Friendship, Week 1: The Child of Fear (3/3)
Title: The Child of Fear
Author: wildcat88
Genre: Friendship
Prompt: Terrorism
Word Count: ~17,500
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Atlantis must pick up the pieces after returning to Pegasus from an extended absence in the Milky Way. However, reclaiming their place in the Coalition will not be easy. The galaxy has changed, and not every change is visible.
Back to part 2
Ronon knew something was wrong. His blood sang the warning, and the twitch under his right shoulder blade throbbed with it. He stalked around Ops, watching Amelia and Teyla's people man the controls as delegation after delegation arrived. Teyla and Sheppard were all smiles as they welcomed the ambassadors and had other Athosians, along with a couple of Ronon's militia, escort them to quarters and then to the conference area. Sheppard's back was rigid as he checked his watch again, glancing up to Ronon who shook his head. McKay still hadn't shown up.
Other than McKay being late, everything seemed to be running smoothly. And yet Ronon's instincts screamed at him as loud as the day the Wraith had destroyed Sateda. He studied the people around him -- Solen and his second in command were in fierce discussion, their bodies pictures of stress as they walked toward the conference room, never looking Ronon's way; several of his militia paced nervously as they waited for the next group to arrive, their eyes darting up to him occasionally, awkward smiles exchanged when he acknowledged them; the Athosians in Ops were all frowns and knots of tension, far from the warm and gracious people he knew. Only the two Marines patrolling the gate room seemed at ease.
Ronon radioed his team leaders, and each one answered with an "all clear."
The alarm in his mind shrieked louder.
"Genii delegation has dialed in," Amelia announced.
Sheppard looked up and gave her a quick nod. She lowered the shield. The hair on Ronon's neck stood on end as Ladon Radim and eight others marched in. Teyla squared her shoulders, which told Ronon she was as surprised as he was to see Radim. He wasn't on the guest list.
"Ladon," Sheppard drawled. "Always a pleasure."
Liar, Ronon thought. Sheppard couldn't stand that frouk.
"Colonel Sheppard." Radim gave his usual bland smile that made Ronon's skin crawl. "It has been some time."
Not long enough, Sheppard's body language shouted. His mouth said, "A few years, I guess. What brings you here today?"
Solen emerged from the conference room and crossed to Ronon's side. "What's going on?"
Ronon jerked his chin at Radim. "The Genii brought their-- leader."
"It is a momentous day for the Genii, Colonel. One we've waited for and worked towards for many years."
Kanaan strolled in and stepped between Sheppard and Teyla. "Chief Radim."
Radim nodded. "Kanaan."
Teyla turned wide-eyed to Kanaan. "You know him?"
Something metallic flashed in Radim's hand, and he jabbed at Sheppard with it. Sheppard leaped backward and reached for his firearm as three militia raced to his side. But instead of protecting him, they grabbed his arms, forcing him to drop the gun as they wrenched his arms behind his back. The two Marines shouted and raised their weapons, but stunners fired from somewhere above and they collapsed.
Ronon lunged forward, but stopped when Solen jammed a blaster in his ribcage. Before Ronon could swing, the two Athosians in front of him stood, aiming Wraith stunners at him. Feet shuffled. People shouted. Amelia backed away from her station, hands in the air, as Mita trained a stunner on her.
Sheppard struggled to free himself, finally going still when one of the Genii aimed a shotgun at one of the unconscious Marines. "Care to explain this, Ladon?"
"I have waited almost seven years for this day, Colonel. Allow me a moment to savor it." Radim sauntered around the gate room, nodding at delegates, militia, and Athosians as he circled. When he met Ronon's eyes, he grinned.
"I know what you're thinking, Ronon, but don't," Solen whispered. "No one's going to get hurt unless you try something. You can't take all of us."
"I can try," Ronon growled, but his heart sank as members of his militia, armed with P-90s, filed into the room, several pointing their weapons at him.
"You will fail."
Ronon was still looking for an escape route when Radim made his way back to Sheppard who glared with such hatred that Radim's skin should have melted.
"You're trying to take Atlantis again?" Sheppard asked. "Didn't you learn anything last time?"
"I've learned many things since then, Colonel." Radim held up the silver injector in his hand. "Such as how to make certain people very cooperative." When he nodded, the men holding Sheppard shoved him to his knees. "This might hurt a little."
Sheppard pulled back as far as he could. "How did you convince these people to help you?"
Radim smiled, the injector poised at Sheppard's neck. "I didn't convince them of anything. They came to me."
"You lie!" Teyla growled. "My people would never willingly betray an ally."
Radim cocked a brow at Kanaan who took a deep breath and bowed his head.
"Kanaan, tell me that you did not do this."
Kanaan straightened and turned to look her in the eye. "This was the only way we could be sure that their people," he pointed at Sheppard, "wouldn't take the Ancestral City for themselves."
"By giving it to the Genii?" Teyla's body shook as she stared at Kanaan. "Have you heard nothing I've told you about them?"
"We are not giving the city to the Genii," Brin called down from the door of the conference room. "All of the Coalition will share in it."
Sheppard chuckled and shook his head. "They don't know you very well, do they?"
"I have no idea what you mean," Radim answered and plunged the injector into Sheppard's neck.
Sheppard arched and hissed in pain. Ronon jerked toward him, halting as every weapon in the room pointed at his head. Teyla moved subtly, and Ronon swallowed a grin. Even eight months pregnant, she could take down anyone in the room, especially with the blade she was concealing in her hand.
"Teyla, no," Sheppard said. "Stand down. You too, Chewie." He wavered side to side. "Just because they're doing it wrong doesn't mean they are wrong." He sighed and his body crumpled.
"No!" Teyla dropped beside him, cradling him as he slumped, unconscious. "What have you done?"
"Get her to the conference room," Radim ordered Kanaan, and then turned to one of his men. "Take him to the chair room."
Solen took Ronon's blaster and two of the three knives he had hidden, prodding him in the back to follow Teyla who was quivering with fury as Kanaan led her up the stairs to the conference room where Halling was waiting for them. The fight seemed to leak out of Teyla when she saw him, and she took a seat, eyes downcast. Ronon scanned the room, searching for a weapon, an escape, a way to wake up from this nightmare.
"Please, sit." Halling gestured toward a chair as Radim, Mita, and Council Chief Brin entered and sat.
"Where's McKay?" Ronon folded his arms and stared, pointedly not sitting down. "What did you do to him?"
"Doctor McKay is safe," Mita answered. "We have secured him and the others from Earth with Ancestor blood in an isolation room."
"And what are you going to do with Sheppard?"
"You are here as a courtesy, Ronon, nothing more." Radim leaned back in his chair. "We have agreed to give you this one chance to see our point of view."
Teyla raised her head. "Or?"
Radim smiled. "Or you will banned from Atlantis."
Teyla's eyes narrowed and her chin lifted. "Are you the voice of the Coalition?"
"I am the voice that matters right now."
"Enough." Halling stared at Radim until he lifted his hands in surrender. "Teyla, I ask that you consider our motives with the wisdom you have displayed from childhood. If you believe us mistaken afterward, we are open to your reasons."
"Speak. I will listen." Teyla turned to Ronon and extended a hand. "Please."
Shaking with rage, Ronon yanked a chair out and sat.
"Thank you," Halling said. "You must know this was not easy for any of us. At times I doubted this was the right move until Mita told us of the reason Mr. Woolsey was recalled to Earth. We cannot allow the Ancestral City to be taken from us again."
"It will not be," Teyla said. "Richard will be here in three days to tell you himself. Earth's government agreed to leave Atlantis here."
Kanaan leaned forward. "This time. What about the next?"
"You." Teyla didn't even glance at Kanaan. "Do not speak."
Ronon closed his eyes as the pieces fell into place. How could he have been so blind? "You've been planning this since we got back. It's why you wanted me to train the militia and get weapons from Woolsey."
"Yes," Solen said. "I told you once no one would have control over us anymore. Not the Wraith and not your friends from Earth. When the Ancestors left this galaxy, they left this city here. Where it belongs."
"But you cannot operate--" Teyla stared at Mita. "You have been learning the systems in order to run the city."
Mita nodded. "I learned everything Doctor McKay would teach me, and then I convinced some of the less paranoid that he wanted me to do more." She lifted her head proudly. "I can run Ops on my own."
