Chapter 13- The best case scenario

Evan Lorne jogged swiftly through the corridors of Atlantis. A few people who were moving at a slower more sedate pace, glanced worriedly at him as he passed. He knew his sped indicated some sort of crisis. While he was not quite at a crisis point yet, he was certainly deeply concerned. Colonel Caldwell had kept him occupied for hours, so he'd been unable to make sure Judy West was coping with the news of her husbands disappearance. Now , when he had time to see her, he could not find her. Evan studied the life signs monitor in his hand. He was looking for one isolated dot away from the mass. Perhaps Judy had been so distressed that she sought out solitude .

He found one possiblity and hurried in a new direction. A few turns later he found Judy sitting down on the ground staring out over the city. She was not crying ,though her face looked pale and strained. Evan cleared his throat loudly so he did not startle her. Judy looked toward him briefly, then away, her eyes returned to looking out over the edges of Atlantis. "Judy, I was worried about you", Evan said softly. Judy sniffed a little, as if trying to hold back emotion. Evan came up alongside her, and slowly sat down. She did not look at him. He sat in silence for awhile trying to find the right words to comfort her. "Don is with the best people, he finally said, Colonel Sheppard is expert at resolving all sorts of dramatic situations". "I've heard", Judy replied slightly sourly. She had so far been told at least 6 stories of some of the dangerous situations Sheppard had encountered. Maybe the Colonel actually attracted danger. She did not say that to Evan though.

Judy turned to glance at Evan and did not look away, she barely knew Don's best friend . But he had offered to help her and that was all she wanted right now. She decided she could be frank with him, "Don promised he would always find a way back to me. I believe him. So while everyone else thinks he is lost I still have hope. There is always an answer, even if it is one that may not be obvious", Judy touched Evan on the arm then looked away again out across the City. It was a beautiful day, with a deep blue sky and not even one cloud. At the edges of the city the expanse of water was still, with the reflections of the towers of the city shining in its depths Evan could see why Judy had come here, there was much more life in nature than in the walls of the city. Still this location was not one of the most beautiful, maybe Judy had chosen this viewpoint because it was closer to her apartment.

"Why don't you come back to into the City, Evan asked finally. Judy shook her head, "I like it here, it's quiet and makes me feel closer to Don", she pointed out something significant that had been staring him in the face all this time. She whispered one last sentence to him. Evan stood up, it was time for him to return to work. He was smiling as he walked down the corridor. Judy Robinson was a very smart woman.

One hour later Evan walked into Elizabeth's office. She greeted him soberly and indicated the chair. He sat, "how is Mrs West getting on Major Lorne, Elizabeth asked. "She holds onto hope Elizabeth. Her belief is that Don and the others will find a way back", Evan replied. Elizabeth sighed, "that's good that she is positive, but the longer they are missing the more fractures will appear in that hope." Evan smiled slightly , "oh I don't think she expects to wait a long time Doctor Weir. She does not know me well enough to ask for me to find a way to rescue Don and the others, she simply told me "there is always a way. It was rather significant that she was looking at the portion of the city where the Jupiter 2 is docked. That ship does have a hyper drive".

Evan paused, he was not telling Elizabeth something she did not already know. There were significant reasons why using the Jupiter 2 would not be considered. That was why he had not come to her directly, he had to make a plan first. "I believe Colonel Caldwell is focusing on a worst case scenario, the invasion of Atlantis. That blinds him from considering other avenues. If the Victory disappearing was part of a plan, then it is possible we can locate her. All we have to do is put pressure on the right point. That point would be the bogus Ancients, that came through the gate with Cellin." I suggest we ask some of our off world contacts, ,they may know of these people." Evan took a breath, "we have to be discrete ,since most of those contacts believe Atlantis has been destroyed".

So far Evan could not tell what Elizabeth was thinking. What was she going to say to him. He did not have a close relationship with her, not like his commanding officer. Elizabeth looked down for a minute, then told him seriously, "this sounds like the type of plan you should put before Colonel Caldwell".

Evan knew that she was right. But he also knew that Caldwell would say no, because of the risk to the base. But heck perhaps they were already compromised. Cellin could have sold their location to the highest bidder. But so far, no wraith had come knocking . No matter how much Cellin may have despised Braxia, Evan believed he would not throw them all to the wolves, to ensure the downfall of his enemy.

Elizabeth did not really like Caldwell either, but she was treading a rather thin tightrope between scientific research and military purpose. Caldwell could be the one to push her off that rope, and make sure Atlantis was purely a military base. So they had to be discrete. Caldwell was not on the base at the moment, stationing himself on board the Daedulaus and waiting for the arrival of an attack force. That meant he would at least not be around to veto using the stargate. Still he could hear about a plan from any one of the military personal . Elizabeth wondered what Evan planned to actually do.

