ShaViva's Stargate Fan ... Stuff

Rating: K+

Season: Post Season 5.  Set before Enemy at the Gate which never takes place in this AU version of Atlantis.

Summary: Dr. Elizabeth Weir contacts Atlantis in a rather unusual manner. Is it really Elizabeth and can her friends help her return home for good?

Acknowledgements:  The cast for our Role Playing Game when this first story was written are listed below.  The plot creator and overarching storyteller was drdanieljacksonsgc.  This was our first RPG and what is archived here is an edited version to make it suitable for reading as a fan fiction story.

Elizabeth Weir and Karena Moreno written by Nalana ... fan fiction author page
Daniel Jackson and the Gitano written by drdanieljacksonsgc ... fan fiction author page
Samantha Carter written by Dragonscribe85 and edited by me ... sorry, I don't have a fan fiction link for this player
John Sheppard and Ronon written by ltcoljsheppard ... fan fiction author page
Teyla written by starscomingalive ... fan fiction author page
Jennifer Keller written by Angelle Darque and edited by me ... fan fiction author page
Jeannie Miller written by Crime-Fights-Evil-With-Batman ... fan fiction author page 
Olivia Crawford written by pinktink79 and edited by me... fan fiction author page
Rodney written by samandjackforever and edited by me... fan fiction author page
Carson Becket and Tobias Parker written by Rowana_Farrin ... fan fiction author page
Evan Lorne, Teal'c, Radek Zelenka and General O'Neill written by me!

Classifications: Friendship/General Fic

Pairings: none, maybe suggestions here and there but nothing specific

Spoilers for: Nothing really, since this is an AU.

Disclaimer: We are unfortunately not associated in any way with the creators, owners, or producers of Stargate or any of its media franchises. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, equipment, etc are the property of whoever owns them. Any original characters, plot, settings, and anything else we made up are the property of us, the authors. No copyright infringement is intended.

Copyright (c) 2009 Stargate Atlantis Invictus RPG

Daniel took a sip of his coffee, stretched, and returned to gazing abstractedly at his notebook PC. He had recently returned to Atlantis to continue his portion of the work in Janus' secret lab. Long hours of working on ciphers and translations had kept him out of the mainstream of Atlantis' life since his return. If he actually made it home to his quarters, he collapsed in exhaustion until his alarm dragged him back to consciousness hours later.

And anything remotely resembling true rest had eluded him the last few nights. Daniel felt as if he was on the verge of realizing something...but had no idea what that something was. Elusive voices in his dreams stayed just out of his grasp.

Jackson sighed as the words and glyphs on the laptop's screen danced and jittered crazily. Taking off his glasses, Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. Deciding he needed a break, he glanced up and around the Mess Hall to see if anyone he actually knew was out and about.

Doctor Jennifer Keller arrived in the Mess Hall, grabbed a tray and then looked around for someone to sit with. Spotting Dr. Jackson working on his computer, she approached and sat down across from him.

"You look tired Doctor Jackson," she commented lightly. "Perhaps you should get some rest."

Daniel looked up as Jennifer took the seat across from him. He offered a fleeting smile, "I know and I intended to come down here, eat, and go hit the sack. Trouble is, I never know when they're going to yank the plug on my research here."

This time he offered a genuine smile for the pretty doctor, "If I didn't say it on my previous visit...thank-you for patching me up after our run in with the Attero Device and the Asgard. Dr. Lam said I was lucky you were so good...shortened my recovery and rehab time considerably."

"You're welcome," Jennifer smiled, pleased with the compliment. "It would have been better if you'd never been injured in the first place but since you were I was glad I was around to help."

Daniel raised his coffee mug in salute, "How are things here? I haven't poked my head out of the lab much since I arrived."

"Busy as usual," Jennifer replied.

“Any news of Doctor McKay?” Daniel asked.  Rodney and he hadn’t exactly seen eye to eye during his last visit to Atlantis but after Attero they’d certainly had a better understanding.

“His condition is still very serious,” Keller revealed.  “Bronchitis is difficult at the best of times but with the way Rodney is – working too hard, not getting enough sleep – the illness has hit him hard.  He’ll recover but it’ll be weeks before he’s fully back to duty.”

“Forced holiday?” Daniel suggested, concerned for the other man but happy to hear he was going to be okay eventually.

“Something like that,” Jennifer agreed.  Noticing Colonel Carter approach, she held off saying more until the other woman had joined them.

Samantha walked into the Mess Hall and smiled, she was glad to be back on Atlantis. She walked to the cafeteria line and got a cup of coffee and a quick meal then walked towards a seat. She paused and smiled when she spotted Daniel, "Hey Daniel, mind if I join you?" she asked.

Standing, Daniel pulled a chair out for Sam, a warm smile lighting his features and his intense blue eyes, "Good evening, Sam...please do join us. We're commiserating over work and lack of sleep." He leaned down to place a kiss on her cheek before resuming his seat.

"It's good to see you, Sam. How've you been?" Daniel asked, affection suffusing his voice as he addressed his oldest and dearest friend currently residing in the Pegasus Galaxy.

Sam smiled, "Thank you, Daniel...Lack of sleep, that describes these last few days," she replied, "I just arrived two days ago actually...There's been a lot going on." She paused, Daniel was always polite; such a good man, along with being her best friend who she trusted with her life. Yet something about the way his tone was, the look on his face, and his body language was not the regular Daniel. Something was wrong, she frowned, "hey, how about we go out onto the Balcony and talk? It's pretty busy in here," she said. When Daniel nodded an agreement, Sam stood and walked towards the balcony with him.

Jennifer smiled in return as the two friends took their leave, content to sit and enjoy her break and the chance to observe the Mess Hall goings on.

Daniel nodded affably to Jennifer as he was taken by the arm and led to the balcony by Sam. It had been nearly six months since the incident with the Attero Device and the Pegasus Asgard. He'd returned to the SGC rather badly banged up and it had been another two months of surgery, healing, and rehabilitation before he was back in action. Recently, with the Milky Way currently at peace, Daniel had been reassigned to Atlantis for a long-term research project and fill in any of the cultural/diplomatic gaps left by Weir's presumed death. Consequently, he had not been able to spend much time with Sam and was delighted to see her returned as Atlantis' CO after Woolsey's recall by the IOA. He gave a mental chuckle. Atlantis was playing Musical COs...never a good thing for morale.

Leaning against the railing, Daniel looked out over the dimly seen ocean as Atlantis' sun dipped beyond the horizon. He glanced sideways at Sam, "So...really great to see you again, Sam. How are things?"

"Daniel," Sam replied, "you've been through a lot these last few months after the Attero Device... you haven't been yourself lately and I'm worried about you...What's going on?" She asked in concern. Daniel had been through so much these last few months, through surgery, healing, and rehabilitation...She knew Daniel wouldn't tell her what was going on though unless she pried it out of him...She wasn't going to let him leave the balcony until she found out what was going on.

Gazing down at his feet, Daniel felt a warm flush through his body. Leave it to Sam to detect that he was off even though they'd had very little time together back at the SGC and since her arrival on Atlantis. Normally respectful of his reserve regarding his private life, she could also be like a terrier if she thought something was troubling him.

He finally glanced up meeting her serious, concerned blue eyed gaze and sighed, "I can't hide anything from you, can I, Sam?"

Sam shook her head. "No, you can't," she replied before watching his face and eyes in concern; people say a person's eyes are the windows to their souls. Sam knew the statement to be true, in Daniel's eyes she could see pain, not of the physical kind, of the emotional kind. She gave him a moment before adding, "I'm not letting you off this balcony until you tell me." She knew Daniel would many times insist nothing was wrong and try to change the subject, she wasn't going to let him do that this time.

Daniel hesitated and considered the different paths he could try to take that would all lead back to Sam giving him The Look and insisting on knowing what was wrong with him.

"Honestly, Sam...I don't know. You know me...I work until I'm ready to drop and then I do and usually sleep like a log. And I have been sleeping...just not waking up rested. And it's not like it was when Osiris was trying to use the mind probe on me while I was asleep. I'm not dreaming...that I can remember...which is typical for me." Daniel grinned wryly, "I think I'm still working on trying to do the translations and decryptions on the information in Janus' lab in my sleep."

Sam frowned and gave a good guess what Daniel's reaction to what she was about to say would be; it was only going to be a suggestion though not a command. She knew Daniel, when he had his mind set to doing something he did it; he always did a good job too...But this time he was working too hard, he needed rest. "Daniel....It's only a suggestion, but maybe for a week or maybe even just a few days, let Rodney and Dr. Zelenka work with the translations and decryptions....It's really stressing you out, maybe a few days of not working on them will help ease your mind?" She paused, "I know you don't want to take a break from it....But I also know that severe stress is unhealthy....The last thing I want is for you to get sick or something happening to you."

Daniel was her best friend and she wanted nothing happening to him; if something happened to him it would rip her heart to shreds.

"I can't risk the down time, Sam. God only knows when they'll pull me off this assignment and back to the SGC. I've requested permanent reassignment, but you know how Jack's been about that. But...you are right on one thing, I need to slow down and I promise I will do that...starting now. May I walk you to your quarters?" Daniel gave Sam his most engaging smile with a promise in his tired eyes that he would try to take better care.

Sam nodded in understanding, it had been like pulling teeth to get back to Atlantis; she knew how stubborn Jack was to keep Daniel close to the SGC; she hoped the permanent assignment request form would be accepted. Daniel, like Sheppard, had a calming effect on everyone in Atlantis and he was strong, intelligent, and helped Sam to keep her head on her shoulders when times became so hard she felt as if her head was going to spin off her shoulders. She smiled to Daniel, "you can," she replied, her smile widening when she saw the promise in his eyes; when Daniel made a promise, he never broke it.

Chapter 02: Sleepwalking
Monday, 12^th January | 2300 Hours | Daniel's Quarters/John’s Quarters

Daniel finally made it to his quarters pretty much under orders from Sam to get some sleep. She had been logically concerned when he told her that he had recently been having trouble sleeping. Daniel was a borderline insomniac but even he usually slept without problems after working several days straight with little to no break.

Even Daniel was mildly concerned as going to his lab/office or to Janus' secret lab and actually making progress on his work was difficult when he could barely keep his eyes open. Not prone to nightmares unless he was injured or ill, the archaeologist was at a loss to understand his current issues with sleeping.

These thoughts followed him as he stepped up to the slightly elevated sleeping chamber level, shed his clothes and stepped under the shower spray. Dialling the spray to its most intensive level, Daniel felt the stresses start to drain away along with the warm shower water. Finishing the shower, Daniel stepped out, towelled off and dragged on a pair of thin sweat pants and tank style undershirt. He barely remembered to toss his glasses on the nightstand before he was sound asleep.

Black, no not even black, but a complete lack of colour was completely surrounding her/them. In the distance a hint of a spark could be determined, though faint and far out of reach. Prickling cold seeped through leaving everything immobile. Yet for all the deadly silence a piercing sound echoed in throbbing ears. The sound resonated through frozen limbs threatening to shred each particle away from its origin.

The sound, ethereal in nature, slowly shaped. The ambiguity formed into a high-pitched shriek. Desperation. Agony. Sorrow. Such emotion that otherwise could only be found in song was conveyed with a single note. Just as fast as it came it was gone, replaced by strained whispers of unrecognizable words spoken in raspy tones.

Then colour, bright and burning, washed over and around her/them. The words increased in speed, becoming strained to maintain form. Discomfort. Confusion. Temperatures changing, jolting fast enough to bring on shock. Through this kaleidoscope of sensation, one word rang loud and clear English though never spoken.

Help.

Without opening his eyes, Daniel sat straight up in bed, "Help!" Slowly he opened his eyes and blinked, looking around at unfamiliar surroundings. With one objective in mind, the entity that had been Daniel Jackson rose unsteadily from the bed and walked purposefully towards the door and out.

She hesitated in the living area trying to get her bearings before striding to the door and waving her hand over the panel to unlock and open the door. This caused her to pause as she looked at the totally unfamiliar masculine hand with its long, strong fingers. Turning around she went back through the bedroom and into the bathroom, waving on the lights and stopping in front of the window.

Features familiar yet unfamiliar stared back at her. On some level she knew this man, on another she did not. John...she had to find John. Time was limited...even now she could feel the strength of the mind she inhabited starting to protest her presence. Turning, she fled toward the exit from the quarters and along the corridor to the one person she felt could help her...would help her.

Hurrying into the corridors of Atlantis, she spun the unfamiliar head around frantically. Turning left she rounded a corner nearly barrelling over one of the residents as she went. Heading down one way she stopped realizing she had gone wrong. Her head reeled with anger. No, not yet, please she sent a plea out to the brain she inhabited knowing it would never listen to her. Panicking she turned on heel.

Heart pounding she dashed in a flurry, rooms flooding by her. The mind’s presence grew stronger. She cried out, leaning against a wall against the throbbing. Gritting her teeth she shook off the feeling. She was so close. This was her sole chance.

There.

She leaned heavily against the door she knew was right. It had to be. It had to be his. She pounded against it weakly, unable to remember the simple motion of the doorbell in the mix of pain that shot through the head, triple that of any migraine. She was slipping away.

“No.” She said softly, in a voice not her own. Luckily there was no one around her; they’d drag her to the infirmary before she got a chance. “John!” She yelled, the single syllable something she had clung to. Her head pressed against the cool material of the door, it bringing minimal relief as she prayed for it to open.

Inside his quarters, John had settled in for the night after a long day of meetings and paperwork. He couldn't think of anything more tedious for an action-minded person to have to deal with... the monotony of paperwork.

Now he reclined on his bed in lounging pants he wore to bed... he'd learned a long time ago, never to go to bed without clothes on because an emergency always will arise when you do.

He sat in the quietness of his own room, the two moons of New Lantea shining brightly outside his window. He often looked away from his book to enjoy the sight of them. He loved this place. Turning yet again to his book, War and Peace, he read another page and turned it when there was a voice outside his door.

Daniel? he thought with a furrowed expression. Okay, he's had people call his name from the hall before but he was pounding the door in a frantic way. That was odd.

Sheppard swung his legs over the side of the bed and dropped the book there as he moved to answer the door, remembering the last time this had happened Rodney had been in a frantic panic. John moved swiftly to the door and swept his hand over the controls and looked at Daniel with concern and confusion.

"Daniel, what is it?" he asked the man who took a step inside looking scared.

Her chest moved heavily as she focused on breathing, on keeping her presence. When the door finally hissed open she completely lost her balance, stumbling in with little grace and holding onto the nearest stable surface available. Looking up she saw a figure, blurry, but she recognized it instantly even if there was unfamiliarity about it…

“John…” the voice that wasn’t hers quivered with a mix of desperation and help.

"Daniel?" he asked again as Jackson stumbled inside. John took a wary step back and watched him with intense hazel eyes.

“Searched…so long….I tried to wait... tried to stay here…I wanted all of you…safe.” Each word was difficult to form. Still she rambled through them; afraid she’d never finish if she stopped. She could only hope he understood.

"What?" John asked. This was wrong. This was really wrong.

The foreign presence visibly trembled. The host’s brain was quickly resurfacing. Gasping she lowered the body to its knees, not wanting to cause it any more damage than necessary. Just another minute…please… She understood the pain the host must be in, but she had no other choice.

“John...please… I’m sorry…” She looked up, her eyes pleading desperately. “It’s pulling me … pulling me apart… I don’t know how long... how long I can…” live, she mentally added, unable to bring herself to say it.

It was the way he said "John" that made Sheppard's head tilt just a bit. Elizabeth? Only Elizabeth ever said his name in that manner. His brain reeled as flashes of images not long passed scrambled across his mind's eye. She'd come to him as a copy, a Replicator and even as a completely different person. He'd left her floating in outer space. A sacrifice she willingly made to protect them... his heart had broken as he watched her walk to her supposed death.

