New Fic - Illusions
Title: Illusions
Category: Friendship
Pairings: None
Summary: "He's still avoiding everyone," Lonnie said as she sat at his side, "It's like he's not himself anymore." "Give him a break," Ford said as he joined them, "He just lost another close friend. Considering the changes we've all had to adapt to, this might just have been the one that broke him." Sequel to The Perils Of Friendship
Author’s Notes: Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.
Thanks to those who have commented and said they’re enjoying this series, this is three in a row and I haven’t jumped tracks yet which is something of a record.
Enjoy
*********************************************
Tim officially hated his life.
Trapped in a world where he was ten years out of date, his family were all dead as was his best friend leaving him trying to survive in a completely alien environment.
He’d tried to find Kate when they first arrived home by leaving messages in the places she used to get them in the vague hope she’d check them at some point. But there had been nothing at all.
Now after the fiasco with Kimura that had made him feel even more isolated than before, Tim decided to try again and was not going to give up so easily this time. He needed to see her again, needed to spend some time with her so he could feel like there was someone somewhere who gave a damn about him.
He missed her, he missed the sarcastic comments, the bizarre drinking games and her tendency to hug him or take his hand which made him feel he was someone she wanted to be around.
Sitting at the computer in his quarters Tim started the search bemused when the words ‘UEO Classified File’ flashed on the screen in front of him.
“Typical,” he sighed, wondering what the hell she’d gotten herself involved in after he’d left.
Tim knew his only options were to leave it alone or ask Ford to look into it.
“You never were easy to be friends with,” Tim muttered in annoyance as he made his decision.
-
“You wanted to see me?” Tim stood stiffly in the doorway of the ward room where Hudson and Ford were waiting for him.
Hudson motioned him in, “Take a seat, Lt.”
Tim sat across from Ford waiting to hear why he’d been ordered here, he knew Hudson hated him and Ford was obviously losing what little respect he’d had for him prior to this.
“You’ve recently tried to access information concerning Kathleen King,” Hudson stated.
Tim nodded, “Yes, sir. I was trying to locate her.”
“Why?”
Tim glanced at Ford finding only a blank face, “Kate was a friend, I wanted to see her.”
“And the fact she is wanted by the UEO?” Hudson demanded, “That isn’t a problem for you?”
Tim stared at him, “Wanted?”
“Miss King is wanted for espionage,” Hudson told him, “She sold secrets to the Macronesians and because of her many UEO vessels were destroyed.”
Tim stared at him in horror, “Kate wouldn’t…she just wouldn’t.”
“I’ve read the file, Tim,” Ford spoke up sympathy in his voice, “It’s true.” When Tim didn’t move or speak he spoke again, “It all happened after we disappeared and after Noyce died.”
“Lt, if Miss King contacts you I want to be informed instantly,” Hudson ordered.
“Of course,” Tim nodded relieved when he was dismissed.
-
Jonathan sat watching as Tim wandered out looking completely stunned at what he’d just been told.
“What exactly was Lt O’Neill’s relationship with Miss King?” Hudson asked.
Jonathan looked up at him, “They were friends.”
“Just friends?”
“Despite a few rumours,” Jonathan smiled slightly, “She originally came on board to help on the orders of Admiral Noyce. Kate knew both him and Captain Bridger. Bridger assigned O’Neill to keep an eye on her while she was onboard. She kidnapped him.”
“Kidnapped?” Hudson leaned forward.
Ford wasn’t sure if this would give Hudson any more ammunition in his dislike of the communications officer but knew he had to tell the story.
“She used a patch on him to get him to go with her,” Ford explained, “He helped her find the man who tried to kill her, getting shot in the process. Somehow during this they became friends.”
“Will he follow my order?”
Jonathan hesitated for a moment; Tim was very protective of Kate but also knew that he was a professional and loyal member of the UEO.
“He will, but don’t expect him to help capture her,” Jonathan said.
“I’ll remember that.”
*********************************************
Tim sat at his station trying to concentrate on his work, trying not to think of what he’d just learned about his friend. Sure Kate’s moral compass never really pointed north but he was sure that she wouldn’t do anything that would cause someone’s death.
The last time they’d spoken was just before Seaquest had been taken to Hyperion, she’d called supposedly for a chat before confessing that Noyce had offered her a permanent job and asking for his advice.
“Tim?” Lucas said from his side.
Turning he looked up at his young friend, “What is it, Lucas?”
“Are you okay?” concern laced his voice.