"We are running rather low on resources, so I am going on a mission, to obtain foodstuffs and blankets from several of our off world friends. I am sure the trips will sound like the most boring yet necessary trips to everyone", Evan told her.

His answer was a beaming smile. Elizabeth sobered for a minute, "you realise that Caldwell will most likely suspect that you are engaged in other activities". Evan nodded, he knew how this was going to end , with his dismissal from duty in Atlantis. He had already crossed the line and mouthed off at Caldwell, so when he disobeyed orders it would be a step too far. Caldwell expected that sort of thing from Sheppard or Don not him. He would say he'd been right and Don was a bad influence. The irony was that perhaps Don would end up staying here . Evan sucked out a breath, so what if his tenure at Atlantis came to an end. It would be worth it if the others were rescued.

"Lets start at PS1755, Evan suggested, he named a planet where trading with others was the sole purpose of the settlements. There were a lot of travellers through that worlds major city ,so his teams presence would not seem unusual .

"You have a go Major, good luck", Elizabeth told him. "Thank you Doctor Weir", Evan replied. He had already picked out three officers to accompany him. He knew that by the time he got down to the gate, they would be ready to go. "Dial the gate Doctor Weir ordered.

Evan fell in beside the two Lieutenants . "Lets move out', he told them.

xxxxxx

John felt like a spare part at the moment. McKay was totally focused upon undertaking the tasks Donald West's voice instructed. Despite the earlier warning he wandered a little away from McKay and looked over at the mass of consoles around him. He recognised quite a few ,as they were identical to those in Atlantis. There were some odd ones though. This place was very high tech and could possibly have a very ZPMs lying around. John wondered if he could ask West if there were any .

He turned intending on going back to Ronon and Teyla , a flashing light on one console caught his attention, hadn't it been all dark just a moment ago. He was about to ask McKay if he was causing the console to react when something else happened.

Ronon looked over at Sheppard, he was feeling twitchy and wondering if he could ask to go and explore the rest of this world. Standing around while McKay proved his intellectual superiority was not a high on his list of priorities. Sheppard seemed so be staring into nothingness . When he had not moved for several minutes Ronon elbowed Teyla and pointed to Sheppard.

Teyla studied Sheppard's face, was something wrong, she seemed to think so, he was almost too still and quite. She and Ronan quietly walked toward Sheppard. They were within inches of him when he his face and eyes seemed to come alive. He held a finger to his lips for a moment, nodded toward McKay, then said "McKay, we are going to head back to the ship for a moment, I have a headache and need to get some relief from the first aid box".

McKay hardly even looked at him, just raising a hand in response. Usually he'd be jumpy about being left alone, but he did not raise even a slight protest. He was too busy trying to look good and not have to ask Don West to explain his instructions.

Sheppard took Teyla's hand and nudged Ronan forward, they moved rapidly from the control room ,down the lift and back outside. Sheppard finally stopped, "we need to go and investigate something", he said to Teyla and Ronan. "So you don't have headache ", Ronan clarified. "Not right now, but I am sure I am going to get one", Sheppard replied.

Teyla raised an eyebrow at him, "where are we going', she asked. "Over there, Sheppard pointed out one of the smaller spires. "Why', Teyla asked. 'Because I need to see something", Sheppard replied mysteriously. "

John led them through the silent city. Neither Ronan or Teyla spoke as they walked, their eyes were never still darting from left to right. He knew why they felt slightly spooked, because this place not only looked dead, it had a certain feeling to it as well. Like nothing ever smiled here.

"It looks so much like Atlantis, Teyla reflected, but kind of like a shadow of our city, if you know what I mean".

"I do, John replied. Ronon, who really did not express his feelings about many places said softly, "it is like the feeling you get after a battle, when you look and see the dead and dying."

"Yeah", John agreed, soberly. The continued onto to the small spire. Its door only opened when Sheppard stood in front. Inside was a site that prompted a low whistle from John Sheppard. Starting by the door and stretching outward and upward were statis chambers . Each one held a person. "So we have found all the citizens of this world", Sheppard remarked. He strolled over to take a look at the first one. "They look like they are all ready just to step out and restart their lives."

Ronon turned to Sheppard, "how did you know they were here", he demanded. " A console in the main spire turned on for a second , illuminating this part of the City. Then an arrow appeared and began to flash on and off . I though that meant to go to where it directed." "Alright I am here", he said to the air.

Nothing happened. He shrugged, "well that was worth a try". He began to pace, "alright we know from what Major West told us, that their were definitely people in this city. He could see and interact with them while 'dreaming. Yet he does not mention the presence of all these statis chambers to McKay." Why", Sheppard asked.

