and with a nod, fired, aiming at the hand on Sumner’s chest. “I’m sorry,” John muttered under his breath as he watched the man collapse in a heap.

John stared in disbelief as the female Wraith glared up at him, acting for all the world like the wound on her hand was of no matter. He had a split-second to wonder about the look of triumph that crossed her face before his world went black.

When he came to, he was propped up against a table, being held in place by one of the Wraith guards. Out of the corner of his eye, John saw the female approach. “How’s the hand feeling?”

She turned her hand as if to inspect it, then grinned at him. “Much. Better,” she gloated.

Well, damn. “Sorry to hear that.” And he truly was. He had put four bullets in her and none of them seemed to have done her any lasting damage. He couldn’t help but wonder what it would take for her to die.

As he lay there trying to think of a way out of this mess, the female paused and began rummaging through his tac vest. Taking out the handheld device she examined it carefully with a look of disbelief, then demanded, “How did this come to you?”

“I don’t remember,” he tried, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of an answer. The guard thumped his head against the table in retaliation. Yeah, that was definitely unpleasant, and that thing was much stronger than it looked. John was sure he was in some serious trouble here.

Just when the female raised her hand to attack him, John heard gunfire and one of the guards went down, soon followed by the one that was pinning him down. As soon as he was free, he clicked his radio, rolling off the table as he shouted, “Light it up!”

He grinned in satisfaction at the sound of multiple explosions. The female began to shriek at top volume, sounding the alarm. John scrambled to his feet, grabbing the weapon of the fallen guard. It looked spear-like, and he figured if bullets didn’t damage her, maybe that might. Rushing her, he jammed it right through her chest where a human’s heart would be. “That has to kill you,” he grunted as she gurgled in shock.

She slid to the floor when he pulled the weapon from her. Keeping his eyes on her, he asked Ford, “How’d you find me?”

“Treadmarks, standard issue. Sir, let’s go!” Ford looked around uneasily.

John glanced at him, impressed. He was about to compliment the lieutenant on his tracking skills when the female rasped, “You don’t know what you have done. We are merely the caretakers for those that sleep.When I die, the others will awaken. All of them.” A smile formed on her lips as she passed away.

Swallowing hard, John turned to the table and grabbed the device. “What’s she talking about?” Ford asked as John glanced at the screen. “How many are left?”

The screen started to fill with dots so quickly, it was hard to tell them apart. It felt as if a stone had landed in his gut as John looked up at the ceiling which began to light up. What he saw there, filled him with trepidation. Writhing forms, all waking up, and they would be after them all. Ford handed him a gun. “Sir, we need to leave.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Checking Kate’s chart, Mac smiled at her. “You’ll be right as rain in a couple of days,” he assured. “Though unfortunately you’re going to have to miss the party.”

Chuckling, Kate winced, holding a hand to her head. “So are you, doctor. The first one on Atlantis.”

Mac shrugged, eyes roaming the rest of his patients – a few of his expedition members as well as a couple of Athosians that had been injured either during the attack on Athos or the surfacing of the city. Turning back to Kate, he grinned. “I’m sure there’ll be plenty of others. And Carson promised he’d have some food and drink sent up for everyone here in a few, so we won’t lose out completely.”

“Small comfort,” Kate murmured, “but one I’ll happily take, all things considered.” She adjusted her position in the bed, wincing once more.

“You lie back now,” Mac admonished. “You have a minor concussion as well as severe bruising. You’re lucky you didn’t get hurt worse than you did, so don’t go aggravating things.”

“Yes, sir.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Teyla watched her people with fondness as they mingled with the Lanteans. She had believed she would never see them again after she had been captured by the Wraith. To be with them now, to see Halling reunited with his son, it filled Teyla with hope. Hope was a new emotion for her. Determination. Loyalty. Love. Fear. Those she was well familiar with, but hope she had never before dared express. Thanks to Major Sheppard and his people, she felt she finally could.

She saw a chance to stand up to the Wraith. To maybe do more than that, even. These people around her, who had welcomed them with open arms even though they didn’t know one another, had weapons and knowledge no one she knew possessed. Surely that had to mean things were about to change, and for the better. She needed to believe that. For her own sake as well as that of her people. They had lost their home, but perhaps they would no longer lose any of their friends and families.

Even as she thought about all of this, she observed the Lanteans, too. Noting several instances where people kept circling back to a specific person. A look that lingered just a little longer than normal. A casual touch. It made her smile, as well as wonder what their relationships were. How much they differed from her own society.

Behind her, she could hear Dr. Weir and Major Sheppard speak. Her heart ached for him when he said, “I still have to live with it,” when Dr. Weir reminded him he could not have saved his colonel. She agreed wholeheartedly with her assessment. She knew all too well the treatment a human received at the hands of a Wraith, and she was all too aware there was no cure for being fed on by them.

“I’m beginning to think you were right,” Major Sheppard continued, sounding morose. “I have made things much worse. And I haven’t exactly made us many more friends out here.”

Turning, Teyla watched as Dr. Weir took in the people gathered there. “No? Look around you,” she said, smiling warmly.

Teyla walked over to them. “I agree, Major Sheppard.” Placing her hands on his shoulders, she leaned forward. After a moment’s hesitation, the major met her halfway and completed the Athosian greeting of friendship. Smiling up at him, she said sincerely, “You have earned both my friendship, and that of my people. With our help you will make many more friends.”

She meant that, too. She would do whatever she could to help these new friends. Not just because she felt she owed them, but because it was the right thing to do.

 

next

“The M.A.L.P. reads full viability, and no immediate signs of activity around the stargate but it’s pitch black.” Dr. Grodin read off the data on his pad as it came in.

Sumner took in his men, his jaw tightening as Sheppard joined his team. Glancing up to the balcony at Dr. Weir, he suppressed his desire to go up and give her his opinion. How dare she interfere with his command! Giving her a look that plainly said, ‘Are you kidding, lady?’ he could only sigh at the look of determination she gave him in return.

If the situation weren’t as dire as it was, he would have taken the time to argue his case, but as things stood, he had little choice. Atlantis was running out of time and they needed to find a safe planet to evacuate to before the city’s shields failed. Sumner would just have to grin and bear Sheppard’s presence for now. There really was no time to argue the matter. Accepting the G.D.O. from Dr. Grodin, Sumner turned to his men and barked, “Let’s move out!” and stepped through the gate.

Once on the other side, everyone got into formation and even Sheppard fell into line. The area was clear, so he ordered his men to fan out in search of civilization. A few minutes after they had started, a commotion at the end of the line got his attention. Making his way over, Sumner bit back a growl. Sheppard. Of course. Casting a dismissive glance over the spectacle in front of him – two small boys and one adult male all but cowering in front of the major and Lieutenant Ford – he asked sarcastically, “Everything okay here, Sheppard?”

“Yes, sir. Just a couple of kids.”

Lowering his weapon, Sumner sighed. Yeah, he was sincerely going to regret having to deal with the major. He could feel it in his bones. When the man who’d been protecting the children got to his feet and seemed to loom over Sumner, he automatically raised his weapon to the man. He didn’t much care for it when people towered over him. Not that Sumner was short by any standard, but still.

“Halling,” the man said to Sheppard.

Sheppard looked confused as he replied, “I don’t know what that means.”

It took everything Sumner had in him not to roll his eyes as he said incredulously, “That’s his name.”

“Oh. Halling. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Are you here to trade?” Halling asked.

Sheppard nodded and, sounding more and more like an idiot in Sumner’s estimation, replied, “Trade. Yes. We’re… we’re traders.”

Nodding, the man turned his attention to the boy next to him and knelt down so he was eye level with him. “How many times have I told you not to play in the woods after dark?” Sighing, he touched his forehead to the boy’s and added, “I’m just glad you’re safe.” Getting to his feet again, Halling looked at Sheppard once more – and wasn’t that just terrific – and said, “Teyla will wish to meet with you. Come.”

Halling placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder and together they guided the team to a camp nearby. Barking out orders for two of his men to stay by the gate and contact Dr. Weir, Sumner sorted the rest of his men back into formation. The entire time they were walking, Sumner stewed over the situation. He wasn’t best pleased with what he’d seen so far of Sheppard’s abilities and it just confirmed his opinion on the man.

