Action/Adventure, Week 2: Always Hope (1/3)
Title: Always Hope
Author: stella_pegasi
Genre: Action/Adventure
Rating: PG-13
Character/Pairing: John Sheppard, Rodney McKay, Teyla Emmagan, Ronon Dex, Evan Lorne, OC
Spoilers: None
Warnings: violence, minor language, brief sexual situation, suggestion of non-con
Het/Slash/Gen: Gen
Word count: 28,165
Disclaimer: Stargate belongs to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., no infringements of any rights is intended.
Summary: Another routine mission to open up relations with new worlds in Pegasus goes awry. SGA-1 discovers their friendly new allies are hiding a dark secret that could cost them their lives.
Thanks to my wonderful friend and beta for her assistance with this story. All silly mistakes are mine; I couldn’t leave the story alone after she was done.
[Part One] [Part Two] [Part Three]
Always Hope
Chapter 1 All is Not as It Appears
“Rodney, get down!”
Dr. Rodney McKay swerved in the direction of the familiar voice. Lt. Colonel John Sheppard was a few yards behind him, jumping over a fallen tree trunk; gesturing for him to drop to the ground. Sheppard looked pretty serious; and Rodney decided to comply, and he crouched behind a large rock.
Sheppard jogged up to him, dropping to his knees, and peered around the rock that Rodney had hidden behind. The forest in front of them was clear; Sheppard turned, sitting on the ground next to his errant teammate. The colonel was breathing hard, and it took a few seconds for him to speak.
His voice quiet, but obviously agitated, Sheppard chided McKay, “I told you to stay in Felan. You could have been hurt. Why the hell did you come out here?” Sheppard pulled his scanner from his pants pocket, checking for signs of anyone, or anything, apart from them, in the vicinity.
“There is something wrong here, Sheppard. I don’t care what you and Teyla think; these people are hiding something. I don’t trust them, and I don’t believe their warning that we can’t come into these woods without getting killed.”
Shaking his head, Sheppard looked over at McKay, “Your spidy sense telling you that?”
“Make fun of me, colonel, if that makes you feel better. The Camati’s are lying to us about the grave danger outside of the city walls. I am positive they are lying, and I believe you sense it, as well.
“I would love to discuss this now, Rodney, but I think the smart thing to do is to return to the city before it gets dark. We’ll discuss about this after the evening meal.” Sheppard quickly glanced at the scanner, and cautiously rose to his feet. “Come on, let’s get back.”
He extended his hand to help Rodney up. Throwing a disgusted look at the tall man with the rumpled dark hair, who was staring down at him, Rodney didn't move for a moment. Then he gave in, and grabbed Sheppard's hand, letting the colonel pull him up.
“I don’t know how to explain it, but I think they’re hiding something and that something has me worried.”
“Keep walking and be quiet; I told you, we’ll discuss this after dinner.” Sheppard motioned for Rodney to take point. They walked the half-click back to the city in silence.
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Darkness had fallen as Sheppard and McKay passed through the city gate of the capital, Felan. They headed into the center of the walled city toward the Government Center. The multi-building complex housed the parliament of Camati Plain, one of three regions that divided the one large continent on the planet Rienor. The palatial building was also the residence of Regent Mecos Halkan, leader of the Camati. The Regent and his daughter, the Lady Elradia greeted them as they entered the reception room in the private residence.
“Colonel Sheppard, Dr. McKay, we were becoming worried about the two of you. I was about to send the Regent guards to search the city for you.” Regent Halkan smile was thin, and the hair on the back of Sheppard’s began to prickle. The Regent’s attitude seemed a bit disingenuous.
“Dr. McKay was strolling around the grounds, admiring your lovely gardens. I went to find him to make certain he was on time for dinner. It would be a shame to miss a morsel of your wonderful meals.” Sheppard was a bit wary of the quizzical look on Halkan’s face as he answered.
Smiling at the two men, the Regent gestured toward the gathering room. “Please come with me, we are having a bit of libation before dinner.”
Sheppard replied, “We will be happy to join you, Regent.” He took Rodney by the arm, “Come on, Rodney.” Reluctantly, Rodney moved forward into the room. Sheppard started to follow him when Elradia grabbed his arm.
Looking up at him, she pouted, “Colonel, I believe you promised to escort me to dinner this evening. Surely, you remember.” She squeezed his upper arm just a bit tighter. She clearly had no intention of letting of his arm, or anything else she could grab, go.
Sheppard took a deep breath, and realized there was no way out of this situation. He had promised to accompany her to dinner, only to get her to stop pestering him. Since they first met the Regent and his daughter, his teammates had teased him about the lovely Elradia. She had immediately taken a liking to the colonel that she made no attempt to hide. Her father seemed to take amusement in her antics.
Elradia was certainly pretty; barely twenty years old with long, dark red hair and piercing, pale blue eyes. However, as the Atlantis representative, Sheppard needed to maintain a professional decorum. Also, he was twice Elradia's age, which apparently wasn’t a concern of either, hers or her fathers. Even so, he was having a minor personal crisis dealing with that fact, in addition to, his growing uneasiness regarding the Regent. He hadn’t told Rodney yet, but there was something about these people that didn’t sit well with him either.
Putting on his most charming grin, “I did promise. I would be honored to escort you to dinner.” In reply, Elradia giggled, and drew Sheppard closer as they walked into the gathering room.
Teyla noticed his predicament as he walked into the room with the Regent’s daughter on his arm and arched her eyebrow at him in question. He shrugged slightly, and steered Elradia to a chair.
“Please have a seat, Lady Elradia; what would you like to drink?”
She pulled his head down, whispering in his ear, “Whatever you would like to bring me, colonel. I am sure you know what I like.”
Sheppard straightened up, “I’ll be back.”
He walked over to the long mahogany bar where an attendant was pouring drinks. Teyla walked over with an empty glass, joining him. He glanced over at her, and very quietly said, “Help.”
She laughed, “Oh, you appear to be doing just fine on your own, colonel.”
“You’re not helping.” Turning to the bartender, he asked, “Could I have whatever Lady Halkan likes?” The servant nodded, and began to prepare a drink.
“After dinner, we need to talk.” He was speaking softly, and not really looking at her. “Tell Ronon and Rodney; I think I am going to be preoccupied for the evening.”
She smiled and said, “Let’s meet in my room; it is more isolated.” He nodded, took Elradia’s drink, and returned to where she was sitting.
“Your drink, Lady Halkan; I believe this is your favorite.” Elradia looked up at Sheppard and smiled shyly. She was dressed in a long, form-fitting dress made of a silky material, the greenish-gold color contrasted with her red hair. She was well aware that she had a strong impact on the men in the room.
“It is most pleasing to know that you will do my bidding, colonel. You may address me as Elradia; may I call you John?”
“I think, Lady Halkan, that until we have finalized our trade and alliance negotiations that we should keep using our formal titles. I wouldn’t want to upset your government by becoming too familiar.” He was really hoping she would buy that lame argument. She didn’t.
“You are being quite silly, col…John.” Her smile was wide, but her eyes were expressionless and frigid, she continued. “If I insist you call me Elradia, you will do so. I will call you, whatever, I choose. Do I make myself clear, John?” He nodded, but he was becoming convinced that Rodney was right; these people are hiding something.
Elradia turned her attention to two women, who had approached her. While she was distracted, Sheppard took the opportunity to observe the others in the room. Ronon was standing in a corner of the room, hand on his blaster. The Camati had allowed them to keep their weapons, and Ronon seemed never to remove his hand from the gun’s grip, ready for whatever occurred. Teyla was engaged in conversation with a Camati senator, who had been asking many questions about the other worlds in the Pegasus coalition. Now that the Wraith had taken the gene therapy, and were no longer feeding on the galaxy’s human population, many planets were emerging with technology that had been hidden for generations. The colonel was thankful they were not all like the Genii.
Rodney was talking with a Camati scientist, a shorter, younger man who had taken a great liking to Atlantis Science Director the day before. Rodney appeared to be alright, but Sheppard knew him well enough to know he was anything but alright. He seemed to be asking a lot of questions. As Sheppard watched, the scientist motioned for Rodney to follow him, and they walked back into the reception area. Sheppard was very interested to know what the two scientists were discussing so intently. He started to slip away to speak to Rodney, but was interrupted by the call to dinner.
Dinner was excellent as it had been the night before; the Camati’s hospitality was certainly gracious and abundant. The table groaned with several meats, vegetable dishes, and desserts galore. Sheppard thought that Rodney should be ecstatic about the desserts, but he was sitting uncharacteristically quiet. Throughout dinner, he watched Rodney when he could, that is when Elradia wasn’t demanding his attention, and putting her hands all over him. Regent Halkan kept them entertained with stories about Camati folklore, and was quite generous in keeping the wineglasses filled.
As they were finishing, the Regent turned to Sheppard, who was sitting directly across the table. “Colonel, our meeting tomorrow is very important. We are very interested in finalizing our treaty and getting this alliance underway. We may become closer allies than you imagine, Colonel Sheppard.” As he uttered those final words, the Regent smiled broadly at his daughter, who responded by squeezing Sheppard’s thigh. All Sheppard could think, as he slowly moved his leg away, was, ‘crap’.
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Dinner was finally over four hours after it began. The Camati’s loved to stay at the dinner table for hours. It was nearly 0100 hrs, Sheppard managed to escape from Elradia by explaining he was very tired and needed to sleep. Reminding her that tomorrow’s meeting with the governing council was important for both of their people, and he needed to be well rested. She pouted, which seemed to be her favorite method of getting her way, but relented. However, she gave Sheppard a clear warning; do not think he would be able to use that excuse a second time. Her ice blue eyes had turned cold once more, as she informed him, he would do her bidding. With that she had turned and walked down the hallway toward her chambers. Sheppard headed toward the guest quarters wondering just how he was going to deal with the Lady Elradia.
The hallway outside of his room was deserted; he continued down the hall to the quarters that had been given to Teyla. The room was at the end of a short hall, which branched off from the main corridor. He rapped on the door, and Teyla quickly let him inside.
Teyla’s quarters were large and quite girlie, Sheppard thought, but not as large or as opulent as his. Neither Rodney nor Ronon was given a room larger than his. Great, he thought, he was definitely receiving special treatment. Teyla had a huge canopy bed with lots of lace and flower prints all over the room, a private bath, sitting area with a fireplace, and a large balcony. Ronon was leaning against the wall next to the balcony doors. Rodney was sitting in a chair next to the fireplace.
“Nice digs, Teyla.” Sheppard headed for a chair across from Rodney, sighing as he sat down. Teyla wily replied, “I think, colonel, the Camati’s like to impress their guests in order to control them.”
Rodney gave a quick laugh, “Control seems to be one of their modus operandi, Sheppard. And they are controlling more than you think.”
“I saw you talking tonight to a Camati scientist we met on the tour of the learning center; you left the gathering room with him. What did he tell you?”
“He told me he was scared. His name is Banar Lemér, and he is from Teraus, one of the neighboring regions. He, his parents, and younger sister moved here three years ago when he took the position on the science council. His family has a small farm in a village called…uh” he snapped his fingers, “…Elaia; it’s located about six miles from the city. Until the past year, he could come and go as he wanted to visit them.” Rodney paused, collecting his thoughts. “That’s when the government issued a decree forbidding travel outside the city gates after dark. During the daylight, the city dwellers are restricted to only the river to the north, the forest on the west, and the barrier erected to the south. That means that the stargate is inaccessible to anyone in the city.”
Sheppard interjected, “The Camati’s informed us that the restrictions are for the safety of the people. There is some unknown danger lurking after dark; people that venture outside the city gates, disappear.”
Rodney nodded, “That’s what they say.”
“And you think that they are lying.”
“Yes, I know they are.”
Teyla spoke up, “Rodney, how can you be so certain the Camati are lying?”
“Banar overheard two of his superiors on the Science Council discussing a “treatment” of some sort that all the city dwellers are taking. They were concerned about serious problems that had developed. He didn't know he was taking anything remotely dangerous, but realized that the healers had prescribed a “vitamin” for everyone, many years ago. The government health officials told the people they were missing an important molecule for enzyme production. Now everyone takes their vitamins, every day; all regulated by the government. Banar tested the pill to see exactly what they were taking, and he discovered it wasn’t a vitamin at all.” He stopped, looking at Teyla and Ronon, and then, at Sheppard.