Ronon jerked when the gate activated. "What's going on?"
Brin turned to him. "We are sending the sick back to Earth."
"But Earth's ring has a covering," Teyla said. "They will be killed."
Halling shook his head. "Joran will contact them first, explain what is happening."
"They will fight," Ronon said.
Radim smiled, looking very pleased with himself. "They are too weak. We made sure of that."
"You are responsible for this illness?" Teyla asked.
"And the flu that led you to ask your people to help run the city," Radim answered.
Teyla studied him. "You do not possess sufficient knowledge or technology to produce a bioweapon of such sophistication."
Radim arched a brow at her. "You have been spending too much time with Doctor McKay. Surely you don't think the only reason Commander Kolya kept that Wraith around was to torture people. That was a side benefit. Our scientists spent years gleaning as much information from him as they could, including how to manipulate and weaponize certain viruses." He leaned back and folded his arms over his chest. "It helped out at many a trade negotiation."
"What's your plan?" Ronon asked. "You said you had the ones with Ancestor blood in an isolation room. You planning on keeping them?"
"Yes," Brin answered. "Without Ancestor blood, we cannot operate some of the systems, nor can we fly the ships."
Ronon glanced at Radim. "Thought you'd been working on that for years."
Radim shrugged. "Never quite got it right. But I know Doctor Beckett did. Until we get it perfect and everyone tested, we'll use your people."
"They will not help you," Teyla said.
"They won't be able to help themselves." Radim held up the injector. "This contained a strong sedative. You saw how quickly Sheppard succumbed to it. In a less potent dose, it makes the subject very susceptible to suggestion."
"You can't keep him drugged all the time," Ronon said.
"Of course I can." Radim tucked the cylinder in his pocket. "And I will."
Halling shot a troubled glance at Radim, and then turned to Teyla. "No harm will come to Colonel Sheppard or any of the others. Our plan is to keep them only until our people can be trained on those systems. We will then send them back to Earth as well."
"Earth will not stand for this," Teyla answered. "They will come for you."
"We will not be here," Mita said. "We will fly the city to another planet, and when we are ready to send Colonel Sheppard and the others back, we will move again."
Solen pushed out of his chair and paced to the far wall. "This is our fight, not theirs. They have battles to fight back in their own galaxy." He turned to Ronon. "If they take Atlantis from us again, we won't survive. The memory of Sateda and our people will be wiped from existence."
"Why did you not share your concerns with them?" Teyla asked. "Mr. Woolsey and Colonel Sheppard would have listened to you."
"As they did when we came here after the Wraith attacked Athos?" Halling shook his head. "Do you remember the interrogations? The accusations?"
"I remember," Teyla said. "I remember that it was before they understood the Wraith. Years have passed, years in which they have learned about the Wraith, fought the Wraith, and died protecting the people of this galaxy from the Wraith."
"And they abandoned us to the Wraith the second their homeworld needed them," Solen snapped. "Do you not see that their loyalties are divided? We cannot depend on them."
"So you will poison some and kidnap others until you have what you want from them." Teyla's gaze swept over them, locking with Halling's. "Is this what we have become?"
Radim snorted in derision. "Do you honestly think that if we'd come to Woolsey and Sheppard, they would just hand over Atlantis to us?"
"To you?" Ronon asked. "Not while there was still breath in my body."
"To the Coalition then."
"We will never know," Teyla said.
Kanaan glanced at her. "You know that even if Woolsey and Sheppard were willing, their superiors on Earth would never allow it." He held up a hand when she turned rage-filled eyes at him. "We spent two years on the dark side of their solitary moon, waiting for their leaders to let us go while our people were dying at the hands of the Wraith. You are too blinded by your love for them to see that we are secondary to them."
"And you are too jealous of what they were able to achieve without the Wraith threat to see the consequences of rejecting their help."
Radim slammed his hands on the table. "We don't need their help!"
"Silence!" Halling stood and took a deep breath. "We promised to listen as she has listened to us." He looked to Teyla. "What consequences do you foresee?"
"Are you really that stupid?" Ronon asked.
Teyla shot him a dark look and then turned to Halling. "They have the vast resources of their galaxy -- many civilizations even more highly advanced than Earth." She focused on Mita. "You have learned what you could from them. What happens when they are gone and you have no one to ask? Can you repair the consoles or reprogram the sensors?"
Mita shifted and glanced to Halling who stared down at the table. Brin looked away. Only Radim would meet their gazes, his expression smug.
Teyla's mouth dropped open. "You do not intend to send Rodney and John back at all." She leaned forward, attempting to catch Halling's eye. "They have families."
"We need them," Halling said.
"Not even McKay has all the answers," Ronon replied. "No matter what he says."
"How can you do this to them?" Teyla balled her hands into fists even as her chin wobbled. "How can you betray them, betray me like this?"
Halling raised his head, his eyes flat. "To survive."
"The Wraith feed to survive," Teyla snapped.
"Enough." Brin raked his hands through his hair. "Teyla, I can see in your eyes that you know Atlantis belongs here, with us. Why are you resisting?"
"Why are you holding my friends?"
Brin sighed. "Because we need them. It's what is best for the majority."
"'The good of the many outweighs the good of the few,'" Ronon murmured.
The familiar words of Zelenka's favorite quote made Teyla flinch, and when she glanced at Ronon, he saw the answer shining in her eyes.
"Can you give us a minute to talk?" Teyla asked.
"Of course," Halling said.
As the others stood, Teyla doubled over, crying out as she wrapped her arms around her abdomen. Kanaan, Halling, Mita and Brin rushed toward her. Ronon whipped his last knife from his hair and jammed the tip in Radim's ear.
Solen, trapped on the far side of the table in the confusion, shouted, "Ronon, no!"
Teyla exploded upward in a frenzy of elbows and fists. Mita dropped, followed by Brin and Halling. With her knife at Kanaan's throat, she tossed Mita's tablet to Ronon. "Go."
Ronon tucked the tablet in his vest and bent to whisper in Radim's free ear. "Don't think for a second that I won't bury this to the hilt in your brain if you make one false move."
"I know."
Ronon backed up until he reached the sensor that opened the doors which began to turn. He slammed the handle of the blade down on the back of Radim's head then shoved him into the table, grinning as he slid across the top and into Solen.
Before the doors opened fully, Ronon had slipped out and was running for the transporter, counting on his men to hesitate before firing at him, and slightly disappointed when they did. The first stunner beam zipped by his ear and he dived forward, sliding on one knee into the transporter, jabbing at the city map.
When the doors opened, he darted out and sprinted for the stairwell, stopping six floors down to see where he was -- Tower Twelve, Level Fourteen. He breathed deeply and continued to descend until he reached Sublevel One. Using his best runner's pace, he headed for the Central Tower. Sweat dripped down his back and his legs burned. Would they suspect he was heading to the isolation room?
Twenty minutes later, he reached Level Twenty-Seven. He eased into the corridor, stretching every sense to detect movement. He slipped down the hall to the observation area, palmed the door open, and flattened against the outer wall. After a moment, a man armed with a P-90 stuck his head out. Ronon grabbed his neck and slammed him into the doorjamb. He sagged to the floor. Ronon peeked into the room, and, satisfied that it was empty, dragged the man inside with him.
About twenty people milled about below, including McKay and Beckett. Ronon toggled the mic. "You okay?"
"I most certainly am not," McKay snapped. "I've been stunned by that deceptive little minx and stuffed in here with way too many people. Without my coffee."
"He's fine," Beckett said. "We are very glad to see you, son. What's going on? I was told I tested positive for this new bug and tossed in here, but no one here is sick. Then someone in Genii uniform dropped off Dae and Chapman. When they woke up, they said the city was under attack."
Several people nodded in agreement.
Ronon waved a hand. "I'll explain later. Is there anyone outside your door?"
Beckett shrugged. "Not that we've seen."
"Sergeant Chapman," Ronon called. When the big Marine glanced up, he said, "I'm going to open the door. Take out anyone out there. They're going to be armed."
"Don't worry, sir," Chapman replied. "They won't be for long."
The doors parted and Chapman stepped out. A body went flying by and the Marine looked back in. "Good to go."
"Stay there," Ronon said. "I'm on my way."
He hurried out and down the steps to the isolation door, handing the P-90 to Chapman. "Don't let anybody by you."