As they walked, Ford approached him. “If you don’t mind my asking, sir. I noticed you had a problem with Major Sheppard.”

Glancing briefly over his shoulder at the man in question, Sumner turned to Ford and said, “I have a problem with his record. I don’t like anybody that doesn’t follow the proper chain of command.” Sumner hoped the young lieutenant would take that to heart. He had a lot of potential, but was impressionable still and he didn’t really want to have Sheppard be a bad influence on the kid.

Ford looked back toward Sheppard. “Yes, sir.”

Good, he’d gotten the message. Shifting his attention back to his surroundings, Sumner’s mouth tightened. The camp they were approaching was primitive at best. What little he could see of it showed absolutely no sign of technology, which wasn’t a good thing in his estimation.

Halling escorted them inside a tent and Sumner suppressed a sigh. Yep, primitive and of no use to him or his people. As Halling let the woman know they wished to trade, Sheppard pulled his night vision goggles off and ran his fingers through his hair in a disarming fashion. “Oh, it’s… it’s nice to meet you.”

Sumner stifled a snort at the image of a schoolboy taking off his cap in church came to mind. As the woman introduced herself as Teyla Emmagan, daughter of Tagan, Sumner took on introductions of him and his team. He couldn’t see how this diminutive tribal woman could be of any help, so he didn’t feel the need to be anything but direct. Then again, he was rarely anything but, anyway. “We have very few, specific needs-,” he started.

“We do not trade with strangers,” Teyla cut in empirically.

“Is that a fact?” Sumner muttered, reassessing her.

“Well… then we’ll just have to, err… we’ll have to get to know each other,” Sheppard said, offering her a charming smile. “Me, I like ferris wheels, college football, anything that goes over two hundred miles per hour.”

Sumner gave him an incredulous look even as Ford leaned into Sheppard and whispered, “Sir, that isn’t going to mean anything to them.”

Sheppard muttered from the corner of his mouth, “Feel free to speak up, I’m just trying to break the ice.”

Raising a brow, Sumner had to hand it to Sheppard, still he had a job to do. “These people can’t help us and I’d really rather not waste the time,” he said softly.

Before Sheppard could reply, Teyla spoke up. “Each morning before dawn, our people drink a stout tea to brace us for the coming day. Will you join us?”

Sheppard smirked and stepped forward. “I love a good cup of tea. Now you know something else about me. See? We’re practically friends already.”

Sumner’s lips twitched as he watched the interaction between the major and Teyla. Perhaps there was more to Sheppard than he’d initially thought. He’d warmed the woman up to them much faster than Sumner had believed possible. Away missions never went quite as smoothly in his opinion, but to Sheppard it seemed… easy. Maybe there was hope for the man yet.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Attention all personnel. This is Dr. Weir. As you may be aware, power levels are dropping and the shield is failing. We are going to have to abandon the city as soon as we possibly can. When Colonel Sumner reports he has found a safe place, I need each and every one of you to sort out quickly and quietly.”

Evan and Ioan exchanged ominous looks before turning to the balcony as one. Dr. Weir beckoned them upstairs and they double timed it. “Gentlemen. I’m going to need your help. Major Lorne, with Colonel Sumner and Major Sheppard gone, you’re next in line for command of the military contingent. We need to organize an evacuation, and we need to do it fast.” With a glance to Dr. McKay and Grodin, Elizabeth added, “Dr. McKay and his team are doing everything they can to minimize power usage and to boost what power Atlantis has with our generators, but I’m afraid it isn’t enough. I’m counting on you, Major.”

Evan nodded. “Yes ma’am. We’re on it.”

The brothers saluted her, then headed back to the gate room where Evan began barking out orders to sort through and gather the essentials for survival. Crazy as it was, considering they had spent so much time preparing and gathering ‘essentials’ prior to coming to Atlantis, he knew they would have to pare down even further. They might not have time to get everything through, after all, and people would be the most important.

Evan noticed Ioan talking to a couple of people who Evan thought were part of the medical team. He recognized Carson as well as a few of the nurses, but the young man with dark hair and a ready smile that stood next to Ioan he was unfamiliar with. Shaking his head, he scolded himself. Now was not the time to worry about who was who, or for checking anyone out, no matter how attractive they were.

A few hours later, but still faster than he would have believed possible, Evan had everything that was deemed absolutely essential set close to the gate for immediate evac, and he had sorted personnel in groups nearby. Everyone had been given specific orders on what to take and when.

The city was experiencing frequent tremors as more and more of the shield collapsed and people were starting to panic. Evan had to set a couple of Marines on guard duty to make sure everyone kept their cool. He noticed that Carson had put several of his people on standby as well, which Evan was grateful for.

Kate Heightmeyer was walking around, offering words of comfort and reassurance everywhere she went. When she reached Evan, she smiled at him and patted his arm. “How are you holding up?”

Evan gave her a tight smile in return and tried to look self assured. “Better than most, I guess.” It wouldn’t do to seem frightened, after all. He was in charge and people looked up to him.

Kate seemed to get that as she nodded. “If there’s anything I can do, let me know, alright?” she said sotto voce.

“Thanks, Kate,” Evan murmured.

As she moved on, Evan walked over to Ioan who was talking quietly with the young woman he’d pointed out to him, and Miko. “Hey, Ioan. Everything okay here?”

“Yeah, Ev, we’re fine,” Ioan assured.

Turning to the women, Evan smiled with as much confidence as he could muster. “Dr. Kusanagi, Dr. Smyth.”

Kimberly grinned. “Kimberly, Evan. How many times do I have to remind you?”

Evan chuckled. “Kimberly, then. Not causing any trouble with this one, are you?” he said, jutting his thumb at Ioan, who smacked his shoulder in retaliation.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Major. I-,” she started jokingly, but cut off when the city shook violently.

“Attention all personnel,” Dr. Weir radioed, “prepare for immediate evac!”

Evan looked up to the control room and saw McKay trying to dial out, but before he could establish a connection, the stargate engaged.“We’ve got an incoming wormhole!” Rodney said, stunned.

Excusing himself, Evan hurried up the stairs just in time to hear Grodin say, “I’m reading Lieutenant Ford’s identification code.”

“Let him in!” Elizabeth shared a hopeful look with Evan, who sent up a quick prayer that it was good news.

Evan headed back down the stairs in case he needed to help, but faltered in his steps when he saw a slew of indigenous people come through after Major Sheppard. Elizabeth came running down the stairs, demanding to know who they were.

“Survivors from the settlement,” John said. “We were attacked. Sumner and some of our men got taken.” Frowning, he looked around as the city trembled again. “What’s going on?”

Beckoning Ioan over to help rally the new arrivals so they were out of the way, Evan suppressed a sigh at the news. He couldn’t help but think they’d gotten out of the fryer and into the fire. He was vaguely aware of Elizabeth and John arguing, but Evan was too busy trying to calm everyone. Many of the refugees John had brought along appeared to be in shock, while some were excited and in awe of the new surroundings.

Then the city began to shake worse than it had up till that point and things began to come crashing down, sending people sprawling and scrambling for cover. Evan could hear cries of pain from several directions and people crying out in terror. It was all he could do to keep it together himself. Clasping Ioan’s arm, he focused on keeping his little brother safe and pushed thoughts of drowning and of hurting their family as far away as they would go.

 

next

“Here, let me help you with that, ma’am,” came a voice behind them. Kimberly turned to see Ioan lifting the heavy backpack and helping Miko settle it on her shoulders. The poor girl nearly sagged under its weight, but with some minor adjustments from Ioan, she was soon on her feet and stable.

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” Miko said shyly.

She waited for her turn and smiled gratefully when Ioan directed his attention to her. “Thanks, Lieutenant. Appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. These things can be tricky at times, and with how much you ladies have packed in them, it doesn’t help,” he teased. “And please, call me Ioan,” he admonished gently. “You, too, doc.”

Kimberly shot back, “Like yours is any lighter.”

“Hai! Then you must call me Miko,” Kusanagi added almost in tandem with Kimberly.

