ShaViva's Stargate Fan ... Stuff

Chapter 06: So, what did we all learn?
Tuesday, 7th April | 0800 hours | Daniel's quarters

Daniel left the hologram room and the sight of Gordon's dead body to head for his quarters and set up the coffee maker in preparation for Jack's arrival. Realizing that he had missed breakfast and that Jack probably had as well, the archaeologist set up his Nu-Wave induction/convection/infrared cooker and put thick-sliced bacon in to cook. He did not feel up to doing them a full breakfast, but toast and bacon would go well with the coffee. Soon the mouth watering smells of fresh brewed coffee and cooking bacon filled his quarters.

Leaving the mess in the hologram room for his team to clean up, Jack made his way wearily to Daniel's quarters, regretting the excessive energy he'd expended to chase Hunter, particularly given the grim conclusion. He already ached, and in places he'd forgotten he had, not a good sign so soon after exerting himself. And the list of ailments didn't stop there ... his upper arm smarted where that one bullet had grazed him, he had a head butt induced headache, and his jaw reminded him painfully of the impact with McKay's elbow every time he spoke.

Sparing himself a quick glance, Jack grimaced. And his shirt was ruined! Great. Detouring to his guest quarters Jack swiftly striped off the shirt, swapping it for a clean one. Before putting it on he haphazardly cleaned the blood off his scrapped arm and slapped a large gauze bandage from the kit in the bathroom untidily over the top. That done, O'Neill resumed course, heading for Daniel's quarters.

Wordlessly letting himself in, the General sniffed the air and felt his interest perk up ... bacon and coffee along with the fact that Daniel was doing his 'nurturing' thing again enough to revive him just a little.

Throwing himself on the couch, Jack rubbed a hand over his face. Glancing across to where Daniel was preparing breakfast he let out a loud sigh, resting his head on one hand tiredly. "What a morning."

Daniel glanced over at Jack and frowned a bit at the older man's obvious exhaustion. He also thought he remembered a bloody bullet graze on Jack's arm from earlier and he hoped the man had had the sense to get himself vetted out by one of the docs in case of other injuries. While concerned, though, Daniel felt that what Jack mainly needed now was food, rest, and the comfortable knowledge that his back was being watched by a friend. Wordlessly, he nodded his agreement to Jack's statement, refraining from comment as he poured fresh coffee, doctored it to Jack's liking and carried over along with plates of bacon and perfectly browned toast. Taking a seat in the large easy chair across from the sofa, Daniel nodded toward the coffee and food, "Relax first, then we can talk," he ordered gently. It was rare that O'Neill allowed anyone close enough to actually take care of him. Daniel was one of the few that seemed to instinctively know when it was both needed and warranted.

The archaeologist continued watching his friend until Jack had taken the first long sip of his coffee along with swallowing a couple of bites of the food Daniel had prepared, "Hunter couldn't have accomplished everything that was done alone, Jack ... although I'm sure I don't need to tell you that. I'm afraid we probably have more of an infestation than even I first thought and it goes pretty high up."

"Which means ...," Jack trailed off with a long suffering sigh. Taking a generous swallow of coffee and wishing the caffeine hit was a little more effective at recharging his flagging energy, O'Neill shook his head. "You know what this means Daniel. An ongoing investigation. The SGC and the IOA wanting a presence and some control here. If a change in leadership was all Hunter was after then he'll have succeeded ... although not quite how he intended I'm sure."

Daniel considered his friend's words as he sipped his coffee, the toast and bacon forgotten. After a few moments, he replied slowly, his tone of voice showing he was considering each word carefully, "That might not be such a bad thing, Jack. If we get the right man in that role." His voice contained a wealth of pointed meaning. "I hear the fishing's great on the mainland," the archaeologist added.

"Daniel," O'Neill managed to convey a whole sentence into that one word as usual. Rubbing a hand tiredly over his face, he considered the situation ... and not for the first time. He'd seen the way this was heading and he'd known what it would ultimately mean. Did he really want someone else coming here and potentially screwing it up? "I might not have a choice you know," Jack pointed out. "The President seems to think he owns me these days ... good fishing on the mainland probably won't be enough to sway him."

The younger man chuckled lightly, "I was hoping it would sway you. Surely with all your years of service, you have some say in your assignments?" Daniel could not imagine anyone else handling the multitude of personalities in Atlantis. "No one could have led this investigation better. Surely Hayes realizes you're too valuable on the front lines?"

"Fishing for actual fish is attractive," Jack replied with a faint smirk. "And you know ... the company here is pretty good too, particularly if T dropped by every now and then." It wasn't often he'd take a conversation to the serious but now seemed like one of those times so Jack continued when usually he'd have left it there.

"You know there's nothing tying me to Earth Daniel. All my 'family' is offworld ... and sure, after saving the world Teal'c knows how many times I should get a say. I'll have to go back, report to the SGC - the sooner the better - but I'll put forward a case if it looks like they're considering someone else."

Daniel leaned back and smiled contentedly. There were no guarantees, but if Jack were considering trying for a post in the Pegasus, that would make living and working out here almost ideal. The only member of their family left in the Milky Way was Teal'c. While Daniel missed the stoic Jaffa warrior, he knew the man was happily involved with grandchildren, Ishta, and the new Jaffa government. And there was no rule stating they could never make arrangements to visit their friend.

"There's nothing to keep any of us from visiting Earth and our friends there," the archaeologist agreed with Jack's sentiments regarding their ties to Earth, "However, the sooner you get some rest, Jack, the better for everyone and everything...including your report back to the SGC and President Hayes," Daniel admonished gently taking note that the older man was barely keeping his eyes open and the food remained relatively untouched. "Why don't you try to sleep, I'll work from here and alert you if you're needed," Daniel added seriously concerned for how tired the other man seemed to be.

"Thanks Daniel," Jack replied gratefully. "You know it was just running after Hunter though, right? I'm not an old man who needs a nap at ...," he paused, not even sure what the time was, "whatever o'clock in the morning." Frowning at the contradiction, Jack continued. "Not usually, anyway."

"No one, least of all me, considers you an old man...despite what I say from time to time, Jack. But you've been riding a desk more over the last three years than chasing villains that would have worn a much younger you out," Daniel smiled slightly at his friend. "It's not just the physical wear and tear of the chase...emotional ups and downs, lack of rest...it all takes its toll no matter your age. We've all felt it and we'll all need some good downtime."

"Well I think I'll take you up on your offer and start some of that downtime right now," Jack agreed, knowing his friend was right on all counts. It had been a difficult few days and he'd worried more about Sam and Daniel than he'd be willing to admit to. And not just them ... everyone on Atlantis who'd been counting on him to sort out the mess before the whole dynamic of the expedition self destructed. Putting aside his coffee and mostly uneaten breakfast Jack swivelled on the couch until he could stretch out his legs. "Don't let me sleep too long," he ordered, shooting a glance at Daniel to make it clear he was serious about that

Laying his head on the pillow, Jack closed his eyes. It was one of those times when he thought perhaps he'd be too tired, his mind too active, to actually sleep. But between one breath and the next he dropped off.

A brief smile lit Daniel's eyes as between one breath and next, Jack sounded out on the sofa. It was a measure of their years together as friends and a testament to that friendship that allowed the older man to close his eyes assured that his back was being watched and that Daniel would awaken him should the need arise. Neither of these two normally solitary and private men found it easy to put that much faith and trust in others. Rising quietly, Daniel walked to the hall and pulled out an old, thin blanket that he draped over Jack before grabbing his laptop and connecting into the Atlantis intranet so he could access reports he had been working on regarding artefacts found by another team.

Carter finished filing her own reports from the previous days' events and decided she would check in with Daniel and Jack. None of them had gotten much sleep since the events began, but the last few days were particularly gruelling. She was still crashing on Daniel's sofa, pending the door to her own quarters being repaired. Because of this, she let herself into the apartment.

She spotted Daniel immediately and smiled. "Hey," she whispered. As she moved more fully into the apartment, she spotted Jack also. Sound asleep, or so he appeared, and looking utterly exhausted. She grimaced; he'd probably had less sleep than any of the rest of them. She met Daniel's eyes and moved closer. "How's he doing," she asked in whispered hush.

Daniel rose with a smile and a soft, "Hey, Sam," as he moved the few steps it took to reach her side and gently kiss her cheek. He waved towards the kitchen counter where he poured her a cup of coffee and a fresh one for himself. "Jack's okay. Just worn out. I doubt he's slept much considering how much he hates a puzzle. How are you doing?"

"Tired," She admitted with a smile. "Ready for all of this to be over with." They were close, but there was a lot of follow-up that still remained. Putting the city back together as a cohesive unit, for one.

Nodding, Daniel reached out to rub Sam's arm gently before setting coffee and food in front of her, "The immediate worst is behind us...but this has ended without us knowing who ultimately pulled the strings. It's not completely over and won't be for a long time, I suspect. But we should have a breathing space to recoup and get ready for the next round and we've learned things...important things about trust and confidence in ourselves and others."

"I hope that we have," She told him. "Otherwise they inflicted far more damage than... a broken door or fallen balcony really could. If this crew can't trust each other then we're all... screwed."

Daniel glanced back to see that Jack was still sleeping soundly before turn back to Sam and reaching for her hand, "We have. I have faith in us...all of us. We might stumble here and there, but in the end, we're all still here for one another. Things will need to mend...we just have to allow that to happen."

Sam rested her chin in her hand and smiled up at him. "How did you get to be so wise?"

Leaning forward, Daniel captured Sam's lips in a gentle kiss, "I'm not all that wise, pretty lady. I just have good friends and loved ones that help me see things better than I normally would."

A groan and a change in the rhythm of breathing alerted Daniel and Sam that Jack was stirring from his very sound sleep. Daniel smiled and got up to put on a fresh pot of coffee. By the time Jack had stretched, pushed off the light blanket and made it to the counter, Daniel was able to use the stop and pour feature of the coffee maker to put a fresh mug of the brew in front of his friend. He preferred not to think that his time with his friend was limited as that brought up a sadness he did not want to explore at the moment.

Pushing the coffee toward Jack, grinning at the sleep-blurred eyes and spiking hair, Daniel said, "Welcome back, Old Man."

Tuesday, 7th April | 1000 hours | Infirmary - Private room

Elizabeth sat in the bed in the private room provided to her, her legs tucked up to her chin in thought. The sterile whiteness was far too familiar to be comfortable. She stared blankly down at the sheets around her recalling just how she had managed to land herself there in the first place.

She had left General O’Neill on respectable terms. It was more then she had anticipated. As promised she'd reported for further medical examination. The attendants taking samples from her did so with a stiff silence, none of the comforting talk they usually offered. It was unnerving to say the least. Still, she had born it silently. It was what had to be done.

Her annoyance hadn’t flared. In fact, Elizabeth saw the reason for their doubts. And with collective opinion circulating she had begun to have them herself. However, when the tests came back completely clean she couldn’t help but feel a little angry. Of course she didn’t show it. No, she had walked out with a smile.

It wasn’t until she ran into Doctor Attins later that evening that things had gone awry. She'd taken a comment too much to heart and snapped at him, something she normally would never have done. She'd blamed her newfound temperament on the dizzy spell that followed, the constant dull throb that had been with her all day intensifying. It wasn’t until the spinning made her vision swim to gray that she'd worried.

Doctor Attins had made note of it and through much coaxing Elizabeth had been forced to admit that she hadn't been resting well. She refused to admit the actual content of her dreams, of her fears. They seemed trite to her ... all things considered. But Attins had pushed ... insisted ... and Elizabeth had lost it. The words and tone she'd used had rivalled the time Rodney had blown up part of a solar system ... she'd been angry then but this? This was different.

Suddenly, in mid rant, she'd snapped back to herself, covering her mouth with one hand. Trembling she'd found the nearest seat, all the while muttering humble apologies. It wasn't right. It wasn't her. If she could barely recognize herself who was to say she hadn’t done something she wasn’t aware of. That thought terrified Elizabeth.

What if she had tried to kill her friends and teammates?

That was all Elizabeth had needed to immediately put herself under medical care and observation. She'd decided up front that Dr. Garman had too many problems on her plate and stuck with Attin’s as her attending physician.

And she'd chosen to keep the issue primarily to herself ... it wasn't the time to draw undue attention, especially since some already had doubts about her.

Elizabeth had, however, brought herself to tell Leia. She hadn't wanted to cause someone she had just met and who she was supposed to be responsible for such a burden. Nor did she want to think about what trust issues they might have in the future as a result. But she needed someone from her department to take over for a time ... until she was better again. And she'd figured Doctor Jackson would have too much to worry about to take on more responsibility.

And so there she was ... a patient in the infirmary with none of her friends the wiser. A reoccurrence of that alarmingly severe mood swing hadn’t happened yet but her head still throbbed despite the pretty powerful cocktail of painkillers they had cooked up for her.

She couldn’t rest, fidgeting despite her best efforts to relax. Elizabeth couldn’t even remember how long she had been sitting here, alone with her thoughts. She'd been given an update on what had been happening in Atlantis and her mind swam with new concerns.

How was she going to tell those who had sacrificed so much for her already her fears that she was losing her mind?

And that so far there was no explanation for why?

Biting her lip Elizabeth rested her pounding forehead onto her knees, as if curling into the dark she still feared could make the entire issue disappear.

General O'Neill walked purposefully towards the infirmary and beyond the main area to the private rooms set aside for longer term patients. When Doctor Attins had informed Jack of Elizabeth's current whereabouts, he'd been just a tad annoyed ... both that the Doctor hadn't told him sooner, and that Elizabeth herself had seen fit to keep important information to herself. Hence his current mission ... finding out what was really going on!

"Elizabeth," Jack knocked at her door, waiting for a response even though he hated to give her even that much warning that he wanted to talk.

The diplomat raised her head at the sound of the General's voice. Like a child being reprimanded she straightened up in her bed immediately. She frowned deeply, nodding to him as he entered. She understood his anger, or at least could guess at some of his reasons for being upset. She would feel the same if in his position.

"Mind telling me what the hell you're doing here?" Jack asked somewhat irritably.

Elizabeth held her breath for a moment. Where to begin? How to explain?

"I was feeling ... unwell," she said. "It was effecting my interactions with others. So, I came into the infirmary for medication and a more detailed check-up. I promise you, Jack, I had instructed them to tell you if they found out anything that proved I had been compromised."

She was being direct and truthful. It made her wonder if she had spent just a little too much time around the military.

"It's not just being compromised Elizabeth," Jack said, frowning at her explanation. "Using you to further his agenda isn't the only thing Lieutenant Hunter could have done ... you know how close he came to killing Daniel and Sam. What if this had been another personal attack - just different from the others?

"Which is why I didn't write off my sickness as a coincidence and brought myself here, Jack," she said firmly. Though, it was a partial lie. She hadn't considered that someone else might want to kill her, assuming that as she was being framed she'd be safe from that possibility.

"So, unwell huh?" O'Neill queried, letting her off for the time being on not having reported it herself. "What does that mean exactly?"

