AN:

Hey guys. This is one of two fics that I'm writing at the moment for this site. But I warn you before hand, I am trying to get my own original story ready for publishing and that is my main focus. So while I will complete this, I have about a million things I'm trying to do at the same time. This one is so late being posted at all because of it and NaNoWriMo last year.

On a more positive note. If you like my writing and think I'm improving as a writer (I hope, I hope.) then you might want to check out the originals that I'm writing. I'm working on a series. The first of them that I'm currently editing is entitled Zugzwang. The second that I'm in the middle of writing is entitled Rubicon. As any of my loyal readers know, I really love double meanings, subtext, and cliffhangers. Hehe. And it shows. I'll keep you up to date on how that's going, and give you any pertinent links, if you wish.

Anyway since I'm writing this in episodes, there will be more than one. But I'm breaking the episodes into smaller acts (Read: chapters) so it's easier for you all to read. The first episode (This one.) is a slow build up before the action. Anyone familiar with the source material will know that the writers left us in a really low spot with no villain and no where to go after Atlantis won the battle over Earth and landed. Yes, I'm ignoring all the books that were written for after the t.v. show ended. I personally felt cheated and betrayed by them so I'm going completely AU after the scene looking out at the bridge. And yes I will address Banks, just not yet.

All normal disclaimers apply. I make no money from this. I'm just playing with the characters. I only own my original characters (Sophie, Luca, their family, any future additions not already in the Stargate cannon, ect.) and the story line itself. Anything that you recognize from the show/books/ movies/ anything owned by MGM and the originators of the entire Stargate 'verse is theirs. If I owned it, Ronon would have been shirtless more often. I mean, HELLO! Jason Momoa is a hansom man. First and last time I say that. Anyway, since I hate repeating myself, this disclaimer applies to any and all chapters I post of this story.

Have fun, hope you enjoy. Constructive criticism and non-flame reviews welcome. If you're just going to be a pain and insulting, I reserve the right to ignore and or delete your communication. Don't hate just cause I have the guts to post. And if you don't like it, feel free to never read this story again.

J. Rainer

Stargate Atlantis AU Season 6 Episode 1

Resurrection Part 1

Atlantis, currently situated in the San Francisco Bay. Commissary.

John Sheppard had hoped for a quiet day, eating his jello, staring out at the bridge that spanned the view before him as the sun rose. One quiet day that he didn't have a battle raging, paperwork due, scientists screaming about things in what must be a foreign language, the IOA pinning Woolsey and himself in a room and trying to pit them against each other. Turns out Woolsey wasn't so bad, green to command and not used to making decisions on a grand scale but in the end reliable and cagey when it counted, or at least he was before the last year. But a bureaucrat to the core, who knew how to use the system. All in all, he was a decent commander.

It seemed that one day was too much to ask as Rodney and Zelenka were arguing as they came in the almost empty lunchroom. Both filled trays and took seats by him, despite the abundance of seats elsewhere.

"Rodney we need a decent engineer! Not just one that can handle nominal repairs!" Radek pushed his glassed up his nose, glaring at his colleague over one of the sandwiches that was left out for those that couldn't make meal times. "But one that can deal with astro, planetary, and aeronautical engineering on a scale that has never been done before on earth. One that can handle running a department. You and I are too busy to do repairs to the city, find an answer to the power requirements of the city, get all on the labs opened, go on missions off world, deal with the military, do our own research, and prepare for the next disaster. This is the first opportunity we've had to get the city at full capacity and we need to take advantage. As heads of the department, we simply do not have the time!"

Rodney had been uncharacteristically quiet as he unwrapped his sandwich and ate the mound of leftovers he had piled on his tray. "Are you done?" Radek nodded, unwrapping his meal. "I admit that my efforts are better spent elsewhere, but surely you can uh... you know do some extra work. We've handled it so far. We don't need another person gumming up the works. And how did you get the last blue jello, Sheppard?"