“They are taking an enzyme to stop aging, and have been taking it for many years. Banar thinks that government officials take a stronger dose than the general population. They don’t care about the people staying young, just not noticing how little the others are aging.”
“What is this drug?” Sheppard asked.
“An herb that grows on earth called astragalus, produces an enzyme is telomerase, it can be purified and concentrated. The enzyme is purported to prevent telomeres from shortening, causing the aging process. It’s been used by the Chinese for centuries.”
“Dr. McKay, these telomeres; am I correct, they are what caused problems with Dr. Beckett when he was cloned?” Teyla asked.
“Exactly.”
Ronon spoke up, “Is this…uh… astragalus stuff here on Rienor?”
McKay shook his head, “I don’t think so, but they don’t need it. They can harvest what they need from immune cells, human eggs, and sperm. Banar thinks they have been doing just that, harvesting the enzyme from the population outside of the city, starting when the city dwellers began taking the ‘vitamin’.”
Sheppard dropped his head in his hands. “Haven’t we had enough enzyme problems to last a lifetime?” He asked to no one.
“Ronon was puzzled. ”I don’t get it; what does this pill have to do with the danger they claim is outside the city?”
“Banar thinks that something has gone wrong. They are experiencing serious side effects in the people who have been taking the stronger drug for years. From the data, he briefly reviewed; he thinks that cells in some people begin to regenerate at a very rapid rate, causing tumors and deformities. He knows that some of the city dwellers have disappeared for weeks at a time. He suspects they are receiving treatments, or transplants. Banar said the medical staff had been doing transplants on animals for many years, and had begun transplanting human organs.”
Rodney fell silent, and his teammates waited on him to continue. “Banar believes they are harvesting organs from the people outside of the city. That’s why they prevent the city residents from leaving; they might find out what is really happening to them.”
Teyla was shocked, “That is barbaric; Banar believes that the Regent, and this government, condone this?”
“Yes, he does; but that’s not all.” Looking at Sheppard, he was, if anything, paler than before.
Sheppard asked softly, “Rodney, what else.” He saw that Rodney was struggling with telling them.
“Banar discovered they are also experimenting with another reagent that they hope will solve the problem. They have some of Michael’s hybrid’s captive here; they are experimenting on them to discover what Michael used to change them. Banar says the head scientist, a Doctor Maxea, seems to think that the enzyme Michael used will help with the rapid growth by moderating the rejuvenation process. If they can separate component that rejuvenates tissue from the component that turns people into Wraiths, they think might allow them to cut the dosage of the telomere enzyme. That would solve their problems, or so they think. This is voodoo to me; I wish Carson was here.”
“The Camati’s have hybrids here? We suspected there might be more of Michael’s hybrids out there. Where in the hell did they find them?” Sheppard stood up, pacing the small area. “We need to discover what is happening outside these gates. Ronon, you’re with me; Teyla, you stay here with Rodney. I’m going to my quarters to get my P-90 and vest; I’ll be back in a minute. Ronon, scout around for the best route we can take once we’ve cleared the balcony; I’d prefer to remain unseen. We’re going to go find out what’s going on here.”
Sheppard left Teyla’s room, heading to his quarters. He was completely unaware that Elradia was watching him over a closed circuit camera. The Lady Elradia was extremely displeased that he had gone to Teyla’s quarters after dinner, instead of his own, as he had told her. She decided that the lovely Athosian was a threat, and she eliminated threats. She was plotting personal revenge against Teyla, when Sheppard left his chambers again, and headed back toward Teyla’s quarters, carrying his weapon. She realized at that moment that all the Atlantians were threats.”
Elradia touched a tiny button on the small device attached to the view screen. “Father, I believe there is something you need to know.”
Chapter Two A Villager’s Tale
Ronon was on the balcony, waiting for him, when he returned to Teyla’s room. As Sheppard put on his TAC vest, Rodney gave him directions to the village where Banar’s family lived.
He looked at Rodney and Teyla, “Next check in with Atlantis is at 0700 hrs; get to the jumper as soon as you can, if we aren’t back. Tell Woolsey to send Lorne, Teldy, and their teams; let them know where we’re going. Meanwhile, stay together, and don’t trust anyone.”
“Sheppard, are you sure you should go out there; you don’t have any idea what you’re going to find. We should get more people here.” Rodney was clearly nervous about the situation.
Sheppard put his hand on Rodney’s shoulder. “Rodney, we’ll be fine. For the record, you were right about this place; I should have listened to you sooner.”
Rodney stumbled through his words, “I…I didn’t want to be right. I just couldn’t shake the feeling that they were lying to us, but I couldn’t prove it. I need to be able to prove things.”
Sheppard smiled, “Just keep going with your gut, and I promise I’ll listen.”
Teyla was holding his P-90, and handed it back to him, “Good luck, colonel, Ronon. Be safe.”
With that, Ronon and Sheppard dropped over the balcony railing, into the soft dirt of a flower garden below. The last view Rodney and Teyla had of them was as the two men ran down the darken road, toward the city gate.
As they neared the heavy, ornate metal gate, Sheppard and Ronon dropped off the main road, skirting the city wall for about twenty yards. The brick barrier was approximately eight feet tall, and they needed to find a way over. Ronon spotted a large tree that was close enough for them to climb and drop over the wall. Ronon swiftly reached the branch that was level with the top of the wall, Sheppard lagging behind.
“You know, big guy, those long legs give you one hell of an advantage. Pull me up.” Sheppard had a sizable gap to cross, and his long legs weren’t quite long enough. Ronon chuckled, and pull the colonel up to the branch he was sitting on.
“Thanks.” Sheppard leaned over the wall that encircled the city. Using the light on his P-90, he could see the area they would be dropping onto, “Crap. I forgot the outside perimeter was lined with those big rocks.” Sitting back on the tree branch, he added, “That’s gonna hurt.”
Ronon reached into his leather vest, and pulled out some rope. Rope made of a silky thread, looking suspiciously like the rope trim that hung on the canopy in Teyla’s room. “I remembered.”
“You’re a good man, Ronon.”
Ronon tied the rope to the tree branch handing the other end to Sheppard. Sheppard looped the rope around his hand, and jumped from the branch to the top of the wall; after steadying himself, he repelled down the smooth, silky rope to the ground. In seconds, Ronon was standing next to him.
“Leave the rope. If we’re lucky, we’ll be back before anyone finds it, and we can use it to get back over the wall. Elaia should be about six miles in that direction.” Pointing west toward the forest, Sheppard led the way, with Ronon close behind him.
They backtracked to the main thoroughfare, staying a short distance off the road, in the thick undergrowth; hoping to remain unseen. The night was dark; only one of the planet’s three moons was visible in the black velvet sky, casting a very weak glow on the forest. At least, the moonlight was providing adequate illumination for them to see where they were stepping. Coming to a lane that branched off the main road, they halted. Sheppard motioned to Ronon, and they made the turn toward the village.
It was shortly after 0300 hrs, when they reached the village of Elaia. In these early morning hours, they did not expect to see anyone moving around the village. They needed to cross the main street; they stood in an alley, observing the street for a few moments.
“This place is deserted. I liked finding villages this quiet when I was running; easier to slip inside a shop to find food.” Ronon whispered.
Sheppard looked over his shoulder at the tall Satedan, “At least, those days are over, buddy.”
Ronon smacked him on the back, “Yep, they are.”
They dashed across the street, electing to stay in the darker areas, as they made their way through the village. Rodney’s directions put the Lemér farm approximately two and a half miles north of town, on the main road leading from the town square. Sheppard was surprised to find the road paved with a substance similar to asphalt. The roads they traveled on between the city and Elaia were paved with flat bricks.
It was unusual for them to visit a planet advanced enough to have electricity, motorized transportation, and electronics. The majority of planets in Pegasus had never been able to advance their civilizations to that level. The Wraith’s culling of the populations, and destruction of the infrastructure kept most planets at a rudimentary level. Here, the smoking chimneys, the wood piles next to the cottages, or carts or draft animals were absent. Instead, there were houses made of clay bricks; small, motorized vehicles parked in driveways; and graceful street lamps dotted the roadway.
The Lemér house was small, constructed of the reddish and tan colored brick that was prevalent in the city. Neatly trimmed landscaping and abundant flowers were scattered across the front lawn. A small brown vehicle was parked on the paved driveway; the little, boxy cars reminded Sheppard of an old Renault 4. A white-washed, wooden picket fence surrounded the house and yard. A pedestrian gate in the fence opened onto a walkway and led to a covered porch, running the entire length of the house. In the dim light, they could see beyond the fence on the far side of the house, where another gate led toward cultivated fields.
“OK, Sheppard, how do you want to play this?” Ronon crouched behind the wooden fence; Sheppard kneeling next to him.
“I’m thinking we knock on the front door.”
Sheppard rose, opened the gate, and strode down the walkway toward the house, Ronon in tow.
A brass knocker adorned the front door, but Sheppard used his fist, pounding loudly on the door. In a few minutes, a rough voice was asking who was there. Sheppard answered, “We are friends of your son, Banar. We need to speak with you, Mr. Lemér.”
A few minutes ticked by before the door opened slightly. Through the narrow opening, Sheppard could see a slender man of average height, peering at him. “How do I know you are Banar’s friends?”
“Mr. Lemér, we need to talk. Your son is concerned about what is going on in Camati, and we were hoping you could confirm what we’ve heard. I promise, we are not here to harm you.”
The door opened and Lemér stepped aside to allow the two men to come into his home. The room they entered was not large, but was cozy and warm. Mr. Lemér motioned for them to sit and Sheppard did; Ronon chose to stand by the door.
“Come, Maita; it is alright, these gentlemen know Banar, and they want to ask us some questions.”
As Lemér spoke, a small, dark-haired woman came through the hallway door; a young girl of around fifteen years old, following behind her. The family was dressed in robes, and clearly, had just awakened.
“Gentlemen, this is my wife, Maita, and our daughter, Jenesta.”
Sheppard smiled, nodding to Lemér’s wife and daughter, “ I am Lt. Colonel John Sheppard, and this is Ronon Dex; we are visitors to your region. We’re sorry to have disturbed you at this time of the morning, but it is imperative that we ask you some questions. Mr. Lemér…”
Lemér interrupted, “Please, if you are a friend of my son’s, you must call me Desman.”
“OK…Desman, your son is concerned about some things that he has heard may be happening in the villages. We came to see what you might know about people disappearing from the area.
“Why do you need to know what is happening in the villages? Is Banar all right, is he ill? How will these questions about the village, help our son, and the people in the city, battle the disease that plagues them?” Desman looked pleadingly at Sheppard.
“Disease, what disease are you talking about?” Sheppard and Ronon exchanged glances.
Maita put her hand on her husband’s arm to calm him, and then looked at Sheppard, “About a year ago, all the villages received a notice from Felan that an illness had broken out, and the city was in quarantine. We cannot enter the city or speak to the residents. There are designated safety zones outside of the city gates where villagers may leave goods and receive payment. However, we cannot pass beyond the safety zones. There have been some updates, but nothing has changed in all these months. They keep telling us that no one has died, but there are a lot of sick people who are still contagious. How can that be, colonel? It’s been a year, and we have heard nothing from our son; yet, you say you know him. Have you been to the city? Are you bringing illness to this village by coming here?”
Sheppard rose from the chair he was sitting in and walked over to Maita. Kneeling down in front of her, he spoke softly, “Maita, Banar is healthy, and no one is sick in the city. The government told you that there was an illness to cover up what is actually happening in the city. We’re trying to find out what the truth is in all of this.”
“Our son is fine?” Desman’s voice was hopeful.
“Yes, I have personally seen Banar, and he appeared fine. A member of my team has spoken with him at great length, as well."
Desman clutched his wife and daughter, who were crying from relief that Banar was alright, and held them for a moment. He sent his daughter back to bed, and then addressed Sheppard, “What do you want to know?”