"I felt ...," Elizabeth sat back in her bed, contemplating, "completely unlike myself. Like a separate person stuck in a body I didn't want to be in. It...wasn't pleasant."

"Doesn't sound it," Jack replied with a frown. "Does this have anything to do with your experience with the Replicators?"

"I don't know," Elizabeth admitted. "I didn't feel that I was possessed, not like when I was ... a replicator.," she choked out. She had refused to call herself that directly until recently. "It was more like I was simply discontent with everything and everyone, myself included. That," she said with a half smile, "and a killer headache that doesn't seem to want to go away."

"Doctor Attins made any progress explaining all this?" Jack asked. "No offence to him but Doctor Garman might have a better handle on what you're suffering."

Elizabeth shook her head slightly. It really was discouraging. No, it was a little bit terrifying. While it wasn't like being a replicator, some of the sensations were a little too close for comfort.

"No, he hasn't," she admitted. "I wanted to wait until the sabotage situation had settled down before I took Doctor Garman away. I assumed we'd have answers before now. I was actually intending to put in a request for her."

Elizabeth raised a hand to rub her forehead for a moment, wincing slightly.

"Jack, I realize what I did was, well a little foolish and probably selfish. I wasn't thinking straight. I realize that in this job we can't afford to make those mistakes. I just...," she stopped to scrub her face with her hands. What was she doing these days?

"You don't trust your people anymore?" Jack queried. "And I don't mean the sabotage framing stuff. You think they'll start looking at you differently if they think you're having problems?"

"I thought somehow making people panic over something that probably had to do more with my own issues was more foolish," Elizabeth replied. "I can't count the number of times we've wasted time chasing false leads. I can't tell you how many lives were lost because of that."

"Tell them," Jack said firmly. "They won't let you down." Moving towards the door, he added "I'll talk to Doctor Garman ... I have no doubt she'll want to meet with you sooner rather than later." Shooting her a confident look, Jack finished with one more thing. "Don't worry Elizabeth, we'll get to the bottom of this ... have you back to yourself before you know it."

Elizabeth nodded at his words, watching him leave with her stomach half in her throat. Even with his reassurances she wasn't sure about all of this. Could she erase all the scars this entire situation had and would cause? The only thing she knew was that hiding wouldn't solve anything. Sighing she looked up towards the ceiling. There really was only one thing she could do.

Tuesday, 7th April | 1500 hours | Bar at Thirty Nine

Major Lorne approached Thirty Nine after a full day of discussion and further analysis, mostly in General O'Neill's special investigations lab. Evan had been out of circulation when the news of both Lieutenant Hunter's guilt and his demise had made the rounds. He didn't know how people were taking the news and at this point he wasn't sure he wanted to. Not surprisingly given how early he'd been up that morning, Lorne was tired. All he wanted was a quiet place to eat a quick meal and recharge a little before returning to work.

Hence choosing the Thirty Nine instead of the Mess. With any luck, this late in the afternoon, the place would be deserted.

Pushing the doors open, Evan strode inside, glancing around. He'd been right ... it was deserted ... well, pretty much. Lorne spied Dr Leia Mahanay sitting at the bar immediately. If he had to have company she fit the bill perfectly ... someone he knew a little but still new to the city, and therefore not in a position to make him feel bad for 'siding with the other side' during the investigation.

Making up his mind to join her, Lorne turned his thoughts to the conversation they'd shared before that day trip to the mainland ... before the entire sabotage saga had begun.

He'd been struggling with some paperwork and Dr Mahanay had stopped by to say hello during her first week in the city ... with ice-cream. Ben and Jerry's Triple Caramel Chunk as it turned out. Caramel ice-cream with a swirl of caramel sauce and fudge covered caramel chunks. As a conversation starter it had been right up there. Evan smiled, replaying the conversation in his head as he moved slowly towards the bar.

"Thought you could use a pint," Leia said, plopping the large bowl of temptation unceremoniously down in front of him.

"Just like that huh?" Lorne's eyebrow rose sharply in surprise. He'd seen her around of course but had never been introduced.

"You've got that look of 'Please, God, strike me down' written all over your face. Thought some ice-cream might help," Leia said simply.

The sight of that ice-cream ... spoon handle pointing his way as if to say 'take me ... you know you want to' had Lorne making a space for Dr Mahanay to sit down. "That look," he said in amusement. "No idea what you mean. But I'll take some ice-cream just the same."

"Glad to know my hard work was appreciated at the very least," Leia said, taking a seat with a slight, knowing smirk. "Hi. I'm Leia. Doctor Leia Mahanay to be precise. I work in the Diplomatic Operations Department ... although, given my lack of greeting to my boss, that might not be for very much longer," she added with a wry smile.

"Major Evan Lorne," Lorne returned the introduction. "Take it from me - being on good terms with your boss isn't all it's cracked up to be." Gesturing to the stacks of paperwork he still had to get through Evan grinned. "Unless you enjoy the sensation of being buried under a tonne of paper."

Leia grinned, lowering her head slightly as she looked at the gobs of paper. "Oh my... You might have a really good point there. Of course, I already did my mega ton... Doctor Weir just has to approve a few hundred things before I can go through them again."

"You like paperwork?" Lorne put on an expression that said he was disturbed by the idea. "I only do Colonel Sheppard's for the perks." Dipping his spoon back into the ice-cream he scooped out a nice man sized bite and took delight in consuming it, grinning. "Can't remember the last time I had ice-cream."

"No," Leia said horrified. "Paperwork is the very bane of my existence. But it makes the wheels go much faster," she explained. "Those must be some darn good perks," she said, laughter in her voice and a smile of satisfaction upon hearing that titbit. "That's a down and dirty shame, Major..." she mock scolded.

"Well perks ... and orders," Lorne returned. "And there's no greater perk than being assigned here ... don't you think?"

"I do have to agree with that," Leia said, inclining her head and giving him that one. "I was working on getting Dr Weir caught up and up to speed on what we're about to start doing ... I'm actually really excited to get started." Leia admitted, looking happy.

"Before you know it it'll be like you never lived anywhere else," Lorne returned, scrapping his spoon around his half of the bowl – now empty. "Thank you for the ice-cream Dr Mahanay."

"You're very welcome, Major Lorne," Leia rose, picking up the bowl. "We'll have to do this again," she told him. "Next time you can forage for good things to eat," Leia suggested with a wink and left.

Grinning, Lorne had turned back to his work, surprised that he actually felt re-energized. He had connections ... surprising Doctor Mahanay with something unexpected in Pegasus should be a cinch.

He'd never had the chance to follow up that unspoken promise ... the first sabotage incident taking precedent over everything else. Shaking himself from his inner reflection, Lorne cleared his throat as he stopped beside Leia. Noticing what she had in front of her ... ice-cream and some kind of cake, he grinned.

"You gonna eat all that yourself Doctor?" he queried, putting on a hopeful expression.

Leia looked up at him with a wide grin, eating her pineapple dump cake with some ice cream mixed in. "Why, of course not. I figured you might find your way down here ... and if not here, then I would've found you. I heard what happened today ... and I just ... You'll think I'm odd, if you don't already, but with the suicide, the sickness that Elizabeth is suffering ... I had to do something with my hands," she explained, waving him to a seat and gesturing to the cake.

Lorne sat as invited, reaching over to take a piece of cake. Taking the first bite, he looked to Leia with evident surprise. "This is good," he mumbled, still chewing.

Leia smiled faintly, appreciating his praise. "My Grandma would cook and while I would like to do that, I already had to bribe most of the KP Marines to use their oven for just a little while," Leia explained. "I couldn't imagine actually cooking a meal. So, I baked something. Just to do something, put my personal feelings away for a little bit ..." she trailed off, realizing she probably sounded like she was insane. "Did he really kill himself?" Leia asked, looking at him.

"Looks like it," Lorne admitted, shooting her a direct glance. "You think that's a good thing?" he asked a little grimly, hearing an edge of some indefinable emotion behind her question.

Leia looked at him, nervously licking her lips. "No. It's a coward's way out. I-," she stopped, pausing. "I think it's horrible that he didn't face what he had coming to him. He did all those things and almost killed several people... and had to take the easy way out?" Leia ranted, stabbing her bowl with her fork.

"I'm not sure I'd call it the easy way out," Lorne countered. "Not for him and definitely not for us."

Leia looked at him and sighed. "True. I'm sorry. I should've realized your point of view on the subject. So there's nothing left that you can find on what he was doing? What about his laptop?" she asked, being curious. "How are you holding up about this yourself anyway? Did you know him personally?"

"Well, apart from General O'Neill I was maybe the last person to speak to him," Lorne shook his head sadly. "But no, I can't say I knew him that well. You're Doctor Weir's 2IC so you'd understand how hard it is when you're responsible for so much to get to the depth of anything. On the surface I wouldn't have predicted he'd be the guy to go rogue like this ... maybe I need to start paying more attention."

Leia reached out and grasped his hand, looking him straight in the eye. "Evan Lorne, don't you dare start blaming yourself for this," she said strongly. "You did the best you could with what you've been given. You did not fail here. He did. This obviously goes a lot deeper than just what we see on the surface ... I'm just grateful that he didn't get further than he did. He could've hurt Dr. Jackson ... or someone like you," she said, emotion filling her voice.

Lorne just barely stopped himself from jumping as Leia took his hand, not used to comfort being offered so openly or ... physically. He was a military guy ... he mostly hung out with other military guys. When a mission went bad or he screwed up he'd go have some drinks - get drunk if it were bad enough - or hit the punching bag a few hundred times. He found himself almost mesmerised by the warmth of Leia's hand and the certainty of her words as he listened, wondering when she'd gone from Doctor Mahanay to Leia ... in his head at least. Despite the fact that he'd never let anyone determine what he should or shouldn't feel responsible for the Major was touched that Leia felt the need to make the attempt.

Evan turned his hand over so their palms were together, squeezed Leia's hand in a way he hoped conveyed his gratitude for the thought, before letting her go. "Makes you wonder though," he said seriously. "If the kind of emotion Hunter must have had to plan and execute this level of attack can be hidden so easily by an expected surface, what is everyone else hiding?"

Leia felt the warmth in his touch, knowing that these same hands had dealt death to so many enemies and found it almost ironic. When he let go, she felt an almost physical chill, missing the warmth. As he spoke, Leia did feel a chill, not reacting. "We all wear masks," she told him with certainty. "I doubt the Evan Lorne I see before me is the same Evan Lorne who defends his home on the battlefield," Leia told him.

"I'm a pretty simple guy Doctor," Evan shot her a quick look before looking down at his hands ... after he’d let go of her hand he had that weird 'new situation' feeling of not knowing what to do with his. Picking up a sugar packet from the nearby bowl he twirled it idly as he considered what to say. "What you see is what you get," he added. "Anything else is a necessary fact ... the whole 'I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you' deal." Lorne frowned as a sudden thought occurred to him. "So ... wanna tell me about the mask you're wearing?"

Leia smiled at the first part. "I've heard that before ... humanity is far more complex that even we allow ourselves to believe sometimes," she countered. When he said that he 'might have to kill her if he told her', she laughed. "You would really kill me if I got you to tell me about the dark stuff? And here I was thinking that you were the hero of this ... not the villain." Leia teased him, being mischievous. She smiled. "If I told you all about me now, what would keep you coming back?" Leia asked him. "We all have secrets. But you've already seen one of mine that not many else do ... I don't just bake for anyone, you know. My masks are usually used to protect people's feelings ... nothing sinister, just prudent."

"I wouldn't tell you anything in the first place," Lorne grinned at her teasingly. "That way we never have to find out if I'd kill you and I still get access to homemade cake and ice-cream." Evan wasn't sure how seriously he should take her comment about not baking for just anyone ... in the whole scheme of things Leia really didn't know him that well and he wasn't sure what he'd done to deserve that level of attention.

Leia giggled, not sure why she was going to the effort for him. It's not like they really knew much about each other ... but she always was the type to go that extra mile when she deemed it worthy. "Sorry to destroy your illusions, but the ice-cream is the stuff that hasn't been eaten yet ... I'm not that talented," she said with a smirk.

Deciding on his usual light hearted approach, Evan continued. "But secret homemade cake? I'm sure that gives it an extra tasty edge." Matching words to actions, he took another bite, nodding as though to confirm that yes, it still did taste amazing. "Well, if your career in diplomacy doesn't pan out you can always go into the baking business."

"It does. It's my super secret additive that makes it fantastic," Leia told him. "I think I'll stick to diplomacy though. I couldn't do this for the masses," she admitted. "I'm passionate, but I'd burn out quick," Leia explained.

"This is one of those times when not being in the majority works in my favour," Lorne returned. "Any time you feel the need to do something with your hands, I'm your man." Realising as soon as the words were out of his mouth how suggestive they actually sounded, Evan quickly back pedalled. "Baking ... anytime you feel the need to bake something ... I ah ... you know what I mean," he rubbed a hand behind his neck, embarrassed and wondering if his skin was as red as it felt.

Leia looked at him in surprise then gave him a Cheshire grin. "I think you should take me to dinner before I see how I can keep my hands busy with you," she told him, raising an eyebrow. "But I will definitely keep that in mind," Leia told him. "I haven't done a spice cake in awhile ..." she said, totally shameless.

"I really wasn't trying to suggest anything Doctor Mahanay," Lorne, first and foremost a gentleman, felt the need to explain again, unable to just let it go. Plus ... well, Leia wasn't exactly hard on the eye and he could always use company for dinner. Who couldn't? Didn't mean he was even thinking about anything else ... he hardly knew Leia ... a fact he had to keep reminding himself because she was far too easy to talk to. "But you know ... dinner sometime might be ... nice."

Leia looked at him. "Who suggested anything otherwise?" she asked, point blank. "Just because I was flirting doesn't mean you weren't anything but the fine, upstanding Air Force Officer that you are," Leia told him, slightly amused. "I'm glad it would be nice, Major ... I'll try not to sully your reputation with my wicked ways," she added, slightly smirking.

Raising an eyebrow in surprise, the only thoughts in Lorne's head for a few moments were wicked? Followed quickly by how?.

Shaking himself internally, Evan couldn't help but play along ... just a little bit. "Depends on how nice," he quipped, humour and interest twinkling in his eyes. "I could put up with a little sullying ... with the right incentive."

Leia watched him work it out in his mind, trying not to giggle at him. "I can be very nice, Evan..." she told him, her voice going slightly throaty, suggesting lust or need. "What would a girl like me have to do for a man like you to get the right incentive?" Leia asked, smirking and playing with him.

"I think it'll be more ... interesting ... if you work that out for yourself," Lorne countered cheekily. "And to quote a certain someone, 'if I told you all about me now, what would keep you coming back?'" Standing, he casually took the last of the cake and ate it slowly, with evident enjoyment. Finished, he let the silence stand for another moment. "You know what we need?" he shot her an intent and purposeful look. "Trial and error."