Teyla did not have to think about the answer to that question for long. "Perhaps, he just wants to get back to his body, then deal with other issues". "Yeah,that sounds right", Ronon agreed. Sheppard , swept his arm wide, " all these people must want out of statis", he remarked.

"Maybe West does not know about them", Ronon theorised. Sheppard shook his head, almost immediately, "that does not make sense. Because he also said that they were waiting for him to come home. Surely there would not just be a few poeple on a planet. If he was interacting with some of them in a dream state, then perhaps their minds are trapped as well". But he failed to mention that". Then we have the fact that a console just turns on and shows us all this". Something fishy is going on".

Since he'd used that term before both Teyla and Ronon knew he was not referring to actual fish. "I agree, there is something off about this world". But what".

"Yes and do we need to feel worried about the fact that McKay is altering those consoles", Teyla added. "Indeed, how do we know what he is actually doing. We only have Ancient West's word that McKay is working on putting his consciousness and body back together. Sheppard frowned some more, "you would think they would need West's body here, for that purpose. Is his consciousness just going to fly back to his body". He rubbed his temple, he really was getting a headache now.

"So what are we going to do", Teyla asked Sheppard. All the questions were really accomplishing nothing. For a reply Sheppard gestured follow me. They headed out of the room and back the way they came.

McKay was still muttering to himself. "You are nearly there McKay, just move that red crystal from the bottom to the forth empty space, make sure it does not touch any of the other components", West's voice instructed.

"Alright, alright, I have to finish your last list of instructions first", McKay stated. He sounded frazzled now. "You should be able to move at a faster rate McKay, complained West. McKay's sour look would have made him regret words like that. But of course West could not see his face. McKay would be tense now and that would not help. He bent over ready to begin his work again. It was the perfect time to add some more trouble into the mix.

"Stop", Sheppard interjected loudly

McKay actually froze still as a statue. After a few seconds he turned a frustrated look on Sheppard. "Colonel, you are interrupting a delicate operation." "I am sure", Sheppard replied steadily. "Before you continue, I need some answers from Major West".

Colonel Sheppard, McKay is correct, you are interfering with a process you know nothing about. I am sure you do have questions, I will do my best to answer all of them once my mind and body are functioning together", West stand firmly.

It sounded reasonable, but Sheppard did not want to be reasonable. "You will answer those questions now, or the work does not continue", he said firmly. He wondered what response he'd get to that.

There was a few seconds of silence then, "I cannot answer your questions Colonel, I need to be complete to do that. Being separate like this is actually painful and you are prolonging my agony". There was a little emotion in the voice now.

Teyla gave him a look that was meant to convene sympathy, she knew that people acted strangely when in pain and was sure that was why Major West was acting out of character. She was like that, a warrior, yet also someone who cared passionately . Sheppard could not afford react emotionally. It was not that he did not have sympathy for the situation West found himself in, of course he did. It was just that it felt a little like he was being manipulated. The talk of pain had only come after he'd asked McKay to stop his work. In a steady voice he stated, " I do need some answers. Why are there thousands of people in statis pods",

McKay sucked in a gasp. "Thousands", he repeated. "Yes, thousands , Sheppard stated.

Inwardly Braxia cursed, this had been going so well. McKay was working slower than he expected, but progress was being made. The scientist thought he was freeing his mind, but in reality he was disabling all the security systems in this prison, so that an escape would be easier. This interference was troubling, because how had Sheppard found out about the others.

He would have considered the fact that West's consciousness was behind this. But that was impossible. West was secure in a cell , which should inhibit all his efforts to manipulate Ancient technology. Of course it was possible to break the mind free, just like he had done, but that should take years to accomplish, not mere hours.

So maybe it was just Sheppard himself, as he did possess the Ancient gene. Braxia could feel his effect on the technology around him. He would have to be cautious with how he replied to Sheppard's questions.

"I am waiting for an answer", Sheppard insisted. "Well I suppose I did not think too deeply about the possibility there were more people. I had only met a few. All I wanted to do was wake up. That is not an unreasonable thing to want Colonel," Braxia told him.

"Of course it is not unreasonable", Teyla said "It must feel odd. But you can see things and interact. How far can you take that, can you interact with the other people in statis".

Sheppard smiled widely, Teyla had tactical thinking. It was the job of all good soldiers to find out more about their locations as well as any inhabitants.

Drat they were complicating things Braxia, fumed. He should have found a way to kill the others and just brought West and McKay here. It was too late now. He would have to veto any suggestions to explore further while out of body and get McKay to undertake more work. To do the he'd just relate his colleagues meeting with West.

