Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

His head pounded, his arm throbbed and even the small toe on his left foot hurt. His whole body ached. Conscious awareness came slowly, pushing past the distant pain. He focused on the familiar voices he could barely hear over the ringing in his ears.

“…..coming out of it?”

“Colonel, I cannae tell you that.

He’s surfaced a few…”

A pulse of pain, and at the same time a random jolt of joy, brought a groan to his lips. His head felt warped by the unusual dual sensation, the voices nearing.

“Major?”

“Evan?”

“Laddie?”

The deep Scottish brogue of the expedition doctor gave him a hint at his location, and another groan passed his lips. He had only recently escaped from the long reach of the infirmary for a cracked rib; a gift from a relatively steep slope and a clumsy teammate on P3M-095. Coughlin was still avoiding him for that one. Evan carefully drew in a deeper breath and was rewarded with no renewed pain in his side, but the pulsing in his head he couldn’t ignore. It felt raw and echoed with a strange vibration. It was like no concussion he had suffered before. His arm distantly aching.

“….your eyes.”

“Evan, we really need you awake right now.”

“Colonel, don’t push him. He’s had a hard knock when he came through the gate.”

“I know that Doc, but it’s what he came through with that we need to discuss.”

He recognised the urgent tone the Colonel used and it was one that he had rarely heard. The most laid-back, black ops colonel in the US army and a man he counted as a friend, was peculiarly on edge. Evan could detect it in his insistent voice as he struggled to surface from the cloying blackness. One final effort to wake was rewarded with a slight movement of his head, and the resultant starburst sent him spiralling downwards again.

Just before succumbing to it, and at the edge of his fading awareness, he heard the concerned query.

Ev?

........................................

Earlier:

It was always about 15 minutes into a milk run that the eager questions started, and this mission was no exception.

“Major, permission to speak freely, Sir?”

Evan sighed, briefly closing his eyes. At least he’d been respectively asked for permission first. Most newbies just blurted out their first question, a result of being reassured by his calm and open exterior; the steel he hid underneath.

Turning, he took in the grinning face of Ortiz in rear guard position at the back of his small command. In front of his lone SGA-2 team mate was the question asker, Sergeant Gower, and the other two newbies they were currently tasked with returning intact from P4N-638.

“Yes, Gower. Permission granted. What’s up?” He braced himself for the similar range of questions asked by every newbie. Maybe he should develop a Ronon-like fierce scowl. That would dissuade them.

“Do we also go out with Colonel Sheppard’s team, Sir?”

Well, that was a new one. 

“Itching to be in a firefight Sergeant. They normally deal with the more challenging missions.”

“No Sir, But...”

Evan’s focus subtly shifted from Gowers opinion of SGA-1 and glanced uneasily down at his left foot. It had happened again. A faint tremor ran through his foot as he stood on an outcrop of exposed rock on this barren uninhabited planet.

“Hold up Sergeant. Did anyone else feel that?”

The blank looks he got from all four faces made him think about dismissing it for a second time. His cautious nature and a growing feeling of wrongness caused him to pause.

“What’s up Sir?” echoed Corporal Ortiz.

He glanced anxiously at his tall, dark haired, ever-reliable team mate. The concerned frown on Ortiz’s amiable face showed he had picked up on his commanding officer’s unease.

“Not too sure,” he replied evasively, “I need to double check something. We’ll hold up here for now. The reading is only three klicks from here so it's a good time for a breather.”

It also offered him a chance to review his surroundings. The landscape was a rolling one, mostly boring, a number of high mountain peaks dotted around smaller foothills with conveniently accessible valleys in between. The hike wasn’t strenuous; therefore, they couldn’t justify using a jumper, but Evan was glad he wasn’t carrying his full supply pack as they were only out for one night.

His team had followed the eastern reading with Reeds team heading to the closer one in the west and had just climbed over into the final valley. This would be followed for the final three klicks to a wide flat plain, according to the mission report he had read. Apart from that, there was nothing at all interesting about this planet on the surface. No trees, no bushes, no people, no animals, nothing. Even the botanists were not too bothered to visit. Scrub plants were not exciting to them either.

Therefore, a perfect planet for a potential alpha site with only the two faint readings needing investigated, though they were believed to be a sensor issue and nothing else.

Under the surface there was also little that set it apart from most other planets. From the geology report he’d scanned the night before, done on the first visit six months ago and updated a week previous, it was the standard rock structures. Again, nothing exciting. And he knew exciting rocks when he saw them with his abiding passion for geology.

Each specific section of the mission brief had been signed off by their relevant departments so why did he feel that unease. There should be nothing here at all.

He stepped away from his group and keyed his radio. “Coughlin, this is Lorne. Can you dial Atlantis for me? I need to ask a question.”

“Yes Sir,” came the prompt reply “dialling now.”

Evan could picture the planet’s stargate, where Lieutenant Coughlin and his small team were based, and the unusual siting of the DHD. The dial homes devices were typically positioned in front of the gate, but this one was off to the side and about double the distance away. No reason could be pinpointed for it.

“Sir, the gate is open.”

“Copy that Lieutenant. Atlantis, this is Lorne. Over.”

“This is Atlantis. Go ahead Major.” Evan recognised the voice of Airman Parker.

“Parker, I need someone to review the mission brief for P4N-638. Something feels...”

“Hinky, Sir?"

“Not what I was thinking, Parker,” Evan replied with a smile “but, yes, you’re right, hinky”

“Lorne, all okay there?” a second familiar voice appeared.

“Colonel, I wasn’t expecting you to return so soon.” Evan said with genuine surprise. Colonel Sheppard had been ordered to Earth for an IOA briefing only two days before. The briefings normally took about a week.

“To be honest Major I think they were a bit disappointed to see me, as they spent most of the time I was there being complementary about my XO, and the stellar work that you did at the last meeting. Remind me to review the schedule when you’re back to see if we can free you up for the next one.”

He could hear the humour through the radio, but could recognise a Sheppard order when he heard one.

“Yes Sir,” Evan smiled, “good to have you back.”

“Good to be back, Major. Here’s McKay. He’s just got your mission brief up. What do you require?”

With the slight chair squeak noise, he heard Sheppard give up the comms seat to his scientist teammate. Evan grinned. He knew that Dr Rodney McKay, Chief Scientist on Atlantis, thought reviewing mission briefs was beneath him. Especially one that had already been signed off by all the heads of departments.

“Sheppard, I really don’t have time for this.” Evan could hear through the open channel. “Look it’s all been signed off so...”

“Rodney, indulge us.” as the Colonels voice steeled.

“Okay, but Major make it quick. I have important places to be.”

“Yes Doc,” as his grin grew wider, “can you review the most recent seismology report to see if there are any anomalous readings. I’m detecting an occasional tremor through the rock outcrops.”

Evan glanced up, as he voiced his growing concern, to note that he had the full attention of his team. With a frown, Ortiz moved to a nearby outcrop, placing his hand on it. He could instantly tell that Ortiz felt it, when his frown deepened.

McKay’s disjointed mutterings were audible through the open line. “Okay, here it is...ugh…Kavanagh...oh, but that’s Tranter…he got transferred back…wait…what…can’t be right. Major, this seismology report is six months old.” Evan could tell he had the direct attention of McKay now. “It shouldn’t be in this mission brief. There should’ve been one done last week…Let’s see…”

“Rodney, what’s going on?” Sheppard’s voice came faintly over the radio.

“Nearly there, found it.” McKay announced triumphantly. “Oh damn.”

“What!” came from at least two sources.

“No, no, no.” came the familiar McKay flap. “Major, I strongly suggest moving your teams back to the gate immediately. This report has evidence of recent seismic activity and the mission shouldn’t have been green lit.”

“You heard the man, Lorne.” Sheppard’s brisk tone showed his concern. “Back to the gate and we'll review this mission from a place where I will be happier to have you there. Updates every 15 minutes. Now move”

“Agreed, Sir. Every 15 minutes. Lorne out.”

As he glanced back at his team, he caught Ortiz’s eye and the concern showed.

“Someone’s getting a bollocking for this and, Sir, I’m definitely feeling a constant vibration now.” Ortiz shifted his hand from the rock and moved down to hurry the newbies along.

Evan could also detect the growing vibration through the ground he now stood on

“Right, it’s getting stronger. Let’s move. Double time back to the gate and no lagging behind.” Evan ordered as he moved to shoulder his pack and tighten his helmet. “Ortiz, contact Reed and Coughlin and instruct them to head through the stargate asap. No waiting around for us.”

“Yes, Sir.” but as Ortiz went to comply the vibration became a tremor, the ground shaking and Evan found it hard to remain on his feet. A hasty look around showed he wasn’t the only one. Ortiz was on one knee, with the three newbies sitting looking shocked.

“Is it an earthquake, Sir?” came from Private Walters. Before Evan could reply the ground shook and a mountain farther up the valley exploded in a column of roiling clouds and fire.

……………………………………..

“Lorne, come in.”

The colonels voice came through Evans radio with a significant amount of static that wasn’t on the previous call. Evan reached his hand from where he’d been gripping the ground, as it rocked and shook, took a firm grasp of his radio and sought to calm his frantic mind.

“Lorne here, Sir.”

He replied with a brief glance around.

“The team’s all present, no visible injuries, just had to ride a bit of an earthquake.”

“Was that what that was? Coughlin couldn’t provide us too many details as he’s been trying to get in contact with you.”

“Sorry Sir, there was a few uncomfortable minutes where all we could do was hang on. It’s calming down now.”

Evan braced his foot against the ground and carefully stood up. He looked around, and the sight up the valley took his breath away. “Not an earthquake, Sir. We were in the vicinity of a dormant volcano. It’s not so dormant now.”

“Sit-rep.” commanded Sheppard sharply.

Evan took a deep breath to calm his racing heart. “Sir, it’s approximately six miles north east, just beyond the area that we were heading to. It was a Plinian, sorry Sir, an explosive eruption with a plume that is being carried further away to the south east of us. There is magma evident but thankfully the main crater is on the far side of the volcano, so we shouldn’t be at risk of the pyroclastic flow.”

He looked questioningly at Ortiz, who gave a slight shake of his head. Thank god he thought for team mates that can answer unasked questions.

“No injuries to report, Sir.” Evan relayed to Sheppard after confirmation from Ortiz “though I definitely think this mission is one to be scrubbed.”

He could feel the adrenaline levels in his body diminish with the lessening threat. He knew it would have been a different story if they had reached their destination point.

“I agree, Major,” came Sheppard’s quick reply “back to gate asap. Follow full evac, and we will debrief immediately on your return to Atlantis. And don’t think I missed your assumption that I’m unaware what Plinian is. 10-minute status report updates now” “Yes, Sir and sorry Sir.”

“Move it, Lorne. I will be happier when you can apologise to me in person. Atlantis out.”

Evan took a moment to appreciate how quickly this simple mission had descended into a clusterfuck, before turning to his team. “We’ll be moving back to the gate at double time. I don’t need to point out what just happened, as it’s plainly evident. There is minimal risk to us as we’re on the side of the volcano that you want to be on when something like this occurs. If you do get separated then your exit through the gate is immediate. Do not wait. That’s the Colonels orders. Any questions?”

He saw Gowers eyes flick to the volcano.

“That means any immediate relevant questions,” Evan clarified, “we can discuss all aspects of volcanos later from the safety of Atlantis.”

He took the silence that followed as compliance and instructed Gower to take point. They turned away from the volcano and started on the 5 klicks back to the gate.

As they walked Evan watched as Ortiz, starting with Gower, worked his way along the line of men. He ensured each newbie had a chance to talk and left them with a smile. It was just after the second 10-minute check in with Atlantis that he overheard the tail end of his conversation with Private Marshall. “Just imagine when you get home, the stories you’ll be able to tell about your first mission. I bet many won’t be able to top this one.” and with a slap on his back Ortiz dropped to the rear with Evan.

“Is it time for my pep talk, Luis?”

That got a bark of laughter.

“No, Sir, you have a reputation for unflappable-ness.”

“I think, one, that’s not a word and two, an active volcano on a milk run is enough to test even me.”

“It’s definitely been one for the books, Sir.”

Evan took a quick glance behind him, awed by the sight of the planets power. The plume was currently about twenty miles high and thankfully, heading away from them.

“Reed’s back at the gate now. His team’s already headed through.” he informed Ortiz. “Atlantis has advised keeping the gate open for the 38-minute window. There is a concern that seismic activity so close to it has knocked the alignment off. The system is compensating for it, but it’s made Mackay bothered and that worries me even more.”

He checked their progress. On the other side of the rise he could see the bluff they scrambled down roughly about 2 klicks from the gate. It was as he turned to inform Ortiz that they wouldn’t need all those 38 minutes that he caught it out of the corner of his eye.

To the south of them, a column of ash rose about 15 miles away, then another just to the left of that one. As he watched another explosion between them added a third column of ash.

“Damn, it’s not a single volcano. It’s a bloody cluster.”

“What does that mean, Sir?” Ortiz had stopped to watch the growing plumes.

“That we cannot afford to waste any time. This could go bad quickly. Take point, increase the pace.”

Ortiz moved swiftly up the line and moved them into a faster pace.

Evan reached for the radio to update Atlantis. “Atlantis, this is Lorne. Over.”

“Go ahead Major.” the Colonel had obviously not left the control room.

“Problem, Sir. Three other volcanos have erupted. Less severe and further to the south but I’m worried it will escalate.”

“Damn, what are you thinking?”

Evan looked at the surrounding landscape and viewed it with a geologists eye. When he knew what he was looking for he could just make it out. “I think we’re in a caldera, Sir. The current eruptions are just the vents for a potential super volcano.”

“That’s not good. Any idea of timescale, Lorne?” He could hear the tension in Sheppard voice ratchet up a notch.

“I don’t think we will see the full eruption happening right now but we’re talking only days here.” and, oh god, how he wanted to witness a supervolcano, but not from inside the caldera. “But the preceding vent eruptions are going to increase rapidly and may disrupt the gate and our progress to it.”

“Sir.” he heard Ortiz shout. As he looked, he saw him pointing to the closest mountain range where ash had started to billow forth from behind the second nearest peak.

“Damn, I think we’re out of time, we’ve got a closer one about to go. Sir, we are going to make a run for the gate.”

“Copy that Lorne. McKay’s working on keeping the wormhole stable but it’s now too unstable for a jumper. You have 30 minutes and counting. Keep an open line.”

“Copy that, Sir.” He kept an eye on the nearest mountain peak and by the time they reached the bluff there were more ash columns visible, providing evidence of further volcanic eruptions. More worryingly the seismic activity had increased, resulting in them slowing their pace a couple of times to keep their footing.

“We should be only 2 klicks from the gate now,” Evan heard Ortiz shout over the increasing noise, “well within the time window.”

“Major Lorne, this is Coughlin. I’m at the gate and the DHD was damaged in that last quake. This will be the last wormhole that can be dialled from this planet. We’re also losing the radio signal from Atlantis. I can hardly make them out through the static.”

Evan cursed, he thought all his men, bar the ones in front of him, were off planet by now. Especially with the news about the DHD. “Get yourself through that wormhole then.”

“Sorry Sir, can’t.” came back the sheepish reply. “My foot is the only thing that’s keeping it open and according to Dr McKay giving a baseline to keep it relatively stable.”

“Are you insane Coughlin?” Evan could picture him with one foot in the shimmering wormhole. “If the gate shuts down you will be minus a foot.”

“Well Sir, I will be the first one legged man to witness a supervolcano however brief that may be.”

“Dammit Coughlin…….” But the following orders were swallowed up as the ground lurched. A huge split formed in the earth under his running team and only the shove he gave to the back of Private Marshall saved him from disappearing down into the forming chasm. Evan scrabbled back from the edge as the opposite side shifted higher and away and the last he could see of the others was them holding on through the quake. As the ground settled, he saw Ortiz peer over the edge about six metres away. The solid wall of rock rising above Evan was across a gap that dropped deep into the earth. It reminded him of the time he went glacier skiing with Colonel O’Neill, for cold weather training, and the impassable crevasses they came across. Also, having to dig Dr Jackson out of one.

“Sir, you okay?” Ortiz shouted down to Evan.

“Yes, fine.” but stuck, he didn’t add. “You?”

“We’re all okay but hang tight, Sir. We’ll find a way to get you across.”

Evan knew that his situation was bad but he couldn’t risk the rest of his team. “No, there’s no time. Get back to the gate, get that idiots foot out of it and get through.” Evan looked sideways. “I’ll follow this to the end of the crevasse and get to the gate another way.”

“But…” came the objection from above.

“That’s an order Corporal.” Evan interrupted “You’re in charge and they’re your team now, so get them home. As you said, I will use my renowned unflappable-ness to get out of this.”

“You’d better.” came the insubordinate reply followed by a better and louder. “Yes Sir, Good luck”.

Evan watched as Ortiz paused, reluctant to leave but knowing he had to. Evan waved his hands in a ‘get going now’ kind of way. Ortiz sent him a pained look, then stood and saluted.

We don’t have time for this Evan thought as he returned the salute then watched as maybe the last person he ever saw disappeared from view.

Chapter Text

With the widening crevice on his left, Evan sprinted to the rise of a low hill. The disturbed ground on the other side of the crumbling fissure, dipped slightly, showing him its path. It gaped like a jagged scar across the land. And it was not good. Halfway down the slope it veered off to the right, passing behind a far rocky outcrop. The exact opposite of the way he wanted to go.

Making sure he set his watch alarm for the time he had left until the gate shut down, he clambered down the uneven slope. The numbers reflecting back looked a disappointingly small amount, and he refused to think of the things you can do in 25 minutes. Too stereotypical of all disaster movies he thought.

As he ran alongside the crevice, he committed to himself that he would do everything he could do to get to the gate before that time. Though a small part of his mind accepted that if he heard his watch alarm on this side of the gate, he would climb to the highest point and watch the greatest show a geologist would ever see.

Knowing however it would be the last he would see, as the odds of surviving a supervolcano at this short distance, or any distance really, was exactly 0%.

He startled slightly when his radio crackled.

“Major Lorne, this is Ortiz.”

“Go ahead, Corporal.” He replied, stopping to catch his breath.

“We’ve reached the gate, Sir.”

“Good, get through and get out of here. Take Coughlin with you. I’m feeling stressed about his foot and I don’t need any more stress.”

“Yes Sir.” came the subdued reply. “Good luck. We’ll see you on the other side. Heading through now. Ortiz out.”

Lorne waited a beat.

“Coughlin, you’re still there, aren’t you?”

Another beat.

“Yes Sir. Though before you order me to leave, I have orders from a more senior officer.”

“You mean to say,” Evan said in surprise, “that Sheppard ordered you to stick your foot in the wormhole.”

“Not in those exact words. It was a bit open to interpretation. But it does mean my foot stays here. So, please hurry Sir.”

There were times Evan regretted having a dependable and loyal team. As second in command of the military aspect of Atlantis and Sheppards XO, he shouldn’t have a permanent team, but they worked so well together Sheppard wanted them to stay.

They had been through a lot, but this situation was testing them. He had to honest with his second in command. “This route I’m on Tom, it’s not leading me to the gate. So, I need you to do something for me.” Evan knew that this was the time to ask.

“Anything Sir, that doesn’t involve me moving my foot.” Came the determined reply.

“No, not that.” He chuckled, ducking instinctively as another distant eruption roared into life. “In the top drawer of the cabinet in my quarters there are letters.”

“Sir…” came back the pained response.

“Listen Tom,” Evan interrupted, “just get them to Sheppard. He’ll do the rest.” He was regretting the pain he was about to cause his parents and sister, but glad he had written to them.

“Understood Sir, but that won’t be necessary as you will make it to this gate. So, move it!” Coughlin’s no-nonsense tone had taken over.

“Yes Sir.” Evan replying with a smile “Moving it now.”

Running down the side of the hill, he looked for any area that he could survive a jump and make it over. He ran knowing that it was leading him away from the gate. He ran because the physical exertion kept the rising panic at bay. He ran because doing anything else would betray his core belief of valuing life. 

Reaching the rocky outcrop, with the stargate frustratingly only a kilometre away, there was still no viable solution. Looking around for any option, he saw a flowing ripple within the ground, a tremor building rapidly. The ground lurched under his feet, the edge of the crevice crumbling. Throwing himself toward safety, he got one hand onto a stable rock, but the ground under him melted away, the earth slipping suddenly downwards.

He slid uncontrollably down the curving walls of the crevice, knowing that even though he had done everything he could do to survive, there was no coming back from this. He hoped Coughlin would manage to get through the Stargate in time.

As he dropped down on a wave of mud and stones, he braced himself for the eventual suffocating end. But to his surprise, the darkening crevice was widening. He could just make out, in the increasing gloom, the opposite wall getting further away and the slope lessening. Loose stones scraped his hand as he tried to slow his slide.

Digging his boots into the loose earth, attempting to control his descent, he slammed into a wall with a surprising amount of give. He reached out with both hands, one hand feeling a cool dry surface and the other, the one that pulsed with pain from a scraped and bloody palm, hitting wetness that felt thick and warm.

The wall moved.

Yanking his hand back, he felt an unknown presence in his mind. An overwhelming sense of being. Of life.

It awoke.

And the world fell away.

……………………………………………..

He couldn’t do anything to stop the pictures arriving, like a series of slides on a screen. Each one bulging with information, of times, of people, of places. None of them remotely familiar. He knew that the information was controlled, ordered, yet the vast volume overwhelmed him and he drifted amongst it for an age.

Safety and warmth then loneliness and alone.

A remembrance of people who lived then left

Of open wide skies and towering clouds

Family then not

The long sleep into death for the thread stripped all

The waning of the Red Planet and its dreaded return

Evan fought to regain self-awareness and not lose himself in the memories of another. He was battered from all sides of a lifetimes worth, and more, of emotions. He could feel a growing awareness in his mind, and as it grew, the deluge of memories lessened.

He could feel the same cascade of thoughts and pictures, flowing from him. Of his San Francisco childhood, his love for Atlantis, his exhilaration at flying for the first time. One after another, memories slipped from him in an uncontrollable wave. In no order or process, they were shared freely in a way his soldier-trained mind should have been horrified at.

Suddenly, it changed. Before him, within his mind, a garden appeared. His artists eye revelling in its beauty and perfection and his mind created the words.

It was like a perfect garden on a summer’s day after a rain shower.

I have been named. The words reverberating around his head. Containing surprise, confusion and wonder.

“What?” Evan slipped in the loose gravel as he suddenly came back to awareness “What the hell!”

But he instinctively knew “what” as the information was there in his mind. But it was information that had arrived with no analysis or feeling attached from his part. It was just there. He pushed aside the need to review it all and went with it.

For before him lay a creature that wasn’t real. It couldn’t be, but his hands and mind said otherwise. It wasn’t the biggest dragon that had ever lived, far from it, as the greens were always proud of their size. But he was a bronze dragon, more intelligent, swifter than most, except for the queens.

Evan shook his head. How could he know this?

We must go, quickly. I will carry.

Evan knew, that even though these words were not spoken aloud, they came from the dragon. They were just there, within his mind. Later he would study all this intently, but for now he just had to act.

The thought, memory, whatever, came to the forefront of his mind. He knew how to sit, how to hold with his knees, where the groove at the base of Perfect Gardens neck had formed over generations to hold a human being in a safe flying position.

Pausing at the dragon’s name and just about to ask, when the situation came crashing back. Frantically checking his watch, he knew time had passed. It had felt like an eon to him, but the glowing numbers showed it had only been a matter of minutes. He still had time.

“The planet is erupting,” he hurriedly said to the shadowy figure, “and the only way off is the Stargate. Can you get me to it?”

 Yes. came the words. We fly together always. Come.

“Just accept, and do. Just accept, and do” Evan muttered under his breath, feeling amusement roll through him from an outside source. He could see in the cloying light, and through the falling debris, the way onto Perfect Gardens neck.

Again, confusion flashed through his mind as he climbed up the dragon’s form, his feet instinctively heading for the correct places. Settling behind the long neck, he held on as the dragon gathered himself and leapt, his claws digging into the tighter packed earth at the surface of the fissure. It was a power Evan had never felt before. The strength of the dragon was evident from where he sat and he could feel the muscles moving beneath him.

Emerging from the collapsing crevice, Evan saw that the surface of the planet had changed dramatically. A layer of wind-blown ash now covered everything, and in the muted daylight the size of the dragon was clear.

The red, ash-filled light illuminated a neck of about three metres long, and a bulky head nearly the length of a fully grown man.

Turning to look at the back of the dragon, his gaze focused instead on the chaos surrounding them. The ground was shaking and the sky was on fire. The fierce eruption of the supervolcano was much closer than he thought.

Perfect Garden must have realised this as well.

Which way lies the ring? Came the hurried query.

“To the right.” As Evan pictured it in his mind, Perfect Garden’s head shifted to the correct direction, and with a shake, his wings unfurled. Before Evan could wonder at the breadth of them, they were airborne.

It was glorious, it was exhilarating. But it also gave him a better viewpoint. The fire was all around them. The planet was dying. Nothing could survive this holocaust.

“You have to come with me through the Stargate.” shouted Evan. “You can’t survive this. You can fit through the gate.”

He could feel the acceptance of the offer, and wondered what Sheppard’s reaction was going to be, when the gate room was filled by a real-life dragon. He pictured introducing Perfect Garden to the Atlantis expedition.

“And why am I calling you Perfect Gar..”

“Major,” interrupted Coughlin suddenly, his radio crackling to life, “if you can hear me the gate has four minutes before shutdown. I must leave in two. Sheppard's orders. Dammit, come in Major.”

He fumbled for his radio. “Coughlin, it’s me. We’re nearly there, but we’ll be coming in hot.” Evan shouted, as they crested the summit of the final hill. “Get through and clear the gate room.”

“Thank Christ.” He could hear the relief in Coughlin’s voice “What do you mean by we? Fuck, almighty fucking God, there’s a fucking dragon. Where the fuck did a dragon come from. Holy shit!”

“Calm down, Lieutenant, that’s the ‘we’ I’m talking about. I’m on his back.”

“Holy shit on a stick.”

As they dived for the gate, Evan chose to ignore the slight breach in protocol, and the rather epic use of religious profanity. Drawing closer, he could see Coughlin standing next to the gate, his damn foot still in the wormhole. He was frantically shouting into his radio, but with the wind whistling, Evan couldn’t make the words out from his radio. He hoped it was instructions to Atlantis.

As they neared the gate at too fast a speed, Coughlin hopped through it.

You named me Perfect Garden so that’s my name.

What? Did I? I can’t call you that. Thought Evan.

It is a good name. Came the reply.

How about Gar?

Then, your name I will use, will be Ev.

“Deal.” Evan ducked his head down as they reached the bottom of the arc, levelling off and flying straight to the gate. Gar tucking his legs in tight.

Just as they crossed over the circle of rocks surrounding the active stargate, Evan had a panicked thought. As they were about to hit the flickering wormhole he shouted.

“Gar, slow down. Too fast. We’ll hit the far wall. Holy shit on a....”

Chapter Text

“….stick!”

Evan had a brief glimpse of Coughlin, as they blasted out the Stargate into the too-small gate room of the Atlantis control tower. He caught the open-mouth expression of his Lieutenant, crouching low to the side. He must have stepped sideways on exiting the gate.

Sensible man. thought Evan.

His forward view changed, as he and Gar spun round to face the Stargate. The dragons tail just managing to exit the wormhole as the gate spluttered and flickered out. A screech of metal gave Evan the reason for the spin, as Gars claws dug deeply into the gateroom floor in an attempt to slow their speed.

Ouch that may take some fixing. Evan thought, knowing the floor hid a number of secondary gate systems.

Brace yourself Ev. This may hurt. I am sorry.

He had a brief moment to be thankful that a milk run required full kit, when they both careered into the struts at the side of the gateroom stairs. Evans grip was ripped away from Gars neck, his side slamming into the gateroom wall and his head colliding forcefully with the solid surface. His left arm, caught between his body and the wall, snapped. He let out a strained yell.

As he slid down the wall, his vision flickering, he closed his eyes against the brief flare of nausea. Sounds slowly started to filter through; he could hear the alarm blaring, Colonel Sheppard bellowing, the screech of metal as Gar ripped his claws free and banging as his wings battered off the gateroom walls.

He knew he should get up and help sort this out. Remove the volcano from the equation and this was mostly his fault. He should at least try to calm it all down. But the thought of moving brought a pulse of pain through his head and a stabbing pain in his arm.

Of course, he thought, the brain doesn’t stop moving when I do. Ouch.

He heard Gar through the pulses of pain. Ev, I must go. There is too much confusion and panic in here and you are too injured to help. I will not go far. Will these people aid you?

He must have made some indication in the affirmative,  as the shouting intensified and Gar headed towards the stairs. The distinctive crash of glass indicating he had made his escape through the window at the top. He winced. Another thing to add to the fix-it list.

The suddenness of the alarm ceasing, brought relief to Evan, and he slumped against the wall, slowly sliding to his side on the floor. A wave of light-headedness flowed over him. Voices filtered in.

“That was a dragon, Coughlin.”

Evan felt satisfaction when he identified Sheppards voice over the increasing ringing. He flinched slightly as a cold hand touched his neck.

“I know Sir. I did mention it over the radio.” Coughlin replied breathlessly.

The hand was now moving with urgency under his helmet strap, positioning itself over his pulse point. He didn’t have the energy to bat it away when it pressed in hard.

“I thought you were being hysterical; it was hard to follow what you were saying.” he heard Sheppard say insistently. “You were insane enough to stick your foot through the stargate for 20 minutes.”

Ha. Thought Evan. Got you.

He lost track of the rest of the conversation as a second, thankfully warmer, pair of hands pushed up his right sleeve, strong fingers gripping his wrist tightly.

It’s the same pulse, people.

“Major, can you hear me. Open your eyes for me, lad.” Evan had no problem recognising the accent of the chief medical officer, Dr Carson Beckett, as the Scottish doctor moved his fingers from his wrist to the back of Evans necks and felt down the bones.

“There’s nae sign of trauma to the cervical spine but let’s follow spinal policy until we can get him under the scanner. I want to get his helmet off to check for any evidence of a cranial bleed before moving.”

The hand at his neck moved from his pulse to fumble with the catch on his helmet strap.

But it was only when Carson levered one of his eyes open and shone a light directly in, bringing the pain to the fore, that Evan let out a groan.

“Come on lad. I know you’re in there. Eyes open now, Major.”

Evan realised that Carson was getting good at dealing with soldiers. Medical requests given as military commands resulted in better compliance. He cracked his eyes open a slit.

“There you are. Good lad. Now try to keep them that way.”

“How’s he doing, Carson?” The concern was evident in his commanding officers distant voice as his head was eased from his helmet and laid on a soft surface.

“Initial assessment shows a likely head trauma Colonel, so we’re looking at a probable concussion. Anything else will have to wait until we can get him under the scanner and clean all this mud off him.”

The movement of his pulsing head and the rising vertigo caused the words and sounds to swirl into one and Evan spiralled down into the waiting black.

…………………………………………………………….

He jolted awake as he was lifted. A solid constriction wrapping his back, the familiar ridges of a backboard holding him securely in place. A wave of vertigo washed over him, mixing in with a brief flare of nausea, and he squeezed his eyes closed even more, hoping that everything stayed in place.

Carson must have spotted the slight movement; Evan felt a hand pat his shoulder.

“Don’t worry, Major. We’re just getting you ready for transport. A quick trip to the infirmary, a wee check and then some rest. Nothing for you to do. Keep your eyes closed. It will help.”

He felt a strap tighten across his forehead, realising that spinal policy meant the full works. Collar, head blocks and backboard. He couldn’t move even if he wanted to. Distracting himself from the feeling of being tied down, and from the jolt of movement from the gurney, he tried to analyse what had just happened.

This brought the thought of Gar to his mind, and with a dawning clarity, Evan realised he could still feel him. It was as if he was in the same room as him, but had retreated into the furthest corner. As Evan moved his awareness to him, the sensation of flying suddenly sprung forth, and his head did a spinning loop.  Another groan passed his lips, the vertigo increasing.

The strong grip returned to his wrist and stayed there. 

He left Gar in the corner; the vertigo settled.

He knew they had arrived at the infirmary when he heard the dual shout of “Major” from Ortiz and Reed.

He cracked his eyes open and saw Reed, the blond haired, blue eyed poster boy of an Airman, who sat attentively on an infirmary bed, staring at him. Post mission checks in the infirmary his mind supplied. He lifted his lips in a semblance of a reassuring smile, grit rubbing on his teeth, but Reeds eyes widened in shock.

“What happened to the Major, LT?” demanded Reed, looking past the gurney to where Coughlin must have been following.

“He rode a fucking dragon through the wormhole into the gateroom, that’s what!”. Maybe Sheppard did have a point about the hysteria. Coughlin sounded on edge.

As he was manoeuvred into a private treatment room, the responses of Reed and Ortiz muffled, when Carson closed the door. But he could still hear his Lieutenant, as his raised voice and clipped sentences filtered through the thin walls. The words were unintelligible, but Evan knew exactly what the subject matter was. And he knew his responsibilities.

He worked his tongue loose.

“Doc.” he managed to croak out. Dr Beckett stepped away from the bustle round the medical scanner, moving up to the top of the gurney. He shifted the constricting head strap up to the top, reaching over for tubing, before looking down and looping a strap over the back of Evans head.

“Good to see you surfacing again, Laddie. We’re just going to check there’s nothing more happening in that heads of yours, except some bruising.”

“Coughlin?” Evan prided himself on a clear enough second word before the oxygen mask was placed carefully over his face.

“Don’t worry, Evan. Dr Biro’s having a look at him. We’ll give him something to calm him down and keep him overnight. You’ve all had a tough day.” Becketts kind eyes stared down at him. “We will hold off all the people clamouring to talk to you about the wee beastie you came through with, for as long as possible. Though by now, I think even the Joint Chiefs want to talk to you.”

“Doctor Beckett.” came the call from the huddle.

“A scan then drugs. Sounds good to you, Major?”

Evan smiled back up at Carson and with a “Keep an eye on him, Nurse” the doctor moved away.

Evan let out a hiss as his hand was moved, bringing Carson back to his side.

“Where’s the pain from?” Carson asked, lifting the oxygen mask slightly “Your palm is badly abraded with half a hillside of dirt in it, or is the pain further up”

“Up, near elbow” he managed to get out. Talking was exhausting him. Five words was enough, he decided.

“We’re about to do a full body scan so we’ll have a good look in that area, as well.” Carson said, replacing the mask.

Evan had been under the Ancients medical scanner before and apart from a lingering tingle the machine was efficient and extremely accurate. No feigning illness for a sick day on Atlantis.

The machine beeped its results, Carson making his way over to Evan.

“I’m going to call the Colonel in as it saves me repeating this twice. That okay with you?” Evan knew Carson was only asking out of politeness. On a military base everything goes through the superior officer, even if it tramples over peoples wishes. Evan was happy for Sheppard to be involved. He was the most protective CO he’d ever had.

“Fine.” Evan whispered, barely audible through the hissing mask. Carson gave him an appraising look.

“Won’t be long now, laddie.”

Colonel Sheppard must have been waiting outside the door, as he slipped through seconds later. He nodded to Evan but thankfully didn’t try to engage him in conversation. He then looked expectantly at Carson.

Carson glanced at the tablet in his hand and then back at Evan.

“Right, a bit of a list but nothing too bad, thankfully. Nurse Saris is going to set you up with a drip for fluids, while we chat. Right hand please, Jodie.” Carson then focused on his tablet. “Okay we’ve got a concussion grade 3 mainly owing to repeated loss of consciousness, but your cognitive signs look good. We did expect it, but it will be the reason why you’ll be our guest for a while.”

Evan frowned at that, as Carson continued.

“You also have a fractured left forearm, both bones are affected but the ulna’s shifted out of alignment. We’ll carry out a surgery to repair it, so that’ll be scheduled in for tomorrow. That’ll give the concussion a chance to calm down a bit. Your hand and calf are badly scraped and we’ll give them a good clean and keep an eye on them. You also have a number of fairly sizable contusions but no sign of internal bleeding. I’m not going to list them all but let’s just say you’ll be happy to have a wee bit of rest over the next few days, Major.”