Leia laughed and looked up at him from under her eyelashes, smirking. "Not fair ... You don't get to use my words against me," she told him, watching him eat the cake and let out a breath, not sure why it was affecting her so much ... but it was. She smiled at him, her eyes shining. "I think that's a wonderful idea ... I'll let you start, seeing as it was your suggestion," Leia told him.

"Sure ... I can do that. But working out my 'incentive' is entirely up to you," Lorne countered. He wouldn't be a man it he didn’t like the idea of being pursued, even in a small way. Besides, he was more than a little interested in seeing where she'd dare to take this. "Thanks for the cake ... Leia," he added with a grin. Raising a hand in a casual wave, Evan turned and strolled casually towards the doors.

Leia inclined her head. "But of course... That's the only way to play," she said lightly. "You're welcome, Evan," she said, with her own casual wave, watching him as he left. Her eyes drank in every inch of body, pausing on his nice shoulders then going down until she had 'measured' every inch.

Lorne walked towards the door, all the while resisting the urge to glance back and see if she was watching him. It was that old game ... if you looked it meant you were interested, if not then ... well, then it was still up for debate. Evan was pretty sure Leia knew that and while he was interested he didn't want to appear to be too interested ... hence resisting the temptation to look back at her. Almost at the door he felt a prickling sensation across his back ... that 'someone's watching me' sixth sense any self respecting soldier had.

Before he could stop himself he'd glanced back, just in time to see Leia's eyes travelling up and meeting his. Grinning Lorne threw her a quick wave before heading out the door. "Oh yeah," he thought triumphantly. "She's definitely interested!"

It was only when he was halfway down the corridor that Evan realised Leia had once again managed to totally distract him from his concerns. Smiling fondly, he continued on his way.

Tuesday, 7th April | 1630 hours | Rodney's Lab

Lieutenant Cadman approached Rodney's McKay's lab, her arms laddened with her reason for going there.

Seeing the man himself busy as usual, Cadman cleared her throat noisily as she walked in.

"McKay, special delivery from General O'Neill," she said, dumping everything on the clear space next to him. "Hunter's laptop and other personal electronics gear. We've already gone over it but who knows ... you might find something we missed."

“Ya think?” Rodney mumbled under his breath. He gave Cadman a bit of a sideways glance as he reached over and snagged the IPod. “Gee, aren’t you the good little errand, ah, lieutenant.” He turned it on and started flipping through the playlist. “How’d you manage to rate a front row seat when the rest of us got stuck … oh, good God. The man’s taste in music is, is absolutely horrid.”

"Was horrid," Cadman corrected just for the hell of it. "The man is dead, McKay ... and instead of commenting on his personal tastes don't you think you should look at his laptop? Unless your latest theory involves some kind of musical torture conspiracy." Laura paused, but jumped in quickly before Rodney could speak. "As for that front row seat, McKay, it was all talent and class," she smirked, unable to resist teasing him where it would most bite."

Rodney glowered at her. "Talent and class? Please, we shared a brain for awhile - which I still have nightmares about, believe me, sit up straight on the verge of screaming nightmares - talent I can sort of see. But ‘brass’ is more likely." He shut the IPod off and tossed it back on the counter.

"You have nightmares?" Cadman countered. "I was the one stuck in your body ... which I'm guessing is still running at less than full efficiency. If you weren't so stubborn I could have helped you with that by now, Rodney," Laura grinned, just thinking about the hell she could put him through all in the name of fitness. "Anyway, I should be the one claiming the nightmare side effects. But since there was actually a compliment somewhere in there I'll let you off this time."

Rodney blinked. Compliment? When did I…. "Being on Sheppard's team is exercise enough, thank you very much. Running, shooting, running and shooting ... my dexterity alone has gone up a couple of points." He flipped open the laptop rather awkwardly with one hand. "And I gave you nightmares? Hello! Two words: Carson. Kiss." He pulled a grimace and shook dramatically. "Gyah."

"So you think you can take me then, do you, McKay?" Laura challenged. "Running for a few minutes because if you don't, you die is a little different from true fitness ... I'm kind of surprised you're not thinking about that, given the life expectancy implications." Cadman couldn't help but tease Rodney ... she still recalled a conversation with Major Lorne where he'd talked about his first real mission in the Pegasus galaxy. Particularly the bit about Rodney McKay and his lifetime record of exposure to radiation - how surprised he'd been a guy who would do that would also sign up for such a dangerous expedition. "And let’s not talk about Carson ... that kiss might have given you nightmares but it ruined a perfectly good relationship opportunity for me, so I think you're still ahead there."

Rodney shrugged a bit, well, self-consciously. "Um, well, maybe you should have, like, waited to kiss him, then." He pulled the power cord out of his laptop and plugged it into Hunter's. "Less stubble on both parties would have made a really big difference, I believe." He deliberately didn't look at her because he swore he could feel her smirk at the moment. "And I didn't say I could take you. I'm a geek - geeks do the thinking, goons protect their wimpy asses. At least that's how I understood it when I signed on."

"Hindsight is an amazing thing isn't it?" Laura said, relaxing a little as she remembered why it was she hadn't waited ... what Rodney had been willing to risk at the time to save her - to save both of them. "I thought I was about to die ... that we were about to die. Didn't want to have any regrets." Realizing she'd let herself get personal with Rodney, and all because of that damn connection she sometimes felt post what they'd been through, Laura regrouped. "And protecting your wimpy geek ass would be much easier if you could run a few miles without the threat of an imminent heart attack."

"Hey! My ass is fi ... in much better shape than it was... Whoa, was that three years ago? Holy crap." Rodney kind of slumped in his chair at that realization. Then he glowered up at the lieutenant. "And I'll have you know, I can run a few miles now with only the mild threat of a heart attack. Ask Ronon. Or Teyla. Or Sheppard for that matter." He punched the power button a little too hard as something else ran through his mind, and he added rather quietly, "You didn't need to doubt, you know."

"I'm military, Rodney," Laura replied, looking at him with only seriousness in her expression. "We're all about hedging our bets ... contingencies ... expecting the best but planning for the worst. And you know, if there was ever going to be a day when the Rodney McKay magic touch was glitching, it'd be the day I really needed it."

Rodney just sat there and blinked at her as he realized this was getting all a little too, well, touchy-feely for his own comfort. With Cadman, of all people. "Well, if you ever get to that point, just tell me it's impossible and we're doomed and all going to die, like Sheppard does. That seems to do the trick. Now, do you mind?" He jerked his chin towards the now booted up computer. "I have some work to do."

Amused at his obvious discomfort, Laura grinned rather than taking offence to what amounted to a clear dismissal. "I'll keep that in mind Rodney," she said. "So ... if I really, really want something from you, all I have to do is threaten you with death?" Laura made her voice just a tiny bit suggestive, knowing it would make Rodney uncomfortable. Deciding that was as good an exit line as any, she threw a cheeky grin his way and turned to leave. Stopping at the door, she glanced back at him. "Let me know if the Rodney McKay magic touch finds anything on that laptop."

Rodney set his mouth in a crooked, sarcastic grimace. "Death or citrus," he mumbled, but it was to her back as she disappeared. "The General has first dibs!" he called out, then let out a not so quiet sigh of relief now that he was finally left alone to do his work.

And to do it, he’d definitely need both hands. He eased his right arm out of the sling – he still had bandages around his hand but his fingers were free enough to type. Not his usual breakneck speed, but fast enough for all intents and purposes. He waggled his fingers experimentally, and with only a minor grimace got to work.

And not quite a half an hour later, after wading through hundreds of wasted bytes of inane e-mail jokes, fantasy football stats, and more examples of bad 80’s music and videos, he found piggy-backed on some mildly disturbing Japanese Lolita porn the encrypted files. The encryption was pretty sophisticated, too – it actually took him about forty minutes to crack and he had to take one of his hoarded pain pills because his hand was killing him by the time he got the damn things open. Halfway through the first file he tapped his radio. Or tried – his first attempt just earned him a poke that almost dislodged the thing from his ear. “Um, General O’Neill? You might want to swing by my lab.”

"Can it wait McKay?" Jack replied irritably. "This is the first meal I've had since eight this morning." The loud sigh Jack let out could be heard clearly through the radio. He knew Rodney wouldn't have contacted him unless it was important and he didn't need anything further to push him to do the right thing. "Fine ... I'll be there as soon as I can."

“Whatever, I’ll be here.” Rodney managed to key his radio off more gracefully than he turned it on, and later he was so deep into the schematics for the Replicator/Ancient bomb he didn’t even hear O’Neill enter.

"McKay, you got something?" Jack asked as he walked into the lab.

Rodney started at Jack’s voice and glanced up halfway sheepishly. Then he waggled his head in a not-quite nod, not-quite shake. “Oh, yeah, I got something alright. And it’s giving me indigestion.” He started alt-tabbing through the various open screens on his desktop. “Our boy was busy – he has details about Atlantis that I don’t think I even have. Look at this….” He swivelled the laptop enough so Jack could see what pretty much amounted to a bunch of lines reminiscent of a close up of a microchip and lots of writing, most of it in equations.

“What am I looking at McKay?" Jack demanded impatiently.

“A detailed break-down of this city’s power grid, down to every little substation, connection, transfer point, and Ancient equivalent of a plug-in. Looks like it was pulled from our database here, but this is what freaks me out.” Rodney arrowed the image down to the bottom right hand corner and called up a little emblem that was more than familiar. “This came from the SGC directly. From their no doubt super secret stash. There are even lists of pass codes I'd bet a month’s pay have been pilfered from high ranking folks, too. And the bomb schematics? Whoa – found three more for ones even bigger than the one planted on the Hammond.” Rodney grimaced as both anger and nausea fought for control. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say someone back home sure as hell doesn’t want us around anymore. But then, that could just be my naturally paranoid streak screaming uncontrollably in the back of my head right now.”

"Save everything to a flash drive," Jack ordered, forgetting for once to bumble his way through anything remotely technical. Folding his arms across his chest and with grim purpose the General waited for Rodney to comply.

Rodney rolled his chair a few feet down the counter and dug around in a drawer for a spare drive. He rolled back and less than a minute later had everything downloaded and was handing it over.

Taking the stick, Jack tucked it into his top pocket. "Can you track any of that?" he asked Rodney. "See if any of it has been copied across to another machine or into the Atlantis network?"

Rodney did his little shrug/nod that always looked like he was on the verge of a fit of some kind, especially to those who didn't know him. "I'll try. I'll run a hunt for the encryption - some of the programming was pretty distinctive - but it's gonna take some time. I'll start with the Atlantis database itself, which will more than likely require some, uh, 'guarded' time in the Chair, if you know what I mean. Won't want any looky-lous." He grimaced, then watched O'Neill's face closely as he said, "Might need Sheppard's help with some of that."

"Fine but keep this on a need to know basis McKay," Jack cautioned. "The fewer people who know the specific details the better." Thinking about the implications O'Neill frowned. "How long is that kind of search likely to take?"

Rodney just stared blankly at the laptop for a few seconds as his mind churned over the magnitude of the task. “Off hand, if I fit searches in between my regular work load and account for the unforeseen emergencies … I’m guessing a long freaking time. With the size of the database involved – of which we’ve only accessed maybe a quarter of it in the last five years – looking for a needle in an hectare of hay might be easier.” He rubbed his face lightly, then had to scratch at some peeling skin above his very thin right eyebrow. “I’ll start with primary systems and work outward from there.” He lowered his hand, which he noticed was shaking. “After I eat.”

"Do what you can when you can," Jack replied lightly. He'd already resigned himself to going back to the President with a host of unanswered questions. "Let Carter know if you find anything. And get some rest McKay ... those files aren't going anywhere."

"I hope," he thought, watching Rodney nod distractedly before pushing up from his seat. "Walk with me," the General motioned towards the door.

The journey was covered in silence ... the two men parting when they got to the Mess Hall doors. Watching Rodney walk inside Jack rubbed a tired hand over his face before heading back to his Lab.

Tuesday, 7th April | 1800 hours | Mess Hall and Infirmary

General O'Neill walked slowly into the Mess Hall in search of a quick snack to take back to the Lab. After the fight and chase that morning and a rest that hadn't been nearly long enough he was feeling every one of his fifty six years, with about a hundred more thrown in for good measure. Putting a hand to his upper arm where the bullet had grazed him, Jack winced. It was painful, but on the whole scale of things pretty minor, especially compared with how bad it could have been.

Spying the display of prepacked sandwiches the General changed course. Picking something at random, Jack turned back towards the door, pausing when he felt that unmistakable something that said he was being watched. Glancing back towards the tables still busy with late dinner patrons, O'Neill spotted the culprit immediately.

Doctor Madison Garman, watching him with a careful, suspicious expression.

Deciding retreat to be a perfectly valid strategy, Jack gave a quick nod and then turned back towards the door.

The Doctor leaned back in her seat. There was a slight smile curving her lips. She recognized running when she saw it. That was okay. She finished the remainder of her coffee before slowly rising. She took her tray to the repository before she strode toward the exit. She had a feeling of when and where she could catch up to him, and wasn't surprised to see him waiting for a lift to reach that level. "General." She moved smoothly into it behind him. The doors closed and she turned, her head inclining. "Was there something, perhaps, that we needed to discuss," she asked, voice deceptively pleasant.

Raising an eyebrow in surprise, Jack shrugged, manfully suppressing the desire to groan when the movement aggravated his wounded arm. "I don't think so Doctor," he said innocently. "Unless you have some new leads for me?"

"Leads?" She gave a slight shake of her head. "No, no leads. I thought we might discuss..." Her eyes roamed over him very quickly, "your obvious injuries and the fact that you hadn't been to see me yet." She maintained her smile as she spoke, but when her gaze returned to his face, her blue eyes were glinting with pure steel.

"It's nothing Doc," Jack dismissed, putting his hands in his pockets and rocking on his heels casually. "Just my body reminding me that I'm not as young ... or as fit as I used to be. I’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep." He kept his expression open and innocent, hoping that would be enough to put her off.

"Do you even remember what that is," she asked candidly. "You haven't had a good night's sleep since you found out what was going on here. I don't think any of us have, so that's neither here nor there. What you need is to have your injuries looked at. After that, a nap would not be completely out of the question."

"It's just a scratch," the General put a hand on his arm over the bullet wound, winced slightly and dropped it back to his side. "I took care of it this morning. But I will take your advice ... in fact I was on my way to my quarters when you ...," he trailed off, waving his hand vaguely in the air.

"You have a cot in the mess?" her brows shot up. "Well, that's certainly a new one. Very creative, I must say." She folded her arms over her chest. "Okay, I'm willing to grant that you've had your fair share of scrapes, bruises, gunshot wounds, almost gunshot wounds, and whatnot. I'll even go so far as to generously grant that you probably know how to deal with them. However... they do put medical facilities in places like this for a reason. Add to that, we do have a spectacularly stocked medical lab at our disposal, which you could utilise if you didn't want the entire city to know that the big, bad, General needed medical attention." She made a face at him. "Don't make me pull rank, I learned from the best." Although she didn't mean him.