"Elizabeth?" he croaked out, barely able to find his voice.

“I’m sorry…” She said out loud, more to the host to John. Glancing back up to John she shook the foreign head. “I had to try…” Relinquishing control, Daniel’s eyes rolled back into his head as he started to fall to his side unconscious once more.

John moved quickly to catch her, to catch Daniel, as they lost control and fell to the floor. He cradled Daniel in his lap as he sat on his knees in front of the open door. He looked up as a Marine sentry walked by and stopped at seeing the two men in each others' arms on the floor in his quarters. His expression never changed as he wondered what was going on.

"Get me medical!" John ordered and the marine gave a nod and tapped his radio piece.

Chapter 03: Mind Games
Tuesday, 13^th January | 0015 Hours | Corridors to Med Bay, Exam Area

The medical team had arrived at Colonel Sheppard's quarters to find him still on the floor cradling an unconscious Dr. Jackson. The Marine and his partner had stayed close by to keep guard until the medical personnel showed up. The pair exchanged relieved looks as Sheppard explained the events that had taken place and made more sense as to why he was holding another man in his arms inside the door of his quarters late at night.

The two marines assisted the orderlies in getting Daniel onto the stretcher and moved with the group as they moved swiftly toward the infirmary. Sheppard stayed close to the side of the gurney, his hand on Daniel's arm as he kept trying to get a response but instead received the oddest looks from those around him.

"Elizabeth?" he called as he leaned down toward Daniel's face. "Are you still here? Elizabeth?"

The two Marines exchanged confused looks with one of the nurses who then gave the military commander her own concerned look.

"This is Dr. Jackson, Colonel. Elizabeth Weir is dead," she explained.

"Elizabeth isn't dead! She's here! She spoke to me! She needs my help!" John shot over his shoulder at her.

As they entered the infirmary, the two Marines stayed nearby but gave them all some space to work. John however remained clinging to Daniel's arm, his eyes nearly wild with anticipation and the wonder of her remaining existence. That woman didn't know how to give up and he'd be damned if he gave up ON her.

He looked up to see the young doctor moving quickly toward them. "Doc! It's Elizabeth! She's passed out!" he told Keller.

Jennifer frowned in confusion, looking down at the unconscious Doctor Jackson before glancing back up at Colonel Sheppard. As she began a basic series of checks on her patient she questioned John, trying to find out how they'd come to be in her infirmary so late.

"What happened Colonel?" she asked, for the time being glossing over the apparent identity confusion.

"I was reading... in bed," John told her, not realizing he was standing there in just lounging pants and bare feet. "There was a knock on my door... pounding actually and I went to answer it. I thought it was Daniel, he stumbled into the room and collapsed. Elizabeth said she needed my help... she needs our help," he insisted with a very serious demeanour. He stared at Jennifer trying to will her to understand. "We have to help her."

"Did Daniel say he was Elizabeth?" Jennifer asked carefully. Colonel Sheppard made as if to reply but before he could Daniel began to stir.

Gradually, through the pounding in his head, Daniel became aware of his surroundings and slitted his eyes open, wincing against the incredibly bright lights. Shifting slightly, he groaned a bit and muttered in a plaintive voice, "Owwww."

Putting a hand on her patients shoulder, Jennifer squeezed lightly. "Just relax Daniel ... you're in the medical bay."

"Medical Bay?" Daniel looked around, his brows furrowing with confusion. The last he recalled, he had showered, crawled into bed and fallen fast asleep. Now he was in the Infirmary and felt as if a freight train was circling his brain. Mammoth headache aside, however, he felt fine...still tired...but fine.

Daniel turned his head and blinked at Jennifer and then at John standing nearby clad in lounging pants and little else. He struggled to sit up, hating being prone where he couldn't see everything clearly. Again he glanced from John to Jennifer before continuing. "Why am I here?"

"Where's Elizabeth?" John asked him, gripping Daniel's arm a bit too strongly. "Where'd she go? Bring her back."

Wide blue eyes blinked slowly as Daniel looked at Jennifer and then at John and then down to where John's fingers bit into his arm, "Owwww," he said again with a look at the hand on his arm before adding, "Elizabeth who?"

"Don't give me that. Elizabeth Weir! Is she still in there?" John asked, leaning very close to Daniel and peering into his blue eyes as if trying to spot something inside his head.

Leaning as far back as he could, Daniel's blue eyes blinked a bit more rapidly while his expression changed from confused to a comical combination of worried and confused, "There's no one in here except me...no Merlin, no Repli-Carter, no Elizabeth Weir. It's just me." The archaeologist's tone made it clear that he was wondering why he was the one on the exam table. Daniel also really wanted to know why both he and John were in the Infirmary together and in their night clothes but he wasn't quite ready to ask that question...yet.

"Colonel Sheppard," Jennifer spoke firmly, "give Doctor Jackson some room. There'll be plenty of time to talk about Elizabeth ... after I've had a chance to examine my patient." Seeing Daniel about to protest, Jennifer smiled. "No you don't get to leave Doctor Jackson ... people don't usually pass out without a reason ... we just need to work out yours."

Urging Colonel Sheppard to return to his quarters, Jennifer began her examination.

oOo

After considerable poking, prodding, scanning, and being required to surrender various bodily fluids including more blood than Daniel felt he could spare, he was at last left to his own devices for a few moments.

He'd been told he was going to be isolated until the test results came back. At least, so far, Daniel had not been put into strict isolation, but the guards were not exactly keeping a low profile. John had disappeared briefly while the tests were run. Somehow, Daniel figured he'd be returning with more questions.

As for himself, Daniel was a blank slate from the moment he'd collapsed onto his own bed until awaking in the Infirmary. He sighed and wondered what the chances for coffee were and how long before his test results came back. He shook his head as he recalled John's demands regarding the presence of Elizabeth Weir. Daniel wasn't sure which of them were in need of the medical care.

Sometime during the proceedings, Sheppard had left to change clothes. He returned just as they finished with Daniel and left him alone with two guards. The archaeologist watched warily as the younger man hovered some feet away as if trying to decide whether to approach or not.

She had grown quiet, lost, prepared to be sent back to that horrible place. But instead, there was silence. There was no light, she could not see. But she knew what was around her. She knew what her host was going through. It was fuzzy, but she felt like she knew this place, these people. But something was wrong. She wasn't supposed to be here. A rush of panic flooded through her, not being settled by the host's own uneasiness. Or, perhaps, she was breeding that unease.

Daniel cleared his throat, "Ummm...I don't know what has happened, Sheppard, but I understand I have you to thank for bringing me here."

Sheppard...Sheppard? She knew those sounds. They meant something to her. What was it?

John stood nearby with his arms crossed over his chest staring at Daniel. "You came to my quarters... or I should say Elizabeth did... just in your body. Where is she now?" he asked, scowling at Jackson with serious eyes.

That voice... She strained. 'Elizabeth' what was that? ...her, that was her. That's who she was...but that voice...

"I have no idea what you're talking about. I had dinner with Sam, walked her home, went to my quarters, showered and went to bed. That is the last thing I remember before waking up here. I didn't feel unusual, didn't feel anything except over tired." Daniel regarded the other man calmly as he spoke although he was disturbed at Sheppard's insistence that he was somehow possessed by Dr. Weir.

That voice, it wasn't hers. But it was. This was where she was. S/He was so confused. What was going on?

John stared at him uncertain. He didn't understand how it could've been but he was sure... he was positive... that the voice he'd heard was that of Elizabeth Weir. If Jackson had simply been walking in his sleep, no, it didn't make sense.

"You don't remember coming to my quarters and knocking on my door asking for my help and then passing out in my arms?" he asked, now standing there in his full uniform with sidearm.

Help? Going for help? Arms. Arms safe. Safe there. JOHN! That sound, Sheppard, was John. He would help. He would make her safe. That's why she was here. She had to reach him...them, the others, the ones around him. She needed to talk to them again. She pushed forward, lacking any amount of energy close enough to resurface for the moment.

Daniel shook his head at Sheppard, "No...I told you. I remember falling into bed after working nearly forty-eight straight and waking up here..." Whatever else Daniel had been going to say was interrupted by Sam's arrival.

Sam walked in to the Medical Bay after receiving the call about an incident.  She froze at seeing Daniel, Sheppard standing near him looking confused. She listened for a moment before walking over, "Daniel, are you alright? What happened?"

Glancing at his long-time friend and former teammate, Daniel sighed slightly before quickly briefing her and finishing, "...I just told John that I didn't remember any of the events he described...but I want to get to the bottom of this."

Sam paused, "Daniel, do you remember when the Alien Entity possessed me a few years ago, then later Merlin melded his consciousness with yours? We need to review the security footage."

Sam's words brought Daniel up short from his thoughts. She reminded him of what he knew all too well. Things of the nature John was suggesting had happened to a number of them in the past. "Sam's right, John, Dr. Keller. Shouldn't we have security footage showing me at John's door at least?"

Jenn held some of his test results in her hands. "There was nothing in his scans that would be considered a health risk. But the activity in certain areas of his brain is very strange."

She listened, her senses straining as the entities around her strove for a solution. Her cognitive abilities were slowly patching themselves together until she could finally connect sentences, though not yet together with others. Watching, they were going to watch...something...

Sam's comment made John check up inside. The same type of thing had happened to both he and Elizabeth a couple of years ago, when Phebus had taken over her body and Thalen had taken his. Was it possible, truly possible, that Elizabeth was now the alien entity possessing human forms? But how? He'd sent her to her death in deep space... He clenched his teeth making his jaw muscles jump as he frowned with the memory.

"There's a security camera at the junction right outside my quarters," John told them, his tone subdued.

Jackson winced slightly in sympathy for John's tone and expression. They had either brought up bad or unpleasant memories for him and Daniel understood how that felt. "Then we need to view that footage. While I'm sure no one doubts what John is saying happened, I have no memories of it."

Jenn saw the pain in John's eyes. She lifted a hand and gently squeezed his shoulder. If there was a glimmer of hope of getting her back, he'd find a way and so would she.

Sam glanced down with a small frown, she knew how hard it was to lose someone close to you; but to lose someone the way Colonel Sheppard had to lose Elizabeth...She couldn't even begin to imagine how that felt. She looked at Daniel, "I'm going to go get the footage, I'll be right back with it," she exclaimed before leaving the room.

She came back a few minutes later with the footage uploaded onto the Laptop and put it onto a table beside Daniel and clicked to the time frame where Daniel was leaving his room.

Sheppard chewed his bottom lip lightly and then moved forward to stand just behind Sam's shoulder to watch the video playback. He steeled himself in order to watch what he understood to be the facts now, but hadn't then. He glanced at Daniel and then back to the monitor just as the video blipped into action.

Sam leaned a little closer to the computer screen as she watched the footage; when Daniel left his room she could already tell that was not her best friend who was in control of his body. She knew Daniel's run and the way the entity in Daniel's body was running showed it definitely wasn't him. She had met Dr. Weir a few times but she hadn't paid much attention to the way she walked or ran; but Colonel Sheppard swore that it was Elizabeth and Sam knew when Sheppard was certain of something he was mostly right. She trusted John, however she had learned to always expect the unexpected. Until they were able to talk to the entity in Daniel and make sure that she (or it) was Dr. Weir she would continue to think of the entity as something that could be good or evil. If it was Dr. Weir then she would become more trusting; if it wasn't she wanted to find a way to get it out of Daniel as soon as possible.

She could feel it, the doubt, the questioning. The confidence. It crackled through the air with its own scent. She ached, at their emotions, though she didn't quite know why. So close, the woman was so close to believing. But her host...her host was so doubtful.

'That's me!' she exclaimed silently in this other space. They couldn't hear her, not like this. But maybe, just maybe, if her emotions could leak into her, then her impulses could seep into this other soul.

John watched the person on the screen that appeared to be Daniel Jackson, his eyes scanned the movement and gait, not the physical form. His mouth twisted a bit as he nodded. Pointing at the monitor from behind Sam's shoulder he nodded and said, "That's Elizabeth. She's back."

'Here.' She agreed again, recognizing her name and what was recognized as a word of return.

Stepping away he moved around the upright screen to face Sam, his eyes were lit with a strange glow. He gave her an I-know-I'm-right grin, it carried no amusement, it was more a grin of irony. "She's back," he said definitively. "She needs my help. We need to talk to her. I can talk to her." He told them and looked between the two.

Her interest perked when John spoke again. Things cleared a little. She had tried to talk, and was fought against. She was beaten. But she had never asked to communicate. She couldn't. So she had simply forced herself in. Even now she was clinging to the vessel with great care, though she hadn't been aware of how strongly her grip had stayed. But if they let her speak, if they gave her the chance...she only hoped her own strength would keep up.

'Let me speak.' She asked this time, begging, projecting her desire as loudly as she was capable of doing while still clinging to her position inside of this being.

Shadows gathered in Daniel's eyes as he watched the security video footage and disquiet rippled through his body and mind. It was evident to him...and would be to anyone that knew him at all...that he was not in control of his body during the incident. His first instinct, however, was to deny it all especially in light of the fact that this could land him in detention in some form or faction...the Brig...or worse. Yet stranger things had happened...even to him.

Something...a presence...seemed to lurk on the edge of his consciousness for a fleeting moment and then it was gone. Daniel shook his head, not exactly in denial but in confusion. If it was truly Elizabeth, then he owed Atlantis his aid in contacting her...perhaps finding a way for her to come home. If it was only something mimicking her...Daniel's frown deepened...then they had to break the link between him and whatever it was.

"What do you propose?" Daniel finally asked, the self-control freak part of himself cringing in consternation at the possible answers.

Sam glanced at Colonel Sheppard before looking at Daniel; she could see how worried her best friend was about giving control of himself over to Dr. Weir, "Daniel, what if we let one of Atlantis's psychologists come in? She could help to put your conscious to sleep safely allowing the en...Dr. Weir to be able to speak to us? Then when we're done speaking to her, the psychologist could wake your conscious up?" She wanted Daniel safe and unharmed, if this were someone else she'd suggest the same thing. She looked at Daniel waiting for his answer. If he agreed she'd let Colonel Sheppard talk to Dr. Weir because the two, from what she had seen and heard, trusted each other with their lives; she would never try to take the chance for John to talk to Elizabeth again away from him, ever.

The very mention of a psychologist's involvement caused Daniel to freeze up inside. He coped with the mandatory evaluations as needed and required, but it was an ordeal he deplored. Daniel's trust in that profession had long ago been destroyed and while he tried not to let that bleed over onto every individual working in the mental health field...it was hard.

Daniel trusted Sam implicitly and he had an instinctive liking and trust for Sheppard from their first meeting. The younger man reminded him strongly of Jack O'Neill, both in demeanour and ideals. He understood to some degree how John must be feeling...he'd read the report regarding the incident with the return of the Replicators and the subsequent presumed final death of Elizabeth Weir. Daniel knew how he would feel if it were Sam or Jack...how he had felt in the past when their lives had been at risk or presumed lost.

Yet, for all his rationalization, the unease could clearly be heard in his voice as he responded to Sam, "You're talking about hypnosis. I won't make the statement that I can't be hypnotized since I know that pretty much anyone can be depending on the skill of the hypnotist." Daniel's voice was subdued as he continued, "Isn't there another way...I mean...drug me or something. Let me try going to sleep naturally or maybe meditation? I learned to Kel'no'reem from Teal'c," he glanced at John, "it's a deep, deep form of meditation the Jaffa used to use in place of sleeping. I was able to touch some of my Ascended memories once while in Kel'no'reem. Perhaps Teal'c could come and guide me?"

"We'll be able to monitor your brain wave activity too Doctor Jackson," Jennifer said reassuringly. "We'll know from those if, and when Elizabeth takes over."