“I’m running sweeps and doing a diagnostic,” Tim replied coldly, “I need to concentrate.”
“I know,” Lucas replied, “But you seem a little out of it.”
Tim sighed inwardly, he didn’t want to alienate the friends he had left but he didn’t want to talk right now.
“I’m fine, Lucas,” Tim forced a smile, “I’m just a little tired and the captain needs this done by the end of my shift.”
Lucas nodded and left him alone.
-
“Captain,” Tim turned to the man in the command chair, “We’re receiving a priority message from UEO command. Text only.”
“Let me see it,” Hudson ordered.
Tim quickly punched up the message to his console and waited for any orders. He missed the days when they explored the ocean, when their next mission didn’t always include the possibility of attacks by the Macronesians.
“Commander Ford, Lt O’Neill, I need to see you both in private now,” Hudson ordered before marching off the bridge.
Tim swallowed worriedly as he handed over the systems to his relief before joining Ford to meet the Captain. The moment they entered the room and closed the door Hudson hit a button and a familiar picture appeared.
“Kate,” Tim sighed.
“We have a confirmed location on Miss King,” Hudson explained, “Lt, I understand that this may be difficult for you but as you have a personal relationship with her I need you to help bring her in.”
Tim stared at him for a second before glancing at Ford for some help.
“We will be arriving at the Hellman Farming Community in three hours,” Hudson continued, “Be ready to go.”
As he left Tim turned to Ford, “Commander, I can’t do that.”
Ford sighed sympathy in his eyes, “I know this is hard for you, Tim but I’ve read the files. She’s not the same person we knew. Look how the world transformed in ten years, think how much she’ll have changed in the same time.”
“She’s my friend, Commander,” Tim reminded him.
“She was your friend,” Ford replied, “And if you’re there, then you hopefully will be able to get her to come in quietly.”
Tim sighed before nodding feeling completely defeated.
-
Hellman was not the nicest place in the world, dirty and loud Tim felt like he needed a shower from the moment they stepped inside. A man in a UEO uniform moved towards them and saluted Hudson.
“The target is in habitat section five,” he reported.
Hudson nodded before turning to the soldiers he’d brought but before he could bark any orders Tim stepped forward.
“Sir, I believe I can make her come peacefully,” Tim stated hoping his voice didn’t waver with the nervousness he was feeling.
Hudson stared at him intently for several moments before nodding, “I want her here in ten minutes. If you aren’t back by then I’m sending a team in.”
“Yes, Sir,” Tim nodded before jogging away.
Walking through the corridors of the colony Tim tried to prepare himself for the woman he was about to come face to face with again. He hadn’t wanted to see her again in these circumstances.
As he reached the room that they believed she was in the door opened and a woman started out, turning she caught sight of him and began to run.
“Kate,” he called amazed as she actually stopped.
Spinning the woman stared at him astonishment covering her face; the ten years hadn’t changed her much physically, her face looked a little gaunt and her hair was cropped shorter than he’d ever seen it.
“Tim?” she breathed in astonishment, “I heard the Seaquest had returned but I didn’t know if you were alive.”
“I tried to find you but you didn’t reply,” he said, wincing as she hugged him suddenly.
“Kate, I’m here to arrest you,” he whispered, “They think you sold secrets.”
“Really?” she asked with amusement making Tim frown, “I wonder why - oh because I did.”
He stared at her in horror, “Why would you do something like that?”
To his surprise she began to laugh, stepping back she folded her arms and let out a soft sigh, “Oh, you’re still so gullible,” Kate chuckled, “I mean I couldn’t believe that you trusted me after everything I did when we first met but you did. And you still trusted me not even suspecting how much I was using you. You even bought the story about how you were my first real friend.”
“What?”
“Did you really think that someone like you would be looked at twice by someone like me if I didn’t want something?” she laughed at him, “I’m just grateful I didn’t have to sleep with you.”
Stunned Tim stared at her feeling sick but he didn’t get a chance to examine it as he could hear footsteps coming towards them.
“Kathleen King,” Tim said trying to stay focussed, “I’m arresting you on the authority of the UEO…”
He didn’t get a chance to finish as she slammed her shoulder against his chest throwing him against the wall and began to run. Tim started after her knowing she was heading towards Hudson’s men but before he could do anything she skidded to a halt and spun turning back towards him. Tim saw the soldiers aim and let out a yell but it was too late. The blast hit her square in the back and her body jerked backwards before she fell to the floor. Scrambling to her Tim pulled her into his arms cradling her as she looked up at him gasping for breath.