"I was taking the scenic route," Jack smiled innocently, knowing she wasn't going to believe he'd really been heading for his quarters. Sighing as he considered just how stubborn he could be today, the General shrugged. "Fine," he conceded. "But no penlights or big pointy needles. And if you have to call me something I prefer 'The Man' to big bad General."

The doctor's lips curved toward a smile. "I'll consider it." Blue eyes sparkled with triumph. "You would spoil my fun. Didn't you know the penlight is the highlight of my day?" She huffed an exaggerated sigh. "I suppose I could forego it, but only this one time..."

"In that case I suppose I could accompany you to the infirmary," Jack replied, amused at her obvious enjoyment over teasing him. "Lead the way Doc."

The lift opened and the doctor stepped out, she took a step and pivoted, waiting. When he had joined her, she gave a little smirk of triumph and the pair of them made their way toward the lab.

Wednesday, 8th April | 0800 hours | Infirmary - Private room

Elizabeth sat in her room. It had been less than a day since Jack had visited, the time disappearing quickly as she lost herself in thought. One of the nurses had come in a short time ago to provide her with a few more painkillers. Thankfully they seemed to do their job for the moment as her migraine had slowed down to a slight grumbling as opposed to the roar that had been there.

The General had promised to contact Dr. Garman for her but she had yet to see the physician. She didn't worry. Of all people she certainly knew how busy this section of the expedition nearly always was. Still, she would be appreciative if someone could tell her if they had made heads or tails out of anything that she had been feeling.

"Dr. Weir." Madison slipped into her room, the chart she retrieved from Dr. Attins still in her hand. "How are you feeling today?"

"I've been better. But that has little to do with my health," Elizabeth admitted with a soft smile before becoming serious. "My head's started to calm down a little. I haven't felt anything more than a little fidgety today."

"I've been reviewing your chart," Doctor Garman explained. "Dr. Attins only ran a few preliminary tests. We're going to have to run a few more to get to the bottom of this."

"Of course. By all means," Elizabeth nodded, but in the back of her mind she was slightly miffed as she made a note never to check in with Attins again if he couldn't even give her the results to a simple test! She paused, noticing that her internal thoughts had become faster and angrier for a moment.

"We'll run a full blood panel. I'll do a blood gas, tox screen, and run a CBC. We'll check for toxins, infections, and chemical imbalance," Madison told her. "Then we'll do a complete MRI. If there is a physiological reason for how you're feeling, then we'll find it."

"Thank you, Dr. Garman," Elizabeth said earnestly. "I'm sorry if this has caused you any additional overtime or headaches."

"Not at all," Madison told her. "My work with the investigation has pretty much wound to a close. I have some time on my hands, and while Dr. Keller would probably be supervising your care at the moment - General O'Neill asked me to get to the bottom of everything. So think nothing of it. It's my job."

"I know things will be a little busy with me for a while ... but do you have any objections to me asking people to come here? I'd rather tell them about all of this out of the way. You ... know how ears are here. I don't want to imagine how many different rumors will start the moment I approach anyone and ask to talk to them," Elizabeth smiled, though this time she actually did fear that mill she liked to joke so much about.

"Let's rule out infection or contagion first," Madison told her. "A few simple blood tests should do that. Then you can have visitors as you feel up to it."

"Thank you, Doctor," Elizabeth nodded, slowly exhaling. Somehow she had a feeling that the wait would feel much longer than it actually was.

Wednesday, 8th April | 0900 hours | Radek Zelenka's lab

Radek was up rather early -- a quick breakfast gotten in the mess hall and brought to his lab was always inordinately satisfying. After the events of the last few days, a little quiet and a little sustenance and a little time to catch up on projects was a blessing.

He finished the first of his two muffins and was halfway through his first mug of coffee when he realised his thoughts were drifting back over the last few days again.

So he just let them drift.

Major Lorne's morning had been just as busy as the prior day, although thankfully without the full military chase and secure situation. Evan had avoided conversation with most of his colleagues where possible since then, not ready to go into the gory details the others seemed to need. There was one conversation he'd felt necessary though ... from both friendship and his general concern about the well being of everyone in the city. Maybe if he'd paid more attention to Hunter's wellbeing they wouldn't be where they now found themselves.

"Hey Doc?" Lorne stopped in the doorway of Radek's lab, looking for the other man.

Radek looked up. "Around the corner, Major." He smiled genuinely as Lorne rounded the corner. "Good morning. Would you care for a muffin?" He used his foot to nudge a rolling chair the Major's way.

"I never say no to muffins," Lorne replied, snagging the proffered chair and sitting down. Using his feet to push, he rolled the chair back beside Radek and accepted a muffin. Rather than take a bite, Evan shot a glance at the other man, hesitated for a moment and then launched into what he'd primarily come to say. "Listen Doc ... I should have checked in with you before now ... I'm sorry I didn't make the time, especially after you ended up staying in the infirmary. You okay now?"

Radek sipped his coffee slowly, considering the question as he set the cup down. "I believe so -- the exhaustion has passed and so long as no crisis threatens the city for the next 72 hours or so, I should fully recover from my bout of self-neglect."

He tilted his head, looking at Lorne. "Are YOU okay?"

"Of course," Evan agreed lightly. Catching Radek's knowing look he sighed. "How'd we miss it Doc? Hunter was stationed here for more than a year!"

Radek shook his head. "I do not know. He was not one I had regular contact with. I..." With a sigh, he looked up at Lorne. "It is perhaps irrational -- but I feel I have been used. I was the one who saw them in the hallway -- clearly one was Hunter. I feel as though they used me, used my perceptions---" He shook his head. "As I said. Irrational."

"No Radek," Lorne insisted, "not irrational. I know you took it harder than most - he set you up to be the nail in Colonel Sheppard's coffin - he read your character well enough to know you'd do the right thing and report what you saw. There's no reason for you to kick yourself over that - Lieutenant Hunter used all of us to a degree ... he knew how it would all look." Evan shook his head. "You know what the really annoying part is? That we might never work out why."

"Agreed." Radek pushed his glasses up. "That is maddening. I am a scientist, Major. I need to know why. I need it -- nearly as much as my next breath. To never be able to know why..." He shook his head. "That is intolerable."

When he met Lorne's eyes, his own cobalt ones were blazing. "And that makes me very angry. That he used me. That he used you. That he did all of this to frame Colonel Sheppard. And that we will never know why. It --it--" He rolled off into Czech for a moment, then shook his head and slapped his hand down on his desk. "It makes no sense!"

Then his eyes widened and he shook his head as he pulled his hand close. "Neither did that. Ow."

"Easy Doc," Lorne cautioned lightly. "Don't worry - we're still working on it. There're leads to follow up ... and we know at least one person on this base knows more than they've let on," he paused, seeing the light go on in Radek's eyes. "Yeah - the other half of that little charade - I didn't even think of it until you said something just before. They might have been someone Hunter misled for that one 'performance' but it's still worth investigating further."

Evan stopped to take a bite of his muffin, chewing and nodding his approval with a slight smile. Swallowing quickly and clearing his throat, the Major continued. "General O'Neill mentioned you'd shed some light on how they were able to pull that trick on us."

Radek poured him a mug of coffee to go with the muffin and pushed it over as he sat back down. "Well, Doctor Jackson helped. He taught me a meditation technique called 'Kel-no-reem' or something like that. Said it was a Jaffa technique. It helped me to see details I had missed earlier and it really brought it into relief that it wasn't Colonel Sheppard or Doctor Weir. Their shadows didn't match their forms." He took a drink of his own coffee and made a face. "Cold." And he got up to replenish his own cup.

"As for your lateness in coming to see me?" he said with a smile as he sat down for the third time in as many minutes. "It is all forgiven. I knew you were busy."

"Thanks Radek," Lorne smiled at his friend, both for excusing his tardiness and for the coffee. "It makes you worry though, doesn't it? That someone can put on the appearance of another? How can we trust anyone with that kind of technology hanging over our heads?"

"How can we not?" Radek asked, spreading his hands. "If we do not trust our friends, they will have accomplished what they seemingly set out to do -- instil paranoia. Develop mistrust. And I refuse to play that game."

With that, he stretched a hand toward Lorne. "I trust you, Major. I trust that you are who you appear to be and I will not think otherwise. I will not live that way."

Lorne took Radek's hand and shook in firmly. "You're right, Radek," he said as he let go, "and you have my trust in return." Sitting for a moment in companionable silence, Evan sighed. "You think we can put all this behind us?" he asked, thinking that the preceding weeks had been much harder for some that others.

"Given time, I am certain of it," Radek said. "We are resilient, we humans. Given time, we can adapt to anything. And we will put this behind us and move on." He broke into a huge smile. "Especially with the mess serving these delicious muffins!"

Lorne smiled too, amused by the other mans enthusiasm. Although ... Evan noticed the last of the muffins was gone and raised an eyebrow at his friend. "You wanna ...," he trailed offer, nodding his head towards the door.

"I can never resist good food. I'm much like Rodney that way," Radek quipped, and as they laughed together, he leaned over and shut off the laptop. Then he stood and walked beside the Major as they headed to the mess hall, secure in their friendship once more.

Wednesday, April 9th | 1200 hours | Thirty-Nine

Leia sat at the table, waiting on her lunch date. It had been days, all the mini crisis's of living in Atlantis dominating both their time, but finally, finally, Dr. Jackson was taking her to lunch. She had been working in tandem with Dr. Jackson and his department, taking the reins of leadership from Elizabeth temporarily so the woman could recover from the mysterious condition she was having to deal with and was determined to get them a mission. Always the gracious and kind person, Dr. Jackson had finally gotten a free afternoon to pay her back as she continued to help out his department.

It was heaven. She got to spend time with Dr. Jackson and still work. Leia prayed that he was starting to feel the same for her as she was him... but another part of her felt scandalized. She was cheating on him, even though he had no idea of her own admiration, with Evan. Although, she did have to wonder when he became and continued to be Evan, but she enjoyed his company. He would be a useful tool at the very least... what's a little attachment between people when it came down to it? She smoothed her straight black hair down again and waited for him to arrive.

Daniel arrived at the Cantina, noting with relief that he was not horribly late as he made his way to the table Dr. Mahanay had already requisitioned. He smiled as he took his seat across from her, "Sorry, I'm late, last minute question about a translation of some technical terms for one of Dr. McKay's staff."

Over the last couple of days everyone had been in high gear still trying to pull all the threads together from Hunter's sabotage. Detailed reports had been required as well as long and tedious interviews with the Special Investigations Team. This was the first opportunity Daniel had had to follow through on his offer to buy lunch for Dr. Mahanay in exchange for her unstinting aid during the last many days.

Leia smiled at him cheerfully. "It's no trouble. I just sat down myself," she told him, bending the truth just a little. She had been staked out for about twenty minutes. "Your particular skills are in high demand, after all. I'm just happy that we were able to get together," Leia said as she took a sip of her Green Tea. "Sorry. I went ahead and got myself something to drink. I actually kinda suspected something might hold you up," she admitted sheepishly.

Daniel smiled, "No problem...you had to wait. Perfectly kosher to go ahead and order something." He raised a hand to signal a waiter over, "Bottled water for me, please. Are you ready to order?"

Leia smiled, relieved that he didn't take offense. She nodded quickly. "Yes," Leia said then looked at the waiter. "I'd like the Chicken strip salad with ranch dressing, please," she told him, really craving a salad today.

The archaeologist glanced at the menu, "I'd like a cheeseburger and onion rings...and an iced tea with the meal."

The waiter nodded and hurried off to put in their order leaving Daniel to turn to Leia, "Soooo...how've you been since Special Investigations started winding up their work here? Your department settling down?"

"I've been good, busy of course. But we've all recovered. Dr. Weir's not doing so well though," Leia confided, looking worried. "She ended up in the Infirmary a few days ago so I've been sorta promoted," she said, almost shyly.

Daniel frowned slightly, "I hate to hear that. I'll check in on her as soon as I can," he said, concern lacing his mellow voice. "I'm sure, though, that you'll do an excellent job in her stead. Don't hesitate to ask me or my AD for help if you need it."

"I'm sure she'd appreciate that. I've been visiting off and on for as long as I've been able," Leia told him. Her chest swelled with pride inwardly as he complimented her. "I won't. Thanks, that will definitely help in case I bump into any roadblocks."

There was an awkward pause as Daniel tried to think of what to say next. He was not really good at small talk that did not include work related topics. "So...guess it'll be a relief to have things returning to normal...as much as they ever are anyway..." Daniel's voice trailed off as the waiter brought his water and a fresh green tea for Leia. After the man left, Daniel tried again, "So...how is your mission proposal coming?"

Leia noticed his slight hesitation, her eyes sparkling in amusement. She wasn't sure what to say to him to fill the empty air and he seemed to be having the same trouble. She smiled slightly as the waiter took care of their drinks then left them again. "Definitely. I still can't conceive of committing suicide like that..." she told him, shaking her head. "It's coming along very nicely. I plan on forwarding it on this afternoon," Leia said, pleased with herself.

"Good...that's good," Daniel replied, buying time by taking time to pour his water over the glass of ice the waiter brought.

Leia was slightly surprised that he was so hesitant in making small talk. She licked her lips nervously, almost content to just sit with him, but that would be weird. "Did you see the notice for the movie this Saturday? I think the Botany department won the vote. It's 'Total Recall' and I heard one of the guys from the department talking about how the pseudo science would make Dr. McKay's head explode."

Daniel looked blank, "Total Recall? I don't think I've seen it or heard of it. Is it science fiction?"

"Yes. I haven't seen it, but it was based off some of Phillip K. Dick's work and horribly butchered by Hollywood," she told him. "At least that's what I remember someone saying about it... It could be interesting at the very least. Maybe we could go, see if it's any good?" she offered.

"Oh...uh...Leia, sorry, but I have plans with Sam," Daniel replied. "I'm more of a History Channel buff myself anyway. Never much into science fiction."

"Oh. Oh! Oh, uh... That's perfectly fine. It's probably really badly done anyway," she said quickly. "And that makes perfect sense, you being a History Channel buff considering who you are," Leia said, totally nervous and trying to cover her disappointment with a chuckle. He had plans with Sam... Colonel Carter. She wondered what sort of plans, but didn't linger on it too long as the waiter returned with their food, placing it in front of them with practiced ease. "I might go, but I'll probably read my book instead. I'm not a big movie person," Leia admitted.

Once the waiter left, Daniel nodded his agreement, "Too many years in the field in the early years and my formative years were spent in Egypt...not much television...or movies. I read, workout, work puzzles...I didn't even own a TV until long after I joined the SGC. And, honestly, while the team did a movie night as often as time allowed, I rarely paid attention to the movie itself."

Leia nodded, learning this candid fact from Dr. Jackson. "It was much the same for me except I read and work most of the time. When I took my job as a translator, there was always something more so I got used to always being busy with work related pursuits. I think I have more off time here than I ever have anywhere else..." she admitted. "Not that I don't work hard..." Leia quickly told him, afraid that he'd judge her as lazy or not deserving of her position. That she would be diminished in his eyes.

