Ultimate Mission 1/?
Woolsey smiled as he heard AR-1 check in. Beside him, Keller returned the smile.
"---rebuilding nicely from the Ori occupation," John was saying. "They seem very interested in rebuilding an alliance with Earth."
"Wonderful news," Landry said into the microphone. "Tell them that Earth looks forward to ---"
Suddenly, gunfire and screams erupted into the Gateroom. John swore and yelled, "Fall back, now!"
Woolsey leaned over to speak into the microphone. "John, what's happening?"
Landry raised an eyebrow at the unusual informality from Richard Woolsey.
"Ori loyalists!" John bellowed. "We're comin' in hot!"
"Open the iris!" Landry commanded. A moment later, he called, "You're clear, AR-1!"
Bolts of energy came through the wormhole, dissipating harmlessly against the Gateroom's metal walls. Teyla and Ronon came through backwards, turning and bolting down the ramp to give the others room.
A moment later, John and Rodney came backing through, step by measured step, still firing their P-90s in almost-perfect unison.
"They're clear!" Walter announced. "Shutting it down!"
The wormhole winked out, and only then did John and Rodney lower their weapons.
Woolsey and Keller bolted into the Gateroom. "Everyone all right?" Woolsey asked.
John looked around as he and Rodney came down the ramp. When he got three nods, he said, "Yes, sir. No damage done."
"What did you do?" Keller demanded.
Rodney blinked at her. "Me? What do you mean?"
"You must have done something to piss off the locals. Again."
Rodney's eyes narrowed, but she plowed on, "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're unhurt. But you really need to rein it in, okay?" She kissed him lightly. "Come find me after you're cleared --- we've still a wedding to plan!"
With that, she turned to go --- completely missing the glare of betrayal Rodney had turned on her.
Woolsey cleared his throat. "Colonel, while they're getting checked out, I need to speak with you."
John nodded and his team moved on ahead while he fell in step with Woolsey.
They walked a few metres, then Woolsey said softly, "More supplies are heading toward Atlantis as we speak."
"Good --- this one's medical, right?"
"And some personal. Which leads me to my question --- care to explain what the gigantic box with the oversized prescription mattress is doing going to your quarters?"
John chuckled. "There's a disassembled piano under it. It's a birthday present for someone after we.....complete our mission."
Woolsey was smiling. "Understood. Carry on, then, Colonel."
"Sir." And John jogged to the SGC's Infirmary to join his team.