Chapman grinned. "No, sir."
Ronon laid out the basics of what happened and then said, "We need to get you out of here."
"We're not retaking the city?" Lieutenant Dae asked.
"Look around you," McKay answered. "There are eighteen of us and most are scientists and doctors. Those people out there are trained warriors from birth. Would you want to take on an army of Teylas and Ronons? Without any weapons?"
Dae frowned. "We can't just give up."
"Don't you understand what's happening?" McKay asked. "The rest of the expedition is already gone. Atlantis is filled with armed people who want to drug us to the gills for the foreseeable future and use us to operate the city."
"He's right," Ronon said. "You can't win this battle. But they're right, too."
McKay gaped at him. "What?"
"They're cowards. Worse than cowards. They betrayed the alliance, the oath they made. I won't let them hold you or use you like that." Ronon turned away and closed his eyes. "But they are right. One day Earth will need Atlantis and they'll order Woolsey or Sheppard or whoever is in charge back. This galaxy will be defenseless again."
"You don't want us to fight," Dae said.
Ronon shook his head. "No, I don't. They don't want to fight you, but they will, and they will win. They have superior position and firepower. Part of battle is knowing when to retreat." He handed Mita's tablet to McKay. "You need to retreat through the ring so find a way to get us there without running into anybody."
Beckett studied Ronon for a moment. "You realize what will happen if we all leave."
"Teyla and I will figure something out."
"The ATA therapy didn't work on either of you," Beckett said. "Without someone to operate the gene-specific controls--"
"Okay, I've got it," McKay said. "I've turned power and environmental controls back on in the uninhabited areas and rerouted the transporters to go there."
"All of them?" Dae asked.
"Yes, all of them. Once the city detects someone out there, I've programmed the bulkhead doors to lock down. That should keep them busy for a while. Only someone with a command code can override it."
"Okay," Ronon said. "Let's go."
"That's it?" Beckett shook his head as they headed out. "You're losing your touch, Rodney."
"No, that's not it. I'm working on a way to clear out Ops." McKay scowled at the tablet. "Weird. Ops looks empty already."
Ronon grinned. "Guess Teyla took care of that."
McKay's brows shot up. "You left them alone with an angry pregnant Teyla? They'll be lucky to still be in one piece. Now, we just have to get there without dying."
"Can we dial out with a jumper?" Chapman asked.
"It doesn't have the control crystal that allows Atlantis to dial the eighth chevron. It has to be dialed from Ops."
As they moved through the hallway toward the stairwell, they came across a couple of militia. Ronon and Chapman knocked them out and took their stunners which made getting up the stairs considerably easier.
"Damn her. I trained her too well," McKay muttered, stabbing at the tablet.
"Who?" Beckett asked.
"Mita, my double agent assistant. She's trying to override what I'm doing."
"Can you stop her?"
McKay stopped and stared at Beckett. "Really?"
"Oh, sorry. Forgot who I was talking to."
When they reached the catwalk that took them to the next stairwell, Ronon turned left.
"Where are you going?" McKay asked. "Ops is this way," he said, pointing right.
"Have to get Sheppard."
"I'll come with you, sir," Chapman said.
McKay waved him away. "No, no. I'll go. No telling what damage they've done in the chair room."
Beckett stepped up. "I'm coming, too. The lad might need my help."
"Fine," Ronon said. "Chapman, get these people to the mission ready room and keep them safe. Find a radio and tune it to channel three. When we get close, I'll contact you."
They raced across the catwalk and down the stairs to the chair room. Ronon stunned everyone in their path, surprised to find so little resistance. When they entered, Sheppard was reclined in the chair, eyes closed, IVs in both arms. A roomful of Genii were staring at the monitors that were flashing data faster than the mind could follow, shouting at each other and at Sheppard who didn't seem to notice.
Ronon stunned the Genii while McKay plugged his tablet into the nearest console and Beckett removed the IVs from Sheppard's arms.
"Okay, he took what I did and ran with it. People are all over the city. He's got the hologram room freaking them out, I'm sure, because Megatron is holding court in the Mess Hall, and Darth Vader and Luke are back in the gate room."
"Can you keep the gate room clear?" Ronon asked.
"Not with the tablet. I need to be either in Ops or the chair."
"John, can you find Teyla?" Beckett asked.
Schematics of Atlantis began flashing on the monitors.
McKay glanced over his shoulder. "How will he know which one she is?"
Beckett frowned at the monitors and then smiled when they all displayed the same image. "She's the only dot with two heartbeats." He turned to Ronon. "They took my radio."
Ronon keyed his earpiece. "Teyla, this is Ronon."
"Ronon! Are you well?" Teyla's voice was a whisper. "John and Rodney?"
"Everybody's fine. We're in the chair room. Can you get here?"
"I am uncertain. I have not been successful in opening this door-- which is now open. John is in the chair?"
"Yeah. Can you get here?"
"On my way."
Beckett tapped Sheppard's cheek. "Can you hear me, son? Keep the hallway clear for Teyla."
Different schematics appeared on the monitors. Alarms shrieked warnings of fire, electrical overloads, burst pipes, and toxic gases. The lifesigns in the vicinity scattered. But as soon as the double heartbeat dot neared each area, the bulkhead door would open and the alarms shut down.
Minutes later, Teyla walked into the chair room. She squeezed Ronon's arm, pressed a hand to McKay's face, and smiled at Beckett. "How is he?"
"Slowly coming around." Beckett tapped Sheppard's cheek again. "I need you to release the controls," he said. "We need to get you out of this chair."
The monitors and consoles went dark.
"And there went the holograms. Bulkhead doors are opening, too."
Beckett turned to Ronon. "Can you carry him?"
"Yeah." Ronon moved to his side. "Is it safe yet?"
"Yes."
Ronon grabbed Sheppard's arm and pulled him over his shoulders. "Okay, let's go."
"Wait," McKay called. "I'm not-- What the hell?" He turned toward the chair where Beckett was now seated. "What are you doing?"
Beckett reclined and laid his palms on the gel controls. "Picking up where he left off, though I prefer Jurassic Park over the Transformers."
"Get off of there. We have to go. I'll figure out a way to clear the hallway."
"No. I'm not going."
Ronon stepped toward him. "Doc--"
"Have you lost your mind?" McKay asked. "Of course you're going."
"No, Rodney, I'm not. Earth isn't my home. I'm from this galaxy, and these people need me. I'm the second highest aptitude rating--"
"You just can't help throwing that in my face, can you?"
"And they need someone to operate the ATA-only systems like the chair and the jumpers. I can also manufacture some of the gene therapy. Plus I'm the best doctor they've got if I do say so myself."
"Carson--"
"It's not goodbye, Rodney. It's so long. One day, I'll convince them to reconnect with Earth. Don't give up on us." Beckett closed his eyes and the monitors lit. "Shutting bulkheads. Holograms are--" His forehead scrunched with effort. "How John does this so effortlessly, I'll never know." He opened one eye. "I need your help, Rodney. I can keep the bulkheads closed or clear the hallway, but I can't do both."
"Clear the hallway. You get me to Ops and I'll do the rest." McKay's face twisted. "Carson, I-- you're--"
"Don't go mushy on me now, Rodney." Beckett closed his eye and swallowed thickly. "I will be here when you get back."
Ronon handed Teyla a stunner. "Get him to Ops, and dial out. We'll be right behind you."
Teyla nodded and prodded McKay toward the door.
As they stepped out, McKay turned around. "Before Elizabeth--" He cleared his throat. "We made a list of viable planets to take Atlantis when we were running from the Replicators. The list should be in the database somewhere."
"I'll find it, and if we can't go there, I'll leave a message at the alpha site of where we are," Beckett said.
"I should be the one to stay. They can't run this city without me."
"You would be a prisoner here." Teyla grasped McKay's face in her hands. "You have family, Rodney. Many people who love you -- your sister, your niece, Jennifer. They are waiting for you on Earth."
"But you said we'd be back."
"And you will. I have no doubt of that." Teyla smiled gently. "One day."
McKay nodded miserably. "One day." He glanced around the room, his gaze landing on Beckett. "Carson."
"So long, Rodney," came the reply. "I'll see you soon."
McKay slammed a fist against the wall and ran like the Wraith were on his tail.
"I will see you in the gate room," Teyla said, and hurried after McKay.