Kimberly stifled a chuckle at the obvious pleasure on Ioan’s face. She knew from Miko that Ioan had been in the mountain for a while now, just like his brother, even if she herself had only met him a week ago. Miko wasn’t one to easily get to know, or to get on a first name basis with, so it said a lot about Ioan that she’d granted him the use of hers.

A movement behind Miko caught her attention and her eye fell on Carson as he tried to push his way past a couple of soldiers. The look on his face was equal parts longing and she thought some jealousy, too. As he walked by them, she offered him an apologetic smile, earning a wan one in return. She knew Carson was smitten with Miko – it was an open secret to anyone who paid attention.

She sighed. There were times that she thought it might be a good idea to forcibly smack her friends’ heads together in order for them to get closer already. Seriously, sometimes both Miko and Carson were far too shy for their own good. Though in Carson’s case, it was part shyness, and part him being too much of a gentleman to force his company on anyone.

Catching Ioan’s questioning look, she gently shook her head, hoping he’d catch the hint and not ask. Thankfully, with another scrutinizing glance, he nodded and excused himself. “Gotta go get in place. We’re one of the first ones out if the gate connects,” he said, already making his way to the gateroom.

“See you later!” Kimberly called after him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If John were completely honest, he was feeling a little intimidated. Okay, a lot intimidated. The whole mountain – or at the very least, the level they were on – seemed to be crawling with people, most of whom would be walking through the stargate with him.

To another galaxy.

And wasn’t that a trip and a half he really rather wouldn’t focus on right then, because John wasn’t at all sure his nerves could handle it. Everything had gone so fast, and there’d been so little time, all things considered, that they hadn’t managed to send John through the gate even once in order to get him used to the idea. The very thought that he would be going to another planet in another galaxy boggled his mind, though he worked very hard to keep an outward calm.

Things would be difficult enough on this mission without giving anyone ammunition to use against him because they felt he wasn’t up for it. Sumner already believed him to be less than honorable or brave. No need to add fuel to that fire.

And yet, when Sumner approached him just as the gate started to dial out, reminding him who was giving the orders, John simply couldn’t help himself. “That’d be Dr. Weir, right?”

The look Sumner sent him was pure ice and venom. John could’ve kicked himself for opening his big mouth, but then he’d always been a bit of a smartass and it tended to bite him in the rear, so why would this time be any different, really.

John turned his gaze over the crowd around him until he noticed the large window above them. He nodded and smiled when he noticed General O’Neill watching them. The general’s lips quirked as he nodded a greeting in return. John felt he wouldn’t have minded being under his command at all. From what he’d been able to tell the few times he’d interacted with the man back in Antarctica, they shared a similar sense of humor, and he seemed to John to be someone you’d want to be at your back when things went south.

John’s smile widened when he caught sight of Rodney leaning over one of the technicians. The sound of the wormhole engaging made John jump and he turned on his heel with wide eyes as he took in the phenomenon. Never in his life had he imagined anything like this, but it was real, and happening, and he was going to have to step through that thing any minute now.

His throat suddenly dry, John swallowed, and as the M.A.L.P. got sent through the event horizon, he purposely turned his attention back to Rodney, who was leaning closer to the screen. The sudden grin flashing on the other man’s face made John’s stomach flip. He couldn’t tell if it was due to nerves or something else, but right in that moment, he didn’t care. The look on Rodney’s face meant one thing and one thing only: they were actually going to Atlantis.

He lost sight of Rodney for a second as he disappeared out of the room, soon followed by Elizabeth. Sumner was barking orders, telling everyone to stay put until he and his team had cleared the immediate area. Elizabeth’s contradiction that she go with them had John suppressing a smirk. Yeah, this was going to be interesting, he was sure.

As soon as the all clear came through, John started up the ramp. He honestly had no idea what to expect. He’d promised himself he would go with the flow, but as he was faced with the shimmering surface he had to know. Turning to the lieutenant next to him, he asked, “What’s it feel like?”

The man’s expression grew dead serious. “It hurts like hell, sir.” For three seconds, John couldn’t breathe, then the young man’s lips morphed into a full blown grin as he cried out, “Woohoooo!” and leapt backwards through the gate.

John stood for a moment, unsure what had just happened. Rallying himself, he muttered, “Right. Piece of cake, John. Isn’t that what McKay said? Just take a step and walk on through. Next thing you know, you’re on Atlantis.” So, taking a deep breath and screwing his eyes closed tight, that was exactly what he did.

The instant John stepped foot on the city, he felt it. There was something here. A sense of ‘home’ washed over him in such a profound way that John couldn’t recall ever feeling it before in his life. The place had minimal light, almost as if it were in sleep-mode. Casting his flashlight around, he was in awe. There wasn’t much he could see yet, but he could feel it – whatever ‘it’ was. Glancing around, he couldn’t tell whether anyone else had experienced the same as he had, but he didn’t think so.

“Secure the immediate area,” Sumner ordered, indicating who he expected to go where.

Slowly moving toward the steps opposite the gate, John noticed people going off to check out the corridors that branched from the room. Everything was still as dimly lit as when they’d arrived, until John took his first step on the stairs. It lit up, as did each subsequent one, with panels along the walls coming to life as well. John had the uncanny feeling it had something to do with him.

“Huh.”

John glanced over his shoulder at the sound and smiled when he saw that Rodney was right behind him. “The lights are coming on by themselves,” John murmured. Continuing forward, more and more lights switched on and not just where John was, either. He could see the areas come to life around a few of the others he’d been told had the gene, too.

Rodney peered down and then nodded, first to himself, then to John, who barely caught the whispered, “Stupid genes.”

John paced along the edge of the room, always keeping the gate in his sights, while Rodney rummaged around behind him, clearing the consoles. John couldn’t help but be amazed at the sheer amount of stuff that came through the gate. Several pallets had already come through, and still they kept coming. So did the people. The room was filling up rapidly, and from John’s estimation they were nowhere near done. He had his orders, though. As much as he would have liked to go down to help, he’d been told to secure this area after all.

Finally, after a good half hour, the steady stream of goods and people dwindled, and once the last person was through, Elizabeth contacted the SGC and told them to cut power to the gate, which they did, but not before General O’Neill sent through a large bottle of champagne. John could definitely appreciate the sentiment behind that.

John shared a look with Elizabeth, who nodded in understanding. They were well and truly on their own now, no turning back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

They stepped through the gate side-by-side a full ten-count after the major had gone through. Ioan’s eyes widened as he stepped onto the city. “Do you-?” he asked Evan without stopping the sweep he’d already begun.

Clearing his throat, Evan nodded. “Yeah, it’s… weird, but… not. Isn’t it?”

The brothers shared a glance that spoke volumes, both of them aware that there was something about this place that neither could understand. Yet they each knew in their bones that they’d made the right call in joining the expedition.

“You two, help sort everyone as they come through the gate and clear the immediate area,” Sumner ordered.

“Yes, sir,” Ioan and Evan echoed, turning to do as ordered. Ioan tried to pay close attention to the faces of his fellow expedition members, and he thought he could tell who had the gene and who didn’t by their reactions alone. Some had a more visceral response than others, he noticed. He couldn’t help but wonder what it was about Atlantis that affected everyone so – what it all meant.

“I don’t know, Ioan,” Evan said as if reading his mind. “But I’m sure they’ll figure it out.”

When Kimberly and Miko stepped through, pushing a large cart in front of them, Ioan asked quietly, “Do either of you feel anything?”

Kimberly shook her head, but Miko’s eyes widened even further than they already were as she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “Yes. I sense something. Not sure what, but… I have not felt peace like this in many years.”

Peace. That seemed as apt a description as Ioan could think of. They didn’t have a chance to talk more as additional people came through the gate who needed his attention, so he firmly pushed any further thoughts on the matter aside as he focused on the task at hand.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Rodney felt like a lifetime of Christmases had arrived all at once as he slowly worked his way through figuring out what was what in what he had dubbed the control room. He made sure to keep his com open, so he had a steady stream of reports coming in from all over Atlantis – or at least as far as they’d been able to get to. The city was huge! And the things that were being reported made Rodney’s blood rush. Spaceships. Various labs. Tech he didn’t even have a name for yet! Oh, but he was itching to get his hands on it all. To discover Atlantis’ innermost secrets.