Sheppard returned to the chair and sat down, “Do you know any of anyone who has disappeared in the last year? When we arrived in the city, the Regent told us it was too dangerous to go outside the city gates. He said an unknown danger existed, and people who left the city never returned.”
Desman looked at his wife before he answered, “Yes, I know that two people have vanished from Elaia. There are at least three more reported from the closest village to ours. The major of one of the other villages told our mayor that as many as thirty-four people, or perhaps more, have disappeared across the region.”
“But, colonel, what does this have to do with the illness, or whatever is happening in Felan? These disappearances are due to the Wraith.” Maita added.
“Wraith; what Wraith?” Sheppard instinctively jumped to his feet. He noticed that Ronon closed his hand tightly around the grip of his blaster.
“In the notice of the quarantine, the government warned us that there are Wraith hiding out on the planet. The message said the government was worried because they could not allow the Regent Guards to leave the city to protect us. We would have to defend ourselves from the Wraith, without their assistance.” Desman looked at Sheppard. “Are they lying about that as well, colonel?”
“I honestly don’t know, Desman. From what we do know, I suspect they are lying about the Wraith presence. If there are Wraith marooned on this planet, they most likely don’t have a ship where they can cocoon their victims. They’d feed, and leave the bodies where they dropped. I think the remains…uh…of anyone the Wraith fed on would’ve been found at some point.”
Maita rose from the couch; she walked over to the window, gazing through the dim moonlight for a moment at her lovely front lawn. “The government lied to us about the illness in the city, and now we find out the story of the Wraith is quite possibly false as well. If this is true, who is taking these people, and for what reason.” She turned to Sheppard, waiting for an answer.
“We think that some people are getting sick in the city. However, the health issues are not due to a contagious disease. If Banar is right, the city residents have been taking a drug to prevent aging, for many years. In fact, Banar believes that the blood test that you take every six months provides the Camati scientist with the people who can provide them with the cells that they need to manufacture the drug.”
“What type of cells are you asking about, colonel? I do not understand.” Desman asked.
“They need immune cells, human eggs and sperm, according to my teammate, Dr. McKay, who spoke to Banar. McKay is a scientist as well.”
Maita uttered a small cry, grabbing her husband’s hand. “Colonel, two weeks ago our daughter was examined by a doctor who visits the village once every six months to take the blood. The doctor told us that our daughter has a serious condition, and will need an operation. She is to have her egg cases removed. She is not the only one; many of the younger women have had the same thing happen to them; some younger men have had other things done. You are telling me that this could be for the drug that the city dwellers use to keep themselves young?”
“I’m no doctor, but it’s possible. According to Banar, after taking the drug for long periods, some city residents are developing serious illnesses that need more than drugs to fix. New, healthy organs are needed to replace the damaged ones. We think they’re taking people from the villages to provide hearts, kidneys, and other body parts to heal the city dwellers.” He took a deep breath, “I know this story sounds outrageous. But with what you have told us, plus Banar’s concerns, I’m convinced that’s why people are disappearing from the villages.”
Desman rose from the couch and walked over to Sheppard. “The last time the regent visited our village, we were shocked at how young he looked. He should be in his sixty’s, but he looks to be no more than forty. He doesn’t come often to the villages, and when we were allowed inside the city to shop and sell our produce, we rarely caught a glimpse of him. We did notice that all the city dwellers looked healthy and fit, and youthful.”
He paused, looking at his wife before he continued. “When we lived in Teraus, the regent was always mingling with the people in the capitol city and the villages. We were surprised that it was different here, and wondered why the regent would hide from his people. This makes sense to me now. If this is what’s is happening, we need to do something. My son is in danger if he has spoken out about this. What can we do to help?”
“I think that once the regent becomes aware of what we suspect, we’re going to need support from the villages. I’m not asking you to fight. However, we may need you for a show of force. If this government is killing its own citizens for personal gratification, we have to stop them.” He motioned for Ronon to check if it was clear outside; they needed to return to the city.
“Colonel, I was a soldier in the Teraus military. I’m not afraid to fight for my family, and my neighbors. I’ll spread the word to the villages, and assemble people willing to take on the city. I can’t allow another innocent killed for the vanity of these people.” Desman was defiant; he was not going to let the colonel change his mind.
“Desmond, fair enough; we can use you and your neighbors if it becomes necessary. Gather your people, and wait in the woods outside of the gate, but keep a lookout for patrols. Wait for a signal from us; don’t storm the city, unless you know we are prepared. Remind everyone that the Regent Guards will likely enter the villages to keep control once we confront them.” He turned to Ronon, “Let’s go.”
Maita stopped Sheppard, as he started to follow Ronon out the door. “Colonel, I want to thank you for brining us word that our son is safe, and for wanting to help us. We are very grateful, and will help in any way we can.”
Sheppard smiled at Banar’s mother, “No need to thank us, Maita. We want to prevent more deaths; as do you and your son.” With that, Sheppard followed Ronon out the door into the dark morning hours.
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Retracing their steps took less time, now they were familiar with the terrain. Both men instinctively picked up the pace for the return to the city. Sheppard’s mind was racing; they needed to get Teyla and Rodney safely out of the city. Then they needed to get to the stargate, and call in the Marines. He was concentrating on his thoughts, oblivious to Ronon calling his name. He did feel the Satedan’s strong hand grab his arm.
“What?” He jerked his arm away quickly, startled by Ronon’s tight grip.
“Hey, Sheppard, slow down, we need to talk this out before we get to the city.”
“What’s on your mind, big guy?”
“If these bastards are killing their own people just to stay young; they won’t hesitate to kill us.”
“Now don’t go getting soft on me; it’s not like there aren’t a lot of people who would like to kill us.”
The glare Ronon gave him made Sheppard realize that Ronon was serious, and he felt a bit guilty. “Hey, sorry, didn’t mean to be so flippant. I’m worried about them as well. If anyone became suspicious about Rodney and Banar talking so long tonight, they may already be in danger.
“Yeah, that’s my point. We need a plan; they could be waiting for us at the gate.”
Sheppard agreed. They spent the remainder of the trek back to the city gate deciding a course of action.
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Ronon slipped behind one of the huge trees lining the main roadway from the city. He surveyed the wall and city gate for a moment before he moved. The silk rope, suspended from the tree, he and Sheppard had scaled earlier, appeared to be untouched. He decided he was alone; he ran toward the rope.
Ronon jumped onto an enormous rock, grabbing the dangling silk rope. He quickly scaled the wall and, standing on top of the barrier, scanned the grounds for any movement. The area appeared deserted; Ronon gracefully leapt over to a large tree limb on the inside of the wall. He had started to climb down the tree when he heard an unexpected voice.
“Halt!”
Ronon halted; twenty Regent Guards had appeared, surrounding him on both sides of the wall. One of the guards motioned for him to drop from the tree. Ronon glared defiantly at the guard, and ignored the command. The guard fired an energy burst toward the tree limb, and Ronon fell hard onto the rough ground. As he grabbed his left knee, which had struck a tree root, Regent Halkan and Lady Elradia walked up.
“Well, my dear daughter, you were right. I believe our negotiations with the Atlantians will be taking a slightly different direction.” Looking to the guards, the regent ordered, “Get this man on his feet.”
Once Ronon was upright, Lady Elradia approached him. She trailed her fingers along his jaw, “Where is my handsome Colonel Sheppard? I want to talk with him about his little…indiscretion.”
“He’s not here, didn’t come back with me.” Ronon nearly spat at her when he replied.
“Tell me where we can find Sheppard. Tell me, or you will pay for your insolence, fool.” The tone in her voice betrayed Elradia’s anger.
“No idea,” Ronon answered. Elradia responded quickly, pulling a wooden staff from under her coat. She struck Ronon across the face, sharp ridges on the staff cutting his cheek.
“Keep that up, pretty man, and there will be so much more of that for you to endure. Now where is the colonel?” She struck him again, before he had time to reply.
Blood dripping from the cuts on his face, Ronon grinned at the furious woman. “Told you, don’t know.”
Elradia moved to strike Ronon again, when her father seized her arm. “There will be time for your fun and games, later. Right now, we need to take this one to the chambers, and start searching for Colonel Sheppard. Our lives are at risk here if we cannot stop the colonel.”
The regent spoke briefly to the captain of the guard. The captain began to organize several of the guards into a search party to locate Sheppard. The other guards secured Ronon’s hands with metal cuffs, and began to march him toward the city center.
Deeper in the woods surrounding the city, Colonel Sheppard was sitting on a tree branch about twenty feet in the air. He had watched through binoculars, as the guards appeared outside the wall, and saw Ronon fall from the tree limb. As he realized Ronon was now a prisoner, he uttered one word, “Crap.”
Dropping silently from the tree, Sheppard’s thoughts were racing. All possible entrances to the city would be heavily guarded and inaccessible, limiting his options. He still had one option; return to Lemér’s farm and get help.
Chapter Three The Beginning
Sheppard ran swiftly through the forest, making as little noise as possible. He had begun to formulate a plan to get back in the city, and rescue his team. For the moment, however, his plan consisted of putting as many miles as possible between himself and the Regent Guards. They were organizing a search for him as he fled the city gate. He needed to reach the Lemér farm to warn them, and to, hopefully, get assistance from Desman and the villagers.
After thirty minutes of running, Sheppard dropped behind a large tree to catch his breath. Awake almost twenty-four hours, he was weary, and his energy level flagging. He had eaten very little at dinner, despite the huge, delicious meal that had been served. He laughed, a bit sarcastically, as he remembered that eating had proven difficult while keeping Elradia’s hands from certain areas of his body. Leaning against the tree, he took a long drink of water from the small canteen hooked to his belt, then scarfed down a powerbar.
Concern swept over him as he thought about could be happening to Ronon, Rodney, and Teyla. The Camati people were anything but unsophisticated; on the contrary, they were quite smart and cunning. Ronon had been right when he had stopped Sheppard, before they arrived back at Felan. Instinct had warned the Satendan soldier that they were walking into a trap.
Rodney and Banar had been less than discreet when they discussed what Banar had uncovered. That fact troubled Sheppard, as did, the Regent's interest in McKay's activities prior to speaking with Banar. Rodney’s increasing concern was evident on his face, which could have aroused the Regent’s suspicion. If the Regent had something to hide, then he would be very wary of an outsider having with his scientists.
Reluctantly, Sheppard convinced himself to keep moving. He rose from the soft, forest floor, and took off again in the direction of Lemér’s village.
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A four story brick building, sitting on the edge of Felan directly opposite the city gate, housed the jail chambers, which was Ronon’s destination. The Regent Guards were headquartered in the building as well. Once inside the building, the guards led Ronon down two flights of stairs that opened onto a long corridor lined with cells. They shoved him into a cell that already held Teyla and Rodney.
“Ronon, thank goodness you’re alive. Where’s Sheppard?”
Rodney remained prone on the bunk he was lying on, and Ronon detected considerable pain in the scientist’s voice. Glancing at the bunk across from Rodney, Teyla was lying motionless.
“Rodney, are you hurt, and what’s wrong with Teyla?”
“The Lady Elradia was pissed when she discovered that both you and Sheppard had left the building. She hit Teyla hard enough to knock her out. Elradia was watching us, or rather, watching Sheppard, and saw him leave his quarters and go to Teyla’s. She was a bit upset with Teyla because she first thought that Sheppard had gone to visit Teyla for, in her words, a romp.”
“What happened to you, little man?”
“Yeah…well, I tried to imagine what you, or Sheppard would do if some idiot hit Teyla. My foolish attempt to defend her didn’t exactly succeed. A guard hit me in the stomach with the butt of his gun, and after I hit the floor, he kicked the hell out of me.” Rodney struggled to sit up, “Ronon, where’s Sheppard?”
Ronon was hesitant to tell Rodney in case they were being observed. “Sheppard can’t help us now, McKay. He’s gone.”
“No, no…oh no…,” Rodney’s eyes had widened, and were full of pain for his friend. As he looked into Ronon’s eyes in the dim light, Ronon tried to convey that he was lying. Slowly, he saw the realization enter Rodney’s mind.
“What happened to him?” The scientist voice was still shaky.
