Prelude to War (4/8)
Title: Prelude to War, Chapter Two
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Doctor Who/ Stargate Atlantis
Characters: Sheppard, McKay, Teyla, Ford, the Master
Summary: The Atlantis team arrives on Tannis Prime, a worldlost since before the last Wraith culling. They find a harsh people very different from the stories Teyla remembers, for the Tannisians have been remade in the image of the Savior, their Lord & Master...
Chapter Four: The Interrogation
Aiden Ford woke with a groan. The world swam into view around him, fuzzy indistinct shapes, and bright so bright. It hurt his eyes. For a moment he was tempted to sink back into the oblivion of sleep, into the welcoming dark. Then he remembered. The ceremony, guards chasing him and running so fast. He blinked and the room solidified around him. Four walls, a gleaming oppressive white, and no door. He blinked away the spots forming under his eyes, and grunted softly. The back of his shoulder ached slightly. He reached over to prod his wound when a voice stopped him.
“Oh I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Ford glanced up and there clad in a black suit sat the man who’s face was posted throughout the Citadel, the man who had killed to the cheers of a crowd. “Staser burns can be very nasty.”
“W-where am I,” Ford asked. “The others…what have you…” He pulled himself into a sitting position, propped up against the wall.
“Ah, ah, ah,” the Master waged his finger. “I’m asking the questions. Besides, if I were you, I’d be more worried about myself. Now it’s quite simple really,” he smiled down at Ford. “You know something I don’t know,” he lilted. “I know you’re from Atlantis. It says so on your patch, but you’re not Alteran, I’d know if you were.” He tapped his lip thoughtfully. “Your flag,” he pointed at the American patch on Ford’s other shoulder. “I know that flag…” The Master’s eyes bored into Aiden, then suddenly the Master shot out of his seat. “You’re from Earth,” he threw back his head and laughed, a genuine laugh. “Oh that’s fantastic! Hello Earthling,” he waved. “what brings you all the way to the Pegasus Galaxy. This is the early 21st century; your lot shouldn’t be here for another millennia or three. How’d you manage that?”
“Name: Aiden Ford,” he answered. ”Rank: First Lieutenant, Serial Number…”
“No, no, no, no, NO! None of that. I ask questions, you answer them. That’s the way of things. Do you understand me Aiden?” No response. Ford kept his eyes on the floor. “Oh Aiden, Aiden is anyone in there? Does anybody care? Ah I see. You’re being stubborn.” The Master smiled softly his eyes mockingly sympathetic. “Well I like this game. You’ve been here a few days now, I’m sure you noticed the stocks, a delightfully macabre invention, but not exactly handy. But what if you could miniaturize, condense all that technology into one little handheld devise…” He reached into his pocket and drew a small device, painted black and gray. “Like say this one,” he shook the device slightly so it rattled.
“Go to hell!”
“The Master smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that.” With a casual flick of the wrist he brought the device to bear, and then all Ford knew was pain…
Ford screamed and screamed as wave upon wave of fiery plan crashed through him. His skin burned, and his bones moaned in protest and all he could do was ride the current, barely hanging on to awareness. Time lost all meaning; it could have been hours, or mere minutes, but the pain finally stopped. Ford collapsed, barely able to even move his head. The Master leaned down and gently wiped the drool off Ford’s face.
“Now Aiden, why don’t you be a good boy? It’s so simple, just answer a few questions and it’ll all be over.” Ford groaned. It was so hard to stay awake. The darkness called, whispering promises of sleep. “Yes, no, maybe so,” the Master waved his hand in front of Ford’s face. “Anything? Anything at all?” The Master sighed. “Well you’re no fun. Though your screams weren’t bad, very musical. I’d say a B flat.” No response. “Fine we’ll do it your way. No more games.” He pouted. “Humans! Take all the fun out of life.” Ford’s eyes slipped closed softly, it felt so good to slip away, to forget the fear and pain. He was jolted awake suddenly. The Master’s hands shoot out quicker than the eye could see and yanked Ford’s face up to meet his eyes. “Now Aiden don’t be rude. Pay attention when your betters are talking.”
“Who do you think you are,” Ford managed through gritted teeth, his throat protesting.