Carson then directed his attention to Sheppard.

At that point, Evan decided he was done with the day, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift. Gar, in the corner of his mind, kept him company. He listened idly.

“We’re about to start him on a low dose of painkillers as we’ll have to immobilise his arm. They’re not going to interfere with his concussion, but I expect him to be out till tomorrow and probably till we do the surgery. You’ll not get a coherent response from him for about twenty-four hours. I will put all this in a report for you, Colonel.”

In his drifting state, Evan could hear the dismissal. He felt Sheppard focus on him.

“Rest up Major, we’ll have an interesting debrief to go through when you’re a bit more awake.”

He heard Carson tear the velcro of the head strap and start removing the head blocks. Sounds became muffled. A cold feeling crept up his arm, enveloping his head, and him and Gar drifted off into the dark.

Chapter Text

“Coughlin, come in. Can you hear me?”

“Yes, Sir, but the static’s getting really bad. Still nothing from the Major, Sir.”

“Lieutenant, there’s only four minutes left on the clock. You need to come back through the gate. I’m going to have to make it an order.”

“Sir, with respect, if I can wait a bit longer it gives the Major more time to get here. Didn’t Dr Mackay say the only thing that’s keeping the gate stable is my foot.”

“Rodney?”

“What? Oh yes, yes, he’s right. Also, my expertise in gate astrophysics, but let’s only heap praise on a foot.”

“Rodney!”

“Sorry, I know….”

“Colonel, he’s alive! I can see him, we’ll them. It’s a fucking dragon. And clear the gateroom, they’re coming in hot. On a dragon. Fucks sake. This is insane.”

“Coughlin, repeat that last. Did you say a dragon?”

“Yessir, and they’re coming right through. A fucking dragon. Clear the gateroom. Its huge.”

“What the hell! CLEAR THE GATEROOM. SOUND THE ALARM.”

………………………………..

“Hey, Reed. How you feeling?”

“Fine, Colonel. I came through the gate before the mission got even weirder. Was the LT correct about the dragon? He looked a bit off, Sir.”

“Understatement, but yes. We now have a ripped up gateroom floor, a smashed window and a dragon loose on this planet. And a slightly dented Major.”

“Wow, that’s….”

“Yup, I know. So, where’s Coughlin at?”

“Dr Biro took him off through there, and Ortiz went as support, Sir. The LT told me to stay and keep an eye on the Major. Well, all I can do is stare at that closed door.”

“That’s where they all went then?”

“Yes Sir, I saw them come in with the Major all strapped up. He looked bad. He was awake but looked really out of it. What happened, Sir?”

“The mud was from the planet, the out of it look was from hitting the gateroom wall. He was wearing his helmet so I’m sure he’ll be fine. Hard head and all.”

“Oh, Colonel there you are. Should have expected it.”

“Hey, Carson. How’s Lorne?”

“Come on in and we’ll go over the scanner results. Reed, you stay there until someone signs you out. And dinnae worry, the Majors gonna be fine. Bit of a rest needed and he’ll be as good as new.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“See Reed, Hard head.”

………………………………………

“Stargate Command this is Atlantis. Please respond.”

“Atlantis this is Stargate Command. Reading you loud and clear, Colonel. Do you want to switch to visual?”

“Not at the moment, Walter. We’re dealing with a few technical issues here. Is Mr Woolsey there, I really need to speak to him?”

“Yes Sir, I think he’s just finished with the IOA meeting and they are now in the gate briefing room with General O’Neill. Oh, Mr Woolsey’s just coming down the stairs. Passing you over now Colonel.”

“Colonel Sheppard, what can I do for you. Missing the IOA meetings already?”

“Sir, I do now regret leaving when I did. Can we go onto a secure channel?”

“Right it’s just me and Walter now. What’s going on Colonel, and why are we on audio only?”

“Sorry Sir, there’s been a bit of damage to the gateroom floor. We think it’s affected a couple of systems including the communication section but we’re running a full diagnostic. It might mean we need a few spare parts to be brought over on the Daedalus. Oh, and we’ll need another window again.”

“What happened, Colonel?”

“We sustained a bit of damage when Major Lorne flew through the Stargate from P4N-638 on the back of a dragon, whilst escaping from the planet as it was being devastated by a supervolcano.”

“ …. ”

“Stargate Command. Mr Woolsey, did you get that last transmission?”

“Walter, did the Colonel just say a dragon?”

“Yes sir, I believe he did.”

……………………………………….

“Well, that’s a new one, Mr Woolsey.”

“General?”

“Did you know, I’ve met aliens, had all their info stuffed in my head, been caught in a time loop, met my robot version, developed superpowers. You name it, I’ve done it. But flying a dragon through the Stargate. Nice.”

“General?”

“Daniel thought he met a dragon once. Turned out to be a hologram. He’ll be quite jealous. How’s Lorne?”

“He’s suffered a concussion and a broken arm that will require surgery. Dr Beckett is going to carry it out tomorrow and he should be available for debrief in about twenty-four hours.”

“Wish I could sit in on that one. Definitely be up there in the top five.”

“Sir, Colonel Sheppard thinks we shouldn’t use the gate until it can be verified to be working. Active teams will continue to use the Alpha site for now. I also wish to request a transfer back to Atlantis on the Daedalus.”

“The Daedalus leaves tomorrow, Mr Woolsey. The IOA will be so disappointed. Permission granted. Does Sheppard think it will be down that long?”

“Maybe, but it will also give me a chance to get to know the new contingent of scientists and military that are heading there.”

“Good man, Very leaderly. Now you just have to cram three days of IOA meetings into an evening. Good Luck.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

…………………………………

“Jack!”

“Good morning Daniel, I see you’ve had your coffee quota already.”

“Jack, I’ve just heard about Atlantis. Just imagine.”

“News always travels fast in this place. Get your standard Atlantis question out and I will give you my standard response.”

“This is an opportunity to learn about a brand-new race. I can’t miss it.”

“Daniel, your brand-new race is currently AWOL on a planet. I don’t think it’s in the mood to chat. Anyway, how do you know it can chat.”

“I won’t, until I see it for myself.”

“No.”

“But…”

“Ak! No, and its will always be no. Why are you looking at me like that Daniel? That look does not suit you.”

“You’re going out though, aren’t you Jack? You would never miss an opportunity to add to the weird happenings list that you’ve got stashed somewhere. I’m coming with you.”

“No!”

“Their gate will not be fixed for a while at least. How hellish do you think I can make your life with the constant requests between now and then.”

“That’s low, Daniel. God, okay fine. You can come. Me, you and SG-1.  But you know this is gonna count towards your birthday present this year, don’t you?”

…………………………………………

“Colonel Caldwell, come in.”

“Go ahead, General.”

“Just a heads up. Atlantis has a dragon now.”

“Oh god, what next?”

…………………………………………………

“Rodney, please tell me you have something?”

“Not in the last ten minutes since you asked me, Colonel. It’s not easy scanning a whole planet from one fixed point. The planet curves, you know.”

“How about using the puddlejumpers, can we do something with them.”

“Yes, yes, I’ve thought about that and I’m currently trying to create a program that can magnify their signal and scanning capabilities. But I don’t know what I’m looking for.”

“It’s a dragon Rodney. A huge live dragon. Or did you miss the commotion in the gateroom yesterday?”

“I did make a strategic retreat under the console, so didn’t exactly see it. But, no, what I mean is I can’t just type dragon into a search program. The program has to have parameters, but I don’t know what they are. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack when the haystack is the size of the planet and you don’t know what a needle looks like. Any luck with Lorne?”

“No, and I don’t think Carsons going to let me back in. He’s in mother hen mode now. I’m going to get Biro to do my next physical, I think.”

“Ouch, don’t piss off Carson. He definitely knows what a needle looks like.”

…………………………………………………….

“Hey LT, glad to see you upright. You had a bit of a sleeping beauty thing going on.”

“Funny Ortiz. Damn doctors and their damn drugs. I still feel fuzzy.”

“So, no change then, Sir. The Colonel asked me and Reed to escort you to his office when, and I quote “when he decides to get his ass out of his snuggle bed” so be probably good to hustle.”

“Better get a move on then. He sounds in a snip.”

“Yes Sir, with Woolsey away he’s dealing with a deluge of queries from nearly all of the higher ups demanding a piece of…well, whatever this is. And you know how much he enjoys dealing with higher ups.”

“Don’t I know it, Reed? He’s been in here a few times, chancing it to see if the Major’s woken up. They thought he surfaced briefly, earlier this morning, but he settled again, so Beckett sent the Colonel packing.”

“How’s the Major doing, Sir?”

“He’s been asleep for most of it. Only been awake when they were doing the neuro check questions. They took him off to surgery a while back. I haven’t seen him much anyway; they’ve kept him at the far end of the infirmary to keep him away from the sightseers. Why is it if you add a dragon into the story, everyone turns into a fanboy?”

“It’s insane, I know. Me and Reed didn’t even see anything but we must have been asked about it by everyone in Atlantis.”

“What, even Dr Roberts in Microbiology?”

“Oh yes LT, she approached Reed this morning over breakfast. He’s got a lunch date out of it.”

“Damn, good going Reed, but stop looking so smug about it.”

“Sorry Sir.”

“And why do you two have to escort me. I’m not under arrest for the foot thing, am I?”

“Nah Sir, you’ll probably get a medal outta that. It’s just that with the Major unavailable you are now the foremost expert on all things dragon. We’re here to stop you getting mobbed by the fanboys.”

“Okay then you two. Can’t let my adoring public wait. Lead on.”

…………………………………………..

“Let me get this straight, Lieutenant. You had no inkling that Major Lorne had seen, met, had tea with a dragon until you saw him flying towards the gate?”

“No Sir. I had been trying to raise him on the radio every two minutes from when the last big quake hit, but got nothing until he contacted me just before I saw him. On a dragon.”

“Don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing that. So, as we have been going over this for the last two hours, we agree we have a gap of about sixteen minutes that the Major was out of contact with us.”

“Yes Sir, looks that way.”

“Damn, once IOA get their teeth into that, they’re going to jump on it.”

“Sir?”

“Cause they’re paranoid buggers Coughlin, and I will deny I ever said that, if you repeat it to anyone. All they will see is a soldier disappearing for sixteen minutes, reappearing with an unknown, allowing them through the stargate onto a top-secret military base where they then cause extensive damage that disables the gate. They then escape, and are now somewhere in the wind on our base planet.”

“Oh, when you put it like that, Sir.”

“Yes, I know. But we know Lorne and we trust him. With our communication system being problematic at the moment we can hold off on the full report until we can see it from Lorne’s viewpoint.”

“Colonel Sheppard, Dr Beckett here.”

“Go, ahead Doc.”

“Just to let you know that Major Lorne is coming out of sedation from the surgery and he should be up for a visitor in about an hour. Just one visitor, mind. And I will be monitoring.”

“Great I will be down later then.”

“See you soon Colonel.”

“How’s that for timing Coughlin. Let’s continue this over coffee and we can talk about your insane foot idea. The mess has some carrot cake I want to try. I also want to see how many people try to talk to you when I’m there. In fact, let’s add Ronon. That man’s scowl will scare away even the nosiest of scientists.”

Chapter Text

Evan drifted.

It was peaceful, calm, with only a hint of Gar for company. Occasionally, as the drifting lessened, he focused on the presence of the dragon in the corner of his mind. But when the swoop of vertigo hit, Evan shifted his attention away.

Only once, did a loud mental shout of TREES give him an idea of where the dragon was. Somewhere with trees. Most of the planet, then.

So, he just drifted.

The memories that deluged him back on P4N-638 accompanied him. He regarded them with a sense of disconnection, knowing they would be looked at in depth later, when he had a clearer focus. Instead he just watched, as in no discernible order, they played in his mind.

Awareness arose from the inside of a curved white world. The instinctual need to reach out and break it, causing a crack to run over its surface. Raw air rushed in.

The alarm called out all over Benden Hold and its Weyr. The distinctive call of the dragons reverberated off its stone walls and their riders ran to them. It was a big Threadfall.

An idyllic tropical beach and warm crystalline blue water. The ultimate satisfaction of an enthusiastic hide scrubbing.

Please stay, I do not want to be the last. What do I do? Do not leave.

A beloved queen has been born and claimed. The joyful message passed from blues, to greens to the bronzes. All rejoice.

They played over in his mind. He knew instantly some had come directly from Gar; others passed through the countless generations of dragons that came before. Their recorded visual history of a sort. He felt honoured to have received it.

The precious memories of times long ago faded, as the drifting slowed.

“Major, time to wake up. Open your eyes, lad.”

Sounds filtered in, Evan taking a moment to realise that they were addressed to him. Awareness followed next. He was lying on a soft surface, his arm was heavy, and there was a warm finger raising one of his eyelids. Moving that eye to focus on a very close up Carson Beckett, his soldier response causing him to pull his head back into the softness behind him.

“Sorry, I was checking you were in there, Evan. How are you feeling?” Carson moved away as he gave himself a self-scan.

“Okay, Doc” and he meant it. His slight head movement caused no vertigo loops and the broken arm, scrapes and bruises only ached in the distance. He blinked sluggishly.

“We’ll be lessening the medication doses you’re on shortly, Major. A drug pump will be set up to help you manage your own pain. But like last time, if you don’t use it properly, we will be going back to timed doses. Do I make myself clear?”

Carson was in his doctor mode. Everyone knew not to mess with him in that mood.

“Crystal Doc.”

“Good. You’ll be here for at least another two days. After that you’ll be off-duty for two weeks, then light duties for a month. No flying for a while, and that means puddlejumpers or dragons.”

“Ah,” said Evan, wondering how the base was dealing with it. Thankfully Beckett, when in doctor mode, was always more interested in his patient than anything else that went on outside his infirmary.

“You’ve caused a bit of kerfuffle, too right.” Beckett continued. Evan could see the glint of mild amusement in the doctors eyes. “Surgery went well on your arm. We added a plate and it’s gonna be in a hard cast and sling for the next two weeks. After that we’ll maybe see about getting it into a softer cast. Any questions Major?”

“About me, no Doc. About everything else, yes. My team?”

“Perfectly fine. Coughlins back to his gruff self, and Reed and Ortiz reported no aftereffects. In fact, I think they’re enjoying the notoriety. It’s not every mission your commanding officer comes back riding a dragon. According to the scuttlebutt Reed has even managed to arrange a lunch date with Dr Roberts from Microbiology, though she may be using him to get to your dragon.”

Evan let out a laugh “I don’t think Reed will mind that.”

Beckett patted his non-casted arm. “Rest up for a while Evan. I called the Colonel and he’ll be down in about twenty minutes.”

Carson pulled the curtain over, shutting out the rest of the infirmary. From what Evan could see, and could now only hear, he was in the quiet end, away from the organised hustle and bustle of the main area. The smell, however, was everywhere. Typically found in every infirmary he had spent time in, it took days to get rid of.

Two days. He could manage that.

Evan closed his eyes, fatigue nudging at the edge of his awareness. Around it flowed the presence of Gar and for the first time without the swooping vertigo he focused on the dragon.

Suddenly, the smell of pine was overwhelming. For a time, it pushed the medicinal smell back.

Gar, you there?

Evan felt slightly ridiculous as he attempted to talk to the dragon, now probably miles away, with his mind. But he knew he would get a reply.

Ev, it is good to hear you.

You too, Gar. You okay?

Trees Ev, there are trees everywhere. It is wonderful.

Not an exact answer but Evan took it as the dragon was fine.

I take it you like trees.

I have never touched one until now. They were all obliterated by the thread before my time. They are delicious.

Wait. You eat them?

Explains the pine he thought.

Yes, the oils within them allow us to flame. I have never done it. I am very happy.

Evan closed his eyes and imagined the conversation with Sheppard.

Yes Sir, I brought a dragon through the stargate. No Sir, I was not aware there was a regulation against it. Yes Sir, I can communicate with him with my mind. No Sir, I don’t consider me compromised. Oh, and by the way Sir, he can also shoot flames out of his mouth.

Evan winced while Gar chuckled.

“You okay there Major” as Carson moved through the curtain “you look in pain?”

Gar, lie low wherever you are. I’ll sort this all out. Don’t burn anything.

I cannot flame yet Ev. It will take a while for the oils to build.

Okay I’ll be back in contact soon.

I will be here eating trees.

Gar retreated back to the farthest corner of Evans mind.

“Doing fine, Doc. Just a twinge. No issues.” Evan replied. Just a telepathic, tree eating, fire breathing, sarcastic dragon.

“Your next dose is due shortly but are you up for a visitor? The Colonel’s keen to talk to you.”

Once more, Evan knew he had no choice to refuse Sheppard’s request, but appreciated Carson asking. In fact, he was aware that this necessary conversation was going to be an important one, as with the Colonel on his side, anything was possible.

“Be good to see him. I think I have a few things to explain.”

“Another understatement, Evan.” as Sheppard appeared through the curtain and handed Carson a box that looked like it came from the Mess.

“Ah the famous carrot cake. Trying to get back onto my good side Colonel?”

“Always, Carson. Now I know you want to be here but can you keep an eye out as well as an ear out. We’ll keep this unofficial debrief off the books for now.”

“Aye Colonel, I’ll keep the gossips away. I’ll get something organised for the Major to eat.”

“Thanks Doc.” Just not trees, Evan wanted to add, but kept quiet for now.

As Beckett headed out beyond the curtain, Sheppard pulled the uncomfortable visitors seat over and sat at the side of Lorne’s bed, where he could look through a gap and observe the rest of the infirmary.

Lorne was acutely aware that Sheppard occasionally acted sloppy, but the man was a trained soldier. One of the best.

“Firstly, Major,” Sheppard said as he lowered himself into the hard chair and leant forward, “I’ve had the lowdown from Carson about your injuries and recovery time. But I want to know how you are feeling?”

“Fine thanks Sir. Heads doing better, arm’s a bit achy and the rest is just numb, the Docs dishing the drugs.”

“So I see. Glad you’re feeling better. Now to the point. Evan, yesterday you came through the stargate with a dragon.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“And that dragon is somewhere on this planet.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Now remember this is John asking Evan some questions. We will be having a much longer, more official debrief, when Carson lets you out of his hen-like grasp. But I need to know, is this dragon a threat to Atlantis, Earth or any of their inhabitants?”

“No, Sir.”

“Well that good enough for me.” Sheppard sat back in his chair, slouched and scrubbed his hand through his messy black hair.

Evan stared at him.

“Wait that’s it. That’s all you want to know?”

“Oh no, there are so many, many, questions from so many, many, people to be asked, but I ask the most important one. And, also, you look a bit peaky.” Sheppard stood up. “One final one, before I leave you in Carsons ever-hovering presence.”

“I can hear you Colonel, you know.” Came the response from beyond the curtain.

Sheppard smirked “Do you know where it is, Evan?”

“Yes Sir, I know where HE is. He’s amongst trees, he’s safe and he’s happy.”

“Good, but that answer has just added another huge section to those many, many questions.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Don’t worry Evan.” Sheppard winked as he moved the chair and headed to the curtain. “I’ve managed to get a decent supply of carrot cake that is well hidden, especially from Ronon. We may be about to have the longest mission debrief ever, but at least we’ll be well fed. Rest up.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

As Sheppard headed out into the infirmary, Evan could hear him throw a few greetings to the staff and some patients. As a well-respected military commander, he could hear the warmth in the brief replies.

Carson moved the curtain back and deposited a plate containing a sandwich, some fruit and an unidentifiable purple drink on the nearby table.

“What no cake, Doc?”

“I didnae even get a chance. Put the bloody thing in the fridge, just went to get it, some bloody thieving medic has made off with it. Ingrates the lot of them. Eat as much of this as you can Major and then it will be time for your pain meds” Carson moved over to the nearby counter and started doing medical things. Evan watched him for a while as he ate.

“I’ll save you a bit of cake from the debrief.” Evan muttered around a mouthful of sandwich.

“Thank you Major. But from what I can tell of the stories going around. Your debrief is going to be an interesting one. I think you will need all your energy and cake there is.”

“Oh, that sounds ominous Doc. Stories?” Evan looked at the plate, half a cheese sandwich and most of the fruit had gone. Though edible, the faint lingering taste of pine covering it all was distracting.

Carson returned with a syringe in hand, gave an approving look to the food consumption, and injected the contents into the nearby drip port.

“Don’t worry laddie. The Colonels on your side. And even though he calls me a mother hen, I definitely lose the top spot to him in all that. The stories are becoming mythical now. The popular one doing its rounds at the SGC is you rode a dragon through the stargate wielding a flaming sword and slaying foes to all sides.”

“Dear God,” Evan could feel the words slipping into a slur as he blinked slowly. Damn drugs, “thas not good. Or true.”

Carson smiled at him. “As I said, you’ve got the Colonel on your side. He’ll do all the slaying for you right now as you’re a little banged up. Don’t you fret.”

All Evan could do was a slow languid blink as he felt himself drifting again. He took a deep breath in of pine tasting high mountain air and slipped gently into a drugged sleep.

Chapter Text

He could hear gentle singing as he surfaced. The angle of the sunlight through the windows at the lower end of the infirmary showed he had slept through the night. He felt refreshed. The memories in his head, that had drifted through his dreams, were now only faint echoes.

He reached out to Gar, wanting to check that the dragon was still okay. A feeling of contented sleep was his response, so he left him to rest.

The soft click of the side infirmary door caused him to glance over.

As he watched, a nurse entered, and beyond he saw movement. A marine, standing guard, swivelled his head to scrutinise the nurse going by, quickly returning to an alert stance. A guard, he noted with interest.

A slight throb pulsed from his casted arm as he shifted it on the supporting pillows. The singing stopped. He looked over and saw Teyla sitting in the same place that the Colonel had occupied yesterday. Each a warrior in their own way, but similar instincts.

“Hey Teyla. All okay?” His voice felt rough with sleep.

“Major, it’s good to see you awake.” She replied with a slight smile. “I hope I did not disturb you with my singing. It’s a traditional Athosian song sung to aid healing and rest in one who has fought in battle.”

“Thank you, it was beautiful.” Evan said truthfully. “Though I’m not too sure if I would ever win against a supervolcano. But I appreciate the sentiment, and you taking the time to sit with me.”

“I am happy to Evan. I asked the Colonel if I could, as I did not want you to wake up alone. He graciously allowed it.”

“Allowed?” Evan frowned. “That sounds worrying.”

A concern flitted through him that he was in more trouble than he thought, realising the guard at the infirmary door was for him. He felt Gar stir in response. He sent reassurances to the dragon and the feeling of renewed sleep filtered through their connection.

“There is nothing to worry about,” Teyla reassured, “the Colonel is controlling your visitors more for your benefit. If everyone was allowed to visit, you would soon see the whole of Atlantis in here. I think he has also done it to escape the anger of Dr Beckett. There are many here who are keen to hear your stories.”

“And you?” Evan teased.

“I admit that I am most curious.” Teyla smiled at the teasing. “We have stories of magical beasts, similar to your planets description of dragons, that are told to Athosian children to teach them of bravery, compassion and honour. We revere these stories and have used them to build much of our culture.”

“Our stories don’t always paint dragons in such a good light.” Evan realised that this was something that may be a stumbling block to come.

“Then I will make sure that I spend the coming days telling all I can of our stories, and of the kind nature of dragons.”

“That would help a lot, thanks.” Evan said gratefully. He knew that Teyla was unaware of what he had learnt of dragons and felt grateful for her help. He sought to reassure her.

“I have it on very good authority that the dragon currently romping round this planet is more like your stories than ours.”

“That’s good to hear, Evan.” A look of delight and wonder crossed her face “I look forward to hearing it and we can add to our stories that we tell our children. The Colonel has asked me to elicit your help in something though.”

“What’s that?” Evan queried.

“He has been instructed to put together a preliminary report for the General on Earth, and needs a bit more information to, as he said ‘put it in a different light’.” A brief look of confusion crossed her face. Evan knew she had filed the phrase away to query it later.

“Okay let’s see what we can do.”

Requesting a report before a briefing meant that concerns were starting to creep in from somewhere or someone and he knew exactly what he needed to do. “How’s this. He is a lone survivor from an ancient race, his home planet has been destroyed and he has reached out to us for help. He is an intelligent being and his knowledge and skills will benefit us in our struggles against our enemies.” No flaming swords thankfully, he thought.

She smiled. “That, Evan, is perfect. With that the Colonel will be able to change the light of the report. Thank you. I will leave you to your rest and get this information to the Colonel immediately.” She nodded her head in farewell and with a pat to his ankle headed over to the door.

Just as she passed the end of the bed, he made a decision.

“Teyla,” she stopped and looked back, “his name is Gar.”

Something indescribable shone from her face and he knew then that he could add her name to the list on his side.

“Thank you Major. Rest well. I look forward to our next meeting.”

“Teyla.” Carson greeted her as he passed her coming into the medical bay. “How’s our one and only dragonrider this morning?”

“He is well, and has been of great assistance.”

Carson smiled and his slight pause as he watched Teyla head out the infirmary showed to Evan that the doctor had a somewhat higher appreciation of her than was purely professional. Evan could also appreciate a beautiful, though deadly, woman.

As Evan was enjoying his satisfaction in his improving spatial awareness, he suddenly realised what words Becketts had used.

“What did you just call me, Doc?”

Carson chuckled as he picked up his tablet to do more medical things or notes, Evan could never be sure. He liked rocks not injuries, and his one attempt at anything beyond first aid was not to be repeated.

“Oh Major, I think the stories are now including two flaming swords and you and the dragon standing on a pile of slaughtered Wraith.”

“Carson, are you enjoying this?” Evan asked suspiciously.

“I’m enjoying the fact that you are relatively intact, will heal in time and about to enjoy a small walk round the infirmary with me. Then instead of feasting upon a pile of Wraith you will have some oatmeal to look forward to.” Carson started to unhook him from all the wires and tubes that Evan had no idea what they did and was convinced they were just for show.

“Sounds good, Doc.” he said, surprised about the level of enthusiasm he had for a small taste of freedom.

Carson handed him something that he picked up from the side of Evans bed.

“A quick blast of that and we will be ready to go, Major.”

Evan looked at the pain dispenser pump with disgust and could tell Carson could read his expression clearly.

“You need it lad. The PCA is for your benefit. Once your arm is in this sling your body is going to try to compensate for the weight of this cast and that will pull your bruises every which way. Trust me, after our little stroll you will be thankful for it. Give it one push and we will let that settle. In the meantime, we’ll get this sling on you.”

Once Evan was well strapped up with a close-fitting sling and a chest strap for extra support, he found as he stood, that Carson was right. His body felt off kilter with the additional weight. Having an arm casted was different to a leg, his only other experience of the cumbersome, heavy cast. He let out a grunt.

“Give yourself time to get your balance, Major.” Beckett said as he hovered on Evans good side.

Are you well Ev? Came the concerned query.

“I’m fine, Gar. Don’t worry. How’s the tree eating coming along?” While concentrating in keeping his balance, Evan was suddenly aware he had spoken out loud. The focused attention from the doctor at his side increased exponentially.

“Major, I’m going to ask you a very important question and you’d better answer it honestly.” Damn, Evan thought, Becketts back in doctor mode “are you hearing voices right now?”

He decided that honesty was the safest way out of this.

“Yea, Doc. But it’s not what you think. Ever since I touched the dragon on the volcano planet we can….um…..talk to each other.”

It took a while for Beckett to respond “Evan, the dragon is miles away at the moment. We are in wide open sea and it is nowhere on Atlantis. Rodneys checked. The reports from yesterday had it flying south to the mainland.”

“I know,” and Evan realised he could tell the direction that Gar was in. Another thing to add to the review list. “I don’t think distance matters, Doc. He’s currently up a mountain, eating trees.”

“He?” questioned Beckett.

“Yes, and his name is Gar.” Evan glanced at the doctor. His expression was open and Evan could see a touch of concern and amusement there and a growing level of professional curiosity.

“Okay. Right. That’s not a conversation I thought I would ever have. You’re scheduled for the scanner again tonight so we’ll have to have a good look at what’s going on in that head of yours. Might as well do it before the briefing, as it will be requested after anyway, especially when you share that piece of information.”

Do you need me to return Ev. Are you in any danger?

No Gar. I’m fine. I think this situation that you and I have found ourselves in is more confusing for my friends than us.

If you are sure then. I will be here when you need me.

Eating trees, Gar

Wonderful, delicious trees Ev.

“Were you just having a wee talk with your dragon, Major?”

Evan focused his attention on Beckett and found that the doctor now had a hold of his good arm. He straightened as he realised that his centre of gravity was compensating for the cast.

“Yes, Doc, He’s enjoying snacking on the trees on this planet. Don’t think there were any left on his.”

“That’s going to take some time to get used to. You’re in an interesting situation, laddie.”

“You’re telling me, Doc.”

“Come on, we’ll discuss it as we stroll.”

……………………………………………………….

Evan decided that there was a strange, disconcerting feeling to waking up with another person sitting by your bedside. He felt that his soldier instincts should alert him to any movement while he slept, but the drugs Beckett insisted on, were playing havoc with his skills.

He had slept on and off yesterday after his initial walk around the infirmary. Beckett had been right about the cast, and the sling, and the bruises, though it was the Doc who kept pushing the damn button after Evans half-hearted attempt.

He even missed out on the trip to the scanner after Beckett sneaked another few presses after his second expedition round the infirmary. Being moved while asleep was also disconcerting for a soldier.

Though he had to admit that the second walk was exhausting, as during it he could feel his strength waning and his headache starting to peer through the blanket of painkillers.

As if instinctively now, he reached for Gar and again, he got a sleeping feeling in return. So, it’s not just me needing the sleep, he thought.

A metal noise and the thump that followed made Evan open his eyes.

He frowned slightly as Ortiz placed the knocked over folder carefully back on top of the cabinet that sat against the back wall of the medical bay. Ortiz moved the wheelchair he was sat in and backed away from the cabinet.

Evan could see Reed leaning against the opposite unoccupied bed with an amused expression on his face.

“Ortiz, you okay?” Evan queried. He didn’t think his Corporal had sustained injuries on the planet, and was sure he had a fuzzy memory of being told that his team were fine.

“He’s bored, Sir. Like the 5-year-old he is, he decided to play in your wheelchair.”

Evan glanced over to find Coughlin in what he was now calling the soldier chair.

“So, no injuries then?”

Coughlin gave him a pained look. “No Sir, we’re all fine. Only one banged up is you.”

He could tell that there was an undercurrent of tension coming from his second in command.

“I had no choice, Tom.” Evan had to meet this one head on. “I did everything I could to find my way across. We had to split up. I had to make a decision that was best for the team and also the soldiers we had under our command.”

“I know Sir, and I respect your decision. But it’s never a good look when a team comes back through the stargate missing its commanding officer.”

He could see Reeds nod and the stress lines round Ortizs eyes. There needed to be a bit of team reassurance.

“Will it help you all if I say that I will do everything in my power to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

“Yes, it would. Thank you, Sir” he could see Coughlins frame loosen and the tension eased.

Ortiz spun impressively on the back wheels of the chair. “Probably best if you don’t do it again anyway, Sir. You would likely come back with Godzilla next.”

With that the tension dissipated, and the team dynamics clicked back into place. Coughlin to his solid, ever reliable second in command aura, Ortiz, the sniper and compensating joker, regained his easy smile and Reed, the poster boy for all things military, went back to being the man they all agreed would make General someday.

And would, most definitely, join Lorne in that rank, as Coughlin liked to say.

“How bad is it out there?” Evan asked with trepidation. “What’s the damage?”

Ortiz wheeled himself over to non-soldier side of the bed.

“I’m afraid to say Sir, that the control room window was killed in what is now being called dragongate. And the floor, with all its delicate little itty-bitty bits, looks like the back of someone after enthusiastic sexy-time with a hooker possessing extremely long nails.”

“Ortiz.” Coughlin groaned and rubbed his eyes. He heard a snort from Reed.

“Thank you, Corporal, for that quite vivid picture.” Evan winced at the thought of all the gate functions that were going to be affected. “I will tell Gar the next time I see him, that you just compared him to a long-nailed hooker. Then I will probably have to explain to him what a hooker is.”

Ortiz paled “And Gar is, Sir?”

“The dragon, Ortiz.”

“He can talk?”

“Most definitely.”

Ortiz took on a green complexion “If we could possibly keep this conversation between ourselves, Sir, I would be very grateful. I’ve made it a mission in life not to piss off any passing dragons.”

“My lips are sealed, Luis.”

“Hopefully not, Sir.” Evans attention shifted back to Coughlin. “We are here to take you to the group mission briefing. That’s the reason why the five-year-old is playing in your wheelchair. We were told by Dr Beckett we had to wait for you to wake up after your post breakfast nap.”

“My wheelchair?” Evan made a face. He hated the damn things.

“Yes, Sir. It has been decided that riding a dragon around the corridors of Atlantis would be impractical so you have to settle for the second option.”

“Oh, ha ha, Lieutenant.”

………………………………………..

The world outside the Infirmary had definitely changed. It had taken a while to get him loaded up and comfortable in the damned wheelchair with Carson overseeing the operation. The doctor also ensured that his team knew that he was to be returned to the infirmary immediately after the briefing for one more nights stay.

Evan tried to argue about the enforced infirmary stay as he wanted to get back to the peace of his own quarters but his argument withered under the doctors stern gaze.

“Dr Beckett’s being particularly protective, Sir.” Reed observed as he pushed Evan through the long Atlantis corridors, away from the quiet of the base medical area. Thankfully the main infirmary was in a secluded area of the control tower so passing traffic was minimal.

The gateroom had a smaller clinic just off to the side but was only used for life threatening injuries. Evan hoped him and his team never saw the inside of it.

“Yes, I noticed it as well but I think that’s just one of Becketts doctor modes.” Evan wished he believed that, but he had noticed it as well. Ever since the second scan Beckett had become hyper aware of him. He knew Carson would tell him if there was anything problematic, so he pushed the concern to one side.

“Was everything okay with your return to the Stargate?” he asked in a very unsubtle change of subject.

“A few issues, nothing too bad,” Reed replied, going with the topic change, “but I don’t think Private Greig is cut out for this. We discovered he has a fear of lava. It took a while to persuade him to return to the Stargate as we had to go toward the volcanos. The Colonels got him on base duties till the Deadelus arrives.

“Damn, he was a good SG operative.”

“Yes Sir, two years on SG-5 but they never had a mission that encountered lava. I don’t think even he knew that he had that fear. The scuttlebutt says that he is heading back to the SGC and will only go on long term mission to planets with decent seismological reports.

“Ah, yes, those.” Evan would, from now on, double check everything that had been green lit by a Head of Department.

“Yes Sir. You missed the fireworks that were going off yesterday in the rock shop.”

“Astrogeology department, Reed.” Evan corrected.

“Yes Sir, them. We could hear Dr McKay, even from the barracks, for most of the morning. He continued ranting after a break for lunch. It was impressive. Though the Colonel now thinks that he has had too much contact with the marines, as he’s picked up some interesting swear words.”

“So how many are heading back on the Deadalus?” Evan queried.

“If Dr McKay had his way, Sir, we would lose the whole rock shop for this. He was not happy. He is taking it personally that one of his departments fucked up. You may get an apology out of him.”

“That would be a first.” Evan muttered. He counted the acerbic Chief Science Officer as a friend, but it had taken a while. He still doubted that an apology would be forthcoming.

“He’s working on a way to find your dragon, Sir, but not having much luck. And with the gate offline he’s currently being avoided by nearly everyone in Atlantis, bar the Colonel.”

“Not my dragon.” Evan muttered again “The gate, Reed, how badly did I mess it up?”

“Sir, everyone on this base would rather have you sitting in this wheelchair and the gate offline than the alternative.” Evan was reminded of why Reed was destined for greatness when he brought out his ‘General’ tone, as Ortiz called it.

“It’s bad then, if you’re trying to reassure me.” Evan had to remind him occasionally he wasn’t a General yet.

“Sorry, Sir. We have communication, but according to Dr MacKay the secondary dampeners have been affected. I don’t know exactly what they do.”

“They stop you flying out the gate at the speed that you go through the space section of the wormhole at. If we didn’t have the dampeners, all we would be is a smear of blood on the back wall.” As he said those words, Evan suddenly hoped he hadn’t left any blood on the back wall of the gateroom.