He finally managed to hook up his laptop to a console and had just called up some stats when Carson called him to tell him about the holo-room he’d discovered. “You have to see this, Rodney. It appears to be the history of the Ancients,” came Carson’s voice in his earpiece.

“I’ll be there as soon as I get Dr. Weir. I’m sure she’d like to see it, too.” Closing the com-line to Carson, Rodney took one last glance at his screen, frowning. “Huh, interesting.” Shaking his head, he went to find Elizabeth.

Spotting his quarry, Rodney called out, “Colonel, Dr. Weir-”

“We’re underwater,” John said, awed.

“Yes, I, uh, I was just coming to tell you. Fortunately there’s some sort of a forcefield holding back the…” Rodney looked up as he came level with the major and paused, stunned. “The water,” he finished lamely. “Boy that is impressive, isn’t it?” he muttered, gazing out into the vast ocean.

John nodded, and for a moment they all simply stood in quiet contemplation. After a minute, Rodney shook himself. “Err… Dr. Beckett has found something you should see.”

Rodney almost wished they could have remained at the window a while longer, but there was so much to see, so much to discover. When they arrived at the holo-room, Carson was already playing the recording. They watched the thing play out and Rodney felt a little queasy. He had a sinking feeling that these Wraith were no joke if they sent the Ancients running with their tail between their legs.

Carson had just started a third run through of the recording when Grodin entered the room and whispered in Rodney’s ear. “Power levels are dropping rapidly. Part of the shield’s just collapsed and sensors are picking up several areas with flooding.”

Crap, that was decidedly not good news.

 

next

“Newton, get down!” Rodney grumbled as he plucked his cat off his desk for the umpteenth time. Sighing, he put him in his lap instead, petting the cat while he continued to go through his mail. It had piled up during his time in Antarctica, and while he’d canceled any subscriptions and put a permanent redirect for everything else to the SGC on it effective today, he still wanted to make sure he hadn’t missed anything important.

Not to mention, this would be his last chance to catch up on the latest in the science community, and one of his favorite hobbies – if one could call it that – was to rip other people’s papers apart, pointing out every glaring mistake he could find. It had been years since he’d been able to put anything in print himself, and there were times when he regretted the sacrifice that working for the SGC brought with it. Not that he didn’t have several papers written and waiting to be released as soon as the program declassified. All the scientists in the program had them, and he’d read most of them. They had to be their own peer board, after all.

Scouring through the article in front of him, Rodney scoffed at the headline ‘Friends have more DNA in common than strangers’. Shaking his head, he automatically began to toss it on the discard pile. “Just what we need. More voodoo crap being pawned off as science,” he muttered to Newton, who meowed in response.

Rodney was already reading through another paper, this time about DNA sequencing in mice, and how they’d successfully introduced rat DNA, thereby creating a viable cross-breed. Rolling his eyes, he flung it aside, too. Newton jumped back on the table and pawed at the paper, meowing. Rodney chuckled softly, scratching Newton behind the ear. “What is it, boy?” Another meow was his answer and Rodney sighed. “Yeah, maybe you’re right. This seems like something up Caron’s alley. Mac’s, too. I’ll pass it along to them, how’s that?” A satisfied meow followed by a headbutt against Rodney’s chest was Newton’s reply.

Lifting the cat up, Rodney cradled him in his arms as he got to his feet. “I’m going to miss you, you little furball,” he said, pressing a kiss to Newton’s head. “You’ve been the best friend I’ve ever had, Newton. I wish you could come with me, but we’re not allowed pets.” Rodney walked over to the kitchen, his face twisting in displeasure at the sight of all Newton’s food ready and waiting to be delivered to his neighbor.

“Guess I can understand, though, even if I don’t like it. I mean, who knows where we’ll end up and how safe it’ll be. Better you’re here, where I know you’ll be taken care of.”

Newton gave what sounded like a sad mreow to Rodney, which just twisted the knot in his stomach even further. “I know, buddy. It’s not fair, is it? I’m sorry.” Sighing, Rodney hugged his cat to him tightly, then put him in his carrier. “It’s time, Newton. Gotta get you to 12B.”

Newton made his displeasure known by meowing and pawing at the small gate as Rodney gathered the boxed paraphernalia up and placed Newton’s carrier on top. Rodney was extremely glad that he only had to carry it one door over, because the load was heavy and more cumbersome than he had thought. “You’re one spoiled rotten cat, you know that, Newton?” Rodney said fondly before knocking on his neighbor’s door.

After a minute, the door opened to a scowling brunette, though the scowl quickly morphed to a genuine smile when she saw Newton. “Hey, kitty.” She gingerly touched the paw that stuck through the gate of the carrier, then turned her attention to Rodney, her expression instantly changing back to her scowl. Rodney was all too aware of her feelings toward him, and they weren’t charitable to say the least. But she loved cats, and had a special fondness for Newton who had visited her a few times in the past whenever he’d escaped his apartment. It was the only reason he had even considered asking her to take care of him.

“So you’re really leaving, then?” she asked curtly, disapproval and relief evident in her face.

Rodney nodded. “Yeah, unfortunately. May I?” he asked, indicating he would put everything inside for her.

Reluctantly, she let him in and watched as he kneeled down in front of the carrier to say his final goodbye to his faithful friend. “You behave, okay? I’m sure she’ll take great care of you and give you all the treats and scritches you deserve. I really am going to miss you, Newton.”

His face flushed slightly as he realized he’d shown more than he’d intended, but letting go of Newton was turning out to be much more difficult than he’d imagined. He couldn’t quite meet his neighbor’s eyes as he straightened up. “Err… well, that’s it, I guess. Thanks again for taking him in. It… it means a lot to me to know he’s in a good home.”

That earned him the first genuine smile from her that he’d ever received, small as it was. “You’re welcome. And… have a safe trip, McKay.”

He nodded. “Thanks.” With that, he left, and it wasn’t until he was packing his bag that it dawned on him that she’d known his name. And that he had no idea what hers was.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kimberly looked up as someone knocked. “Oh good, would you mind terribly?” she asked the young lieutenant hovering by the door, pointing to a large crate. “I’m afraid they packed it a little too heavily for me to carry, and it needs to be on one of the first carts out.”

Grinning, Ioan walked over to her, holding out his hand. “Hi, don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m lieutenant Ioan Lorne.”

Shaking his hand, Kimberly gave him a bright smile. “Dr. Kimberly Smyth. Lorne? You related to major Evan Lorne, by chance?”

“Yep. He’s my big brother. You know him?”

Leaning her hip against her desk, she crossed her arms and tilted her head. “Hmm, yes. Well, sort of. I’ve helped his team out a few times in the field.” She paused, curiosity and amusement clear in her eyes as she continued, “Ioan, you said? So was there a particular reason your folks named both their sons ‘John’?”

Startled, Ioan laughed and scratched the back of his neck. “Actually, yeah. We’re both named after our grandfather. It’s a bit of a tradition in our family, but mom refused to have us both with the same name, so we each got a variant instead.”

Grinning, she nodded approval. “Interesting way of getting around that. I like it.”

“I’m rather surprised you knew that, to be honest. Not many people ever catch onto that,” Ioan admitted, giving the young doctor an appraising look.

She shrugged. “Names have always been a bit of a hobby of mine. Though mine doesn’t really mean anything. Something I still tease my mom about,” she added with a wink.

Ioan grinned, blushing faintly. “I kinda like it.” Clearing his throat, he indicated the crate. “So, where to?”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Got a minute?” Daniel asked, sticking his head into Jack’s office.

Sighing, Jack nodded as he straightened in his seat. “The answer’s still ‘no’, Daniel,” he said tiredly. He really wished Daniel would stop asking about Atlantis. Jack hated seeing the look of hurt and disappointment on the man’s face. The thing was, there was just no way Jack would ever agree to Daniel joining the expedition. At least, not without another ZPM, and they were fresh out.

“But-,” Daniel started, walking over to the desk.

“Ah!” Jack interrupted, holding up his hand. “We’ve been over this, Daniel. I need you here, and that’s that.”