“Still my hero,” she whispered before her eyes closed and she became a dead weight in his arms.
-
The rest of the day was lost in a daze and he couldn’t explain how he ended up back in his quarters. He couldn’t believe what had just happened; he couldn’t believe what she’d said to him.
Tim rubbed his hands across his face as the last remnant of his old life was torn away. He was trying so hard not to think of what she’d said and not to think of the memory of a friendship that had been ripped away so harshly by the woman he’d trusted.
What was even worse was that those who had known her all came by to offer condolences and try to talk with him about what had just happened. Tim had managed to sit and take all their sympathy not letting them know how she’d mocked him for caring about her when all he’d been was a gullible idiot for believing she was his friend.
Hudson had told him he was relieved of his duties for the next few days which Tim wasn’t exactly happy about, at least if he was working he wouldn’t dwell on everything. Laying back on his bunk Tim shut his eyes trying to get some sleep.
“Kate,” he sighed angry at himself for not being able to hate her.
“Tim, can you hear me?” Kate’s voice floated through his mind, “Come back to us. We’re here, come back to us.”
*********************************************
Nathan walked into the room holding the five beds where his people lay unconscious the same as they had been for the past three weeks. Closest to the door was Ford, he looked as though he was resting his eyes and not in a coma. The other beds were filled with Piccolo, Henderson, Lucas and finally O’Neill. They were in some kind of Virtual Reality Simulation and the only reason they hadn’t removed them was because no one was sure how to do it safely.
They’d been out on shore leave heading to a screening of the original Star Wars that Ford had bought tickets for on a whim but they’d never made it. The time for them to return to the boat came and went but before he could even get worried Kate appeared, telling him she’d received information that his people had been abducted. Thankfully she had enough information to find them. And now three weeks later they were still trying to get them back properly.
Brody was the only reason they had any information on what was happening within the world his people were trapped in, because he’d died within it. He’d been resuscitated but there was no guarantee they would manage to do so for all of those trapped.
Reaching the bed where Lucas lay, Nathan rested his hand on the teenager’s forehead sighing at how useless he felt right now. Continuing along Nathan wasn’t surprised to find Kate at O’Neill’s bedside, she’d not moved since they’d found them blaming herself for not getting to Nathan fast enough. She was fast asleep, her head resting on the bed at Tim’s waist while she was still holding his hand in hers.
“Hey,” Nathan shook her smiling at the confused look she gave him, “Go get some proper sleep, there are beds just down the hall.”
“I promised the doctor I’d keep an eye on the monitor,” Kate replied with a shrug.
“And you were doing a wonderful job with your eyes closed,” Nathan told her.
Kate sighed, rubbing her eyes tiredly, “It’s been three weeks. We should have more than we do, we should have found some way to get them out of this.”
“We will,” Nathan told her.
“If only I’d got here sooner,” Kate snapped angrily, “You might have stopped this.”
“There’s nothing more you could have done,” Nathan reminded him, the way he had to constantly remind himself, “Kate, if it hadn’t been for the information you got then we wouldn’t have found them at all. Go get some sleep.”
“I work for Noyce, not you,” she retorted, “You can’t give me orders.”
Nathan shook his head, “There’s nothing more you can do here.”
“I can be here when he wakes up,” she shrugged.
Deciding there was no point in arguing Nathan squeezed her shoulder, “I’ll get you some coffee.”
Before he could move a moan came from the man on the bed, both spun staring in astonishment as Tim started to toss uncomfortably.
“Kate,” he moaned.
Leaning over him Kate touched his cheek, “Tim, can you hear me? Come back to us. We’re here, come back to us.”
She deflated in disappointment as he slipped back into unconsciousness.
-
“Well?”
Wendy looked up from Tim to Nathan and shook her head, “He’s still trapped.”
“But he woke up for a second,” Kate pushed, “Maybe woke up is too strong but none of them have moved or spoken in three weeks. It has to be a sign of something.”
“Kate,” Kristin said before Wendy could, “There’s no change in Tim. He’s still as deeply immersed in the simulation as the others.”
“Then what was it?”
Nathan rested his hand on the younger woman’s shoulder to calm her down, “Kate, remember we’re all on the same side.”
She held up her hands, “Sorry, Doctors.
“As I was about to say,” Wendy said, “Although Tim is still trapped something has happened within this place that I think may give us a way in to help them.”
“Meaning?” Kristin asked.