Reed however was too well trained to react to such an obvious opening and instead settled for diplomacy.

“Important then Sir.”

Evan realised that they had stopped just before entering the primary thoroughfare of the Atlantis main tower. And though the number of people in the expedition had never gone above 200, there seemed to be a good proportion of them in front of him.

He was also aware that Coughlin had stopped to talk to Ronon Dex.

The large, intimidating Sateden slouched against a pillar in a way that did nothing to diminish the sheer level of coiled violence that twisted around him. Evan was reminded again why he was glad that he was on their side.

Reed stopped the wheelchair close to them and from the level of wheelchair height Evan thought the man looked like a giant. Ronon turned his gaze down to him.

“Major, glad you’re okay.” Ronon was a man of extremely few words and did not say anything he didn’t mean.

“Thank you, appreciate it.”

Ronon did, what Evan could judge, as an approximation of a smile.

“Sheppards using the other conference room. I’ll take you there.” He then strode off and his team followed in his wake.

Evan was confused. His whole team knew the way to the smaller of the two conference rooms so why the escort. Then he twigged as to what they were doing. Moving into the busier corridor meant more people and every one of them looked like they wanted to talk to Evan. Ronon had moved to point position with Coughlin in a flanking one and Ortiz bringing up the rear.

This is ridiculous thought Evan. He was convinced he heard Ronon growl towards at least two people in the short journey.

Thankfully they arrived at the conference room with no conflict. Ronon stuck his head in and with a grunt of an indistinguishable word ushered them in.

Chapter Text

Evan shifted the strap of the sling on the right side of his neck. The webbing had started to dig into his skin, just above his collar bone, and was becoming an uncomfortable annoyance. Thankfully they’d brought a pillow with them from the infirmary, and he rested the ever-increasing weight of the cast on it. It was also propped up by the arm of the comfortable conference room chair he was in.

The damned wheelchair sat in the far corner when he refused to sit in it any longer. He was starting to formulate the structure of the argument for walking back when Sheppard interrupted his train of thought.

“Major, are you feeling okay? We can stop for a break if you need it?”

Evan looked up and realised that he had the attention of the room. Damn, bad call to lose focus in a debrief.

“Sorry Sir, just adjusting this straight jacket of a sling.”

“Let me know if you need to stop. We’ll get to you next, as Ortiz has just described, in detail, the rollercoaster effect of the quake that separated you two. Thank you as well Ortiz, for your comparison of the quake with the Kingda Ka rollercoaster. I will definitely mark that experience off my list.”

Evan appreciated how diplomatically Sheppard had noticed his brief lack of attention and steered him back into the meeting.

“Sir, it was one of the best.” Ortiz enthused.

Evan caught Coughlins side glance to him as Ortiz continued.

“We then headed directly to the gate. I informed Major Lorne when we had arrived and he ordered me, my team, and the LT through the gate. I did ask if the LT would accompany us and he respectfully declined.”

Coughlin shifted slightly in his seat. Evan made a mental note to find out how respectful was the refusal to step through the gate. He caught the look between Ortiz and Coughlin, the latter doing a brief apology nod, Ortizs brittle smile softening.

Evan made another mental note to organise a team poker night to iron out any remaining wrinkles.

“Major, anything to add to the sections of the mission that your team has just described?” Sheppard asked, the camera sitting slightly to the left-hand side of him. A recording that would be watched when it was sent to Stargate Command later.

“No Sir, all accurate,” he confirmed.

“Good.” Sheppard studied him sharply. “Do you wish to continue, or we can cover your section tomorrow? Dr Beckett has requested a status report on you. He has concerns that we are about to run over our allotted time.”

“I’m fine, Sir. I’m fine to continue.” His arm was pushing through the dulling effect of Beckett’s painkillers but he kept quiet.

Sheppard narrowed his gaze at him and he directed his next words to the man slouched against the wall. “Ronon, can you let Dr Beckett know we will be returning the Major shortly.”

A grunt of compliance from Ronon as he slipped out the door.

“Gentlemen,” the Colonel directing his attention back to the men sitting in front of him, “I do not need to remind you what is said in this briefings is confidential. And though we are about to move onto a topic that is very high up on the gossip scale in Atlantis, I do not want to hear one word about it outside this room. Do I make myself clear?”

A round of “Yes Sirs.” followed.

“Major, for time and to lessen Becketts wrath, can you continue from when you and Ortiz parted ways.”

“Yes, Sir.” Evan took a deep breath and tried to get into a mindset to recount a mission he scarcely believed himself.

Ev, are you well, I sense tension?

He winced at the timing of the dragon waking. The check-ins Evan had been doing with Gar seemed to have turned into a mutual thing. And as carrying on two conversations was beyond his current mental state, he determined that honesty, was again, the best way forward.

“Can you give me a second, Sir. Gar has just woken up.” Evan then turned his focus to the stronger presence of Gar in his mind, deciding to speak out loud for the benefit of the rooms occupants.

“I’m fine Gar, I’m currently in a meeting with my team where we go over the details of what happened on your planet. I should be finished soon. Are you okay?”

Evan was more focused on Gars response, but he still heard the quiet “Holy Shit!” from one of his team, and could see the Colonels eyebrows raise.

I will not disturb you then. My sleep has been long and healing. I am much improved.

Are you sure you’re okay Gar? Do you need medical assistance?

Thank you Ev, but no. Dragons heal fast. It is the effects of the long sleep that I am overcoming. The trees have helped and having a connection has also helped. I have much to thank you for.

Me too. You saved me on the planet.

As I will always. I will resume my tree consumption and will be back in slumber shortly. Be safe, Ev.

You too, Gar.

As he looked up, he noted he was again the sole focus of attention. He shifted his gaze to the Colonel and saw the man had picked up his radio.

“Major, do you need me to call Carson?”

“No, Sir I’m fine.”

“Then explain to me what that was.” Sheppard was moving away from affability into the laser focused soldier he became when he sensed there was a threat to Atlantis, or one of his team. Evan reviewed how that conversation had looked from an external viewpoint.

“I’m sorry Sir, I continued the conversation with Gar a bit longer after my initial query.” Evan felt sorry for the Colonel, the man was starting to look a bit frazzled.

“So, not only can you communicate with a dragon,” Sheppard stated emphatically, “you can do it telepathically and across a distance of miles. Assuming the dragon is not currently on Atlantis?”

“Yes, Sir, I can. And no Sir, he’s on the mainland eating trees.”

“Can he listen to what we are saying?” Sheppard frowned; a concerned expression evident. Evan sought to reassure him.

“I don’t think so. He would probably know what I am feeling right now but I doubt he could hear this conversation.”

“Okay, that’s something we will need to clarify. Can he speak to anyone else?”

Evan suddenly was aware he had never thought of that.

“I’ll ask him, Sir.”

Gar, quick question. Would you be able to talk to anyone else or is it just me?”

It is just you. I cannot speak out loud as where our voice box should be is where we now flame. We sacrificed the ability to speak, for the ability to flame, many eons ago.

“No Sir, Just me.” He clarified.

Sheppard relaxed. “Now we have that strange conversation over with, please continue Major, from where you left Ortiz.”

With the revelation of the telepathic connection he had with Gar, Evan found it easier to recount the rest of his experience. The only part that Sheppard queried was when Evan revealed the cascade of images that he had received and had flowed from him.

The Colonel made a note in the folder in front of him, Evan knowing they would be going over it more in-depth in tomorrows one to one briefing. He slumped slightly as he could feel the painkillers wearing off and his various aches rising. His arm pulsed.

“Right, I think that’s enough for now but, Major, I need to speak to you briefly.” Sheppard announced as he closed his folder. “Coughlin, Ortiz, Reed, please wait outside. We‘ll be out shortly.

All three stood with a respectful “Yes, Sir,” and Coughlin headed for the wheelchair. As Ortiz opened the door, Ronons head appeared round it.

“Becketts not happy. He’s threatening to come up.”

“Thanks for the heads up.” Sheppard said as he stood up, moving round the table as the door clicked shut behind Evans team.

Sheppard sat in the chair to the right of Evan, pulling a square of black fabric out of a side pocket.

“My grandfather always insisted that I carry a handkerchief, so it became a habit. He always carried one; said that it was only ever to be used for when a dame cried. Most of mine have been used for stopping blood flow issues.” Sheppard smirked at that, folding it into a long strip. “I can reassure you Evan that this is fresh out of the pack. May I?”

Evan realised he was gesturing at his right shoulder. He nodded, unsure of what the objective was.

As the Colonel moved the strap up and positioned the fabric underneath, he continued.

“I stand by what I asked in the infirmary. If you recall, I asked if the dragon, sorry Gar, was a threat to any inhabitant of Atlantis. Evan, you are also an inhabitant of Atlantis. Is this dragon a threat to you?”

Evan tilted his neck back to find the fabric stopped the strap from digging in.

“Thanks.” Evan commented, as one pain lessened. “I’m in no danger at all from him, Sir. But with our track record as a species, I think he may be in danger from us.”

Digging out a memory, he continued. “Dragons were used by the population of that planet to protect it, to guard against something called thread. Which, from what I can gather, looked like a visible type of radiation that occasionally fell from the sky. He’s more like Teylas type of dragon than what our stories portray.”

The Colonel huffed. “Teyla’s turned into a one-woman story telling operation.” Sheppards eyes softened. “She will defend you and your dragon to the death, I think. Ronon’s also being uncharacteristically excited by all this.”

“Ronon?” Evan exclaimed. Ronon and emotions were hard to mesh together.

“Yup, he’s using way more words than I’ve ever heard. Practically giddy for him.”

“It’s probably something he can relate to, Sir. Similar situation.”

Sheppard leaned in conspiratorially. “Let’s not tell him that we just compared him to a dragon. It’ll probably go to his head; he may threaten a smile. But I mean it, Evan, if at any point you feel threatened at all in this situation, you let me know immediately, and we will sort it.”

“Thank you, I will.”

“Right, well, speaking of getting threatened, I’d better get you back to Carson before he goes on the warpath.”

Sheppard hooked his hand under Evans good elbow, helping lever him out of the chair. He appreciated the help after stiffening up in the too comfortable chair. He might begrudgingly agree to use the wheelchair back to the infirmary.

Heading into the corridor they could hear the strong Scottish accent of the brusque doctor sounding like he had left the warpath far behind.

“Ah dinnae care, he’s ma patient, and ah give a timescale fir a reason.”

Evan winced. When Carsons accent got strong a strategic retreat was always recommended.

Sheppard smirked at Lorne. “Once more unto the breach, my friend”.

“There ye are, yer one hour over the time ah allowed, Colonel.”

“Sorry Carson,” Sheppard showed a good retreat strategy thought Evan as he was lowered gently into the waiting wheelchair, the pillow positioned accordingly, “we hit some unexpected areas of information.”

“That’s something I probably have to add to then, Colonel. Would you be able to pop down to the infirmary?”

Evan was reminded that Beckett had been unusually tense after the second scan. With a sense of building unease, he realised he was about to find out why.

“Sure, Carson.” If Sheppard had picked up on the unease, he was hiding it well. He turned to Lornes team. “Thank you all for your input, but it looks like I’ll be the Majors chauffeur for his return trip. Head to the Mess for a bite. Dismissed.”

Evan could tell his team were extremely reluctant to let him out of their sight. Coughlin relinquishing his grip on the wheelchair when he was nudged aside by Sheppard. But, with the commanding officer of the military side of the expedition giving them a direct order, they had no choice but to comply. With a round of “Bye Sir,” and a directed “See you tomorrow, Sir,” from Coughlin, they headed off.

Sheppard released the wheelchair brake. “Ronon, you’re on point. Carson just keep scowling like that, it’ll keep all the rubberneckers at bay.”

………………………………………………..

Dr Beckett insisted that Evan undergo another scan on their return to the infirmary. A third scan within so many days, combined with Carsons tight-lipped attitude, didn’t fill Evan with confidence about his improving health.

But he was feeling much better. His head had stopped the occasional feeling of vertigo, the concussion evidently lessening. His arm had started sending out little pulses of pain but he’d put that down to a sign of it healing.

He wished Carson would just tell him.

The Colonel assisted him back into his infirmary bed, Nurse Saris reconnecting all the leads and tubes that were vital for some reason.

Ronon found a nearby wall to slouch against as Dr McKay, who had joined them just outside the infirmary, paced the open area of the bay. His finger jabbing repeatedly at his ever-present tablet.

Sheppard lowered himself into the soldiers chair. “I always wondered what all those tubes were for,” he observed, “never could figure them out.”

“Me too, Sir.” Evan promptly agreed, Nurse Saris handing him the pain dispenser button with a pointed look.

“Hate that one, especially.” commented Sheppard.

“Me too, Sir.”

Evan heard the squeak of Dr McKays shoe as he turned further round at the end of his pace and started in his direction.

“Major, can you provide me with any specific information about that dragon of yours.” His words insistent as he stared at his tablet. “This search program is unable to find anything with what little information I have; totally impossible without more.” The scientist stopped at the side of the bed glaring accusatorily at Evan. He’d gotten used to this disagreeable side of McKay and let the attitude wash over him.

“Sorry Doc,” he said distractedly, fiddling with the PCA pump. His arm sending pulses of pain up to his fingertips but, by principle, he stopped himself pressing it, “I could tell you most of their history but not anything about them physically.”

“That’s not helpful at all Major.” McKays finger went back to abusing his tablet.

“Why are you trying to find him anyway Doc, I know he’s safe somewhere on the mainland.” He didn’t tell them he knew which direction. “I can ask him to come back if you want. Though I think he’s not finished eating trees yet.”

“What?” McKays glare intensified.

“He likes eating trees,” Evan clarified, “they’re food for him.” The fire thing will be for a later conversation. Drip fed info was the best way forward.

“No, no, about him coming back.” McKays hand flapped.

“He left as everyone was panicking and I wasn’t in a fit state to help. He wasn’t going to go far and then he found the trees.”

“So, it’s not really lost, Major?”

“No Doc.”

“Then why have I been wasting my time trying to find something that wasn’t lost. I have better things to do. I have a gate to fix. That Polish excuse for a scientist will be getting nowhere.” McKay jabbed a final finger at the tablet in disgust, and with a farewell glare strode out of the infirmary.

Halfway to the door he paused.

“Get better soon Major.” he called over his shoulder and stormed out the door.

“I was wondering when he would realise that.” Sheppard said smirking.

“You wanted him to look for Gar, Sir?”

“Initially yes, but then I realised Gar is an intelligent being, is communicating with you and isn’t a threat. The gate’s being fixed with Rodney overseeing it, but not to the overwhelming focus he normally does. It’s more peaceful if he has a distraction.”

“Sneaky, Sir.”

“Yup.”

With a stronger pulse of pain, his arm demanded more narcotics. He picked up the PCA pump and was about to let the Colonel know that sleep was happening soon, when Dr Beckett hurried in.

“Don’t press that, Major,” Carson said forcefully, pointing to the pump in Evans hand. Striding over to the bed, he took the PCA, hanging it out of reach on the IV stand.

“What? Why?” Evan demanded. “First you encourage me to use it, then you use it too much in my opinion, now I can’t use it at all. What gives?”

“Carson, what’s going on?” Sheppard asked insistently. Ronon moved off the wall, the tension increasing in the room.

Carson ignored all questions. “Major, how’s your arm feeling?”

“Sore, hence the pain relief.” The pain was rising, his words getting short.

“Well there’s the problem, isn’t it.” Carson started fiddling with the tubes the nurse had just connected.

“Dr Beckett, are you going to inform us of what’s happening here?” Steel crept into the Colonels voice.

Beckett sensed it, deflating somewhat. He sent a sympathetic glance to Evan. “It’s not making much sense at the moment, but we have to operate on your arm again.”

“Why Doc?” Evan knew that they were getting closer to finding out why Carson was stressing over the scan results.

“Because its healing.”

Evans confusion rose. “Isn’t that what’s supposed to happen?”

“No, not in your case.” Carson pulled another chair over, slumping down. A nurse entered the medical bay, placing a covered metal tray on the table. “Thanks Sarah. Major, your arm’s healing too well. The second scan showed significant bone growth; too much for only two days. We got confirmation on the third scan. At the rate it’s going, it could be fully healed within two weeks.”

“That’s not normal, but that’s good right.” Sheppard asked with concern.

“Not so much, as we had to put screws and a metal plate in. Its healing so fast that the screws are being pushed out. We need to get them out tonight, so we’re prepping the OR for you. After we get the metalwork out, we can figure out why this is happening.” Beckett stood up, collecting the tray behind him.

“I may know.” Awareness dawning on Evan. “Gar said something about how dragons can heal fast. He’s recovering from the long sleep which is the way they can decide to die. His healing may be filtering through this connection we have.”

“Okay, that reason makes sense if you add in all that has happened in the last three days. But, in normal non-weird times, that makes no medical sense at all.” Beckett picked up the syringe.

Sheppard stood quickly. “Right then, that’s our cue to leave. I’d also better get on with the emails I’ve been avoiding. Sorry this is happening Evan, but we will be continuing our discussion tomorrow, if Carson agrees.”

“Aye, he will be up and about tomorrow. This operation won’t take too long. You’ll be glad to hear, Major, that we should still be able to release you tomorrow as planned.”

“Thank you, Colonel and thank you Carson. Appreciate it.” Evan was getting sick of the infirmary walls. A night is his quiet quarters sounded like heaven.

Ronon nodded as he passed, joining Sheppard as they sauntered out the infirmary.

“Right, laddie let’s get this done.” announced Beckett, injecting the contents of the syringe into one of the IV tubes. Evan felt his head do another swooping loop as the drugs kicked in.

I’m getting fed up of this feeling he thought, as the annoyance spiralled into the darkness with him.

Chapter Text

“Coughlin, You get kicked out as well?”

“No, Ronan, the briefing’s finished till tomorrow when the Major’s got his one to one. The Colonel was just wanting a quick word with him.”

“He better hurry, Beckett's on his way.”

“Shit.”

“Yup.”

“Should we warn them?”

“Nope.”

“Watch out LT, incoming.”

“Right you lot, where’s ma patient?”

“Dr Beckett, the Colonels just finishing up with the Major. They shouldn’t be long.”

“Ah dinnae care, he’s ma patient, and ah give a timescale for a reason.”

……………………………………………………

“Hey, LT, you want a top up?”

“What I really want, Reed, is a beer but, yes, a shitty excuse for a coffee will do. Thanks.”

“Corp?”

“Ugh, no. Don’t know how you two can drink the stuff. And you’d be best to use that coffee station over there, it’s quieter and less people to bug you. I can see at least five people circling us with intent to annoy. And that’s without me properly looking.”

“Ever the sniper, Luis.”

“Don’t tempt me, some of these scientists have been downright rude.”

“Reign it in Ortiz, we’ve had a few quiet weeks so they’ve jumped on this with all the irritating enthusiasm they possess. It’ll die down.

“Will it though LT. They haven’t seen the Major yet, and if they see him and the dragon together, I think they’ll explode in little happy bubble balls of scientist goo.

“That’s a descriptive one. But I don’t think they’ll be seeing him soon as he didn’t look too great in the briefing. I could see why Becketts gone all protective.”

“Yes, he did look a bit iffy but……”

“Spit it out. Not like you to keep quiet.”

“LT, you know I have huge respect for the Major but he’s been under a lot of pressure. He’s always had to clean up after Sheppard, all the meetings that he attends cause the Colonels off again, not to mention the paperwork, and then he’s got the briefings, the inductions, it’s a huge amount. Sheppards not dumb, he must see how much that man keeps this place together but it’s a lot y’know.”

“I know Ortiz, somebody’d have to be blind not to see it. Did you notice how he relaxed once we were on the milk run, he needed that. Well, he didn’t need the volcano and everything. But he needed to get away. But what’s your point, Luis?”

“The Major’s been heading for overload for a while and we knew it, Sir. That man in there was different. I know he was hurting and all, but there was something more relaxed about him.”

“Could be the drugs?”

“Knowing him LT, he was on the bare minimum. No, that man looked like he has had the world taken off his shoulders. And I for one, am thankful for it.”

“There you go, LT, one extra-large, shitty coffee.”

“Thanks Jack, though it’s missing its side order of beer. What’s your take on all this?”

“I heard the tail end of what the Corp said and, yup. I saw it as well, Sir. He looked more settled, even calmer. There’s always been a tension bubbling under him and now it’s gone. But we are also missing one vital fact.”

“Oh, god, not more. What?”

“The Major flew through the wormhole on the back of a real life dragon, he can communicate telepathically with said dragon and Sarah’s just told me that the gossip flying round the infirmary is the Major has accelerated healing. So, you know what this means, Sir?”

“What!”

“Our team commander is now a fucking goddamn real-life superhero.”

…………………………………………………

“Colonel Caldwell, Sir.”

“Yes, Airman.”

“We’ve just passed Jupiter. Vector set in for Atlantis, Sir.”

“Thank you, carry on.”

“Sir, I heard they had a dragon come through the gate.”

“I don’t care.”

……………………………………………………

“No, no, no Radek. What are you doing? It doesn’t go there. Good God, do I have to do everything myself?”

“Rodney, I do what you yell at me to do. Now you yell at me to do different. What! What do you want?”

“I want this gate fixed.”

“Well, don’t yell at me, yell at big brown dragon that dug up floor. In fact, go try to find big brown dragon again, please.”

“It doesn’t need to be found. Major Lorne knows where it is and decided not to inform me of the fact.”

“He knows?”

“Yes, Radek I just said that. Lorne said it’s somewhere eating trees.”

“That is most of planet. Why would dragon eat trees? What kind of trees?”

“I don’t know. If it’s close by, then mostly pine, I think. Do I look like a botanist?”

“Dendrologist, Rodney.”

“Whatever. Are we ready for another test?

“So cotton wool ball can dent other steel sheet. Not yet. Why would dragon want pine tree?”

“I don’t know. Ask Dr Peters over there. For some pointless reason I know she minored in plant stuff. Hey, Peters?

“Yes, Sir?”

“Pine trees. What’s up with them? Nutritous? I don’t want a whole lecture.”

“Surprisingly nutritious, Sir. The inner bark, needles and the seeds of the cones are all edible and the needles have high levels of vitamin A and C.”

“See Radek. It’s snacking.”

“Also, Sirs, there’s a lot of benefit in the pine oil and its substitutes, though they’re highly flammable. It’s why Christmas trees catch fire a lot.”

“Oh hell, Radek. Fire and dragon are never a good word combination.”

“Are you going to find Colonel Sheppard to tell him and leave me in peace.”

“Where is he? Dammit he’s never round when you need him. Keep me informed Radek.”

“Thank you, Dragon.”

“I heard that.”

………………………………………………………………………………

“Dr Sanders, may I sit with you?”

“Mr Woolsey, yes Sir, yes, you can. Please. Oh, wait, let me move these books. Sorry they pile up so much and with the Deadalus there’s a slight vibration which can…..Oops.”

“Let me help you with that, Doctor Sanders.”

“Please it’s Lyn and I’m so sorry about the coffee and your trousers. I’m a bit of a klutz.”

“It’s not a problem.”

“But it’s all so exciting. Stargates, wormholes all of it. I have to pinch myself that I’m travelling through space heading to another galaxy.”

“How long have you been with the SGC, Doctor. Um, Lyn?”

“Only five months, I was asked by Daniel, that’s Dr Jackson, to help with some of the medieval issues that they’ve been coming up against. It fascinating how many planets retain that as their culture. It’s my passion, Sir and not Daniels. He tends to focus on things that are older and deader.”

“How long have you known Dr Jackson?”

“Ever since he was a freshman, Mr Woolsey. I was one of his teachers for a while. I attended his presentation on the pyramids that seemingly started all this. Wow, never thought of it that way, mind-blowing. I was one of the few that sent him a well-done after. I have a more open mind to aliens than some of our esteemed colleagues as I study a period of time when magic was viewed to exist. Sorry, please stop me if I start rambling.”

“No, it’s good to hear. It’s actually why you were re-assigned at the last minute.”

“I was wondering about that. My cat will never forgive me for being away for six months but I have a very understanding neighbour. She thinks I’m going to Patagonia.”

“The reason is because of your thesis, Dr Sanders.”

“Please, its Lyn. Both my parents, two brothers and one cousin are all Dr Sanders and I like to retain my own identity. Family weddings are hell. But my thesis was on medieval cryptozoology Mr Woolsey.”

“It’s Richard, please. This is a still from a video camera in the gateroom on Atlantis. It was taken three days ago. I would like your opinion on it, please.”

“Oh my God, that’s a dragon.”

“Yes.”

“That’s an actual live dragon.”

“Yes.”

“It’s stunning.”

“It’s a he and he’s called Gar.”

“What, he can talk.”

“Not exactly, Lyn. The reports are stating that he can communicate telepathically with one of the soldiers that’s based on Atlantis.”

“Sorry, can you repeat that.”

“As this happened when I was on Earth, I do not have all the pertinent information but, the short version is that Major Lorne encountered Gar on a mission, and for a number of reasons, returned with him through the Stargate. Major Lorne was injured in the process, and the dragon is now somewhere on the base planet.”

“Oh my God, is he okay?”

“Major Lorne will recover, the dragon as we can ascertain is uninjured. You were the most qualified in the SGC for our newest problem, hence the Deadulus.”

“But dragons are mythical, they were not thought to exist.”

“Not on Earth. But, as you can see, it’s a big universe.”

“I’m going to need more books, so many more books, and I need to pick your brain. Are you free for dinner, Richard?”

“I am most definitely, Lyn.”

…………………………………………………………..

“Shephard!”

“Rodney, thank god. I need a good excuse to get away from these emails.”

“We think the dragon can breathe fire.”

“Oh, shit.”

………………………………………………………………………………

“General, there’s a Colonel Maine to see you. He doesn’t have an appointment but he says it’s of national importance, Sir.”

“Okay, thank you, Mary. I can give him 10 minutes before my meeting with the Joint Chiefs.”

“I will show him in, Sir.”

“General Harrington, thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I’m Colonel Maine, currently assigned to the National Intelligence Department. I have some information you may be interested in, Sir.”

“You’d better be quick, Colonel. I have an appointment with the Joint Chiefs shortly.”

“Yes Sir, very quick. I am aware that you have been fully briefed on the activities taking place in Cheyenne Mountain in their deep space telemetry section.”

“Yes, and not many people are, Colonel. So, you had better get to your point.”

“Yes Sir, this concerns their very remote outpost.”

“That’s even less people Colonel.”

“I know Sir but it’s what they’ve discovered that we feel may be beneficial to us. Can I show you a photo I have received recently? I think you will be interested in it.”

Chapter Text

Evan was ready to leave as soon as he woke up.

However, the wheels of the Atlantis infirmary ran slow when it came to releasing its inmates. Concluding it was a firm reluctance on Dr Becketts part, as the glowering Scot was still glancing at him with a tight-lipped expression, Evan practiced his legendary patience.

Arguing that he should be allowed to leave faster, as he was healing faster, had collided ineffectively with Becketts stonewalled expression.

So, he sat dejectedly, prodding his oatmeal with a lack of enthusiasm. For both the congealed food and the situation. He needed a distraction.

Hey, Gar?

Yes, Ev?

Do pine trees taste better than oatmeal?

I regret to say I do not know what oatmeal tastes like, but trees are delicious.

Evan considered this and came to the conclusion that oatmeal ranked lower in the taste scale to any type of tree.

Are you keen to return to your home, Ev? The tone of regret evident in the dragons voice.

I am, Gar. I’m sorry that you can’t return home. We tried dialling the gate on your planet, but it didn’t connect. I hope that you consider making here your home.

I will happily remain where you are, Ev.

I would like that too.

It had surprised him how much he meant that. The dragon, in a short space of time, had become a familiar constant in his life. He needed to clarify the dragons standing.

I have a final debrief with the Colonel today and can ask him if you could come to Atlantis.

A sense of longing and hope filtered through. I would like that very much, Ev. I am feeling much better now and the wonderful trees on this planet have helped to build my systems up. But I worry that I will not be welcome. I did a lot of damage when we came through the ring.

Evan hadn’t seen the damage for himself but had heard that even though the gate was working it couldn’t be used.

We have the best people working on the fix so we should get it running soon. Don’t worry, it couldn’t be helped.

I would offer my assistance, but dragons were not connected to the people as much when they built the gates. Little memory remains of that.

WHAT? The people on your planet built the gates?

Yes, I believe so, but the memories are patchy. All this happened eons before I was hatched. Long after the thread was thought to have been defeated, it returned, more deadly, and near constant, than before. The dragons were unable to cope with this wave so other means had to be found to survive. The gates were built to evacuate the planet.

And they just left the dragons behind?

No, they took many through the ring. Some were too big and had to remain, others chose to remain. The remaining dragons took the chance of deep hibernation to survive the ages of threadfall. Many fell into the long sleep, and the ones that survived emerged onto a planet much changed.

A thought occurred to Evan and he felt his worry rise. That means there may have been dragons still alive there?

No, I do not believe there were any left. The long sleep finally leads to a state that we cannot wake from and we become like rock. I was alone when I accepted the long sleep. Your arrival saved me.

As Gar spoke Evan could see the memories as they shifted through his head. He could see the panic and the work that was needed to survive. The regret as well, for the near destruction of a species. A lot of memories were disjointed, containing large gaps of time, but Evan got a sense it was a dark time for all.

Why were you alone Gar?

The thread returned regularly so our numbers dwindled on each hibernation. We could not share our lifeforce with others, as we too were diminishing. We do not require much sustenance for basic survival, as we contain a flame, but the lack of plants on the planet meant I was the last egg.

A surge of grief so strong came through the link and Evan closed his eyes against the tears that threatened.

I am so sorry Gar.

You have nothing to be sorry for Ev. You saved me. You brought me to your home. I am complete. Thank you.

Anytime Gar.

I must sleep again Ev. After this I will be whole.

Sleep well.

Evan blinked his eyes open.

“That was a bit of a conversation, laddie.” Becketts voice startled him, the doctor sitting in the soldiers chair, completing charts. Damn, he had been taken by surprise again. And he’d been awake.

“I would probably recommend,” continued Beckett, “not having a conversation with your dragon if you find yourself in a combat zone. You were a wee bit distracted.”

“Sorry Doc, I’m still getting used to this. My finely honed military instincts will kick back in soon.” He tried to joke, but was unsure whether his words rang true.

The doctor appraised him with a knowing eye. “Hope so, cause remember Major, it’s me that will sign you back onto active duty. That’s what I’m here to discuss, then we will release you from our tender grasp.”

He was glad to see Carson was back to his more relaxed state.

“Great, no insult to yourself, Doc, and everyone here, but I’ll glad to see the back of this place.” Evan smiled to lessen the impact of his words.

“No offense taken, but probably us too, laddie. Most of my staff have spent the last three days convinced a dragon is going to burst in here and steal you away. We’ll be glad to get back to the normal level of Atlantis insanity.”

“That’s not a good level, Carson.”

“Don’t I know it. Right, here’s what’s happening now. You’ll be having a meeting with Colonel Sheppard soon, then it’s bed rest in your quarters for the next two days. Meals will be delivered and you’ll be getting regular visits from us to check on your arm and change your dressings. Remember a softer cast does not mean more movement. Sounds good Major?”

Evan thought it sounded the best thing he’d heard in a long while.

“Great, sounds great, Doc.”

He heard a rattle as Coughlin and Ortiz tapped on the glass divider at the end of the bay.

“Hey Doc, Hey Major,” Coughlin glancing at Evan as he spoke. He could tell his lieutenant was taking in the off-duty clothes, the softer black cast and the readiness to leave. “Colonel’s ready for you, Sir. As ever, we are your trusty escort.”

“Where’s Reed?”

“As we don’t need the wheelchair,” Evan glanced at Carson when Coughlin imparted this happy news. Carson looked smug, “he’s getting ready for his lunch date with Dr Roberts.”

“Good for him, you can tell me about it on the way.”

He thanked Carson with genuine gratitude, ran the gauntlet of the infirmary farewells, and finally was free. Life was looking up.

……………………………..

The Colonel was pissed. Evans view on life took a tumble.

He had managed to stay upbeat on the way to the briefing. Coughlin and Ortiz fending off a number of people Evan had scant acquaintance with, all trying to engage him in conversation.

Even when they turned left and headed away from the smaller conference room to the larger one next to the control room, he was elated, as he was going places on his own feet.

The gate room was a challenge, as he became acutely aware of the damage inflicted. He tried not to look at it too much.

The looks he was getting, he could just about deal with, even the side glances and the outright stares. People stopped in the halls to watch him and his escort pass.

As he entered the conference room, he caught Sheppards look.

Shit!

“Major, glad you’re mobile. Take a seat.” Not pissed, furious.

“Thank you, Sir.” Evan sat with trepidation. He ran through everything that could have happened since he last saw the Colonel, and came up blank.

Sheppard waited until the privacy screen closed, sealing them in silence. It seemed to take an age to close. Evan, in that time, noticed the camera wasn’t switched on.

Sheppard was still not making eye contact. “Major, it has come to light that you’re not telling me the whole story.”

Double Shit.

“Sir?” Playing dumb may not be the best move.

Sheppard caught his eye. The dark eyebrows lowered. His gaze direct. “You are aware that we have some of the most intelligent people on Earth in this base right now, who can put two and two together and come up with evidence that your dragon can breathe fire. Which leads me to think that you were either withholding important information or you didn’t know anything. Therefore you based your answer to my only question on incomplete knowledge.”

Evan knew he had been boxed in. There was nowhere for him to go that didn’t lead to trouble. He knew his decision to drip feed information was the wrong one.

Sheppard hadn’t finished.

“I need you to be honest with me right now or, so help me God, if you don’t tell me every damn thing you know, I will throw you to the wolves, and the bears and all the goddamn lions that are circling you right now. Do I make myself clear, Major Lorne?”

“Yes, Sir.”

Ev?

Not now Gar. Please not now.

I will be close.

Thank you.

The stare intensified. “You’re in a perilous situation, Major. The United States Armed Forces are not known for their complacency when one of their soldiers gets abilities that they would give their eye teeth for. You are a member of my team and therefore you fall under my protection. And Evan, you need it more than ever.”

He knew the use of his first name was a good sign. He decided to go for the formal route.

“I apologise Colonel Sheppard. I was wrong to assume that withholding information was the correct route and was done with only the aim to protect a potential asset. If you give me the opportunity to rectify my error, I will immediately improve my communication regarding the situation I’m in. I accept any consequences for my actions, Sir.”

The Colonel sat back. “Wow, Evan. No wonder the IOA liked you. Jeez. I’m pissed but it’s because I’m also concerned for you. I’ve been dealing with a deluge of emails requesting that you be sent back to Earth. These emails are starting to become demands and that doesn’t sit well with me.”

“I apologise for putting you in this situation, Sir.”

Sheppard looked at him for a beat with an inscrutable expression.

“The alternative was unthinkable, Evan. I’d rather have you sitting in front of me complicating my life than leaving you behind on that planet. We have a few weeks before the gate is fixed, to sort this out. But, starting from now, full disclosure on everything is non-negotiable.”

………………………………………….

Are you sure you are well?

Yes, Gar. I withheld information from my commanding officer. He was justifiably pissed.

Pissed? I do not know that word.

Furious, angry, displeased, enraged…

That’s a lot of words to describe one mind state, Ev.

I know, and he went through them all. He had good reason.

Is he less…pissed?

Yes Gar, he is back to being on my side. He’s staring at me as I talk to you. Will you come to Atlantis and meet him?

If he stays less pissed, I will. You will know when I am near. I will see you soon, Ev.

“He’s on his way, Sir. I should know when he’s close.”

“You get a look on your face when you talk to him.” Sheppard was back to his relaxed friendly self, Evan could feel him relax in response. “It suits you, Evan.”

“Carson also mentioned that, Sir,” he commented, “and he said it’d probably be best not communicate with him in a combat zone. I get slightly distracted.”

Sheppard looked a bit horrified at the idea.

“Let’s keep you out of combat zones for now. You’re still healing. How’s the arm?” He motioned at the soft black cast resting in its less constricting sling. Lighter than the hard cast, which Evan was thankful for, it had a more flexibility and felt a lot less tight.