“We ran into some outlaws on the road, they got the drop on us; Sheppard never had a chance. I managed to escape, and came back here to get you and Teyla, but I was ambushed by the Regent Guards.”
“What are we going to do, Ronon?”
“We’re gonna figure a way out of here, McKay.” Ronon sat down on the edge of Teyla’s bunk, and checked her pulse. Her heart rate was strong and steady, and Ronon noticed a huge bruise developing around her eye. “She’ll be OK; get some sleep, we need to rest.”
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Sheppard estimated he reached the Lemér farmhouse an hour before sunrise. He had taken a surreptitious route back to the village, hoping to cover his tracks and avoid any troops that might be roaming the roads. He slipped through the front gate of the farmhouse, and onto the porch, pounding on the door like before.
The door opened slightly, and Desman peered through the small crack. Recognizing Sheppard, standing on the dark porch, he quickly stepped aside. Sheppard darted into the house.
“Colonel, what are you doing back here? Banar, is he alright?” Desman eyes conveyed fear for his son's safety.
“When we reached the city gate, Ronon and I decided to split up, in case the regent had discovered our absence. Ronon continued to the city wall to determine if we had company, while I waited in the trees about a quarter mile away. Regent Guards were waiting for him. Desman, if they know about us, they may know about Banar.”
Maita appeared in the living room, “Colonel, welcome to our home again. I heard the information you’ve given my husband. Your friends and Banar are in trouble; we must act.” She looked at Sheppard with determination set on her lovely, kind face.
Sheppard started to reply, when the room began spinning, and he became unsteady on his feet. Maita smiled softly, “First, you need sleep; then I will fix you breakfast. Come with me, colonel, you can rest in the friend’s room.” She gently took his arm, leading him toward the hallway.
“Before my wife whisks you away, Colonel Sheppard, I was planning to discuss this situation this morning with some trusted friends. While you are resting, I will go in the village, and instead of enjoying morning tea, I will gather help. It is time for us to act.”
Sheppard nodded, and followed Maita down a long hallway. She opened a door near the front of the hallway, which ran perpendicular to the front of the house. Simple furniture and comfortable, cozy bedding furnished the small bedroom. After Maita handed him towels and closed the door, Sheppard peeled off his TAC vest, black shirt, and boots. He entered the tiny, attached bathroom to wash his face and rinse the dust from his mouth. As the tiredness began creeping over him, he barely made it to the bed before he fell asleep.
He woke abruptly to find Maita leaning over him, shaking his shoulders to awaken him. “Colonel Sheppard; colonel, wake up, you must hide; the Regent Guards are searching the houses on this road. You must come with me, now.”
Sheppard sprang from the warm, cozy bed; grabbing his boots, shirt, and gear, he followed her through the bedroom door into the corridor. Her daughter, Jenesta, was waiting for them, her eyes filled with apprehension. Maita pointed to the left toward a door at the end of the hallway.
“Go into that room colonel; I will be right behind you.” She turned to her daughter.
“Quickly, Jenesta; straighten the bed linens, get the towels, and be absolutely certain that the room appears unused.” Jenesta nodded, entering the friend's room. Maita hurried to join Sheppard in the room at the end of the hall.
Shelving lined with canned foods and other supplies filled the windowless room at the end of the hall. Running to the far wall, Maita pressed the bottom corner of a long wood panel. A hatch, its edges invisible when closed, opened revealing a compartment inside the wall; a metal lever sat sideways in the wall opening. Maita, struggled, using all of her strength to pull the level down. The bulky shelving unit that sat in the center of the room pivoted, revealing a narrow opening in the floor. Sheppard could see a metal ladder leading to the next level.
“Colonel, we use this shelter when the cone winds come, and we have hidden from the Wraith here, as well. I’ll return when the guards are no longer in the area. You’ll find candles and firelighters in a box at the foot of the stairs. If I am unable to return, there is a lever on the wall on your left, as you enter the room.” Sheppard finished lacing his boots, slipped on his TAC vest, fastened his P-90 to the vest, and hopped onto the ladder. As his head cleared the floorboards, Maita reversed the lever, and the shelving unit swung back over the opening. John Sheppard’s world became pitch black.
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“Can you believe they served us food like this?” Rodney was sopping up gravy remnants left on his plate using a piece of bread. “This meal was as delicious as the meal we had last night.”
“McKay, how do you know that food is OK? It could be poisoned.” Ronon asked, glancing over at Teyla, who shook her head. Ronon and Colonel Sheppard always teased Dr. McKay, regardless of the situation. A tension reliever for them, and she suspected, for Dr. McKay as well.
McKay’s head popped up, eyes immense, glaring at Ronon. Seeing the look on Ronon’s face, he realized that Ronon was kidding. “Very funny, Conan; we’re in enough trouble without getting poisoned as well.”
Ronon grinned slightly at McKay, and then asked Teyla about her injury, “How’s the eye?”
Teyla gingerly touched her swollen cheek with her fingertips. “I admit, it is giving me some pain, but my vision is unimpaired.”
They heard footsteps approaching; the guards returned to remove the food trays. Unlocking the cell door, one guard retrieved the trays while the other kept a gun pointed at Ronon. It appeared the Regent Guards only feared Ronon.
McKay struggled up from the bunk, and walked to the cell door after the guard exited with the food trays. “Inform the Regent, we demand to speak with him immediately”
The guard, who had held the gun on Ronon, gazed at McKay for a moment, then spoke. “You are requesting that I inform the Regent, he should abandon his important duties because you wish to speak with him.”
Rodney, giving the guard his best, ‘I’m in command’ look, retorted. “You heard me, I demand that the regent talk with us immediately.”
The guard stared into McKay eye’s for a few seconds, then began laughing as he walked away.
Rodney turned to his teammates, a slightly sheepish look on his face. “Yeah, well, I’m certain that guard’s going to bring Regent Halkan.” He slowly walked to his bunk, favoring his hip as he gingerly sat down, “Anytime, now.”
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“Just tell me where your husband is this morning, Mrs. Lemér.” The tall, heavy-set guard towered over the petite Maita, attempting to intimidate her. She repeated the same answer, she had given to his question, twice before.
“As I told you, my husband went into the village to have morning tea with his friends. Then he was going to the mechanic’s shop to pick up a part for the plowing machine.”
The guard stared at Maita, and then at Jenesta, who was standing behind her mother. “Young lady, where is your father.” He grabbed Jenesta’s hand, pulling her from behind her mother. “You seem a little nervous, child; do you have something to hide?”
Maita’s heart was pounding in her chest as her daughter faced the guard. Jenesta smiled demurely at the guard, “I am only nervous because there are so many strangers in the house. My mother told you where my father is this morning. He is in the village at the meeting house to have tea with his friends.”
The guard was about to reply to Jenesta, when the other guards returned to the room. “Sir, we have searched the house, and the outbuildings. These two are the only ones here.”
“We are done here. I will check your story as to where your husband is, and if you have lied to me, I will return.” The guards departed through the front gate, driving away in a government transport.
“Jenesta, stay here; keep watch for those guards to return. I’m going to go get the colonel from the shelter. If anyone comes, you tell me, regardless of who it is, OK?” Jenesta nodded, and Maita gave her a quick hug, “You did well.”
Maita rushed to the storage room, and tugged the lever, opening the trap door. She called out to Sheppard, “Colonel Sheppard, the Regent Guards have gone. It is safe for you to come up now."
Sheppard warily climbed up the ladder, his P-14 leading the way. Maita gasped as she saw the gun, and backed away from the colonel. Sheppard holstered the gun, as soon as he comprehended, she was alone.
“Sorry, I had to be certain you were alone; the guards could have been coercing you to open the hatch. Did they give you any problem?"
“No, the head guard was pushing me to tell him where Desman was, I told him the truth. Come, colonel, let me fix you something to eat.” She led him out into the hall, but stopped, turning back to him.
“Colonel, I am concerned, that guard seemed insistent on knowing where Desman was this morning. He asked about Desman more than he asked about the tall, dark-haired fugitive they supposedly were searching for. I expected him back by now, but he has yet to return; I am becoming worried. Do you think they may realize that Banar is our son?”
“Maita, I imagine that someone in the city is aware that you live in this village. Whether they’ve made the connection yet, is another matter. As for Desman, I have a feeling he can take care of himself. He may have been caught in town if the guards were searching there.”
“I hope you are right, colonel.”
“Maita, please, call me John; you saved my life, calling me John isn’t enough thanks. That was some quick thinking you did, when the guards came; thanks’ for helping me.”
Col…John, I would have hidden you from the guards, regardless of the circumstances. The Regent Guards are less than pleasant, in the best of times. However, if we are to stop the disappearances, and free the people in the city, we need you. We need everyone.
While Jenesta continued to keep watch for the guards, Maita prepared the promised meal for Sheppard. Desman returned just as Sheppard finished eating.
“Thank goodness, you are all alright; I was very worried. The guards are searching all the villages for a ‘crazed killer’. From the description they gave, I presume that would be you.” Desman looked at Sheppard, who shrugged; the farmer continued. “Colonel, I believe they may be watching the house. Getting you out of the house may prove difficult, at least for now.”
Maita refilled Sheppard’s tea, bringing a cup for Desman and herself; she sat down with the two men. “Desman, the guards were here earlier.” Desman looked quickly from his wife to Sheppard.
Sheppard smiled, “Your wife and daughter are quite handy in a crisis. They had me from a dead sleep, to the shelter, in a matter of minutes.”
Reaching over, he gently squeezed his wife’s hand and smiled. He turned to Sheppard, “I am a fortunate man, colonel.” He turned back to his wife, “Maita, what did the guards say to you?”
“The head guard kept asking where you were this morning. He asked that same question over and over, even though I answered him truthfully each time. I told him had gone to the village to have morning tea with your friends, and to pick up a part. I am positive he thought I was lying.
“Colonel…”
Maita interrupted, “Desman, it would be better if you call him John. We should keep from calling him colonel, especially in public.” She looked at Sheppard, who nodded in agreement.
“You are right, Maita. So…John, I talked to some people I am certain we can trust. A few of them had become suspicious of the Regent over the last several months, especially after all the disappearances. When the guards arrived in the village, a commissioner on the village council asked if the illness was over in the city. He asked if he could now visit his sister in the city. The question surprised the guard. He quickly stammered his way through what could only be a made-up explanation. The guard said there were several units stationed outside the city. He told a lie; Regent Guard units only exist in the city.”
“Did you have any luck recruiting any help?” Sheppard asked.
Desman flashed Sheppard a quick smile, “As a matter of fact, I did. I spoke to seven people that I trust; all have family living in the city or some close there. They’ve all been somewhat suspicious of the government’s story regarding a contagious illness raging in the city. The men and women I spoke with expressed very little surprise to learn the Regent has lied to them.”
Sheppard leaned back in his chair, “We are going to need more than nine people, Desman. We only need a handful of people to slip into the city, but we will need a lot of backup to get out."
“You worry too much, colonel.” Desman smiled slightly, “Each of the seven villagers, I spoke with, is going to recruit others. A couple of guys will be making deliveries in some of the other villages. They will speak with the people they can trust; by later in the day, we should have a sizeable group of volunteers.”
Maita was intently looking Sheppard over, when her husband noticed. “Maita, you are staring at the colonel. I would expect that of Jenesta, she is a young woman, but you, you are an old married woman.” He was laughing; Sheppard started blushing.
“Oh, stop it; I was only trying to decide what size clothes I need to find for John to wear. He cannot blend in with the villagers, dressed in his uniform. The fact that he is quite handsome simply makes this much more pleasant.” Sheppard turned a deeper red, while Maita and Desman both chuckled.
“Now, stop your blushing, colonel.” She looked at her husband, “Jenesta and I are going to take a quick ride to Seva Croson’s. Her husband is tall and slender, like John; she should have clothes to fit him. We will take some fresh vegetables; I’ll have a basket to hide the clothes in when I return.”
As she was leaving, she turned to John. “You only had a couple of hours sleep; you should take a nap while Desman is here.”
“I’m fine right now, Maita.” He smiled back at her; she and Jenesta left for the neighbors.