“Oh I’m so sorry. Here I am torturing you half to death and we haven’t even been properly introduced.” The Master’s eyes caught Ford, pinned him in place. He couldn’t even blink as those terrible eyes drilled into him. Deeper and deeper. Ford had never felt more naked in his life. “You see I am the Master and you will obey me!” Suddenly Ford could feel another presence burrowing inside his mind, tearing past his natural defenses as if they were not there. “You. Will. Obey. Me.” Each word echoed inside Ford’s mind like a sentence of doom. He tried to fight, tried to build a fortress, but no sooner had he built a wall, then the Master tore it down. There was no escape, no resistance, no help. There was only the will of the Master, terrible and mighty. “You. Will. Obey. Me.”
***
Sheppard darted into the abandoned factory, trying his best to disappear into the shadows. He didn’t think anyone had followed him, but he couldn’t be sure. The Master had eyes everywhere, and they were all looking for them. McKay sat huddled in a corner; the left side of his face a bloody mess. A staser bolt had grazed his ear. He was muttering to himself as he fiddled with his radio. Sheppard sat down next to him causing McKay to start in surprise. “You okay Rodney?”
“Okay?! Am I okay? Of course I’m not ok.” Then he sagged, his righteous indignation dissolving. Sheppard patted him on the back and handed him a food bar. McKay grabbed it greedily, giving Sheppard an inquisitive look even as he gobbled it down.
“I stole it,” Sheppard shrugged. “Any luck,” he nodded toward the radio.
“No contact with either Ford or Teyla, but I did manage to tune into the news broadcast…you’re not going to like it.”
“What else is new,” Sheppard said.
McKay switched the radio on and the static slowly cleared and young woman’s voice could be clearly heard. “…Repeat do not approach. If you see them report immediately to the Chancellery Guard. Insurgents are armed and extremely dangerous, last seen wearing stolen robes of the most holy Prydonian Order. I repeat do not approach. Praise be to our Lord & Master.” Sheppard flicked it off.
“Right,” he smiled brightly. “Now all we need to do is find Lt. Ford and Teyla, and break out of the Citadel, hike back to the Stargate and dial home without being caught…piece of cake.”
McKay stared at him incredulously. “Oh sure…cake.”
The radio crackled. They both turned. “John,” it sputtered. “John are you there,” the voice was unmistakably Teyla.
“Hey,” Sheppard said. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine John. Is Lt. Ford with you?”
“You mean he’s not with you,” Sheppard and McKay traded glances.
“No…” Static. “…Dr. McKay?”
“I’m fine,” McKay said. “But we need to…”
“Aww a reunion, how touching.” A new voice emerged from the radio, a familiar voice. “I think I’m going to cry.”
“Who is this,” Sheppard glanced around, fingering his weapon.
“I think you know Johnny, may I call you Johnny?”
“The Master,” Sheppard said.
“Yes that’s right, the Master. I must say I was impressed how you managed to escape my guards. Especially you, Teyla was it? Those were some of my best men and you all got past them, well almost all. I’m afraid Aiden can’t come to the phone right now, but I can take a message…Oh and sorry about the ear.” They could hear the smile in his voice, the glee.
“Go to hell,” Sheppard practically growled.
“Oh but I plan on living forever, but enough about me. Let’s talk about you. Separated with my troops and drones between you and your precious little Stargate. Uh oh! That doesn’t sound very good does it? “
“Why are you doing this?”
“Hmm…let me think about that. You come to my planet uninvited and impersonate my subjects. Remind me again how Earthlings deal with spies.”
“We’re not spies,” Sheppard said.
“Well certainly not very good ones.”
“Listen,” Sheppard said. “you don’t have to do this. We have a common enemy. Perhaps we…”
“Could be best friends and braid each other’s hair,” the Master interrupted. “Please spare me the ‘Why can’t we all just get along’ speech. It’s so boring.” The Master chuckled darkly sending a shiver down their spines. “Besides a little birdie whispered in my ear. Apparently you’re the reason there are so many Wraith running around ahead of schedule. Millions upon millions of humans are being culled every week and it’s all your fault…John.”
“I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“Say again. I didn’t quite catch that.”
“I’m sorry,” Sheppard said.
“Are you? Are you really,” the Master asked. “Well I’m not. I hate waiting. Centuries of waiting and twiddling my thumbs. Boring!” The Master laughed. “But this is much better. I do love a good chase scene. Run away now Earthlings. Run for your life.” His words echoed throughout the deserted building. Sheppard and McKay glanced at each other. “I said RUN!”