Sheppard's body jerked. Ronon eased him to the ground and squinted at him. "Hey, buddy. How are you feeling?"
Sheppard sucked in a breath, his eyes rolling behind his lids, but he didn't show any other signs of waking.
"Oh, thank God." Beckett looked at Ronon. "Teyla and Rodney made it to Ops." He frowned. "The way is clear for you, but there is a group coming from a different direction. I can't stop them before they reach the ready room where Chapman and the others are waiting."
"The gate room is clear?"
"For now."
Ronon toggled his radio. "Teyla, Beckett says Chapman's group is about to be compromised. Get them out of here."
"Dialing out now--" Teyla said, and then static squealed and McKay came on. "We're not leaving without Sheppard."
"I'm on my way. Can you keep the gate open when you reach Earth?"
"I'm not leaving without Sheppard."
Ronon sighed and stared at the ceiling, irritated at McKay's stubbornness and missing it already. "On the way." He hefted Sheppard over his shoulder. "Doc, you sure?"
Beckett nodded. "Yes, lad, I'm sure. Just like I'm sure I'll see Scotland again one day. Now, go."
Then he was running for the stairs. The climb was slow and painful. Sheppard was deadweight on Ronon's back. Lights flickered. Alarms sounded. Beckett was really putting on a show.
"Hurry up, Ronon," McKay said. "The others have already gone through. I'm only showing five sub-cu transmitters--"
Gunfire popped in the background. McKay cursed and something thudded. A stunner whined, and then Teyla was back.
"Rodney is injured, and more are coming," Teyla said. "You must hurry."
"Get McKay through the gate. I'll be there soon."
"He will not go without John."
"Dammit. Throw him through if you have to."
"I cannot get him down the stairs without injuring him further."
Sheppard shifted and mumbled something unintelligible. Ronon paused and then lowered him to the ground when he heard footsteps. A door crashed down nearby, cutting off the voices. When he turned back, Sheppard was staring at him.
"Hey."
Sheppard's brows knotted. "Wha--" His jaw worked, but nothing else came out.
"Trying to get you to the gate room. McKay and Teyla are waiting. Can you walk?"
Sheppard nodded, and then shook his head.
"Sorry, buddy. I know you hate being carried." Ronon pulled Sheppard across his shoulders. "We're almost there."
When they reached Ops, Teyla was sitting in Chuck's chair and McKay was propped against the console, his leg stretched out in front of him.
Ronon looked him over. "You're not bleeding."
McKay glared up at him. "What astounding powers of observation you have."
"Why are you still here?"
"Because you are."
Ronon turned to Teyla. "Why is he still here?"
"He tripped over a chair when we were fired upon."
Ronon eased Sheppard to the floor, leaning him next to McKay. Sheppard blinked woozily, his forehead furrowed as his gaze swept over McKay.
"I'm fine, Sheppard. Quit looking at me like that." McKay looked at Ronon. "It's my knee."
"I could find no breaks, but it will not hold his weight." Teyla struggled to her feet and peered down at the ring. "Sergeant Chapman is on the other side, holding the gate open."
"Let's get them down there," Ronon said.
He helped McKay to his feet and steadied him until Teyla had an arm wrapped securely around him. He pulled Sheppard up, holding him upright even though he bore his entire weight as they slowly made their way down the main stairs to the shimmering blue that would separate them.
"Torren?" Sheppard said. "Where?"
"He is on New Athos, John." Teyla maneuvered McKay to Ronon's other side.
"No." Sheppard's body shook with his effort to control it. "Can't."
McKay glanced from one to the other in confusion. "What is he babbling about?"
Teyla took a step back. "I cannot go without my son, and there is no time to get him."
"You're not coming?" McKay said, looking stunned.
"Please," Sheppard said. "Teyla--"
"My people need me, John, now more than ever. They do not realize the mistake they have made. I cannot abandon them now."
"Even after what they've done?" McKay asked. "They've lied to you, almost killed you in that bombing."
Sheppard jerked at McKay's words. "They did that?" The words were slurred but understandable.
"There were no terrorists. Everything was a set up for them to get access to Atlantis."
"That power-hungry little weasel." Sheppard's face was a mask of rage. "I should have killed him when I had the chance."
"Ladon?" McKay asked. "It wouldn't surprise me if it was his idea, but they were all in this together." He turned to Teyla. "You can't trust them."
Teyla stroked her hands over her belly. "There are some whom I can never forgive or trust again, but others merely followed their leaders. I must show them that there is a better way." Her eyes shone with tears. "My child's heritage will not be one of fear and deception."
Sheppard lifted his chin, his muscles spasming as he fought for control. "You're my team, my family. I won't leave you behind."
Teyla stepped forward and pulled his forehead to hers. "You are not. I choose to stay, both for the good of your people and the good of mine. On your world, I would be just one of many warriors, but here, I can lead these people, once they are ready to listen. I can convince them to let your people return one day so that we may all share this city and her secrets."
"We don't have much time, Sheppard," McKay said. "The gate's been open for almost thirty minutes."
"I'm not going. Ronon and I will take a jumper, leave the city until it's safe to return." Sheppard gave a lopsided grin. "We'll scour the galaxy, hunting Wraith."
"And your oath to your military?" Teyla asked. "You would break it? Become a deserter?"
McKay shook his head. "Not if he ever wanted to go back to Earth again. Caldwell would hunt you down, and you know it."
The tension in Sheppard's muscles grew worse. "Teyla, please."
Teyla pressed a kiss to Sheppard's cheek, hugged McKay, and stepped back, not bothering to wipe the tears from her face. "I will be here with Carson, Torren, and," she caressed her belly again, "Charin Elizabeth, waiting for you when the time has come for your return."
Sheppard sagged against Ronon. "The door will always be open if you change your mind."
"I know." Teyla smiled through her tears. "Take care of each other."
"You steady enough to walk?" Ronon asked.
Sheppard flinched. "You're not coming either?" he whispered.
"Still got a few Wraith to kill. That jumper's not a bad idea, though. Maybe Beckett can rig one for me."
"Where is Carson?"
"Chair room. He's trying to keep the bad guys away for us." McKay's voice was thick with emotion and he coughed to clear it. "Damn fool."
Ronon helped them to the edge of the event horizon. "I'll take care of Beckett."
Something clattered nearby. Before Ronon could turn, a stunner beam ripped Sheppard from his grasp and another caught McKay in the chest. His eyes rolled back and he dropped to the ground.
"I can't let you do this, Ronon," Solen called from the top of the stairs. "We need them."
"And I can't let you have them."
A vein throbbed in Solen's jaw. "You would choose them over your own people?"
Ronon looked down at the two unconscious men at his feet, and something twisted and settled in his chest. "They are inspatrel."
Solen looked stunned for a moment. Then anger flooded his face, and he aimed the stunner at Ronon. Teyla spun and fired her stunner as Ronon leaped out of the way. Solen collapsed in a heap.
"Inspatrel?" Teyla asked. "Blood brothers?"
"You know the term?"
She nodded. "We pronounce it anspatrile."
Ronon fingered the cuff she had given him, tracing the design stitched in the leather, and glanced to the ones Sheppard and McKay had on. "More than blood."
"Soul bonded."
"Yes." Ronon hefted McKay over his shoulders. "Guess I should go. Running out of time."
"Are you certain this is what you wish?"
Ronon pulled McKay's arm and good leg tight around his neck and gripped them tightly. "Can you get Sheppard sitting up?"
"I will try." Teyla knelt awkwardly and tugged on Sheppard's upper body. "You have not answered my question."
Ronon stared down at her. "Yeah, this is what I want. I can't leave them here. Couldn't stay on Atlantis if I did. Radim would see to that." He held her eye. "I'm not alone anymore."
"No, you are not."
"Besides," he grinned at her, "I owe Teal'c a rematch."
Teyla laughed and wiped tears from her face as she hugged him. "Take care of them for me."
"Are you sure this is what you want?" Ronon asked in return.
Teyla wrapped an arm around her middle. "It is what must be. But it will be hard."
"Take care of Beckett."
"I will." Teyla hugged him again and stepped back. "Farewell, anspatrile."
Ronon wrapped his arm around Sheppard, looking one final time at the city and her new keeper.
"Farewell," he said, and stepped into the stargate.
The End.