“Good Sir. Carson thinks that it should be off in about two weeks.”

“That’s impressive,” though Evan could see concern creeping into Sheppards gaze again. “I know I’ve just talked about full disclosure but we may need to retain some information between us.”

“Isn’t that a bit….” Evan tried to think of a way of putting it diplomatically.

“Hypocritical, I know.” Sheppard said bluntly. “But with full disclosure on my part, there’s a lot of important people interested in you and Gar. More than I like. A lot of shit flies around the halls of power, it’s hard to avoid it at times.

“Damn, that doesn’t sound good, Sir.” Every soldier knew that there were areas of the military that were best not talked about. He suddenly felt centred in a sniper scope.

“Exactly. If you were on Earth, you would disappear into that mess and never come back out. We will make sure that doesn’t happen. So, let’s review where we’re at, and you fill in the in the gaps. Only then will we turn on the camera.”

“Yes, Sir and thank you, Sir.” Evan knew how much Sheppard was putting on the line for him. He would do everything he could not to betray that trust.

……………………………………………

“That’s a lot Evan.” Sheppard tapped his pen against the list he had made on the pad in front of him.

“A lot of it, Sir, is from a discussion with Gar this morning and for a chance to analyse the information in my head. I received it all in a one, with no time to review it.”

“If this is like General O’Neill and the Asgard database that ended up in his head, you’d better not start speaking dragon or we may have to take action on this.”

The weird, but standard, SG1 mission had occurred during one of his first years at the SGC. From what he had seen of the event, this had similarities but some important differences.

“I have access to these memories but they’re not stored in my head, so no problem of words filtering through. Also, I don’t believe dragons have a language.” He had ample time in the infirmary to review all he knew.

“I thought you were talking to Gar?” Sheppard looked confused. Evan knew the feeling well.

He tried to explain. “As dragons can’t speak, they communicate telepathically, with each other and their riders. They take on the language of their rider. But before they bond, their language is visual. I should have realised this when I saw Gars name.”

“Gar is not his full name I take it.” Sheppard had stopped playing with his pen and his full attention was on Evan.

“No Sir.” Time for full disclosure. “When I touched him, I got a visual picture that described him and when I described in English, that became his name. I now realise with dragon names it can’t be too literal. Dragons were called names like Ramoth, Golanth or Canth which in the language of the time meant Strength, Courage and Heart.”

Sheppard leant forward eagerly. “Okay, makes sense. How did you describe him?”

Evan sighed. “Like a perfect garden on a summers day after a rain shower.”

Sheppards smirk was back. “Stick to Gar, less of a mouthful.”

“Don’t I know that, Sir.” Evan sharing the smirk “I thought…..”

He tailed off on his comment on Gars name as suddenly the awareness of the dragon flooded his senses. He was close to Atlantis. Evan, used to the distant feeling of the dragon, closed his eyes and just breathed.

“Major, I think we need to use the full disclosure again.” Sheppards words filtered through.

“Gar is close Sir.” Evan blinked back into the room. “Just getting used to the nearness of him.”

“I think you and everyone else on this base.” Sheppard picked up his radio. “I think we will postpone this debrief till tomorrow as we will go greet our guest of honour. How close?”

Evan could pick up a feeling of distance as well “About 40 minutes Sir.”

“Get him to land on the south east pier on landing pad 3.”

“Yes Sir.”

As he relayed this information, with an attempt at a mental visualisation, Evan could perceive the feeling of freedom as Gar flew through the bright blue sky. The speed was breath-taking. He hoped to get a chance to experience this. He focused back on Sheppards words as the Colonel spoke into his radio.

“Sheppard to Lieutenant Rivers.”

“Rivers here, Sir.”

“Gather your team Rivers and meet us at the transporter to the south east pier, below the central tower in twenty. Get Sergeant Stackhouse and his team as well and collect Ronon from the gym will you. Combat ready.”

“Copy that Sir.”

Evan met Sheppards eyes.

“No argument, Major,” Sheppard continued sternly, “it’s standard procedure in situations like this, as well you know. And, no, your team cannot come. You would do exactly the same if I was in your shoes.”

Evan knew that Sheppard was right, and looking from the Colonels perspective he had to grudgingly agree that he would do the same. Didn’t mean to say he had to like it, though.

“Yes Sir,” he said with resignation, “I would.”

“Right Evan, now that’s sorted, let’s go and meet your dragon.”

Chapter Text

Evan knew the Colonel had picked Lieutenant Rivers as he was an ex-team member of Evans, and also a good friend.

That’s not to say that his current team were pleased about the arrangements.

As Evan and Sheppard made their way to the transporter hub under the main tower, they picked up Stackhouse and his team. They had been on a scheduled training session in the weapons room and were closer than Rivers.

Evan knew that Stackhouse intentionally picked the biggest marines he could find to populate his team. If a team was required for a show of strength, they were it.

He hoped they weren’t needed.

His team had been on a number of missions together with them and had a healthy respect for the four very capable marines. He believed it was mutual.

“Colonel, Major.” Stackhouse said as they approached. “Good to see you upright, Sir. That was some entrance.”

At Evans confused look, Sheppard explained.

“The Sergeant here was the first to get to you in the gateroom, Major. From the way you hit that wall, we are all glad to see you upright.”

The memories were fuzzy following the encounter with the wall, but Evan appreciated the support. “Thank you, Sergeant, for your assistance. Hopefully I can introduce you to my travelling companion.”

The stoic Sergeant barked a laugh. “That would be an experience I would definitely not miss, Sir.”

Rounding the corner leading to the transporters, Evan spotted Rivers team. They looked alert with a combination of excitement and trepidation. The two SGA teams combined were an intimidating presence of marines.

And they weren’t alone. Evans team stood with them. Thankfully they weren’t armed as that would have been a breach of regulations. They did, however, look prepared for a mission.

“No, Coughlin you cannot join us.” Sheppard stated, before Coughlin could start. “Yes, I know you want to see this through and I understand your reasons. But I also have my reasons for why you need to sit this out.”

“But Sir,” Coughlin wasn’t one to back immediately down. Evan had experienced this a few times. “The Major….”

“The Major, Coughlin,” Sheppard interrupted sternly with an apologetic look to Evan, “is coming with us and we will keep an eye on him. If you want to be part of this, then your mission will be to head to the infirmary and let Beckett know that the Major has taken a little detour before heading to his quarters.”

Evan nearly laughed out loud at the expression on Coughlins face. He caught his Lieutenants eye and with a quick head movement managed to convey he should obey the Colonels instructions and that he will be just fine.

“Off you go. Good luck.” Sheppard said as Rivers team, with the Colonel and Evan, stepped into the transporter.

Sheppard leaned into the corner Evan was in.

“Speaking of Beckett,” he said quietly, “you okay? Need any painkillers?”

“I’m fine Sir.” Evan could feel the pain but it was distant like an echo. “Not needed yet. Be good for a couple of hours.”

“Good.” Sheppard settled against the wall, his hands resting on his P90.

When they arrived at the south east pier they waited for the second team to arrive, Evan glad that they travelled with Rivers as Stackhouses team, plus Ronon, filled the limited space. Larger freight transporters were available but rarely used.

He took the time to contact Gar and update him on what was about to happen and why there were a number of armed men in the party.

As they headed to Pad 3 the Colonel laid out his strategy.

“Rivers, you and your team are with me. Stackhouse, stay with Major Lorne.” Sheppard turned to Evan, his tone indicating an order, not suggestion. “You are to stay with the Sergeant at all times, make the introductions initially but let me handle the rest. You are currently on medical leave so shouldn’t really be here.”

Ev, I am approaching.

Evan sensed Gar flying in from the north east, so turned around to look beyond the central section of Atlantis, the sight still stopping him in wonder.

The gleaming collection of towers, dominated by the main control tower, was one of the best sights in the galaxy, he decided. It was times like this he was reminded how big Atlantis was, a huge space-going city covering 25 square kilometres.

Movement from behind one of the outer towers of the central section caught his attention. The gleaming dragon rounded the tower, his wings outstretched. Banking tightly and, intentionally it seemed, flying in front of a crowded balcony on the control tower, the dragon turned towards the pier.

You’re making quite an entrance Gar.

My previous one was not a great one. I am trying to make up for it.

Evan could see some of the marines take a step back as the dragon turned and flew directly towards them.

Yup, it’s definitely going to be memorable.

For the first time he had a full view of Gar and it was an impressive one. The dragon was at least 25 metres in length with a wingspan of nearly double that. He was a deep bronze in colour, though Evan could still see some remnants of mud from the dying planet clinging to him under his wings. His legs were solid and corded with muscle and were currently tucked into his body as he swept low over the water separating the piers.

How did you fit through the gate, Gar?

I thought small, Ev.

……………………………………………..

Evans estimation of Sheppard went up when Gar landed in front of them. Sheppard was with Rivers and his team in front of Evan and his escort, so he saw that Sheppard took no step back when the men surrounding him did. He even heard a low whistle of amazement from Stackhouse next to him.

Gar, if I ever forget to tell you, you cut a striking figure.

I am actually one of the smaller dragons, I have distant memories that dragons could be double my length.

I’m glad you’re you then, we would have made a mess coming through the stargate if you were that size.

Evan could feel a wave of amusement roll through him from Gar.

Ev, Is this your commanding officer?

Let me do the introductions out loud and then he wants to speak to you. He has ordered me to stay back.

Evan started the introductions, Sheppard turning to him slightly after Gar had landed.

“Colonel Sheppard, this is Gar, a refugee from a planet that is no longer liveable, and is seeking sanctuary on Atlantis. Gar this is Colonel John Sheppard, the military commander on Atlantis and is willing to hear your petition.”

If Colonel Sheppard thought that this situation was anything but normal, it didn’t show on his face.

“Welcome Gar.” Sheppard addressed the towering dragon. “Welcome to Atlantis. Thank you for saving the life of one of our team and I assure you your application for asylum will be reviewed favourably.”

I like him Ev. Gar inclined his head to Sheppard.

Evan released a breath he didn’t realise he was holding.

“I am aware that you cannot speak out loud,” Sheppard continued, “so I will only ask you yes or no questions. Anything more complicated we will include Major Lorne. Will that suffice?”

Yes, no, Ev?

Move your head up and down for yes and sideways for no.

I understand.

Evan saw Gar move his head slightly in compliance but also heard his reply.

Yes.

“Thank you, Gar. Do you wish to apply for asylum in Atlantis?”

Yes.

“Will you comply with all the laws in Atlantis and place yourself under the jurisdiction of myself and Mr Woolsey, the head of the expedition.”

Yes….. Where is he Ev?

Not here at the moment. He was offworld when we came through.

Sheppard continued, unaware of the additional dialogue. “We can offer you temporary accommodation on Atlantis while your application is being reviewed. Do you wish to take us up on the offer?”

Ev, does that mean I can live here?

Yes, Gar. Would that be okay?

I would very much like that. Can I ask a question?

Yes, I can ask the Colonel for you.

Can I bring some trees?

“Colonel, Gar has a question.” Evan wondered if the marines were aware that Gar could communicate with him telepathically. Well they did now, he realised. Sheppard turned to him and raised an eyebrow. “Can he bring over pine trees from the mainland?”

“As long as they are just for food, yes, you can.” Sheppard said as he turned back and addressed Gar “We can house you in an area near the residential section. It’s a large storage area but you will have to let us know what your needs will be. We will get that organised now. Welcome to Atlantis, Gar. I think the Major is keen to greet you now.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Moving forward quickly, his need to be closer to the dragon had increased as soon as he saw him approach. Stackhouse kept pace with him.

Gar lowered his head and Evan leant against it. The warm breath of the dragon wound around his ankles, his head resting between the dragon’s eye ridges. He didn’t care what his escort though, he was giving this dragon a damned hug.

They stood there in silence for a couple of minutes before a distant pain pulsed in Evans tooth. He could feel the dragon flinch beneath him.

Gar, was that me or you?

It was me. I am sorry.

What's wrong, I can help.

A piece of tree is stuck. I was eating too fast.

Evan was reminded of Ortiz who tended to shovel his food with abandon.

Do you want me to try to get it out?

Please, Ev.

Open up, then.

Evan was reminded of the importance of communication when he found himself five metres away from the dragon, the solid back of Stackhouse blocking his view.

“Sergeant, care to explain?” asked Evan, coming round the side of Stackhouse.

“You were sticking your hand in his mouth, Sir. It looked unwise.” The Sergeant moving into an alert stance, his team mirroring the action.

Evan, walking back to the startled dragon, moved his hand to show stand down. The marines relaxing slightly.

“He’s got a piece of tree stuck next to a tooth, Sergeant. I was going to get it out for him. Imagine trying to get a splinter out when all you have are claws.” Evan glanced at Gars feet. The claws on all four feet were very impressive.

“It was his claws I was thinking of Sir. And his teeth.” But Stackhouse still moved forward with Evan.

Sorry about that Gar, they will get used to you. Open up.

Evan could see the culprit. Two teeth up from the massive left-hand side eye tooth was a slice of wood wedged down on the inside of the tooth. He reached but the angle was awkward. He moved to the other side, but with a slight movement of his casted arm, he realised his problem.

“Sergeant,” the solution was obvious and figured it could work in their favour, “can you reach that piece of wood from here and get it out. I can’t get the right angle with this cast.”

“Sorry, what, Sir.”

“That splinter needs to come out. Just grab it at the top and pull.”

“In there, Sir.” Stackhouse looked like he had asked him to chew on a live grenade.

“Well, I don’t think Gar would appreciate it if you went in any other way.”

EV!

He’s a good man, Gar. Well respected. This will build trust with the marines. Just don’t bite him.

Never.

Evan turned to the dragon. “Gar this is Sergeant Stackhouse. He is going to remove that splinter for you.”

Evan looked expectantly at the towering marine beside him.

Stackhouse stared at Evan for a beat. Frowning, he moved to stand in front of Gar.

He took a deep breath as he addressed the dragon. “Will you be okay with me getting that splinter out of your mouth, Sir.” Stackhouse looked amazed at the nod of Gars head.

“Please don’t bite me, Sir.” Stackhouse said hesitantly.

Evan did think the shake of the dragons head was a bit excessive, but it seemed to get the message across to Stackhouse. With a shake of his head he headed back to the dragons side and reached into his mouth. Taking a firm hold of the splinter, and with a grunt, pulled it free.

Ouch.

Well done Gar. All better?

Much, Ev.

Turning his massive head to the Sergeant, currently staring transfixed at the piece of wood in his hand, the dragon nodded and ducked his head. Stackhouse reaching out tentatively, patted the scaly head. A growing smile on the stern face showed Evan, surprisingly, he could add the toughest marine in all of Atlantis to his support list.

Well played.

Trust, Ev, is a very important thing.

“Major?”

Evan turned to find Lieutenant Rivers standing hesitantly behind them.

“Yes, Sam?”

“Sir, the Colonel has arranged for the….um….dragon….er….Gar to be housed in the docking wharfs just off the south pier. Dr McKay is currently getting power to that part of the city and the transporter up and running.”

“Thanks Lieutenant.” Evan knew the area from previous exploration missions, and realised it would be ideal. Three double height secure warehouses were positioned at the end of each wharf with direct access to the sea. A number of offices and facilities were also available, each pier connected to the central tower by a transporter.

The residential area on the south pier was also nearby. The expedition had grown beyond the limited accommodation of the central zone, with the spacious and quieter south pier becoming more attractive to new members of the expedition, Evan included. He was glad the dragon would be close by. He created a picture of the warehouse in his head, with its location, and felt Gar agree to the suitability.

“Gar this is Lieutenant Sam Rivers.” Gar tilted his head with Evans introduction. Evan was sure he heard his former Lieutenant whistle slightly under his breath. “I’m sure he and Sergeant Stackhouse would be happy to assist you at any time.”

No harm in creating a support network, thought Evan.

Two very enthusiastic “Yes, Sirs.” followed.

Thank you Ev. I will go and gather trees now. I will return soon.

With a farewell nod of his head, Gar turned and leapt off the side of the two-storey loading bay, dipping down towards the waves below, he flicked his shimmering wings and soared into the sky.

“Sir, you have made some interesting friends since I left the team.”

Evan had to agree with Rivers on that.

Re-joining Colonel Sheppard and Ronon, further back on the landing pad, he noticed that the majority of the marines had been dismissed. Catching the tail end of the Colonels conversation with someone at the other end of a radio call, It didn’t take him long to figure out who.

“Yes, Carson. I understand.” Sheppard sent Evan a look of frustration, resignation and apology. “Yes, it was a required trip and, yes, I am aware of your instructions.”

Ronon looked amused as they joined them.

“Becketts pissed. Again.”

“Look Doc,” Sheppard continued. “We’re heading back now. Meet us at the transporter and we can continue this then. Sheppard out.”

He rubbed his hands through his scruffy black hair, let out an exasperated sigh and looked at Evan.

“Ignoring the eruption that is about to occur, that went well. I take it Gar has gone to get trees.”

“Yes, Sir.” Evan confirmed. “He’ll drop them outside the warehouse. It will probably take him the rest of the day.”

“Good.” The slight look of apology grew “We’ll keep an eye on him for you. I’m afraid, Major, you’ll be back in Becketts hands.”

Evan knew that Beckett would not be happy with the deviation from his instructions. Any inmate of the infirmary learnt, upon release, aftercare instructions were not suggestions. Evan sighed, a rebellious streak reared.

“I’m not spending another night in the infirmary. He released me to my quarters so I’m going there.”

“I think you'll have a medical escort there then.” Sheppard said with a slight chuckle as they stepped onto the transporter. “Sergeant Stackhouse can head down to the wharf to make sure Gar is okay. He looked comfortable enough with his hand in his mouth, I’m sure he can handle a few trees. Right Sergeant?”

“Yes, Sir. Happy to.”

“Take Evans team with you, it will stop them hovering.”

When they arrived back, Becketts glare to the Colonel was a sight to behold, Evan making a mental note to practise it in front of the mirror. It would come in handy when he next had to put up with the more extreme behaviour of his team. The wheelchair and orderly that Beckett stood next to was less welcome.

“Colonel, we will be continuing our conversation later. Major this is non-negotiable.” Beckett said, pointing into the wheelchair.

Out of a sense of pique Evan decided to say his goodbyes on his feet. With a time arranged for tomorrows debrief and a comment from Ronon about the impressive dragon, they abandoned Evan to Beckett.

The rebuke from Beckett lasted nearly to his door and before he knew it, he was tucked snugly in bed, a decent amount of pain killers administered and a stern medical order to stay put. He just had enough time to tell Gar who was going to be with him on the wharf before the all familiar swooping feeling kicked in and he drifted down into the dark.

…………………………………………

He knew he was not in his quarters as soon as he opened his eyes. With the summer still warming the sea air, he tended to leave his balcony door open. The refreshing sea breeze reminded him of the air coming in from the bay of San Francisco.

The distinctive noise of his bedroom was gone, darkness surrounded him. Instead he could feel warmth underneath him combined with an awareness of space.

And the smell of pine.

Gar?

Ev? He could sense amusement from the dragon and heard a slight huff through their mental link.

Then he realised he could feel it as well.

The rumble reverberated through him. As he sat up, a cover moved off him and his surroundings brightened. He looked up into the gloom to see the yellow eyes of the dragon shining back.

What’s going on Gar. Where am I?

Where I think that you think you should be.

I’m not awake enough for that sentence.

Another rumble rolled through him and Evan realised that he was lying between the dip of Gars folded leg and the side of his body. His bare feet were resting on a set of very large front claws.

Am I dreaming?

No, unless we both do. I do not know if we can.

How did I get here?

Evan realised through the fog of sleep and the lingering effects of the drugs Beckett had given him that he was in the warehouse that Gar had been quartered in.

You walked in and tried to find somewhere to sleep. There is nothing in here except me and the pine trees I sleep upon. I decided you would not prefer the pine trees.

I have no memory of that Gar.

I was aware you may have been still asleep. I have watched over you. No harm befell you. Riders and dragons did have to stay close in slumber in my memories. I did not realise how it would manifest. I apologise.

At Gars words Evan could see the memory. A weyr housing dragons and riders sat close to the hold they protected.

Don’t apologise. You are very comfy to sleep on. But we may have to rethink the living arrangements. I think there’re rooms attached to these warehouses that may be converted to living quarters. That might work out better.

You would move, Ev.

I do not have fond memories of sleepwalking Gar, I would prefer to avoid it.

Evan could still sense the memory of his attempt at shooting Sheppard, convinced he was a Replicator, all carried out in a sleepwalking state. He would rather not repeat it.

I understand and would welcome you close by.

Evan could feel the pull of sleep wash over him aided by Becketts drugs.

Gar, I have no radio to contact my team. I also think it’s unwise to move around in the dark. Can I stay here for now?

Yes, I would be honoured to guard your sleep.

Evan could see the long neck of Gar wind round, a wing stretching out over him, and he fell asleep feeling safe and secure.

………………………………………….

“Found him, LT.”

Evan surfaced from the pull of sleep, the words echoing around the large space. Gars wing had retracted back at some point in the morning, the warehouse warming as the summer sun rose in the east.

Glancing over the rise of Gars leg, he spotted Ortiz leaning over the rail of a raised walkway on the opposite wall of the warehouse. The Corporal was joined by Coughlin from the corridor behind. They proceeded quickly down the metal stairs to the warehouse floor.

He tried to extricate himself from his supine position but with the cast and an impressive set of aching muscles he gave up the attempt. The echoing footstep neared. He needed help.

“Lieutenant, Sergeant, a hand please.”

“Yes, Sir. Good morning, Gar.”

Good morning.

“He said good morning.” Evan repeated. Coughlin had stepped over the smaller pine branches that Gar rested upon. Evan estimated that the dragon and his pine bed took up about half of the warehouse space.

“Good to hear what he said, Sir. When we were here yesterday, we could only do yes/no questions. It’s a bit limiting.” Coughlin said as he reached over Gars leg to help lever Evan into a seated position. “Beckett’s instructed Reed to have a look at you.”

At that statement, their team medic appeared at the top of the stairs and made his way down. The big medical bag that was too bulky for fieldwork but was used in certain situations in Atlantis, was slung over one shoulder. Evan realised he had just created one of those situations.

“Care to fill me in, Tom. I’m a bit hazy on the details of what happened last night.”

Reed approached and waited patiently at the edge of the pine pile. A medical scanner in hand. Finally, Evan was upright and they carefully picked their way over the branches. How the hell did he do this in the dark. He sat carefully on a low trunk.

Coughlin hand rested on his shoulder. “Beckett had someone check on you about 3.30am, Sir, as he thought the medication you had been given would lose its effect and you would slip into a natural sleep. When breakfast was delivered this morning, you were found to be missing. Checking the logs, it looks like you headed directly here about 4am.”

Evan winced at that. “So, I slept-walked again. Damn.”

“No, Sir.” Reed said as he joined them and placed the bag at Evans feet, the scanner running. “Most likely, you were awake as there was a note. You probably can’t remember, as the drugs were still influencing you.”

“A note?” Evan questioned. That sounded a bit strange.

“Yes, Sir.” Ortiz commented as Reed bent down to shuffle through the contents of the bag. “It read ‘too far away, need to be closer, heading to warehouse’. It didn’t require too much deduction to figure out where you’d gone.”

As Ortiz spoke, a faint memory stirred in Evan of waking and wanting to be in a different location. But something didn’t add up.

“I don’t understand. Wasn’t McKay going to switch off the transporter to this area to try to find a less power draining way.”

Coughlin stared at him for a beat, Evan about to question him further, when his Lieutenant sighed.

“Yes, Sir, the transporter was reprogrammed to be more energy efficient. In fact, Dr Mackay has said that it hardly drains the power at all.”

“That’s good then.” Evan realised he could start his plan going of moving closer now there was a working link to the transporter network.

“It would be Sir,” Coughlin responded cautiously, “if he had programmed it.”

Evan had a sinking feeling he knew where this was going.

“Oh no.”

“Yes Sir, you reprogrammed the transporter and Dr McKay is tearing his hair out to understand how you did it.”

“That makes no sense, he should be able to follow it easily.” The scientist was the brightest man on Atlantis. Evan was clever, but McKay was a genius. “He practically wrote the code to how this place runs.”

“Yes Sir, he has. But you rewrote the code in Ancient.”

Chapter Text

“How the hell did I manage to do that?” Evan had a slight grasp of the computer language of Atlantis but that was a hybrid of Ancient and recognisable code. “I don’t speak Ancient, let alone understand their computer systems.”

Gar?

I do not know how. I will think upon it.

Thank you.

“I don’t know Sir,” Reed unknowingly echoed as he packed up his medical kit. “But aside from your current injuries, you are not showing signs of any additional stress.”

“Thanks, Reed.” Evan felt surprisingly good, no after effects of his night time stroll lingering. However, the apprehension remained. “How could I have done that? We don’t fully know how the Atlantis systems work, we only have the hybrid systems we set up.”

“That we don’t know, Sir,” Coughlin replied. “You accessed the system from the transporter area, but the camera was at the wrong angle to see what you were doing. Dr McKay’s keen to talk to you.”

“Shit, that’s going to be challenging. Breakfast first.” McKays keenness was normally indistinguishable from his tetchiness. He needed coffee before dealing with that.

“Nearly lunch now, Sir. But it’s actually Dr Beckett first. He insisted.” Ortiz commented, as he joined them. “He invoked the doctor law, ‘He’s ma patient’.”

“Never again try a Scottish accent, Ortiz. Ever.”

“Sorry, LT.”

“Well, we’d better not keep them all waiting then.” Evan stood, adjusting his sling. “Beckett, lunch, McKay.”

“The Colonel needs to be somewhere in there as well.” Coughlin reminded.

“The list grows. Let me check what Gar wants to do.” Evan turned to the dragon who had been watching the proceedings intently.

“What’s your plans Gar?” Evan decided to speak out loud for the benefit of his team.

I wonder if I could gather more trees. They are very comfy to sleep on. And eat.

“This is yours. You are welcome to fill it with as many trees as you like.” Evan knew persuading the dragon that Atlantis could be his new home, needed to come from him. “Anything else you want, please just ask. I will also ask the Colonel to authorise my move.”

I would like that Ev.

“Would you like to have lunch with us. We eat in the Mess but there is a large balcony just outside that would suit.” Evan also knew that the residents of Atlantis needed to get used to having a dragon around.

Yes, I would. I will bring a tree.

“Do you eat anything else apart from pine trees? We have a wide range of vegetables.” Evan knew that the supply of vegetables had increased now that the Athosian village had started mass production for Atlantis and to trade.

I have never tried them. We only had small woody plants to eat.

“I will get some organised to see what you think.” Evan realised that if Gar like vegetables the Athosians would be very happy. He realised the dragon had fallen silent.

Gar?

Ev I am humbled. I have been made to feel welcome and I thank you. I feel more alive than I have in a very long time.

As Gar spoke, he lowered his head to Evan. The raw emotion dripped off every word. Evan leant against Gars head and rubbed the spot between his eyes. A happy rumbled reverberated through him.

“You are home, Gar.”

………………………………………….

The wharf complex was surprisingly spacious and accommodating. They watched as Gar climbed to the top of the warehouse, nearly four stories above the water, and launched effortlessly into the sky. He skimmed across the water to the central tower complex, banked right then headed off to the distant mainland.

“Can we join you for lunch, Sir?” Ortiz queried, as Gar disappeared behind the main tower “I’m sure it will be memorable.”

Evan chuckled. “I agree and yes, you can.”

The complex itself was over two floors arranged in a square. The central courtyard was half covered by a glass roof adding an additional layer to the building. Combined with the one floor drop to the sea from the wrap-around docks it gave Gar enough height to launch from.

Evan noted branching off from the three warehouses, that formed one side of the square, were two stories of offices and facilities. At the opposite end to the warehouse was the freight transporter, three times larger than a normal transporter.

All very suitable for a relocation.

…………………………………………………

“Well, laddie, it looks like you are fighting fit.” Beckett suddenly stopped. “Nope, not that. No fighting at the moment. We’ll get the arm scanned in a week and could look to move to minimal support after that.”

“Cheers, Doc. Any sign of why I went walkabout last night?”

“The only thing that showed up on your scans is more activity in your hippocampus and neocortex. Both are areas of your brain that dreams are made and then stored.”

Evan glanced at the tablet that Beckett handed him and the doctor pointed to the two areas that were dotted with blue.

“This activity is normally seen when someone is asleep, so I assume this is something to do with the memories you received. Your brain looks like its processing them and storing them. Could explain why you have an ability with the Ancient language.”

“You can tell that from these.” Evan squinted at the tablets. All he could see were blue fuzzy areas.

“No, Major. Rodney was down earlier ranting about you knowing things he didn’t. He’s a mite peeved. He thought you may have been here when they couldn’t find you.” Beckett patted his good arm and took the tablet back. “Best be off with you as he’s probably due here shortly. I prescribe lunch, Evan.”

“Cheers, Doc. You read my mind.” Evan grinned at Carson as he headed out of the infirmary with his team in tow. “You heard the Doc. Time to introduce Gar to the Atlantis Mess.”

……………………………………………………..

Evan gazed over the expansive balcony at the beauty of Atlantis below him. Stretching off, into the glittering ocean, was the south-east pier, the mirror image of the pier they met Gar on. Off to the right, just in Evans view, sat the pier containing the second largest collection of buildings in Atlantis and where many of the expedition were housed.

Evan made a mental note to raise his current intention to move with the Colonel.

“Word must have got around, Sir.” Ortiz said, as he placed a fully laden tray carefully on the table. Reed, just behind him with a similar laden tray, waited patiently. “It’s not yet twelve and that’s the busiest I’ve seen it for a while. It reminds me of when the Daedalus is in.”

Evan glanced through the large double doors into the space allocated for feeding the full expedition, realising Ortiz was correct.

“If they bother us, I’ll get the doors locked.” Coughlin nodded at Stackhouse and Rivers who had positioned their teams at tables closer to the doors.

The three teams, minus Evan who had been politely instructed to sit this one out, had moved the tables so half the balcony had a clear space.

“It must have been the huge order of raw vegetables that made them suspicious.” Reed said as he sat across from Evan. “Marines can eat almost anything but that’s an odd one.”

No response from any of the marines in earshot, to a dig made by an airman, made Evan look up from the large quantity of food that was building in front of him.

“What?” he asked as he could tell he was being studied. He directed the demand at Coughlin.

“Well, Sir. We couldn’t help but overhear you talking about moving to the warehouse.”

“And, Lieutenant?” Evan could tell he had the attention of his team and the surrounding tables.

“It’s a bit out of the way, Sir.” A slight nod from Reed and a tightening of Ortiz’s eyes made Evan aware that his team had still hang ups from PX45668.

“Look, I’m not going to open myself up to sleepwalking again. It didn’t end well the first time. Don’t ask me how but I know I need to be closer to Gar.” Evan still had a faint lingering feeling of disconnect.

“It’s not that, Sir.” Coughlin squirmed slightly “I..well…um…we were thinking that…well, there’s a lot of rooms in that complex and…um…if, it’s okay with the Colonel, that we could…maybe.. bunk there as well.”

Evan stared at Coughlin who had started turning a slight shade of pink. Evan fought the urge to make a sarcastic comment. He knew that marines asking to bunk with “flyboys” was unusual and knew he had to tread lightly.

He glanced at each member of his team.

“Are you sure about this?” Evan paused. “I don’t even know if the Colonel will let me. But I will ask.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Coughlin smirked. “It would get me away from Anders stench at least. Gar can’t smell at all bad, compared to him.”

Evan couldn’t turn, as his cast was restricting his movements, but from the expression of Coughlins and Reeds faces, the largest marine on Stackhouses team had responded appropriately.

He was saved from considering the smell of the marine barracks by half a pine tree landing on the clear area of the balcony.

Lunch Ev. Humour filled the dragons words as he flew past the balcony.

Thanks Gar but I have a mountain of food in front of me. I will leave it all to you.

Evan hoped that the small squirrel like creature that was prevalent on this planet was not a current resident of the pine tree. He still had the faint scars from the ones that escaped from the zoology lab when they first arrived.

I always check the trees Ev. They are very protective over their homes.

He watched as the dragon, with wings fully extended, circled round and approached directly so no backdraft from his landing affected the tables positioned to the side.

Evan made no comment as the gust of wind caused a few gathering scientists to step backwards quickly into the Mess. He saw Sergeant Stackhouse glaring in their direction and they scurried off.

Lunch was then a combination of attempting to reduce the food mountain that had appeared in front of him, challenging Gar to try different vegetables and fending off a variety of curious scientists. The zoology department were the worse culprits. Evan had no intention of allowing Gar to become a science project.

With lunch successfully complete and Gar headed off to get more pine trees, Evan accepted the escort of his team to McKays labs, where they promptly abandoned him.

………………………………………..

“No, no that’s not right. You don’t suddenly develop the ability to write code in Ancient.” McKay paced in front of the chair that Evan sat in. Constant motion betrayed his tension. “I mean, it’s ludicrous. Even O’Neill could only speak a few words and he had a whole database downloaded into his head.”

“What can I say Doc, I’m a fast learner.” Evan eased his casted arm onto the arm of the chair. The blasted thing was feeling more cumbersome by the hour.

McKay continued his pacing.

“You can’t just learn it Major because we still don’t know the main structure. We had to hybridise it with our code and even that’s still glitchy. You shouldn’t be able to do it. How did you do it?”

McKay stopped in front of the Ancient control panel positioned in the centre of his lab, glaring at Evan.

“Don’t know Doc. Believe me I’ve been trying but, nope, nothing.” Evan shrugged with his one good shoulder.

“Well, that’s not good enough Major. It’s not as if you randomly pressed a few buttons and got lucky, you rewrote lines of code that even I don’t understand.” McKays glaring increased, then his eyes widened. “Well, I mean, I do understand it but….”

“We get it, Rodney.” Sheppard said, as he slouched impressively in the chair next to Evan. “Either the Major here is a veritable genius and is too shy to mention it, or the events over the last few days have given him a few extra abilities that are slowly becoming known.”

Evan appreciated the presence of the Colonel as a buffer for McKays abrasiveness. He was surprised to see him when they arrived at the science labs, but he had helped reduce the scientist’s terrier tenaciousness somewhat.

“Well, that’s an impressive ability to have and, Colonel, I know he does most of your paperwork and near enough runs this place...”

“Hey.” squawked Sheppard.

McKay continued obliviously. “…but I think I will be needing the services of Major Lorne quite a bit. You’re definitely not sending him to Earth.”

“What!” Shit, thought Evan as he swivelled his chair to face the Colonel. “Earth, Sir?”

Colonel Sheppard straightened slightly from his slouch and ran his hand through his messy black hair. Evan could see the strain around his eyes as he met his gaze.

“I’m not sending you anywhere, Major” Sheppard sighed. “But the requests turned into demands, which have now turned into threats. They’re getting harder to ignore.”

“Tell Stargate Command about the code, Sheppard,” demanded McKay. “He’s needed here.”

The Colonel stood with restless energy and leant against the control desk next to his teammate. He looked at Evan with regret in his eyes.

“I feel that will make the threats even worse. I’ve been ordered that if we cannot get the gate working before the Daedalus leaves, you are to head back to Earth with them.”

“Shit,” murmured Evan, though not quietly enough.

“Exactly.” Agreed Sheppard. “But we have the reassurance of General O’Neill that you will be returning to us. They’ve requested a face to face debrief with you.”

“How long for Sir?” Evan could feel his concern being mirrored by Gar. He sent reassurances through their link that they would discuss it as soon as he was back.

“That I don’t know, Evan, but you’ve got O’Neill on your side as well.”

“That’s good, Sir.” Evan knew the Daedalus was now only three weeks out. “Will the gate be working before the Daedalus leaves? I think I would prefer two hours at Midway over a month-long journey in space.”

“Space is so boring, I should know,” huffed McKay. “But we can’t repair the inertial dampeners of the gate, they need replaced. And we don’t have spares. The Daedalus is bringing some, but they’ll be leaving not long after. Not enough time for us to get the gate working and tested. Sorry, Major.”

Evan realised that McKay was genuinely sorry.

“Not your fault Doc.” Evan realised something. “But this is stupid. We are in one of the most advanced cities in this galaxy, with some of the most high-tech equipment, there must be spares.”