"Most of the time when something works we've just gotten lucky! Other times? Rodney, we've been making mistakes because we rush!" The Czech doctor replied, before the colonel had the chance to reply. "It's gotten people killed! If you don't at least consider Doctor McIntyre, I'll go to Woolsey myself and make the recommendation!"

"Sophie McIntyre?" McKay groaned, tossing his spork on his now almost empty tray. "Now that just ruined my appetite."

At this, Sheppard took more notice of their conversation. Anything that put McKay off his food had to be interesting. "Who?"

"The engineer who is in charge of the major rebuild of the city." Radek smiled fondly, before turning back to the acerbic doctor in front of him. "And even you must admit she's ahead of schedule."

"She's only been here a week." Rodney protested. "Of course she is ahead of schedule. We were going to take years. And doesn't she have a son? The IOA would never allow her to leave earth and she wouldn't leave her son even if they did give their approval of her."

Zelenka smirked knowingly, his eyes smiling behind his wire framed glasses. "The IOA had her and her son on a short list for transfer to Atlantis."

Engineering Bay. Flooded level of the main tower. Between the upper Jumper bay and the control room for the underwater Jumper bay.

Neon blue light lit the dark water that surrounded the two figures in black wetsuits, their heads and hands covered with heavy welding gear, bubbles dancing about their heads as they held a sheet of metal in place against the ceiling, wedged into one of the flooded air shafts. Only the hiss of the welding torch and the release of air from the masks they wore was heard within the buffering liquid.

The larger figure tapped the smaller one on their neoprene covered shoulder and waited until they turned off the torch in their hands before both lifted the protective welding masks that covered their faces but blinded them to anything but the light of the welder.

Once their eyes adjusted to the light provided by the emergency lights that lined to room, the large one thumped their chest with it's fist, indicating they were low on breathable air and almost into their reserve, and waited for the smaller to acknowledge before jerking their thumb up through the water. The second, smaller one nodded and repeated the motion, saying they would go up as well before pulling from the tight shaft.

Once ready, they both kicked slowly through the water, inspecting the walls and ceiling for damage, bubbles trailing in their wake. Once they reached the ladder, both pulled off their fins and climbed into the chaos that was the hall above the engineering bay.

The smaller figure pulled off their mask and hood, unzipping their wetsuit at the shoulder. "It's not pretty but it'll hold!" She yelled above the noise of saws and grinders, the hood sliding back to reveal the long blond hair, tied back and dripping salt water, of Sophia McIntyre. She quickly unsnapped her bcd and let her partner pull it from her shoulders, the heavy tank clanking against the table a few feet away a moment later while she pulled off her companion's gear.

The second team of divers was gearing up by the ladder, doing their final checks. "Pump out the room. Look for any leaks but especially those pin holes. Be careful! I don't care if we think it's safe. Watch those welds. They blow and the water will cut you to ribbons like razor blades." They nodded with grim, set faces and descended into the water filled chambers.

One of the techs from the science teams that waited in the upper levels, came running up to her and shoved a tablet under her nose, trying to get her attention. "No! I told you! Engineering gets two levels ahead of everyone in each direction at least! Technicians only get onto a level once it's been sealed, checked for leaks and dried! I'm not letting this city sink just because your panties are in a bunch wanting to get down here! And how many times have I said no running!" She waved to one of the many marines that guarded her and her team as they moved through the submerged levels. "I catch one of you down here again and Keller will have more work to do!"

Her team, knowing it wasn't an idle threat turned back to their assignments. The marine glared threateningly as the little scientist scurried from the room. Dr. McIntyre sighed, flipping through the charts that littered her drafting table that stood against one of the only windows that was in the hallway. It may have been neater to have it all on tablet, but with all the moisture it would quickly be reduced to a very expensive paperweight. Paper lasted longer in this environment.