Sam nodded, "I'll go contact the SGC right now and ask for Teal'c to come to Atlantis," she replied before giving Daniel a smile, she knew how strong he was and she was proud of him. She also knew Daniel didn't like losing control of his body (Sam couldn't blame him either) and how hard this was for him. She walked out of the room to go and contact the SGC.

Jenn stared at Daniel, thinking, almost trying to see something of Elizabeth in his eyes. Maybe it was too much to hope for.

Daniel gave Sam a bold smile and nod as she headed out to try and contact Teal'c. Hopefully, the Jaffa was available and could be persuaded to come to Atlantis for a day or two. He then leaned back in the bed as he realized how tired he was although he didn't want to risk sleeping.

"If we're going to monitor EEG and vitals, we'll need to set up somewhere quiet. For this to work, we'll need isolation. A minimum of people in the actual room," Daniel stated from his memories of learning the ritualized form of meditation from Teal'c, "and lots and lots of candles."

Chapter 04: Mind Games Part 2
Wednesday, 14^th January | 0600 Hours | Private/Isolation Room, Medical Level

After the results from the myriad scans and tests came back negative of any contagion, Daniel was moved to a private room on the Medical level that was used for security and isolation purposes. It was comfortably set-up with a upscale hospital bed for long-term patients, a small desk like table, and a couple of easy chairs. On one side, opposite the bed, desk, and chairs, a door opened into a small lavatory. In addition, state of the art audio and video surveillance could monitor the occupant from an adjoining room.

Daniel wore one of the new wrist monitor bracelets that sent a constant feed on his vital signs and EEG via a wireless connection to a monitoring station in the adjoining observation room. He had restlessly prowled the room after being left alone, unease at being observed evident in his tense form. Eventually, he had found the lavatory, made use of the facilities and returned to stretch out on the bed, his arms folded behind his head while he thought about the current situation.

The archaeologist wanted to do his part in helping Dr. Weir...if indeed this was Weir using him as a medium. Yet too many times in the past twelve years what seemed to be one thing had turned out to be something else entirely. What frightened Daniel was that this might simply be an aberration in his own frequently abused subconscious. His incarceration in a mental health facility some years before had left him with an incipient fear of that happening again someday. Yet John, Sam, and even Keller seemed to believe in him and in Elizabeth.

Without being aware, exhaustion claimed Daniel and he slipped into a light sleep. Not deep enough to give full reign to the consciousness of Elizabeth Weir...but enough. The scene in his mind gradually lightened to reveal the bright, clean interior of a star ship. Without knowing how, Daniel recognized it as a former Ancient Aurora class warship. A soft cough got his attention and he turned around.

Elizabeth Weir stood facing him in the near featureless, light room. She seemed bathed in light herself, clad in a white flowing garment of Ancient design. Her dark eyes held a mixture of pleasure at seeing him, fear, and desperation. Weir took a step toward him, hand extended in entreaty, and Daniel moved back cautiously. He'd gone through the whole Replicator hand in the head thing before. It wasn't something he'd voluntarily experience again.

"Please, Dr. Jackson, I only want to ask your help," Elizabeth said, stopping her forward motion as the scientist moved away warily.

"Where are we, how did you bring me here?" Daniel responded, unnerved by the situation and struggling to return to his own reality.

The woman smiled gently, "We are in the virtual reality environment created by the stasis technology aboard a long abandoned Aurora class warship. The inhabitants brought me here...and from here I can briefly contact your subconscious. You are not really here, this is just a manifestation of my surroundings to give you a reference. But you're too strong for me to take more than brief control. You learned much in your battle with Replicator Carter."

Daniel winced at that reference and the fact Weir could access those memories in his subconscious. He looked around and back at Elizabeth, "I don't like this...it's too...white. And stay out of my memories."

Elizabeth laughed softly, almost affectionately. Her first encounters with the scientist at the SGC had shown him to be a strong willed man and very resourceful at manipulating things to go his way. Seems that little had changed. Obligingly, she fell silent and concentrated for a moment. The scene faded and was replaced by a balcony off the Atlantis Command tower...ocean and gentle breezes.

"There, Daniel, is that better?" She asked, turning to look out over the virtual horizon.

"A bit," he conceded grudgingly. "Are you controlling me now?"

"No," Elizabeth replied honestly, "You are too close to being awake. I can only talk to you...and beg you to let me contact John. I want to come home. The others are gone, I don't know how. I am alone now and will go mad trapped like this."

Daniel lowered his head, "We are going to set up a controlled situation so that you can try to communicate with John again."

The woman tensed and looked over at Jackson. She had been prepared to have to fight for her chance. His willingness to take this chance on her behalf caused her eyes to glisten in gratitude, "Thank you. I can imagine how hard this is for you. You always seemed like a very private and reserved man to me."

A wry chuckle answered her observation, "Some would say self-control freak," Daniel replied.

The scene wavered and flickered. The image of Weir began to fade, "I'm at the limits of my resources...I will wait for your call, Daniel."

Daniel sat up abruptly, his blue eyes wide and briefly unfocused. The memories of the conversation roiled around in his mind. His unease and mistrust from earlier was gone. The personality he had just encountered was benevolent...it was impossible to lie on that level of communication....and it was time to bring Elizabeth Weir back to her home and family.

oOo

Daniel spent the remains of Tuesday and Tuesday night in the isolation room. He'd napped intermittently undisturbed by more visits from Elizabeth Weir. During one of the many exams, he'd detailed his conversation with the woman to Keller, Sam, and John. Beyond that, he'd persuaded Sam to bring him clean clothes and had been allowed...under guard...to go shower, shave and make himself generally presentable. As well as his clothes, Sam had brought him his tablet PC so that he could work.

Teal'c had been contacted and would arrive as soon as he could make arrangements for someone to assume his duties during his absence from Chulak. He was expected to arrive within the next couple of hours. In order to mitigate delays, the furniture in the isolation room had been moved and a thick, plush rug now covered a large area of the floor. Candles sat around the floor and on every available surface awaiting lighting.

Daniel sat cross-legged on the bed with his laptop and various documents spread out around him. He was as relaxed in anticipation of the Kel'no'reem session as he could be, but would give anything for Sam, John, or anyone else to pay a visit and distract him from what was coming.

Sam walked in a few minutes later, "Hey Daniel, how are you doing?" she asked in concern before moving to perch beside him on the bed. She looked at him her eyes were filled with concern and pride for Daniel. She knew how hard it was to give control over to an entity, even one that you know; Daniel was being courageous and there weren't many people who would do what Daniel was doing for Dr. Weir.

"I'm surprisingly okay all things considered," Daniel replied as he shifted documents and printed scans of the items he was trying to translate to make room for Sam. "I hope this idea works. Either way, it'll be good to see T again."

Sam looked at the documents and printed scans, "I think it will....When you mentioned the Kel'no'reem session I remember hearing Teal'c telling Jack about it....Daniel...if you want I can stay in the room or even in just the other room while you're in the session-" she paused and shook her head, "never mind," she exclaimed.

It had been a while since she had seen Daniel before he came to Atlantis; he had changed so much...He was always brave, always, but now...The only way for her to put it into words was to think that Daniel had a warrior's courage now more than ever. She couldn't help but to look at him differently and realize her feelings were changing for him, from friendship to more.

"Let's see how it goes," Daniel replied to Sam's question. "John will have to be there to speak to Weir if she can get through. And...while I'd rather have you at my side than anyone I can think of...Teal'c won't let anything happen to me."

Smiling, he glanced up at Sam, "But I'm glad you're here right now." Daniel felt the old, traitorous feelings rise in his chest as he looked at her. Feelings he'd denied for way too long...and would continue to do so.

"I'm not leaving anytime soon," Sam replied with a smile, she'd stay here with Daniel for as long as she could. She smiled and nodded, she agreed that Teal'c wouldn't ever let anything happen to Daniel; Teal'c was a good man and always a great friend. Sam knew that if anything went wrong Teal'c would know and he would stop it before anything could hurt Daniel.

Moments passed and Daniel sat very still simply lost in watching Sam as she smiled and spoke her own reassurances. For years he had buried his true feelings for this incredible woman knowing that she did not and would not feel the same for him. Coming to Atlantis was a mix of pleasure and pain. Pleasure at seeing her again and just being able to spend time with the person that had become one of his dearest friends; painful in knowing that friendship was all there was or could ever be.

Unconsciously, Daniel leaned closer to Sam, inhaling her fresh, clean scent. The urge to reach for her...just to hold someone close for a brief moment was almost overwhelming. Shaking his head to clear it, Daniel smiled slightly, "Good...I know you're busy...but glad you can stay...for awhile."

As in the old days, habit prevailed. Sam had brought work along with her and the two old friends settled in working and chatting quietly, often bouncing ideas off one another as they proceeded.

oOo

Teal’c stepped through the Stargate and onto Atlantis, struck as with his previous visit over the sheer size and beauty of the ancient city. The two marines waiting to greet him informed him that Colonel Carter was located in one of the private isolation rooms off the infirmary and was expecting his arrival.

Nodding his ascent to being escorted there immediately, Teal’c fell into step behind them, his Jaffa robes rustling fainting as he walked with hands folded into the small of his back.

The marines stopped at the isolation room door, knocking and then motioning for Teal'c to proceed inside.

"Colonel Carter, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c bowed to each of his former team mates in turn, pleased to see them even under the circumstances.

Daniel fairly vaulted from the bed as the Marine guard opened the door to admit Teal'c. Seeing the stoic, Jaffa warrior and hearing is warm, deep voice brought back a rush of memories...fighting side-by-side, Teal'c's comforting and protective presence sitting or standing silent guard as Daniel healed from a variety of injuries. Striding across the room, Daniel uninhibitedly threw his arms around Teal'c in a warm hug of greeting, in turn feeling himself enveloped in the Jaffa's powerful embrace.

Stepping back, both men maintained a warrior's grip on one another's forearms while they studied one another briefly, finally giving a slight nod of approval at seeing one another well...despite Daniel's current predicament.

The archaeologist waited patiently while Sam also greeted the Jaffa before pulling a chair out from the table for Teal'c and perching on the edge of the bed to brief his friend on the current circumstances.

"...so...," Daniel concluded, "I was hoping that you could guide me into reaching a deep enough state through Kel'no'reem that Elizabeth Weir can try to communicate with John Sheppard?"

"You already possess the skills necessary to do as you propose," Teal'c replied. "It is but your own reluctance to give up control that you must overcome." Lowering both head and eyes respectfully, Teal'c then made eye contact with Daniel again. "It will be my honour to assist you in this endeavour, Daniel Jackson."

Sam watched the two talk, she felt better knowing Teal'c would be there for Daniel; this was going to be so hard for him, but she knew that Daniel could do it.

She didn't want to have to leave the room when the Kel'no'reem session started, but she knew if she didn't it could be easily interrupted by someone coming and looking for her. This was going to be hard for Daniel and he needed all the peace and quiet he could get.

She knew Daniel was worried, he didn't have to say a word she could see it on his face, "Daniel...Think of giving up your control like you're trying to clear your head before going to sleep...Think of something mindless, something you don't have to think about; then when you feel like going to sleep let Dr. Weir have control and just keep thinking of something mindless or listen to what she says...When you're ready take back control think of something that can wake you up," she suggested before glancing at Teal'c, wondering if she had made the right suggestion.

"Colonel Carter speaks wisely," Teal'c agreed. "Your purpose should not be to access your deepest thoughts Daniel Jackson. Instead you must search for the core of your identity, the place from whence you gather strength. From there you will be able to give control of your physical self to Doctor Weir, firm in the knowledge that I will be here to guide you back when it is time to return."

Daniel took a deep breath and let it out, "Okay...we can call Colonel Sheppard and get me hooked up to the monitoring equipment and then I guess we're good to go." He took a step over to give Sam a brief hug and smile into her worried blue eyes, "It's going to be fine, Sam. I'm fine...I'm okay with this and if it helps Dr. Weir...all the better. If it is not Dr. Weir, I'm in safe hands with Teal'c and John Sheppard here. After all we've encountered, I'm not afraid of some little ole alien entity if that's what it proves to be."

Sam hugged him back and gave him a smile that showed how proud of Daniel she was before thanking Teal'c, without him they'd be lost right now. She left the room, but kept an ear out, if she was needed she'd be back in the room in a heartbeat.

It took some time to get everything situated for the attempt to contact the consciousness of Elizabeth Weir. Daniel got situated comfortably on the thick rug with his back resting against a pillow. Usually when trying to meditate Daniel opted for sitting cross-legged or Indian style, however, for this possibly long and tedious session, he stretched his long legs out, crossing them comfortably at the ankle.

Once he was situated, the wrist monitor was removed and a tech hooked him up to EEG, EKG, and other monitors while the doctor in attendance, probably Jennifer Keller, coordinated by making sure everything was calibrated and reading correctly from the monitoring stations in the adjoining room. With all of the monitoring equipment set up, attached, and operating as expected, the techs took their leave and the guard repositioned himself outside the door.

Teal'c moved about the room, dimming lights and lighting candles. For this first phase, while they waited for Colonel Sheppard, he merely intended to put Daniel at ease and help the doctor establish a baseline reading for the man's vitals so they would be able to recognize significant changes and not those brought on by the natural stresses of the situation. The Jaffa believed he knew Daniel Jackson well enough that he could have monitored him without the need for technology, but recognized the human need for such security measures.

With the atmosphere set, Teal'c returned to settle himself near Daniel, seating himself in a surprisingly graceful move for such a large man. Reaching out, he lightly gripped Daniel's wrist in his own strong hand. This particular Kel'no'reem ritual was for purposes other than the restoration of the body and spirit. Teal'c felt some light physical contact would help ground his friend...and maybe reassure him enough to let him release some of the self-control he maintained over his own psyche.

After a few moments where both men unconsciously synchronized their breathing, Teal'c glanced in the direction of the cameras that fed into the adjoining secure monitoring room, "We are ready to begin. Please send in Colonel Sheppard."

Throughout the preparations and proceedings, Daniel had concentrated on relaxing and trying to suppress his unease regarding what might happen once he relinquished control. While they waited for John Sheppard, Teal'c continued speaking in a low, relaxing tone. It was idle conversation. Reminisces on past good times shared, stories of his son and his wife and the impending birth of their second child. All things that made Daniel smile gently as the deep, rumbling voice of his friend soothed and relaxed him.

Jenn stood by in the room, watching the process. She had never seen anyone go through this. She was completely unaware if there could be any major complications.

The door opened quietly and John stepped inside the room, keeping very quiet and as still as possible as he watched, intrigued and a bit lost, at what was going on inside the room. He looked to Jennifer who gave him a small smile and he returned that with a tentative nod. Turning his attention back to Teal'c and Daniel, he waited.

"In the deepest state of Kel'no'reem we control every breath, every heartbeat," Teal'c spoke calmly, directing his words to Jennifer, nothing in his manner suggesting a cause for worry. "As Daniel Jackson reaches this state the space between his heartbeats will lengthen but you must not become concerned Doctor Keller, nor attempt to stop the meditation. It is a necessary part of the process. Only in doing so will Daniel Jackson reach a state sufficient to give Elizabeth Weir control of his physical body."

With that statement, John took a slow deep breath as his own heartbeat sped up a bit.

Daniel slipped deeper and deeper into a relaxed state as he listened to Teal'c. He was peripherally aware of Jennifer Keller and John Sheppard, but whether it was his own exhaustion or simply how adroitly Teal'c was guiding him in the meditation, he wasn't disturbed by their presence. He could feel his body relaxing, even hear his heartbeat slowing along with his breathing. With effort, Daniel continued focusing himself inward allowing the real world to fade away.