Daniel leaned back with a slight smile, "Relax, Mahanay," he said wryly, "contrary to popular concepts, I do believe in taking time off and enjoying life fully. I just have odd working hours due to lifelong habit and a stubborn streak regarding no putting a project aside until I've completed it. I am changing in both regards...depending upon the urgency of the project in questions. You know like...if you don't translate these symbols this instant, Dr. Jackson, Atlantis will implode! That one I'd probably non-stop on. However...Dr. McKay wants this translation of Bunny Foo-Foo before he gets back from getting a hangnail removed....." Daniel grinned, "Chances are...that one is going to get left at the end of the day and continued next working day. It's all about perspective...and having a private life beyond all this," he waved his hand to indicate Atlantis and even the far away SGC.

Leia ducked her head and smiled, looking back up at him. "Sorry. Of course..." she said, thinking herself slightly silly. "It's a little hard separating yourself from work though when you live in it... but it's nice when I'm able to do so," she told him. "So... We've discussed work, what we do when we're not working...," Leia said then looked at him with a slight twinkle in her eye. "If you were stuck in the hospital... Infirmary, considering where we are, for three months, nothing serious, just not enough for you to be able to leave, and you could have anyone in the bed beside you... who would you pick?" she asked, trying to keep conversation going and not bore him.

Daniel blinked, at first thinking she meant sharing the actual bed with him and he certainly was not going to go into those details. It finally dawned on him that she probably meant in the adjacent bed, "A stack of good books, my laptop, and occasional visitors. I'd not wish anyone else to be in harm's way enough that they were confined to the Infirmary for three months."

Leia watched him closely, wondering if her question was a bad one after all, when he finally answered. She nodded, figuring that to be the case. "Well, of course not... Neither would I," Leia told him, feeling sorta like she did when she was still his student.

Finishing his sandwich, Daniel glanced at his watch and smiled, "I'm afraid I need to get back to work. Thank you for the lovely company...we'll have to do this again someday." Daniel waved to the waiter for their tab, paid the amount listed and added a generous gratuity that sent the young man away smiling.

Leia blinked, totally surprised and then looked at her watch. "You're very welcome. Next time can be my treat," she told him cheerfully while she screamed inwardly. This had so not worked out like she planned! Ok.... Alright... This was ok. He'd said that they could do this again... so not a total loss. "I'd better be getting back to my office too," she said as he made to leave. "I really enjoyed it, Dr.- Daniel," Leia told him as they made their goodbyes.

"So did I," Daniel said with a grin as he turned to leave. Winking, he added, "Don't work too hard." He then headed out, his mind on that afternoon's pile of work waiting on him.

Thursday, 9th April | 1000 hours | Infirmary private room

Leia poked her head into the room, looking to see if Elizabeth was awake and up for some visitors. She entered the room, smiling at her. "Ma'am? I was wondering if you'd be up for someone loitering or if you wanted to sleep?" she asked, smiling softly at her. At Elizabeth's gesture, Leia sat down. "So, how are you feeling? Better?" she asked. "The city has calmed down and most of the worry has been put to bed..." Leia reported cheerfully. "There's always a small amount, but that's just having so many people in one spot," she told her.

Elizabeth put aside the paperwork they had lent her. While she was being kept in the infirmary she had been allowed to do light work if she felt up to it. Though she was primarily concerned with finishing her personal report as she went. She figured it would be a larger task than was appealing if she waited. But she hadn't made much progress, her mind drifting far too easily. Leia's interruption had been welcomed.

"Well, a little more like normal," Elizabeth said in response to the inquiry on her health. Though she hadn't received any official answer she had made her own assumption that these experiences were probably more a mental issue then a physical one. That almost worried her more. "That's comforting to hear," she admitted. "But what of you? How are you holding up? You must have received a bit of pressure yourself during this ... probably due to me dragging you into it."

"Hey.... It's ok. Don't blame yourself here, alright?" Leia returned. "I'm fine. There was a little trouble but I managed to get everyone back to the table and talking again. I guess that proves that even us Diplomats don't always get along..." she joked with Dr. Weir. "I'm glad things are more normal ... it couldn't have been easy with people thinking that you were still a Replicator and to have these health flubs at the same time. Do they know what's causing it?"

"Well, we are all very determined," Elizabeth responded to the comment about their group. "And as for my condition, no, not yet," she sighed. "They've ruled out infections and the like. Obviously," she motioned to Leia being permitted here. "But ... we'll see. They haven't finished prodding me yet. It may just be some silly stress induced condition. Too much strain on a new body? It's not like what I did is done every day.," She added, attempting to sound hopeful.

Leia chuckled. "Determined is a term for it... definitely," she told her, a twinkle in her eye. "See, that's a plus. You couldn't have visitors if you were contagious. That's got to be a plus... and hopefully you're right. It might just go away with a little more rest and relaxation," Leia told her, grasping her arm.

Elizabeth nodded, welcoming the friendly gesture. She kept her response to a nod, glad that Leia hadn't turned from her even though they had barely met. She felt fortunate to have a friend within her department. Heavens knew she was going to need it. "Yes, let's hope," she agreed. "Then I can get out of here and back into being a thorn in you side," she tried to jest.

Leia grinned at her. "Never, Ma'am. Your guidance in our department is what will keep us going," she told her. "I need to go, take care of some last minute things... but I'll be back, ok?" Leia rose, hugging her gently, knowing that she was crossing some professional boundaries but not caring.

"Of course. By all means," Elizabeth said eagerly, returning the slight gesture, not thinking too much about it. She wasn't one known to be overly formal with those she worked with. "I'll see you later then. Try not to work yourself too hard," she tried to remind Leia, as the other woman made her way out.

Thursday, 9th April | 1100 hours | Special Investigations Office

Cameron sighed, walking towards General O'Neill's office in his service dress uniform sans the coat and in the short sleeve version. He rang the chime and stepped into the room, standing at attention, his medals and service awards perfect in each and every way. He had a lot of news and figured if he wanted to keep his command, he should look the part.

"Colonel," Jack frowned as he took in the other mans attire. "Is there some kind of official function no one told me about Mitchell?"

"Er... No, Sir," he said, facing the 'Big Man', the bruises still clear but starting to fade a bit on his face. "I owe you a report on the status of the Hammond, Sir," Cam said, being very respectful, knowing that he had to be on thin ice. His little mishap with the 'Door' aka Sheppard, letting that bastard Hunter get away from him... and now this report. He was lucky that he still had a job, let alone wasn't dishonorably discharged and sitting in a brig somewhere.

As the General waved for him to be seated, Cam passed over a folder with the written version and started his report. "After careful analysis, Sir, my crew thinks it will likely take 3 months to repair. About eighty-five percent of the people serving will have to be reassigned or at least sent back to Earth while repairs are being done and a few teams of engineers and computer experts will have to be brought in to repair the damages, Sir," he told him, knowing that he was so screwed.

"There's no way to schlep it back to Earth so we'll be forced to do all the repairs here, Sir... if Colonel Carter approves, of course. I felt it prudent to give you my report first then discuss any plans of action with the Colonel," Cam told him, nervously awaiting his declaration of him being fired or other condemnations for screwing up so badly.

"Relax Mitchell," Jack said irritably. "I'm not about to reprimand you for something you had no control over." He sat back, considering what Cam had told him. "Three months huh? I'm assuming that's because your flying chair caused a bucket load of structural damage."

Cam gave him a tight nod. "Yes, Sir. It wouldn't have been so bad but in order to make her space worthy again, we'll need that much time at the very least," he said, relaxing just slightly. He was out of the red zone on that one at the very least.

"Fine," Jack agreed, slapping a hand down on his still closed copy of Cam's report. He'd read it ... later. "Give Carter a list of personnel needed for repairs. The rest can be reassigned or given leave until the Hammond is space worthy again. I take it you'd like to stay with your ship?"

"If Sam will have me, Sir," he told him, relaxing a little bit. "I'll get that to her asap," Cam said.

"I'm sure she'll be delighted you're staying for a while," O'Neill replied. "Although she'll probably extract more than one promise from you to stay out of trouble while you're here."

Cam grinned. "Yes, Sir. There will be no more trouble from me, I can assure you of that," he promised.

"Is there anything else I can do for you Colonel?" Jack asked, sitting back in his chair and swinging lightly from side to side.

He looked at him for a brief moment, feeling as if he'd passed some test or something. "There's something that I've always wanted to ask you, Sir... But I'm not sure if there will ever be a good time to ask it," he told him, looking at the man curiously.

"Okay," Jack frowned, wondering what Mitchell could possibly want to know. "I am planning my memoirs though ... wouldn't want to spoil it for you. The punch line is a doosy."

Cam looked at him and wondered if he should really ask it or just let it remain between them. He wanted to know why he hadn't warned him that the General's team has spread to the four corners and was he supposed to really bring them back together? Or make his own way. Cam had no regrets doing what he'd done, but did the General regret it in his own way?

"Wouldn't you have to kill anyone that read it, Sir?" he asked, still trying to decide to ask it or just let it go.

"That was the punch line Mitchell," O'Neill pointed out with his usual sarcasm. "Ask me what you wanted ... I'll be leaving tomorrow and I'm sure you can hide until then if I get offended." The General gave Cam a look that read 'because we all know how easily offended I am ... not'.

Cam grinned, glad that he got it. He frowned heavily, embarrassed at himself for losing his nerve. "Did you mean to put me in charge when you left, Sir? I don't mean any disrespect, Sir, but did it work out like you wanted when you left?" he asked, looking at him.

"Did I mean for you to get the band back together?" Jack replied.

"Yessir," he said quickly.

"You wanted to get the band back together," Jack replied, with a shrug. "I thought you deserved the chance to try ... was kinda curious to see if you'd succeed."

Cam grinned, having his suspicions answered. "Thank you, Sir," he said, feeling like he'd gotten the O'Neill approval for real this time.

"You did good Mitchell," Jack returned, amused at the other man's obvious delight in being proven right. "Although you did get lucky ... without Vala Mal Doran you couldn't have gotten Daniel to stay for anything. I know - I tried."

"I owe her alot, Sir," he said with a grin, definitely gotten his approval and feeling damn good about it. "It was a challenge, but I think she really got into it at the last," Cam told him.

"Chaining Daniel to her certainly got everyone's attention," Jack replied. "You know he'd have been posted here more than two years ago but for that. So yeah - you do owe her - although her methods at the time left much to be desired." Jack shot Cam a teasing look, remembering the conversation at their SG-1 only conference meeting. "So - how you gonna pay her back?"

"I don't know, Sir. We got pretty close as friends after Sam then Teal'c and finally Daniel took off... but she's hard to find stuff for," he admitted, a strange look in his eyes. "There was this really bad mission... After the team broke up, they let me tag along with SG-9 and Vala came along with us because of her ties to the Lucien Alliance which had a presence on the planet where they were doing the diplomatic hoopla. There was an attack and she nursed everyone hurt for two days as the people dealt with the civil unrest that came after. She was a great comfort..." he said, going a little distant as memories popped back up.

"She nursed you," Jack said pointedly. "And from what I hear it got pretty serious there for a while. Bound to create a bond between the two of you. Nightingale syndrome or something like that."

Cam nodded, knowing that he knew and getting caught lowballing the seriousness of the situation. He then chuckled, nodding. "I figured the bond was already there. We are friends... but I don't know... It was nice knowing that she was there. I was delirious through some of it, but I remember her hands, which are slightly cold, being so very warm... We never figured out why she's a lower temperature than we are. We figure it might be some weird 'different planet' thing or being a host for awhile,"

"Well, you know I'd be the last person to hand out relationship advice, but ...you should talk to her," Jack replied, knowing Landry had commented that Vala seemed dissatisfied back at the SGC but deciding that wasn't something he should share.

"I've kept in touch here and there, but she just hasn't been that receptive. I know she can read and write..." he said, shrugging slightly. "But I'll try to track her down the next time I'm on Earth, Sir," Cam told him, nodding in agreement.

"You do that Son," Jack replied. "Although ... you might not want to leave it three months before you talk to her. She's gonna be seriously pissed if you do and I can do without the aggravation."

Cam chuckled. "I'll put in some time for leave, Sir. I've faced the full brunt of that... and it's not pretty," he said, amused.

"No it's not," Jack gave a mock shudder. "You're a brave man Mitchell," he said, subtly acknowledging that he was fully aware of the direction of Cam's thoughts with regard to Vala. "Close friends, my ass," he thought in amusement.

Cam frowned for a brief second, wondering if the General knew something that he didn't but quickly banished that thought away. "It's a hard job, but someone has to do it, I suppose, Sir," he said, wondering if he could get the other leave approved since he'd already gotten time for his Niece's birthday.

"Yes they do," Jack agreed. "I take it your curiosity has been satisfied?" O'Neill took the conversation back to where the personal stuff had started - his reasons for putting Cam in charge of SG-1. "Not that I'm not enjoying our little chat," he added with a faint smirk.

"Very satisfied, Sir. Thank you for your time and I'll make sure the Hammond gets back on her feet," Cam promised, waiting to be dismissed.

"Be sure that you do," Jack returned, his tone indicating that the conversation was finished. Pausing while Mitchell got up and walked to the door, Jack then added "and stay out of trouble Colonel."

Cam smiled back at him. "Yessir," he said, leaving the office.

General O'Neill sat back and folded his arms over his chest, eyes twinkling as he thought about Cam's probably rocky future with Vala. Maybe there was something Jack could do ... shake both of them up a little. Shrugging, Jack put it out of his mind and returned to writing his report.

Friday, 9th April | 0900 hours | Special Investigations Lab

General O'Neill swivelled in his chair as he waited for his 'team' - the two he'd brought with him to Atlantis and the two he'd borrowed for the duration - to settle into seats ready for their final meeting. That done, all eyes turned to him.

"So, what did we learn?" Jack began, leaning back in his chair and shifting his glance to each of them. "Not enough," he continued, answering his own question. "Hunter conveniently removing himself from the equation before we could interrogate him leaves us with too many unanswered questions."

"Who he was working with," Lorne commented, "or for Sir."

"Exactly Major," Jack replied. "We all know that in all likelihood Hunter was the tip of the iceberg ... to get at what was underneath we needed him alive. He'd not, so let's run through what we do know. Captain," he waved a hand for Darek to proceed with the discussion of those areas he'd been responsible for.

“Comparing Hunter’s file and abilities with the incidents brought up some matches and discrepancies, Sir.” Darek began summing up what had come up in the analysis of the last events. “The balcony – first incident to set off the series – Hunter clearly had the skills to apply the acid in the required places, as well as the necessary knowledge of architecture and static to know where to apply it for optimum effect; yet he was never recorded visiting the balcony. So it is highly probably that he had somebody else do it for him.” Darek stopped for a moment. “As the conversation Dr. Zelenka happened to witness also was a talk of two people, one of them Hunter, we know he has at least one helper in the city. If this person really did apply the acid then we can safely assume it is a fit person with moderate climbing skills.” Because the acid had been applied on both sides of the balcony, thus creating a very precise calculated effect.