Either way the massive amount of repairs was moving along decently well. This new, larger team was inefficient and not used to her brusk orders but they were talented at least. She hadn't made anyone cry yet so that was a plus. That was a normal for her. Usually on day two, if she was lucky, day one if she really wasn't and it was a tough project.

Sighing, she turned to her chair and the little boy that filled it. Green ear buds filling his tiny ears and his messy curly ash brown hair bobbing as he listened to a lecture that doctor Jackson had created for him on the history of the ancients and the phonetics of their language. He mouthed out the words as he stared at his math homework. Notes and figures were scribbled all over the page in several languages. She saw his marker move to his arm and quickly fished a spare notebook from his backpack, placing it under his hand when he ran out of room on his first. She brushed his hair back from his eyes, and tapped his nose, a smile tugging at her lips when she looked at his small furrowed brow.

"How's your math coming little man?"

"You forgot to factor in the differential. Trying to trip me up mom?"

She kissed his forehead. "I have to do something to keep you on your toes." That was what she got for having a genius prodigy for a son.

"Rookie move, mom." He turned his lecture off and slid it into his pack. "You could always let me at the schematics for the city to make up for it." Eyes lighting up with glee, his little hands wrapped around her fingers. She smirked in answer. "Can't blame me for trying."

"If I knew we were staying on here when Atlantis left earth, I'd say sure little man, I could use your fresh eyes. But if we stay on earth?"

"I know, I know." He nodded, curls bouncing. "I'm too young to sign the official secrets act or be expected to do anything in a dangerous situation but run, hide, and scream for my mom."

She laughed and it was easy to see where the little boy got his expressive eyes. "I think the screaming would make the hiding almost impossible."

"But I can scream so well."

Twin sets of hazel eyes met each other and they stared at each other in unspoken challenge until the little male blinked, and growled, cursing that he never won a staring contest. "Come on Luka, let's get lunch where you can wallow in a chocolate milk and cookie, only after you finish your lunch. Pack up your backpack."

Luka squeaked, clapping his hands while his mom dried off and tied her wetsuit around her waist. "Can I try one of the new fruits that came from the Pegasus? Radek says it tastes like a starfruit and a strawberry." He shoved his books back in his pack and pulled it on, standing in the chair so he was the same height as her.

"Alright monkey. Ready?" When he nodded, she turned around. "Hop on little man." When he did, Sophie turned to the crew. "Crew A, you're on lunch break! You have one hour! B, as soon as they get back you have an hour, the other three crews are posted. There will be one crew at all times, for those of you who are new arrivals, get your crew assignments from Romanov! Each shift is six hours unless otherwise posted. We will work around the clock. Be warned, Romanov and I will work you hard, so be sure you rest well when you're off! Dismissed!"

Hallway.

Atlantis was full of noise today. New crew, soldiers, and scientists mixed with the with the old among it's hallways. It reminded her of the crowded markets of the China, India, Egypt, and almost every country but the nearly sterile United States, that she visited on breaks, holidays, and other reasons. They were busy cleaning, repairing, and stocking the city with everything that the expedition might need if and when they redeployed to Pegasus. But there was a rumor that Atlantis was staying, giving the bustle a dark edge. Either way, she wanted to honor the founders of this great space city.

But seeing another galaxy? That would be an amazing adventure. Luka had been packing for weeks. He had been so certain when Ms Shen showed up at their tiny flat in Beijing where she worked for an equally tiny aeronautics firm that specialized in colonizing space, to tell her about the SGC and Atlantis, that he started packing. He had been three at the time. She could remember him toddling around his room, carefully packing his building blocks and books. Even his favorite teddy that he never slept without went into one of the boxes, so he could be sure it wouldn't be lost when they moved. He never got around to packing his clothes, which she found odd, as they never missed the laundry hamper. But somehow he knew, eventually, they would be on Atlantis.