There was light and a fluttering presence...almost like the wings of some frightened creature of the air frantically trying to free itself. Instinctively, Daniel murmured softly and comfortingly to the presence. The light scattered and then coalesced into the visage of Elizabeth Weir. He reached out a hand toward her, "Come, they need to talk to you...to hear you."

With those words and that gesture, Daniel willingly surrendered control and allowed his consciousness to stretch and soar on the vast virtual universe surrounding it. In many ways it was like the first, heady moments of Ascension. No longer anchored by his physical body, he was free to explore...everything. These memories were not available to Daniel's conscious mind and the freedom was once again exhilarating.

Teal'c sat cross legged in front of Daniel, watching his friend closely. He could see the moment when Daniel achieved the required state, could sense him experiencing the wonder of mental freedom. Waiting patient and silent, ever ready to assist Daniel should it become necessary, Teal'c knew it would not be long before Doctor Weir made her presence known.

She could feel it. Her host was weakening voluntarily. He was coming closer to her, every moment. She spoke out, though she doubted anyone could hear her. But he came closer anyway. In a wash of white he appeared before her, his own mind reaching out to her. When he extended his hand she smiled softly, hope spreading within her.

As she grasped his hand everything went white. She swirled in a mix of unseen colours. Daniel had left the way clear for her, but she still found herself crawling to the top, to that little door that felt so close. Connecting with a mind was one thing. Becoming the other body was another. It took accuracy.

Black. The monitor attacked to Doctor Jackson went flat for a span, the noise ringing elsewhere. Then there was a gasp, a slight gulping of air. “Daniel’s” eyes shot open; his heart beat returning to normal rhythms, as if he were completely alert and awake as normal. While not her own, these eyes were feeling more familiar. Elizabeth looked around the room.

Her mind was blank, humming. Her eyes first fell on Teal’c, who had been guiding Daniel. They darted over to Jennifer who had been keeping her distance. Then they landed on John. She snapped to alertness.

“…It worked…” she breathed, the voice that emerged slightly unnerving. She looked down; her eyes searching across the floor, seeing the hands that were not hers before her. A pang of sadness rippled through her. She missed her own body, feeling whole. Collecting herself she looked back up to those in the room.

At those words, John suddenly stood up straighter, more alert. He looked at the man on the floor closely and watched in awe. "Elizabeth?" he asked, his voice breaking into a half-whisper as he forced his emotions in check.

“I'm sorry for all the chaos I've caused. I know I haven't been ... a pleasant source ... in our last few meetings. I wish things were different ... but I--" she stopped, clearing the throat that wasn't hers, avoiding the emotion that threatened to take over.

"His brain activity is showing a surge.”  Jenn trusted Daniel's judgment in this. He said that Teal'c knew what he was doing.

John stepped closer to her, his hazel eyes still intense as he listened. As he neared the spot where Jackson sat, now speaking as Elizabeth, he slowly lowered himself in front of them, looking at her warily from a sidelong gaze.

"There's nowhere else I can turn," she said firmly, looking up, eyes locking on the Colonel's. He had believed her, he was here. She took comfort in that.

"There's nowhere else you need to turn..." he whispered to her, barely able to find his voice. "You're alive... how?" he asked, thrilled that his last actions hadn't cost her her life after all. "Where are you, if not here? How do we find you?"

The concern in John's voice was overwhelmingly touching. If he kept that up she wasn't sure she'd be able to keep a reign on her own voice. She took a moment to remind herself that this was humiliating enough to her host as it was.

"I...hope I'm alive!" she tried to laugh but the sound that emerged was something between a laugh and cough. Possibly because she wasn't sure of the actual answer to that. If she didn't have a body could she still be alive? Or was that reduced to existing? She gave him a weak smile.

"I don't know how. All I know is that the others are gone...and I'm here. I'm being sustained in another form. Whatever I'm in, there's a communications system. It's what I'm using now, or at least I think I still am..." Her eyebrows knotted slightly. "Regardless, whatever I'm in has become much more volatile. The energy requirements for me to use this, to maintain myself, must be far greater than anticipated by whoever put me here..." She stopped, swallowing.

"If this continues ... if I drain a power source ... I don't know what damage I'm doing to whoever it was that saved me..." The firmness moved to her eyes. "So many have already been lost from my selfishness..."

"Forgive me Doctor Weir," Teal'c spoke in a low, respectful tone, bowing his head as he addressed the woman speaking from his friend's body, "but I must enquire about the well being of Daniel Jackson."

Elizabeth turned to Teal'c. She nodded to him. She may not have worked long at the SGC in comparison, but she still had a great respect for all of them.

"He's fine...I think. I can still feel him, in a similar place to where I was staying in his mind. I promise you that I wouldn't do anything to harm him. This process, I am merely a thought in his subconscious, really. Me being here is as gentle to him as hypnosis, though there may be some discomfort resurfacing."

In some far off corner of existence, Daniel was aware of his real surroundings. However, having relinquished physical control to the consciousness of Elizabeth Weir had freed him to explore his own subconscious...something he could not do when waking.

This almost incorporeal state allowed him freedom that was denied to him when waking and in control. It was almost a giddy experience. He could see and taste his memories of being Ascended, touch on the powers and knowledge that was locked away from his conscious mind. In this state there was no fear of being overwhelmed by the things the human mind was not evolved enough to cope with.

Daniel felt so light, so free and unhindered. His desire to return was rapidly dwindling.

"Daniel Jackson," Teal'c placed a firm hand on his friend's forearm. Something was wrong ... he couldn't explain how he knew, just that he sensed it.

Meeting Daniel's eyes Teal'c addressed the conscious occupant. "Elizabeth Weir, I believe you should reveal any further information of relevance with the utmost urgency. Daniel Jackson must not remain separate for much longer."

John listened first to Elizabeth and then his gaze went slowly over to Teal'c and he frowned at the Jaffa's suggestion. "Already?" he asked a bit surprised at the lack of time allowed. He turned back to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth... you need to tell us exactly where you're being held. How can we find you? The more precise you can be, the faster we can get to you... and we can help you save the people who saved you."

Daniel's search of his own subconscious was brought up short by the physical contact...Teal'c's gentle hand on his arm. Yet it did not really feel like his arm any longer. Without thinking, Daniel reached out with his mind to gently brush Teal'c's in reassurance causing a gentle breeze to stir in the room at his passing before he turned inward again.

Teal'c felt Daniel reach out to reassure him ... but he was not reassured. After Daniel's return from Ascension Teal'c had discussed the experience with his friend and knew of Daniel's conflict. The desire for that kind of mental freedom and exploration but at the expense of his need to act, to protect those he cared about. The allure would draw Daniel in ... to the point that he might not be able to resist the temptation to take that form again.

"Daniel Jackson," Teal'c said firmly. "You must begin your return to consciousness. There is much left in this realm that still requires your presence."

Close...so close. He could see the glow that beckoned him back to Ascension...back to being free of the physical...all Earthly burdens put aside and dismissed. The lure was of the knowledge he had lost by becoming mortal again...not the powers. Power had never meant much to him. But the freedom...the knowledge... That called to him on all levels.

He slowed on his course towards the alluring glow that heralded the Path...he was forgetting something....someone? There were ties to this existence...important ones...ones he had previously broken all rules for. Daniel paused, floating in his incorporeal world as he considered...Where did he really belong? Where was he needed?

Elizabeth froze. They were right. She could feel him slowly slipping way from his own body. She blocked the others out, calling into the mind that wasn't her own. Wait. Don't. Stay. You're not finished here. She hoped her host could hear her, at least long enough to keep him from Ascending. She had been searching for a way herself not so long ago. If there was one thing she had been taught by it, it was that the temptation was overwhelming. At the same time, it should be a life goal and a last resort. Quickly she turned back to the others.

"I don't know exactly where I am. I know I hadn't drifted for too long before the others were destroyed. The vessel I'm on now doesn't have hyperspace capabilities in its current state, but it is quite advanced. It has to be to hold me here." Her words were soft and firm, trying to convey the message as quickly and gently as possible to avoid panic.

"I'm not positive of how to translate my exact coordinates, but along with projecting myself I've been attempting to send a weaker signal. If I break all connection with Daniel I should be able to amplify and stabilize it enough so that it can be easily distinguishable. But please, be careful. I don't know the intentions of those who saved me. It could be mercy, it could be that they're planning to rip this false body apart to sell its parts. I don't know. I--"

Her face paled. Daniel hadn't listened, or hadn't heard her. He was stepping closer to that spot with every word she said. "...He's fading... I need your help..." She looked up. "I need to bring him back to you... I can talk with him, but he may not believe I truly exist."

Teal'c knelt closer to his friend, gripping his forearms firmly. "Daniel Jackson ... hear my words." His tone was low ... and commanding, ordering his friend to pay attention. "Your place is here ... with Colonel Carter ... with the Atlantis expedition. You must reclaim control of your physical body. We have what we need to assist Doctor Weir ... there is no longer any need for you to remain apart."

Sam heard what was happening from her observation station and rushed passed Sherlock and into the room, her eyes wide, "Daniel," she exclaimed as she knelt down beside him and shook him, "Daniel, wake up. It's alright now, I heard Teal'c, we can help Dr. Weir now...You need to come out of the trance now," her eyes were wide and filled with fear for losing her best friend, "Daniel, wake up. You need to wake up right now."

She stared at him, "Daniel, so help me if you leave us, if you leave me. We all need you here, you're my best friend..." she was about to lose him, maybe if she gave him a shock he'd wake up, "and a lot more." She stared at him, she didn't care if the others saw how worried she was; Daniel was her best friend and she was not about to let him slip away from them and her so easily....She didn't want him slipping away at all.

See? Elizabeth nudged in her mind. There are people who need you here Daniel. Come back to them. Come back to that person.

"His heart rate is really irregular,” Jennifer reported.

Daniel heard the frantic note in Sam's voice and reached out mentally to caress her face gently. In here, in this place he could do what he could not in reality. Daniel could admit he loved her and had almost from the beginning...in one form or another. If he chose to Ascend again...he would have to put those feelings away once and for all. This time the Others would not allow him to return.

"I have to go..." Elizabeth stated lowly. "If I don't leave now, he won't come back." Her words sounded more like an apology. She looked up at John quickly, smiling reassuringly. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."

"Teal'c? Colonel Carter?" she asked before closing her eyes. "Keep speaking to him, please."

In that iridescent place Elizabeth let an image of herself form before Daniel in the space he lingered in. She would be fuzzy to him, merely a whisper to his thoughts. She reached out, trying to grab onto him, pull him back while speaking soft words. "You can't go yet. Not yet."

Daniel paused in his considering of the glowing knot of knowledge and freedom before him.

Teal'c watched the scene closely, knowing Doctor Weir to be correct in her assumption that it was his friends, his special connection to Sam that would draw Daniel back.

"Daniel Jackson," Teal'c said softly, still maintaining his grip on the other man's arm. "Samantha needs you here ... I need you here. Your presence is important to many. You must return."

Teal'c''s voice...warm, strong and carrying as much urgency as the Jaffa was ever want to display stopped Daniel yet again. Teal'c needed him...Sam needed him. He turned toward the beckoning light. The allure...the thoughts he could do so much more if he Ascended again flowed through his mind...yet he hesitated. Hadn't that been his justification for leaving before?

"Daniel, please don't go," Sam exclaimed, "we need you here, each and every one of us. You can't go, not yet...It's your time, Daniel..."

Not surrendering completely, Elizabeth opened Daniel's eyes, nodding to Sam like she understood something maybe even she didn't, and leaned forward to bring her into a tight hug. "He'll hear you..." She whispered into her ear, burying his head against Sam's shoulder. "I promise."

Sam wrapped her arms around Daniel's body; Dr. Weir seemed trustworthy and Sam was putting her trust into Dr. Weir at the moment, "Daniel, please come back. It's time for you to come back now....Whatever you're seeing that has you wanting to go with them, ignore it. You're needed here, with us."

Pulling the corners of the mouth back slightly. Her eyes were sincere, trying to communicate something without being too evasive. But he needed to hear her, she had to make sure of it. Gently she leaned forward until Daniel's lips met Sam's in an attempt to connect her to him.

Sam's eyes went wider than they ever had before, her entire face went beat red until she felt the familiar feel of Daniel again. She knew it was him now because of the familiar calming feeling he had that seemed to float around him. She wanted to cry, laugh, jump for joy, she wasn't sure what she wanted to do she was so happy....Instead she took over the kiss from where Dr. Weir had left Daniel's body last.

Awareness flooded back in the form of a warm rush throughout his body. Eyes that had closed during the kiss, flew open wide as the man's face flushed with colour. God! He was kissing Sam. Sam who he loved with all his heart but who belonged to someone else. Sam...his dearest friend and in so many ways his soul mate! Sam...his commanding officer!

That last thought galvanized Daniel and he gently broke the kiss, glancing around wildly at the others gathered in the room...staring at him and their CO with various expressions...shock, amusement, worry...amusement. He blinked rapidly, "Uh...oh...hello. I...this...it was Dr. Weir..." Thoughts of how that sounded hit Daniel and if possible he turned redder, "Not Weir...kissing...yes...Oh God!" He heard himself babbling.

"Daniel, calm down," Sam smiled as she put a hand on his shoulder, "it was the only way she could get you back to us. You're back now," Sam struggled to hold back her emotions, she had nearly lost the man she had been in love with for a while now. "Daniel, if you ever think about going back to wherever it is you were before it’s your time again, know that when it's my time I will hunt you down and kick your bottom from here to the far reaches of the universe." She exclaimed, she wasn't about to let him ascend again, it wasn't his time; she needed him, Atlantis needed him, she wasn't about to let him go anywhere.

"Indeed Daniel Jackson," Teal'c let a small smile grace his face. He'd long been aware of the depth of Daniel's feelings for Colonel Carter ... and had suspected those feelings were returned. Perhaps this was the push they required to truly see what was in the others heart. Making a note to thank Doctor Weir when she was returned to the city, Teal'c returned his expression to careful blandness, waiting to see what Daniel or Sam would say next.

Sam paused before falling silent, she glanced at Daniel before she found herself blushing a little. "I'm...glad you're alright Daniel..." She wasn't sure what to say at the moment.

Daniel smiled at Sam and he reached out to touch her hand, "Ummmm...we need to catch a chance to talk. Just not here and now..." His canted his eyes at the other occupants of the room.

After that, Sam slipped out of the Isolation Room to speak to Teal'c. Keller ran another series of tests but prescribed nothing more than rest. Daniel was once again given his freedom although he would be subject to a pair of Marines as escort. He agreed to return to his quarters and rest as well as to the request to attend the Briefing that would be held the next morning. His input would be required since he had had the more intimate contact with Dr. Weir.

As everyone else went their own way, Daniel slipped out to head to his quarters to clean up a bit and then raced for the Gateroom to see Teal'c off.

oOo

Teal'c made his way down the stairs from Colonel Carter's office with Sam at his side. It had been a short visit but Teal'c couldn't afford to stay longer ... his responsibilities with the Jaffa council would not wait indefinitely.

Still, he was reluctant to leave after spending so little time with his closest friends. Especially now, when the foundations of the friendship between the two of them had been challenged. When Doctor Weir had kissed Sam on Daniel's behalf she must have been operating on some level of knowledge gleened from the man himself. Everyone in that room was now aware of that fact ... Sam was now aware. Teal'c sensed it would take time for the two of them to work out what it meant ... but take the time they must else let their friendship be adversely affected.

Glancing at his companion Teal'c noted that she looked troubled. "You are well Colonel Carter?" he enquired carefully.

Sam looked at Teal'c, "I'm grateful Daniel's alright, other than that, I'm fine," she replied. Nearly losing her best friend had scared the life out of her; then the kiss ... she was glad Dr. Weir had done what she had or Daniel might not have been amongst the living at the moment but she and Daniel were going to have to talk.