***
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Doctor Who/ Stargate Atlantis
Characters: Sheppard, McKay, Teyla, Ford, the Master
Summary: The Atlantis team arrives on Tannis Prime, a worldlost since before the last Wraith culling. They find a harsh people very different from the stories Teyla remembers, for the Tannisians have been remade in the image of the Savior, their Lord & Master...
Chapter Four: The Interrogation
Aiden Ford woke with a groan. The world swam into view around him, fuzzy indistinct shapes, and bright so bright. It hurt his eyes. For a moment he was tempted to sink back into the oblivion of sleep, into the welcoming dark. Then he remembered. The ceremony, guards chasing him and running so fast. He blinked and the room solidified around him. Four walls, a gleaming oppressive white, and no door. He blinked away the spots forming under his eyes, and grunted softly. The back of his shoulder ached slightly. He reached over to prod his wound when a voice stopped him.
“Oh I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Ford glanced up and there clad in a black suit sat the man who’s face was posted throughout the Citadel, the man who had killed to the cheers of a crowd. “Staser burns can be very nasty.”
“W-where am I,” Ford asked. “The others…what have you…” He pulled himself into a sitting position, propped up against the wall.
“Ah, ah, ah,” the Master waged his finger. “I’m asking the questions. Besides, if I were you, I’d be more worried about myself. Now it’s quite simple really,” he smiled down at Ford. “You know something I don’t know,” he lilted. “I know you’re from Atlantis. It says so on your patch, but you’re not Alteran, I’d know if you were.” He tapped his lip thoughtfully. “Your flag,” he pointed at the American patch on Ford’s other shoulder. “I know that flag…” The Master’s eyes bored into Aiden, then suddenly the Master shot out of his seat. “You’re from Earth,” he threw back his head and laughed, a genuine laugh. “Oh that’s fantastic! Hello Earthling,” he waved. “what brings you all the way to the Pegasus Galaxy. This is the early 21st century; your lot shouldn’t be here for another millennia or three. How’d you manage that?”
“Name: Aiden Ford,” he answered. ”Rank: First Lieutenant, Serial Number…”
“No, no, no, no, NO! None of that. I ask questions, you answer them. That’s the way of things. Do you understand me Aiden?” No response. Ford kept his eyes on the floor. “Oh Aiden, Aiden is anyone in there? Does anybody care? Ah I see. You’re being stubborn.” The Master smiled softly his eyes mockingly sympathetic. “Well I like this game. You’ve been here a few days now, I’m sure you noticed the stocks, a delightfully macabre invention, but not exactly handy. But what if you could miniaturize, condense all that technology into one little handheld devise…” He reached into his pocket and drew a small device, painted black and gray. “Like say this one,” he shook the device slightly so it rattled.
“Go to hell!”
“The Master smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that.” With a casual flick of the wrist he brought the device to bear, and then all Ford knew was pain…
Ford screamed and screamed as wave upon wave of fiery plan crashed through him. His skin burned, and his bones moaned in protest and all he could do was ride the current, barely hanging on to awareness. Time lost all meaning; it could have been hours, or mere minutes, but the pain finally stopped. Ford collapsed, barely able to even move his head. The Master leaned down and gently wiped the drool off Ford’s face.
“Now Aiden, why don’t you be a good boy? It’s so simple, just answer a few questions and it’ll all be over.” Ford groaned. It was so hard to stay awake. The darkness called, whispering promises of sleep. “Yes, no, maybe so,” the Master waved his hand in front of Ford’s face. “Anything? Anything at all?” The Master sighed. “Well you’re no fun. Though your screams weren’t bad, very musical. I’d say a B flat.” No response. “Fine we’ll do it your way. No more games.” He pouted. “Humans! Take all the fun out of life.” Ford’s eyes slipped closed softly, it felt so good to slip away, to forget the fear and pain. He was jolted awake suddenly. The Master’s hands shoot out quicker than the eye could see and yanked Ford’s face up to meet his eyes. “Now Aiden don’t be rude. Pay attention when your betters are talking.”
“Who do you think you are,” Ford managed through gritted teeth, his throat protesting.