Falsehood is invariably the child of fear in one form or another. ~ Aleister Crowley
Author: wildcat88
Genre: Friendship
Prompt: Terrorism
Word Count: ~17,500
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Atlantis must pick up the pieces after returning to Pegasus from an extended absence in the Milky Way. However, reclaiming their place in the Coalition will not be easy. The galaxy has changed, and not every change is visible.
Back to part 2
Ronon knew something was wrong. His blood sang the warning, and the twitch under his right shoulder blade throbbed with it. He stalked around Ops, watching Amelia and Teyla's people man the controls as delegation after delegation arrived. Teyla and Sheppard were all smiles as they welcomed the ambassadors and had other Athosians, along with a couple of Ronon's militia, escort them to quarters and then to the conference area. Sheppard's back was rigid as he checked his watch again, glancing up to Ronon who shook his head. McKay still hadn't shown up.
Other than McKay being late, everything seemed to be running smoothly. And yet Ronon's instincts screamed at him as loud as the day the Wraith had destroyed Sateda. He studied the people around him -- Solen and his second in command were in fierce discussion, their bodies pictures of stress as they walked toward the conference room, never looking Ronon's way; several of his militia paced nervously as they waited for the next group to arrive, their eyes darting up to him occasionally, awkward smiles exchanged when he acknowledged them; the Athosians in Ops were all frowns and knots of tension, far from the warm and gracious people he knew. Only the two Marines patrolling the gate room seemed at ease.
Ronon radioed his team leaders, and each one answered with an "all clear."
The alarm in his mind shrieked louder.
"Genii delegation has dialed in," Amelia announced.
Sheppard looked up and gave her a quick nod. She lowered the shield. The hair on Ronon's neck stood on end as Ladon Radim and eight others marched in. Teyla squared her shoulders, which told Ronon she was as surprised as he was to see Radim. He wasn't on the guest list.
"Ladon," Sheppard drawled. "Always a pleasure."
Liar, Ronon thought. Sheppard couldn't stand that frouk.
"Colonel Sheppard." Radim gave his usual bland smile that made Ronon's skin crawl. "It has been some time."
Not long enough, Sheppard's body language shouted. His mouth said, "A few years, I guess. What brings you here today?"
Solen emerged from the conference room and crossed to Ronon's side. "What's going on?"
Ronon jerked his chin at Radim. "The Genii brought their-- leader."
"It is a momentous day for the Genii, Colonel. One we've waited for and worked towards for many years."
Kanaan strolled in and stepped between Sheppard and Teyla. "Chief Radim."
Radim nodded. "Kanaan."
Teyla turned wide-eyed to Kanaan. "You know him?"
Something metallic flashed in Radim's hand, and he jabbed at Sheppard with it. Sheppard leaped backward and reached for his firearm as three militia raced to his side. But instead of protecting him, they grabbed his arms, forcing him to drop the gun as they wrenched his arms behind his back. The two Marines shouted and raised their weapons, but stunners fired from somewhere above and they collapsed.
Ronon lunged forward, but stopped when Solen jammed a blaster in his ribcage. Before Ronon could swing, the two Athosians in front of him stood, aiming Wraith stunners at him. Feet shuffled. People shouted. Amelia backed away from her station, hands in the air, as Mita trained a stunner on her.
Sheppard struggled to free himself, finally going still when one of the Genii aimed a shotgun at one of the unconscious Marines. "Care to explain this, Ladon?"
"I have waited almost seven years for this day, Colonel. Allow me a moment to savor it." Radim sauntered around the gate room, nodding at delegates, militia, and Athosians as he circled. When he met Ronon's eyes, he grinned.
"I know what you're thinking, Ronon, but don't," Solen whispered. "No one's going to get hurt unless you try something. You can't take all of us."
"I can try," Ronon growled, but his heart sank as members of his militia, armed with P-90s, filed into the room, several pointing their weapons at him.
"You will fail."
Ronon was still looking for an escape route when Radim made his way back to Sheppard who glared with such hatred that Radim's skin should have melted.
"You're trying to take Atlantis again?" Sheppard asked. "Didn't you learn anything last time?"
"I've learned many things since then, Colonel." Radim held up the silver injector in his hand. "Such as how to make certain people very cooperative." When he nodded, the men holding Sheppard shoved him to his knees. "This might hurt a little."
Sheppard pulled back as far as he could. "How did you convince these people to help you?"
Radim smiled, the injector poised at Sheppard's neck. "I didn't convince them of anything. They came to me."
"You lie!" Teyla growled. "My people would never willingly betray an ally."
Radim cocked a brow at Kanaan who took a deep breath and bowed his head.
"Kanaan, tell me that you did not do this."
Kanaan straightened and turned to look her in the eye. "This was the only way we could be sure that their people," he pointed at Sheppard, "wouldn't take the Ancestral City for themselves."
"By giving it to the Genii?" Teyla's body shook as she stared at Kanaan. "Have you heard nothing I've told you about them?"
"We are not giving the city to the Genii," Brin called down from the door of the conference room. "All of the Coalition will share in it."
Sheppard chuckled and shook his head. "They don't know you very well, do they?"
"I have no idea what you mean," Radim answered and plunged the injector into Sheppard's neck.
Sheppard arched and hissed in pain. Ronon jerked toward him, halting as every weapon in the room pointed at his head. Teyla moved subtly, and Ronon swallowed a grin. Even eight months pregnant, she could take down anyone in the room, especially with the blade she was concealing in her hand.
"Teyla, no," Sheppard said. "Stand down. You too, Chewie." He wavered side to side. "Just because they're doing it wrong doesn't mean they are wrong." He sighed and his body crumpled.
"No!" Teyla dropped beside him, cradling him as he slumped, unconscious. "What have you done?"
"Get her to the conference room," Radim ordered Kanaan, and then turned to one of his men. "Take him to the chair room."
Solen took Ronon's blaster and two of the three knives he had hidden, prodding him in the back to follow Teyla who was quivering with fury as Kanaan led her up the stairs to the conference room where Halling was waiting for them. The fight seemed to leak out of Teyla when she saw him, and she took a seat, eyes downcast. Ronon scanned the room, searching for a weapon, an escape, a way to wake up from this nightmare.
"Please, sit." Halling gestured toward a chair as Radim, Mita, and Council Chief Brin entered and sat.
"Where's McKay?" Ronon folded his arms and stared, pointedly not sitting down. "What did you do to him?"
"Doctor McKay is safe," Mita answered. "We have secured him and the others from Earth with Ancestor blood in an isolation room."
"And what are you going to do with Sheppard?"
"You are here as a courtesy, Ronon, nothing more." Radim leaned back in his chair. "We have agreed to give you this one chance to see our point of view."
Teyla raised her head. "Or?"
Radim smiled. "Or you will banned from Atlantis."
Teyla's eyes narrowed and her chin lifted. "Are you the voice of the Coalition?"
"I am the voice that matters right now."
"Enough." Halling stared at Radim until he lifted his hands in surrender. "Teyla, I ask that you consider our motives with the wisdom you have displayed from childhood. If you believe us mistaken afterward, we are open to your reasons."
"Speak. I will listen." Teyla turned to Ronon and extended a hand. "Please."
Shaking with rage, Ronon yanked a chair out and sat.
"Thank you," Halling said. "You must know this was not easy for any of us. At times I doubted this was the right move until Mita told us of the reason Mr. Woolsey was recalled to Earth. We cannot allow the Ancestral City to be taken from us again."
"It will not be," Teyla said. "Richard will be here in three days to tell you himself. Earth's government agreed to leave Atlantis here."
Kanaan leaned forward. "This time. What about the next?"
"You." Teyla didn't even glance at Kanaan. "Do not speak."
Ronon closed his eyes as the pieces fell into place. How could he have been so blind? "You've been planning this since we got back. It's why you wanted me to train the militia and get weapons from Woolsey."
"Yes," Solen said. "I told you once no one would have control over us anymore. Not the Wraith and not your friends from Earth. When the Ancestors left this galaxy, they left this city here. Where it belongs."
"But you cannot operate--" Teyla stared at Mita. "You have been learning the systems in order to run the city."
Mita nodded. "I learned everything Doctor McKay would teach me, and then I convinced some of the less paranoid that he wanted me to do more." She lifted her head proudly. "I can run Ops on my own."
Ronon jerked when the gate activated. "What's going on?"