Sam shrugged her thoughts off. Teal'c was about to leave and it wasn't often she and Daniel got to see him. Letting him leave worried would not be something a friend would do at all, "I'm fine," she smiled. "Thank you for helping Daniel so we can help Dr. Weir, I'm not sure if Colonel Sheppard would have gotten to speak to her if you hadn't been here to help." Sam knew Daniel would have done everything in his power to give Elizabeth control if Teal'c hadn't been on Atlantis, but it might not have worked. After a person had been possessed a few times it was only natural for them to have a hard time giving up control; Sam understood that, she wasn't sure if she would have been able to do what Daniel had done.

When Sam arrived with Teal'c on the base of the stairs she turned and gave him a hug. "It was great having you here, Teal'c. Whenever you want to visit, the door's always open for you."

Teal'c let Sam's words stand for the moment, receiving her hug and returning it feelingly. "It is always a pleasure to see you Colonel Carter," Teal'c bowed his head to her respectfully. She smiled before stepping back and watching him approach Daniel.

Turning he acknowledged with a slight smile Daniel waiting to bid him farewell. He looked exhausted ... drained ... and edging on haunted by the days experience and yet Daniel still made the effort to say goodbye to his friend.

"Daniel Jackson," Teal'c approached him, stopping in front of the other man and bowing his head regally. "You should be in your quarters recovering."

Daniel returned Teal'c's nod with a gentle smile, "I intend to, T ... trust me." This time Daniel took the initiative to step forward and wrap his arms around the other man for a hug. He wasn't ready for Teal'c to leave, yet he understood the greater scope of the Jaffa's new responsibilities. That he had dropped everything to come to Atlantis as quickly as he had showed the depth of his feelings for his former teammates.

Stepping back from the embrace, Daniel smiled, "Thank you, Teal'c. Safe journey and my greetings to your family and Master Bra'tac."

"You are most welcome Daniel Jackson," Tealc replied. Turning so that he and Daniel remained side by side he motioned for Sam to join him. The three friends stood facing the Stargate together, Teal'c in the middle.

"The experience was ... interesting," Teal'c commented, keeping his eyes on the spinning circle. "Much was revealed ... leaving many issues requiring a resolution."

Looking down at Daniel Teal'c smiled fondly. "You see so much Daniel Jackson ... and yet that which is directly before you remains a mystery. Do not let assumptions guide your actions."

Turning then to Sam, Teal'c was amused to see her almost hesitant to receive his words. "Friendship is important Colonel Carter ... but you must not allow yours to become a barrier to achieving what you most desire."

Stepping forward Teal'c turned to look at Daniel and Sam standing with the space he'd left between them almost a physical presence. The kawhoosh burst out behind him and settled into a stable wormhole.

"I will leave you both with the words you once spoke Daniel Jackson," Teal'c said intently. "There is never enough time."

Making eye contact with each of them again, he nodded and then turned back towards the Stargate. A moment later he'd stepped through and onwards to Earth, leaving behind two friends with much on their minds.

Daniel watched Teal'c go with the Jaffa's words ringing in his mind. He felt a flash of sorrow as the event horizon swallowed Teal'c's form but at the same time he was happy for his friend and all the Jaffa. They had fought long and hard to achieve their freedom.

He slanted a glance at Sam as the day's events threatened to overtake him and he visibly drooped with weariness. "If I'm going to get things together for an 0700 briefing, I need to get some rest." Again the thoughts that they needed to talk assailed him, but he knew that now was not the time. Daniel was too tired and they needed to get this issue with Dr. Weir handled.

As he turned to leave the Gateroom, Daniel reached out just to brush Sam's hand. He wanted her to know that while he was feeling a bit awkward with her just now, she was still his friend, "We'll talk soon." Daniel turned and walked slowly out of the Gateroom towards his quarters.

Chapter 05: The Rescue
Thursday, 15^th January | 0700 Hours |Command Tower/Conference Room

Juggling his tablet laptop, a stack of briefing folders, and a cup of coffee, Daniel entered the main conference room. He was the first to arrive and glanced at his military issue wrist chronometer after setting his stuff on the table. It was a fraction before 0700 which was great. It gave him time to set-up for his portion of the briefing.

After the Kel'no'reem the previous day and the strain of channelling Elizabeth Weir's consciousness, and then seeing Teal'c off ... Daniel had collapsed in his quarters in exhaustion and slept soundly until around 0300. Upon waking, the first thing that flooded his memory was THE KISS. Funny how his mind capitalized that memory causing him to wince in acute self-embarrassment. And events had been against him catching a private moment with Sam in order to apologize although he had been told that apologizing for kissing a lady...even a best friend one...might not be the right path either. 'Elizabeth!' Daniel chastised mentally, 'What were you thinking?'

Putting those thoughts away, Daniel busied himself with setting out the briefing folders in front of each seat and getting his tablet PC connected to the main view screen so he could walk through the presentation once the others arrived.

Teyla walked into the briefing room. She had heard all about what had happened to Daniel with Elizabeth. When she entered Daniel, no doubt, was already in there.

“Daniel, how have you been?” She took her place and waited for his reply. She looked slightly at the briefing file.

Glancing at Teyla as she entered and took a seat, Daniel gave her a nod and slight smile, "I'm good, thank you. How have you been? How's Torren?" He inquired politely after Sheppard's Team's second-in-command...not adverse to making small talk while they waited for others to arrive and the Briefing to begin.

“He is fine, his ear ache is better. I’m doing just fine.” Teyla let it hang at that and went to reading the briefing hoping to get a better understanding of what she might be up against.

"That's good to hear," Daniel replied and as the conversation lagged into companionable silence, he returned to busying himself with getting the tablet PC linked into the conference room's audio/video system so he would be ready to start when the meeting got called to order.

Karina walked into the briefing room, certifiably nervous internally. She was still getting used to being on the second-in-chain team. Or, to be more accurate, getting used to working with people who outranked her by so much on such a regular basis. Even seeing Dr. Jackson here was a little shocking. He might have been be a civilian, but his name was infamous. Of course, she kept her nerves in check as she sat in the chair that would logically be hers if she remembered the meeting announcement right. As she did, she nodded at Teyla with a small smile, leaving Dr. Jackson to his work.

Daniel looked up, a ready smile gracing his features as the newcomer entered the room. "Good morning, Lt. Moreno. Pleasure to meet you. I'm Dr. Daniel Jackson. We're still waiting for the others. Feel free to go ahead and look over the mission brief." He nodded toward the folder lying on the table in front of the young woman.

"Thank you, Doctor." She smiled and accepted the file. It seemed that he was just as friendly as others said. She was surprised at how at ease she already felt around him. Maybe she just needed to loosen up. Go figure, she had spent most of her time trying to tame her over-exuberant personality for her military life and she was to work for someone who seemed casual.

Major Lorne walked into the conference room on the tail end of Moreno's statement. Glancing at his watch he frowned, happy to see that she was there but wondering where Parker had gotten to. For this mission he was going with a three person team - no point in picking a science specialist when he had every intention of suggesting Doctor Jackson accompany them ... assuming the man wanted to be included of course.

Lorne was more than keen for the mission to be finalized ... he'd been around for the past couple of days, been updated by Colonel Sheppard on the events that had led to the upcoming briefing. But there'd been nothing he could do personally to help Doctor Weir ... that was about to change and Lorne couldn't help but think 'finally - some action!'

"Morning Moreno, Doctor Jackson," Lorne greeted them both with a nod before going to sit beside Karina. "How's it going Teyla?" he added, smiling at the room's third occupant.

"Well Major Lorne. How are things for yourself?" She watched as everyone took their seats.

"Good, eager to get moving," Lorne replied, sitting down and opening the mission briefing file.

Just as she had finished talking, Lieutenant Moreno's C.O. had walked in. Careful of her posture, she nodded to him, muttering 'sir' respectively. She still thought it felt like a dream, being accepted onto a well respected officer's team. What he saw in her abilities to have that much faith in her - to give her the recommendation - she wasn't sure. But she wasn't complaining! Besides, being on a team with two people with the ancient gene meant lots of nifty tech for her to play with!

Daniel looked over at Major Lorne and offered a friendly grin. He had first met the man several years ago when SG-1 had been called in to deal with a situation on P3X-403. He remembered berating the younger major for moving several artefacts before contacting Daniel and his department. The Major had been very laid back in regards to the archaeologist's outrage and by the end of the mission, Daniel had developed quite a liking and respect for the younger man.

Now, he nodded affably and as was his usual want, he eschewed the greeting him by rank, "Evan. It's good to see you again."

"You too Doctor Jackson," Lorne replied, looking up with a smile for the other man. "Although I have to say you're looking tired. I was thinking we could really use you on this mission - got a vacant spot on my team with your name on it - if you're up to it?" Operating under the assumption that Doctor McKay was going to be cleared for duty ... which was by no means certain, that left only one vacant position on the mission teams. Lorne decided it made sense for Jackson to be a part of his team rather than just an addition to the mission as a whole. And it fit with the big picture plan of having the archaeologist/linguist permanently assigned to his team.

Blinking in surprise at the offer, Daniel shook his head at the first of Lorne's statement, "Daniel..." he corrected in regards to his name. There was a time and place for formality and for emphasizing his rank, but for the most part Daniel preferred the more casual form of address from co-workers and friends. "If Dr. Keller clears me for the field ... and Colonels Sheppard and Carter, of course ... I'd love to join your team for this. As for the tired ... I still am a little but it's not debilitating. So ... certainly, if it is permitted, of course."

"Daniel," Lorne reiterated casually, pleased to be able to drop the Doctor Jackson address. "Sure - you'll need to get clearance from the Doc. Colonel Sheppard approves all the team placements ... given how much you've already helped I can't see him refusing to have you tag along."

Parker arrived in the conference room a little before the briefing was due to start. He was very interested to see what sort of mission this would be, especially with Dr. Jackson involved. From what he had heard, they could probably expect it to be more than just a run of the mill exploration.

"Good morning," Parker nodded and smiled politely to everyone.

"Morning Lieutenant," Lorne greeted his last team mate, grinning because his entire team had arrived before Colonel Sheppard's. Not that it was a competition or anything.

Parker was never one who liked to interrupt conversations, so he decided to pass the time with Moreno until the briefing began. "So what do you think this is about?" he asked curiously.

"Not sure," Karina talked at a low level as not to disturb others. "Though from the things that people have been reporting lately, I think we might be in for more than a general meet and greet, swoop and shoot."

She was referring of course to the mysterious appearance and disappearance of the infamous Teal'c as well as rumours of Daniel's health. She made it her business not to listen to the rumour mill, but there were just some things that were hard to escape. Especially when senior officers were involved, at least.

Sheppard walked into the room and headed straight for the coffee pot set up behind Major Lorne and his team. "Morning Major ... people ..." he greeted quietly.

"Sir," Lorne acknowledged, frowning at his C.O.'s obvious tiredness. He was guessing Colonel Sheppard hadn't slept well the previous night ... for not unexpected reasons. The sooner they could go out there and rescue Doctor Weir the better for all their sakes.

After pouring his mugful Sheppard moved around the large table to take his usual seat to Teyla's left and swivelled his chair to grin at her, "Teyla." Then he looked at Daniel and raised his mug a bit as he greeted him as well. "Dr. Jackson ... you look to be feeling better. Nice to see ya," he stated and sipped the hot beverage before resting casually in the chair as he waited.

Nodding at John, Daniel replied affably, "Please, make it Daniel ... I'm good. Got plenty of sleep."

Sam walked in a moment later; she glanced at Daniel and gave a smile, trying to forget about the kiss. Sam had already told herself to act as if nothing happened, if she and Daniel were nervous around each other it would make it harder to rescue Dr. Weir. After Dr. Weir had saved Daniel she felt stronger than before about saving her.

"Morning Daniel, everyone," she exclaimed as she poured a cup of coffee for herself and sat down; she looked around to see if everyone was there so they could start the meeting. She didn't like being this late for anything, but yesterday's events had left plenty of room for nightmares until she finally decided to stop trying to go back to sleep. Instead, she started reading and signing mission reports and making notes of who she needed to talk to when some notes had handwriting worse than most doctors' handwriting.

Daniel glanced up at Sam's greeting and gave her a smile and a nod. Hard on her heels, Ronon entered and claimed a seat next to his team. Behind him, Keller came in and grabbed a vacant seat, nodding to everyone else. The general consensus was that Daniel was unharmed and not subject to being controlled by the Weir consciousness, but she had been asked to the Briefing to log her official medical opinion.

Sam stood up and thanked everyone for coming, "As you know Dr. Weir has contacted us through Daniel ... she needs our help ... we need to rescue her. We know she's living in a virtual reality, but her existence in that reality is draining power that could kill off an entire culture. She contacted us through Daniel yesterday and we need to get her body back and find a way to get her consciousness back into it."

This seemed to be Daniel's cue to stand up and take over for his part of the Briefing. He cleared his throat and glanced at the assembled personnel before starting, "We will go with the Reader's Digest Condensed version of how this all came to light. Essentially, an entity or consciousness claiming to be Dr. Elizabeth Weir contacted Atlantis, specifically Lt. Colonel John Sheppard, using my subconscious and physical body as the conduit. It has been determined via EEG and other medical tests that this entity is, in all likelihood, who she says she is. Additionally, we have John Sheppard's verification that the person speaking to him while in control of my body reflected the cadences, rhythms of Dr. Weir's speech patterns. At this point we are as certain as it is possible to be that the being that made contact is, in fact, the still living consciousness of Dr. Elizabeth Weir."

Sheppard nodded his assent to that statement.

Daniel paused to take a drink of water before continuing, "Contact with the consciousness of Dr. Weir for verification purposes was established during a deep session of the Jaffa ritual meditation called Kel'no'reem. Teal'c attended and guided me through the process. During this time I was monitored medically and Lt. Colonel John Sheppard remained in the isolation room and spoke with Dr. Weir. It has been determined that there is a time limit on finding her and retrieving the current human-form Replicator body that she inhabits ... a creation that I believe Dr. McKay called Fran."

"I know this is a lot to take in and believe ... but, those of you that have served the SGC program for period of time know that this is not the most bizarre situation we've encountered. I can only surmise that I was the one Dr. Weir contacted due to my previous encounters with human form Replicators ... namely Repli-Carter," Daniel glanced at each person with a slight smile. "And if you've not been here long enough to encounter the bizarre ... you will."

Lorne glanced at the other members of his team ... both of them were so new that a briefing about the bizarre could probably be classed as bizarre in its own right. That thought alone made him more determined to get Daniel on his team ... something he'd mention as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

"Now ... I'd like to add for the record that prior to our controlled experiment in contacting Dr. Weir, I had another encounter with her during R.E.M. sleep ... in a dream state," Daniel hesitated again. This next information involved his very private life and he hated delving into that, but the information could be vital to the mission, so he continued, "I was aware that I had been dreaming oddly and not resting well, but could not recall the subject matter of the dreams upon awakening. After the Kel'no'reem, I was able to access some of these dream memories. In most of them, I was being contacted by Elizabeth Weir."

Daniel leaned down and picked up the remote to trigger an image on the main view screen of an Ancient Aurora class warship, "Per the dream memory conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Weir ... her body has been retrieved from space by an unknown alien race ... humanoid ... that inhabits a derelict Aurora class warship. She was put into one of the ship's stasis pods and has accessed the stasis virtual reality technology. This is how she gained enough power to contact us ... via me. She stated both in the Kel'no'reem session and in my dream memory that sustaining her and her usage of the VR tech has significantly depleted the ship's remaining power supplies ... thus endangering the lives of those living on the vessel."