“So, John, how are we going to do this?”
Part Two
Author: stella_pegasi
Genre: Action/Adventure
Rating: PG-13
Character/Pairing: John Sheppard, Rodney McKay, Teyla Emmagan, Ronon Dex, Evan Lorne, OC
Spoilers: None
Warnings: violence, minor language, brief sexual situation, suggestion of non-con
Het/Slash/Gen: Gen
Word count: 28,165
Disclaimer: Stargate belongs to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., no infringements of any rights is intended.
Summary: Another routine mission to open up relations with new worlds in Pegasus goes awry. SGA-1 discovers their friendly new allies are hiding a dark secret that could cost them their lives.
Thanks to my wonderful friend and beta for her assistance with this story. All silly mistakes are mine; I couldn’t leave the story alone after she was done.
[Part One] [Part Two] [Part Three]
Always Hope
Chapter 1 All is Not as It Appears
“Rodney, get down!”
Dr. Rodney McKay swerved in the direction of the familiar voice. Lt. Colonel John Sheppard was a few yards behind him, jumping over a fallen tree trunk; gesturing for him to drop to the ground. Sheppard looked pretty serious; and Rodney decided to comply, and he crouched behind a large rock.
Sheppard jogged up to him, dropping to his knees, and peered around the rock that Rodney had hidden behind. The forest in front of them was clear; Sheppard turned, sitting on the ground next to his errant teammate. The colonel was breathing hard, and it took a few seconds for him to speak.
His voice quiet, but obviously agitated, Sheppard chided McKay, “I told you to stay in Felan. You could have been hurt. Why the hell did you come out here?” Sheppard pulled his scanner from his pants pocket, checking for signs of anyone, or anything, apart from them, in the vicinity.
“There is something wrong here, Sheppard. I don’t care what you and Teyla think; these people are hiding something. I don’t trust them, and I don’t believe their warning that we can’t come into these woods without getting killed.”
Shaking his head, Sheppard looked over at McKay, “Your spidy sense telling you that?”
“Make fun of me, colonel, if that makes you feel better. The Camati’s are lying to us about the grave danger outside of the city walls. I am positive they are lying, and I believe you sense it, as well.
“I would love to discuss this now, Rodney, but I think the smart thing to do is to return to the city before it gets dark. We’ll discuss about this after the evening meal.” Sheppard quickly glanced at the scanner, and cautiously rose to his feet. “Come on, let’s get back.”
He extended his hand to help Rodney up. Throwing a disgusted look at the tall man with the rumpled dark hair, who was staring down at him, Rodney didn't move for a moment. Then he gave in, and grabbed Sheppard's hand, letting the colonel pull him up.
“I don’t know how to explain it, but I think they’re hiding something and that something has me worried.”
“Keep walking and be quiet; I told you, we’ll discuss this after dinner.” Sheppard motioned for Rodney to take point. They walked the half-click back to the city in silence.
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Darkness had fallen as Sheppard and McKay passed through the city gate of the capital, Felan. They headed into the center of the walled city toward the Government Center. The multi-building complex housed the parliament of Camati Plain, one of three regions that divided the one large continent on the planet Rienor. The palatial building was also the residence of Regent Mecos Halkan, leader of the Camati. The Regent and his daughter, the Lady Elradia greeted them as they entered the reception room in the private residence.
“Colonel Sheppard, Dr. McKay, we were becoming worried about the two of you. I was about to send the Regent guards to search the city for you.” Regent Halkan smile was thin, and the hair on the back of Sheppard’s began to prickle. The Regent’s attitude seemed a bit disingenuous.
“Dr. McKay was strolling around the grounds, admiring your lovely gardens. I went to find him to make certain he was on time for dinner. It would be a shame to miss a morsel of your wonderful meals.” Sheppard was a bit wary of the quizzical look on Halkan’s face as he answered.
Smiling at the two men, the Regent gestured toward the gathering room. “Please come with me, we are having a bit of libation before dinner.”
Sheppard replied, “We will be happy to join you, Regent.” He took Rodney by the arm, “Come on, Rodney.” Reluctantly, Rodney moved forward into the room. Sheppard started to follow him when Elradia grabbed his arm.
Looking up at him, she pouted, “Colonel, I believe you promised to escort me to dinner this evening. Surely, you remember.” She squeezed his upper arm just a bit tighter. She clearly had no intention of letting of his arm, or anything else she could grab, go.
Sheppard took a deep breath, and realized there was no way out of this situation. He had promised to accompany her to dinner, only to get her to stop pestering him. Since they first met the Regent and his daughter, his teammates had teased him about the lovely Elradia. She had immediately taken a liking to the colonel that she made no attempt to hide. Her father seemed to take amusement in her antics.
Elradia was certainly pretty; barely twenty years old with long, dark red hair and piercing, pale blue eyes. However, as the Atlantis representative, Sheppard needed to maintain a professional decorum. Also, he was twice Elradia's age, which apparently wasn’t a concern of either, hers or her fathers. Even so, he was having a minor personal crisis dealing with that fact, in addition to, his growing uneasiness regarding the Regent. He hadn’t told Rodney yet, but there was something about these people that didn’t sit well with him either.
Putting on his most charming grin, “I did promise. I would be honored to escort you to dinner.” In reply, Elradia giggled, and drew Sheppard closer as they walked into the gathering room.
Teyla noticed his predicament as he walked into the room with the Regent’s daughter on his arm and arched her eyebrow at him in question. He shrugged slightly, and steered Elradia to a chair.
“Please have a seat, Lady Elradia; what would you like to drink?”
She pulled his head down, whispering in his ear, “Whatever you would like to bring me, colonel. I am sure you know what I like.”
Sheppard straightened up, “I’ll be back.”
He walked over to the long mahogany bar where an attendant was pouring drinks. Teyla walked over with an empty glass, joining him. He glanced over at her, and very quietly said, “Help.”
She laughed, “Oh, you appear to be doing just fine on your own, colonel.”
“You’re not helping.” Turning to the bartender, he asked, “Could I have whatever Lady Halkan likes?” The servant nodded, and began to prepare a drink.
“After dinner, we need to talk.” He was speaking softly, and not really looking at her. “Tell Ronon and Rodney; I think I am going to be preoccupied for the evening.”
She smiled and said, “Let’s meet in my room; it is more isolated.” He nodded, took Elradia’s drink, and returned to where she was sitting.
“Your drink, Lady Halkan; I believe this is your favorite.” Elradia looked up at Sheppard and smiled shyly. She was dressed in a long, form-fitting dress made of a silky material, the greenish-gold color contrasted with her red hair. She was well aware that she had a strong impact on the men in the room.
“It is most pleasing to know that you will do my bidding, colonel. You may address me as Elradia; may I call you John?”
“I think, Lady Halkan, that until we have finalized our trade and alliance negotiations that we should keep using our formal titles. I wouldn’t want to upset your government by becoming too familiar.” He was really hoping she would buy that lame argument. She didn’t.
“You are being quite silly, col…John.” Her smile was wide, but her eyes were expressionless and frigid, she continued. “If I insist you call me Elradia, you will do so. I will call you, whatever, I choose. Do I make myself clear, John?” He nodded, but he was becoming convinced that Rodney was right; these people are hiding something.
Elradia turned her attention to two women, who had approached her. While she was distracted, Sheppard took the opportunity to observe the others in the room. Ronon was standing in a corner of the room, hand on his blaster. The Camati had allowed them to keep their weapons, and Ronon seemed never to remove his hand from the gun’s grip, ready for whatever occurred. Teyla was engaged in conversation with a Camati senator, who had been asking many questions about the other worlds in the Pegasus coalition. Now that the Wraith had taken the gene therapy, and were no longer feeding on the galaxy’s human population, many planets were emerging with technology that had been hidden for generations. The colonel was thankful they were not all like the Genii.
Rodney was talking with a Camati scientist, a shorter, younger man who had taken a great liking to Atlantis Science Director the day before. Rodney appeared to be alright, but Sheppard knew him well enough to know he was anything but alright. He seemed to be asking a lot of questions. As Sheppard watched, the scientist motioned for Rodney to follow him, and they walked back into the reception area. Sheppard was very interested to know what the two scientists were discussing so intently. He started to slip away to speak to Rodney, but was interrupted by the call to dinner.
Dinner was excellent as it had been the night before; the Camati’s hospitality was certainly gracious and abundant. The table groaned with several meats, vegetable dishes, and desserts galore. Sheppard thought that Rodney should be ecstatic about the desserts, but he was sitting uncharacteristically quiet. Throughout dinner, he watched Rodney when he could, that is when Elradia wasn’t demanding his attention, and putting her hands all over him. Regent Halkan kept them entertained with stories about Camati folklore, and was quite generous in keeping the wineglasses filled.
As they were finishing, the Regent turned to Sheppard, who was sitting directly across the table. “Colonel, our meeting tomorrow is very important. We are very interested in finalizing our treaty and getting this alliance underway. We may become closer allies than you imagine, Colonel Sheppard.” As he uttered those final words, the Regent smiled broadly at his daughter, who responded by squeezing Sheppard’s thigh. All Sheppard could think, as he slowly moved his leg away, was, ‘crap’.
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Dinner was finally over four hours after it began. The Camati’s loved to stay at the dinner table for hours. It was nearly 0100 hrs, Sheppard managed to escape from Elradia by explaining he was very tired and needed to sleep. Reminding her that tomorrow’s meeting with the governing council was important for both of their people, and he needed to be well rested. She pouted, which seemed to be her favorite method of getting her way, but relented. However, she gave Sheppard a clear warning; do not think he would be able to use that excuse a second time. Her ice blue eyes had turned cold once more, as she informed him, he would do her bidding. With that she had turned and walked down the hallway toward her chambers. Sheppard headed toward the guest quarters wondering just how he was going to deal with the Lady Elradia.
The hallway outside of his room was deserted; he continued down the hall to the quarters that had been given to Teyla. The room was at the end of a short hall, which branched off from the main corridor. He rapped on the door, and Teyla quickly let him inside.
Teyla’s quarters were large and quite girlie, Sheppard thought, but not as large or as opulent as his. Neither Rodney nor Ronon was given a room larger than his. Great, he thought, he was definitely receiving special treatment. Teyla had a huge canopy bed with lots of lace and flower prints all over the room, a private bath, sitting area with a fireplace, and a large balcony. Ronon was leaning against the wall next to the balcony doors. Rodney was sitting in a chair next to the fireplace.
“Nice digs, Teyla.” Sheppard headed for a chair across from Rodney, sighing as he sat down. Teyla wily replied, “I think, colonel, the Camati’s like to impress their guests in order to control them.”
Rodney gave a quick laugh, “Control seems to be one of their modus operandi, Sheppard. And they are controlling more than you think.”
“I saw you talking tonight to a Camati scientist we met on the tour of the learning center; you left the gathering room with him. What did he tell you?”
“He told me he was scared. His name is Banar Lemér, and he is from Teraus, one of the neighboring regions. He, his parents, and younger sister moved here three years ago when he took the position on the science council. His family has a small farm in a village called…uh” he snapped his fingers, “…Elaia; it’s located about six miles from the city. Until the past year, he could come and go as he wanted to visit them.” Rodney paused, collecting his thoughts. “That’s when the government issued a decree forbidding travel outside the city gates after dark. During the daylight, the city dwellers are restricted to only the river to the north, the forest on the west, and the barrier erected to the south. That means that the stargate is inaccessible to anyone in the city.”
Sheppard interjected, “The Camati’s informed us that the restrictions are for the safety of the people. There is some unknown danger lurking after dark; people that venture outside the city gates, disappear.”
Rodney nodded, “That’s what they say.”
“And you think that they are lying.”
“Yes, I know they are.”
Teyla spoke up, “Rodney, how can you be so certain the Camati are lying?”
“Banar overheard two of his superiors on the Science Council discussing a “treatment” of some sort that all the city dwellers are taking. They were concerned about serious problems that had developed. He didn't know he was taking anything remotely dangerous, but realized that the healers had prescribed a “vitamin” for everyone, many years ago. The government health officials told the people they were missing an important molecule for enzyme production. Now everyone takes their vitamins, every day; all regulated by the government. Banar tested the pill to see exactly what they were taking, and he discovered it wasn’t a vitamin at all.” He stopped, looking at Teyla and Ronon, and then, at Sheppard.