And there was that hurt look on Daniel’s face again. Dammit all. Pushing himself back from the desk, Jack got to his feet and closed both doors to his office and shut the blinds so no one could see inside. It wasn’t something he did often, mostly because he liked transparency in his command, and he figured he didn’t need to start the rumor mill if he could avoid it. This was one of the few times that called for an exception in his book, though.

“Daniel,” Jack said firmly, cradling the man’s jaw in both hands, his thumbs tucked in front of his ears. Taking a deep breath, Jack gazed into his friend’s eyes, wishing like hell he could give him everything he wanted. “Twice, you’ve gone where I couldn’t follow, Daniel. For all we know, Atlantis is a one-way deal. Please… don’t ask me to watch you go a third time. I just can’t do it, okay? I know that makes me a selfish jackass, and I’m sorry, but I just can’t.”

There were so many emotions running their course over Daniel’s face that Jack almost couldn’t take it anymore, so he crushed the younger man to his chest, holding on for dear life. The thought of losing what he held most precious in this world again was one Jack O’Neill simply wasn’t equipped to deal with.

Daniel clung to him just as fiercely, his hands gripping Jack’s uniform tightly as he tucked his face into Jack’s neck. His breath ghosted over Jack’s skin as he murmured, “Then what are we going to do, Jack?”

Jack shivered, hugging the man a little tighter still. “I don’t know,” he croaked, and he really didn’t. The only thing he was certain of was that he couldn’t keep pushing Daniel away anymore. At the same time, their jobs made it to where they weren’t allowed to be together. There were few times where Jack hated the military more than he did right in this moment.

“Jack,” Daniel breathed.

“I know, Daniel. I know. We’ll figure it out, okay? Together,” Jack said gruffly, pulling back to look into the man’s eyes. He had to be sure they were on the same page, and judging by the look of hope and determination he saw reflected back at him, he was confident they were.

“Together,” Daniel agreed, giving him a small smile.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Elizabeth and Rodney sat across the desk from each other as they went over last minute details. They’d been at it for a couple of hours already, so when Elizabeth asked Rodney if he wanted coffee, Rodney was all too happy for the break. As she handed him his cup, he tried to make conversation. He’d readily admit that it wasn’t one of his better skills, but he figured he’d better try since they’d be living in each other’s pocket soon enough. “So I dropped Newton off at my neighbor’s yesterday.”

Raising a brow in question, Elizabeth took a sip.

“Newton. My cat?” Rodney explained.

“Ah. I see. How’d that go?” she asked, mild understanding on her face.

“About as well as you could expect it to go, considering she hates my guts. She loves Newton, though, so she’ll take good care of him for me.” Staring into his cup, he added, “I’m gonna miss that cat.”

Elizabeth reached across the desk to pat his hand. “I’m sorry, Rodney. I wish you could have brought him, but you understand why-?”

Waving her off, he nodded. “Yes, yes, I get it. It wouldn’t be safe for him. I’ll be fine.” Clearing his throat, he glanced over the rim of his cup and asked, “What about you? Did you get to say goodbye to your family and stuff?” before taking another drink.

To his amazement, Elizabeth ducked her head and her cheeks flushed. “Not really. I haven’t left the base. There’s just been too much to do,” she hedged.

It was obvious, even to Rodney, that she was hoping he’d drop it but something didn’t seem right so he pushed ahead. “What do you mean? Everyone got leave to take care of matters, Elizabeth. Everyone. You didn’t spend time with your family at all?”

Rodney was fervently pushing thoughts of his sister aside, knowing full well he hadn’t taken the opportunity to make amends with her before leaving, either. That they had not spoken for four years wasn’t just his fault, in his opinion. “Well?” he demanded.

Scowling slightly, Elizabeth sighed and sat back in her chair. “I sent a video to Simon.”

Rodney sputtered. “A video? Are you kidding?” Rodney vaguely remembered the name Simon Wallace from somewhere concerning the SGC, and thought it was the name of her fiancé.

“No, I’m not. I explained about the expedition, leaving for Atlantis, everything.” At Rodney’s look of incredulity, she added, “The President granted him the clearance.”

Rodney stared at her, utterly flummoxed. “So you decided the best way to read him in on the whole thing was by video with an ‘oh hey, by the way, I’m leaving for another galaxy’?”

He had always considered Elizabeth to be one of the strongest women he knew, and that she had a good moral compass… for someone as practiced in politics as she was, at any rate. He would have never believed her capable of something like this, however, and he wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about it.

Elizabeth sunk a little lower in her seat. “I know. I know. I just… I couldn’t do it. I was all set to go see him the other day, but when it came down to it, I just couldn’t face him. I’ve been wanting him to join the program for years, but the regulations never allowed him to be read in because I was part of the SGC already. With me leading the expedition, the President conceded that there was enough leeway in the regs for Simon to have a chance here. I wanted him to hear it from me, but… I knew if I saw him, he’d try to talk me out of it, and I just didn’t want to risk it.” With a quiet voice, she added, “None of this is fair.”

They sat in silence for a while. Rodney because he had absolutely no idea what to say to that or even how to process what he’d just learned about the woman who was to lead them. And from the look of her, Elizabeth was just happy to drop the subject.

After a few minutes, Rodney snapped his fingers a couple of times and said, “Right, so, botany,” getting them back to business.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Right in here, sir,” Walter said, indicating the office Elizabeth and Rodney occupied.

They both looked up and Elizabeth got to her feet. “Major, glad you could make it,” she said, stepping around her desk with outstretched hand.

Shaking her hand, John gave her his easy smile. “Thank you, ma’am. It was my understanding that you’re the leader of the expedition, so I wanted to check in with you first before reporting to Colonel Sumner.”

John was well aware he should have done that first, but he had his own way of doing things and he figured that the whole reason for him going on this joyride in the first place was to play lightswitch. It had been made clear to him he was outside the chain of command, so checking in with Dr. Weir first seemed the logical thing to do.

Glancing at Dr. McKay, John’s smile turned to a grin when he saw the look of wry amusement on the man’s face. John had to admit that one of the factors playing into his agreeing to go on this adventure was the fact that the good doctor was going. He hadn’t been able to put the man out of his mind since that fated day John had ended up in that chair. There was just something about him that spoke to John, though he couldn’t put his finger on it – aside from the man’s brusque, no-nonsense manner, which John found particularly refreshing.

“Thank you, Major, but all things considered, you might want to hop to and get it over with,” she said dryly. “Wouldn’t want to make a bad first impression, would you?”

John scoffed. “I seriously doubt there’s anything I can do to avoid that, ma’am. My jacket tends to go ahead of me in that regard.” He was well aware that she knew all about the details surrounding his black mark, and he was grateful that she didn’t seem to hold it against him like so many others had in the past. Which was partially why he had come to her first rather than heading directly to Sumner.

“Right,” she said, a look of understanding on her face. “All the same, report to Sumner. If he doesn’t have any need for you, come find me.”

John gave her a crisp salute – something he only ever really did for people he respected – and with a nod to Rodney, he was off to find his latest superior officer. John got lost in the maze that was the SGC and ended up having to ask help from a rather exotic looking doctor, who escorted him to the office Sumner had been allocated.

“Reporting as ordered, sir,” John shot off, executing another, less crisp salute. He stood to attention while he waited for the colonel to acknowledge him. Something the other man took his time with.

In his periphery, John could see the man grab a file, open it, and leaf through it before closing it with a thump. It took everything John had in him not to roll his eyes at the expected huff of disapproval that followed.

“Major.” The silence stretched on for several seconds before Sumner continued. “I hand picked every military asset on this expedition. They are the best and bravest this country has to offer, no matter the branch they are from.”

John remained quiet, not having been given permission to speak. It was painfully clear to him that Sumner had made up his mind already on the matter of one John Sheppard, and it wasn’t in his favor. Not that he’d expected it from a man like Colonel Sumner. Badass Marine poured off of him in waves.

“You are neither the best nor the bravest, Major, and I do not trust you. However, it has been impressed upon me that you are mission essential, so I am saddled with you whether I like it or not.” Sumner got to his feet to stand in John’s personal space, putting him nearly nose-to-nose with the man. “While you are under my command, you will follow orders. To. The. Letter. Major. Do I make myself clear?”