“That’s what we think.” McKay nodded, finger stabbing at his tablet. Holding up the city’s schematic, he frowned. “But see this, that’s all of the city we’ve explored or been able to access. There’s a huge amount we can’t get into. Even him.” As he stabbed his finger to the Colonel.

“Hey.” repeated Sheppard.

“Maybe if you spent more time helping,” scolded McKay, “we would have found more. Like inertial dampeners.”

“So, there may be some in the city and we can get the gate fixed.” Evan interrupted the start of the familiar argument.

“Yes, Major. More than likely. But it’s a big city and we’re back to that needle thing again.”

Not knowing what McKay was on about he tried to clarify.

“Can’t we just do a computer search for them, Doc?”

“Didn’t I just say that!” Mckay started pacing again. “We don’t know what we are looking for. Yes, I know what we are looking for are inertial dampeners but the Ancients won’t have called them that. They could have called them frogs, for all we know.”

‘Frogs’ mouthed Evan with a smirk to the Colonel.  The smirk was returned.

“I saw that, you two! Yes, frogs. But we have no way of knowing what they called them. There is no handy pictorial dictionary left lying around anywhere.”

“Do you know the Ancient word for frogs Rodney?” The Colonel was still smirking.

“Shut up. And, yes, I do. But it still means that we don’t know where to look.” McKay brandished the tablet at the Ancient console behind him. “By all means have a look. Don’t blame me if you find a small amphibian.”

Evan, driven by the need to return from Earth quickly, moved to the console in the hope that something would come to light, even though he had rarely used the Ancient computer system.

He surveyed the console carefully. The on button was obvious, then the menu, scrolling, database, search parameters, communications, maintenance systems and others until he realised that the whole thing made sense.

Shit. That hadn’t happened before.

He reached out and activated the console. The bright blue screen appeared immediately in front of him. A summary report showed him the energy capacity of the city, too low, he noted, the systems needing maintenance, nearly all, and the priority of the damage to the gate, ouch.

He followed that status to the recommendation repairs report, noting that the inertial dampeners were definitely needing replaced and also that the shield function had been interrupted and needed recalibrated. He made a mental note to mention that to the Doc.

He followed the inertial dampeners icon to the repairs list, saw that there were spares available and noted their location and access requirements.

He closed down the computer.

“They’re located near the drone launch platform on the North Pier, Sir.” Evan announced as he turned back to Sheppard and McKay.

They both stood staring at Evan.

“How the hell…” muttered McKay.

“Shit, Evan,” Sheppard finally said, “I think I’d better come to Earth with you.”

Chapter Text

How long will you be gone Ev?

Hopefully only three days. I have to spend two hours at Midway then gate to Earth.

Is it far?

It’s in another galaxy Gar, about two million light years. We’ve moved the city a number of times in the Pegasus Galaxy and even though this is the closest we’ve been, it’s still a considerable distance.

If you can move this city, why not fly it there?

We cannot risk the Wraith finding our homeworld. We’ve enough problems there as it is without adding them. So here we stay.

The last time Evan was on Earth, six months ago, he had hoped that life in the Milky Way had calmed down a bit. But with the Ori, the remaining factions of the Goa’uld, the Trust and every political spat that occurred over the Stargate, Evan viewed the Pegasus Galaxy as the calmer of the two.

He was always thankful to return to the city he now called home.

Why do you go, Ev?

It’s not my choice Gar. I’m a soldier and I go where I’m ordered. Once the gate is fixed and tested, I have to comply.

I regret I cannot come with you.

I know. Me too. Evan dreaded to think what would happen to the dragon if he headed to Earth with him. He was secretly glad that, with a steady consumption of trees, Gar had started to fill out and was unlikely to fit safely through the Stargate.

When will the gate be fixed Ev?

Soon, if we can get the spares.

Evan felt the frustration again as he looked around the conference room. Ordered to stay put by Colonel Sheppard, and only required if there were access issues at the storage unit, he waited for the team tasked with the retrieval of the spares to report in.

At least he could catch up on the paperwork that had accumulated during his infirmary stay.

He authorised the final request for the Daedalus supplies and reaching for the duty roster for the gateroom, his radio came to life.

“Sheppard to Lorne.” Reaching over the now neatly stacked paperwork he found it beneath a leave request for Major Walters.

“Yes, Sir go ahead,” he replied.

“We’ve reached the location but Rodney can’t get the door open.” Evan could hear the scientist in the background.

“I’m trying something Sheppard. I’ll get it this time.”

Evan smiled as he imagined the frustration that must have been building in the scientist.

“Rodney, you’ve been at it for ten minutes.” Sheppard sighed patiently. “The marines are getting bored. I’m calling in help. Lorne, see what you can do from your end.”

“Yes, Sir. I’ll head to the gateroom console.”

“Thank you, Major. Sheppard out.”

Evan exited the conference room and headed through to the nearby gateroom.

“Hey, Peters. Can I have a shot at that console. The Colonel wants me to open a door.”

“Sure, Sir. Nothing much happening here anyway with the gate down. Okay for me to go grab a coffee?” Peters said hopefully.

“Only if you get me one as well, thanks.” Evan was also glad that there wouldn’t be an audience to him using the console. He had started hearing the rumours that were circulating and didn’t want to add to them.

He followed the process which led him to the flashing icon of the inertial dampeners, the building they were contained in highlighted in red. He stared at it for a moment, unsure of how to proceed, until he decided to go with his gut instinct.

Tapping on the building, the screen was filled with a detailed inventory of what he supposed was its contents. From a quick scan he was sure that nearly every scientist would be clamouring to get there. Identifying the section that indicated access, he pressed it and was presented with the universal hand print icon.

‘Hopefully this will work,’ he thought, pressing his hand against the screen.

The building colour changed to blue.

“Thank you, Major,” came Sheppards voice over the radio, “appreciate it. Though by what I have seen through this door, I’ve lost Rodney for a bit. Good find, Evan. I will leave Rodney to his nerdy science heaven and head back. We still have a debrief to finish.”

Evan was nearly finished his coffee and was starting on the team allocations for guard duty when the Colonel returned. To his surprise he was also accompanied by Coughlin, Stackhouse and Rivers, Teyla and Ronan bringing up the rear.

“Sir?” queried Evan, “I thought we were doing the debrief?”

Sheppard surveyed the neat stacks of paperwork on the conference table. “Evan, we were only gone an hour and a half. You look like you raided my office for all my paperwork.”

“Yes, Sir. I was getting bored”

“Thank you, Major. I think it was breeding into never ending piles.” Sheppard grinned as he sat down. “And we’ll continue the debrief after a mission discussion.”

“Okay Sir. Which one is that?” Evan had just spent the last twenty minutes reviewing and rescheduling the stargate missions. He reached for the roster.

“You won’t find it in there. We’re calling it ‘Get Major Lorne Back from Earth Mission’”. Sheppard had dropped the joking demeanour and a bolt of concern shot through Evan.

He glanced over as Carson slipped through the door and sat next to Sheppard.

“Sir?” Evan queried worriedly. “Is my return in doubt?”

“Not at all from this side,” the Colonel continued. “I would prefer not to send you, but it’s reached a level even I can’t ignore. I have my concerns as the USAF likes shiny new things and they have found you to be the shiniest at the moment. There’s a number of things we can do to dull you down a bit.”

Evan could feel his concern growing. Once on Earth, his return through the Stargate or by the Daedalus could only happen on the authorisation of General O’Neill. However, the General also had to comply with unwelcome orders. Most of the time anyway.

He focused back on Sheppard as the Colonel spoke.

“I take it, Major, that you have discussed this with Gar.”

“Yes, Sir.” The discussion Evan had with the dragon lasting through the majority of the paperwork. “He understands that the trip is inevitable. He has his concerns but I’ve reassured him I will be back.”

“Well let’s plan that now.” Sheppard turned his attention to the marines sitting next to Evan. “Coughlin, you’re going to stay here with Rivers and his team. You’ll be in charge and will be stationed in the warehouse to help Gar move in and to keep him company. Stackhouse you’ll be in charge of Reed and Ortiz, and will travel through to Earth with the Major. We have a review of the latest recruits scheduled for two months’ time, so we’ve brought it forward. That’s the excuse for your participation.”

Evan frowned at this and he could feel Sheppard’s attention shift back to him. He looked over to catch the Colonels slightly apologetic gaze.

“Major, you’re back under Dr Becketts wing. We have used your maybe sleepwalking incidence as a possible sign of a concussion complication, so Carson’s going along as your physician. As such, he must attend all your meetings, and can cause them to be halted if need be.”

“Is this all necessary, Sir?” Evan didn’t want to be the cause of any unnecessary trips back to Earth for any Atlantis personnel.

“Yes, it is.” Sheppard’s gaze turned steely. “I’ve been ordered to stay here, but General O’Neill’s words were ‘that it didn’t stop me sending anyone else’. I took that as a hint.”

“Don’t worry, laddie,” Dr Beckett said reassuringly. “I’m also scheduled to head back to Earth to liaise with Dr Lam. In fact, I’m a wee bit overdue, so you’ll be doing me a favour. I hate the Daedalus.”

“Thank you, Doc.” Evan looked to the doctor then looked to the men sitting to his right. “I’m grateful for the company. Let’s hope we’re just reading too much into this and we all get back without too much hassle.”

……………………………………….

“Are you sure about moving here, Tom?” Evan and his second in command stood on the walkway that ran the length of the warehouse wall watching Gar as he positioned more pine branches into a circular structure.

Evan decided that Gar resembled an excited 5-year-old with a new toy rather than a twenty five metre-long adult dragon.

A rumble of amusement rolled through the dragon as Gar swung a large pine tree towards the two men.

“Yes, Sir.” Coughlin ducked slightly as the uppermost branches brushed past them. “Though I might rethink if Gar keeps chucking trees at us.”

Gars head appeared in front of the lieutenant, his golden eyes stared at him and an expresssion grew that was mostly teeth. His giant head moved in a nod. 

“Oh yes Sir, we most definitely want to be here.” Coughlin laughed as he reached a hand out to Gar, and with a slight duck of the dragon’s head, he rubbed the giant head affectionately.

“There’s also the fact that there’s a hell of a lot more room here, Sir.” Coughlin continued as he watched Gar return to the re-ordering of his bed. “We have an open-air courtyard that Ortiz already has plans for and we’re away from the barracks. I wasn’t joking about Anders smell. Pine is a lot more preferable to whatever he produces. It’s nasty.”

Evan knew that the marine contingent on Atlantis kept a close representation of Earths standard base structure, even though there was ample room on Atlantis. It had been a number of year since he had lived in a dorm style barracks. He could understand why Coughlin was happy to get out.

“At least we didn’t have to argue too much after Colonel Sheppard near enough ordered us to move here.” Evan had realised that had helped his request during the following debrief.

“Yes, Sir.” Coughlin agreed, as he picked a pine needle out of his hair, courtesy of Gar. “That was handy. But we’ve got Rivers team staying in the opposite deck level rooms for the next week, while you’re back on Earth. I think it might be hard to shift them. Ortiz has gone all territorial.”

“It should be only for three days, Tom. Then we can turf them out.”

“I still think I should be going with you, Sir.” Coughlin said, Evan realising they were back to having the same conversation that had frequently occurred over the last three days since Sheppard announced the badly named mission.

“You know the reasons, Tom, and I need you here. I trust you to look after Gars interests.” Evan decided that bluntness was needed. “Stackhouse knows nearly everyone in Stargate Command. He’s been there since near enough the beginning. He is very well respected. If things go south, with him on my side, then that brings in most of the SGC.”

What Evan didn’t mention was that he would do everything in his power to ensure it didn’t come to that. If it did, he knew they couldn’t take on the might of the USAF and hope to emerge unscathed or back on Atlantis. He appreciated all that Colonel Sheppard had arranged, but if there were plans to keep him on Earth there was nothing he could do.

He had discussed this possibility with Gar and even though the dragon was not too happy about it, he understood the situation Evan was in.

A thud from the corridor behind them made both men turn to see two marines attempting to unwedge a bed from the nearest door. The squad of marines assigned to help decamp them from their previous accommodation had been efficient and quick, used to moving bases quickly.

With Evan and Coughlin in two of the four rooms on the upper corridor and Reed and Ortiz based on the lower level, all accessible corridors were covered to the warehouse that housed Gar. The corridors across the courtyard were sealed for now until Rivers teams temporarily moved in.

“Major, LT,” came a shout from Reed from the central warehouse. He appeared at the large doors that joined the two, and moved to the bottom of the stairs. “Colonel’s here. He’s in the yard.”

Evan and Coughlin headed down the metal staircase as Evan realised that Gar should probably be involved.

Gar, do you want to join us. It’s probably about the Earth trip and the Stargate.

Yes Ev, I would like to. Thank you.

As they headed through into the middle warehouse, and out the equally large doors into the space affectionally now known as the yard, Evan realised that this complex was ideal for Gar. The warehouses were a perfect size for the large dragon and he had already started using the third warehouse as food storage.

The yard was also good size and privacy from the central tower was provided by the two layers of offices, now accommodation, on three sides. A clear half canopy also provided cover in the occurrence of rain, and cover for the outdoor seating area currently being created by Ortiz.

It was also being currently appreciated by Colonel Shephard, slouched in one of the many seats that Ortiz had squirreled from somewhere.

“Major, Lieutenant, pull up a seat. Gar, please join us.” The Colonel stretched his long legs out onto a low table “Nice place you’re making here. I can see the appeal.”

While they settled into the surrounding seats, Gar positioned himself onto the ground facing the group.

“I thought I’d take a trip down to see how the settling in was going and also to update you on how the next week will go.” Sheppard looked at Evan. “Major, the gate is fixed thanks to the spares you found, it’s been tested and working fine. The shield has been re-calibrated and is also working.”

Evan took a breath. “So, when’s the trip back, Sir?”

“If the SGC had its way it would be in the next five minutes, Major. But Carson wants to see you first, so we’re scheduling it for 1400hours. Reed, Ortiz, best to go grab your kit, Sargent Stackhouse is waiting for you in the control room for a mission brief. I need a word with these three.”

“Yes, Sir.” They both stood and headed away with a nod to Evan.

“Right,” as the Colonel moved his attention to the remaining three. “We need to plan our tactics. Gar, did Evan discuss my concerns with you?”

Gar moved his huge head in a nod. Evan had spent time after the debrief, and of hearing the Colonels concerns, explaining this was the best way forward for everyone.

Yes, I am also concerned, but I will comply

As Evan relayed his reply, Sheppard nodded.

“We hope it does not come to this though we must prepare for every eventuality.” Sheppard turned his attention to Evans second in command. “Tom, the reason why you are staying on Atlantis is that if the Major does not return before the Daedalus is on approach, Gar is to be moved to an area on the mainland known only to yourself.”

“Sir?” Coughlin responded with a frown.

“My main concern is if Evan is detained on Earth there may be a coercion to get Gar back there on the Daedalus. So, if they can’t find him, they can’t take him. Then we use the fact that we need Evan back on Atlantis to get Gar back.”

Coughlin sat back with a blink. “I like it, Sir. Sneaky.”

“It’s my middle name, Lieutenant.” Shephard grinned at the soldier.

Chapter Text

As Evan watched the Stargate erupt with movement and light, he felt a stirring of trepidation. Heading to Earth had always brought a sense of excitement as he could see family and friends and revel in the familiar. Now he felt like it was his first journey through. The dread of anticipation and the fear of not knowing.

Gar sensed his hesitation.

I will be here when you return and when you do, we will fly together.

Thank you Gar. I look forward to it.

Stay safe Ev.

You too Gar.

Evan adjusted the tight sling that Dr Beckett had insisted on, attempting to make it feel less constricting.

“Stop fiddling with it, laddie. It’s there for a reason.” Beckett stood next to him as they both watched the Stargates wormhole settle within the huge circle.

“If it’s meant wrap me up like a mummy, Doc, it’s working.” Evan reached behind him to try to move the side strap up his back slightly. He decided his elbow could not move in that way and gave up.

Beckett reached behind him and shifted it.

“Have you forgotten, Major, you only broke this a week ago, and it was a bad break. This sling is there for support but also to remind the SGC why I’m along. Be lucky that you’re still in the softer cast, the Colonel wanted you back in the hard cast.”

“Oh?” Evan frowned. The hard cast was a bulky, shoulder hurting hazard to be avoided at all cost.

“I told him that there was no medical reason for it so we compromised. Hence the rather impressive looking sling.” Evan definitely agreed with Carson. The thing totally immobilised his arm and had so many straps and supports that he knew he could not extract himself without help.

“And anyway,” Carson continued, “your part is to not look the healthiest. Leave the military posturing to these three.”

Stackhouse, Reed and Ortiz were completing their part of the mission successfully and looked every inch mission-ready soldiers, though the Colonel had only authorised sidearms and not the rocket launcher that Ortiz had suggested. He had taken the time to remind them that they were not declaring war on the SGC.

“Okay, Sergeant Stackhouse.” Sheppard directed his words to the large marine as he stepped onto the gate platform. “Midway is expecting you. Your time there is scheduled for two hours. General O’Neill will be at the SGC to receive you. Mission return is scheduled for 1300hours in three days time. Good luck.”

Sheppard leaned into Evans space.

“I expect to see you too, Evan.”

“Most definitely, Sir.” Evan said with what he hoped was a convincing smile. By the look on Sheppards face, however, he was only partially successful.

………………………………………………….

When they stepped through the gate horizon at the SGC, after two very uneventful hours at Midway where they were scanned for every microbe known to the Pegasus Galaxy, it wasn’t General O’Neill waiting. They were greeted by Colonel Carter and Dr Jackson.

“Welcome back to Earth, gentleman” Carter announced as they moved down the ramp towards her with Stackhouse in the lead. “The General extends his apologies but he has been called to see the Joint Chiefs. He will be back in the morning.”

“Colonel Carter, Dr Jackson, thank you. It’s good to be back.” Stackhouse said as Evan and Dr Beckett stepped off the ramp to join them. “We are here to review the next marine intake for potential Atlantis duty, and will then escort Major Lorne and Dr Beckett back to Atlantis in three days’ time, Ma’am.”

“Excellent Sergeant. You will be set up in the room just off the gate briefing room where the Major will be having his meetings. Will that be suitable Sergeant?” With Carters words Evan knew that the indomitable Colonel Samantha Carter was rooting for them.

“That’s ideal, Ma’am.”

Evan realised that the Colonels attention had moved to him.

“Major Lorne, it’s good to see you again.” She said with genuine warmth. “Though in a slightly more battered state than the last time you were here.”

Even though Colonel Carter was on SG1 and Evan had been on SG11 their paths had crossed numerous times and Evan counted her a friend, especially after nearly killing himself fishing Dr Jackson out of the crevasse.

“Good to see you too Ma’am, But, yes, the wall unfortunately won. I plan on avoiding them in the future.” Evan then turned his attention to the archaeologist standing next to them. “Dr Jackson, good to see you. I have a number of files for you from Dr Mintos.”

Daniels eyes lit up. “Thank you, Evan. He’s been conducting a fascinating study of the development of the now extinct indigenous population of the planet Atlantis is on. It’s an amazing language. Sounds and colours. I was hoping I could have had a look at them.”

“Daniel,” Cater admonished with a softening smile, “before you start your study in the gate room, let’s move to the infirmary. Sergeant, Dr Lam is awaiting your teams arrival.”

As they moved through the corridors of the SGC, bland and soulless compared to the Atlantis ones, Evan felt unease. He had noticed it when they had reached Midway where the sudden absence of Gar sent a pulse of pain through his head. It had now settled into a dull ache.

He only realised now, with the absence of Gars presence, how much he was aware of the dragon in the short time he’d been on Atlantis. It now felt odd, a feeling of something important missing. A phantom limb pain. He hoped the three days went fast.

With the medical scans done on all the gate travellers and a further scan on Evans arm, they were escorted to the briefing room. They lost the three marines to a spacious room three doors down where large quantity of files were sitting on a table.

Stackhouse sighed, eyed the files and turned to Colonel Carter. “Ma’am would it be possible to have one of us in with the Major. The Colonel tasked us with his safety.”

Evan scowled at Stackhouse. Had they forgotten he was a US military trained soldier and a top gun fighter pilot. He wasn’t a wilting flower.

Stackhouse ignored the scowl.

“Major, ease off.” Evan realised Carter had spotted his expression as her smile widened. “No, Sergeant, you can’t. But the General will be present tomorrow and he has requested me as his second. Dr Jackson will also be present as he’s the leading mind on the Ancients.

“Also, as the Major is still under my medical supervision, I will be attending the meetings.” Beckett stated emphatically from the doorway.

Evan decided to just accept it, and act like a plant pot for the next two days of meetings.

He also realised that by the expression on Stackhouse’s face he was partially reassured. Having most of SG1 and Dr Beckett on his side of the table should intimidate anyone.

……………………………………………………………….

He missed his balcony, the smell of the sea air. The distant hum of Atlantis. The beauty of the towers. He missed it all.

In the six years he had spent at the SGC he never realised how ‘beige’ the place looked. How drab and boring. The air recycled. It wasn’t just the seven floors underground claustraphobia or the volume of people. It was just...beige.

He missed home.

Evan looked around the accommodation he had been allocated and sighed. He had rarely stayed on the base in those six years, as he had found a welcoming house on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, so hadn’t used these rooms much. He felt sorry for the people that had.

As a member of the US military, he always accepted that part of that life was being sent to all four corners of the globe at the command of the upper levels.

‘Four corners of the universe now’ he thought with a wry grin.

He had been back to the SGC several times over the previous years with the re-building of the Carter/Mackay bridge but this visit seemed different. His connection with Atlantis, with Gar, seemed to tie him more to the Ancient city than any time in the past and he missed that connection so much that a slight pulse of pain made him press the heel of his hand into his eye socket.

He was considering disturbing Carson in the room next to him for a painkiller when a knock on the door interrupted his train of thought.

He opened the door to find Dr Jackson loitering outside, casting furtive glances along the corridor.

“Hi, Daniel. Everything alright?” Evan was confused as they had gone their separate ways after the evening meal.

“Yes, Major. But I was wondering…but if you’re too busy..or tired. I know that you’ve had a long week. I’m looking into the research from Dr Mintos. Amazing work and was heading to the Mess for a coffee. Would you care to join me? I never got a chance to thank you for the crevasse thing.” Evan was used to scientist ramble and managed to pick out the pertinent information.

He looked into the drab room behind him.

‘Hell’ he thought ‘at least the other drab room will have coffee.’

“Sure. Always happy to have an excuse for caffeine. You still mainlining the stuff.”

“I never think so,” Daniel replied, “but I’m sure Jack has instructions for the Mess staff to cut me off at a certain amount. How on Earth does he expect me to do the research required when I can’t stay awake into the night.”

“I think that’s the point, Doc.” Evan always found it strange to hear General O’Neill addressed as ‘Jack’. “but I know you, you’re as sneaky as Sheppard. You’ve got a second supply, don’t you?”

Daniel laughed “You’ve discovered my secret, Major. And, yes, a coffee pot in the bookcase. But Jack’s even sneakier. Took me a week to realise he’d found it and replaced it with decaff, but I’m sure he’s not found my other one yet.”

The devious grin that Daniel sent Evan made him laugh out loud causing the five people in the Mess to glance in their direction as they entered. Daniel steered them to a table in the corner once they gathered their drinks. Evan took an inhale of his coffee. He conceded that the SGC did have a better coffee supply than Atlantis.

He wondered if the Athosians would be interested in growing coffee beans.

They sat in comfortable silence, both savouring their coffee. Evan glanced at the man sitting across from him. He knew that Dr Jackson was not known for his verbal restraint.

“So, Daniel,” Evan started. “As much as I appreciate the caffeine fix, I sense that there was a reason for this.”

“You were always a straight to the point kind of soldier, Major.” Daniel smiled over his coffee mug. “It’s one of the reasons why Jack holds you in very high regard and, yes, he asked me to have a word with you. Off the record.”

“Lot of that going around, Doc.”

“Yes, I believe there is. Since you were here last there’s been a few moves politically. We’re finding the more people that know about the stargate, the more they want to use it to their own advantage. There’s a new member of the Joint Chiefs, a new head of the oversight committee and a new director of the NID. A perfect storm as you will.”

“We knew about the Joint Chiefs position but not the others.” Evan commented. Atlantis had a decent gossip system, normally fuelled by the Daedalus visit, but the last visit had been four months previous.

“The men in all three positions are decent men but they’re wanting to make their mark. What’s happened, that we’re keeping an eye on, is every toady in those departments are manoeuvring and scheming. Worryingly, a number of them have managed to get their bosses ears. Jack’s currently with the Joint Chiefs to test the waters.”

“It’s bad then if the General is willingly dealing with the Pentagon.” Evan knew of the Generals hatred of the political machinations of the higher levels of the military.

Daniel nodded. “He’s even considering a move to the Pentagon if it will protect us. What that man has sacrificed over the years to keep this program, and its people safe, is staggering.”

Evan could only nod as he sipped his coffee. General O’Neill was the one of the most respected men in Stargate Command and had been with the program from the very first mission to Abydos. The other was sitting across from him. Both men had no idea of the level of respect they had earned.

“But this leads me to you Evan.” Daniel glanced around the Mess and nodded to the two men at the closest table. Evan followed his look and recognised two members of SG2. “You’ve probably heard that here in the Milky Way we are beset with problems. Just as the Gou’ald are diminishing, the Ori are rising. And even worse our allies are crumbling.”

“Even the Asgard?” Evan asked with surprise. The formidable race always seemed to Evan to be indestructible. Their technology placing them years ahead of Earth.

“Theirs is a downfall of their own genetic makeup as opposed to the infighting that’s occurring amongst the To’kra.” Daniel took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes. Evan realised he looked noticeably more tired than the last time he was here. He now knew why the General had gone after his coffee stash. “That’s where Cam and Teal’c have headed to, in an attempt to assist. Sam and I will be joining them shortly.”

Evan realised that the delay had been because of him.

“Thank you, Doc. If you stayed back to help tomorrow.”

“My pleasure, Evan.” Daniel smiled a tired smile. “But I must warn you, that because of the situation with our allies the Joint Chiefs are looking for any advantage they can, any weapon they can, and you and your dragon have fallen neatly into their scope. Jack’s at the moment trying to shift you from their crosshairs.”

“Shit” Evan muttered.

“Exactly” replied Daniel.

Evan decided that this was a good time for another coffee.

Chapter Text

The walls were still beige when he awoke the next day, and a glance at the clock made Evan realise it was slightly later than normal for him. His sluggish manoeuvrings out of the solid bed made him realise that the pills he had asked Beckett for on his return from the Mess may have been slightly stronger than he thought.

Damn sneaky doctors.

They had thankfully managed to give him a decent amount of sleep despite the uptick of the pain in his head. Evan decided that drinking coffee in the evening with a self-confessed caffeine addict was not a sensible move.

After the initial discussion of the current political manoeuvrings, Daniel had moved onto lighter topics, providing Evan with an update on the gossip of the SGC, a laugh out loud story of Hollins accidental marriage to an Unas and a furtive discussion of the growing affection between Sam and Jack.

The information that Evan provided Daniel of Atlantis and of the events of the previous week made it painfully obvious that Daniel was desperate to ask about nearly everything. Evan appreciated his restraint and the evening was an enjoyable and relaxed one. Even the growing headache was muted but it didn’t prevent Evan from disturbing Dr Beckett to beg some painkillers.

The resulting disproval and subsequent examination made Evan regret disturbing the doctor, though he knew that the meetings planned for the following day would be annoying with a headache, but uncomfortable with added lack of sleep.

He started to feel more human after breakfast and more coffee. Though Dr Becketts scowl from across the table made him avoid the second cup.

They were joined by Reed and Ortiz who had been up for hours so were on a coffee break from files.

“Where’s the Sergeant?” queried Evan.

“He’s currently in the gym, Sir.” Ortiz replied with a slight smile. “He’s taken a break from patrolling to teach the new SG recruits why he should be feared. He’s currently bench pressing the equivalent of a Goa’uld mothership. He’s drawn quite a crowd.”

“Patrolling what Luis?” Evan frowned. He had seen the number of files in that room. They had their work cut out for them to get through them in the next two days.

“Once he realised that Reed here can speed read, Sir, he used the excuse of bringing us coffee to patrol the SGC. He went to get coffee so often me and Reed had to start pouring it down the sink.”

“Don’t let Dr Jackson hear that,” Evan said with a grin, “but why is he patrolling?”

“Well Sir,” as Ortiz leaned in conspiratorially, “let’s just say that I’m surprised you didn’t fall down the groove he wore in the floor outside the briefing room. It’s probably as big as that crevasse by now.”

“Why’s he doing that, what the hell did Sheppard say to you lot?” Evan knew that the Colonel had spoken to the men as he was getting strapped into the damned sling by Dr Beckett.

“Just to be vigilant, Sir.” Reed interrupted as Ortiz opened his mouth. “He did discuss his concerns with us all and the Sergeant is taking his orders seriously. Also, I think he hates paperwork, so it’s part that.”

Having read some of Stackhouses mission reports, Evan could concur. They were always an exact description of the mission but there was not one unnecessary word. Evan always thought they were the Ronon equivalent of a mission report.

“Well, we have about six hours of meetings today, so prepare for a ton of coffee, then.” Evan had been briefed yesterday on the plan for the next two days and the attendees. He was looking forward to getting back to Atlantis.

“The first meeting’s going to be slightly delayed, laddie.” Evan glanced at Beckett as he spoke. “You’re taking a wee trip to the infirmary. I want to have a look at that head of yours.”

Evan realised that he now had the laser focus attention of Reed and Ortiz.

“Sir?” asked Ortiz as his face fell into a frown.

“It’s nothing Ortiz. Just a headache.” Evan sought to reassure his teammate but was not helped by a quick stab of pain behind his left eye. He tried to rein in a slight wince.

He knew he was unsuccessful as Ortiz turned his attention to Carson.

“Doc?” Evan squashed down a feeling of annoyance at Ortizs question. He had to remind himself that as they were treating Evans trip to Earth as a mission he wasn’t, in fact, in charge.

“Just a precaution, Corporal,” as Beckett sought to reassure the marine. “It could be a result of gate travel exacerbating any lingering concussion symptoms, or too much caffeine from a late-night trip to the Mess with Dr Jackson.”

Reed and Ortiz did not look reassured.

“What? The Mess, Sir?” The frown deepened on Ortizs face.

“Dr Jackson and me had a catch up, Luis. It was informative but that’s for a conversation back on Atlantis.” Evan realised that even though breakfast had finished, the Mess still had a number of occupants. He preferred to tell them about the concerns from Dr Jackson back in the familiar walls of Atlantis.

“We’ll let the Sergeant know, Sir.” Reed said as he stood, pulling Ortiz up with him. “He may want to join you in the infirmary.”

“That’s fine, Reed. Probably be best.” Evan tried to exert a semblance of control over his situation.

They must have gone directly to the gym, as Stackhouse was waiting for them outside the infirmary doors, a scowl on his face.

“Major, Doc,” he greeted them as they entered the infirmary. “How you feeling, Sir?”

“Doing okay, Sergeant. Think Carsons being cautious.” Evan hoped he was right but the short walk from the Mess had given him pause. His headache was now something he couldn’t ignore as it pulsed behind his eyes. A slight halo had started appearing around objects as well.

It was very distracting and he hoped they got it in hand before the IOA meeting.

After a number of scans, lights, prods and pokes, Evan sat on the gurney, his feet dangling over the side. He took it to be a good sign he was still in his black BDUs. Any time an infirmary visit involved a change of clothes, the chances of getting out that day were slim.

Dr Lam appeared through the doorway, stopping the discussion between Evan and the Sergeant about potential Atlantis recruits. For a marine averse to paperwork, he had taken in quite a bit of information.

“Well, Gentlemen,” Dr Lam said as she glanced up from her tablet. “There’s no sign of any aneurism, bleed or tumour. You’ve no history of migraines either, so Major, we think you may be suffering from PCS, which is a number of symptoms grouped under the title of post-concussion syndrome. There’s a lot of them and they tend to occur two days to a week after a concussion. I’m not too happy about letting you attend these meetings today but Carson reassures me he will be with you. We’ll get you something to take the edge off, but I’m recommending you’re back here for a check-up in two hours.”

“The first meeting’s three hours long, Doc.” Evan reminded her.

“Don’t care. I’ll inform the General.” With that statement the diminutive doctor swept out of the room briskly.

“Wow,” breathed Stackhouse as he stared at the door. “She’s efficient. And cute.”

“She learnt efficiency from her father.” Beckett warned. “General Landry.”

“Gotcha, Doc.” as Stackhouse quickly averted his eyes from the door.

…………………………………………………

The briefing room at the SGC was, in Evans opinion, the most exciting room on the base. Only because it contained the view of the Stargate from the windows along one side of the room. Everything else was again beige. The elevated view was a familiar one to Evan as he stood looking out onto the Stargate.

“Not a patch on Atlantis, is it Major?” Evan turned as General O’Neill approached. “I always see that look on everyones faces when they come back.”

Evan saluted. He hadn’t seen the General the last time he was here at the IOA meeting. It had taken him a while to get used to O’Neill in the more formal uniform after seeing him in BDUs for years.

“Sir.” Evan stood at attention.

O’Neill saluted and then flapped his hand at Evan

“Now we have that over with, at ease. And relax as well. The IOA aren’t here yet, they’ve been unfortunately delayed at the airport. Something about one of their bags.” The grin the General sent Evan reminded him that Daniel was correct in his assessment of O’Neill’s sneakiness.

“If I can pull you away from your minders,” the General continued, “let’s go and have a chat. Sergeant Stackhouse, good to see you again, but there are files for you to get to. And also pacing, from what I’ve heard. Off you trot. Come on, Major.”

O’Neill led the way into his office and indicated the seat opposite to Evan. The General sat down and rocked a bit.

“I hate this chair. There’s a damn squeak that no one can find. I blame Walter, the man can normally organise anything. A damn squeak, that’s his Achilles heel.”

Evan knew that the General tended to act relaxed but was a very savvy, dangerous soldier. Neither man saw it but Evan always thought that Sheppard and O’Neill were very similar.

He decided to go with the tried and tested standard response.

“Yes, Sir.”

The General leant forward with a slight squeak. Both men winced.

“Major Lorne,” O’Neill chose to ignore the chair, “you were sent to Atlantis because you are one of the most capable, organised and trustworthy soldiers I know. You have excelled as Sheppard’s XO, reined the man in. Not an easy task. And you are mainly responsible for the logical and consistent reports we get from Atlantis. Not to Mr Woolseys standard, but frankly nobody is.”

“Um..thank you, Sir” Evan realised the General was waiting for a response.

“You are probably the most likely soldier under my command to sit in this damned chair. In fact, when you do, get another one.” Another pause.

“Thank you, Sir.” Evan chose not to mention Reed.

“So, tell me this, how the hell did you manage to telepathically link yourself to a dragon. Sheppard, I can understand. That mans got a weird shit list as long as mine, and that’s saying something. Actually, scratch that. I would pity the poor dragon that was linked to him, the man probably can’t look after a gerbil.”

Evan had no idea how to respond to that. Staying quiet was the best option, he decided.

“What I mean, Major. Is that dragon’s damn lucky it’s you.”

“Thank you, Sir” Evan had heard from Sheppard that the General supported him, but hearing it came as a relief. A small amount of tension released inside him. “I’m lucky Gar was there, Sir. The alternative would have been a bit final.”

“I will thank him when I see him, Major.” O’Neill leaned back carefully in his seat and looked smug when no sound emerged.

“You’re coming to Atlantis, Sir.” Evan said with surprise. The General was an extremely busy man and to allow time in his schedule for an Atlantis trip was a surprise.

“Most definitely, Major. Partly to shut Daniel up, another to give Landry a shot at this chair and finally to meet your dragon. Tell me, are the reports I read true. Did you fly him through the Stargate?”

“It was more of a controlled plummet, Sir.” Evan indicated his arm. “The consequences I don’t recommend. And, yes, we’re going flying when I get back.” Evan could hear the silent ‘if’ in that sentence.