“They are taking an enzyme to stop aging, and have been taking it for many years. Banar thinks that government officials take a stronger dose than the general population. They don’t care about the people staying young, just not noticing how little the others are aging.”
“What is this drug?” Sheppard asked.
“An herb that grows on earth called astragalus, produces an enzyme is telomerase, it can be purified and concentrated. The enzyme is purported to prevent telomeres from shortening, causing the aging process. It’s been used by the Chinese for centuries.”
“Dr. McKay, these telomeres; am I correct, they are what caused problems with Dr. Beckett when he was cloned?” Teyla asked.
“Exactly.”
Ronon spoke up, “Is this…uh… astragalus stuff here on Rienor?”
McKay shook his head, “I don’t think so, but they don’t need it. They can harvest what they need from immune cells, human eggs, and sperm. Banar thinks they have been doing just that, harvesting the enzyme from the population outside of the city, starting when the city dwellers began taking the ‘vitamin’.”
Sheppard dropped his head in his hands. “Haven’t we had enough enzyme problems to last a lifetime?” He asked to no one.
“Ronon was puzzled. ”I don’t get it; what does this pill have to do with the danger they claim is outside the city?”
“Banar thinks that something has gone wrong. They are experiencing serious side effects in the people who have been taking the stronger drug for years. From the data, he briefly reviewed; he thinks that cells in some people begin to regenerate at a very rapid rate, causing tumors and deformities. He knows that some of the city dwellers have disappeared for weeks at a time. He suspects they are receiving treatments, or transplants. Banar said the medical staff had been doing transplants on animals for many years, and had begun transplanting human organs.”
Rodney fell silent, and his teammates waited on him to continue. “Banar believes they are harvesting organs from the people outside of the city. That’s why they prevent the city residents from leaving; they might find out what is really happening to them.”
Teyla was shocked, “That is barbaric; Banar believes that the Regent, and this government, condone this?”
“Yes, he does; but that’s not all.” Looking at Sheppard, he was, if anything, paler than before.
Sheppard asked softly, “Rodney, what else.” He saw that Rodney was struggling with telling them.
“Banar discovered they are also experimenting with another reagent that they hope will solve the problem. They have some of Michael’s hybrid’s captive here; they are experimenting on them to discover what Michael used to change them. Banar says the head scientist, a Doctor Maxea, seems to think that the enzyme Michael used will help with the rapid growth by moderating the rejuvenation process. If they can separate component that rejuvenates tissue from the component that turns people into Wraiths, they think might allow them to cut the dosage of the telomere enzyme. That would solve their problems, or so they think. This is voodoo to me; I wish Carson was here.”
“The Camati’s have hybrids here? We suspected there might be more of Michael’s hybrids out there. Where in the hell did they find them?” Sheppard stood up, pacing the small area. “We need to discover what is happening outside these gates. Ronon, you’re with me; Teyla, you stay here with Rodney. I’m going to my quarters to get my P-90 and vest; I’ll be back in a minute. Ronon, scout around for the best route we can take once we’ve cleared the balcony; I’d prefer to remain unseen. We’re going to go find out what’s going on here.”
Sheppard left Teyla’s room, heading to his quarters. He was completely unaware that Elradia was watching him over a closed circuit camera. The Lady Elradia was extremely displeased that he had gone to Teyla’s quarters after dinner, instead of his own, as he had told her. She decided that the lovely Athosian was a threat, and she eliminated threats. She was plotting personal revenge against Teyla, when Sheppard left his chambers again, and headed back toward Teyla’s quarters, carrying his weapon. She realized at that moment that all the Atlantians were threats.”
Elradia touched a tiny button on the small device attached to the view screen. “Father, I believe there is something you need to know.”
Chapter Two A Villager’s Tale
Ronon was on the balcony, waiting for him, when he returned to Teyla’s room. As Sheppard put on his TAC vest, Rodney gave him directions to the village where Banar’s family lived.
He looked at Rodney and Teyla, “Next check in with Atlantis is at 0700 hrs; get to the jumper as soon as you can, if we aren’t back. Tell Woolsey to send Lorne, Teldy, and their teams; let them know where we’re going. Meanwhile, stay together, and don’t trust anyone.”
“Sheppard, are you sure you should go out there; you don’t have any idea what you’re going to find. We should get more people here.” Rodney was clearly nervous about the situation.
Sheppard put his hand on Rodney’s shoulder. “Rodney, we’ll be fine. For the record, you were right about this place; I should have listened to you sooner.”
Rodney stumbled through his words, “I…I didn’t want to be right. I just couldn’t shake the feeling that they were lying to us, but I couldn’t prove it. I need to be able to prove things.”
Sheppard smiled, “Just keep going with your gut, and I promise I’ll listen.”
Teyla was holding his P-90, and handed it back to him, “Good luck, colonel, Ronon. Be safe.”
With that, Ronon and Sheppard dropped over the balcony railing, into the soft dirt of a flower garden below. The last view Rodney and Teyla had of them was as the two men ran down the darken road, toward the city gate.
As they neared the heavy, ornate metal gate, Sheppard and Ronon dropped off the main road, skirting the city wall for about twenty yards. The brick barrier was approximately eight feet tall, and they needed to find a way over. Ronon spotted a large tree that was close enough for them to climb and drop over the wall. Ronon swiftly reached the branch that was level with the top of the wall, Sheppard lagging behind.
“You know, big guy, those long legs give you one hell of an advantage. Pull me up.” Sheppard had a sizable gap to cross, and his long legs weren’t quite long enough. Ronon chuckled, and pull the colonel up to the branch he was sitting on.
“Thanks.” Sheppard leaned over the wall that encircled the city. Using the light on his P-90, he could see the area they would be dropping onto, “Crap. I forgot the outside perimeter was lined with those big rocks.” Sitting back on the tree branch, he added, “That’s gonna hurt.”
Ronon reached into his leather vest, and pulled out some rope. Rope made of a silky thread, looking suspiciously like the rope trim that hung on the canopy in Teyla’s room. “I remembered.”
“You’re a good man, Ronon.”
Ronon tied the rope to the tree branch handing the other end to Sheppard. Sheppard looped the rope around his hand, and jumped from the branch to the top of the wall; after steadying himself, he repelled down the smooth, silky rope to the ground. In seconds, Ronon was standing next to him.
“Leave the rope. If we’re lucky, we’ll be back before anyone finds it, and we can use it to get back over the wall. Elaia should be about six miles in that direction.” Pointing west toward the forest, Sheppard led the way, with Ronon close behind him.
They backtracked to the main thoroughfare, staying a short distance off the road, in the thick undergrowth; hoping to remain unseen. The night was dark; only one of the planet’s three moons was visible in the black velvet sky, casting a very weak glow on the forest. At least, the moonlight was providing adequate illumination for them to see where they were stepping. Coming to a lane that branched off the main road, they halted. Sheppard motioned to Ronon, and they made the turn toward the village.
It was shortly after 0300 hrs, when they reached the village of Elaia. In these early morning hours, they did not expect to see anyone moving around the village. They needed to cross the main street; they stood in an alley, observing the street for a few moments.
“This place is deserted. I liked finding villages this quiet when I was running; easier to slip inside a shop to find food.” Ronon whispered.
Sheppard looked over his shoulder at the tall Satedan, “At least, those days are over, buddy.”
Ronon smacked him on the back, “Yep, they are.”
They dashed across the street, electing to stay in the darker areas, as they made their way through the village. Rodney’s directions put the Lemér farm approximately two and a half miles north of town, on the main road leading from the town square. Sheppard was surprised to find the road paved with a substance similar to asphalt. The roads they traveled on between the city and Elaia were paved with flat bricks.
It was unusual for them to visit a planet advanced enough to have electricity, motorized transportation, and electronics. The majority of planets in Pegasus had never been able to advance their civilizations to that level. The Wraith’s culling of the populations, and destruction of the infrastructure kept most planets at a rudimentary level. Here, the smoking chimneys, the wood piles next to the cottages, or carts or draft animals were absent. Instead, there were houses made of clay bricks; small, motorized vehicles parked in driveways; and graceful street lamps dotted the roadway.
The Lemér house was small, constructed of the reddish and tan colored brick that was prevalent in the city. Neatly trimmed landscaping and abundant flowers were scattered across the front lawn. A small brown vehicle was parked on the paved driveway; the little, boxy cars reminded Sheppard of an old Renault 4. A white-washed, wooden picket fence surrounded the house and yard. A pedestrian gate in the fence opened onto a walkway and led to a covered porch, running the entire length of the house. In the dim light, they could see beyond the fence on the far side of the house, where another gate led toward cultivated fields.
“OK, Sheppard, how do you want to play this?” Ronon crouched behind the wooden fence; Sheppard kneeling next to him.
“I’m thinking we knock on the front door.”
Sheppard rose, opened the gate, and strode down the walkway toward the house, Ronon in tow.
A brass knocker adorned the front door, but Sheppard used his fist, pounding loudly on the door. In a few minutes, a rough voice was asking who was there. Sheppard answered, “We are friends of your son, Banar. We need to speak with you, Mr. Lemér.”
A few minutes ticked by before the door opened slightly. Through the narrow opening, Sheppard could see a slender man of average height, peering at him. “How do I know you are Banar’s friends?”
“Mr. Lemér, we need to talk. Your son is concerned about what is going on in Camati, and we were hoping you could confirm what we’ve heard. I promise, we are not here to harm you.”
The door opened and Lemér stepped aside to allow the two men to come into his home. The room they entered was not large, but was cozy and warm. Mr. Lemér motioned for them to sit and Sheppard did; Ronon chose to stand by the door.
“Come, Maita; it is alright, these gentlemen know Banar, and they want to ask us some questions.”
As Lemér spoke, a small, dark-haired woman came through the hallway door; a young girl of around fifteen years old, following behind her. The family was dressed in robes, and clearly, had just awakened.
“Gentlemen, this is my wife, Maita, and our daughter, Jenesta.”
Sheppard smiled, nodding to Lemér’s wife and daughter, “ I am Lt. Colonel John Sheppard, and this is Ronon Dex; we are visitors to your region. We’re sorry to have disturbed you at this time of the morning, but it is imperative that we ask you some questions. Mr. Lemér…”
Lemér interrupted, “Please, if you are a friend of my son’s, you must call me Desman.”
“OK…Desman, your son is concerned about some things that he has heard may be happening in the villages. We came to see what you might know about people disappearing from the area.
“Why do you need to know what is happening in the villages? Is Banar all right, is he ill? How will these questions about the village, help our son, and the people in the city, battle the disease that plagues them?” Desman looked pleadingly at Sheppard.
“Disease, what disease are you talking about?” Sheppard and Ronon exchanged glances.
Maita put her hand on her husband’s arm to calm him, and then looked at Sheppard, “About a year ago, all the villages received a notice from Felan that an illness had broken out, and the city was in quarantine. We cannot enter the city or speak to the residents. There are designated safety zones outside of the city gates where villagers may leave goods and receive payment. However, we cannot pass beyond the safety zones. There have been some updates, but nothing has changed in all these months. They keep telling us that no one has died, but there are a lot of sick people who are still contagious. How can that be, colonel? It’s been a year, and we have heard nothing from our son; yet, you say you know him. Have you been to the city? Are you bringing illness to this village by coming here?”
Sheppard rose from the chair he was sitting in and walked over to Maita. Kneeling down in front of her, he spoke softly, “Maita, Banar is healthy, and no one is sick in the city. The government told you that there was an illness to cover up what is actually happening in the city. We’re trying to find out what the truth is in all of this.”
“Our son is fine?” Desman’s voice was hopeful.
“Yes, I have personally seen Banar, and he appeared fine. A member of my team has spoken with him at great length, as well."
Desman clutched his wife and daughter, who were crying from relief that Banar was alright, and held them for a moment. He sent his daughter back to bed, and then addressed Sheppard, “What do you want to know?”