"Depends on how long he had that mimic device," Jack commented. When all eyes turned to him he shrugged. "Don't have to worry about witnesses when you can put on someone else's face," he explained. "I'm sure Captain Sterling would have mentioned the camera's being taken out at random locations and times for weeks before this began. False evidence meant to point us towards Sheppard while Hunter walks around freely looking like someone else." He stopped for a moment and then motioned for Darek to continue.

“With the view-screen incident there is hardly any doubt that Hunter had the skills and he was in the control room frequently," Darek began again. "So it’s safe to assume that he did the saw work himself.”

"That was probably the crudest of all the set ups," Jack agreed. "Anyone could have done it ... with enough of a distraction to draw eyes away from the Control Room."

“Yes, and contrary to the incident in the underwater lab," Darek agreed. "While Hunter had the skill to take out the cameras, manipulate the computers and sabotage the pumps, he has never shown any skills useful in forgery.” Darek still wished they had at least one more of the notes for comparison. “The notes were an expert forgery, done by someone highly skilled. There were nearly no discrepancies between them and the original handwriting, some of the discrepancies so small that they’d likely be overlooked by anyone who has no idea that the note is not genuine.” Darek shook his head. “There is next to no chance that Hunter did those by himself. He had expert help on that one.”

"If only we had a register of master forgers back on Earth," Jack quipped, earning a chuckle from Major Lorne.

"The police probably do Sir," Evan pointed out. "Although they wouldn’t specialise in this kind of thing. More than likely its someone who used to it who's linked to the whole thing some other way."

"That would make sense," Jack agreed. "Doesn't help us catch them though, does it?"

"No Sir," Lorne replied.

"Sorry Captain," Jack realised he'd taken the discussion off course ... again. "Please continue."

Now they came to a more disquieting part of the investigation. “The mimic device would not have been an item from Atlantis, Sir, or at least it wasn’t originally. As best we can tell without having the actual device used by Hunter it was a reverse-engineered version of the devise studied at Area 51. It would be far beyond Hunter’s abilities to create or built. We know he had one and that one was in the possession of his accomplice - we have to assume that someone supported him who had access to one of the most restricted sites on Earth – Area 51 – and has the necessary skills to create the devices.”

"And somewhere in the city is someone who can be Sheppard or Weir," Jack pointed out grimly. "If we can get access to the original mimic devices maybe we can come up with a way to track them, should that person decide to use them again."

"An in-depth study of the original device, or at least the specs and analysis work done up to this point, could help to determine the exact capabilities and limits of this device, Sir." Darek was well aware that going over such an advanced piece of tech would be a tremendous pile of work at best. "It might also help to determine if it is limited to one set of appearances or if they users can appear as many different people."

"We'll get you access to one of those devices when we get back to Earth Captain," Jack promised. "What next?"

Thus they were up to the next event in the chain of incidents. “The analysis of the bomb was done by Lt. Cadman, Sir.” She had been the one to disarm the first one and the person who had seen the most of them during and after the incident. “Lieutenant?” Darek had turned to Cadman, inviting her with a short gesture to present her findings.

"Thanks Captain," Laura acknowledged with a smile, turning to address the General. "As you know Sir the bombs on the Hammond were a mix of Earth, Ancient and Replicator components. I can't tell you where the Earth parts came from or who stole the Ancient device from the Lab. What I can tell you is that the Replicator defences definitely didn't originate here. Major Lorne was right Sir," Laura added, earning a faint smile from Evan. "The programming was different from what would be created from our replicator Lab here on Atlantis. Colonel Carter gave me access to the programming from the Replicators found on the Apollo - our bomber used that version. Points to either direct IOA involvement or someone with very high level access."

"And what does that all mean?" Jack asked.

"In my opinion Sir none of the bombs I've examined were created by Hunter personally," Laura replied. "Unless his record grossly understates his expertise in that area - because these are the work of a real expert. They're sophisticated and pretty unique in their design. I believe Hunter did little more than follow instructions for planting them on the Hammond and in that damaged section of the city.

"Would you recognise the bomb creators work?" Lorne asked curiously, not sure if that was possible or if he'd perhaps watched too much TV as a child.

"Yes Sir, I believe so," Laura grinned as though she'd known what Evan had been thinking before turning back to Jack to conclude her assessment. "While they don't give us any specific leads beyond confirmation that someone high up on Earth is involved, if we ever find further evidence of a similar nature in the future we should be able to use it to lock down the suspect."

"Very good Lieutenant," the General nodded, turning back to Darek. "What else?" he asked.

“The second lab incident Sir," Darek continued. "While again Hunter had the computer skills needed, there is nothing in his record that suggests he had the necessary mathematical education and ability to find and implement the function used to cause the console to overload. So here again we must assume that he had help and again that he had a helper of high intelligence and high scientific capabilities.” Darek knew it would be tough to built up a more cohesive profile of the second conspirator, especially as they could not be sure that there was only a second one and not a third person involved.

"That one very obviously targeted Colonel Sheppard," Jack commented. "Too obviously. If I hadn't already been sceptical that would have done it for me. And Carter's quarters?"

“The manipulated door of Col. Carter’s quarters was a mixed manipulation, using computer skills to cause the door to emergency shut and again an override that made sure Atlantis systems were not aware that a live-form was in between," Darek explained. "Plus the necessary trigger greatly resembles the MO of the Underwater lab. Hunter had all skills needed to carry out this attack and he was regularly in that section of the city. There is no reason to doubt he did it himself.” Except if there was a whole cell operating here, and they were talking about more people than they knew ... Darek kept that last part to himself for the time being.

"Hunter certainly had a fair set of skills," Jack shook his head sadly. "A pity something ... or someone subverted him." Glancing at Darek, Jack raised an eyebrow in query. "Is that it?"

“The surveillance devices found in Dr. Jackson’s and Col. Carter’s quarters present another incident that Hunter could hardly have carried out alone," Darek offered. "This again was the work of a pro. The devices themselves are mostly in professional use and the placement was perfect for quarters of this size in terms of hiding and coverage. While I have no doubts that Hunter was the one who did the actual planting of the devices, I am rather sure he had detailed instructions from another person, the same person might also have acquired the devices in the first place.” Darek stopped, here he was at a conclusion that might be too early to draw. “This knowledge along with the forgery could be a hint of a rather specific set of training and skills in the helper.” Intelligence training came to mind, or a criminal perhaps.

"Excellent work Captain," Jack acknowledged, his thoughts on the last comment unspoken. He had his suspicions on how high up and how broad the true story was. "Doctor McKay has been looking at Hunter's laptop and the console I got the message on," Jack revealed. "Mine was toast - nothing on there to reveal. Hunter's proved more useful though ... McKay found evidence to confirm the level of computing skill as well as proof the man's intel on the city came from Earth. He's still searching the systems but it's going to take some time." Turning next to Maddie, he raised an eyebrow. "What about the medical angle Doctor? Any unanswered threads lingering there?"

"The anomaly I found in Colonel Sheppard's blood work, for starters." The Doctor shook her head. "There isn't any evidence of a drug or technological intervention. I've poured over his file - and with the exception of some interesting run-ins with the Wraith, I can't find any cause for it. My gut is telling me it's probably been there for years, we only just found it because we were looking for it. Well, it or something like it. I'd like to follow up on it later, continue my research. Right now I just don't think it's critical to the investigation."

"He must have been through some rather thorough blood-screening before. Flight-capability checks, quarantines, the regular medical checkups, - and it never showed up before?" Darek asked, he didn't doubt Dr. Garman's words, but he wondered how such an anomaly could stay hidden with the in-depth medical controls the SGC kept for it's personal.

She smiled at Darek. "No, it wouldn't. For those tests they would have done a standard panel. Tox screen, blood gas, and CBC. They would have been looking for the usual suspects. Infection, drug use, electrolyte imbalance. They would have missed this completely unless they were looking for it. My research brought the samples down to their smallest degree. That's how I found the anomalous proteins and enzymes. Which is why I'm noting his chart to have Dr. Keller follow up regularly, and send me the results."

"Okay then," Jack wasn't surprised that the blood test results weren't linked. Like he'd said at the time, if Maddie tested his blood to that level who knew what she'd find. "What about the physical evidence ... from the stuff Cadman and Lorne removed from the Hammond?

"We didn't find much more than partial prints on any of the bomb components that were still intact enough to study," Madison replied. She tucked a dark lock of hair behind her ear and picked up her report on the finger printing that had been done. "We ran them against the Atlantis database, including those working in the lab where the Ancient component was stolen and haven't had a match. I also ran the DNA tests through the Atlantis database, and against the samples I took from everyone involved. No match. But the samples are human."

"And that tells us what?" Jack frowned, working out the implications in his head and not liking where they were pointing.

"It tells me sir," she answered grimly, "that the bomb was brought in to Atlantis from Earth, either via the Gate or during a supply run. Once we're back on Earth, I'd like to run the prints and DNA samples through CODIS and the Homeworld Security databases. Hopefully we'll get a hit off one of them."

"So, blood test results that are unrelated and prints with no matches," Jack summarised grimly. "Did we get anything else?"

"I'm afraid there was no other medical evidence, Sir," Madison shook her head. "Whoever was working with Hunter knows what they're doing. They didn't leave any physical evidence behind, and they were smart enough to either blend with the rest of the crew well enough that they were never considered a suspect to begin with - or I tested them, and there was nothing to find. Unfortunately, there's no diagnostic test for good, old fashioned, human evil."

"That would make my job so much easier," Jack returned, liking the way the Doctor had gotten at the core problem. "Can we tell whether Hunter would have tested positive if we had that test? Did he make the suicide jump by himself or was he pushed?"

Madison picked up a second report and held it out for him. "Hunter died from Potassium Cyanide poisoning. During the course of the autopsy I didn't find any evidence to suggest that it entered his body in any other way but self ingestion. There were no signs of bruising or puncturing at any of the likely injection spots, and he didn't have time to strip down to get to any of the less likely locations. The poison was mostly likely contained in some sort if pill formation. Probably a fast release gel covering, with the poison itself in powder form. It would have very quickly dissolved into the blood stream."

"Where'd he get something like that?" Jack queried. "Not exactly something they sell at the local pharmacy."

"I honestly can't answer that sir. Hunter may have brought it with him, it may have been something that he had on his person all the time in the event that he was caught. Or... he could have met with his handler prior to your arrival in the hologram room and he was coerced into taking it. The only thing that we do know for certain in any of this is that the only person in this city who could identify Hunter's accomplice, is Hunter. It lends credence to the theory he was coerced, or in some other way led into suicide." The doctor sighed. "We'll never know for sure."

"He definitely wasn't working alone Sir," Lorne summarised the obvious conclusion for them all.

"No he wasn't," Jack agreed. "But we'll note in all the public reports that he was. No sense in keeping everyone on edge, nor in revealing to his accomplice that we know as much as we do. We'll need to debrief at the SGC so it'll be up to you Major, and Lieutenant Cadman to make sure the right message is being broad cast."

"Yes Sir," Lorne acknowledged, feeling disappointed the General's stay was almost over. "When will you be departing?

"As soon as Doctor Garman and Captain Sterling can pack up all our gear," Jack replied. "Later this afternoon probably."

Madison tossed a look at Darek and grinned a little crookedly. "Well, there goes my idea for pitching a tent on the first beach I could find and bumming around for a few days. No rest for the wicked."

A half-grin back was her first answer. "Hmm, I'm not sure the General would appreciate an End of Mission report distinctively smelling like fish and salt water."

"No he wouldn't," Jack agreed with a faint smirk. "Unless he was the one at the beach fishing of course." Glancing at each person ... his impromptu investigative team, the General nodded. "So - we're done here. Thank you all for your efforts - under the pressure of time - dealing with a difficult personnel situation. Colonel Carter and her staff still have a lot of work ahead of them to get to the bottom of this but we've given them the foundation for further investigation."

Everyone took that as the meetings close, getting up and nodding before each going about their business. Jack sat back, crossing his arms over his chest, already thinking about his upcoming chat with the president.

Friday, 10th April | 1100 hours | Special Investigations Lab

Packing and unpacking were among her least favorite things to do, but if being on the move as often as she was had taught Madison anything, it was how to pack quickly, lightly, and efficiently. At least where her personal items were concerned. The single duffel she brought with her was already packed and ready to go. What remained was the medical equipment, files, samples, and test results that had accumulated since her arrival. In the lab, there were cases open around her as she put away instruments and scanning equipment.

She had been at it for about half an hour. Her well organized lab had become a study of controlled chaos. It might look as if the place had imploded, but she had a system, and was methodically going through it. First the more sensitive equipment, then the files, and finally the samples which had to be more carefully stored for the return trip to Earth.

As she closed the thick, black, protective case around the Mass Spectrometer, she reached in to stroke it. "Now, be a good boy and next time, Mommy might just get you something nicer to analyse..."

Sam's lips pursed. She looked at Daniel. "She speaks to inanimate objects. Obviously the General has been choosing like minded individuals for his team." They were on their way to see O'Neill, hoping to spend a little more time with him before being forced to say goodbye. Along the way, Daniel had suggested, and she agreed, that they should see the doctor as well.

Daniel grinned as they walked in, "Worse yet, she considers them her offspring. That's more than a bit alarming actually. Hello, Mads," he said, going forward to greet her with a hug without thinking. "Wanted to stop in and say goodbye."

"That's because you are a very smart man who knows how to keep himself from behing smacked around." She returned his hug, finally leaning back after a moment to grin crookedly at him. "Are you going to behave yourself or am I going to end up coming back here and doing it anyway?"

Sam watched the hug, her brows rising toward her hairline. Once again the pair of them were displaying a closeness that Daniel had yet to define. It wasn't that she was jealous, exactly, but incredibly curious. It wasn't like Daniel to keep things from her. Yes, he was very innately private, but this was unlike it. It only made her that much more curious. "You'll probably end up coming back. Daniel has an uncanny ability to do the exact opposite of staying out of trouble."

Daniel tried to look hurt, but honestly, Sam was too close to right. He shrugged slightly and grinned unabashedly, "I don't always get into trouble and when I do, often have help." The grin turned to a softer smile, "It was good to see you again, Maddie....seriously."

Carter folded her arms over her chest, watching the pair of them. Her lips pursed. She made a mental note to pin him down later and insist that he give her a little insight into this particular... relationship.

"It was good to see you too, Daniel." Madison cupped his chin and lifted her face to kiss him. She was intending on chaste, but the part of her personality that was controlled by impish fairies had her engaging him in lip-lock that went fairly well beyond friendly. Before it could go too far, she pulled away with a wink. "See ya later, Danny."

Sam watched Daniel walk toward her, a slightly glazed expression on his face. A single, elegantly shaped brow rose. "Well. That was... certainly an interesting goodbye."