“Oh I’m so sorry. Here I am torturing you half to death and we haven’t even been properly introduced.” The Master’s eyes caught Ford, pinned him in place. He couldn’t even blink as those terrible eyes drilled into him. Deeper and deeper. Ford had never felt more naked in his life. “You see I am the Master and you will obey me!” Suddenly Ford could feel another presence burrowing inside his mind, tearing past his natural defenses as if they were not there. “You. Will. Obey. Me.” Each word echoed inside Ford’s mind like a sentence of doom. He tried to fight, tried to build a fortress, but no sooner had he built a wall, then the Master tore it down. There was no escape, no resistance, no help. There was only the will of the Master, terrible and mighty. “You. Will. Obey. Me.”
***
Sheppard darted into the abandoned factory, trying his best to disappear into the shadows. He didn’t think anyone had followed him, but he couldn’t be sure. The Master had eyes everywhere, and they were all looking for them. McKay sat huddled in a corner; the left side of his face a bloody mess. A staser bolt had grazed his ear. He was muttering to himself as he fiddled with his radio. Sheppard sat down next to him causing McKay to start in surprise. “You okay Rodney?”
“Okay?! Am I okay? Of course I’m not ok.” Then he sagged, his righteous indignation dissolving. Sheppard patted him on the back and handed him a food bar. McKay grabbed it greedily, giving Sheppard an inquisitive look even as he gobbled it down.
“I stole it,” Sheppard shrugged. “Any luck,” he nodded toward the radio.
“No contact with either Ford or Teyla, but I did manage to tune into the news broadcast…you’re not going to like it.”
“What else is new,” Sheppard said.
McKay switched the radio on and the static slowly cleared and young woman’s voice could be clearly heard. “…Repeat do not approach. If you see them report immediately to the Chancellery Guard. Insurgents are armed and extremely dangerous, last seen wearing stolen robes of the most holy Prydonian Order. I repeat do not approach. Praise be to our Lord & Master.” Sheppard flicked it off.
“Right,” he smiled brightly. “Now all we need to do is find Lt. Ford and Teyla, and break out of the Citadel, hike back to the Stargate and dial home without being caught…piece of cake.”
McKay stared at him incredulously. “Oh sure…cake.”
The radio crackled. They both turned. “John,” it sputtered. “John are you there,” the voice was unmistakably Teyla.
“Hey,” Sheppard said. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine John. Is Lt. Ford with you?”
“You mean he’s not with you,” Sheppard and McKay traded glances.
“No…” Static. “…Dr. McKay?”
“I’m fine,” McKay said. “But we need to…”
“Aww a reunion, how touching.” A new voice emerged from the radio, a familiar voice. “I think I’m going to cry.”
“Who is this,” Sheppard glanced around, fingering his weapon.
“I think you know Johnny, may I call you Johnny?”
“The Master,” Sheppard said.
“Yes that’s right, the Master. I must say I was impressed how you managed to escape my guards. Especially you, Teyla was it? Those were some of my best men and you all got past them, well almost all. I’m afraid Aiden can’t come to the phone right now, but I can take a message…Oh and sorry about the ear.” They could hear the smile in his voice, the glee.
“Go to hell,” Sheppard practically growled.
“Oh but I plan on living forever, but enough about me. Let’s talk about you. Separated with my troops and drones between you and your precious little Stargate. Uh oh! That doesn’t sound very good does it? “
“Why are you doing this?”
“Hmm…let me think about that. You come to my planet uninvited and impersonate my subjects. Remind me again how Earthlings deal with spies.”
“We’re not spies,” Sheppard said.
“Well certainly not very good ones.”
“Listen,” Sheppard said. “you don’t have to do this. We have a common enemy. Perhaps we…”
“Could be best friends and braid each other’s hair,” the Master interrupted. “Please spare me the ‘Why can’t we all just get along’ speech. It’s so boring.” The Master chuckled darkly sending a shiver down their spines. “Besides a little birdie whispered in my ear. Apparently you’re the reason there are so many Wraith running around ahead of schedule. Millions upon millions of humans are being culled every week and it’s all your fault…John.”
“I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“Say again. I didn’t quite catch that.”
“I’m sorry,” Sheppard said.
“Are you? Are you really,” the Master asked. “Well I’m not. I hate waiting. Centuries of waiting and twiddling my thumbs. Boring!” The Master laughed. “But this is much better. I do love a good chase scene. Run away now Earthlings. Run for your life.” His words echoed throughout the deserted building. Sheppard and McKay glanced at each other. “I said RUN!”
***