As he spoke, Daniel had slowly gone through a number of slides showing interior and exterior shots of an Aurora taken from the Atlantis Ancient Database. "Since some of this information was gleaned during a dream-state, we cannot rely one-hundred percent on its validity. It is, however, the best information we have at the moment."

"I and my team have been on an Aurora class warship. We know it pretty well, every deck," Sheppard mentioned as added information that they wouldn't be going in blind to the layout.

"Further speculation suggests that this warship is probably adrift somewhere in the region where Dr. Weir and the other Replicators exited the Stargate. Sam can probably do a calculation of the average drift of a human body in space over the time period we have to work with and give us a rough search area. In addition we can put our near and remote sensors to sweeping that region of space. Once Dr. Weir's current physical form has been retrieved ... hopefully along with her conscious self ... we will need to determine how to proceed," Daniel stopped. More dangerous ground ahead. Most of these people had known and served with Dr. Weir and had suffered greatly due to her loss. "Whether or not this is truly Weir's consciousness can be determined via EEG comparisons. However, the physical form is still a Replicator and we all know ... well know ... how dangerous that can be despite the best of intentions on Dr. Weir's part. I would strongly advise finding a way to keep her in stasis until we can figure out a means of moving her to a true human body."

Sheppard recalled the few instances that he and McKay had gone round and round heatedly regarding Elizabeth's future as a Replicated enhanced being. John was ready to take her out himself if he had to, knowing that was not the way she'd want to live... and knowing she'd want him to in order to keep the city and its population safe from whatever she might do while not under her own control. He sat listening, his face a study of severity as he frowned at the images as Daniel spoke to the group.

At this point Daniel grinned slightly, "Since we are already dealing with an outlandish situation, I suggest we take it a step further. Once the body of Elizabeth Weir/Fran has been located ... we summon the Odyssey. We might be able to fathom their process of cloning and using DNA on file here for Dr. Weir ... maybe we can reconstruct her a purely human body. The Asgard also had a means of moving their consciousness from one body to another ... hopefully our techs have made inroads on learning those technologies."

Jenn cleared her throat. "If the body can be cloned, we can sustain the brain's life long enough to transfer Weir's conscience."

Sheppard's expression opened up a bit and he looked from Daniel to Colonel Carter with a touch of surprise and even hope in his eyes.

Sam saw Colonel Sheppard's look and was even more determined than before to rescue Dr. Weir.

Watching his CO Lorne noticed when Colonel Sheppard's expression went from carved in stone severity to a softer, more open one. Inside Lorne felt himself relax too ... it had been on his list of things to raise - the security implications of Doctor Weir still being essentially a Replicator and therefore a risk to the city - and he was relieved he didn't need to be the one to point out the obvious. Even with the plan to return her to a human cloned body Lorne still considered the risks of bringing a Replicator back to Atlantis a very risky proposition but he'd bide his time ... see how the mission plan panned out ... before speaking up.

Gesturing to the room, Daniel smiled at Sheppard and Sam before picking up his water bottle and returning to his seat, "I'll now hand the briefing back over to command to determine the teams and mission details."

"Okay, we have ---" Sheppard began and stopped as Lorne spoke up.

"Before you do that Sir, Ma'am," Lorne nodded to each of his superior officers respectfully, "if I may?"

John simply gave his Second his attention as it wasn't the norm for the Major to interrupt so abruptly that he figured whatever the issue it was important to Evan. "Major? Something you wish to add?"

"Yes, Sir," Lorne replied. "Before you confirm mission personnel I wanted to formally request that Doctor Jackson be assigned directly to my team. We have no way of knowing if these aliens Doctor Weir spoke of are hostile or not ... and she may be the only way to communicate with them. Daniel is strongly connected to this ... once we get out there he can help us talk to Doctor Weir if it turns out we need to." Resting back into his chair, Lorne waited for what he hoped would be a positive reaction.

"I will be going as well. We have no idea what strain this is putting on Daniel." Jenn looked around as if daring someone to say no.

Sam looked at Daniel, "I'll start the calculations as soon as the briefing is over." Thinking about Major Lorne's question for a moment, Sam looked first at him and then at Daniel before nodding. "Daniel can be part of your team as long as Colonel Sheppard agrees," she replied; guessing that Sheppard might want Daniel on his team since he and Dr. Weir were close and he could speak to her through Daniel. But Lorne's team could really use Daniel's help as well since most of them were newer to the Stargate Program; she had learned from Jack that the left hand and the right hand needed to agree before saying yes to many things.

Lorne nodded wordlessly, knowing that even with Colonel Carter agreeing Colonel Sheppard could still veto the idea. Of course Sheppard would seriously consider Lorne's suggestion and hopefully see the merit in it, beyond their plan for this specific mission.

Sheppard listened to Carter's comment but since the ultimate responsibility to assign teams had always rested with him he gave it a few more seconds of serious thought. His eyes went to Parker and Karina, two new LT's fresh from the Old World. They were experienced young officers ... back on Earth, but not in the Pegasus.

He flipped his options around in his head as to what to do with the fresh young team. Well, there was only one thing he could think to do that would be the smartest course of action. John nodded. "Dr. Jackson ... you'll be officially assigned to Major Lorne's team as soon as the paperwork gets situated. Until then you are assigned to his team and I'd appreciate it if you could lend your experience and know-how to the team at large. Lieutenants ... not to take anything away from either one of you, but until you do get your feet under you here in the Pegasus galaxy, I'd like you to keep positions three and four to watch their sixes. Once you are acclimated to Atlantis and the goings on in Pegasus, we'll see about switching you off to teams you can assist in command duties. If there are no objections to that ... Major Lorne, your request is granted," he gave Lorne a nod then turned back to the assembly to add, "Besides, both Lorne's team and my own will be working this mission in tandem so the teams may get shifted about as skill sets are needed anyway. That's it," he stated so Daniel could go on.

Daniel gave a nod of assent and agreement.

Lorne acknowledged his COs agreement with a nod of his own too, well pleased that his request had been granted. Glancing back to Daniel Lorne smiled, hoping the other man was also happy with his new placement.

Parker listened intently to the briefing. His eyes widened at several points, but his face remained politely impassive. To say that the whole situation was bizarre was an understatement. The more Daniel talked the more amazed Parker became. Sure, he had heard the stories from the older expedition members and had seen his share of the strange while flying X302s, but this was a bit more than he had expected. Still, if anyone could handle something this farfetched, it would be the Atlantis team.

Perhaps even more surprising was Major Lorne's sudden invitation to have Dr. Jackson join their team. True, they were without a fourth member, but having someone like Jackson around hadn't even entered into his mind. It would be an honour to work with someone so well known for his contributions to the program, even if it was only for one mission. It was also bound to make the mission even more interesting than before.

Karina listened with an even face. Even being stationed in Atlantis as long as she had, she hadn't seen nearly as many bizarre outcomes and situations as many of the others. At the same time she had no problem excepting that for fact. First and foremost, the news was coming from her superiors. Second, she had always been a trusting soul when life allowed her to be.

She looked over to Parker who was sitting beside her. He seemed game for this new team member. For Karina she was excited, but also very nervous at the prospect. But now wasn't a time to be analysing her emotions. She had to focus on the mission at hand. Wait, did they mention cloning technology? Now THAT was something she was itching to get her paws on. Sadly, even she knew that it would be way outside her field of expertise. Oh well! It would still be fun to look at if she ever got a chance.

"With the Colonels' permission then, I guess we kit out and meet in the Puddle Jumper Bay." Daniel stood up and stretched trying not to grin. While he in no way discounted the seriousness of the situation, he was delighted to get back into the field. While the others finished what needed doing before the mission launch, he gathered his briefing paraphernalia and prepared to go kit up.

oOo

Daniel reached the Puddle Jumper Bay seemingly ahead of everyone else. As was his usual routine, he dropped his backpack, opened it and quickly made adjustments...redistributing the regular items provided by Logistics and his personal gear quickly to even the load. Afterward, he began a weapons and ammo check making sure that he was one-hundred percent and ready to move out.

Lt. Parker like to be early when leaving for a mission and was a little surprised to find that he was not the first one to arrive. Dr. Jackson seemed to have the same idea. Parker was already weighted down with all his gear for the mission: a full range of weapons and ammo that he hoped he wouldn't have to use, emergency food and bandages, a few helpful tools such as a flashlight and Swiss Army knife, and his favourite, a Life Signs Detector. There was nothing like being able to find one's enemy before it could find you.

"Got everything you need, Dr. Jackson?" he asked politely. He was sure Daniel had it covered. He had been on far more missions, after all, but it seemed the best way to start a conversation. It would be nice to know the man behind the reputation, especially if they were going to be working together.

Daniel looked up with a slight smile, "Yes, Lt. Parker ... thanks. Standard SG field team issue gear pack, weapons, ammo, and a few items specific to my trade ... good to go." He finished checking his P-90 and clipped it to his vest. Daniel had taken the mandatory training on the H&Ks and other weapons the SGC routinely issued to its personnel, but the P-90 had become an old and favoured friend ... along with the zat clipped to his belt. Zats were not standard for Atlantis, but after his last visit, Daniel had gotten consent to bring a couple.

"Ready to rock and roll," Daniel added as he slipped from scholar mode into soldier.

Parker smiled back at the last comment. Jackson was not quite the reluctant soldier he had been anticipating. People always tended to surprise him when he least expected it, making it difficult to establish any ideas about them before they really got to know each other. Tobias nodded in agreement, checking his own P90 for the dozenth time.

"Good. Now we just have to wait for everyone else." Parker cocked his head in curiosity and continued. "Ever flown in a Jumper before?" he asked.

"Noooo ... Daedalus class starships, the odd Al'kesh, Ha'taks ... both Goa'uld vessels ... Ori mothership, Asgard motherships, but no Puddle Jumpers. So ... guess this is a first," Daniel responded with a grin.

Parker was quite impressed by Daniel's list, but equally pleased to find that he had done one thing that the other man hadn't. Tobias returned the grin with delight. "First time for everything," he declared brightly. "There's nothing like flying a Jumper in my opinion," he added thoughtfully. He walked over to the jumper and patted it fondly. Lorne would probably fly theirs, of course, being the senior officer, but that didn't bother him. He knew he would get plenty of other chances.

The younger man's enthusiasm was obvious. Daniel shook his head slightly. Despite doing what he had to do to get the mission done, Daniel had never quite gotten past his thing with heights. It was unlikely ... no matter how many motherships he had piloted ... that he would ever enjoy it. "Pilots," Daniel said with humour lacing his voice.

Teyla walked in to see both Parker and Daniel standing in the jumper bay talking. She nodded and smiled slightly at them, fearing of interrupting their conversation. All she heard was the word pilot escape Daniel’s lips.

Parker smiled and shrugged. From Daniel's comment, he certainly wasn't the first pilot the other had met. "Wait until you see Colonel Sheppard behind the controls," he returned with amusement. Sheppard was, if possible, even crazier about flying than he was.

Parker looked up to see Teyla arrive and nodded a friendly greeting to her. "Good morning, Teyla."

Major Lorne strode into the Jumper Bay only a few seconds behind Teyla, already geared up for the upcoming mission. "Teyla," Lorne acknowledged her with a friendly smile. "Daniel, Parker," he turned to greet his team next, "You guys all good to go?"

"Yes Lorne, I am." Teyla smiled at everyone. She was a little bit worried about the mission though. It could go horribly wrong, though she doubted it would.

"All set, sir," Parker confirmed. At least he was as ready as he ever would be for a mission that was bond to be as unpredictable as it was unbelievable.

Lorne nodded an acknowledgment before making his way to Jumper Two ... the ship his team would use for the mission. Taking care of the more detailed pre-flight checks, and making sure supplies were fully restocked only took a few minutes, after which he returned to join the others still waiting outside the ship.

Karina rushed around the corridor, careful to slow down to a controlled pace as soon as the jumper bay's doors came into view. There had been a hold up at the armoury, much to her dismay. She had figured she'd be on watch out for the others, as Sheppard had ordered to them. She wouldn't expect anything else, but that was no excuse to be late.

Luckily she arrived before Sheppard or most of his team had, even if her CO and other team mates were. She nodded to Teyla respectively before joining her team. "Sorry, Major." She apologized briefly. "Apparently the new armoury detail didn't get the message that I had been put on your team, sir."

"No problem Lieutenant," Lorne returned casually. "We're still waiting on Colonel Sheppard anyway." Looking at the others, Lorne began assigning specific roles within his team. "Parker, I'll be flying the Jumper - you'll act as co-pilot ... Moreno, you're on communications. Daniel, for now you'll be purely an observer, at least for the flight itself and our approach to the Ancient ship. I'll revise those roles once we're on board and we've assessed the situation over there."

Daniel nodded his understanding, but spoke up, "Remember...we have very little knowledge of the people that have taken up residence in the ship...we shouldn't assume they are hostile...or peaceful. It's vital we assess before acting once we land and disembark."

"Yes, sir." Karina noted, settling down to the communications system. Start of the mission tension filled her stomach, but her "game face" was firmly in place. While Karina may be light hearted, on the job there was only business. She kept her eyes on her job, and her ears open for orders.

Parker nodded. "Understood," he said to both Lorne and Daniel. He certainly hoped they could complete this mission without encountering violence, but it was best to be ready for anything.

Sheppard marched down the hall fully kitted out and ready to go. He trotted up the stairs to the command centre still adjusting his P-90 hanging off his vest. Chuck watched him march by without saying a word because the Colonel was totally focused elsewhere, he could tell. He wished the teams luck silently as they readied themselves to go get Dr. Weir and bring her home ... hopefully.

John trotted up the flight of stairs that led to the Jumper Bay above the command centre and strode through the door briskly. He noted Teyla and Lorne's team was there and looked around as he stopped in place. "Where's Ronon?" he asked, barely containing a growl as he scowled.

"Right here. Don't get your shorts twisted," Ronon replied as he walked in right behind his team leader. "What about McKay?"

"Rodney's not cleared from medical. Its better he stay put right now anyway. We can do this ..." Sheppard remarked because this was going forward no matter what as far as he was concerned. "Lorne? Your team all set?" he asked.

"Yes Sir," Lorne replied confidently. "We're all raring to go."

With a nod to the major, Sheppard moved back along his original trajectory and strode into the open hatch of Jumper One. The small craft immediately powered up to warm its engines and the interior lights came on as he made his way to the command module of the tiny ship.

He dropped into the left side pilot's seat and touched his fingers to the control panel dashboard and its systems lit up for him. Trained, experienced eyes scanned all the system's gauges and any information he needed to know. Everything that was supposed to be lit was lit, and he could feel the hum of the shuttle like the thrumming of a dog's tail on a thick rug.

He could feel the internal heaters kicking on and the life support system geared up, he could smell the purity of the oxygen seeping through the vents as it prepped to support them in the silent freeze of outer space. Inertial dampeners came online with a sequence of lights across the top of the dash and John unclipped his P-90 and laid it down on the floor beside his seat.

Once he was certain the Jumper was ready to go, he got up and walked back outside to check the others. Ronon stood nearby looking at him expectantly with his arms crossed over his broad chest. "We got everyone?" he asked Lorne, looking to Jackson he gave the man a single nod.

"All mission personnel present and accounted for Sir," Lorne replied formally. Taking his CO's question and nod to Daniel as confirmation the mission was a go, Evan glanced at each member of his team, his expression telling them to take their positions.

"Okay, let’s mount up then," Sheppard told them and turned to walk back up the ramp, sparing Teyla and Ronon a look.

"Let's go," Ronon agreed and dropped his arms, following Teyla into the ship and hitting the palm plate to his left to raise the ramp and seal the hatch. Moving forward he sat behind Teyla in the cockpit so he could see both his teammates from the rear seat.