Sheppard returned to the chair and sat down, “Do you know any of anyone who has disappeared in the last year? When we arrived in the city, the Regent told us it was too dangerous to go outside the city gates. He said an unknown danger existed, and people who left the city never returned.”
Desman looked at his wife before he answered, “Yes, I know that two people have vanished from Elaia. There are at least three more reported from the closest village to ours. The major of one of the other villages told our mayor that as many as thirty-four people, or perhaps more, have disappeared across the region.”
“But, colonel, what does this have to do with the illness, or whatever is happening in Felan? These disappearances are due to the Wraith.” Maita added.
“Wraith; what Wraith?” Sheppard instinctively jumped to his feet. He noticed that Ronon closed his hand tightly around the grip of his blaster.
“In the notice of the quarantine, the government warned us that there are Wraith hiding out on the planet. The message said the government was worried because they could not allow the Regent Guards to leave the city to protect us. We would have to defend ourselves from the Wraith, without their assistance.” Desman looked at Sheppard. “Are they lying about that as well, colonel?”
“I honestly don’t know, Desman. From what we do know, I suspect they are lying about the Wraith presence. If there are Wraith marooned on this planet, they most likely don’t have a ship where they can cocoon their victims. They’d feed, and leave the bodies where they dropped. I think the remains…uh…of anyone the Wraith fed on would’ve been found at some point.”
Maita rose from the couch; she walked over to the window, gazing through the dim moonlight for a moment at her lovely front lawn. “The government lied to us about the illness in the city, and now we find out the story of the Wraith is quite possibly false as well. If this is true, who is taking these people, and for what reason.” She turned to Sheppard, waiting for an answer.
“We think that some people are getting sick in the city. However, the health issues are not due to a contagious disease. If Banar is right, the city residents have been taking a drug to prevent aging, for many years. In fact, Banar believes that the blood test that you take every six months provides the Camati scientist with the people who can provide them with the cells that they need to manufacture the drug.”
“What type of cells are you asking about, colonel? I do not understand.” Desman asked.
“They need immune cells, human eggs and sperm, according to my teammate, Dr. McKay, who spoke to Banar. McKay is a scientist as well.”
Maita uttered a small cry, grabbing her husband’s hand. “Colonel, two weeks ago our daughter was examined by a doctor who visits the village once every six months to take the blood. The doctor told us that our daughter has a serious condition, and will need an operation. She is to have her egg cases removed. She is not the only one; many of the younger women have had the same thing happen to them; some younger men have had other things done. You are telling me that this could be for the drug that the city dwellers use to keep themselves young?”
“I’m no doctor, but it’s possible. According to Banar, after taking the drug for long periods, some city residents are developing serious illnesses that need more than drugs to fix. New, healthy organs are needed to replace the damaged ones. We think they’re taking people from the villages to provide hearts, kidneys, and other body parts to heal the city dwellers.” He took a deep breath, “I know this story sounds outrageous. But with what you have told us, plus Banar’s concerns, I’m convinced that’s why people are disappearing from the villages.”
Desman rose from the couch and walked over to Sheppard. “The last time the regent visited our village, we were shocked at how young he looked. He should be in his sixty’s, but he looks to be no more than forty. He doesn’t come often to the villages, and when we were allowed inside the city to shop and sell our produce, we rarely caught a glimpse of him. We did notice that all the city dwellers looked healthy and fit, and youthful.”
He paused, looking at his wife before he continued. “When we lived in Teraus, the regent was always mingling with the people in the capitol city and the villages. We were surprised that it was different here, and wondered why the regent would hide from his people. This makes sense to me now. If this is what’s is happening, we need to do something. My son is in danger if he has spoken out about this. What can we do to help?”
“I think that once the regent becomes aware of what we suspect, we’re going to need support from the villages. I’m not asking you to fight. However, we may need you for a show of force. If this government is killing its own citizens for personal gratification, we have to stop them.” He motioned for Ronon to check if it was clear outside; they needed to return to the city.
“Colonel, I was a soldier in the Teraus military. I’m not afraid to fight for my family, and my neighbors. I’ll spread the word to the villages, and assemble people willing to take on the city. I can’t allow another innocent killed for the vanity of these people.” Desman was defiant; he was not going to let the colonel change his mind.
“Desmond, fair enough; we can use you and your neighbors if it becomes necessary. Gather your people, and wait in the woods outside of the gate, but keep a lookout for patrols. Wait for a signal from us; don’t storm the city, unless you know we are prepared. Remind everyone that the Regent Guards will likely enter the villages to keep control once we confront them.” He turned to Ronon, “Let’s go.”
Maita stopped Sheppard, as he started to follow Ronon out the door. “Colonel, I want to thank you for brining us word that our son is safe, and for wanting to help us. We are very grateful, and will help in any way we can.”
Sheppard smiled at Banar’s mother, “No need to thank us, Maita. We want to prevent more deaths; as do you and your son.” With that, Sheppard followed Ronon out the door into the dark morning hours.
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Retracing their steps took less time, now they were familiar with the terrain. Both men instinctively picked up the pace for the return to the city. Sheppard’s mind was racing; they needed to get Teyla and Rodney safely out of the city. Then they needed to get to the stargate, and call in the Marines. He was concentrating on his thoughts, oblivious to Ronon calling his name. He did feel the Satedan’s strong hand grab his arm.
“What?” He jerked his arm away quickly, startled by Ronon’s tight grip.
“Hey, Sheppard, slow down, we need to talk this out before we get to the city.”
“What’s on your mind, big guy?”
“If these bastards are killing their own people just to stay young; they won’t hesitate to kill us.”
“Now don’t go getting soft on me; it’s not like there aren’t a lot of people who would like to kill us.”
The glare Ronon gave him made Sheppard realize that Ronon was serious, and he felt a bit guilty. “Hey, sorry, didn’t mean to be so flippant. I’m worried about them as well. If anyone became suspicious about Rodney and Banar talking so long tonight, they may already be in danger.
“Yeah, that’s my point. We need a plan; they could be waiting for us at the gate.”
Sheppard agreed. They spent the remainder of the trek back to the city gate deciding a course of action.
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Ronon slipped behind one of the huge trees lining the main roadway from the city. He surveyed the wall and city gate for a moment before he moved. The silk rope, suspended from the tree, he and Sheppard had scaled earlier, appeared to be untouched. He decided he was alone; he ran toward the rope.
Ronon jumped onto an enormous rock, grabbing the dangling silk rope. He quickly scaled the wall and, standing on top of the barrier, scanned the grounds for any movement. The area appeared deserted; Ronon gracefully leapt over to a large tree limb on the inside of the wall. He had started to climb down the tree when he heard an unexpected voice.
“Halt!”
Ronon halted; twenty Regent Guards had appeared, surrounding him on both sides of the wall. One of the guards motioned for him to drop from the tree. Ronon glared defiantly at the guard, and ignored the command. The guard fired an energy burst toward the tree limb, and Ronon fell hard onto the rough ground. As he grabbed his left knee, which had struck a tree root, Regent Halkan and Lady Elradia walked up.
“Well, my dear daughter, you were right. I believe our negotiations with the Atlantians will be taking a slightly different direction.” Looking to the guards, the regent ordered, “Get this man on his feet.”
Once Ronon was upright, Lady Elradia approached him. She trailed her fingers along his jaw, “Where is my handsome Colonel Sheppard? I want to talk with him about his little…indiscretion.”
“He’s not here, didn’t come back with me.” Ronon nearly spat at her when he replied.
“Tell me where we can find Sheppard. Tell me, or you will pay for your insolence, fool.” The tone in her voice betrayed Elradia’s anger.
“No idea,” Ronon answered. Elradia responded quickly, pulling a wooden staff from under her coat. She struck Ronon across the face, sharp ridges on the staff cutting his cheek.
“Keep that up, pretty man, and there will be so much more of that for you to endure. Now where is the colonel?” She struck him again, before he had time to reply.
Blood dripping from the cuts on his face, Ronon grinned at the furious woman. “Told you, don’t know.”
Elradia moved to strike Ronon again, when her father seized her arm. “There will be time for your fun and games, later. Right now, we need to take this one to the chambers, and start searching for Colonel Sheppard. Our lives are at risk here if we cannot stop the colonel.”
The regent spoke briefly to the captain of the guard. The captain began to organize several of the guards into a search party to locate Sheppard. The other guards secured Ronon’s hands with metal cuffs, and began to march him toward the city center.
Deeper in the woods surrounding the city, Colonel Sheppard was sitting on a tree branch about twenty feet in the air. He had watched through binoculars, as the guards appeared outside the wall, and saw Ronon fall from the tree limb. As he realized Ronon was now a prisoner, he uttered one word, “Crap.”
Dropping silently from the tree, Sheppard’s thoughts were racing. All possible entrances to the city would be heavily guarded and inaccessible, limiting his options. He still had one option; return to Lemér’s farm and get help.
Chapter Three The Beginning
Sheppard ran swiftly through the forest, making as little noise as possible. He had begun to formulate a plan to get back in the city, and rescue his team. For the moment, however, his plan consisted of putting as many miles as possible between himself and the Regent Guards. They were organizing a search for him as he fled the city gate. He needed to reach the Lemér farm to warn them, and to, hopefully, get assistance from Desman and the villagers.
After thirty minutes of running, Sheppard dropped behind a large tree to catch his breath. Awake almost twenty-four hours, he was weary, and his energy level flagging. He had eaten very little at dinner, despite the huge, delicious meal that had been served. He laughed, a bit sarcastically, as he remembered that eating had proven difficult while keeping Elradia’s hands from certain areas of his body. Leaning against the tree, he took a long drink of water from the small canteen hooked to his belt, then scarfed down a powerbar.
Concern swept over him as he thought about could be happening to Ronon, Rodney, and Teyla. The Camati people were anything but unsophisticated; on the contrary, they were quite smart and cunning. Ronon had been right when he had stopped Sheppard, before they arrived back at Felan. Instinct had warned the Satendan soldier that they were walking into a trap.
Rodney and Banar had been less than discreet when they discussed what Banar had uncovered. That fact troubled Sheppard, as did, the Regent's interest in McKay's activities prior to speaking with Banar. Rodney’s increasing concern was evident on his face, which could have aroused the Regent’s suspicion. If the Regent had something to hide, then he would be very wary of an outsider having with his scientists.
Reluctantly, Sheppard convinced himself to keep moving. He rose from the soft, forest floor, and took off again in the direction of Lemér’s village.
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A four story brick building, sitting on the edge of Felan directly opposite the city gate, housed the jail chambers, which was Ronon’s destination. The Regent Guards were headquartered in the building as well. Once inside the building, the guards led Ronon down two flights of stairs that opened onto a long corridor lined with cells. They shoved him into a cell that already held Teyla and Rodney.
“Ronon, thank goodness you’re alive. Where’s Sheppard?”
Rodney remained prone on the bunk he was lying on, and Ronon detected considerable pain in the scientist’s voice. Glancing at the bunk across from Rodney, Teyla was lying motionless.
“Rodney, are you hurt, and what’s wrong with Teyla?”
“The Lady Elradia was pissed when she discovered that both you and Sheppard had left the building. She hit Teyla hard enough to knock her out. Elradia was watching us, or rather, watching Sheppard, and saw him leave his quarters and go to Teyla’s. She was a bit upset with Teyla because she first thought that Sheppard had gone to visit Teyla for, in her words, a romp.”
“What happened to you, little man?”
“Yeah…well, I tried to imagine what you, or Sheppard would do if some idiot hit Teyla. My foolish attempt to defend her didn’t exactly succeed. A guard hit me in the stomach with the butt of his gun, and after I hit the floor, he kicked the hell out of me.” Rodney struggled to sit up, “Ronon, where’s Sheppard?”
Ronon was hesitant to tell Rodney in case they were being observed. “Sheppard can’t help us now, McKay. He’s gone.”
“No, no…oh no…,” Rodney’s eyes had widened, and were full of pain for his friend. As he looked into Ronon’s eyes in the dim light, Ronon tried to convey that he was lying. Slowly, he saw the realization enter Rodney’s mind.
“What happened to him?” The scientist voice was still shaky.