“I’m not going to miss that, Son.” O’Neill grinned. “And if the Daedalus happens to have an extra F-52 on board to leave at Atlantis to test the viability of it against the Wraith, nobody will mind if I come flying with you both when I get there.”

Evan smiled back. “I think that would be a great idea, Sir.”

Suddenly the likelihood of Evan getting back to Atlantis increased in his mind and a bit more tension released.

Both men turned at a knock on the glass dividing the office from the briefing room.

“Jack,” Daniel called from the doorway, “the IOA are at the front gate.”

“Thanks Daniel. Oh, did anyone tell them that their three-hour meeting has now been halved.”

“Not that I know of.” Daniel replied.

“Great,” O’Neill stood up, “I’ll meet them at the elevator then.”

Evan smiled as he stood to follow the General out of the office, when he suddenly felt the world take a dip and blackness edge in. He stumbled to the desk, leaning against it with his head bowed, and just breathed. His head pulsed and he closed his eyes. He could feel a hand on his good arm and a chair edge nudge the back of his knees. Gravity took over and he slumped to the seat.

A shout of “Carson” made him open his eyes and he realised that Daniel was crouched next to him still holding his elbow. General O’Neill had moved to the door.

“Evan, you okay?” Daniel asked, worry lacing every word. Evan could see Carson appear at the office door.

“What happened?” the doctor demanded, striding over. He took Evans arm out of Daniels grasp and pushed his fingers into his pulse point.

Evan took a stabilising breath. “Probably stood up too fast, Doc. But everything’s coming back now to an even keel.” As he was sitting, the blackness retreated, but it left behind sharp pulses of pain shooting behind his eyes. “Honestly, I’m okay, Carson. Just back to the headache. I’m fine.”

“I’ll believe you, laddie, when I see your medical degree. Sit still for a mo.” He produced a penlight from somewhere and, before Evan could move his head, had efficiently flashed it over both eyes.

As he blinked the spots of light from his vision and tried to calm the spears of stabbing pain, Evan realised he had missed a portion of the conversation.

“…run some more tests. Make sure there isn’t anything else going on, General.”

“Thanks Carson. I will head down with you, then deal with the IOA.”

“Yes, Sir.” Evan felt a hand at his elbow again and looked to see that Carson had replaced Daniel. “Evan, we’re taking a trip back to the infirmary to run a few more scans. Can you make it there, or I can call for a wheelchair?”

Evan definitely didn’t want to traverse the SGC in a wheelchair.

“My own two feet, Doc. I’ll be fine.” Evan could feel the world settling so with the assistance of Beckett he moved slowly to his feet.

The last he saw, was Becketts shocked face as the world dipped once more and everything went black.

……………………………………………….

Evan looked down at himself. He was back in the same position he had occupied just over an hour ago. Sitting on a gurney, legs swinging, but this time there were scrubs present. Damn, a night in the infirmary was not what he wanted.

He had little memory of getting to this spot. Small flashes of movement, the feeling of vertigo again and the all-consuming pain in his head occupied the top spots. He rubbed his hand over his short hair in exasperation, feeling the slight tug of the IV needle in the back of his hand.

At least the pain in his head had lessened somewhat and allowed him to be more present. Not that anyone was directly talking to him. It was the main reason why he was sitting up.

General O’Neill and Sergeant Stackhouse were listening to the two doctors try to figure out the latest scan.

“This is not how this goes, Carson.” Dr Lam pointed to the image on the lightboard of what Evan assumed was his head. “This area should not be like this. PCA symptoms do not progress like this.”

“I know, Carolyn.” Becket said testily. “I’m looking at the same image and I have done the same training, but it’s the only explanation.”

“That makes no sense at all.” Dr Lam crossed her arms and pouted at the screen.

“Care to fill us in, Docs.” The General interrupted. “Also, should the Major be sitting up like that. Twenty minutes ago, he was unconscious in my office.”

Evan winced slightly at that reminder.

“Evan, lie back down. I’m not picking you up off the floor, if you do a header.” Carson moved towards him and Evan scooted backwards on the bed. Carson reached over and elevated the head of the gurney. “There you go, bit of a compromise.”

“Thanks Doc.” Evan said gratefully as he sank slightly into the pillows. “So, what’s happening to me.”

Carson perched slightly on the gurney so he could see Evan, O’Neill and Stackhouse. Dr Lam remained glaring at the head scan.

“It looks like your concussion is coming back. There’s evidence of bruising in areas of your brain, that on the scan from yesterday, weren’t there. That’s why you’re experiencing headaches and loss of consciousness.

“That doesn’t sound like someone who should have been cleared for gate travel, Dr Beckett.” Evan could hear the admonition in O’Neills voice.

Dr Lam came to her colleague’s defence. “General, I also approved the Majors clearance. This makes no medical sense however. People don’t just redevelop concussion symptoms again for no reason.”

The General frowned. “What about the PTA thing?”

“PCA,” Dr Lam said with slight emphasis, “is a consequence of a concussion. It doesn’t cause the bruising to reoccur.”

“It’s the only reason that makes sense, Carolyn.” Beckett insisted.

“That a telepathic connection to a dragon can heal injuries and away from that dragon can cause them to re-occur.” Dr Lam moved her glare from the lightbox, focusing it on Dr Beckett.

“One way to test it.” Carson turned to Evan. “This won’t hurt laddie as you’re on the good stuff, but I need to see your arm.”

Evan glanced down at his left arm encased in the soft cast and the near impenetrable sling. “Good luck getting in there, Doc.”

Carson must have had the secret code to the thing or, Evan thought, practice getting them on and off. In less time Evan thought was possible the inner layer of the soft cast was being opened. A gentle reminder of not to move his arm had Carson peeling back the final layer.

Evan whistled at the sight in front of him. The bruising was impressive and stretched nearly the length of his arm but what was more worrying was the slight bulge just down from his elbow at the location of the original break.

Carson gave him a concerned look and started to wrap it back up. Evan was glad to see it disappear from view.

“Carson, I thought it was nearly healed.” Evan had seen his arm when the hard cast had been removed. It looked nothing like that.

“It was and it will again. We just need to leave a bit earlier than we thought.” Carson’s voice was tight but reassuring and Evan relaxed slightly. Carson turned to the General. “We need to get the Major back to Atlantis. If he heals when he’s back, we know it’s his connection to Gar.”

As Carson moved off the gurney Evan realised that the halos were back.

“Damn.” he muttered.

“What is it, Major?” Carson turned back to him but his expression was shrouded by the growing aura.

“Nothing, Doc. Just seeing lights again.” Evan closed his eyes against the disconcerting effect. He could sense Carson stepping up to the side of the gurney.

“Evan, is there anything else? Are you feeling tingling or numbness anywhere? Any smells?” He felt too exhausted to answer when a knuckle rubbed over his chest. Damn, that hurt. “Evan!”

“Arm, Doc. ‘S numb. Why it’s not sore. Also, bad smell.” Evan was starting to struggle with words again. He just wanted to sleep. He felt the back of the gurney go down flat again.

“Damn.” Swore someone. Evan was too tired to figure out who was speaking. “Prep a buccal midazolam. General, we need the gate open fast. Evan hang on, we’re heading home.”

He would have smiled at that news but the darkness reached up from below and swallowed him whole.

Chapter Text

“Hey Coughlin. What did you want to see me about?”

“Thank you, Colonel for coming down. I’m worried about Gar, Sir.”

“He looks like he’s sleeping, lieutenant. On a rather impressive bed, I may add. That’s a lot of trees.”

“That’s the problem, Sir. All he’s been doing is sleeping. He was only up for an hour this morning. I can’t wake him up now.”

“That’s doesn’t sound good. I’ll contact the SGC, see if Lorne knows what’s up.”

“Thank you, Sir and it’s not just that. It’s his colour, Sir.”

“I noticed that Coughlin but thought it might have been the light in here. He looks like he’s faded.”

“Yes, Sir. That’s what I’m afraid of.”

…………………………………………

“How about him, Reed?”

“Who Corp?”

“Corporal Roberts.”

“Three kids.”

“Airman Phillips?”

“Never requests a second tour.”

“Private Martins.”

“Not re-enlisting.”

“Jeez, are any of these any good?”

“I made a pile of possibles over there, Corp.”

“Have you read all of those files, Reed? That’s a damn good superpower to have.”

“It’s something I’ve…”

“You two, grab your stuff! We’re heading back to Atlantis. You’ve got five minutes.”

“Sarge what’s going on?”

“It’s the Major, somethings wrong, we need to get him back to Atlantis now.”

“What’ the hell happened?”

“He’s had a bloody seizure and we need to move NOW.”

“We’ve got our kit bags here Sarge, we’re ready to go.”

“Good, let’s hustle.”

……………………………………………………

“Gentlemen, hope you had a good journey.”

“General O’Neill, this is unacceptable. First, we get delayed at the airport, then we find out our meeting has been drastically reduced and now we are told that the personnel we are meeting are unavailable. This is not acceptable at all.”

“Mr Chapman, life at the SGC rarely runs to form. We’ve had an unexpected delay to your meeting and will have to reschedule.”

“General, may I remind you that the IOA is in charge here. We are the ones that control your budget, your operations, hell, even your job. We insist that this meeting takes place.”

“You can insist all you want. Hell, you can even call in the President. You may have far reaching powers but unless you can make the soldier, that’s currently having a seizure in my infirmary, to stop. I think your time here is done.”

“What!….what’s going on?”

“What’s going on is that your department, which is tasked with the safety and security of this base and all who work here, have put one of my men at risk and I don’t take kindly to that.”

“If the man needs medical assistance then we can organise the best care for him, General.”

“The only thing that Major Lorne needs is not in this galaxy, Mr Chapman.”

“We have not authorised his return to Atlantis, General.”

“I don’t give a rats ass about what you want. I have a man dying in my infirmary and if sending him back to Atlantis without your hall pass will save his life, that’s what I’m damn well going to do.”

“I’m sure there are other options, we can…”

“General, Sir.”

“What! Sorry, Walter.”

“We’ve got Atlantis on comms, Colonel Sheppard would like to talk to you Sir.”

“Goddamn it, is that man psychic? I will be right there. Walter will you please escort these gentlemen as far away from my base as possible.”

“Right away, Sir.”

………………………………………

“How, Radek, tell me how he did it?”

“I do not know Rodney. For the tenth time, I do not know.”

“Sorry, sorry, it’s rhetorical. Of course, you don’t know. If I don’t know, no one will.”

“Major Lorne knows. He open door.”

“Yes, yes, that’s obvious Radek. Thank you. But how, there was a high level encryption on it. A computer running for a hundred years couldn’t find the right combination.”

“I know Rodney, I tell you that.”

“He just went straight to it. Like he understood the whole thing. I have been working on this computer system for years, Radek. I have barely scratched the surface.”

“You are jealous, no?”

“Of course not. I’m a genius, he’s a..a…pilot.”

“Pilot who can open very locked doors.”

“Yes, I know, don’t rub it in. We need him back here. Where’s Sheppard?”

……………………………………………

“Colonel Sheppard, this is the SGC. I have the General, Sir.”

“Thanks Walter. Sir, I need to talk to Major Lorne.”

“Sorry, Colonel, that’s not going to be possible. He’s currently in the infirmary.”

“What the hell. General, what’s going on?”

“Lorne is unconscious after having a seizure about twenty minutes ago. We are prepping him for a return through the gate. His concussion got worse over the last few hours and according to Beckett his arm’s worse than it ever was.”

“Why, Sir. What caused it?”

“We think somehow his connection to the dragon was keeping him healed. Remove the connection and bam everything came back, but worse.”

“Shit. Can we get him through asap, Sir?”

“We’re working on it, Colonel, but we’ve got a few people here who want him to stay on Earth and get treatment here. I’m working my way up the food chain to get that squashed. Hell, let’s just cut out the bullshit, I’m heading to the top.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“One final thing Sheppard, before I go pick up that phone. The delay at Midway is going to be minimal so all of them will have to quarantine when they’re back.”

“Yes, Sir. I’ll get Dr Biro to set that up now.”

“Good man. They’ll be coming through in about 10 minutes. Colonel, I want a status update soon.”

“Yes, Sir and thank you.”

………………………………………………………………………….

“Hey, Sarge.”

“Yup. Newbie.”

“I know this is my piloting first trip out an all, but space is dull.”

“Yup, you must have missed that memo. Welcome to the intergalactic taxi service.”

“Thought we’d see some action.”

“Been there, done that. Not doing it again. The Gou’ald were egomaniacal nutters and the Ori are egomaniacal religious nutters. With big ships. And lots of guns.”

“But we’re in the Daedalus, the most advanced ship I’ve ever seen.”

“Taxi.”

“What?”

“The most advanced taxi.”

“Oh, ha ha. At least I will see Atlantis. They have a dragon there.”

“Be quiet. The Colonel is over there.”

“Gentlemen, the Colonel is slightly closer and doesn’t mind you calling his workplace dull, or his ship a basic transportation device, but if I hear one more mention of a dragon, this taxi will be stopping at the nearest planet. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Sir.”

………………………………………………………

“Well, that was a clusterfuck. We didn’t even see Lorne.”

“Maybe if you’d reined it in a bit Chapman, we wouldn’t have been kicked out so fast. Colonel Maine’s not going to be impressed.”

“Dammit, he’s gonna be pissed.”

“Too right, but he knew going up against O’Neill was always going to be tough. The bosses think the sun shines out of his ass. We’ve tried to get the General out of the SGC but there’s concern that he’ll just shift to the Pentagon. At least in Cheyenne he’s contained. Imagine the damage he’d do if he got there.”

“Why’s he not there now?”

“Because he hasn’t requested it. Even the damn President would step aside and hand him his job, if he asked. The man’s got way too much power but he’s not interested in using it.”

“Now’s he’s got a dragon. Fuck.”

“At least he doesn’t know what he’s got. We knew it was a risk pulling Lorne to the SGC but we didn’t think the bond would form that fast. It’s one of the fastest we’ve seen and that’s with an adult. We had no success with that program, the losses were too great, but if we can figure out how he did it we could look to restart it.”

“But as of forty minutes ago the person we need is back in the Pegasus Galaxy. O’Neill went to the President.”

“I know that, but there’s other means we can try. When does the Daedalus get there?”

“It’s about another two weeks away. Have we got pieces in play?”

“We’re going to have to play the long game now but, yes, we have contingencies in place. It’s become a bit more complicated but we need to make it work. For our own sakes.

“Colonel Maine?”

“Yes, Colonel Maine. That man’s a snake worse than the Gou’ald. Right, we need to get a plan together to present to him.”

“A plan?”

“Yes, dipshit, a plan. To dumb it down for you it’s a ‘get the man, get the dragon’ kinda plan.”

……………………………………………………………………

Ev

…….

Ev

…….

EV

Gar………that you?

Ev, I hear you, I am here.

Gar, what happened?

I have kept you here, Ev. You were adrift.

What? Adrift?

I felt you leave and I followed as much as I could.

Where are we? It’s dark.

We are in between. There is no light in between. Just is.

What? I don’t understand, Gar.

The between is where we can travel through to places and times. It can only be done by a dragon and its rider. But I do not know how we are here with just our minds.

Where’re our bodies?

We are on Atlantis, Ev. We both sleep for now.

Hang on, you said, places and times. You mean we can time travel?

It is not recommended Ev, but yes, we can.

Oh…that’s...something.

It is how the dragons fought the thread eons ago. They moved through the between to avoid it.

The between, what is it, Gar?

I do not know exactly what it is, but I know that eons ago it was studied and attempted to be understood. It is a vast power, Ev. Some called it the power of creation and somehow dragons can access it more than any other being. We have the ability to see parts of it, to harness it and move through it.

With your rider.

Yes, only dragons with riders could access it. Unconnected dragons would be lost. We need the connection to your more rational mind to keep from being lost.

Did you just call me close minded?

It is an ability dragons do not possess. I can see the ebb and flow of the power around me yet I do not get lost in it thanks to you.

And my closed mind.

Which I am very thankful for.

………………………………..

“Thank Christ, you two are back. What the hell happened over there? Reed, you okay, you look like shit.”

“I’m fine LT. Try being stuck in a room with this joker for twelve hours.”

“Hey, it’s called entertainment. You should thank me.”

“Sorry Luis, it’s been a long two days. Quarantine sucks.”

“I know kid. Why don’t you get some downtime? Go play COD or something.”

“I’m not ten, but thanks, I think I will. LT, Corp.”

“He okay?”

“Not really, LT. The de-fib kit on Midway didn’t work so he had to do chest compressions on the Major for too long.”

“Shit.”

“Yup.”

“You see him, Luis?”

“No, Sir. Docs got him squirrelled away somewhere in the infirmary. But everybody’s walking around with a doom and gloom expression. Can’t get anything out of them. They’ve all clammed up.”

“Damn.”

“We shouldn’t have gone, LT. We didn’t understand how it would affect him.”

“Them, Ortiz.”

“What? Oh crap, Gar?”

“He’s been asleep for nearly two days now. By what we can tell, from about the time that the Major started deteriorating. Come and see.”

“What the hell, LT. He looks like he’s turning to stone. What’s happened to his colour?”

“I know. It’s not just the Major that’s a concern.”

………………………………………………….

“It’s been four days, Carson. Shouldn’t we be seeing some improvement by now.”

“I was hoping so Colonel, but there’s been nothing. I’m sorry to say, but the seizures and the cardiac arrest have had a significant impact on the Major’s cognitive functions.”

“Crap, that’s not good.”

“By what the SGC report shows, and what I saw, is that the first seizure was the big one and the subsequent two at Midway and the resultant cardiac arrest just made a bad situation worse. What we’re seeing now is minimal brain activity, especially in the frontal lobe, with sections of the parietal areas showing significant decreases as well.”

“Not good at all then.”

“Not good in any way, Colonel. We’re talking about the areas for speech, memory, daily functions. Nearly every conscious system has been affected.”

“So where do we go from here, Doc.”

“Colonel, to be blunt, we don’t really go anywhere. There’s no treatment, even with the whole Ancient medical system at our fingertips, that will help.”

“What about the SGC, can they help him?”

“I thought about that, though sending him there caused the problem in the first place. I know we’ve received orders to send him back but I’ve hesitated for two reasons.”

“Carson, what?”

“It’s the strangest thing, but Evans subconscious systems show no signs of decline. His breathing, heartrate, nervous system and eye movements are all the same as a healthy individual. The seizures he experienced should have caused generalised damage throughout his brain, but certain sections are fine. That doesn’t happen Colonel.”

“Okay, what’s the second then?”

“His arm. It’s nearly healed. I saw it at the SGC and it was bad. It looked worse than limbs I’ve had to amputate. Nothing about this is making sense but that’s been the Major summed up medically, for the last two weeks.”

“So, there’s hope Doc.”

“I don’t know. This is a new one for me. But I would hold off on sending him back till we see where it goes.”

“So, I assume it’s a good sign then Carson, if the Major is looking at me and smirking?”

“What!”

Chapter Text

It was peaceful in the between. There was no past, no future, just the present. It surrounded him. As he reached out his non-physical hand, the unseen streams of energy flowed gently through his fingers.

The power was immense and the stabilising presence of Gar drifted closer.

Do not lose yourself in it Ev. It is the flame of creation. It burns brighter than any of us can cope with.

You call it a flame Gar, but I see no light.

We cannot see the whole for we cannot comprehend it, so we see the black instead. Smaller parts would be visible to you, as they are to me, but to see all this would be impossible.

Once Evan got used to the continuous blackness, and the lack of any tangible physical direction, he focused solely on the presence of Gar.

Drifting for an unquantifiable length of time, they conversed amicably, neither discussing the current situation. There would be time for that later, Evan thought. He relied on the stability of the dragons presence to keep him centred, to give him a lodestone, a beacon of invisible light in the endless dark.

After a time, he sensed change.

Gar? he queried.

I sense it too, replied the dragon as the drifting slowed. I think we have arrived.

Where? Evan asked. He could feel a pull, like a door blowing open in a strong wind, the outside turbulence drawing him forward.

Where we need to go, Ev. We will arrive whole. Be ready.

Evan opened his eyes.

There was no transition. One moment he was in between, then he was awake. Fully awake and fully aware as the antiseptic smell assaulted his senses; his clearing vision showing a wall of charts and medical paraphernalia.

With his hearing kicking in he knew Dr Beckett and Colonel Sheppard stood off to his left-hand side, a hushed conversation taking place. Moving his head on the soft pillow, Evan caught the eye of his commanding officer and the relief he saw on Sheppard face, and the resulting smile, made him smile in response.

A loud “What” from Dr Beckett was followed by both men appearing at his bedside. Carsons expression showing bewilderment.

“Doc, you okay?” Evan asked, levering himself up. He decided that to stay in another infirmary bed for a minute more, was a minute too long. But a hand on his chest, and a number of unfortunately placed tubes, stopped his progress.

“Major, do not move.” Carsons hand pressed slightly, Evans chest giving a brief twinge.

“Ouch Doc,” he objected, batting Carsons hand away. “Why does my chest hurt?”

“CPR Major. And that’s why yer staying in that bed.” Carson unwrapped the stethoscope from around his neck, his next order interrupted by a reverberating roar from outside.

“What the hell?” Sheppards hand went to his radio but before he could grab it, it erupted to life.

Evan could hear the frantic voice of his second in command.

“Colonel Sheppard come in, Sir.”

“Coughlin, what’s that noise?”

“It’s Gar, Sir. He just woke up, climbed onto the roof of the warehouse and is roaring like a jet engine. Is the Major okay, Sir?”

“Take a breath Lieutenant,” Sheppard said, with a surprisingly calming tone. “He just woke up and looks like he’s going to be fine.”

“Ye all think yer doctors. Bloody damn contrary soldiers, the lot o’ ye.” Carsons accent betraying the stress the doctor had been under. Because of him, Evan realised.

“Sorry Carson.” Evan said, feeling the need to apologise to the doctor who tended to put the weight of many worlds on his shoulders.

“It's okay, laddie,” the Scotsman said as he took a deep breath. “Ye are gonna be fine, and ah can tell that cause we’re having this conversation. But yer gonna have to tell that dragon of yours that he’s gonna have to wait a bit. I need to examine you and as ye can tell yer a bit tied to the bed.”

Evan gave the doctor a disproving look. Catheters were not fun.

Gar, you okay?

We are back, we are alive, I am happy.

That I can hear. The whole of Atlantis can as well. Carson’s got to release me first then I’ll join you in shouting from the roof. Thank you, Gar.

You are welcome, Ev.

“It’s very good to see you awake, Major,” Sheppard said with a smile, his hand resting on the end of the bed. “There’s going to be a number of relieved people and, as we can hear, one very relieved dragon. You had us worried.”

Evan could also see the strain on the Colonels face, knowing the man would be taking personal responsibility for what happened on Earth. Good commanding officers tended to take it badly when issued orders caused unwelcome outcomes.

“Sorry, Sir.” Evan sat up further, ignoring the disproving look from Carson. “But I think we need a full disclosure conversation.”

Carson threw his hands up.

“Well, I suppose, regardless of what I say, you’re going to need the Major out of here, Colonel.”

At Evans nod, Sheppard attempted diplomacy. “Doc, I know you want to keep him here, but I need him elsewhere, so how about we compromise. You can run all your tests and scans you want, and I will make sure he returns for a check-up later today. Deal?”

There was the full on Beckett glare and resultant huff. “Okay, deal. Hourly check-ins mind.”

“Yes, Carson. Promise.”

What followed was the most thorough medical Evan had experienced, and only after Sheppards insistence, did Dr Beckett finally release him.

“Thank you, Sir,” he said, finally heading to the central control tower. “Thought he’d never let me go.”

“You scared him Evan,” Sheppard replied, as they entered his office. “And he’s angry as hell. We nearly lost you because of some faulty equipment at Midway, so he’s channelling that.”

Evan could see that there was a healthy amount of guilt going around.

“We knew I had to go back to Earth, Sir,” he reasoned. “We had no other option. Could’ve been worse, I could’ve been on the Daedalus, three days into hyperspace, when it all went wonky.”

It hit home that if this path had been followed, there would have been no way to save him. The Daedalus would have been too far away.

“Trust you, Evan, to view the bright side of three seizures and one cardiac arrest.” Sheppard said, slouching in his office chair, as Evan sat opposite. The office was a rarely used space with Sheppard tending to hang about Evans office, both finding mutually done paperwork a less tedious task.

Evan eyed the in-tray on Sheppards desk as he positioned his cast on the chair arm. Thankfully it was the softer cast with the non-straightjacket sling.

“Yes, Major, I will get to that pile as soon as we’ve had your full disclosure chat.” Sheppard said, Evan plotting a way to appropriate the paperwork out of the tray. Sheppard was a great commanding officer, but filing was not his strong point.

He was surprised that the full disclosure talk went reasonably well. The Colonel listened to the possibility of the power of the between, of teleportation and the out of body experience without much interruption. It was only when Evan mentioned time travel did a frown emerge.

“Time travel, Evan. Very SG-1.” He said, concern creeping into his tone.

“Yes, Sir. Gar sounded very hesitant to discuss it. I got the impression that it wasn’t recommended. From what his memories showed me it was used at certain points to find people or dragons. I think they stopped using it for the chaos it could cause.” He could still feel the desperation, the panic of that time when he had explored the memory.

“I hope you follow those guidelines, Major. I also think that’s definitely one that we will keep between us.” Sheppard picked up a folder from his desk and handed it over. “This came for you from the IOA. They’re pissed that there was no meeting, no you and no dragon. They’ve sent you a bunch of questions.”

Evan leafed through the thick folder. “This is a bunch, Sir?”

“Nope,” Sheppard smirked, reaching over to take the folder back. Opening a drawer in his desk, he dropped the papers in. “This is the question equivalent of War and Peace, but as you’re on medical leave again, these will have to wait.”

“So, no more orders for me to head to Earth, Sir.” Evan asked, fervently hoping not.

“If there has been, General O’Neill has intercepted them and they didn’t get through to us. I’ve sent him your status reports over the last four days and, for a man who’s so laid back he’s almost horizontal, it’s only been on the last call that he’s been any calmer.” As Sheppard leaned back in his chair, Evan was reminded of their similarities. Sheppard continued. “A pissed off General will be the best buffer we could have against the IOA at the moment.”

A distant noise made both men look towards the side wall even though there was no window.

“That sounds like Gar has started up again. Demanding dragon you’ve got,” Sheppard said as he stood up. “Come on we’d better not keep him waiting.”

Following Sheppard out of the door he collided with his back as the Colonel abruptly stopped. Evan, stepping to the side, saw Dr McKay striding up to them, intently staring down at his tablet.

“Rodney, stop.” Sheppards warning was slightly too late.

McKay looked up with a glare.

“Colonel, there you are. Why are you standing in your doorway? You’re a hazard.”

“Are you on your way to see me, Rodney?” Sheppard sighed.

“Yes, well, no. Carson said you’d spirited Lorne away. I need him to help with something I found.”

“I feel so un-needed Rodney.” Sheppard attempted a mock pout. It went badly.

That garnered a McKay tut. “Yes, well, practise opening encrypted doors then Sheppard.”

It was well known the scientists walked a fine line with the natural born gene carriers on the expedition. Gene therapy had allowed more people access to ancient tech, with varying degrees of success, but no-one came close to the abilities of the ones who had the gene naturally.

Evan, being a natural carrier, had done his fair share of switching on and off gizmos. But with the Colonel, Beckett and a couple of others with a stronger gene, he had been mostly left alone.

With McKay searching him out, it hinted he had headed to the top of the list. It did not bode well for his spare time, little as it was. Thankfully, it seemed, Sheppard had other ideas.

“Sorry, you’re going to have to wait, Rodney. Major Lorne has a prior appointment.”

“Well, he’s just going to have to reschedule. You know how important my work is.” McKay was back to his tablet again.

“Have you heard the dragon outside, Rodney?”

“Everyone’s heard him, Colonel, wouldn’t like to get on his bad side.”

Sheppard said nothing and just waited.

McKay looked up suddenly, realisation dawning on his face.

“Oh, right, I suppose I can wait. Major, just put your hand here, will you?” The scientist brandished his tablet towards Evan, a red handprint symbol filling the whole screen.

“It’s not going to blow anything up Doc?” Evan queried.

“No, not at all. Just open a door.” McKay could see Evan hesitate. “Honest, Major, just a door.”

Evan knew that all the scientists had learnt the hard way. In the early days of the expedition, it was habit to just keep switching things on. Now, thankfully, they demonstrated more caution. Evan placed his hand on the tablet and watched as red turned blue.

McKay snatched the tablet away and brandished it at Sheppard.

“See, Colonel. Encrypted.”

As McKay stormed out through the gateroom, Sheppard turned to Evan.

“Might be best to get a lock for your office door, Major.”

……………………………………………………..

As the large freight transporter carried them to the wharf, heading to meet up with an impatient dragon, Evan used the time to question the Colonel.

“Any idea why I’m now at the top of the McKays go-to list, Sir. It’s not something I was trying to achieve.”

That got a genuine laugh from Sheppard as he leant comfortably against the wall, feet crossed in a stretch. It seemed the Colonel appreciated the space as well.

“Major, that’s an achievement I wouldn’t wish on anyone. He views us natural carriers as his own pet lap dogs that are at his beck and call for whenever he needs a light switched on. At least you’ve got this transporter as a buffer.”

That made no sense to Evan as transporters were widely used in the city, and with more ZPMs, they were accessible to everyone.

“Oh, you were on Earth by the time we realised,” Sheppard continued, spotting Evans look. “You programmed this one differently and Rodney can’t figure it out. It’s been the only entertaining aspect of the last two days.”

Evan winced at that.

“Again, not your fault, Major,” Sheppard said. Evan could tell from his body language the man was starting to relax. “Your reprogramming meant it can only be used by only certain people, and anyone not on that list has to get one of us to go with them. Ingenious really. I’m impressed.”

Evan had no idea how he had done that.

“Us, Sir? I assume you’re on the list?”

“Yes, Major and thank you for the inclusion. We figured out it’s me, your team, Carson, Stackhouse, his team, Rivers, also his team, Teyla and Ronon. Mackay’s a bit peeved. But as you’re currently occupying the top spot in his ‘go to guy to turn stuff on’, it’s probably for the best.”

“Any idea, Sir, how I’m able to do all this?” He didn’t feel any different. Apart from a slight ache in his arm and chest, he felt 100%.

“The general consensus, as you’d expect, is it’s your connection to Gar. But that doesn’t explain anything really and that’s why Rodney’s pissed. He hates puzzles his giant brain can’t solve.”

Evan knew that Colonel Sheppard took perverse pleasure in watching his abrasive teammate struggle with anything related to his mental capacity. Sheppard was the most loyal, fierce and focused teammate when any of them were injured or in danger, but with McKay he always thought a mental challenge lowered the head scientist to mere mortal level. He always said it made McKay less crabby.

Evan knew what needed done though. “We’re going to have to bring him into the full disclosure, aren’t we, Sir?”

“It looks that way,” Sheppard agreed, nodding. “If we want to figure this out, we need his giant brain. He can’t work with only half the information. He found a weird energy reading when looking at your blood tests but put it down to equipment variables. From what you said about in between, it may be that you have access to this power through your connection to Gar, so we need him. You know that you can trust him.”

As the transporter arrived at the wharf, Evan considered the Colonels words. After recovering from digging Dr Jackson out of the crevasse, Evan had been deployed to Atlantis when the city reconnected to the SGC. On arrival, he couldn’t understand how McKay was tolerated, let alone liked. The man was abrupt, narcissistic, egotistical and Evan was convinced he had a God complex bigger than probably God himself.

But over the following months his opinion of the man changed. McKay was fiercely loyal, driven by the fear of losing the people that meant the most to him, and extremely intelligent. That’s when Evan realised that the head scientist was under immense pressure and was expected to solve every problem when the shit hit.

So, he made an effort to get to know the man. McKay, at first, couldn’t comprehend what was happening but after a frank discussion with Evan, the scientist became less bristly. Now, in the rare absence of his team, McKay normally joined his team during mealtimes. He surprisingly got on well with Ortiz, drawn in by the man’s ineffable delight for life.

He came to a decision.

“Yes, Sir. I agree.” he said, relief showing on Sheppard face. “I’ll see if I can add him to the transporter list.” How he was going to do that, he had no idea.

“Thank you, Major.” Sheppard replied, making their way into the yard through the doors opposite the transporter.

The yard had changed considerably in the time Evan had headed to Earth. More chairs had appeared from unknown locations and he made a mental note to keep an ear out for any complaints. He was sure he spotted one of the conference room chairs and from Sheppards slight laugh beside him, he knew he had spotted it too.

Evan also identified a couple of structures that looked suspiciously like a barbeque and a bar, complete with bar stools. Where the hell they came from, he had no idea.

In the middle of the yard, a massive tail hung near to the ground. Evan’s gaze followed it up, and saw Gar lying on the canopy roof. He had been receiving the feeling of warm peaceful contentment from the dragon, ever since the second roaring had ceased.

You okay? He asked the dragon, not expecting much of a response.

I have eaten many trees Ev. I nap in the sun. Soon we fly.

Yes, he confirmed. Enjoy your nap.

“Sir.” A shout came from the opposite side. Evan looked over to see Coughlin and Ortiz rising from their seats. 

“Good to see you awake, Sir,” Coughlin said, “and surprisingly out of the infirmary. Does the Doc know you’ve escaped?”

“Yes, Lieutenant.” Evan smiled, knowing that Beckett had a reptation for slow releases. “But he’s expecting me back later. Thought I’d better check in.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Coughlin said, returning the smile. “We’re all fine. Reed’s working through a few things, so is on an epic COD session. Sleepyhead up there decided to sunbathe and block out most of the sun.”

A swooshing noise made Coughlin duck his head as the dragon tail flicked in his direction.

“Sleepyhead?” Evan queried. “He been okay?”

Coughlin took a breath. “We’ve been concerned about him, Sir. He’s been mostly asleep for the last four days and for the first two he was fading in colour. He only just started getting colour back when you came through the gate.”

“Shit.” Evan replied, worry flaring for the slumbering dragon. It wasn’t just him that his trip to Earth had impacted. He needed info. “I think we all need to compare notes. Can you entice Reed off Call of Duty.”

Chapter Text

As he reclined back against the dragons neck, right knee bent to compensate for the pull of the sling, Evan took in the impressive view.

Stretching out ahead of him was the expansive southeast pier, and beyond, the gleaming spires of the distant south pier. The early afternoon sun shone brightly off the gleaming buildings, the balmy temperate air causing them to ripple slightly in the gentle heat. The comforting warmth radiating off the dragons hide showed Gar had been resting on the roof for a while.

Extending his right arm along Gars snout, he scratched between the closed eyes. A contented rumble reverberated through the dragon.

He smiled.

As Evan had listened tensely to the recap from Coughlin, then Colonel Sheppard, of the last few days, he squashed down the need to check on the dragon. All he admittedly had to do was look up to see him, but the need to connect, through touch, was building.

He finally gave in and climbed the stairs through the warehouse that led onto the roof. He positioned himself against the dragon and revelled in the peaceful stillness of the moment.

Eventually, Gar took a deep breath and opened his golden eyes.

I tried to follow but you were so far away. I nearly did not reach you.

Evan could feel the near physical pain of the dragon’s words.

I’m sorry, Gar. I promise I will do everything in my power to makes sure it doesn’t happen again.

I do not want to be alone, Ev. Please.

Evan closed his eyes to the overwhelming emotion in those words.

You and me, Gar. You and me. Evan could feel the commitment strengthen between them. They will try again but we will be ready.

He knew a considerable number of insistent demands were being currently laid at the desk of Colonel Sheppard. They involved a trip to Earth on the Daedalus, a possible return of both of them through the gate and a potential visit of the IOA to Atlantis. He knew that his priorities had shifted over the last two weeks and he could tell, as Sheppard spoke, that the Colonel suspected it as well. Plans needed to be made.

“I know what you two are thinking.”

Evan startled slightly at the words as Colonel Sheppard sat down on the low wall bordering the roof edge. “Hi, Gar. Glad to see you’re looking better.”

Thank you, Colonel.

“He said, ‘thank you’.” Evan relayed. “So, what are we thinking, Sir?”