Suppressing a sigh, John dutifully uttered the expected, “Sir, yes, sir.” He really hoped that the colonel would be able to look past the black mark in John’s jacket sooner rather than later, or else this would end up the station from hell. Not a pleasant prospect, considering.

“Report to the infirmary for a complete physical,” Sumner ordered. “Dismissed.”

 

next

Evan couldn’t quite contain his grin as he stood waiting for his brother’s team to return. They were due any minute now, and he was nearly bursting with excitement over the news. Standing by the door of the gateroom, Evan leaned against the wall and assumed a relaxed stance, folding his arms over his chest even as the first chevron lit up.

It seemed to take longer than normal for the wormhole to engage, but seconds after it did, Ioan stepped through the gate and spotted his older brother. Evan bit his cheek to keep from laughing at the confused look on Ioan’s face as he walked down the ramp.

“Hey, man, everything okay? Something happened, right?” Ioan asked, unclipping his P90.

Pushing off from the wall, Evan easily kept pace with Ioan as they headed toward the infirmary for post-mission medical. “You could say that,” Evan hedged, grinning. Handing Ioan a piece of paper, he added, “We got our orders. Atlantis is a go.”

Ioan’s eyes widened almost comically. “You’re shitting me!”

Laughing, Evan shook his head. “Nope. This was your last mission. We have three weeks to get everything organized for the expedition, then we get a few days’ leave to say goodbye before attending to last minute details.”

That sobered them both somewhat. As excited as they both were at the prospect of discovering the city of the Ancients, and everything that might entail, they knew that the trip would likely be a one-way affair, unless they could find ZPMs on the other side. Neither of them were naïve enough to believe it would be that simple. Still, they were all too aware of what Earth was facing if they didn’t at least try, and it was a sacrifice they were willing to make.

Clearing his throat, Ioan read his new orders to buy himself a little time, then said quietly, “So we’re really doing this then?”

Evan clasped his baby brother’s shoulder. “General O’Neill’ll understand if you want to stay, Ioan. This is still mostly on a volunteer basis.”

Ioan shook his head. “No. No, I’m going. I’ve got your back, Ev. Always.”

Squeezing Ioan’s shoulder, Evan nodded. “I know, and I’ve got yours. Now go. Get your medical over with. As soon as you’ve been debriefed, we need to report to Sumner.”

The following days, Ioan and Evan were hip-deep in paperwork. At least, that’s what it felt like to Evan. He’d known of course that organizing an expedition like this meant they had to try to account for every little thing they might need. Envision every possible scenario and prepare for it. But as much prep as had already been done up to this point – and that was when they only had a vague idea of the trip actually happening – there was still a crapton to do.

It was a given that they’d need as many weapons and as much ammunition as they could possibly get away with. God only knew what mess they’d land in once in Pegasus after all, and they would not have the SGC behind them anymore. They’d be on their own. But it was everything else that stunned him. The uniforms. The MREs. The non-perishable foods. The seeds. The data pads. The batteries and generators. The list was endless.

Ioan muttered unintelligibly under his breath as he checked off his list. Chuck, who was helping them, scratched his head, then asked, “You get the nagging feeling they missed something in all this?”

Evan looked up. “What do you mean?”

Chuck and Ioan shared a glance. Chuck said, “Movies,” at the same time Ioan said, “Entertainment.”

Shuffling through the myriad notes, Evan hummed. “You’re right. They thought of everything else, but not what we might do to unwind. I guess they figured that was for each individual to do?”

Ioan snorted. Sighing, Evan nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. I’ll see what I can figure out.”

It took some doing, especially since Sumner was a bit of a hard-ass, but Evan finally got the okay to arrange for entertainment, on the proviso he did it on his own time. Help came from an unexpected corner, though in retrospect, Evan should have known better. One afternoon, Vala came traipsing into the office with Cameron in tow.

“Hi, boys! I heard you needed some help spending money on fun stuff!” Vala hopped onto Ioan’s desk and winked at him.

“Vala,” Cameron warned, though he had a hard time not smiling.

“Oh hush, Cameron, and don’t be a spoilsport. These fine young officers are going to a galaxy far, far away, and someone neglected the entertainment. Who knows what trouble they’ll get into and we’re going to have to miss out on all the treasure they might come across, so the least we can do is help them out now.”

Evan and Ioan exchanged amused looks while Cameron seemed to barely be holding it together. Vala either didn’t notice or ignored it, but it was painfully obvious she considered the matter closed. “Right. So,” she said, turning her attention to Chuck, who’d thus far been staring dumbstruck at her, “I’ve got Colonel Tightwad over here looking into getting you a couple of projectors. Teal’c, Sam, Daniel, and I are ordering lots and lots of books and movies – though no porn because Colonel Bossypants here wouldn’t let me. All digital copies of course, and Sam’ll make sure they’re all compressed so they take up less space, but just in case, she’s putting them on hard drives not yet allocated to you, so you won’t lose out on anything for work.”

They all sat listening to her, stunned, as she continued to rattle off what she’d already managed to put together in merely a few hours. Evan had to admit that the woman was impressive. Completely nuts, of course, but impressive.

“So, what else will you need?” she finally finished, glancing from one to the other before settling back on Ioan.

Clearing his throat, Ioan ran his fingers through his hair thoughtfully. “Well,” he mused, “we’ve all been polled on hobbies and skills outside of what the military’s taught us. Which makes sense, because there’s plenty that we’ll need to do for ourselves if we’re truly cut off from Earth. But I didn’t notice much by way of making use of it. I know there’s knitters and sewers, but while they’ve requisitioned sewing machines and fabric to make uniforms and the like, there’s little else. Also no tools for woodworking or other things. Though they have got everything for gardening, thanks to botany.”

Nodding, Vala pulled a notepad from her cleavage and a pen from her hair, which ended up cascading around her face now it was no longer being held up. Evan watched in amazement as she scribbled a few quick notes, then nodded to herself again. “Right. On it.” Hopping back to her feet, she grabbed Cameron and herded him out the door, throwing a casual, “Not to worry, boys, I’ve got you covered. Come on, Cameron, we’re going shopping, and we’re taking Sam and Daniel with us.”

Chuck was still staring after her in a daze when he said quietly, “So… do you think General O’Neill knew what he was doing when he okayed adding ‘fun stuff’?”

Huffing a laugh, Ioan shook his head. “I don’t think anyone’s ever really prepared for Hurricane Vala. She’s something else, that one.” After a pause, he added, “I’m gonna miss her.”

Grinning, Evan couldn’t help agreeing. “Yeah, she’s made life interesting here, to say the least. Not that it was ever boring, mind you.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Uncle Ev! Uncle Ioan!” two shrill voices echoed as they walked through the door of their parents’ home. Bracing themselves for the onslaught of their niece and nephew as they barreled into them, hugging their legs.

Evan dumped his bag on the floor, scooping up five year old Joe. “Heeeeey, slugger. You been taking good care of your mom and Natalie?”

Seven year old Natalie, ensconced in Ioan’s arms, looked triumphantly at Evan. “I’ve been taking care of him, Uncle Ev. I’m the oldest,” she said in a voice that clearly questioned his sanity.

Ioan grinned, ruffling her hair. “Of course you have, Nat. Now come on, let’s go find granma and grampa, okay?”

Wiggling out of his arms, Natalie scooted down and ran off to the kitchen, hollering, “Granma! Grampa! They’re here! They’re here!”

Joe giggled, apparently content to stay where he was. Sucking his thumb, he pointed after his sister and mumbled, “Mommy there, too.”

Sure enough, once they made it to the kitchen they found their sister Amanda helping their mother with dinner, while grampa had pulled Natalie up on his lap at the table. Wiping her hands, Sarah stepped up to Evan who put Joe down in order to hug his mother. “It’s so good to see you, son. It’s been too long.”

Suppressing a wince, Evan glanced at his brother who was busy hugging Amanda. He gave a slight nod, and Evan knew Ioan was thinking the same thing he was: This might well be the last time they saw their family, and they wouldn’t be able to prepare them for that eventuality. Granted, they were both in the Air Force, so there was always that inherent risk of them dying on the job, but it wasn’t the same and they knew it.