“We ran into some outlaws on the road, they got the drop on us; Sheppard never had a chance. I managed to escape, and came back here to get you and Teyla, but I was ambushed by the Regent Guards.”
“What are we going to do, Ronon?”
“We’re gonna figure a way out of here, McKay.” Ronon sat down on the edge of Teyla’s bunk, and checked her pulse. Her heart rate was strong and steady, and Ronon noticed a huge bruise developing around her eye. “She’ll be OK; get some sleep, we need to rest.”
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Sheppard estimated he reached the Lemér farmhouse an hour before sunrise. He had taken a surreptitious route back to the village, hoping to cover his tracks and avoid any troops that might be roaming the roads. He slipped through the front gate of the farmhouse, and onto the porch, pounding on the door like before.
The door opened slightly, and Desman peered through the small crack. Recognizing Sheppard, standing on the dark porch, he quickly stepped aside. Sheppard darted into the house.
“Colonel, what are you doing back here? Banar, is he alright?” Desman eyes conveyed fear for his son's safety.
“When we reached the city gate, Ronon and I decided to split up, in case the regent had discovered our absence. Ronon continued to the city wall to determine if we had company, while I waited in the trees about a quarter mile away. Regent Guards were waiting for him. Desman, if they know about us, they may know about Banar.”
Maita appeared in the living room, “Colonel, welcome to our home again. I heard the information you’ve given my husband. Your friends and Banar are in trouble; we must act.” She looked at Sheppard with determination set on her lovely, kind face.
Sheppard started to reply, when the room began spinning, and he became unsteady on his feet. Maita smiled softly, “First, you need sleep; then I will fix you breakfast. Come with me, colonel, you can rest in the friend’s room.” She gently took his arm, leading him toward the hallway.
“Before my wife whisks you away, Colonel Sheppard, I was planning to discuss this situation this morning with some trusted friends. While you are resting, I will go in the village, and instead of enjoying morning tea, I will gather help. It is time for us to act.”
Sheppard nodded, and followed Maita down a long hallway. She opened a door near the front of the hallway, which ran perpendicular to the front of the house. Simple furniture and comfortable, cozy bedding furnished the small bedroom. After Maita handed him towels and closed the door, Sheppard peeled off his TAC vest, black shirt, and boots. He entered the tiny, attached bathroom to wash his face and rinse the dust from his mouth. As the tiredness began creeping over him, he barely made it to the bed before he fell asleep.
He woke abruptly to find Maita leaning over him, shaking his shoulders to awaken him. “Colonel Sheppard; colonel, wake up, you must hide; the Regent Guards are searching the houses on this road. You must come with me, now.”
Sheppard sprang from the warm, cozy bed; grabbing his boots, shirt, and gear, he followed her through the bedroom door into the corridor. Her daughter, Jenesta, was waiting for them, her eyes filled with apprehension. Maita pointed to the left toward a door at the end of the hallway.
“Go into that room colonel; I will be right behind you.” She turned to her daughter.
“Quickly, Jenesta; straighten the bed linens, get the towels, and be absolutely certain that the room appears unused.” Jenesta nodded, entering the friend's room. Maita hurried to join Sheppard in the room at the end of the hall.
Shelving lined with canned foods and other supplies filled the windowless room at the end of the hall. Running to the far wall, Maita pressed the bottom corner of a long wood panel. A hatch, its edges invisible when closed, opened revealing a compartment inside the wall; a metal lever sat sideways in the wall opening. Maita, struggled, using all of her strength to pull the level down. The bulky shelving unit that sat in the center of the room pivoted, revealing a narrow opening in the floor. Sheppard could see a metal ladder leading to the next level.
“Colonel, we use this shelter when the cone winds come, and we have hidden from the Wraith here, as well. I’ll return when the guards are no longer in the area. You’ll find candles and firelighters in a box at the foot of the stairs. If I am unable to return, there is a lever on the wall on your left, as you enter the room.” Sheppard finished lacing his boots, slipped on his TAC vest, fastened his P-90 to the vest, and hopped onto the ladder. As his head cleared the floorboards, Maita reversed the lever, and the shelving unit swung back over the opening. John Sheppard’s world became pitch black.
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“Can you believe they served us food like this?” Rodney was sopping up gravy remnants left on his plate using a piece of bread. “This meal was as delicious as the meal we had last night.”
“McKay, how do you know that food is OK? It could be poisoned.” Ronon asked, glancing over at Teyla, who shook her head. Ronon and Colonel Sheppard always teased Dr. McKay, regardless of the situation. A tension reliever for them, and she suspected, for Dr. McKay as well.
McKay’s head popped up, eyes immense, glaring at Ronon. Seeing the look on Ronon’s face, he realized that Ronon was kidding. “Very funny, Conan; we’re in enough trouble without getting poisoned as well.”
Ronon grinned slightly at McKay, and then asked Teyla about her injury, “How’s the eye?”
Teyla gingerly touched her swollen cheek with her fingertips. “I admit, it is giving me some pain, but my vision is unimpaired.”
They heard footsteps approaching; the guards returned to remove the food trays. Unlocking the cell door, one guard retrieved the trays while the other kept a gun pointed at Ronon. It appeared the Regent Guards only feared Ronon.
McKay struggled up from the bunk, and walked to the cell door after the guard exited with the food trays. “Inform the Regent, we demand to speak with him immediately”
The guard, who had held the gun on Ronon, gazed at McKay for a moment, then spoke. “You are requesting that I inform the Regent, he should abandon his important duties because you wish to speak with him.”
Rodney, giving the guard his best, ‘I’m in command’ look, retorted. “You heard me, I demand that the regent talk with us immediately.”
The guard stared into McKay eye’s for a few seconds, then began laughing as he walked away.
Rodney turned to his teammates, a slightly sheepish look on his face. “Yeah, well, I’m certain that guard’s going to bring Regent Halkan.” He slowly walked to his bunk, favoring his hip as he gingerly sat down, “Anytime, now.”
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“Just tell me where your husband is this morning, Mrs. Lemér.” The tall, heavy-set guard towered over the petite Maita, attempting to intimidate her. She repeated the same answer, she had given to his question, twice before.
“As I told you, my husband went into the village to have morning tea with his friends. Then he was going to the mechanic’s shop to pick up a part for the plowing machine.”
The guard stared at Maita, and then at Jenesta, who was standing behind her mother. “Young lady, where is your father.” He grabbed Jenesta’s hand, pulling her from behind her mother. “You seem a little nervous, child; do you have something to hide?”
Maita’s heart was pounding in her chest as her daughter faced the guard. Jenesta smiled demurely at the guard, “I am only nervous because there are so many strangers in the house. My mother told you where my father is this morning. He is in the village at the meeting house to have tea with his friends.”
The guard was about to reply to Jenesta, when the other guards returned to the room. “Sir, we have searched the house, and the outbuildings. These two are the only ones here.”
“We are done here. I will check your story as to where your husband is, and if you have lied to me, I will return.” The guards departed through the front gate, driving away in a government transport.
“Jenesta, stay here; keep watch for those guards to return. I’m going to go get the colonel from the shelter. If anyone comes, you tell me, regardless of who it is, OK?” Jenesta nodded, and Maita gave her a quick hug, “You did well.”
Maita rushed to the storage room, and tugged the lever, opening the trap door. She called out to Sheppard, “Colonel Sheppard, the Regent Guards have gone. It is safe for you to come up now."
Sheppard warily climbed up the ladder, his P-14 leading the way. Maita gasped as she saw the gun, and backed away from the colonel. Sheppard holstered the gun, as soon as he comprehended, she was alone.
“Sorry, I had to be certain you were alone; the guards could have been coercing you to open the hatch. Did they give you any problem?"
“No, the head guard was pushing me to tell him where Desman was, I told him the truth. Come, colonel, let me fix you something to eat.” She led him out into the hall, but stopped, turning back to him.
“Colonel, I am concerned, that guard seemed insistent on knowing where Desman was this morning. He asked about Desman more than he asked about the tall, dark-haired fugitive they supposedly were searching for. I expected him back by now, but he has yet to return; I am becoming worried. Do you think they may realize that Banar is our son?”
“Maita, I imagine that someone in the city is aware that you live in this village. Whether they’ve made the connection yet, is another matter. As for Desman, I have a feeling he can take care of himself. He may have been caught in town if the guards were searching there.”
“I hope you are right, colonel.”
“Maita, please, call me John; you saved my life, calling me John isn’t enough thanks. That was some quick thinking you did, when the guards came; thanks’ for helping me.”
Col…John, I would have hidden you from the guards, regardless of the circumstances. The Regent Guards are less than pleasant, in the best of times. However, if we are to stop the disappearances, and free the people in the city, we need you. We need everyone.
While Jenesta continued to keep watch for the guards, Maita prepared the promised meal for Sheppard. Desman returned just as Sheppard finished eating.
“Thank goodness, you are all alright; I was very worried. The guards are searching all the villages for a ‘crazed killer’. From the description they gave, I presume that would be you.” Desman looked at Sheppard, who shrugged; the farmer continued. “Colonel, I believe they may be watching the house. Getting you out of the house may prove difficult, at least for now.”
Maita refilled Sheppard’s tea, bringing a cup for Desman and herself; she sat down with the two men. “Desman, the guards were here earlier.” Desman looked quickly from his wife to Sheppard.
Sheppard smiled, “Your wife and daughter are quite handy in a crisis. They had me from a dead sleep, to the shelter, in a matter of minutes.”
Reaching over, he gently squeezed his wife’s hand and smiled. He turned to Sheppard, “I am a fortunate man, colonel.” He turned back to his wife, “Maita, what did the guards say to you?”
“The head guard kept asking where you were this morning. He asked that same question over and over, even though I answered him truthfully each time. I told him had gone to the village to have morning tea with your friends, and to pick up a part. I am positive he thought I was lying.
“Colonel…”
Maita interrupted, “Desman, it would be better if you call him John. We should keep from calling him colonel, especially in public.” She looked at Sheppard, who nodded in agreement.
“You are right, Maita. So…John, I talked to some people I am certain we can trust. A few of them had become suspicious of the Regent over the last several months, especially after all the disappearances. When the guards arrived in the village, a commissioner on the village council asked if the illness was over in the city. He asked if he could now visit his sister in the city. The question surprised the guard. He quickly stammered his way through what could only be a made-up explanation. The guard said there were several units stationed outside the city. He told a lie; Regent Guard units only exist in the city.”
“Did you have any luck recruiting any help?” Sheppard asked.
Desman flashed Sheppard a quick smile, “As a matter of fact, I did. I spoke to seven people that I trust; all have family living in the city or some close there. They’ve all been somewhat suspicious of the government’s story regarding a contagious illness raging in the city. The men and women I spoke with expressed very little surprise to learn the Regent has lied to them.”
Sheppard leaned back in his chair, “We are going to need more than nine people, Desman. We only need a handful of people to slip into the city, but we will need a lot of backup to get out."
“You worry too much, colonel.” Desman smiled slightly, “Each of the seven villagers, I spoke with, is going to recruit others. A couple of guys will be making deliveries in some of the other villages. They will speak with the people they can trust; by later in the day, we should have a sizeable group of volunteers.”
Maita was intently looking Sheppard over, when her husband noticed. “Maita, you are staring at the colonel. I would expect that of Jenesta, she is a young woman, but you, you are an old married woman.” He was laughing; Sheppard started blushing.
“Oh, stop it; I was only trying to decide what size clothes I need to find for John to wear. He cannot blend in with the villagers, dressed in his uniform. The fact that he is quite handsome simply makes this much more pleasant.” Sheppard turned a deeper red, while Maita and Desman both chuckled.
“Now, stop your blushing, colonel.” She looked at her husband, “Jenesta and I are going to take a quick ride to Seva Croson’s. Her husband is tall and slender, like John; she should have clothes to fit him. We will take some fresh vegetables; I’ll have a basket to hide the clothes in when I return.”
As she was leaving, she turned to John. “You only had a couple of hours sleep; you should take a nap while Desman is here.”
“I’m fine right now, Maita.” He smiled back at her; she and Jenesta left for the neighbors.
“So, John, how are we going to do this?”
Part Two