“That it’s you two against the world.” Sheppard replied, holding Evans gaze. “I want you to remember, though, you’re not alone.” Sheppard continued earnestly. “There are people here who support both of you. They will also protect you. But don’t shut us out, we’re in this together. Gar, you are part of my command, and also seem to be the fifth member of Evans team, so as a team member there are certain rules to follow.”

Evan could feel the pensive mood of the dragon start to lift, Gar’s head shifting behind him.

Sheppard wasn’t finished, his expression serious. “And as your commanding officer all ideas and plans will, however insane, go through me. The next move will be discussed as a team and not as an independent splinter group. Do I make myself clear?”

Evan moved forward as Gars head raised.

“Yes, Sir,” answered Evan.

Yes, Sir, echoed Gar.

“Good,” Sheppard said, his stern expression relaxing. “Now as your very intelligent commanding officer, I also know what you two are planning.” Sheppard looked smug as he stared at Evan. “Beckett’s not going to be happy, Major.”

“Beckett, Sir?” Evan said, deciding to play dumb.

“Yes, your rather overprotective mother hen will have a ringside seat when you two launch off this building.” Sheppard said, turning around and pointing at the central section of Atlantis. “Did you both forget that the infirmary windows point this way?”

“Launch, Sir?”

“Stop playing dumb, Major. I know you are about to go flying. Subtle, you are not. Anyway, I brought you these.” Sheppard dropped a package into Evans lap. “Also, I’m going to see if we can get you out of that sling.”

“You’re okay with us going flying, Sir?” Evan said in surprise, examining the goggles in his hands. “Where did these come from?”

“If I was you, Evan, I would be up there already,” Sheppard said, glancing briefly upwards. “The goggles are my Grandfathers, he of the handkerchief fame, from his old biplane. I went up in it once without these things, and learnt the hard way we’re too used to enclosed flight.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Evan said, touched by the gesture.

“Ah, but I have some non-negotiable conditions,” Sheppard continued, turning his gaze to the attentive dragon. “Gar, no barrel rolls, no acrobatics, and no pretending you’re an F-15. It will be the flying equivalent of Driving Miss Daisy.”

I do not know of what the Colonel refers to, Ev.

Most of them cover the fun parts of flying. He’s telling us to be slow and careful.

I would fly no other way at the moment. You are injured.

Evan liked the fact that the dragon had used the term ‘at the moment’, it held promise for future flights.

“Slow and steady it is, Sir,” Evan committed to the Colonel.

“I’ll let you get ready then.” Sheppard said, slapping his thighs as he rose. “I would suggest more layers, Evan. It gets cold up there. Gar, I’m trusting you to keep him safe. I hope my trust will not be misplaced.”

Gar shook his head as Evan could feel a rising anticipation from the dragon.

“Good.” Sheppard said. “I’ll gather the team. They were just complaining that their view was going to be obstructed down there. I expect we’ll see more seats gravitate up here. No idea where Ortiz gets them all from.” He leant over slightly to the yard below. “Oi, you lot. Get up here, before Beckett figures out what we’re up to.”

………………………………….

Evan finally decided on three extra layers as any more felt constricting and were tricky getting over the soft cast. Now released him from the confines of the sling, he stretched his shoulder to relieve his stiff muscles. The cast, still supporting his arm, had flexibility at the elbow so he had a certain range of movement.

Returning to the roof, he saw Gar doing what Evan thought was the equivalent of dragon stretches.

Are you okay with flying today, Gar?

Evan was reminded that the dragon had just woken up from what could be termed, a coma. He ignored the small internal voice that whispered that the same could be said for him.

I am very happy to fly today with you.

Me too.

………………………………..

Evan always knew he wanted to be a pilot. As a child he watched in spellbound awe every time his grandpa flew the old crop-dusting Cessna over his sprawling Texan farm. And with all the different types of planes he had flown since, nothing had yet compared to the first time up, at the age of nine, sitting next to his grandpa as they swooped and spun round trees and poles.

Until now.

He had flown the F-15 fighter with its speed and manoeuvrability, the globemaster transport with its power and size and most recently the F-302 with its space going awesomeness.

But as they shot past the central spire, he decided no aircraft could compare with the sheer exhilaration of flying on the back of a dragon.

The connection he had with Gar meant he was no passive passenger. He had control and precision, with both of them working together to decide direction and manoeuvres. He couldn’t understand how it worked, but it felt like they fitted together to form one perfect pilot.

Evan felt the rush of the wind in his hair as they skimmed past the towers on the south pier, Gars wings banking for the maximum speed. A lean to the side swapped them to a left bank and they shot again past the central tower. Moving slightly forward in the flying position, he could see Atlantis pass quickly under them as they sped out to sea, Gars giant wings flapping as he gained height again.

They had intentionally started off sedately with a gliding feel to the flight. Evan had tested the strength of his arm and found it satisfactory to hold onto the dragons neck where an area of scales were arranged for the ideal handhold. The push of the wind was minimal and he marvelled at the aerodynamic structure of the dragon.

Lifting into the clear blue sky, Atlantis receding below them, Evan could make out the headland where the Athosian village was steadily developing. Small tendrils of smoke rose straight upwards, indicating the location of the village smithy.

Farther on he could see the hazy tips of the distant mountain range and imagined the delights of flying with Gar through the deep vertical valleys and rising over its soaring peaks.

If you wish, we could head there?

Evan smiled at the eagerness of Gars words.

Next time, Gar. Evan promised. We can’t push it too much today as we’ve already been out longer than allowed.

On their previous pass of the warehouse, he had seen Dr Beckett tap at his wrist in the universal language of ‘time’s up’ and knew not to push their luck. The doctor had joined the growing number of spectators on the roof, waving as they first passed. Evan took that as permission to continue.

Circling Atlantis, Evan marvelled at the beauty of the city from his unusual vantage point. The puddlejumpers were an amazing aircraft but were limited in their visibility, with only a front screen affording a look of the city from above. On the back of a dragon the 360 view was stunning.

Sudden movement off the central tower caught his attention as a turning puddlejumper appeared from behind the spire and headed south east, accelerating when reaching the open sea.

He frowned. He knew that no jumper flight was planned today in that direction, as he had signed off on the schedule only last week. The two flights scheduled were one to the Athosian village and the other a R&R trip of ten expedition members to the mainland surf beach farther south. Both should have taken off earlier in the morning.

He keyed his radio.

“Lorne to Colonel Sheppard.”

“Sir, it’s Coughlin. The Colonels been called away.” Evan looked down to the gathering on the roof. There did seem to be less people there.

“Was he in that jumper, Lieutenant?” Evan queried.

The hesitation in the reply created a niggle of suspicion.

“Yes, Sir.” The lack of any follow up information increased Evans suspicions.

“It’s heading in the direction of the surf beach, Coughlin. What’s up?”

Again, a hesitation in reply.

“We got a call that the jumper they took to the beach this morning has a malfunction, Sir.” Evan could always tell when his second in command was hiding something. He was an awful poker player.

“Out with it, Lieutenant. Or I will make it an order.”

“Sir, I would like to point out that the Colonel and Dr Beckett, before they left, did insist you return soon.”

“Why has Dr Beckett gone with them?” Evan decided to flex his authoritative muscles. “Lieutenant, with Colonel Sheppard gone, I’m the senior officer. So, spill.”

He heard the resigned sigh over the radio.

“Sir, Lieutenant Millar found that the jumper was malfunctioning so he recalled his team. Lieutenant Cadman has not turned up. She was sea swimming, so the Colonels off to look for her.”

Cadmans love of sea swimming was well known by the expedition, and Colonel Sheppard had given her a standing order that no swimming was to be done off Atlantis. Therefore, she took every opportunity she could to head to the surf beach.

He also knew that Sheppards jumper would not arrive at the beach for another forty minutes.

Coughlin continued. “Sir, they were quite insistent that you not follow them. They’re flying at maximum speed so you wouldn’t be able to catch them anyway. Dr Becketts set you up with Dr Biro to check your arm. He’s waiting for you in the infirmary.”

Evan had to admire the non-orders within Coughlins words, and realised that no one knew he had the capability to get to the surf beach much faster than the jumper. He made a decision when he felt the commitment from Gar.

“Tom, time for full disclosure. I’m heading to the surf beach. I can get there in a minute.” Hopefully; he added silently.

He distantly heard his radio squawk in response, but his sole focus was picturing the beach as brightly and colourfully as he could. The golden curve of sand with its scattering of palm trees. The newly constructed huts that gave shade from the hot sun. The rolling waves located to the north end of the bay that allowed the army surfers a break from duty. The crystal blue waters stretching to deeper blue past the shallow shore.

Got it. Gar confirmed. Evan could see the mirror image within Gars mind connecting the two together and between it he could see the route dipping into the blackness beyond.

Here we go then. Evan took a deep breath as they swooped in.

His breath stuttered as he hit the cold of between but just as he blinked in shock the sun suddenly blinded his eyes as Gar swooped low towards the beach. Evan, briefly rejoicing in their success, focused on the group of people clustered around the open end of the jumper.

The blast of sand from Gars wings alerted them to his arrival. Corporal Sanders and Dr Cash tripping backwards over the open ramp of the jumper as he landed.

Lieutenant Millar appeared at the open hatch with astonishment on his face. He stared at Gar as the dragon moved closer.

“Major Lorne, how did you get here, Sir?” Millar stood at the top of the ramp, with the others subtly edging away.

“By dragon, Millar.” Evan replied. They would know soon enough. “We’re here to help with the aerial search. Where did you last see Cadman?”

“Thank god. Sir. We’ve been trying to get this thing started.” Millar gave the side of the jumper a slight thump to temper his visible rising frustration. “We can’t even get the sensors working. The Lieutenant was heading south, Sir, but she shouldn’t have gone too far. We used the airhorn.”

Cadman easily lost track of time in the sea. A combination of a distance limit and a loud air horn was always successful in getting her back.

“And the swimming cap this time, Lieutenant?” Another insistence by the Colonel.

“Bright pink with a green centre, Sir.”

“Should be easy to spot.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Millar said with relief. He looked hesitantly at Gar. “And thank you too, Sir.”

Evan did a quick calculation in his head. “Tell the Colonel, when he gets here, that we’ll head six miles to the south and do a line search to a distance of three miles out. He can start from here. McKay’s probably with the Colonel so if he can fix the jumper, join the search. Contact me if anything changes.”

“Yes, Sir.” Millar responded as Gar took a leap into the sky and with a couple of beats of his wings cleared the palm trees to the south end of the beach.

As they flew to the start of his calculated grid search Evan suddenly realised something.

Gar, can you swim?

Yes, came the response tinged with humour, but never for fun. We ate fish at times but they were slimy and tasted unpleasant. I can land in the water but take off can be ungainly.

Hopefully she’s just lost track of time and she’s heading back already. Evan felt like he was attempting to convince himself. Cadman had never missed a check-in. The Colonel initially insisted on her taking a buddy but no-one could keep up with her.

We will find her, Ev.

As they flew to the start point of the search Evan kept a keen eye out for Cadman’s distinctive swimming cap. The clarity of the water and minimal surface waves gave him a decent level of visibility. His hopes rose.

He glanced down as the colour of the water abruptly changed. The warm azure sea had turned to a darker blue, a strong flowing surface current had moved close to the bay. He keyed his radio.

“Lorne to Millar.”

“Millar here, Sir.” Came the immediate reply.

“There’s been a change of current about four miles south, Lieutenant,” he reported, following the dark line of the sea current as it wove across the bay. “I’m going to follow it and see if Laura’s been caught up in it. I will let you know when I return to the search pattern.”

“Copy that, Sir.”

Lieutenant Cadman, being an experienced sea swimmer, had swam in many of Earths sea currents and had the strength to swim against all except the strongest. He hoped that was the reason for her absence.

The sinuous dark band stretched further south as he flew above the sea surface, continuously glancing left and right. It was Gar that spotted her first.

Ev, there she is.

The long neck of the dragon turned slightly to the right as Evan focused on the patch of sea ahead of them. He could just about see the distinctive cap, an arm raising in a wave.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

Let’s go get her.

Landing in the water about five metres away, Evan caught sight of her grinning face before a wave washed over him as Gars neck briefly submerged. Wiping the salt water from his eyes, he watched as Cadman swam towards them. Her strokes ungainly compared to her normal sleek style.

As Gar reached out a front leg, Cadman held tightly onto the dragons claw. Evan could see the exhaustion in her face.

“I’m so glad to see you, Sir. Thank you, I was losing a bit there. I didn’t know how long I could keep going.” Her words were breathless and the slight tremble in her limbs showed her reserves were low.

“You okay, Cadman?” Evan asked, Gar pulling her closer. Extended his good arm Evan grasped her sea wrinkled hand. As she pulled herself up, resting her left leg on Gars foot, her right leg lagged behind.

“Something stung me, Sir. Can’t feel my leg and can’t move it much either. Think it might have been a type of jellyfish. I didn’t have the strength in my leg to fight the current.”

As she cleared the water Evan could see the welt that wound round her leg. Starting just below her short wetsuit it stretched round her leg ending just above her ankle.

With Gar lifting her from below, and the combined efforts of them both, she managed to get positioned behind Evan. Winding her arms around his waist, he felt her forehead rest between his shoulder blades. Reminding himself of regulations and that she was currently dating Dr Beckett, he sensed Gars internal smirk.

Shut up.

“Hang on Cadman,” Evan warned, the muscles of Gars back bunching in preparation for launch. “This might get a bit rough.”

Her arms tightened as Gar finally achieved the lift needed, soaring up into the sky. Her grip lessened as they flattened out.

“Wow, Sir. This is amazing.” Cadman voice held the same wonder he had felt.

He agreed. Now that the concern about a missing teammate was over, the beauty of the bay unfurled before them, and it was breath-taking. The colours of the tropical waters glowed a vibrant blue and the lush forest that surrounded the beach had every single colour of green Evan could think of.

Gar adjusted his heading when the distant strip of golden sand appeared from behind a headland.

“Lorne to Millar.”

“Millar here, Sir,” came the immediate reply.

“We’ve found her. Should be back in about ten. Tell Dr Cash that Lieutenant Cadman’s got a sting to her right leg and it’s been numb for…hang on…how long, Laura?” he queried.

“About an hour, Sir.”

“An hour, Millar. Do you have anything that can treat it onboard?”

There was a pause as he could hear conferring in the background.

“Yes, Sir. Doc says we should have something in here for that. He’s talked to Dr Beckett and they’ve got a full kit. The Colonels about twenty minutes out.”

Evan winced at Millar’s words. He tried to figure out what Sheppards response of his journey to the beach would be, but just decided to meet it head on when they got there.

Cadman distracted him by letting out a short laugh.

“Thank god they’ve got a treatment on the jumper. I wasn’t looking forward them insisting on the incorrect alternative.”

Evan shifted in his seat, looking back at her grinning, windswept face. Salt had started to crust on her blond eyebrows and the strands of hair that had escaped the swimming cap.

Then he realised what she meant and grinned back.

Chapter Text

The surf beach came into view as Cadman, already resting heavily against his back, slumped even more. Her forehead coming to rest between his shoulder blades, her hands, tightly clasped around his waist, shaking with the faint tremor of exhaustion.

A jarring flash of colour caught Evans eye, bright red against the yellow sand, located within a clump of swaying palm trees slightly further down the beach from the parked jumper. As they flew closer, he recognised the distinctive fully-stocked first aid kit that all jumpers had to carry. Everyone in Atlantis convinced it was on the orders of Colonel Sheppard, with him often stuck in a jumper with a well-known hypochondriac. He steered towards it. Gar landed gently on the clearing behind the palms, attempting in vain to avoid a backdraft of sand.

Dr Cash and Lieutenant Miller shielded their eyes as they emerged from the shade of the sheltering trees, Gar lowering his neck to aid Cadmans dismount. The dragon had caught her exhaustion as well.

“Thank you both,” she said with a wearied smile, using Evans good arm to help lower herself to the sand. She locked her knees in an attempt to stop a visible muscle tremor as Dr Cash reached out to steady her. “I don’t make a habit of needing to be plucked from the ocean, but that was a memorable one Sir.”

Evan returned the smile, passing her into the care of the waiting doctor. “We’re happy to help Lieutenant, though I won’t rescue you from the inevitable Beckett lecture.”  

She huffed a wearied laugh. “Yes Sir, that’s sure to be a memorable one.”

Dr Cash helped her limp to a nearby sun lounger, positioned under the shade of the swaying palms, as Miller stepped hesitantly up to the side of Gar. The smattering of sun freckles forming across his tanned nose evidence that the young Australian soldier was very much at home surfing the waves.

He gave Evan an apologetic look. “Sir, the Colonel has respectfully requested that you wait for his arrival, and asked for you to stay here for now. He said Dr Beckett is wanting to see you.”

That was something he wasn't going to read anything into, instead would wait for the Colonels mood to become apparent.

“Fine, Lieutenant. There’s worse places to be told to stay put.” The relief on Millers blatantly evident face as Evan swung his leg over Gar’s neck. Holding on with his stronger arm he managed a controlled slide to the ground.

The memory of the first time he felt after riding a horse popped into his head; his legs slightly buckling. Miller grabbed his arm as he stumbled.

“You okay, Sir?”

Ev, are you okay? Gar echoed.

“I’m fine,” he replied, answering both queries. “Just adjusting back to my land legs.” His thighs definitely protesting an extended dragon flight.

“Sir, we’ve got a couple of sun loungers set up if you want to wait there?” Before he could form a response, he was steered in the direction Cadman had disappeared to.

Ev, is it okay for me to go in the water?

At the dragon’s query he could see the memory of the tropical waters dragons had bathed in, and the feelings of great contentment that elicited.

Of course, Gar. I’m sorry I’m not up to giving you a scrub. As he was lowered to the sun lounger next to Cadman, his legs had a slight shake to them. Do you want me to ask if Millers team are okay with doing it?

The dragons pause in response showed that Gar was hoping for a good scrub bath.

“Miller, can I borrow two of your men?” Evan queried. The lieutenant, now leaning casually against a palm tree monitoring the actions of Dr Cash, looked over.

“Yes Sir.” Miller turned to the jumper location. “Sanders, Wilson get over here,” he shouted.

“Tell them to bring any scrubbing brushes on board,” Evan said.

As Miller shouted back the request, Gar waded into the shallow, crystal clear water. A shoal of small, sparkling fish flitted under his foot and with a playful splash he reached out to grab them. They all darted away, scattering into the surrounding sea.

That nice?

Ev, this is wonderful. Satisfaction radiated off the dragon, his belly lowering to the sandy seafloor, his head resting on the beach just past the gently lapping of the waves. A drowsy feeling of happy contentment washed over Evan and he blinked his eyes, fighting to stay awake.

“You okay, Major?”

“Fine, Doc,” he replied, finding himself under the scrutiny of the kneeling doctor who had glanced up from where he was spreading cream on Cadmans leg. The lieutenant looked as if she was asleep. “Just some contented dragon feelings.”

He returned Dr Cashs smile as two marines jogged up, both clutching scrubbing brushes that were getting some quizzical looks. He knew the feeling. For all the high-tech equipment on the jumpers, sometimes low-tech solutions were required. Filters still need to be cleaned regularly.

“It’s not an order, guys, but a request from me and Gar,” Evan asked. The two marines glanced at the resting dragon. Evan indicated to his arm. “Because of the obvious I’m not able to do it, but could you give Gar a scrub. Mainly under the wings, back and along his tail?”

Sanders and Wilson glanced at each other, then at their grinning Lieutenant, and shrugged.

“Happy to Sir, that’d be a new one.” said Corporal Sanders with a growing smile. They headed down the beach, each splitting off to either side of Gar’s slightly outstretched wings. The feeling of utter contentment coming from the dragon, as they both started salt water scrubbing, caused Evan to slouch back against the raised back of the sun lounger.

“Major, why don’t you catch forty?” Dr Cash suggested. “They’re going to be at that for a while, there’s a lot of dragon to cover.”

Evan could feel himself following Gar into a doze.

Gar, wake me up if there’s a problem.

Mmmhmmm. Came the unintelligible response.

………………………………………………

When he opened his eyes an indeterminable amount of time later, he felt refreshed. Gar was resting half on the beach, and half in the shallow water with the two marines now scrubbing his back. The size of the dragon more obvious when compared to the not-so-small marines.

Movement along the beach caught his eye and he saw there were now two jumpers parked close to each other. The back of Cadman, in her distinctive wetsuit, was disappearing up the ramp of the closest one, aided by Dr Cash.

Evan quickly deduced where Sheppard was. Turning his head to the left confirmed his suspicions. His commanding officer reclined on the bed next to him, watching the activity in the water.

His pulse increased with no clue of how this would go. Gars eye cracked open a slit.

“Sir?” Evan questioned, sitting up.

The relaxed repose gave Evan hope that there would be no reprimand.

“You saved her life, Major. You and Gar,” came the response. The stress evident in Sheppards expression from the knowledge that they nearly lost a team member.

“I think she could have lasted a lot longer in the sea. She’s a good swimmer, Sir.” Evan said. He’d seen Cadman in swimming competitions and knew her strength.

Sheppard turned to him. “Dr Cash spotted signs of anaphylactic shock ten minutes after you got back. He got her an epi pen in time. If you hadn’t found her when you did, it would have happened in the ocean, and she would have drowned.” Sheppard sat up and swung his long legs over the side of the low lounger. His look was serious. “I can hardly ream you out about not following orders, when your actions saved her life.”

“Technically, Sir, you didn’t give me direct orders.” Evan knew he was toeing a fine line. “I interpreted the orders you gave Coughlin. Respectfully, if you wanted me to stay in Atlantis you would have contacted me directly. This way you don’t get hit with the wrath of Beckett.”

Sheppard smirked. “Nothing gets past you Major, does it?” He suddenly looked a lot younger. “You saved Becketts girlfriend and at the same time didn’t disobey any direct orders that Beckett definitely heard me issue. Think we’re covered.”

Gars eye closed again as he felt his concern drop away.

“What happens now, Sir?” Evan asked. Little had changed on the beach in the time he had been asleep.

“Nothing much at the moment. McKay’s identified the problem with the jumper and thinks he’ll get it fixed in the next hour. We’re going to head back in convoy in case there’s a recurrence of the issue. Your dragon’s getting cleaner than he’s ever been. Sanders and Wilson have fended off a number of offers of help, and Ronon’s hanging onto his brush he dug out of our jumper.”

“Ronon?”

Evan studied the resting dragon. Sanders was cleaning under Gar’s left wing while Wilson was reaching up to clean the back spines on the right. As he watched, a hand appeared on the dragons tail further into the deeper water, where probably only the tall Sadetan could stand. Water-soaked dreadlocks came into view as Ronon, an attentive look on his face, swept the brush down the side of Gars tail.

“Yup, he growled at me when I offered to take a turn.”

“What, Gar, Sir?” Evan hadn’t heard any discomfort from the dragon.

“No,” the Colonel laughed. “Ronon. He’s taking the cleaning seriously. He told me a bit about his home world mythology in the jumper on the way here.”

The displaced runner rarely talked about his destroyed home world. The wound still raw even after many years spent evading the Wraith and his subsequent years on Atlantis.

“Dragons,” Sheppard continued. “Or their version of them, were revered on Sedata. Like dragons on Earth, they were thought to be mythical, but evidence did show they may have existed. He said it was every boys dream to find a dragon. I think you’ve made a seven-year-old Ronon very happy.”

Evan was interrupted from considering a small Ronon by the arrival of Beckett and McKay, the latter with his ever-present tablet in hand.

Carson took a seat next to Sheppard. The lounger sinking slightly in the sand. McKay stood and glared at the sea.

“If I had known we were going to be here for this long, Sheppard, I would have brought sun block. This place is just an excuse for a melanoma growth.” He examined the back of his hand and scratched at a mark.

“It’s just a freckle, Rodney,” Dr Beckett said with a sigh. “I’ve looked at it three times already, it’s fine.”

“Well, I’ll just keep my own eye on it, Carson.” McKay said, sitting uncomfortably at the end of Evans lounger. “The jumper’s rebooting, should be about thirty minutes and then I can get back to some decent sun protection.”

“Thanks Rodney, good work,” replied Sheppard.

The scientist straightened at the Colonel words. Evan knew McKay covered huge insecurities with bluster and biting sarcasm. The Colonel could break through it with ease.

“How’s Cadman?” Sheppard turned his attention to the doctor sitting next to him.

Carson smiled. “The lass will be fine, thanks to the Major here, and his shiny dragon. She’s sleeping off the epi-pen, and she’ll have a night in the infirmary, but I cannae see any complications. The inflammation’s going down already.”

“That’s good, Carson.” Sheppard said, but was abruptly interrupted by McKay.

“Yes, yes, Sheppard. The insane sea-swimming woman, who blows up things, is safe; can we now talk about what just happened. And look the Major’s finally awake.” McKay flapped his hand in Evan’s direction.

“Sir, everything okay?” he asked, the agitation was visibly rolling off Dr McKay. The man was positively vibrating, the sun lounger shaking slightly.

“Yes, everything’s fine. Rodney’s just been eager to talk to you for a while. Again.” Sheppard resumed watching the enthusiastic dragon-cleaning that was continuing on the beach.

“You’re going to have to wait a bit longer, Rodney.” Beckett said, hints of amusement in his tone. “Major Lorne’s overdue a check-up.”

Sheppard rearranged his lanky limbs and stood up from the low sun lounger. Reaching down, he grasped McKay under one arm and levered his teammate to a standing position.

“Sorry Rodney," Sheppard said. "Medical things override science things. C’mon let’s go and check on your upload and you need to get out of this sun. Going a bit pink there.” Sheppard steered his now distracted charge towards the parked jumpers.

The scientists demanding tone was still audible as they progressed down the beach.

“But he teleported, Colonel. Teleported! I need to talk to him.”

A fond huff next to him shifted his attention away from the two teammates to the doctor who now, moving the back of the sun lounger to the highest position, reclined back with a sigh.

“I keep forgetting how beautiful it is here. I should come here more often.” Beckett said, watching Gar flick his tail and soak Ronon. Evan swore he saw the dragon wink as Ronon let out a huge laugh. “It reminds me of some of the beaches in Scotland. Golden sand and clear blue sea. But the water there would freeze your toes off.”

Evan could only agree. He had visited Scotland a couple of years ago with Carson. The scenery was stunning but the weather and water were so cold. A shiver of remembrance ran through him of swimming in the sea off the Western Isles.

“You feeling okay, Major?” Carson had spotted the brief shudder.

“Just remembering that Scottish beach, Doc.”

“That wasnae cold, Evan. That was the warm side of Scotland. Try the North Sea, that would turn you blue.”

“No thanks, Doc.” It had taken him two days to get the feeling back in his feet. “I’ll leave it to you, hardy northerner types.”

“Wuss.” Beckett retorted.

“Didn’t you say something about a check-up?” Evan reminded. He noticed that the normally focused doctor was now relaxed and content to survey the beach.

“That was to give you a slight reprieve from Rodney. And anyway, I gave you a quick check when we got here.”

At Evans surprised look Beckett continued.

“You were out. Remember you’ve had an eventful day, laddie. Most people would still be in their bed after what you’ve gone through, not reclining on a beach. You’re a wee bit of a medical mystery but at least I’m getting to understand it all. If you’re in the vicinity of that dragon you’re mostly fine.”

“Mostly Doc?” Evan queried.

The doctor mimicked Sheppards earlier move and swung round to sit facing Evan. “We’ll scan your arm when we get back but I think it’s had enough for one day.” Beckett said, reaching into the bag he had carried from the jumper, pulling out the evil sling.

Evan had been trying to ignore the ache from his arm but knew he had overused it. He had hoped Carson wouldn't have noticed.

There was however a glitch in the plan. “I still have to get back to Atlantis, Carson." Evan said. "It’s going to be tricky with my arm in a sling.” He leant forward as the doctor shifted the strap round the soft cast. A further strap around his chest prevented him moving his arm in any direction.

The doctor, with a final adjustment, sat back satisfied. “I think the Colonels not too keen on you doing your teleport thing until we know a bit more about it. From his reaction, though, I assume you told him about it.”

“Full disclosure with Colonel Sheppard,” Evan confessed. “Safer that way.”

“Good lad. That’s sensible. Though it was funny to watch Rodney’s reaction. He hated that the Colonel knew something he didn’t.”

“And you?” Evan trusted Carson with his life and health, and had done so on multiple occasions. The doctor was a good friend and Evan knew he needed them more than ever.

“I’m your physician. Anything that affects you, I need to know about. I can’t help you if I don’t know about it.”

“You wanting full disclosure, Doc?”

Beckett studied him. Evan could feel the scrutiny like a physical scan.

“Only if you’re comfortable with it, Major. But you will need a medical expert to be involved with anything that’s going on. Things are happening to you that we don’t fully understand how they will affect you. You cannae do this alone.” Carson directed his gaze to the beach where Gar was watching them. “Neither of you can.”

Team dragon. Gar’s words were laced with humour as he rose from the glittering sea, a cloud of small fish darting away from where he had been lying. As he headed to where Evan sat, he turned and nodded to the three men still standing in the sea. Please thank them for me Ev.

“He says ‘thank you’”, he shouted to the grinning trio. You look very shiny, Gar.

With the sand and mud washed off him the bronze dragon gleamed. Each scale shone in the early evening sun.

To be this clean is as good as my memories suggest. Gar looked around. May we come back here Ev?

I’m sure we can arrange a regular visit. We’d better stock up on scrubbing brushes. What’s ‘team dragon’ then?

It is what your team is calling themselves. And your doctor is correct you will need people around you that you can trust.

We, Gar. We will need them.

He felt the contentment from the dragon. Thank you. We will need them.

So how do we plan on getting home, Gar? Evan knew that the dragon had heard what Carson had said.

You forget Ev that I can also feel your injuries and you must now rest your arm. You should accept their assistance and travel back with them. I cannot go in between without you, so I will fly back. I would like to see what trees are in this area. I will return…….home, Evan smiled at the dragons joy, later today.

Fly safe, Gar.

Stay safe, Ev.

Gar had the full attention of the marines on the beach as the shimmering dragon launched into the air. Gaining height rapidly he circled the bay once and then headed north along the shore until he disappeared from view behind a tree covered cliff.

………………………………………………

Thankfully Evan managed to get a seat in the cockpit of Colonel Sheppards jumper. The sleek design of the gateships were a wonder, and combined with their capability to traverse the stargate system they were an engineering marvel, but the view from the back seating area was dire.

Having spent a good portion of the day with all round visibility from the back of a dragon even the expansive viewing screen in front of him seemed small.

That was slow, Ev.

Evan let out an unintentional snort as he heard the dragons words. They had been delayed at the beach for longer than anticipated as McKay kept checking his calculations. Sheppard finally halted the tests after the sixth one.

The Colonel turned around in the pilots seat. “Major, was that a snort?” he asked, giving Evan a surprised look.

“Yes, Sir,” he confirmed sheepishly, knowing they had just passed over the area of coast that Gar had reached. “Gar’s down there, munching on a maybe-mango tree.”

Sheppard sighed. “We need to stop Rodney naming things.”

It is very sweet. I like it. Gar added. I will bring some home.

The sweet fruit teased Evans taste buds as Gar consumed it. It was strange, he missed the pine.

You have enough room, Gar.

Thank you, Ev.

“He made good time.” Sheppard studied the HUD and checked the distance. He let out a whistle. “Very good time. I think Gar may have been holding back on the speed when you were out earlier.”

Evan nodded. “I felt the judgemental looks from the Doc every time we did a pass, Sir. I wonder what he'd have thought if we'd gone flat out.”

Beckett was still keeping him under surveillance, but with his arm showing improvement and no lasting side effects from his trip to Earth, he hoped to escape from the scrutiny soon. And thankfully after they arrived back on Atlantis, and once the doctor insisted he visit the infirmary for many scans, Beckett finally agreed that he was on the mend. Evan mentally cheered as he made his escape back to the Pier.

The tiredness of the day washed over him as he stepped from the transporter into the yard, his team sitting in the far corner. He headed over, a comfortable armchair that he was sure originated from the cinema room beckoning him. He sank into it, rested his head against the back and closed his eyes.

“You okay, Sir?” queried Coughlin. Evan reluctantly opened his eyes and studied his second in command. He could see a tension in his face and looking around he could see it reflected in the others as well.

He came to a decision.

“I’m sorry, guys. I should've come clean. That wasn’t fair,” he said, knowing he could potentially ignore the situation and fall back on the ingrained military stance of soldiers not questioning senior officers. But he owed them. “I need to let you know what's happening and how this is going to affect the team.”

“We did wonder, Sir,” Ortiz said hesitantly, “how you managed to disappear. One minute you and Gar were there, the next you were gone. Worried us a bit.”

Reed nodded.

“Again, I should have given you a heads up. So, from now on its full disclosure. The information that Beckett, McKay and Sheppard have, you will as well. I spoke to the Colonel earlier and he agreed.”

Sheppard didn’t agree wholeheartedly but Evan trusted his team and had vouched for them.

“Thank you, Sir,” came from all of them.

“It does come with conditions though,” Evan said, knowing his team would agree. “You can't divulge anything we discuss, at all, to anyone.”

After getting a solemn confirmation from each of them, they talked long into the evening, asked a lot of searching questions, many of which Evan didn’t know the answer to or hoped McKay would find out. 

Gar, returning with a supply of maybe-mangos, settled in to listen.

Finally after a long discussion, Evan claiming tiredness and a slightly achy arm, slowly climbed the stairs to his room and drifted off to the distant, sweet taste of mango.

Chapter Text

“Major, you hiding in there?”

The Colonels words were slightly muffled by Evans closed office door.

“Yes, Sir, come in,” he shouted back, worrying that if he moved to open the door his carefully ordered piles of paperwork would descend into chaos.

“Not like you to close your door,” Sheppard said, gingerly stepping over the Marine quarterly review forms. He moved the jumper maintenance schedule off the spare seat and sat down.

Evan sighed. “In the last three days, Sir, I’ve fended off most of the zoology department, many requests to open doors, or switch on lights, or both, and the botany department wanting to talk about pine trees. Though I suspect they were put up to it by the zoology department.”

“Did closing your door stop them?” Sheppards smirk grew.

“No, not one bit. We had to implement a strict appointment system, Sir. I allocated six hours over the last three days, to meet with various departments. The unfortunate consequence of which has created a serious barter system in the science departments. It was getting out of hand, so I’m glad you’re back. How did it go on Sion?”

They had received an urgent request from one of their trading partners, so Sheppard and his team had headed off to help, and with Woolsey still on the Daedalus, Evan was left in charge. Over the last three days, apart from the flights with Gar, he felt he was getting back to his normal routine. Unfortunately, his normal routine always involved a lot of paperwork.

“Not great,” Sheppard replied with a frown. “The raiding parties that we helped them out with last year are back. We met with Anterls and she confirmed that they’ve lost people from an outlying farm. They’re scared. They’ve had to cope with the return of the Wraith and now this.”

“Any further forward on why?”

“No, so McKay’s working on a possible forcefield for their gate. But we all know what happens to populations that block their gate when the Wraith come a’ knocking. Culling, awful as it is, is better than obliteration.”

In their exploration of the viable planets of the Pegasus galaxy they had often encountered evidence, recent and historic, of the brutal retaliation of the Wraith when a population objected to culling. Whole villages wiped out, left ruined for future gate travellers to report back on the consequences of rebellion. Evan could still visualise the ruined city on a silent planet, its age predating this Wraith cycle. He estimated the population had been in the hundreds of thousands. All gone.   

“Sion’s the fifth planet that’s been affected?” Evan queried.

“Yes, five that we know of over the last six weeks.” Sheppard replied. “Prefector Anterls confirmed that one of their trading worlds has been affected as well. They used different gate addresses this time so the ones McKay blocked are now useless.”

“Damn, and when we tried to track them last time, it was like chasing ghosts.” His team had travelled to many worlds to try to track them down but had lost the trail in the mess of stored gate addresses. “Any further forward on finding who may be behind this. Sir?”

“This is where we may have got lucky.” Sheppard brightened. “There was a witness this time. A six-year-old boy who lost his whole family, but from his description we’re thinking Genii.”