Brin turned to him. "We are sending the sick back to Earth."
"But Earth's ring has a covering," Teyla said. "They will be killed."
Halling shook his head. "Joran will contact them first, explain what is happening."
"They will fight," Ronon said.
Radim smiled, looking very pleased with himself. "They are too weak. We made sure of that."
"You are responsible for this illness?" Teyla asked.
"And the flu that led you to ask your people to help run the city," Radim answered.
Teyla studied him. "You do not possess sufficient knowledge or technology to produce a bioweapon of such sophistication."
Radim arched a brow at her. "You have been spending too much time with Doctor McKay. Surely you don't think the only reason Commander Kolya kept that Wraith around was to torture people. That was a side benefit. Our scientists spent years gleaning as much information from him as they could, including how to manipulate and weaponize certain viruses." He leaned back and folded his arms over his chest. "It helped out at many a trade negotiation."
"What's your plan?" Ronon asked. "You said you had the ones with Ancestor blood in an isolation room. You planning on keeping them?"
"Yes," Brin answered. "Without Ancestor blood, we cannot operate some of the systems, nor can we fly the ships."
Ronon glanced at Radim. "Thought you'd been working on that for years."
Radim shrugged. "Never quite got it right. But I know Doctor Beckett did. Until we get it perfect and everyone tested, we'll use your people."
"They will not help you," Teyla said.
"They won't be able to help themselves." Radim held up the injector. "This contained a strong sedative. You saw how quickly Sheppard succumbed to it. In a less potent dose, it makes the subject very susceptible to suggestion."
"You can't keep him drugged all the time," Ronon said.
"Of course I can." Radim tucked the cylinder in his pocket. "And I will."
Halling shot a troubled glance at Radim, and then turned to Teyla. "No harm will come to Colonel Sheppard or any of the others. Our plan is to keep them only until our people can be trained on those systems. We will then send them back to Earth as well."
"Earth will not stand for this," Teyla answered. "They will come for you."
"We will not be here," Mita said. "We will fly the city to another planet, and when we are ready to send Colonel Sheppard and the others back, we will move again."
Solen pushed out of his chair and paced to the far wall. "This is our fight, not theirs. They have battles to fight back in their own galaxy." He turned to Ronon. "If they take Atlantis from us again, we won't survive. The memory of Sateda and our people will be wiped from existence."
"Why did you not share your concerns with them?" Teyla asked. "Mr. Woolsey and Colonel Sheppard would have listened to you."
"As they did when we came here after the Wraith attacked Athos?" Halling shook his head. "Do you remember the interrogations? The accusations?"
"I remember," Teyla said. "I remember that it was before they understood the Wraith. Years have passed, years in which they have learned about the Wraith, fought the Wraith, and died protecting the people of this galaxy from the Wraith."
"And they abandoned us to the Wraith the second their homeworld needed them," Solen snapped. "Do you not see that their loyalties are divided? We cannot depend on them."
"So you will poison some and kidnap others until you have what you want from them." Teyla's gaze swept over them, locking with Halling's. "Is this what we have become?"
Radim snorted in derision. "Do you honestly think that if we'd come to Woolsey and Sheppard, they would just hand over Atlantis to us?"
"To you?" Ronon asked. "Not while there was still breath in my body."
"To the Coalition then."
"We will never know," Teyla said.
Kanaan glanced at her. "You know that even if Woolsey and Sheppard were willing, their superiors on Earth would never allow it." He held up a hand when she turned rage-filled eyes at him. "We spent two years on the dark side of their solitary moon, waiting for their leaders to let us go while our people were dying at the hands of the Wraith. You are too blinded by your love for them to see that we are secondary to them."
"And you are too jealous of what they were able to achieve without the Wraith threat to see the consequences of rejecting their help."
Radim slammed his hands on the table. "We don't need their help!"
"Silence!" Halling stood and took a deep breath. "We promised to listen as she has listened to us." He looked to Teyla. "What consequences do you foresee?"
"Are you really that stupid?" Ronon asked.
Teyla shot him a dark look and then turned to Halling. "They have the vast resources of their galaxy -- many civilizations even more highly advanced than Earth." She focused on Mita. "You have learned what you could from them. What happens when they are gone and you have no one to ask? Can you repair the consoles or reprogram the sensors?"
Mita shifted and glanced to Halling who stared down at the table. Brin looked away. Only Radim would meet their gazes, his expression smug.
Teyla's mouth dropped open. "You do not intend to send Rodney and John back at all." She leaned forward, attempting to catch Halling's eye. "They have families."
"We need them," Halling said.
"Not even McKay has all the answers," Ronon replied. "No matter what he says."
"How can you do this to them?" Teyla balled her hands into fists even as her chin wobbled. "How can you betray them, betray me like this?"
Halling raised his head, his eyes flat. "To survive."
"The Wraith feed to survive," Teyla snapped.
"Enough." Brin raked his hands through his hair. "Teyla, I can see in your eyes that you know Atlantis belongs here, with us. Why are you resisting?"
"Why are you holding my friends?"
Brin sighed. "Because we need them. It's what is best for the majority."
"'The good of the many outweighs the good of the few,'" Ronon murmured.
The familiar words of Zelenka's favorite quote made Teyla flinch, and when she glanced at Ronon, he saw the answer shining in her eyes.
"Can you give us a minute to talk?" Teyla asked.
"Of course," Halling said.
As the others stood, Teyla doubled over, crying out as she wrapped her arms around her abdomen. Kanaan, Halling, Mita and Brin rushed toward her. Ronon whipped his last knife from his hair and jammed the tip in Radim's ear.
Solen, trapped on the far side of the table in the confusion, shouted, "Ronon, no!"
Teyla exploded upward in a frenzy of elbows and fists. Mita dropped, followed by Brin and Halling. With her knife at Kanaan's throat, she tossed Mita's tablet to Ronon. "Go."
Ronon tucked the tablet in his vest and bent to whisper in Radim's free ear. "Don't think for a second that I won't bury this to the hilt in your brain if you make one false move."
"I know."
Ronon backed up until he reached the sensor that opened the doors which began to turn. He slammed the handle of the blade down on the back of Radim's head then shoved him into the table, grinning as he slid across the top and into Solen.
Before the doors opened fully, Ronon had slipped out and was running for the transporter, counting on his men to hesitate before firing at him, and slightly disappointed when they did. The first stunner beam zipped by his ear and he dived forward, sliding on one knee into the transporter, jabbing at the city map.
When the doors opened, he darted out and sprinted for the stairwell, stopping six floors down to see where he was -- Tower Twelve, Level Fourteen. He breathed deeply and continued to descend until he reached Sublevel One. Using his best runner's pace, he headed for the Central Tower. Sweat dripped down his back and his legs burned. Would they suspect he was heading to the isolation room?
Twenty minutes later, he reached Level Twenty-Seven. He eased into the corridor, stretching every sense to detect movement. He slipped down the hall to the observation area, palmed the door open, and flattened against the outer wall. After a moment, a man armed with a P-90 stuck his head out. Ronon grabbed his neck and slammed him into the doorjamb. He sagged to the floor. Ronon peeked into the room, and, satisfied that it was empty, dragged the man inside with him.
About twenty people milled about below, including McKay and Beckett. Ronon toggled the mic. "You okay?"
"I most certainly am not," McKay snapped. "I've been stunned by that deceptive little minx and stuffed in here with way too many people. Without my coffee."
"He's fine," Beckett said. "We are very glad to see you, son. What's going on? I was told I tested positive for this new bug and tossed in here, but no one here is sick. Then someone in Genii uniform dropped off Dae and Chapman. When they woke up, they said the city was under attack."
Several people nodded in agreement.
Ronon waved a hand. "I'll explain later. Is there anyone outside your door?"
Beckett shrugged. "Not that we've seen."
"Sergeant Chapman," Ronon called. When the big Marine glanced up, he said, "I'm going to open the door. Take out anyone out there. They're going to be armed."
"Don't worry, sir," Chapman replied. "They won't be for long."
The doors parted and Chapman stepped out. A body went flying by and the Marine looked back in. "Good to go."
"Stay there," Ronon said. "I'm on my way."
He hurried out and down the steps to the isolation door, handing the P-90 to Chapman. "Don't let anybody by you."
Chapman grinned. "No, sir."