“All of them are feeling lost and despair at their situation,” Wendy continued, “There are moments when that lifts but then something seems to happen that reinforces the despair again. When I’ve scanned them all Tim seems to have the shortest moments of relief and from what I felt when he appeared to wake up…I think something has happened to you, Kate.”
“Oh joy,” Kate murmured.
“If Tim was psychic I would suggest that this might be the best time to try and push a signal into his mind,” Wendy told them, “Unfortunately unless we find a way to remove them our only choice is to wait until Tony has such an episode.”
Kate groaned and sighed.
“Actually,” Kristin stated thoughtfully, “That might not be true. Nathan, do you remember when Darwin was sick?”
“Yes,” he nodded before realisation dawned, “Of course.”
“Do you two want to catch us up?” Kate asked.
Nathan frowned at her, “Darwin was ill and he somehow called out psychically. I heard him but so did Tim.”
“Darwin?” Wendy asked in astonishment.
Kristin nodded.
“Darwin?” Kate stared at them.
“Yes, Darwin,” Kristin cried in annoyance, “I know it sounds crazy but it’s the only idea we have.”
-
Miguel sat absently tossing the ball to the resident dolphin in the hopes of cheering at least one of them up. The Captain had ordered him to go back to the Seaquest and get some rest, since he couldn’t sleep he’d come here. Without Lucas or Tony to play with Darwin was getting antsy, which was why he was here. He felt so guilty because he’d eaten something that hadn’t agreed with him meaning he’d not been there when his friends had been abducted.
“Mr Ortiz,” the Captain said as he walked in, motioning him to stay where he was, “How’s Darwin?”
“Missing his friends,” Miguel sighed, “I can understand that.”
Bridger clapped him on his shoulder, “We have an idea but we’re going to need Darwin’s help.”
“Darwin help Bridger,” the mechanical voice came through the speakers.
“I was hoping you’d say that,” Bridger clapped his friend before motioning to the people waiting behind him.
Miguel watched as they loaded Darwin up and moved him from the boat to a tank; he was then moved to a large pool that had two beds set up beside it.
“Captain, can I ask what you’re doing?” Miguel absently clapped Darwin who was checking out his new accommodations.
“We’re going to see if Darwin can connect telepathically with Tim,” Bridger shrugged as though it was the most normal thing in the world.
“Oh,” was all he could think of to say.
“It’s a little more in-depth than that,” the Captain told him, “But Dr Smith and Dr Westphalen believe they may have a way to help.”
“I hope so,” he sighed.
-
“I will be monitoring your vital signs throughout this entire thing,” Kristin told Kate as she lay back on the bed.
The young woman nodded unable to hide the nerves she was feeling at what they were asking her to do.
“Kate, I know what we’re asking is frightening,” Kristin took her hand, “But you are what broke through the connection with Tim. Dr Smith is convinced that it has to be you.”
“Miguel’s his best friend,” Kate reminded the other woman.
“But they’ve thought him dead since near the beginning of this simulation,” Kristin said softly, “Your friendship with Lt O’Neill is…”
“Bizarre?” Kate suggested with a shrug.
“Unusual,” Kristin corrected her with a scolding frown, “But despite your differences he cares a great deal for you.”
Kate chuckled, “And you still don’t believe it.”
Kristin stared at her hard, “When we first met you were manipulative, deceitful and have already proven you look out for yourself above anyone else.”
“I still am,” Kate told her, “Except that I will protect him too.”
“Anyway he’s just connected with you inside this thing somehow which is why Dr Smith is convinced you’re our best shot at getting inside this simulation,” Kristin continued, “I just hope she’s right.”
-
Wendy smiled as Darwin splashed her, “Darwin, do you understand what we need you to do?”
“Darwin help,” the dolphin nodded, “Darwin find Tim.”
“Precisely,” she smiled at him, “Can you help take Kate find him?”
Darwin tilted his head at her for a moment before rolling in the water, “Take Kate. Find Tim.”
“Alright,” she rubbed his head again before turning to where the unconscious Communications Officer was being wheeled in. The VR simulator on his head that was trapping him along with the four others in the virtual world blinked showing it was still active. Westphalen was fixing Kate for the experiment and Wendy smiled slightly as she felt the affection from the young woman for Tim. It was comforting to know that Kate did genuinely care for the unassuming communications officer because Wendy knew how much he valued the friendship he had with her.
“Dr Smith,” Westphalen called over, “We’re ready here.”
Wendy nodded and placed the specially designed connectors on the dolphin’s head.
“Now, Darwin take Kate to Tim.”
Part Two