Daniel glanced back over his shoulder, a bemused expression still on his face although his eyes were beginning to twinkle with amusement. Turning back to Sam, he replied carefully, "Hmmmm...we need to talk, Sam-I-Am."

"I think you may be correct." Sam smirked as they turned to leave the lab. "A very long talk." She was fighting the urge to laugh.

Daniel's gulp was just barely audible as he escorted Sam from the lab to leave Maddie to her packing.

Friday, 10th April | 1100 hours | Special Investigations Lab

Darek went over his workstation again, making sure nothing had been forgotten, or left to pack. He was especially careful as small items, USB-Sticks for one, could easily be forgotten and carry a lot of data pertaining the investigation. But there was nothing left to be found, everything was stowed away, ready for the journey back to Earth.

Leaning against one of the tables Darek allowed himself to relax and let the impressions of the last days pass by again. Not about the investigation but the impressions of this place, this grand city, that he had pushed aside to focus on his task up till now. The city was nothing like he would have imagined the legend Atlantis, but all the more impressive. Still the more Darek was waiting here, the more his mind began wandering back to Earth and the tasks left behind in the hasty departure. He wondered if Williams and McKinnon had already been sent off to begin the survey of the gigantic Aqueduct or if that would be where they’d pick up again, in some days.

"Captain?" Major Lorne stopped in the doorway, surprised to find the other man there and apparently lost in thought. Darek had been very focused during the entire investigation and for the first time Evan found himself wondering about him ... what he'd done back at the SGC, how he'd taken to the city. "Sorry," Lorne continued, politely apologising for interrupting. "General O'Neill sent me to see if there's anything else that needs to be transferred to McKay for further analysis."

Darek snapped out of his musings, startled. He had not heard the Major enter the lab. In reflex he straightened up. "No, Sir. Everything that needed to go to Dr. McKay was already brought to him by Lt. Cadman." Darek had had the distinct impression she had taken to that assignment gleefully.

That said and done with, Darek considered the man in front of him for a moment silently. Major Lorne's support had been invaluable for the investigation, and Darek appreciated how tough the situation must have been on the man, navigating the line between his own comrades and the investigation as such. "Major, before we leave - I wanted to thank you for your support during the investigation. Your knowledge of the city and your insights were a great help and much appreciated."

"Thank you Captain," Lorne replied, feeling both surprised and just a little embarrassed. "You were very thorough in your report ... this the kind of thing you used to do back at the SGC?"

"Investigations, Sir? No, engineering and tech-support is more like it, surveys of mines and alien structures, the odd low-tech help for one or another settlement the first contact teams encountered." It was a fascinating duty and Darek had grown to like it rather fast. "But then, you might have actually known some of my comrades at SGC far longer than I have, Sir." At least it was rather likely if he put what the General had said about Major Lorne and what McKinnon had been talking about all the time together correctly.

"Mining surveys," Lorne grinned, his thoughts flashing back to his own experiences. "P3X-403," he said, shaking his head ruefully. "First time I met Doctor Jackson ... after which I'm lucky he's even talking to me, let alone serving on the same team together. Remind me to tell you about it some time."

"I might do that, Sir." The name of the planet didn't mean anything to Darek, but that sounded like some old mission and one to remember. "The next thing in line for the team back home wasn't a mine though, but an aqueduct."

"Finding one or building one?" Lorne asked curiously.

Now it was Darek's turn to grin. "Repairing one." he said. "The people of this planet have been rather accommodating when it comes to finding an Earth outpost there, but they have some worries that their water supplies will be drained too much by too many people in the area. It has been a problem since the great Aqueduct ran dry three or four generations ago. As they didn't built it, they have no idea how to really fix it. The first aerial survey didn't show any signs of obvious damage to the Aqueduct, no broken or collapsed parts. So we'll have to do this the same way the Romans did of old: inspecting the Aqueduct on foot, checking over each part of it as we go." They had still been preparing and planning when Darek had been pulled out for the Pegasus assignment and he hoped there was still a chance to join the rest of the team again.

"Sounds pretty interesting," Lorne acknowledged, finding himself intrigued by the idea of retracing the same methods used so long ago. After what he liked to call his 'little slip-up' with the Unas remains, Evan had decided he needed to know more about that aspect of his job. Couldn't have every archaeologist employed by the SGC annoyed that he hadn't respected their artefacts enough. So he'd done a little reading - not a hardship given his inherent but not widely advertised love of the written word on any subject - and discovered something remarkable. History was interesting. Beyond military history in which Evan had long been well read. That had sparked more reading - he wasn't an expert but the Major knew a lot more than he usually felt inclined to let show. He liked to think of himself as 'a man of information' even if he didn't often volunteer it. Focussing back on Darek, Lorne shrugged and continued. "Having to execute a task from its historical beginnings rather than do it the modern and presumably more efficient way will be a challenge. I take it your team hasn't started yet. You'll get back in time to join them?"

"I am not entirely sure, Sir. I hope I'll be able to join them or to catch up to them should they already be off." He'd find that out soon enough he guessed.

"Who's team are you assigned to?" Lorne asked, wondering if it was someone Evan knew.

"Major Henderson's team, Sir," Darek replied, "along with McKinnon and Williams."

"I know Henderson," Lorne offered. "Good leader ... smart too."

"That he is" Darek replied. "Calm, smart and gifted with the humour and the patience to handle the team." Or as Henderson used to put it: 'to deal with an Irish dreamer, an American geek and a German perfectionist all at once without going mad’."

Chuckling, Evan wondered who the rest of the team was ... jumping quickly to the titles he might put on the members of his team. "So, investigating, engineering and what looked like much more than a basic understanding of technology," Lorne summarised what he knew of the other man's skills so far. "I bet you've had cause to use all of them since you started at the SGC."

Darek shook his head. "Engineering aside, ground insertion is next down the list I'd say; scouting places, searching for signs of civilisation, securing areas and always hoping no one manages to bring the locals up in harness or we might learn that a sniper with a crossbow is just as deadly if the distance is right." The practical perspective on historical warfare could be quite enlightening. Focusing back at Lorne, Darek shrugged it off. "But I guess I am telling you nothing really new there."

"You got that right," Lorne agreed, thinking about his own experiences. "It was different back home in our own galaxy. More technology, more sophisticated weapons in the main. Couldn't really tell what you might find on any one planet. Here in Pegasus the Wraith focus their culling and attacks on cultures that are advancing beyond the basics. Finding a race with even simple projectile weaponry is rare. More often it's swords or in close combat."

"So the gap - technological and cultural gap - is even greater here?" Darek couldn't quite hide that he was astonished. "That must be demanding on infantry-training for the troops to go into such situations." The problem really sparked Darek's interest. How did you prepare a modern infantry soldier for combat with people using swords, spears and other weaponry in close range? Taking them down barehanded was hardly an option.

"It is," Lorne agreed, "which is why we spend so much time training. And why we make use of the skills of people like Ronon Dex and Teyla Emmagen. They've been crucial in teaching us how to fight the Wraith the way they do, the way that's worked for their two races for generations. Without that I'm not sure we'd have been as effective with what we're trying to do here."

Darek nodded thoughtfully, it made sense to learn from those who had been confronted with a particular enemy for a long time. "It sounds like quite the challenge - not only the different weapons and fighting styles, but all it probably incorporates, tactics, group strategies, not talking of the psychological side of things."

"Yeah, the mind set is an adjustment," Lorne considered the difference between what he'd been confronted with back home and the Wraith. "Enemies always want something from us ... position, weapons ... to use us as hosts ... you get used to that. And on the surface the Wraith are no different ... except they need to feed on humans to survive and most of them consider us little more than food. Gives you a whole new appreciation of the other side ... the fox rather than the guy on the horse chasing him."

Apart from the fact that these foxes were probably shooting back; Darek liked the comparison. "How much does their hunger, their instinct impair their tactics?" he asked, wondering how such a primal motivation impacted on actual combat situations. "Is it possible to play their need to feed against them, or are they too controlled for that?"

"Interesting question," Lorne replied thoughtfully. "I don't think their hunger on any given day impacts on their strategy ... they are very controlled and come over as pretty unemotional, apart from their obvious enjoyment of aggression. But overall, the fact that they need to feed, that most of their attacks are motivated by them culling whatever place they're attacking? That has a huge effect on tactics. They have to get up close and personal which means we have to fight them on that footing. Can't stand at a distance and pick them off with a P-90 either because they hardly flinch and are usually right on you before you've managed to get more than a few shots in. Hence our reliance on the fighting skills Ronon and Teyla can teach us."

"That really sounds like it is time to dig out all the weaponry we left in the good old times," Darek said without irony. "Does their approach - culling beams and ground troops - have an impact on the way settlements and cities are built for defence?" Darek had a lot of things in mind there, but checked further questions, it was hardly polite to question a superior officer like that, no matter how fascinating the topic.

"Lots of caves," Lorne said with just a hint of amusement. "People do a lot of hiding ... and for good reason. Hard to believe they've done so well here for so long without a vast store of weaponry. The real dilema for the settlements isn't about building them for defence ... in my opinion it's only location. Do you build close to the gate to make escape a possibility? Or because you know the Wraith will lock it down if you can't dial out first, do you locate as close to a good place to hide as you can, even though it means you have to travel much further to bring in help once the Wraith are done?" Lorne shrugged. "Goes both ways ... some locate close to the gate but most take the distance approach. Kinda futile because those Darts can really move." Evan looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking again. "It's a shame really - we've seen places like Hoth and Sateda that were on the way to real cultural progress and the Wraith stopped them point blank. I wonder what this galaxy would be like if the Wraith had never evolved."

Darek had listened intently, taking in the information. "I was thinking in a different direction - not about distance to the gate but more about a lot of things that came along with classical fortress architecture to handle and trap large quantities of enemies." He shrugged. "I guess it doesn't work that way." He pushed the rest of the whole idea aside. "This galaxy without the Wraith - it might be a fascinating place, or terrifying - depending on what grew in their spot."

"True," Lorne agreed. He was enjoying the conversation very much, finding in Darek someone with thoughts that complimented his own. "There's always another enemy to fill in the void. Good unable to exist without Evil to counterbalance it. The Wraith were the result of actions taken by the Ancients .... just like the Replicators. In some ways I'd prefer the Wraith ... what makes them a threat - their need to feed - can be used against them. The Replicators didn't have that ... to my mind anyway. They were driven solely by their internal programming ... we were just lucky Dr McKay found a way to use that to defeat them."

For a small moment Darek hesitated, but got himself in check at once. Major Lorne knew the Wraith and if he was willing to attribute them as evil, he probably knew why, better then Darek ever would. "I agree with you on the Replicators," he replied. "and with the Wraith - what actually makes me wonder is: what dangers they might just have killed off and eaten that would otherwise come around to haunt us. Was Pegasus really that empty and devoid of intelligent life before the Ancients arrived here?"

"It does make you wonder," Lorne agreed. "If you read some of the papers Doctor Jackson has written, the Ancients are credited with seeding intelligent life in our own galaxy as well as in this one. Would life have evolved on its own without them? We're kind of living proof that it would - at least in our galaxy," Evan shrugged. "Who was where and when gets a little bit murky when you take the Ancients hopping back and forth between galaxies into account."

"Evolutionary chains across galaxies are rather confusing," Darek admitted. "But do we know why the Ancients went to such pains in seeding intelligent life? Because there was none other? I mean we know there were some intelligent species developing in the Milky Way. Admittedly, the Goa'uld were not the nicest idea Evolution ever had, but them and the Unas developed on their own." Darek shook his head. "I guess nobody can really tell what gave the Ancients the idea to seed life. What made them feel so keenly that intelligent life as they knew it needed to be expanded, given many different places and roots."

"You know what I find the most intriguing?" Evan asked. "That they interfered in the very foundations of life in both galaxies but once they were ascended, they had a hands off policy on everything. Makes no sense."

"Voltaire once said: "If Satan should ever replace God he would find it necessary to assume the attributes of Divinity." Perhaps after they ascended they found out the very same and had to stay out of things." Darek replied philosophically. "Perhaps they could only interfere as long as they were like we are, and once they were on a higher plane of existence found out that there were rules - not rules they made up but rules and ties set by things still greater than them."

Lorne shot a glance at Darek, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "I don't think I've ever heard anyone offer that explanation," he admitted. "Usually we're too busy blaming the Ancients for not getting off their asses to assist us. Maybe it is as simple and as complex as them not being allowed to. You should talk to Dr Jackson ... he's spoken with more than a few Ascended Ancients and has his own perspective on all of that."

"Perhaps I should, when I get the chance." Darek shrugged, turning to another question. "You say the Wraith were essentially the Ancient's fault. I am not sure if I got the whole thing right. Humans got infested with the Iratus bug and developed into what we know as Wraith? An effect of introducing an unadjusted species into a complex environment, like the rats in Australia, only with more far-reaching consequences?"

"We don't know for sure," Lorne explained. "Doctor Beckett suggested it was simply the fact that the Ancients seeded the iratus bug home world with human life. Evolution took care of the rest - the bugs feeding on the humans because they were there and then over time taking on human traits through the DNA they'd absorbed. Good intentions ending up with dire consequences ... not that we haven't perpetrated a similar scenario while we've been here."

Darek briefly wondered if it was even possible to avoid those pitfalls, it was not very likely. "If human history - the consequences of transporting animals and diseases from one continent to another; and I mean the consequences good and bad here, can be taken as any indicator, then I guess such situations are unavoidably part of the process." He said eventually. "Just that the scales are far bigger. I don't know much about the expedition's history to know what incident you meant, of course."

Lorne gave a harsh bark of laughter at that. "Tough to pick one," he admitted. "Hoffan drug, iratus bug retrovirus, switching on the Replicator attack directive ... they all seemed like good ideas at the time but in hindsight only made things worse." Shaking his head ruefully, Lorne added. "Not that you'd know about any of those ... sorry Captain. Thinking about all the mistakes we've made out here doesn't exactly shine us in the best light."

"If we go down that road, then Columbus heralded genocide, and thanks to some guy preaching a lot of nice and good things down in Palestine we later got the Holy Inquisition -" Darek shook his head. "Hindsight always knows better." Realising that his tone might have been a little too sarcastic he added: "What I mean, Sir, is: that all we can do is try to do the right thing, to do what is best and be aware that it still can come back and bite us."

"I know you're right Captain," Lorne agreed, finding his respect for the other man increasing the longer their conversation continued. "And as a group, this expedition for the most part does that. The things you find yourself personally playing a part in are a little harder to accept but its all part of the journey ... the military journey in particular."

Darek nodded, agreeing with the assessment. "I agree, it's part of the things we took on, when we decided for a military career." He had high respect for those people who were willing to tackle difficult tasks and to make the tough call if necessary, people willing to shoulder the responsibility and not weasel out of it. "And to get back to what you said about the Ancients before - it is the same choice for us: we either can do things and risk making mistakes, creating bigger problems in the process, or we can sit back and watch the world go by."