Ronon laid out the basics of what happened and then said, "We need to get you out of here."
"We're not retaking the city?" Lieutenant Dae asked.
"Look around you," McKay answered. "There are eighteen of us and most are scientists and doctors. Those people out there are trained warriors from birth. Would you want to take on an army of Teylas and Ronons? Without any weapons?"
Dae frowned. "We can't just give up."
"Don't you understand what's happening?" McKay asked. "The rest of the expedition is already gone. Atlantis is filled with armed people who want to drug us to the gills for the foreseeable future and use us to operate the city."
"He's right," Ronon said. "You can't win this battle. But they're right, too."
McKay gaped at him. "What?"
"They're cowards. Worse than cowards. They betrayed the alliance, the oath they made. I won't let them hold you or use you like that." Ronon turned away and closed his eyes. "But they are right. One day Earth will need Atlantis and they'll order Woolsey or Sheppard or whoever is in charge back. This galaxy will be defenseless again."
"You don't want us to fight," Dae said.
Ronon shook his head. "No, I don't. They don't want to fight you, but they will, and they will win. They have superior position and firepower. Part of battle is knowing when to retreat." He handed Mita's tablet to McKay. "You need to retreat through the ring so find a way to get us there without running into anybody."
Beckett studied Ronon for a moment. "You realize what will happen if we all leave."
"Teyla and I will figure something out."
"The ATA therapy didn't work on either of you," Beckett said. "Without someone to operate the gene-specific controls--"
"Okay, I've got it," McKay said. "I've turned power and environmental controls back on in the uninhabited areas and rerouted the transporters to go there."
"All of them?" Dae asked.
"Yes, all of them. Once the city detects someone out there, I've programmed the bulkhead doors to lock down. That should keep them busy for a while. Only someone with a command code can override it."
"Okay," Ronon said. "Let's go."
"That's it?" Beckett shook his head as they headed out. "You're losing your touch, Rodney."
"No, that's not it. I'm working on a way to clear out Ops." McKay scowled at the tablet. "Weird. Ops looks empty already."
Ronon grinned. "Guess Teyla took care of that."
McKay's brows shot up. "You left them alone with an angry pregnant Teyla? They'll be lucky to still be in one piece. Now, we just have to get there without dying."
"Can we dial out with a jumper?" Chapman asked.
"It doesn't have the control crystal that allows Atlantis to dial the eighth chevron. It has to be dialed from Ops."
As they moved through the hallway toward the stairwell, they came across a couple of militia. Ronon and Chapman knocked them out and took their stunners which made getting up the stairs considerably easier.
"Damn her. I trained her too well," McKay muttered, stabbing at the tablet.
"Who?" Beckett asked.
"Mita, my double agent assistant. She's trying to override what I'm doing."
"Can you stop her?"
McKay stopped and stared at Beckett. "Really?"
"Oh, sorry. Forgot who I was talking to."
When they reached the catwalk that took them to the next stairwell, Ronon turned left.
"Where are you going?" McKay asked. "Ops is this way," he said, pointing right.
"Have to get Sheppard."
"I'll come with you, sir," Chapman said.
McKay waved him away. "No, no. I'll go. No telling what damage they've done in the chair room."
Beckett stepped up. "I'm coming, too. The lad might need my help."
"Fine," Ronon said. "Chapman, get these people to the mission ready room and keep them safe. Find a radio and tune it to channel three. When we get close, I'll contact you."
They raced across the catwalk and down the stairs to the chair room. Ronon stunned everyone in their path, surprised to find so little resistance. When they entered, Sheppard was reclined in the chair, eyes closed, IVs in both arms. A roomful of Genii were staring at the monitors that were flashing data faster than the mind could follow, shouting at each other and at Sheppard who didn't seem to notice.
Ronon stunned the Genii while McKay plugged his tablet into the nearest console and Beckett removed the IVs from Sheppard's arms.
"Okay, he took what I did and ran with it. People are all over the city. He's got the hologram room freaking them out, I'm sure, because Megatron is holding court in the Mess Hall, and Darth Vader and Luke are back in the gate room."
"Can you keep the gate room clear?" Ronon asked.
"Not with the tablet. I need to be either in Ops or the chair."
"John, can you find Teyla?" Beckett asked.
Schematics of Atlantis began flashing on the monitors.
McKay glanced over his shoulder. "How will he know which one she is?"
Beckett frowned at the monitors and then smiled when they all displayed the same image. "She's the only dot with two heartbeats." He turned to Ronon. "They took my radio."
Ronon keyed his earpiece. "Teyla, this is Ronon."
"Ronon! Are you well?" Teyla's voice was a whisper. "John and Rodney?"
"Everybody's fine. We're in the chair room. Can you get here?"
"I am uncertain. I have not been successful in opening this door-- which is now open. John is in the chair?"
"Yeah. Can you get here?"
"On my way."
Beckett tapped Sheppard's cheek. "Can you hear me, son? Keep the hallway clear for Teyla."
Different schematics appeared on the monitors. Alarms shrieked warnings of fire, electrical overloads, burst pipes, and toxic gases. The lifesigns in the vicinity scattered. But as soon as the double heartbeat dot neared each area, the bulkhead door would open and the alarms shut down.
Minutes later, Teyla walked into the chair room. She squeezed Ronon's arm, pressed a hand to McKay's face, and smiled at Beckett. "How is he?"
"Slowly coming around." Beckett tapped Sheppard's cheek again. "I need you to release the controls," he said. "We need to get you out of this chair."
The monitors and consoles went dark.
"And there went the holograms. Bulkhead doors are opening, too."
Beckett turned to Ronon. "Can you carry him?"
"Yeah." Ronon moved to his side. "Is it safe yet?"
"Yes."
Ronon grabbed Sheppard's arm and pulled him over his shoulders. "Okay, let's go."
"Wait," McKay called. "I'm not-- What the hell?" He turned toward the chair where Beckett was now seated. "What are you doing?"
Beckett reclined and laid his palms on the gel controls. "Picking up where he left off, though I prefer Jurassic Park over the Transformers."
"Get off of there. We have to go. I'll figure out a way to clear the hallway."
"No. I'm not going."
Ronon stepped toward him. "Doc--"
"Have you lost your mind?" McKay asked. "Of course you're going."
"No, Rodney, I'm not. Earth isn't my home. I'm from this galaxy, and these people need me. I'm the second highest aptitude rating--"
"You just can't help throwing that in my face, can you?"
"And they need someone to operate the ATA-only systems like the chair and the jumpers. I can also manufacture some of the gene therapy. Plus I'm the best doctor they've got if I do say so myself."
"Carson--"
"It's not goodbye, Rodney. It's so long. One day, I'll convince them to reconnect with Earth. Don't give up on us." Beckett closed his eyes and the monitors lit. "Shutting bulkheads. Holograms are--" His forehead scrunched with effort. "How John does this so effortlessly, I'll never know." He opened one eye. "I need your help, Rodney. I can keep the bulkheads closed or clear the hallway, but I can't do both."
"Clear the hallway. You get me to Ops and I'll do the rest." McKay's face twisted. "Carson, I-- you're--"
"Don't go mushy on me now, Rodney." Beckett closed his eye and swallowed thickly. "I will be here when you get back."
Ronon handed Teyla a stunner. "Get him to Ops, and dial out. We'll be right behind you."
Teyla nodded and prodded McKay toward the door.
As they stepped out, McKay turned around. "Before Elizabeth--" He cleared his throat. "We made a list of viable planets to take Atlantis when we were running from the Replicators. The list should be in the database somewhere."
"I'll find it, and if we can't go there, I'll leave a message at the alpha site of where we are," Beckett said.
"I should be the one to stay. They can't run this city without me."
"You would be a prisoner here." Teyla grasped McKay's face in her hands. "You have family, Rodney. Many people who love you -- your sister, your niece, Jennifer. They are waiting for you on Earth."
"But you said we'd be back."
"And you will. I have no doubt of that." Teyla smiled gently. "One day."
McKay nodded miserably. "One day." He glanced around the room, his gaze landing on Beckett. "Carson."
"So long, Rodney," came the reply. "I'll see you soon."
McKay slammed a fist against the wall and ran like the Wraith were on his tail.
"I will see you in the gate room," Teyla said, and hurried after McKay.