Clearing his throat, Evan pulled himself together and kissed Sarah’s cheek. “Sorry, mom. You know how it goes,” he hedged.

Sean coaxed his wife off their oldest son and pulled Evan into a hug of his own. “Of course we do, Evan. You know how your mother fusses. She did the same to me when I was in the Force, she does it with Aaron, and I’m sure if either Joe or Natalie enlists, she’ll do the same with them, too.”

That earned their dad a smack on his arm, but the reminder had served its purpose. Evan felt a little better about the situation and he could tell it was the same for Ioan. “Thanks, Dad.”

After everyone had had a chance to reconnect, Evan and Ioan were directed to sit at the table. They were not allowed to help with anything, they never were on their first day home. It didn’t take long, though, for dinner to be served and soon they were catching up over great food.

Amanda handed Ioan a roll. “Aaron requested leave so he could see you, but he couldn’t swing it. He’s sorry to have missed you guys and said to tell you to keep your heads down on your next assignment.”

Tearing at the bun, Ioan nodded. “He doing okay? Where’s he at these days? Still in Afghanistan?”

“Yeah. He’s fine, just really busy. Should be back home in time for Christmas, though. At least as far as things stand now. When’ll you be back home, do you know?”

Evan cringed, then quickly hid his discomfort. “No idea. We’re not going to make it back any time soon, I know that much.”

“We won’t be able to contact you, either. The mission we’re on is highly classified and communications in or out’ll be… tricky,” Ioan added casually, though Evan could see the balance he was trying to maintain. “You know you’ll all be in our prayers, though.”

Reaching across the table, Sarah put her hand over Ioan’s and smiled. “As you will be in ours, boys. Always. You be careful out there, alright? Come home to us safely.”

Evan’s jaw tightened, then he forced a smile. “We’ll do our best, mom. Promise.”

The next couple of days, both Ioan and Evan tried to put thoughts of their upcoming mission out of their minds as they focused on glutting themselves on family time. They played ball with the kids, went on long hikes as a family, played golf with their dad, and went shopping for art material with their mother and sister. On a whim, Evan decided to stock up on paints and brushes, too. Just in case. He’d find room in his allotment somehow.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Da!” Mac called out, waving as soon as he spotted his father in the arrivals’ waiting area.

“Mac, my boy, it’s good to see you,” Conall said as he hugged his son tight.

Mac clung to his father, relishing this moment even more than he usually did. It wasn’t often he had the chance to return home, after all, and God only knew if and when he’d be able to visit again. After a couple of minutes, they let go and made their way to the underground, as Mac only had his carry-on for luggage. As was their tradition, they stopped by the pub for dinner and a few pints before heading home.

They only had three days together before Mac had to report to the SGC, so they made the most of things. Mac helped his father around the house, doing those chores the old man no longer could do on his own. They did the shopping, cooked together, played chess, and took a tour of the British Museum. Conall went there every week and held a membership in order to enjoy special exhibits. Usually, he took someone along, be it one of the kids from the youth center or someone from the senior citizen’s home he volunteered at.

On the morning he was traveling back to the SGC, he stopped by the grave of his mother to pay his respects. Conall stood waiting at the entrance as usual, giving his son the time he needed. Placing the small bouquet of her favorite white roses, interspersed with sprigs of lavender fresh from his father’s garden, on her grave Mac sighed. He wished he could tell his father everything that was going on, but since he couldn’t, he took his beloved mother into his confidence.

“Hello, mum. I’m sorry I’ve been gone so long. You wouldn’t believe the work I do now. Or maybe you would, if you’re watching over me. I hope you are, and that you’ll be able to keep doing so. I have a feeling we’ll need all the help we can get. I’m going to go to another galaxy, mum. Crazy, isn’t it?”

He reached a hand out and gently touched the lettering on her headstone. “It’s my biggest adventure yet.” He pondered a moment. “I don’t know if you’ll be with me there, mum, but if it means you can’t be here for da, then stay here. Da’ll be all alone with me gone, but I can’t not go. There’s too much at stake. I’m not talking about my career, but I’m sure you know that already. There’s dangers out there, mum, that people here couldn’t fathom. I have to do what I can. You understand, don’t you?”

Mac listened quietly for a moment and smiled when he felt a warm breeze caress his face. He knew people thought him silly for talking to his mother’s grave as if she were there and able to hear him, but he’d seen too much over the years to discount the possibility. After all, hadn’t he seen Daniel die and interact with his loved ones more than once? And then come back, alive and well? Mac was no fool, though, in holding out hope for his mother’s return, but he firmly believed she was still here in some capacity.

After allowing himself a few more minutes, he got to his feet and dusted off his pants before bending to rest his forehead against the headstone. “Goodbye, mum. I love you. Please take care of da.” With that, he turned and walked toward his father who put an arm around his shoulder without saying a word.

 

next

“I don’t bloody want to sit in that chair, Rodney! I’ve told you that. I’m not the man for that kind of power,” Carson exclaimed.

Kimberly, Mac, and Daniel exchanged amused looks at the by now familiar interaction between Rodney and Carson. Grinning, Kimberly shook her head. “C’mon, Carson. You know we need all the data we can get on the chair, and we can’t do that without having someone who has the gene sit in it and activate the thing. Do it for science,” she teased.

Carson directed his ire in her direction. “Easy for you to say, lass. You don’t have the bloody gene so there’s no chance of you blowing up the base – or worse!”

“For the last. Time. Carson, as long as you don’t think of anything other than what I tell you to think about, you should be fine. So far, I’m pretty sure there’s a conscious mental component to this tech so just-” Rodney groused, obviously irritated that he had to depend on anyone else to do this for him.

“Fine!” Carson exploded, throwing his hands up in the air even as he moved to take a seat in the dreaded chair.

Mac chuckled, then quickly ducked his head at his friend and colleague’s glare. “Right. You’ll be fine, Carson. Just clear your mind.”

Taking a deep breath, Carson settled uneasily in his seat, closing his eyes.

Kimberly tuned out the snippy comments between Rodney and Carson as she continued to take her readings, not that there was much to see. Apparently, Carson was taking their directions of keeping a clear mind to heart. Perhaps a little too well for their purposes. Still, it allowed her to multitask. Nudging Daniel in the side, she cast him a quick grin, murmuring under her breath, “So Jack’ll be here in about half an hour or so.”

Daniel’s mouth tightened slightly, but the faint blush on his cheeks belied any real irritation. “I’m aware,” he said quietly.

Kimberly’s brows knit together as she detected the hint of aggravation and longing in those two simple words. “It’ll be okay, you know,” she said sotto voce. “You two are meant to be.” She was certain of that, even if the men in question appeared to have their doubts. She knew they both loved each other but had never acted on their feelings due to the stupid regulations. “I still say the whole fraternization thing doesn’t apply to you guys. You’re not military,” she pointed out, not for the first time.

Sighing, Daniel ran his hand through his hair, then straightened his glasses after having knocked them askew in the process. “But he is, Kim. I can’t ignore that. Not with both of us in the SGC. We’re still ‘team’.”

Giving her friend an understanding smile, she squeezed his hand. “That why you put in for the expedition?”

Daniel nodded. “Yeah. It’s getting to where it’s just too hard to be around him. I think some space would do us both good.” A sudden distant expression came over his face. One Kimberly knew all too well.

“What is it?” she prodded.

“Space,” Daniel murmured, distracted. “That’s it! Sorry, gotta go.” And with that, Daniel hurried off.

Kimberly wondered what that was about. Glancing at Mac, he merely shrugged as if to say, ‘no idea’, before going back to his readings. Carson’s, “You see? Nothing!” brought her out of her reverie. Looking over her shoulder, she blinked in amazement as Carson stormed out of the chair.

“Carson, get back here,” Rodney said tiredly.

“I can sit in that chair all bloody day long and nothing’ll happen. It’s a waste of time. Excuse me, Dr. Weir,” Carson said as he swiftly walked past her, obviously in a hurry not to get pulled back into the chair for more testing.