Leading the way into Jumper Two, Lorne took his place in the pilot's chair, noting Lt. Parker in the co-pilot position beside him, Moreno on systems status behind him and Daniel sitting in the remainder of the four seated positions available in the front section of the little craft.

Bringing the systems quickly on line and running his pre flight checks, Lorne was quickly ready to proceed. Opening a radio channel to the other Jumper, Lorne reported their status.

"Colonel Sheppard. Jumper Two is ready for launch."

"Copy that, Jumper Two," Sheppard acknowledged the message. "Flight, this is Sheppard. Jumpers One and Two ready for launch."

"Copy that, Colonel. The Gate is clear," Chuck's voice told him in his ear.

"Roger that," Sheppard replied and looked to Teyla. "Dial the Gate."

As she began the dialling sequence he put his hands on the controls and let Jumper One rise off the deck. As the vortex churned below and settled back in on itself like a shimmering puddle, the bay doors spun slowly open above the Gateroom. He manoeuvred Jumper One over the opening and the Jumper lowered itself on auto pilot and angled itself for proper position to jump through the Gate. Just as it shot forward into the big blue puddle, Jumper Two automatically lowered from above and mirrored the first craft's actions identically before launching itself through the portal.

Chapter 06: The Rescue part 2
Thursday, 15^th January | Atlantis time 0815 Hours | Space Gate - Orion warship

Jumper One shot out of the Space Gate like a bullet, followed seconds later by Jumper Two. Sheppard's internal question brought up the H.U.D. automatically and he checked the scanner to see the blip of Lorne's craft behind him.

"Okay, Major ... this is where we sent the Replicators ... but I don't see them on the scanner. Widening scanner range ..." and the HUD flipped, showing the Jumpers as tiny dots now instead of large green blobs as the scanner widened its view.

"That ship Daniel mentioned should be in the area, supposedly adrift ... head out at 1-9-5 and scan ... I'll head 2-8-0. Stay in touch and let me know if you pick up anything."

"Acknowledged Sir," Lorne replied, doing a wide sweeping turn back towards the gate and passing a few degrees south, south west of its position. Activating the sensors, he began scanning for any indicators of the Ancient ship, following a standard search pattern as he took Jumper Two further and further away from the other Jumper.

Daniel glanced around thinking that the experience of travelling through the Stargate via Puddle Jumper was decidedly disquieting. As Lorne guided them off on their own given tangent, the archaeologist shivered slightly and went still. His eyes went unfocused and he stared straight ahead as if in a trance.

Something felt wrong. The further they travelled on the course Sheppard assigned the more ill at ease Daniel became and cold...almost to the point of shivering. Moving slowly, he turned his seat slightly and felt the unease lessening. It then occurred to him ... somehow he had a physical link to Elizabeth Weir that had been activated when they transitioned through the Stargate. Perhaps it was proximity ... but he could definitely guide them based on the strength of his feelings.

Leaning forward, he tapped Lorne's shoulder, "Hard left, Evan ... what we seek is that way."

Lorne glanced back at Daniel, noting the pupil dilation and the way he seemed to be there but at the same time focussed elsewhere. Making a snap decision Lorne went with his instincts and took the Jumper around so that they were heading east of their original position.

"Colonel Sheppard this is Major Lorne," he immediately radioed to report their revised heading. "Based on instructions from Doctor Jackson we have veered hard left, heading 1-0-0. I can't say for sure, Sir but if I had to guess I'd say Daniel has some kind of connection to the ship's physical location."

"Doubt it's the ship he's connected to, Major. More like Elizabeth..." Sheppard returned casually. "Altering course to 1-0-0." Sheppard barely moved and Jumper One did a large lazy loop around and shot like a bullet in the new direction.

Parker kept his eyes on the HUD, paying close attention to the readouts concerning the Jumper. Lorne would be watching where they were going, so Parker would make sure they got there, hopefully without a hitch. He glanced back to look at Daniel. The man looked a little odd. Much different from what he had been in the Jumper Bay. Perhaps it was the flying, but Tobias thought it was more likely something to do with the mission, especially after the archaeologist directed Lorne on a different course. Curiosity growing, Parker turned to see what might lie in that direction.

"Daniel?" Lorne glanced at the other man again, before turning back to recheck the scanning progress results. "What's goin' on?"

It took a bit of effort, but Daniel pulled his wandering subconscious back and blinked to awareness, "I don't know, Evan ... not for certain. It's like when you play that children's guessing game where you tell people if they are getting hot, cold, warm, etc. as they guess or get close to an object or subject. I could just tell as we started on the original heading that we were getting colder ... I felt it ... physically and there's like this psychic pull." Daniel paused and took a deep breath. "In other times I'd say someone had laid a geis on me."

"A geis?" Lorne raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar term. "I don't know what that is but it sounds pretty bad." Keeping half an eye on Daniel as he continued to pilot the Jumper, Evan noticed the other man was still distracted and pale ... they needed to find the ship before the connection Daniel had began to adversely affect him. "So ... where are we on that temperature scale now?"

"In Irish mythology and folklore, a geis is an idiosyncratic taboo, whether of obligation or prohibition, similar to being under a vow or spell. The Welsh meaning is very similar. A geis is often put on someone and was the bane of most heroes from Irish mythology. Most often a geis is cast by a woman on a man ... usually the woman is a deity of one type or another," Daniel's answer was automatic and delivered in his college professor's voice. He blinked slowly and finally registered the rest of Lorne's question, "It's getting warmer ... way warmer." Daniel felt beads of sweat break out on his forehead and his breathing became slightly rapid. Waves of heat rolled through his body and he reached for his canteen, soaked a bandanna he had carried with him and mopped his brow with it, seeking relief from the heat.

Moreno listened from her seat silently. She had listened to the story of Dr. Weir's connecting to Jackson, but she had been logically sceptical. Now, as she saw the physical changes in him she started to get slightly unnerved internally. It was her pre-med training kicking in, this man obviously did not look healthy.

"Dr. Jackson?" She piped up. "I realize this connection is important, are you sure that you're feeling alright enough to do this?" Her voice was sincere. Even as military, the well being of her teammates came first if at all possible.

Daniel nodded and smiled faintly, "The faster we do this the faster I get my head space back to housing just me. Don't worry, I can do what has to be done."

"So we're getting close to the ship?" Lorne confirmed, thinking with amusement that he was so glad he'd asked Daniel to explain the geis reference. Clearly his education in Earth mythology had just begun. Not that Lorne would admit it to anyone but ... he was kinda looking forward to learning more.

When Daniel nodded his reply Lorne got back on Jumper to Jumper communications. "Colonel Sheppard, Lorne here," he began. "Dr Jackson seems to think we're gettin' pretty close Sir ... I don't have a visual yet and nothing's come up on scanners but I'm cloaking the Jumper as a precaution." Matching actions to words Evan thought the ship invisible, knowing from the outside they'd just rippled and shimmered into hiding within the blackness of space.

"How long 'till you reach our position Sir?" Lorne queried, hoping the answer was gonna be 'right about now'.

"Already there, Major," Sheppard's voice came into the cockpit as his Jumper pulled up to the right of Jumper Two cloaked. He watched his positioning on the H.U.D. since the Jumpers were visible only to each other now as he settled neatly and safely beside the other.

"Acknowledged," Lorne replied. "Good to not be seeing you Sir."

Glancing a Daniel, Evan frowned. The other man was sweating, his face no longer pale but instead reddened like he'd just done a 10 mile run ... with the rapid breathing to match. "Daniel ... you're not looking so good ... how much further?"

"We're there," Daniel replied feeling the rush of heat and discomfort fade abruptly. He straightened, took a sip from his canteen and refastened it to its clip. "I don't ever want to do that again," Daniel stated adamantly.

Looking again at the results from the Jumper's continuous scan of surrounding space on the HUD, Lorne sat forward abruptly.

There!

Just on the edge of sensor range, a green dot announcing to everyone "I'm here".

"Colonel Sheppard," Lorne reported in. "One contact ... dead ahead."

Sheppard took a look at the H.U.D. to see the green dot at the top of his screen that Lorne indicated. "Got it. Heading... well, I'll be, dead ahead. Good job, Jumper Two. Stay alert. Even cloaked the Jumpers can be seen by other Ancient technology, assuming these people who have command of this ship are able to use the systems our cloaks aren't going to work. But then again, they should identify us as Lantean and not fire on us... but that could be wishful thinking on my part."

"Or lack of imagination," Ronon piped up from behind Teyla's chair and grinned.

From deep within the vessel, the sensation that had let go of Daniel began to fade back. This time it was far less forceful. Instead, it was a nagging in the back of his mind. A notion of sorts. They were sent out in waves. While they compressed they could not quite form into solid words or phrases. But everything pointed to the core of the ship.

Here. Closer. Here. Safe. You're safe. I'm safe. The words resonated inside his head, filled with relief and comfort, a gentle welcome. A feeling of familiarity washed over Jackson like a severe case of deja-vu giving him the distinct knowledge that if he stepped inside the ship's corridors he'd know exactly where to head.

Daniel leaned back in his seat taking a deep breath. The duality of sensations, voices, and thoughts were disturbing, yet vital if they were going to locate and rescue Elizabeth Weir's essence and prevent some unknown harm from coming to the inhabitants aboard this ship. As Jumper 2 drew closer, Daniel tried to isolate and control the sensations so that he could effectively lead the rescue team to Weir's exact location.

This was new to him, but he thought he was getting the gist of how to use the connection. Focusing inward, Daniel responded in brief thoughts/emotions back to Elizabeth, "We're near. You're safe. Home soon."

Space Gate - Orion warship | Atlantis time 0930 

--- Jumper Two ---

"What's our status Daniel?" Lorne asked, impatient for some idea on how they should proceed. "Are you picking anything up from Doctor Weir to tell us if these guys are friend or foe?"

Daniel brought his attention back to his surroundings, "Elizabeth is safe. She's waiting."

"Yeah, but in what condition?" Lorne queried worriedly.

--- Jumper One ---

"So what exactly are we doing?" Ronon asked from the backseat of Jumper One.

"We're looking for the Ancient warship," Sheppard told him. "And waiting for information from Daniel that he's still in contact with Elizabeth ... we hope."

Jenn was worried. "The strain of having Elizabeth connected to him in this way will start to take a toll very soon."

"Are you okay?" Ronon asked, knowing how hard the situation with Dr. Weir had been on him in the past and with the whole replicator thing.

"Yeah. I'm fine," John told him.

"Really."

Sheppard looked over his shoulder at Ronon then glanced to Teyla. "Yeah. I'm okay. I just ... I just don't want to get my hopes up and find out it's not really her. Ya' know?"

Teyla looked slightly over at Ronon. They all feared that, not getting the right Dr. Weir, but may it be that John feared it more? She shook the thought from her head and watched as John made connect with the second puddle jumper.

"Yeah," Ronon nodded.

John checked the HUD and opened his comm to the other Jumper. "Jumper Two, keep your eyes peeled. We should be nearing visual range. Hopefully it's in good enough shape to support human life. We didn't bring any suits," he mentioned, realizing that was a major oversight.

--- Jumper Two ---

"Yes Sir," Lorne replied. "Daniel says Doctor Weir is safe ... that's she's waiting for us ... I'll keep this channel open so you can hear first hand if Daniel gets any other intel directly from Elizabeth."

"Sir?" Moreno piped up just after Sheppard cautioned them. "I'm getting a comm request ... opening channel."

The sounds that came were fuzzy and crackled. There was hint of a human voice, though the words were inaudible. Karina looked up and shook her head. Whether it was the ship's inhabitants or Doctor Weir she had no clue, but this channel wasn't doing them any good. Or was it?

As they pulled into visual range, there was an obvious shift in the ship's structure. The docking bay doors hissed mechanically, groaning with time and misuse, as it slowly slid open for them. Moreno looked up at her team. They could be walking directly into a trap. Nothing was ever this easy in Pegasus.

Alight. Safe. The voice, Elizabeth, tried to reassure Daniel in his mind. If he would believe her that is. Won't bother ... they're worried. Don't scare ... Kind. She weakly tried to caution them through the archaeology expert.

"Romani ... the language being spoken on the comm is Romani. They welcome us in peace, they have no weapons," Daniel paused as he listened to another voice ... one he was coming to trust, "Elizabeth says we will be safe. We are welcome." Leaning back, the archaeologist sighed. No one had ever told him that the simple act of channelling another living consciousness could be so draining.

Parker glanced back at Daniel with a frown of concern. "Are you alright, Dr. Jackson?" he question. The whole situation was starting to get downright weird, but priority was to make sure everyone was safe. So far they hadn't encountered any obvious dangers, but that could change in an instant. He trusted Dr. Weir not to betray them, but he wasn't sure if he trusted her to know all the possible problems that might come up. Besides, Moreno's mysterious signals had been downright unsettling.

"Colonel Sheppard," Lorne spoke directly with Jumper One, "did you get all that Sir?" Glancing across at Daniel in concern he added before the reply could come in "and better yet, what's the plan of attack? We gonna trust that these people are as harmless as Doctor Weir believes?"

--- Jumper One ---

"Yeah, I got it," Sheppard replied, not sounding all that thrilled. As a matter of fact he wasn't all that thrilled. This was a potentially volatile situation and they could be marching their two lead teams into a nasty ambush replicator-style for all he knew. At Lorne's second and third questions John barely raised an eyebrow but he inhaled deeply as he stared at the Ancient ship looming like a derelict outside the front port. "Seriously, Major? You really want to take the word of an alien unknown that all is safe and secure there? For all I know it's Larrin up to her old tricks again. We go in fully armed and ready, Major. Nobody drops the ball on this one."

--- Jumper Two ---

"Acknowledged Sir," Lorne replied, shooting a glance at Daniel before continuing. "I wasn't advocating the trust element Sir ... although I do trust that Daniel's connection with Doctor Weir is genuine. She at least believes whoever's over there is friendly ... and that they're the ones who saved her. I'd recommend we open a channel and let Daniel try to negotiate with them for us to come aboard peacefully. Hopefully that'll be enough for us to determine just how wary we should be."

Daniel listened to Lorne's and John's conversation as he brought his focus back on the here and now. Instead of interrupting, he dredged up his memories of what little he had studied on the Romani and their language. There would be time enough later to figure out how and why there were Gypsies in the Pegasus Galaxy.

He nodded his assent, "I'll need to establish a dialog and try to isolate the variants in their language from the Romani I learned when I spent some time trekking through Europe."

"How long will that take?" Lorne asked worriedly. "We can't afford to hang around here too long without doing something ... remember what Colonel Sheppard said about the risk of them still being able to detect us."

"Not long...their language seems to share a great deal of the etymology with the original Romani dialect I learned. It'll be a learn as I go deal if they don't speak any variants of what we consider Galactic English," Daniel replied.

--- Jumper One ---

"Fine. You go ahead and do that, Major," John assented. He also had a strong feeling - or maybe it was just a strong wishful thinking - that the person they were communicating with was Elizabeth Weir. But John also understood too clearly how the nanites in her system could alter even Elizabeth's perceptions of right and wrong or what is safe and what is considered a threat. As a replicated being she would, of course, vouch for other replicators... just as they had tried to believe in Niam. That belief in his goodness didn't stop the other replicators from re-writing his base code while they stood inside a space bound Jumper with him.

John hadn't enjoyed blowing Niam out the back hatch, but it was his only option to save his team. He also hadn't enjoyed, not one bit, setting up Elizabeth and her Replicator team and stand by silently watching her voluntarily walk to her seeming death. He couldn't do that again. He already began to regret this entire situation. He couldn't leave her behind a third time. This would be the end of him, he knew.