Sheppard's body jerked. Ronon eased him to the ground and squinted at him. "Hey, buddy. How are you feeling?"
Sheppard sucked in a breath, his eyes rolling behind his lids, but he didn't show any other signs of waking.
"Oh, thank God." Beckett looked at Ronon. "Teyla and Rodney made it to Ops." He frowned. "The way is clear for you, but there is a group coming from a different direction. I can't stop them before they reach the ready room where Chapman and the others are waiting."
"The gate room is clear?"
"For now."
Ronon toggled his radio. "Teyla, Beckett says Chapman's group is about to be compromised. Get them out of here."
"Dialing out now--" Teyla said, and then static squealed and McKay came on. "We're not leaving without Sheppard."
"I'm on my way. Can you keep the gate open when you reach Earth?"
"I'm not leaving without Sheppard."
Ronon sighed and stared at the ceiling, irritated at McKay's stubbornness and missing it already. "On the way." He hefted Sheppard over his shoulder. "Doc, you sure?"
Beckett nodded. "Yes, lad, I'm sure. Just like I'm sure I'll see Scotland again one day. Now, go."
Then he was running for the stairs. The climb was slow and painful. Sheppard was deadweight on Ronon's back. Lights flickered. Alarms sounded. Beckett was really putting on a show.
"Hurry up, Ronon," McKay said. "The others have already gone through. I'm only showing five sub-cu transmitters--"
Gunfire popped in the background. McKay cursed and something thudded. A stunner whined, and then Teyla was back.
"Rodney is injured, and more are coming," Teyla said. "You must hurry."
"Get McKay through the gate. I'll be there soon."
"He will not go without John."
"Dammit. Throw him through if you have to."
"I cannot get him down the stairs without injuring him further."
Sheppard shifted and mumbled something unintelligible. Ronon paused and then lowered him to the ground when he heard footsteps. A door crashed down nearby, cutting off the voices. When he turned back, Sheppard was staring at him.
"Hey."
Sheppard's brows knotted. "Wha--" His jaw worked, but nothing else came out.
"Trying to get you to the gate room. McKay and Teyla are waiting. Can you walk?"
Sheppard nodded, and then shook his head.
"Sorry, buddy. I know you hate being carried." Ronon pulled Sheppard across his shoulders. "We're almost there."
When they reached Ops, Teyla was sitting in Chuck's chair and McKay was propped against the console, his leg stretched out in front of him.
Ronon looked him over. "You're not bleeding."
McKay glared up at him. "What astounding powers of observation you have."
"Why are you still here?"
"Because you are."
Ronon turned to Teyla. "Why is he still here?"
"He tripped over a chair when we were fired upon."
Ronon eased Sheppard to the floor, leaning him next to McKay. Sheppard blinked woozily, his forehead furrowed as his gaze swept over McKay.
"I'm fine, Sheppard. Quit looking at me like that." McKay looked at Ronon. "It's my knee."
"I could find no breaks, but it will not hold his weight." Teyla struggled to her feet and peered down at the ring. "Sergeant Chapman is on the other side, holding the gate open."
"Let's get them down there," Ronon said.
He helped McKay to his feet and steadied him until Teyla had an arm wrapped securely around him. He pulled Sheppard up, holding him upright even though he bore his entire weight as they slowly made their way down the main stairs to the shimmering blue that would separate them.
"Torren?" Sheppard said. "Where?"
"He is on New Athos, John." Teyla maneuvered McKay to Ronon's other side.
"No." Sheppard's body shook with his effort to control it. "Can't."
McKay glanced from one to the other in confusion. "What is he babbling about?"
Teyla took a step back. "I cannot go without my son, and there is no time to get him."
"You're not coming?" McKay said, looking stunned.
"Please," Sheppard said. "Teyla--"
"My people need me, John, now more than ever. They do not realize the mistake they have made. I cannot abandon them now."
"Even after what they've done?" McKay asked. "They've lied to you, almost killed you in that bombing."
Sheppard jerked at McKay's words. "They did that?" The words were slurred but understandable.
"There were no terrorists. Everything was a set up for them to get access to Atlantis."
"That power-hungry little weasel." Sheppard's face was a mask of rage. "I should have killed him when I had the chance."
"Ladon?" McKay asked. "It wouldn't surprise me if it was his idea, but they were all in this together." He turned to Teyla. "You can't trust them."
Teyla stroked her hands over her belly. "There are some whom I can never forgive or trust again, but others merely followed their leaders. I must show them that there is a better way." Her eyes shone with tears. "My child's heritage will not be one of fear and deception."
Sheppard lifted his chin, his muscles spasming as he fought for control. "You're my team, my family. I won't leave you behind."
Teyla stepped forward and pulled his forehead to hers. "You are not. I choose to stay, both for the good of your people and the good of mine. On your world, I would be just one of many warriors, but here, I can lead these people, once they are ready to listen. I can convince them to let your people return one day so that we may all share this city and her secrets."
"We don't have much time, Sheppard," McKay said. "The gate's been open for almost thirty minutes."
"I'm not going. Ronon and I will take a jumper, leave the city until it's safe to return." Sheppard gave a lopsided grin. "We'll scour the galaxy, hunting Wraith."
"And your oath to your military?" Teyla asked. "You would break it? Become a deserter?"
McKay shook his head. "Not if he ever wanted to go back to Earth again. Caldwell would hunt you down, and you know it."
The tension in Sheppard's muscles grew worse. "Teyla, please."
Teyla pressed a kiss to Sheppard's cheek, hugged McKay, and stepped back, not bothering to wipe the tears from her face. "I will be here with Carson, Torren, and," she caressed her belly again, "Charin Elizabeth, waiting for you when the time has come for your return."
Sheppard sagged against Ronon. "The door will always be open if you change your mind."
"I know." Teyla smiled through her tears. "Take care of each other."
"You steady enough to walk?" Ronon asked.
Sheppard flinched. "You're not coming either?" he whispered.
"Still got a few Wraith to kill. That jumper's not a bad idea, though. Maybe Beckett can rig one for me."
"Where is Carson?"
"Chair room. He's trying to keep the bad guys away for us." McKay's voice was thick with emotion and he coughed to clear it. "Damn fool."
Ronon helped them to the edge of the event horizon. "I'll take care of Beckett."
Something clattered nearby. Before Ronon could turn, a stunner beam ripped Sheppard from his grasp and another caught McKay in the chest. His eyes rolled back and he dropped to the ground.
"I can't let you do this, Ronon," Solen called from the top of the stairs. "We need them."
"And I can't let you have them."
A vein throbbed in Solen's jaw. "You would choose them over your own people?"
Ronon looked down at the two unconscious men at his feet, and something twisted and settled in his chest. "They are inspatrel."
Solen looked stunned for a moment. Then anger flooded his face, and he aimed the stunner at Ronon. Teyla spun and fired her stunner as Ronon leaped out of the way. Solen collapsed in a heap.
"Inspatrel?" Teyla asked. "Blood brothers?"
"You know the term?"
She nodded. "We pronounce it anspatrile."
Ronon fingered the cuff she had given him, tracing the design stitched in the leather, and glanced to the ones Sheppard and McKay had on. "More than blood."
"Soul bonded."
"Yes." Ronon hefted McKay over his shoulders. "Guess I should go. Running out of time."
"Are you certain this is what you wish?"
Ronon pulled McKay's arm and good leg tight around his neck and gripped them tightly. "Can you get Sheppard sitting up?"
"I will try." Teyla knelt awkwardly and tugged on Sheppard's upper body. "You have not answered my question."
Ronon stared down at her. "Yeah, this is what I want. I can't leave them here. Couldn't stay on Atlantis if I did. Radim would see to that." He held her eye. "I'm not alone anymore."
"No, you are not."
"Besides," he grinned at her, "I owe Teal'c a rematch."
Teyla laughed and wiped tears from her face as she hugged him. "Take care of them for me."
"Are you sure this is what you want?" Ronon asked in return.
Teyla wrapped an arm around her middle. "It is what must be. But it will be hard."
"Take care of Beckett."
"I will." Teyla hugged him again and stepped back. "Farewell, anspatrile."
Ronon wrapped his arm around Sheppard, looking one final time at the city and her new keeper.
"Farewell," he said, and stepped into the stargate.
The End.
Falsehood is invariably the child of fear in one form or another. ~ Aleister Crowley