"All I saw was a handful of people and a lovely beach. Those people disappeared after that first initial greeting and I have not managed to regain contact. When I explored that beach it went on and on, never seeming to have a end. I guess to explore further I would have to have my body back, which is what I need McKay to do".

Sheppard felt himself frown and saw the same expression on Teyla, Ronon and Rodney's face. "You don't see", Rodney began before Sheppard hurried over and kicked him in the shins.

"Don't see what", Braxia asked hurriedly. "A city devoid of life", Ronon responded. That was a safe enough thing to say he thought.

It was also an easy thing for Braxia to answer. "Oh, no wonder you are feeling a little spooked". You have obviously found a place I cannot go without my body, which brings me back to the same problem", he told them.

He was pushing them again, hoping that their questions would not continue. Of course he knew they were talking about the prison. But it was better to deny all knowledge of that place, in case the others had figured out what it really was.

John wandered around the room, thinking carefully about what his next question should be. He stopped at the window and looked out over the Atlantis clone. It's darkness was uninspiring, but it did make him feel closer to home. As he stared at the familiar spires, they rippled and faded away. In their place was ruins. Sheppard heard Teyla and Ronon suck in a gasp. Now the city looked even worse, shattered and broken, an empty shell.

"What just happened", Teyla asked. "Yeah, it looked like Atlantis, then it did not", Ronon echoed.

John turned around, Rodney had been staring in their direction and had also noticed the change. In response he looked all around the room. John's own eyes followed McKay's skimming over the mass of consoles until they stopped at one that could easily have been overlooked. It was tucked away in the shadows of more massive ones.

"There is a dream console here as well", John whispered to Ronon and Teyla. He really had no idea why he was whispering, it just seemed appropriate. John hurried to McKay's side. "Is the dream console here, making us see Atlantis", he asked McKay.

"It does not look active", McKay stated. "Neither did the one on the ship", Teyla reminded him. "So is it you doing this, Ronon said to Sheppard. He meant the ATA gene. John thought really hard about Atlantis again, the image of the ruined city remained. "No, John said slowly , I don't think it was me."

"Then...Teyla was about to ask who it could be, when the rippling passed over the ruined City and the image of Atlantis returned. Only this time ,there was an extra detail that had not been there before.

"Mckay",Sheppard knew his voice sounded strangled. Rodney turned to look out the window again and saw that little extra detail. He had the worst feeling rising up within him now. That extra detail would only be put there by someone who felt it was important, who had history with that particular thing. That was not any of them.

"You need to continue work McKay", came the plea . That voice sounded so much like West. Yet now McKay suspected it was not. It was the image of the Jupiter 2 appearing out of nothingness, that had convinced him. There were two dream consoles and West was obviously still connected to one of them. But someone else was using the other one and if they had to pretend to be West, then the odds were ,they were not friendly. He stepped back from the console he'd been working upon rapidly ,like it was poisoned.

Rodney stood closer to John Teyla and Ronon, as if needing protection. Sheppard just pointed, back the way they came. He intended to go back to the ship and get McKay to try to turn off the dream machine there.

They made it as far as the door. It simply would not open. When Rodney reached out try and find a way to manually open it, he was zapped by a low level shock. "You will not be leaving ", Braxia told them.

It was obvious that for some reason they were now suspicious. So much for the easy way. "McKay you will finish the work", Braxia demanded.

"No, Rodney stated firmly. he was not one for subtefuge and did not think that a disembodied voice could be much of a threat. So he simply blurted out, "we want to know who you really are".

Braxia fumed, something must have tipped them off. Still he did not matter. He had to show them who was in control.

His mind touched another device and activated the controls. A small force field, came down around Teyla, Ronon and Sheppard. It just missed McKay.

Rodney found he could not touch the others, though they still looked alright. "I can control any console within this place McKay. This one is for security purposes, it can isolate a small group of people and if necessary kill them where they stand. He caused a ripple to run through the sheild and fell a small burst of excitement as Sheppard and the others felt intense pain.

Rodney could see tears in Teyla's eyes. Sheppard was giving him this staunch, "don't give in " look. But he knew that it could get far worse for the trio.

" Get back to work now or I kill them "Braxia snapped out his demand.

Feeling like his feet had lead weights upon them Rodney turned back to the console.

Don felt defeated. He had hoped nobody would blurt out the fact the person speaking was not him. All the clues he had given them, had led up to this moment. He'd been thinking of Atlantis since the moment they landed and found that the dream machine on the Victory, made his thoughts come to life. Yet, it could not get him out of a cell.

He knew that the others were in mortal danger. There had to be a way to fight back more effectively. He could feel that his body was failing though, so knew there was very little time left.