--- Jumper Two ---

Lorne heard the worry in his CO's voice ... of course no one was bringing up the events that had led to Elizabeth being in her current predicament but they all knew the stakes. And Lorne knew if this mission went bad Colonel Sheppard would blame himself, regardless of whether there was anything he could have done or not.

Shrugging off his worry ... so not helpful to the task at hand, Lorne swivelled his chair and assessed Daniel's condition. He was still pale, he looked exhausted but also strangely hyped as though somewhere inside he was bouncing up and down with enthusiasm. Raising an eyebrow Lorne queried "You good to go?"

"I'm ready," Daniel said, as usual pulling together the determination he needed to get the job done...no matter what.

"You'll be able to speak with them?" Lorne confirmed he understood Daniel's status correctly ... after all, it wasn't going to be as simple as just opening a channel, not with what the other man had said about working out language variants."

Nodding his head, Daniel smiled, "If I can learn Unas, I can learn their variation of Romani. Trust me..."

"Okay then Doctor Jackson," Lorne gave him his full title, in keeping with the 'first contact' role he was about to undertake. "Open a channel Moreno," Lorne ordered before returning his gaze to Daniel. "You're on."

"Kako,," Daniel greeted using the respectful term of Uncle based on the fact the man's voice that had addressed them sounded older, "We are peaceful explorers from far away...beyond the Ring of the Ancestors...we have reason to believe a dear comrade of ours resides somewhere within your ... home. We request clearance to land our vessels and see if our friend is there."

"You speak our language oddly, Gadjo," the voice returned, "but your greeting is fair and we bid you welcome. Come in peace and be received in peace."

Daniel smiled and translated, "We're cleared to land. I know caution is mandatory, but I do advise we not go in with guns to the forefront. Let me disarm and go first."

"Sir?" Lorne waited for some kind of acknowledgement from his CO before giving his assent to follow Daniel's suggestion.

There was a deafening pause over the comm link and then Sheppard's voice came over. "Fine. They're opening Bay 3, I'll go first."

"Yes Sir," Lorne replied, slowing Jumper Two so he could drop in behind the other ship. Closing the channel between the two Jumpers he continued. "Looks like you get your chance Daniel."

--- Jumper One ---

John manoeuvred his Jumper expertly into the Ancient ship's landing bay and secured his controls. Sliding from the pilot's command seat he turned around and looked to Teyla and Ronon darkly. They both gave him a nod and he grabbed a P-90 from storage and clipped it to his vest.

"Ready?" he asked his team and they nodded. He turned to slap the plate and waited for the hatch to lower into a ramp, his eyes scanned constantly outside the shuttle as it lowered to expose them. Ronon gave him a supportive slap on the back and he moved down the ramp as Lorne brought Jumper Two to an easy landing and her hatch began to lower as well.

oOo

As Lorne's team came down the ramp to join Sheppard Team, John looked to Daniel. "You're on point, Dr. Jackson. Parker?" he mentioned and tilted his head to indicate he wanted the armed man on point with Jackson. Everyone else fell in behind them with Ronon and Teyla watching their six.

Daniel nodded and handed his P-90 over to Parker. He paused and considered, but finally chose to retain his handgun. He had gotten quite handy with getting it out of the holster in an emergency. Squaring his shoulders, he stepped ahead, hands extended and approached the entrance to the hangar bay.

The doors slid open to the interior of the ship revealing a rag-tag group of individuals...two men and a woman. The eldest of the men had shaggy, unkempt, but clean silvery gray hair that was held back in a ponytail. He was clad in old, worn flowing trousers and a tunic. The other man was clad in a similar fashion, but was considerably younger. The woman wore a brightly colored skirt that floated to her ankles, a wide-sleeved lace up blouse, and a sleeveless vest that matched the jewel tones in the skirt.

None of them made a threatening gesture or carried weapons of any kind. Their faces wore sombre but not unfriendly expressions, eyes were bright and inquisitive. Nothing in their demeanour indicated hostility or aggression.

The archaeologist read all of the body language as well as making quick assessments regarding their living status as he stopped in front of the tall, gray-haired man. Daniel smiled and greeted him in the only Romani he knew, "Kako, our thanks for allowing us to meet with you and perhaps search for our loved one. I am Dr. Daniel Jackson. We spoke on the communications' device..."

The gray haired man smiled, showing strong white teeth and humour in his dark eyes, "Dr. Daniel Jackson, welcome," he then gestured to the rest of the team and reverted to speaking English, "I am Fidelis, Elder and Leader of The People. These are two of our seniors and Voices of the People, Edanis," he indicated the man, "and Deana."

Fidelis gestured the others forward, "It is rare we have Gadjo visitors. I hope the body of the young woman found is the comrade you seek. Yet, it is with sorrow that I must say she seems to have crossed the Bridge to the other Realm. The one we all come to at the end of this life."

Daniel smiled warmly and offered his hand which Fidelis took in a strong, friendly grip, "Well met, Fidelis. We hope that the woman you're protecting is indeed our friend ... and we believe in a life beyond life ... we might yet be able to restore her." He gestured to the rest of the team and made introductions, "Fidelis, this is Lt. Colonel John Sheppard, the leader of this team."

Sheppard stepped forward carefully so as not to alarm their hosts. He gave them a brief smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. His gaze ran over the three with experienced eyes, holding a bit longer on the woman. Old habits...

"Major Evan Lorne, Ronon Dex, Teyla Emmagan, Lieutenants Parker and Moreno, and our healer ... Dr. Jennifer Keller," Daniel completed the introductions. "I serve as spokesperson when making new contacts due to my background in diverse cultures and language." The archaeologist watched and noted with admiration that Fidelis and his companions seemed able to follow the language and unfamiliar terms without undue confusion.

The Elder Voice of the People inclined his head to each, "The People once known as the Gitano, welcome you. Please enter and I will answer any questions ... that I can," Fidelis gestured to the ship's interior and turned to lead his guests inside. His two companions fell in with the 'Lantean Team, walking casually amongst them but not seeking conversation.

Now Sheppard stepped ahead of his group, taking point as they moved into what could turn into the lion's den quickly. He was tense but not unfriendly and gestured discreetly to Daniel to walk by his side to do the diplomatic thing. John's eyes scanned the interior of the ship. It hadn't been changed in any way from the original design so it was most likely that these people were simply using it as refuge.

"Do you people have any control over this ship at all?" Sheppard asked amiably, curious as to whether they had any gene carriers amongst them.

"Some," Fidelis replied. "As each generation is born the numbers who can do so diminish ... and the range of their abilities lessens also. A time is coming sooner than anyone wants to contemplate when we can no longer control even the most basic functions of our home."

"What about ships repairs?" Lorne, who'd been walking just behind Colonel Sheppard, spoke for the first time.

"A problem as well," Fidelis admitted openly. "Our historical records show that Orion was damaged when we found her. Our culture was agrarian - our people had technology enough for small space faring vessels, enough to help us retreat from our home planet when the Wraith came. But the technology of the Orion was beyond our capabilities then and only minor repairs could be made - not enough to restore the ship to working order. As our abilities to control the systems diminished so too has even that limited ability to repair them."

"How long have your people lived on Orion?" Lorne asked curiously, glancing at Colonel Sheppard and Daniel to see that they too seemed interested in the answer.

"It has been many centuries," Fidelis admitted. "We know no other way of life ... when the Orion can no longer sustain us we will be forced to retreat once more and hope to survive long enough to reach a habitable planet."

"Do you get many visitors out this way?" Lorne looked at the older man quizzically.

"Apart from the woman we found drifting in space, you are the first we have seen in more than a hundred years," Fidelis replied, smiling when Lorne looked taken aback at that news. "Have no fear Major Lorne ... we are a closed community, well used to each other’s company."

They reached a junction in the corridor and Fidelis paused to let the group contract again. "It is this way," Fidelis pointed to the left corridor.

Lt. Moreno looked around the ship with respect. The young officer had nodded politely when her name was mentioned, but her mind was on the mission. When they were led further into the ship she snapped to alert. There was one thing she had to say about growing up in her duel cultures. She had learned the art of being subtle from one side. As such she could appear to be politely courteous as she'd been taught but still be on high alert.

Karina followed behind the group, attentively watching their backs as she had been instructed. In the back of her mind she was drooling like a fool. When all this was over she would have to see if there was any way they'd let her help repair this ship. But that was then. This was now. She kept alert, following quietly and obediently.

Lorne dropped back a few steps, falling into position next to one of Fidelis's companions ... Edanis. "How many of your people live on Orion?" he asked curiously.

"We number just less than a thousand," Edanis replied. "In the early days those numbers were greater but our population has been in decline for many years."

Daniel had been listening to the conversation as he walked along, but also quietly observing what he could as they progressed. The Gitano did a good job at not advertising their desperate straits...but some of the silences said more than the words.

"We arrive," Fidelis announced, leading the large group into a familiar looking chamber. It was smaller of course but everyone who'd seen the Stasis Room on Atlantis would recognize it for what it was.

"Our guest rests here," Fidelis gestured towards one of the Stasis units. "I can only hope ... is she the one you seek?"

There, within the stasis chamber, rested the replicator body of Elizabeth. It seemed she was slumbering for as peaceful as she seemed. If not for her communication efforts, one might even think her expression was serene. Still. Completely still...yet not deathly. Even in a mechanical form her flesh still held soft tones instead of the yellowed gray and purple of decay.

Daniel? A soft voice came travelling into Dr. Jackson's mind, quivering. She could not see, but he felt much closer. Here? Others? Her thoughts were strained with hope.

Daniel stiffened as the voice rippled like soft music through his mind. Without thinking, he stepped forward to rest his hand gently on the stasis pod. Bowing his head almost as if in prayer, he answered mentally, although his lips shaped the words as he spoke, "We are here, Elizabeth. I am here, John and others are here. We're going to find a way to bring you home and restore you to...you. Trust me." He remained standing quietly as John moved closer to the chamber.

Sheppard stepped forward, staring at the stasis chamber. He remembered his time spent in one aboard the Aurora, talking to the long dead crew of that marvellous ship. He looked down through the glass canopy after steeling himself to see Elizabeth's face. He'd forgotten it would be FRAN's face and his lungs deflated at the sight of another woman's face beneath the glass. He pulled his lips inward and frowned deeply at her. Then he took a single step back and nodded, without looking directly at anyone.

Ronon watched his friend and his face also showed sorrow, but it was more for John's grief than for Elizabeth. He hadn't wanted to go through a second good-bye with Carson... and he certainly didn't want to do this a fourth time with Dr. Weir. He could only imagine the weight in Sheppard's chest at the severity of this endeavour they've chosen. And he couldn't help but wonder just how many times, and what personal tortures and emotional wringing, would John make himself endure as he repeatedly strove to bring Elizabeth home.

Major Lorne hung back, keeping an eye on his CO as well as on their hosts. Nothing in their expressions said this was anything other than it seemed ... a group of friendly aliens who'd rescued someone and were now keen to see her restored to health. Hard as it was to believe it seemed that this time they really had made contact with aliens without hidden agenda's or motivations. He kept his guard up but inside Evan let himself relax ... just a little bit.

Daniel looked up from his place by the stasis pod to catch Lorne's eye and gave a nod to his current CO. Oddly, he and the younger man were making a connection and so far they seemed to work well. He had learned to pay attention to any vibes he got from the people they met and nothing was setting up alarm bells with the Gitano. They seemed to be a peaceful and proud race. Daniel was open to learning more about them.

Fidelis stood off to the side, respectfully quiet for a few moments before approaching a bit closer, "May I assume this poor woman is your lost comrade?" He asked of no one in particular.

"Yeah," John's voice came out as a raspy whisper. "That's her." Then he looked to Daniel and the Gitano. "Now what? Is there a way to talk to her ... like, aside from you," he asked Daniel.

Lost in his thoughts and considerations, Daniel almost started at John's question. Blinking slowly as he tried to register what had been said to him, he shake his head, "Elizabeth is using the virtual reality technology connected to the stasis chamber...but it takes a lot of effort and power. Didn't I read in an old mission report about whoever enters a stasis pod can access the VR? One of us...?"

Since entering her range, Elizabeth kept connected with Daniel, like an infant clinging to their parent's pinky on first reach. She didn't dare to cling too hard, afraid of her own strength. She had already caused far too much trouble. But his thoughts raced as others words were shown to her through Daniel's reactions.

She feared using any more power than necessary but she couldn't stop her thoughts from reaching Daniel. When the subconscious was the flow there was no filter between logic and desire. 'Tired.' her thoughts read. 'Tired. Alone.'

'Don't say.' She quickly said rather loudly in his head, aware of her thoughts before retreating back to a whisper. 'Too sad. All too sad. John too sad.'

Major Lorne hesitated a moment before feeling compelled to speak. "Look, I want to talk to Doctor Weir as much as anyone else but before we just go jumping in here we need to make sure the risks are minimal. I mean, do we even know if her nanites are active or not?"

Karina listened to the conversation around her. She wasn't knowledgeable about these VR systems. It wasn't her area of expertise. Yet she was intrigued by the concept. She understood humans as machines ... but something like this truly blurred the lines between humanity and mechanics. It was really quite terrifying. She looked at the woman in the stasis chamber with a similar sadness, if only because of the morose tone around her.

Jenn had to really try not to cry. Seeing Elizabeth like this was disturbing. John didn't look much better. She saw what look like monitoring equipment. It was similar to the technology in Atlantis. "John? It looks like the activity of the nanites has been fluctuating in the past few days. Right now though there is no activity at all. Her life signs are there but no activity."

Sheppard didn't like the idea of anyone getting into that thing either, as long as the nanites' abilities were unknown. He scowled deeply as he considered options. Then he blinked and looked at Daniel and Lorne with a serious gleam in his eyes.

"We took one of these stasis pods from the Aurora's sister ship we found on Taranas before the volcano blew. We called that ship the Orion too but it was destroyed in the fight against the replicators. We confiscated one of the pods... it's under the SGC's control.

"Can we do the same thing here? Can - can we... can we take the stasis pod back to Atlantis and do that thing you mentioned?" he asked pointing at Daniel, now getting a bit excited about the idea. "If we connect a generator to the pod, it'll keep it viable until we get it back to Atlantis... right? I mean it should. Right?

"That'll stop the drain on the systems here. We bring in one of our teams, or a team from Daedalus, or both ... help these people find a safer harbor ... then, if they're game, we can hang onto this ship for study and see if we can get her back up and running. Wouldn't hurt to have another warship in our fleet ..." John stopped talking and chewed on his bottom lip, his eyes were intense and focused inward as he followed those thoughts, looking for any major loopholes. He couldn't find any as yet and his eyes went back to Jackson, boring into him. "Well? What do you think?"

"That might actually work Sir," Lorne commented, thinking that by keeping Elizabeth separate from any of the systems - on the Daedalus or Atlantis - the security risks would be minimal. "Assuming that it's alright with our hosts of course," Evan looked at Fidelis questioningly.

"If this is required to restore your colleague then so be it," Fidelis replied. "We will assist you as best we can ... although I admit that this system is not well understood by my people."

"Don't worry about that," Sheppard told him. "We have people who live and breathe this stuff."

"It's a pity McKay is out of action," Lorne commented. "Removing the stasis pod from here isn't going to be easy." Looking at Sheppard, Evan continued. "I could take the Jumper back to Atlantis Sir ... bring Doctor Zelenka back to take a look?"

Sheppard looked to Lorne, weighing their options. He nodded. "Do it. Bring Radek back with a naquada generator and anything else he thinks he'll need. Put another team on standby, in case we need more hands or more shuttle space. Go."

"Yes Sir," Lorne nodded, turning his gaze to Daniel with a frown. The other man seemed hardly to be paying attention, his entire focus on the stasis pod. "Keep an eye on Doctor Jackson," he told Moreno and Parker pointedly, "and don't do anything until I get back."

On to Part 2