Now they were here. He was certain that it would be permanent. She, being less certain, had only packed what they would need for the weeks it would take to get the hull sealed. The rest could be repaired in route to the next planet, although they would have an issue with supplies for said repairs. As in getting them on the move. Naquadah was hard enough to come by in the Milky way, luckily there was an abundance of Goa'uld ships that the Tok'ra funneled to earth after the wannabe gods were sent packing. She hadn't had a chance to look through the resource database for Pegasus.

Her thoughts came to an abrupt halt as she slammed into what felt like a warm brick wall. "Sorry." It grunted as she fell back a step to stay upright.

She looked up... and up... and up... and finally found his dread framed face. His green eyes ran over her bathing suit covered torso and wetsuit encased legs, making her feel undressed and warm at the same time. Very different than the other men when they looked at her like that. They made her feel gross and slimy, in desperate need of a shower. She smiled, her eyes glittering happily. "You can make it up to us if you'd like."

"Us?"

She turned slightly, revealing her clinging son. "Us. Little one's name is Luka. I'm Sophie." She released one of Luka's legs, holding her hand out to shake the giants. "You are?"

"Ronan."

"Join us for lunch?" She blinked, surprised by her own forwardness. "Uh... If you're not busy that is."

He studied her for another moment, glancing at Luka. "I could eat." Not military, he decided. Too soft, too happy. Silver glittered in the helix of her ear. Unruly wisps of hair after escaping from it's bindings, framed her face, curling as they dried. Well defined muscles moved under she skin. But she wasn't on one of the teams. He would have recognized her. Honestly it, how did the humans say it, bugged him a bit. She was... something he didn't quite get.

"Good." If at all possible, her smile grew even wider. "Luka," She addressed the little boy that hung on her back. "Say hi to Ronan."

Luka waved.

"We'll work on that. He's kinda shy around strangers." The corner of the giant's mouth twitched in an almost smile at the little boy. "So lunch?"

The giant nodded, and turned to the left, leading them down the sea of people that seemed to part just to give him room. His long strides ate up the ground quickly, making her almost run to catch up. But the view was good. If she was that type of woman, she would be thinking that his leather pants covered him just right, but she wasn't. Hadn't been for a long time.

Suddenly, he stopped and she nearly ran into him again. But she sidestepped him and knelt to release her son. Taking his hand when she stood, they wove through the crowd. Getting lost in the sea of earthlings. Ronan almost growled when he lost sight of them. The blond, no bigger than Teyla, and little boy melted into the mass that filled the room. But every once in a while he saw the boy's small green backpack with a big lizard on the back.

It still nagged him, as he filled his tray, why she looked familiar. Absolutely sure that he had never met her before, he couldn't understand it. Yes she was blond, like Keller and Melena, but that was the only similarity.

Luka was a very smart five year old. He knew because his mom told him so. But he also knew because adults seemed to be blind. Did his mother really not see the people looking at her? Men always looked at her funny, his mom was either blind, or ignoring them. He was leaning toward the second because of their reaction when they looked down to where her hip, where he was, the look of interest turned to fear and disgust. The new one didn't though... He was curious. Hmmm...

Luka looked around as they neared the end of the chow line. There were certain advantages to being short. He tugged on the wetsuit around his mothers waist. "Mommy. Table." He pointed to the corner of the outer balcony where a group of people were standing to leave.

"Go get it baby. I'll be there in a second."

She laughed as her son wove through the crowd and climbed onto the table just as the pony tailed guy from the SGC tried to sit down. Luka stretched his little body out, covering every inch of the table, holding onto the edges and glaring at the tall scientist as if daring him to try and make him move. Kavanagh, was the man's name, she remembered. Petulant child that he was.

Ronan appeared like a ghost beside the table and glared at the smaller man, moving between them as the foolish male attempted to relocate the child. He tapped the small boy on the shoulder and sat in a chair as the child scrambled over the side, sliding into one right next to him. That was her son, Sophie shook her head, making her way over to the pair, carefully avoiding the milling people around the room.

End part 1