"Well said," Lorne agreed with a smile. "Personally I'm not the sit back type ... if we can help we should ... and we have. There are plenty of people in this galaxy who wouldn't be around any more if we hadn't stepped in. I don't know ... I like to think that balances out the things we messed up. They have a real future now and that wasn't the case before we came here."

Those words made Darek understand a whole lot better what tied people so closely to this expedition, this galaxy. He had noted the fact how strongly some of the expedition members identified with Atlantis during the course of the investigation, but Lorne's words made him see more clearly what those ties were made off. For a moment he searched for the right words to express the thought. "From what I learned here during my short stay, I think Atlantis, this place - the expedition, is something you can be proud of."

"We are," Lorne said firmly, "I am. After the SGC ... the things I did there that I never would have imagined ... I didn't think any post could top it. This place does ... it's good to be reminded of that." Realising he'd been keeping Darek from finishing whatever was needed before the Captain returned to Earth, Lorne straightened. "I should let you get back to your work," he said moving towards the door. Stopping just before exiting, Evan glanced back. "You know ... if you ever want a change of scene I might be able to pull a few strings." Nodding casually, Lorne headed off down the corridor.

Friday, 10th April | 1130 hours | Colonel Sheppard's office

General O'Neill strolled casually down the corridor towards Sheppard's office ... he hadn't arranged anything per say, but, having checked with both Lorne and Carter, Jack knew the other man was currently in residence there. Given what he was about to tell him the General was pretty sure Sheppard would welcome the surprise visit.

"Colonel," Jack stopped in the doorway, seeing John sitting at his desk working. "Got a few minutes?"

Recognising the General, Sheppard had already been halfway up and on his feet. The question had cut short any salutations. "Of course, Sir. Do come in."

"Listen ... I know the past couple of weeks have been difficult ... particularly for you," Jack began, sitting in the adjacent chair. "You were asked to play an uncomfortable role ... believe me I know how uncomfortable it can be to deliberately set out to deceive everyone. And you did it well ... very well if some of the comments I've been hearing are anything to go by."

"Sir, it was ... is ... a necessity," John replied and he meant it. He didn't need to like this particular necessity, but the alternatives were even worse. And the events of the last weeks had demonstrated impressively how bad things already were. "Have there been any new hints, Sir?" he asked, the last incident had involved the General directly and perhaps it had brought them closer to finding the agent behind all this.

"Based on the evidence we've collected, it's pretty clear Hunter wasn't working alone," Jack replied grimly. "Little things mainly ... apart from the fact that he used a mimic device - Darek thinks reengineered from the originals. Getting access to Area 51 ain't exactly a piece of cake."

Not to mention the brains and means the reverse-engineering itself would need. John bit his lip, it only meant that the mastermind behind all this had to be higher in the food chain than they'd originally anticipated. "Is there any hint how Hunter got involved with them?" he asked. Something must have gotten the man into a net like this, and Sheppard still couldn't see Hunter becoming a traitor all by himself.

"I took the liberty of having a detailed check run on the man," the General replied. "He had gambling debts ... big ones. It's not a motive as such but a hook? For someone enterprising enough Hunter must have looked like a gift from God ... with the right approach the Lieutenant would have been ripe for manipulation."

A hook, a means to tie the man in and then manipulate him. John nodded slowly. "It would make sense, General," he said. "I doubted there would be a motive for Hunter becoming a traitor on his own. I guess whoever had him by that hook was a pro and left no traces or evidence?" All details combined it made John wonder which organisations at home might be involved.

"None ... so far," Jack replied. "Rodney's still looking at Hunter's laptop. Who knows what he'll be able to dig up. For now though we're at a dead end. I don't see the real mastermind contriving another incident anytime soon now their stooge is out of the picture. That being the case you're free to get back to being you ... the real you."

John wasn't sure what was stronger, the relief that he was out of the guilty act he'd been playing or the disappointment that the real enemy had slipped through their fingers. "I am glad it's over, Sir." At least for now, for a time. Sooner or later they would hear from that enemy again.

"Telling your team what you've been doing is going to be difficult," Jack pointed out. "You need to make it clear that you were under orders the whole time ... they'll be angry no matter what you say but ...," O'Neill trailed off with a shrug. It wasn't like either of them had had a choice but the aftermath of being undercover, especially when it came with deception so close to home, was never easy.

A light grin lit in Sheppard's eyes. "Rodney isn't going to let me hear the end of it for some time, that much is sure," he said. He hoped that Teyla and Ronon would understand what he'd done and why he'd done it. He had noticed the General's advice was something akin to the 'voice of experience' and briefly wondered what missions like that the General had run during his career. "Still, I am glad I'm allowed to share this information with them. Thank you, Sir," John eventually added. He was grateful that he wasn't forced to keep all this deception secret and to himself for years to come.

"Can't expect you to run around the city being suspicious and illogical forever," Jack said with an amused twinkle in his eyes. "If McKay gives you grief just remind him that you had him completely fooled ... that's the kind of thing that'll drive a genius crazy." With a sigh, the General turned serious again. "Just be up front John ... tell them everything you need to to get back the team dynamic. That's more important than anything else right now because I know one thing. We'll be seeing more from the real power behind this attack on the city ... you need to be able to trust each other above all else."

The advice for McKay was good and all too true. John didn't want to imagine the gripes and troubles McKay might have caused at the SGC in the years before the expedition. Unfortunately he couldn't just stop with the amused thought. The General was right, they'd hear from the mastermind again. "We have a lot to rebuild here, Sir," - trust to rebuilt and broken bridges to mend - "you're right about that." They needed to trust each other, especially with someone out there trying to divide them. "Will there be other repercussions of the incidents?" Who knew what the PTB would read into all this and what conclusions they might draw.

"I'm sure I'll find out as soon as I get back to Earth," O'Neill replied with a long suffering sigh. "Already got a meeting with the President slotted in for Tuesday." Shooting John a sly look Jack grinned. "You know ... if they ever offer to make you 'The Man' say no. The pay check and parking space really aren't worth it."

"I'm sure they'll be wise enough to never ask me," John grinned back. He couldn't imagine the General being happy commanding a desk. "But I'll take your advise on that, Sir." He was still sure that all that had happened would have repercussions, perhaps even result in a more strict oversight or other watchdog being installed there, and he hoped that when it came to choosing the watchdog, the General would have some influence on whom the expedition would get saddled with. "If the appointment is already on Tuesday, I guess you'll be leaving Atlantis soon, General?" he inquired.

"In a couple of hours," Jack revealed. He hesitated for a moment before bringing up the last of his difficult topics for the day. "About Elizabeth," he began. "I don't know how much the two of you have talked since this all began but ... she was used just as much as you were in all of this Colonel. Except she didn't get a say in how like you did. She's struggling right now ... in fact she checked herself into the infirmary a couple of days ago and told no one. None of that's on your head but ... can you check in with her, try and get her talking to everyone again?"

"Was it really necessary to involve her in all this?" John asked. He wasn't angry at the role he'd been ordered to play in the charade, but he hated to see Elizabeth used like this, with even fewer choices than he'd had. "I will go and see her soon, Sir," he promised. The first moment he could get away, there was no discussion about that.

"I wouldn't have chosen for her to be involved," Jack replied, understanding the other man's concerns. "It was out of my hands the minute the IOA got their hooks into Carter's first report ... they were the ones who flew the 'Weir is a replicator controlling you somehow' theory. The timing couldn't have been worse for her either ... she'd just finished being picked apart by medical at the SGC ... had no chance to get used to being back to her old self," the General gave John a pained look. "I could have protected her a little better but it would have been a lot worse if they'd sent someone else here. The IOA were pushing for a witch hunt of both of you ... the guilty until proven innocent by burning alive approach. Needless to say their conduct in all of this will be making a nice little chapter in my final report."

"Sir, I am grateful that you gave us the chance to prove we weren't behind this, and I'm sure you did what you could not to make this harder on her," John said, his anger was directed at the IOA and its mindless puppets, not at the man before him. "But if Elizabeth has to fear that the whole Replicator approach will be dragged up any time something weird happens in this city...," then it stood to question how she was ever supposed to return to a semi-normal life.

"I agree Colonel," Jack replied. "As much control as I have you can be sure that won't be happening again. Once she's had a chance to recover from this current set back Elizabeth will be free to get back to doing what she does best. Diplomatic Operations should suit her very well." Glancing at his watch, O'Neill sighed, pushing his chair back from the desk and standing up. "Packing," he said by way of explanation. "Thanks for taking the bullet on this one Sheppard," he continued, holding out a hand. "Good luck in straightening out the fall out. If all else fails just blame 'The General'," Jack added with a smirk.

John rose too. "And thank you, General, for judging us and Atlantis fairly," he said.

"Too easy," Jack replied, nodding to the other man before turning and exiting the office.

Friday, 10th April | 1200 hours | Jack's quarters and the Gateroom

Daniel paused outside Jack's quarters, glancing at his companion. Sam had been very busy with the final clean-up and paperwork after the Hunter Incidents. While the key members of the investigations team and command staff knew that there was more behind the attacks than one deranged man, they chose to let the general populace of Atlantis believe that it had been a lone saboteur bent on division and destruction. They had managed this by releasing only the facts they had been able to thoroughly verify. The decision was made in the belief that they did not need to tip their hand to the invisible enemy at this point. The investigation would continue at some level and under wraps.

That meant it was time for Jack O'Neill to return to Earth and for his friends to once again say good-bye to him. Daniel could not say why this seemed to get harder each time, but it did. It was not like it was forever. Jack would return to Atlantis from time to time and Daniel was certain his leaves on Earth would be spent in Washington relaxing and catching up with his friend. He figured it was just a case that he had had to say permanent good-byes to way too many people over the years and there was always an uncertainty in regards to how permanent this good-bye would be.

Taking a deep breath, Daniel palmed the door open and stepped inside with Sam. Already the quarters showed the signs of its resident departing. It seemed somehow colder and more barren. "Jack," Daniel greeted.

"Daniel," O'Neill appeared at the entrance to the sleeping area, a stack of shirts in one hand. Looking down at them with a frown he tossed them back into the room before walking over to join his friends. "Carter," Jack added. "I didn't forget to be somewhere, did I?"

"No sir." Sam smiled. "We just thought we'd come by and..." She glanced at Daniel, for just a moment. "Well, you're going back to Washington, and it will probably be a while before we see you again." She wasn't any fonder of saying goodbye than Daniel was, truth be told.

"...Find out if you've had lunch," Daniel filled in in that uncanny way the Science Twins had of speaking as one unit, "as well as make sure you don't miss your flight." That was as close as they would come to saying they wanted to spend as much time with their friend as they could manage.

"Lunch," Jack returned with a faint smirk. "I could eat." Shooting a glance back towards his bedroom, he shrugged. "Still got time to finish that later. So ... where to ... Thirty Nine?"

Sam and Daniel nodded and the three walked in companionable silence to the club, finding a table on the balcony and each ordering light meals and drinks. Sitting back with his beer in hand, Jack glanced around curiously before resting his eyes back on his former team mates.

"So," he stretched the word out as though considering his next words. "Are you two planning on going public anytime soon?"

Jack immediately received the patented Daniel wide, blue-eyed blink of confusion. The same patented look could mean other things as well depending on the wideness of the yes and the blink rate including, but not limited to...who me?, why, what'd I do?, and potential panic. This time it was an attempt to look innocent and guileless along with confused and ignorant. The problem was, after nearly twelve years, Jack ... nor any of the rest of his close friends ... fell for it. So, when Daniel received nothing more than raised eyebrows from Jack, he and Sam exchanged another of their uncanny silent conversations before he turned back to the older man. "With all that's happened and gone on, we thought it best to keep our relationship low-key for the time being. We've not tried to be sneaky with it, just discreet in deference to Sam's position here."

"It really hasn't been going on all that long," Sam pointed out. "We were rather enjoying keeping it to ourselves - not that it was a secret," she said, confirming what Daniel had already said. "You know how the rumor mill is, and once someone gets wind of it, it will be all over the base in a matter of seconds. Then we'll have to be even more conscious of it." Her head inclined. "Not that maintaining a certain level of discretion will be difficult. Daniel is very good at discrete. You should ask Dr. Garman." The corners of her mouth began to twitch again, recalling their earlier goodbye to the good doctor - or rather, Daniel's.

Daniel's look would have done a deer caught in the headlights honor. He swallowed nervously and turned to Jack, "Ummm...hmmm...so...what are you plans when you get home?

Jack took in the entire conversation, including Sam's pointed digging over Doctor Garman, with amusement. "I'm sure you're both more than capable of being professional," he said, letting them know they had his support and whatever backing his position within the chain of command could provide. That had been his reason for bringing it up - well, that and the fact he couldn't resist teasing Daniel whenever the opportunity presented itself. That he got to tease Carter as well was just an added bonus.

"My plans?" O'Neill raised an eyebrow as he considered the question. "Back to Washington ... talk to the President ... you know, the usual."

Daniel understood what Jack was not saying aloud. When all was said and done, he would support Daniel and Sam on a personal level as well as the professional one. "Sounds like...real fun...not," he replied with a slight grin.

"Indeed," Jack agreed.

Their meals arrived and the three friends settled in to the familiar routine and eating interspersed with light conversation. It was just what the General needed ... that sense of belonging without having to work at it. Once done, Jack looked at his watch and sighed. "Duty calls," he said, getting to his feet. "See you at the gate?"

Daniel and Sam both nodded wordlessly. Jack stood for a moment looking at them both, before nodding and heading back to his quarters. He still had packing to do.

Friday, 10th April | 1200 hours | From a view of the Gateroom

The time for departure had arrived as it must. General Jack O'Neill stood before the open wormhole leading home, Captain Darek Sterling and Doctor Madison Garman standing beside him.

"IDC has been acknowledged Sir," Chuck reported from the Control Room. "You're good to go."

Nodding, Jack turned to look at Daniel and Sam, standing together in silent support with Colonel Mitchell beside them. "You know, being 'The Man' means I can pull a few strings from time to time ... do that team thing we talked about back home instead of here," he said lightly.

Letting that be his exit line, O'Neill gave them his classic casual salute and grin before turning and striding through the wormhole, his team close behind him.

oOo

It was about midnight by the time the Bishop could steal away after taking care of some last minute details. They stood in a shadowy part of the balconies and stood looking over the Gateroom, knowing that they still had to get up very early. The first plan went without a hitch. The pawn had been eliminated and they were poised to get closer still to those who could deliver what they and their King truly needed... Atlantis and control of its systems.

Dr. Jackson was another object of intense interest by all parties, especially with his knowledge. The King wanted both him and John Sheppard watched carefully. They hadn't gathered enough intel to get close to the other exclusiveness that Sheppard's team seemed to share, but they would soon. Dr. Jackson was just as elusive, but they were gaining ground.

It was tiring work, all this skulking about. But they had a mission to complete and wouldn't truly rest until it was completed. Bishop sighed, putting their mental tools from the last mission away into their file cabinet like mind, preparing for the next step in the larger plan. Perhaps it was time to activate a new pawn for their use... 

The End!