“Right,” Mac mumbled under his breath, eyeing Rodney warily. Turning to Kimberly, he rolled his eyes, then nodded to their instruments. “You get anything useful?”

Kimberly refocused on her work and went over her findings with Mac, only vaguely aware of Daniel coming into the room again, only to turn around again, taking Dr. Weir and Rodney with him.

Several minutes passed before Rodney returned, an objecting Carson in tow. “You don’t understand, I break things like this,” Carson tried, looking for all the world as if Rodney were taking him to the gallows rather than the Ancient chair.

“It survived for thousands of years, it’ll survive you. Now sit down, shut up, and concentrate,” Rodney said, pushing Carson into the seat.

“Here we go again,” Mac said on a sigh.

Kimberly bit her cheek to keep from laughing, especially when Carson practically attempted to leap out of the chair when nothing happened.

Rodney pushed him right back into his seat with an admonishing, “This time, imagine where we are in the solar system.”

With a heavy sigh, Carson settled back in the chair and closed his eyes, only to have them pop open in shock when the chair lit up and tilted backward. Kimberly and Mac stared at each other for a moment, then both their heads swiveled to the noise from the other room.

Shouts of, “What the hell?” and “Look out!” were quickly followed by what sounded like an explosion. Pandemonium followed as alarms went off and people tried to figure out what had happened.

“Shit,” Kimberly cursed under her breath, her eyes scanning the screen in front of her. “A drone just launched.”

“Did I do that?” Carson all but squeaked.

“Yes, yes, now shut it down!” Rodney urged.

Elizabeth and Daniel came running into the room. Elizabeth started to talk Carson through the process of calling off the drone while Daniel moved to stand next to Kimberly. Her friend looked a little green around the gills as he watched the screen with the drone’s progress. At the narrow miss with the helicopter, Daniel actually swayed a little.

Kimberly gripped his arm to get his attention. “They’ve been told to land, Daniel. They’ll be fine. Carson’s working on the drone. They’ll be fine,” she repeated.

Nodding, Daniel’s eyes remained fixed on the screen. He didn’t stir until Carson let out a sigh of relief and the confirmation came over the radio that the drone had turned off and the general was safe.

Smiling, Kimberly patted Daniel’s arm. “See? Now, how about we grab some coffee? I could use some after the excitement.” She knew she’d better keep Daniel distracted, at least until Jack arrived on base, or else the man would drive himself crazy, and it was a well-known fact that Daniel survived on coffee.

They left the others behind in search of their treasure, neither of them talking but that was okay. It would be enough for Daniel to have her there. Not until they both had a cup of the bitter liquid in hand did Kimberly speak. “So what was the revelation you had earlier?”

“Hm? Oh!” Daniel grinned. “I figured out what was wrong with the address. I know where Atlantis is.”

Eyes widening, Kimberly stared at her friend. “No way! For real?”

Nodding, Daniel took a sip, then explained about the address being an eight chevron one, not the usual seven. “It’s in another galaxy, Kim. Pegasus, to be precise. And we can go there.” Frowning slightly, he amended his statement. “Theoretically, at least. Jack still has to sign off on it, of course.”

Kimberly was filled with equal amounts of excitement and sadness. She’d been recruited for the expedition months ago, so she knew she’d be going if it ever got the go ahead. But leaving would mean saying goodbye to Daniel, possibly forever if he was right about it being in another galaxy. They’d been friends for years, ever since he’d come to her rescue during an off-world mission. It had been her first time out, and she had yet to learn the nuances of dealing with other cultures. It had led to some misunderstandings that had nearly caused her her head – and she meant that literally – until Daniel had intervened on her behalf.

As much as she knew Daniel wanted to go on the mission to Atlantis, she also knew all too well that Jack would never let him go. She sighed and hugged him awkwardly, mindful of the cups of coffee they were holding. “I’m going to miss you, Daniel,” she said quietly.

Wrapping his arm around her, he kissed the top of her head affectionately. “I know. I’ll miss you, too.”

“General O’Neill incoming,” they overheard someone say as they walked by.

Taking a deep breath, Daniel nodded, pulling himself together. “Right. C’mon.”

She walked Daniel to the elevator where he’d wait for Jack before she headed back to the chair room. Carson and Mac were discussing what had happened earlier, going over the data they’d collected. Joining them, Kimberly soon lost herself in the work until she heard someone say, “So you’re the one!”

Carson paled, presumably because of the rather intimidating man stalking toward them. Mac pulled Carson so the chair was between him and the major as he came closer. Kimberly stepped aside, unsure whether to call for help or not. The major looked pissed, and given what had happened, he had every right to be. Friendly fire was generally not considered a good thing, after all.

“Me?” Carson breathed.

“You’re the one who fired that thing at me,” the major said, glowering.

“Look, we’re doing research, working with technology that’s light-years beyond us,” Carson pleaded, indicating the chair as he continued, “and we make mistakes. I’m incredibly, incredibly sorry.”

The major followed the sweep of Carson’s arm and came to a halt, seemingly equally puzzled and intrigued. He cleared his throat. “Well, next time just be a little more careful, okay?”

The sudden change in demeanor had Kimberly’s attention and she wondered whether he’d really been as upset as he had appeared to be. Especially when he leaned into Carson and conspiratorially asked what that thing that had attacked him was. The look of confusion on the major’s face grew at Carson’s explanation, and she suddenly had the thought that while he had been ferrying the expedition members to and from the outpost, he himself had no clue what was happening here.

Carson apparently had a similar thought as he suddenly paled further. “You do have security clearance to be here?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. General O’Neill just gave it to me.” He held out his hand. “Major John Sheppard.”

“Dr. Carson Beckett. Pleased to meet you. So… you have no idea about the stargate, then?”

“The what?”

“Oh dear.” Carson glanced briefly at Mac, then Kimberly. She shrugged.

Grabbing Mac’s shoulder, she turned him neatly back to the computers and began to go over the information again, looking for any clues they might have missed before about how Carson activated the drone in the first place. She tuned Carson’s explanations to Sheppard out as best she could. She had the feeling they wouldn’t have much more time left in the outpost if Daniel got his way. Not now that he’d figured out the gate address.

Suddenly the room lit up and the computers started to spit out new information. Kimberly and Mac both looked up in shock, turning around to find the major sitting back in the chair, stiff as a rail. “Have you ever seen it do that?” she asked Mac.

“No. Never. Do you think-?”

As one, they refocused on their screens even as Carson went haring out to find Dr. Weir and Rodney. The chair was giving off massive energy readings compared to what it had before and it made Kimberly feel like Christmas had arrived early. Of course, the light display didn’t help much with that impression.

“I thought I told you not to touch anything,” Jack said at the sight of Sheppard in the chair.

“I-I just… sat down, sir,” Sheppard stammered, unmoving.

The general sighed even as Rodney moved to stand in front of Sheppard. “Major, think about where we are in the solar system.” He sounded excited, and with good reason, Kimberly thought.

Above them, a hologram of the solar system popped into existence. Kimberly couldn’t help staring at it, marveling at the detail.

“Did I do that?” Sheppard asked, sounding stunned.

“Yes, you did, now focus,” Rodney said, brusquely. “Wouldn’t want to set off another drone,” he added scathingly, scowling at Carson.

“It was an accident!” Carson explained.

“Right. Major-,” and Rodney went off on a tangent, giving the poor major rapid-fire instructions which he seemed to follow with ease.

Never before had Kimberly seen anyone interact with the chair on the level Sheppard was doing at that moment. It was as if he was one with the device. It was kind of spooky, truth be told, but also very exciting.

Spotting Dr. Weir, Kimberly beckoned her over. Quietly, she pointed at the readings scrolling over her screen. “Dr. Weir, if Atlantis is even remotely like this outpost, we have to have him on the expedition. We need someone with his abilities. The way he’s manipulating this tech, it’s… beyond anything I’ve ever seen before. Not even Peter, Miko, or Carson come even close to what he’s doing.”

Elizabeth nodded, gazing pensively at the major as he was run through his paces by Rodney. “Alright. I’ll see what I can do. Good work, Dr. Smyth.”

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