Evan winced. “Damn, why is it when we run into something unpleasant, it always leads us to the Genii. Have we been in touch with Radim, Sir?” The leader of the Genii was a much more approachable man than his predecessor, but the Genii were still entrenched in their militaristic society.

Sheppard nodded. “We contacted him before we came back but he’s not aware of any operation like this. He did warn us that there are a number of groups operating away from the home planet that they’ve encountered. This could be one of them.”

“That information’s a bit vague, Sir.” Evan realised they were making no ground on this.

“He did tell us one interesting point, though.” Sheppard leant forward from his slouch. “A survey team found an information storage device at a recent excavation in an ancient part of the city. It looks like it held data from when the Genii were much more technologically advanced.”

“But that was over a thousand years ago, Sir.” Evan said. He had read the brief on the Genii when he first journeyed to Atlantis on the Daedalus. They had been a multi planetary confederation at the time of the last Wraith awakening and had become a threat to the domination of the Wraith. The Genii homeworld was nearly destroyed in the retaliation and they had never recovered technologically.

“The data was very corrupted and not much was salvageable,” Sheppard explained. “But what has concerned Radim is the scientist that found it has disappeared and they don’t know if any usable information was taken. This happened just before the start of the raids. Could just be coincidence.”

“With the Genii, anything’s possible.” Evan still had hang-ups from the time he was held captive by them. “Koyla left a lot of discontent behind. Could have festered, Sir.”

“Radim’s still dealing with the fallout from their regime so this could be another one. If it is the Genii doing the raids, then I worry about why they need people. You know they aren’t renowned for their hospitality.”

Evan grimaced. In the week he was kept captive, he was subject to a number of experiments focused on his ATA gene. Thankfully, he was rescued by Colonel Sheppard and his team before it got past just taking blood samples. There had been talk, by his captors, of dissection.

The psychological effects were harder to get past.

Ev, I sense distress.

I’m okay Gar. Just bad memories. How’s the game going?

I am winning. LT is not skilled at this.

I know. I’ll be heading there soon.

I may of …what did you call it?

Fleeced?

Yes, fleeced him by then.

Have fun, Gar.

I am. Thank you.

“You know, I can now tell when you are chatting with Gar.” Sheppard said, humour in his tone. “You get this distant, calm look on your face.”

“Sorry, Sir. I really need to stop getting distracted.”

“It’s fine. How’s things been in the ol’ homestead.” Sheppard quipped.

It had surprised Evan how fast the wharf complex had started to feel like home. His old quarters, in the south pier, always felt welcoming but his perception of them was always of a temporary base. This current situation felt more permanent.

However living in closer confines to his team took a bit longer to become accustomed to, but the presence of Gar ironed out the kinks well. He was happy to note that there had been no more sleepwalking incidents.

“It’s going well, Sir,” Evan replied. “I’ve been out flying with Gar any spare time I have and today is my final scan and hopefully a release from this evil cast. I’m on a weekend off rotation so we’re spending it in the skies.”

“That’ll mean the training wheels are off.” Sheppard grinned. “Don’t mind me if you see me on the roof with a speed gun. I’m curious about how fast Gar can go.”

Evan laughed. “There’s probably a bet in place already for that, Sir.”

Sheppard just nodded slyly.

“As you look like you’re knee deep in paperwork.” Sheppard gave the piles a disgusted stare. “I take it your team’s got dragon sitting duties.”

“And enthusiastically embracing it. God only knows who mentioned ‘team dragon’ to them. Coughlin’s taken it upon himself to teach Gar sign language so he can at least communicate with them when I’m not around.”

His second in command was fluent in ASL, as his brother was deaf from birth. He had taught them some phrases, enough to get by, but Ortiz knew all the swear words.

“That’s a good idea, actually.” Sheppard looked impressed.

“Gar’s very keen. He’s fascinated by it and taking a lot in. Though it took a while to get used to the speed his claws go at and quite a few signs have had to be adapted. But if he starts, I would recommend standing back, Sir.”

“Good advice, Major. I will take that on board.”

“He’s also curious about reading. He has memories of the written word but no practical experience. Our resident bookworm has been reading to him, though I think Gar is more interested in the listening than the learning.”

“Not ‘the cat sat on the mat’ level of reading, then.”

“No, Sir.” Evan pictured the scene he came across last night. Reed and Gar on the roof, both engrossed in a book. “More like Tolstoy.”

“Oh god, not War and Peace.” Sheppard shuddered.

“Started it last night, Sir. They just finished Anna Karenina.”

“That’s going to be one well-educated dragon. What’s Ortiz been up to then?”

“Teaching him poker, Sir.” Evan grinned.

“What!” Sheppard gaped back.

“Again, he’s picked it up well. There’s a practice game with Coughlin and Reed on at the moment and I think he’s winning.” The system they had set up was ingenious. A mount for the extra-large cards had been built for Gar and most of the signs that Coughlin had taught Gar were suspiciously related to poker terms.

“This I need to see.” Sheppard announced as he stood up.

……………………………………………………..

Flying on the back of a dragon was, he decided, the best and only way to fly. He had the full use of his arm back, as Beckett had reluctantly removed the limiting soft cast the day before. The removal still came with a number of warnings and medical threats, but it didn’t stop Evan and Gar attempting to fly as fast as they could.

The exhilarating speed, as Atlantis rushed past them, the control tower just a blur of gleaming metal, felt invigorating. The sheer delight of being alive flowing through him. His excitement reflected back from the powerful dragon.

“I have flown some of the best aircraft on Earth,” Sheppard commented as they took a break on the warehouse roof, “but that was some tight manoeuvring, Major.” 

Evan glanced at the speed gun the Colonel held, and let out a whistle.

“We were faster than I thought, Sir,” Evan replied. “There were a couple of corners I thought the G-forces were going to unseat me. Gar mentioned that the dragon-riders in the past used straps when they had to manoeuvre tightly. We’re going to figure out a design.”

“Ask Teyla about that. Isn’t there a leather worker in the Athosian village?”

“Yes, Sir.” Evan had approached her earlier and she had quickly volunteered their services. “We’re heading there tomorrow so hopefully will get something organised.”

“You’re going to be mobbed. From what Teyla has been telling me you and Gar have reached near mythical status over there.”

“She did warn us. I think it’s going to be a day long party. We’re also going to offer the pine tree trunks to the Athosians. Gar gets through quite a lot in a week.”

The Athosians had been grateful to receive the offer and they’d invited them to the village for a celebratory feast. Obviously it was so they could also have a closer look at Gar.

“They are very appreciative of that, Evan,” Teyla said, joining them on the roof. “It will greatly help with the current building work. The loggers have been travelling farther out for suitable trees so as not to strip the surrounding forests. This is a most generous offer.”

“It will help us as well,” Evan replied. The trunks had been building up in one of the warehouses, the pile only reducing when Ortiz held another barbeque. “We were sure that Atlantis was starting to tilt with the additional weight.”

“I wondered what that was,” Sheppard said with a grin. “At least it will stop Ortiz attempting to burn it all.”

Evan looked down into the courtyard. His first fully functional flight had turned into somewhat of a social gathering. He could see Rivers, Ronan and Coughlin with Gar in the corner looking like his lieutenant was demonstrating some the ASL signs. He could see Stackhouse and his team watching on in rapt attention.

A number of people were gathered around Ortiz and Reed who had control of the barbeque, though how they had managed to sneak food from the mess Evan didn’t want to know. A horrified noise drew his attention to Dr McKay, listening to Lieutenant Cadman as, from her gesticulations, showed she was recounting her sea adventure. Dr Becketts beamed next to her.

Sheppard sighed.

“Rodney never going to go in the water again. Ever.”

“Yup. Doubt even a toe, Sir.” Nearly every mission resulted in McKay adding to his list of phobias.

“Colonel, Major,” Teylas words drew their attention to the slight Athosian warrior. “I did come up here to inform you that the food is ready but also that, unfortunately, I cannot join you in the village tomorrow, Evan. I am sorry.”

“Why?” Evan could not face the level of attention that his visit was going to generate without the calm, steadying presence of Teyla.

“I have been informed that the jumpers are being scheduled for maintenance after the issues experienced by Lieutenant Miller. Only two are cleared for use and must remain on Atlantis, in case of emergency.”

The Athosians, and Teyla, were not viewed as members of the expedition so did not qualify for the ATA gene therapy. Without the gene they could not fly the jumpers so were reliant on others for transport to and from the Athosian village. Often, they had to defer to more urgent situations.

Evan decided there was another option. He glanced into the yard.

Gar?

The slight tilt of the dragon’s head showed his attention had moved from Coughlin.

Yes, Ev?

Teyla’s not got a lift tomorrow. Can we accommodate her?

She is tiny, it will be as if she is not there. Of course.

Thank you

I have learnt your name, Ev. The dragon sounded smug.

Oh?

Evan watched as the dragon turned slightly and held out a front foot. He extended two claws in a V shape.

It is the letter V, Ev.

Yes, it is Gar. I like it.

LT has also instructed me to do this. I think he means it humorously. Why is that? The two claws bounced slightly.

That’s to indicate bunny ears, Gar. I will demonstrate on the LT later.

He leaned slightly over the edge of the roof.

“I approve of the peace sign, Coughlin.” He shouted. “But the bunny ears are denied.”

Evan turned back to the Colonel and Teyla, as laughter rolled around the yard.

“Teyla, Gar and I would like you to join us for our trip to the Athosian village. I can reassure you we will not be doing any of the flying that you just saw, so you can be confident our trip will be smooth and safe.”

Teyla stared at him for so long Evan wondered if he had actually spoken aloud. Finally, she spoke, emotion quietening her voice.

“That would be wonderful, Major.” Tears glistening in her eyes. “I would be most honoured.”

The barbeque was in full swing when they joined the gathering in the yard. The slight sound of music was accompanied by the crunching of a maybe-mango tree. A wave from McKay had them heading over to him as he separated from a smug looking Cadman.

“That woman’s insane.” The scientist said as he joined them near the sizzling barbeque. “She’s heading back out once the storms passed, says the waves will be rad. Though I have no idea what ionizing radiation has to do with sea swimming.”

“It’s slang Rodney,” Sheppard said with a shake of his head. “Means amazing or something. Wait, what do you mean, what storm?” He looked around the clear blue sky in confusion.

“Am I the only one that reads the weatherman reports.” McKay said in confusion. “Yes, Sheppard, a storm. I need to know when to take my sea sickness pills. Anyway, enough about the weather, Major, this is for you.” McKay held out what looked like a black bracelet to Evan. A slight shake of it, and a sigh of frustration from the scientist, made Evan reluctantly accept it.

“This looks like a locator tag, Doc.” Evan studied and decided it definitely looked like a GPS ankle tag. Slightly smaller than the ones he had seen but the square flat box in the middle gave it away. “You tagging me?”

“Of course not, Major. We just need to know where you are.”

Evan ignored the huff of laughter from the Colonel. “Doc, that’s exactly what tagging is about.”

“I know that!” McKays voice rose an octave in offense. “Yes, well, it was a locator tag but I’ve adapted it.”

“So, it won’t track me?”

“Of course, it will, but that’s not the important bit.”

“What’s the important bit, then?” Evan realised after his unauthorised trip to the beach that this was a possibility. He chafed at the loss of privacy.

“We need to find out how you and Gar are teleporting, Major.” McKays clipped tone showed his frustration at a situation he couldn’t figure out. “That means you’ve earned a tag.”

“How does it work?”

“It will monitor what you are travelling through rather than tracking your route. The route will still be monitored by the tag but I expect it will be linear. I’m more interested in the environment you experience when you travel. I have a few theories.”

“Care to share with the class, Rodney?” Sheppard asked, taking the tag from Evan and giving it a once over. The silence surrounding them showed they had the attention of the occupants of the yard. Dr McKay had no inside voice when he got excited over a project.

An unexpected pause from the scientist showed that he had noticed the attention. Evan found himself under scrutiny again.

“You said, Major, that you experienced extreme cold?”

“Yeah, Doc. But only for a split second.” He knew it had been cold. It felt like the bite of cold water jumped into on a hot day. That feeling of a violent body shock but condensed into a micro moment.

McKay started to pace, found he was hemmed in by Dr Beckett and Coughlin so just vibrated in place. “And you didn’t have any aftereffects when you arrived at the beach?”

“None, Doc, none, whatsoever. What do you think it is?” Evan could feel the attention of Gar as well. He had discussed the between trip when they returned to Atlantis, but the dragon could shed no light on the experience. The memories they had shared were vague and distant on the subject. It seemed that travelling between had been an accepted form of transport and no study was applied to it during the time of the dragonriders. Hazy later memories hinted at investigations but nothing conclusive.

“It’s hard to tell with no concrete data,” McKay replied. “But the fact that you registered a different environment means something’s there. If it wasn’t, you would have popped straight up at the beach. It could be anything, a different dimension, a wormhole, or…” The scientist let out a huge sigh. “I would like to go on the record and say I’m not happy about what I’m going to say. It’s a huge mess of mumbo jumbo that has no footing in any form of science. In fact, it ludicrous to even think it as an option. I must be insane….”

“Rodney!” Evan jumped slightly as Sheppard barked at his rambling teammate. “Out with it.”

“Okay, but this is only a working theory.” He took a deep breath. “There has been an insane, unprovable suggestion for quite a long time, put out by useless pseudo-scientists, that a vast power exists somewhere and can be accessed by certain people. This idea is firmly entrenched in the hippie new-thought belief and it’s why no sane scientist believes it.”

“Isn’t that something to do with that law of attraction thing,” queried Beckett as McKay paused in disgust.

“Yes, and as a medical doctor Carson, I expect you not to fall for it.”

“Looks like you are,” mumbled Beckett. McKay glared.

“It’s only a theory at the moment. This hopefully will disprove it.” McKay grabbed the tracker off Sheppard, who had been swinging it on a finger, and thrust it at Evan.

McKay continued. “The stupid hippies came up with the idea that everything is connected through our subconscious, that the power of all subconscious is interconnected and usable, if you can only access it. And no, it didn’t mean to travel through it, but to tap into it. There has been evidence lately that people who experience major strokes in their left-brain hemisphere, and have to rely on the right-hand side, sense this power. The left-hand side controls the person you are, remove that and, bam, you’re a subconscious entity.”

“But Doc, isn’t our subconscious just inside of us?” asked Coughlin with a frown.

“Yes, but the hippies believe that everything has a subconscious. Grass, insects, flowers, the maybe-mango tree that Gar is eating.”

What?

It’s okay, Gar. He’s theorising. You’ll get used to it.

McKay continued. “And this is the power that is connected throughout the universe. But not actually existing in the universe. The hippies believe it may be the power of creation and they’ve come up with stupid names like infinite intelligence, sacred flame, I mean it’s so far removed from science it should be non-science, I think. Like botany.”

“Flame, Doc?” It tugged a memory in Evan.

“Yes, Major. And many other hippie terms.”

“Gar?” Evan turned to the attentive dragon. “Didn’t you say that you contain a flame?”

“What?” squeaked McKay quietly.

Yes, we are born with it. It flared briefly when we travelled in between. That is all I know of it.

I think McKay is closer than he thinks. Thanks, Gar.

He directed his attention to the flustered scientist. “I had forgotten about it. I had thought at the time it was to do with Gar’s ability to shoot fire. But he said it flared just before we headed in between.”

“That means it’s possible that the hippies are right.” McKay glared at him. “I’m not happy about this Major. Wear the tracker, do your teleporting thing, I need to know.”

Evan frowned at the tracker in his hand. A hand on his shoulder made him look to his commanding officer.

“Don’t worry, Evan” Sheppard said with a grin. “If we wanted to track you that much, we would have had Carson pop a chip in you.”

…………………………………………………..

The gathering was finally winding down and only a few stragglers were left when McKay finally reappeared. Evan had eventually relented after near constant nagging from the scientist, and taken a quick trip to the beach with Gar, and a reluctantly worn tracker. It did result in a few McKay-free hours though, as the man disappeared off quickly to his lab.

“Rodney, what’s the verdict? You’ve been holed up for hours.” Sheppard asked, slouching comfortably next to the fire pit they were all sitting round.

Sheppard indicated to the chair next to him but McKay, a bundle of vibrational energy, sat, then bounced back up, paced, stared at Evan enough to worry him, sat again, stood up, paced some more.

“Rodney!” Sheppard barked, the noise reverberating around the yard. The scientist stopped from his apparent route back to the transporter. He blinked as he glanced around the gathering with surprise. Evan realised that McKay had only become aware of his location just then.

“Rodney,” Sheppard lowered his tone to one similar in dealing with skittish animals. “Sit. Whatever it is, tell us.”

With another glance at Evan and a long stare at the dragon that sat behind him, McKay lowered into the seat.

Is he okay? Came the concerned query.

He will be Gar. McKay’s one of the most intelligent men on Earth but can sometimes get too caught up in his own head. He’ll be fine once he’s had a rant.

I will make myself more comfortable then. His rants are long.

Evan smiled as he heard the dragon behind him settle into a lower position.

To Evans surprise McKay didn’t start talking immediately, but his gaze darted over the yard and settled on the bar in the corner. Alcohol was frowned upon in Atlantis but couldn’t be prohibited, there still had to be down time. McKay strode over to it with purpose.

“Luis, where is it?” he asked, starting to open drawers.

“Sir?” Ortiz displayed an impressive innocent face, thought Evan.

“Stronger the better. Where is it?”

Ortiz shared a frantic glance with Reed. Evan knew that the yard had become an unofficial bar and an earlier discreet word with Coughlin had ensured it had been an exclusive one at that. Evan also knew there was a cherished bottle of 20-year-old Scottish Malt Whisky, as he had shared a few with Carson last week.

He decided to move things along faster.

“Bottom left-hand drawer, Doc.” Evan ignored the slight ‘hey’ from Carson.

“Nice.” McKay found the half-filled bottle and poured a generous glass. He knocked it back, and to everyone’s surprise repeated it. Evan could see out the corner of his eye Sheppards bemused expression and the slight shake of his head. McKay didn’t drink as he valued every single braincell. What he was witnessing was not the norm.

Nobody reproached the scientist as they all realised the enormity of the situation. Finally with a deep breath McKay re-joined the rough circle of chairs.

“It’s true,” he announced, glancing around the group. He looked haggard. “The power, it’s there and it’s vast. I’ve never seen anything like it. I think I’ve just looked at the energy of the Big Bang.”

The silence was deafening.

Carson broke first.

“Rodney, you mean the New Thought ideas are correct?”

“Looks that way. I can’t say that the power is all to do with the subconcious but whatever it is, it’s all connected. We’re talking much, much more than the power of nuclear bombs here. The largest known entity in the universe is the Hercules Borealis Great Wall. A thing so vast it would take 10 billion light years to pass it by and that’s just a drop in the ocean compared to the power of this. I can’t even put it into context because the number doesn’t exist.”

“Put it into context in relation to us, Rodney. Can we access it?” Sheppard asked, concern radiating off him.

“God, no!” McKay looked panicked at the thought, his hand twitching as if he wanted to hold a glass. Anything that drove a man to drink, a man who valued, above all, his cognitive skills, was something to avoid. “Opening a route to it would not only burn us alive, it would most likely wipe out this entire galaxy. Probably the next one as well.” McKay continued with a slight hysterical laugh, Carson glancing at him with concern. “Okay, let me try this, Cadman you’ll like this analogy. Imagine you’re standing next to an ocean the size of the Milky Way. We, ourselves, are made up of mostly water so we should be a part of it, right? Correct. Be able to control it? Wrong. Us immersing ourselves in this vast ocean doesn’t mean we can control it; all it means is we will be swept away.”

“But the Major and Gar can access it, Sir?” Reed’s question had all eyes glancing with concern at Evan. He shifted slightly under the scrutiny.

McKay glared at Evan. “Yes, and three times by my count. This means that something they possess allows them not to just only immerse themselves in it, they become part of it. Not able to control it, as that’s nearly impossible, but to use it somehow.”

A memory flitted through Evan.

“Doc,” Evan started, his mind straining to capture the wisps of recollection. “I think I spent time there. Me and Gar.”

“When?” interrupted McKay. Brittle and urgent.

“After the seizure. It was dark, but I could tell Gar was there. He warned me not to get lost in the power, that my rational mind kept me tethered, and that he if wasn’t connected to me he would be lost.” Evan suddenly realised something that had teased at the edges of his mind. “Gar called it the power of creation, said dragons, for some reason, can access it more than most.”

A frantic McKay nod. “Yes, yes, but that doesn’t help us understand it. Where it’s come from, why it’s there. I need to know, Major.” A finger jabbed towards his ankle. “Keep that on, the more information I can gather the more I will know. Those damn hippies will not get one up on me.”

Chapter Text

….panic….fear…..dread……death…..

Evan bolted upright in bed, heart hammering, waves of urgency sweeping through his mind. The need to move was overwhelming. He could feel the dragons panic, the accompanying roar sending the walls of his room shaking.

Gar? He shouted frantically. The word deafening in his mind.

Ev, we must go. The dragon’s words matching his in tempo.

He could feel the pull of the demand deep within him. Where he was now, was not where he should be. He threw back his covers, bolting instinctively in the dark for the clothes he discarded last night. The dark leather outfit, gifted to him by the Athosians on the on the adulatory visit the day before, was thrown on without a thought.

He barrelled out his room, still doing up the buckles of his flight jacket. He could hear Gar heading to the roof. He needed weapons.

He sprinted into the room opposite. The weapons storage cage opening with a thought. Buckling on his Beretta, he grabbed the nearby P90 and a spare ammo clip and was reaching for the rocket launcher when Coughlin skidded into the room.

“Major, what’s going on?” the Lieutenant shouted, a radio in his hand squawking with tinny voices. Evan knew he couldn’t waste any time.

“Gotta go, Tom. Need to get to them.” Their fear was escalating. Their panic was a thrashing snake in his mind.

“What, where? I don’t understand.” Coughlin’s soldier instincts made him scan the room in confusion. “I didn’t hear the alarm, Sir.”

“Not here, there,” Evan shouted. Damn the man, why couldn’t he understand, he had to go. He decided the rocket launcher was too bulky and went for the grenades instead.

“I don’t know, Colonel.” Coughlin said, Evan realising his teammate was speaking into the radio. “He’s loading up for a small war, Sir. Gar sounds like he’s on the roof.”

Colonel Sheppards abrupt shout of ‘Major Lorne, stand down, that’s an order!’ through the radio, made him pause. His gaze flitted to Coughlin, standing in the doorway with the radio extended. Why couldn’t they see. He needed to go. He should be already there. He closed the pocket of the tac vest over the final grenade.

“Don’t think it’s working, Sir. He’s still arming himself.”

“Stop him Lieutenant. Don’t let him leave.”

“I’ll try, Sir.”

The words registered with Evan, but no meaning was attached to them. Gar was waiting for him. He could tell the dragon was impatient to go, chafing at the delay. They couldn’t waste any more time. Pushing past Coughlin, through the narrow door, he felt a hand grab his arm. Without any conscious decision Evan lashed out. His punch caught his teammate on his cheekbone, and with a shout of surprise, the taller man tumbled to the floor. Evan bolted through door.

“Sir!” A shout from along the corridor and Evan glanced sideways to see Reed and Ortiz standing in confusion. There was no time left.

He shook his head and spun to the door leading to the warehouse. Exploding through it, hearing the calls behind him recede, he sprinted for the stairs to the roof. As he grabbed the handrail and thundered up the metal steps, he heard the shouts through the closing door.

“LT, what the hell! You okay?”

“Yes, but catch him. Watch it, he’s armed.”

“Fuck. What’s going on?”

He was nearing the roof door as he heard his pursuers on the stairs. A burst of speed brought him onto the roof. Heading instinctively to the edge, through the driving rain, he threw himself off. A yell came from behind.

He could hear the fear in his teammates voice as they shouted his name. His frantic mind couldn’t understand their fear. He knew where Gar was; the dragon passing by the warehouse roof. The jump and flight were timed perfectly to maximise efficiency. He landed in his seat on the dragons neck and with the picture clear in both their minds they spun in between.

………………………………………………………………

As they exploded out of the biting cold of between, the feeling of …..fear…..dread…..death…. sharpened. The rain on his dark jacket drying in the humid night air. A giant blood moon hung in the starry sky, illuminating the surrounding shadowy forest with an eerie red glow.

They turned to the right, banking round a wooded rise tangled with creeping vines. The pull of the urgent fear drawing them deeper into the foothills.

There, Ev. Gar’s stronger sight picking out the straighter lines of a building complex squatting in a decimated clearing in the dense forest.

Pass by it, Gar and head to that rock outcrop. We need to know what we’re getting into here.

He could feel the dragons frustration of an unwanted delay when they landed on the higher treeless rock. Evan slid off Gars back and, masked by the towering peak behind them, scanned the complex.

The three main buildings, set back from the tree line, looked hastily constructed. A smaller building sat next to a path heading off into the forest. The absence of any identifiable defences indicating no surrounding support was close by, no attack expected. This complex was never designed to be found.

We need to see what’s in those buildings, Gar.

So strong were the waves of despair that emanated from the buildings, they were nearly visible to him in the red tinged darkness. The outside of the structure provided no evidence of the chaos that potentially lay within. No soul stirred within the clearing.

A feeling of frustration edged through the tenseness.

I cannot go in, Ev. I am too big.

He had known, as soon as he had seen the buildings, that any reconnaissance work would be down to him. He had mentally categorised Gar as aerial support and lookout.

I think I can shield you, Ev.

How? His question was made redundant as a memory thundered into his mind, though strangely, it didn’t feel like one of Gars. Nothing could physically become invisible, as that defied all-natural laws, but allow the flame to wrap around you and it diverted others gaze.

Can you do that Gar?

I think so. A feeling of determination came from the dragon. I can do it. But keep your weapon at hand, Ev.

A deep breath from both of them as the dragons focus built. Okay, I’m ready.

He didn’t feel any different. There was no outward sign of a flame on him, but his sight changed. The trees became towering shadows blown by a shimmering wind. The world leeched of colour. Gar, diminished from his burnished bronze, became a creature of shade and darkness.

This is weird. It was taking a moment for his eyes to adjust to the new look of his surroundings.

Ev, I can still see you, but only as a being of the flame. I still advise caution as I know not what you appear to others. I can drop you in the outer clearing where the shadows are the strongest.

Copy that.

After a very brief flight, he crouched low at the edge of the clearing, Gar positioning himself back up on the rocky outcrop. Scanning his surroundings, Evan could tell that his main destination was the left-hand building of the three. From his distorted vision, it glowed with a menacing darkness, the feeling of wrongness increasing as he surveyed it.

However firstly, he shifted his attention to the nearest building. A soldier, even though being potentially invisible, never left a possible enemy at his back.  The building though, with its unlocked door, sat empty, a cavernous space either never used or for an area of expansion. He quickly moved to the adjoining building. A locked door blocked his way. He frowned at it.

Visualise it open, Ev.

On the dragons urging a picture popped into his mind. The door clicked open.

Neat. Thanks Gar. As he edged into the corridor, he scanned the rooms to the left and right of him. Empty. The place was a study of disorganisation, papers lay strewn about in no order, and the feeling of temporary pervaded the space. A number of doors opened onto obvious sleeping quarters. He headed to the end of the corridor where it folded around, following the outward shape of the building. As he stepped round the corner, voices reached him.

Suddenly, he stood in full view of two advancing soldiers.

‘Genii’ his mind supplied, recognising the military uniforms, and in shock he froze.

The soldiers continued, oblivious to his presence. Flattening himself against the wall, he stilled his breathing and the men passed by without a sideways look.

I think we can tell this thing works, Gar.

He let out his breath in a controlled release as the soldiers turned the corner and headed out of view.

That is a relief, Ev. I had concerns.

Me too. I’m going to head to the final building. The pull of the building was unmistakable.

Stay safe, Ev. I have seen the two soldiers that passed by you head to the smaller building at the tree line. They have moved inside. I will alert you if they emerge.

Thanks, Gar.

He repeated the visual opening trick on the door of the final building and moved silently inside, unconsciously checking his weapons. The click of the P90 safety switching off sounding loud to his ears in the quiet of the long doorless corridor.

He was faced with an unoccupied corridor, the lack of security unsurprising with what he knew about the Genii. They were a militaristic society but followed little of the military processes that dictated success. They tended to operate on guile, betrayal and duplicity.

As he stealthily advanced along the grey walled corridor, he started to hear low cries of anguish and despair issuing through a sturdy door ahead to his right. A larger double door with a red light above stood opposite, leading into the central area of the warehouse.

He decided to investigate the door to the right first.

To his surprise the door was unlocked, the reason obvious as he slipped through. Crouching down to the side, as he slowly closed the door, he surveyed the large room. It was dominated by a wall of barred cages, organised in two tiers. A quick count showing nearly thirty in total. The shock of realisation hit him that many of them were occupied.

An anguished sob came from the lower end cage on the right and he moved silently across the room in that direction. He needed to know what was going on here. Three people occupied the cramped enclosure, one being comforted in the arms of another, while a third sat huddled in the corner closest to Evan, its head ducked down low and arms wrapped over it. The person shook with silent shudders.

Gar, I need to talk to these people. Can I lose the shield?

I do not know if that is wise, but just visualise it gone.

It was obvious when his shield dropped, the room suddenly brightening and becoming sharper in focus, the smell of imprisoned humanity hitting him. He recoiled from the smell, the sharp tang of fear saturated the place.

A sharp intake of breath issued from inside the cage and Evan looked up to meet the direct stare from the wearied eyes of an older man. The man held the sobbing woman tighter.

“Who are you?” the man whispered. “Dart, get back over here,” he hissed.

The woman in his arms jerked back and with a slight scream buried her face in his tunic. The huddled form closest to Evan scrambled back to join the other two. The face revealing a pale lanky teenager.

“Please be quiet,” Evan said imploringly, wincing at the clang the bars of the cage made as the youth hit them. He could see heads rise in the adjoining cages. “My name is Evan Lorne, I’m here to help. I’m from Atlantis.”

He banked on the name of Atlantis being known by either direct association or by a trading partner association. The blank looks from all their faces showed his hopes were dashed.

“Major Lorne?” The tentative question came from above, and he shifted his gaze to the upper row of cages. A stern face stared down at him that he did not know. “My name is Aliania, I’m from Sion. I was one of the guards that was present at the welcome feast you attended.”

Though he could not remember the face, he remembered the welcome feast. A celebration of mutual trading ties with a world that supplied a wide range of citrus fruits. A ceremony that was more remembered for Dr McKays insistence he was in imminent peril and had insisted that citrus juice had become airborne. He, and Dr McKay, had not visited the world since, though for totally different reasons.

“Can you get us out, Major?” she continued. “Amongst us are a number of warriors and we have devised an exit strategy, but we have not had an opportunity to get these cages open.”

“What is happening here?” He asked as he pictured all cells doors opening. A series of clicks showed he was successful. No response came from above as Aliania ordered a number of individuals to amass the cells inhabitants. Four people also emerged quickly from assorted cells and positioned themselves around the closed door that Evan had earlier crept through. The group of three in the cell in front of him tentatively opened the now unlocked door, the youth stumbling over the lower bar. Evan reached out a hand to steady him.

“You okay?” He asked in concern.

“Yes, Sir.” He stared at Evan with tear filled eyes. “Can you help Tomas? They took him only a short while ago. I’ve heard no screams yet. He’s only five.”

Ev, the two guards are heading your way. They have been joined by two more. They will be shortly entering the building you are in. Be alert.

Will do, Gar.

“I’ll look for Tomas,” he reassured the trembling boy as Aliania and a man larger than Ronan came over. The cells occupants were now gathered in three groups in the open space in front of the cells. Nearly forty people in total.

Aliania, a stern looking woman in her fifties, cast a critical eye over them. Then her attention swiftly switched to him. “Major, thank you,” she said in a no-nonsense tone. “I do not know how you come to be here, but we are very grateful. Have you got reinforcements?” she asked hopefully.

“Just me and my lookout,” he replied, keeping it vague. “But he is a force to be reckoned with. Do you know their numbers?” Evan could feel the pull from the central room increase, a demand that lay deep within him. He attempted to ignore it and gather intel.

She nodded. “From what we can tell there are four scientists in the central room and about twelve soldiers who are based in a building separate to this one. It’s only when the raiding party comes in do the numbers increase. People have been taken to the middle room and we never see them again. That’s when the four soldiers come, then and at feeding time.” The look of disgust on her face showed Evan the level of care of prisoners of the Genii had not changed much in the past two years.

“They’re on their way here now,” he warned, a further mental nudge from Gar reminding him of the incoming soldiers. “They should be entering the building now.”

“Good.” Her expression hardened and her stance reminded him of Teyla. “That means weapons and payback.” She glanced back at the imposing man. “Tyrl, get ready.”

With a nod to Evan and a Ronan-like grunt, the large man joined the four soldiers at the door. The remaining people were quickly moved to either side of the door, ducking out of direct sight. Evan scanned them, assessing the groups tactical force. No other person resonated as a warrior. All looked like hardworking farmers and the huddled groups indicated families.

“Do you know what is happening here?” Evan asked, unholstering his beretta and offering it to Aliania. He knew Sion had a projectile weapons level society similar to the Genii, yet less bloodthirsty. She took the gun confidently, displaying an intimidating feral grin. Evan readied his P90.

“Most of us have been here only a short time,” she replied. “We’ve seen about twenty people disappear but others were here before us. They have now gone. We don’t know to where but the screams from the other room have told us we don’t expect to see them back.” Her expression hardened “They have now started on the youngest. They took a boy just before you came in.” She narrowed her eyes at him, “How did you come in Major? We have a watch on the door and no one entered.”

A man who had replaced Tyrl at her shoulder, stared at Evan.

“The door opened, Commander,” he said with a high level of suspision. “I saw it. But no one came through.” Evan could see the distrustful look on the man’s face.

She turned to the glaring man. “The Atlanteans are trustworthy, Jarus,” she said, resting a comforting hand on the mans arm. He didn’t calm. “We’ve had many dealings with Colonel Sheppard and I saw this man at the welcoming feast with them. He is also trustworthy.” She turned back to Evan. Her voice hardened and she gripped his gun. “But please answer the question, Major.”

“It’s how I’m going to get into that room, Commander.” He decided a little bit of subterfuge was needed. “Atlantean technology is always helpful.”

Gar, can you shield me for five seconds.

Be ready, Ev.

He could see their surprised expressions through the different light of the shield, and how it changed to shock as he re-appeared. The trained soldier in Aliania swallowed her questions and Evan could see her mentally list it as a tactical advantage. The man behind her was less controlled.

“How the Gods….”

“Later, Jarus. Quick, they’re at the door.” She herded Evan to the side with Jarus following.

The Genii soldiers entered the prison room oblivious to the change in circumstances within. Only as the final soldier sauntered in, confident in their superiority, did the lead soldier spot the empty cells. Before he could react, a giant forearm reached around his throat as Tyrl loomed up behind him, and with a sharp snap his eyes rolled and he dropped like a ragdoll, neck broken. No leniency was granted to the others, and within seconds they lay dead on the floor.

The dead were quickly relieved of all weapons and the soldiers amongst the group armed themselves. Aliania turned to Evan.

“We will secure the corridor and keep watch on the soldiers barracks,” she said. “They will not expect these four back for a while and the scientists will be oblivious to this, as it is a feeding visit.  We will wait for your signal, Major. We cannot tell you what to expect in there, but fire a shot and we will be with you.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” He deferred to the seniority of her rank and her appreciative head nod showed Evan she had accepted the position. “My lookout is on the rocky outcrop to the west. He will stay there until we are clear.”

Gar, keep an eye out. Any further movement from the barracks let me know.

All is quiet, Ev. Please be safe.

I plan to. You too. Shield time.

Again, the world changed to the shadows of the shield. He decided to test something.

“Commander, can you hear me?” he asked as he moved to the door. He could see heads turning and confused expressions crossing faces.

“Yes, Major,” Aliania replied, “but we cannot see you. This is impressive technology.”

He winced at the subterfuge. Too late, he reasoned. “I’m going to open the door now.”

The corridor was as he left it. Uniform grey with the solitary red light glowing above the double doors. He kept low as he crossed the quiet corridor to the closed door. A try of the handle, a quick request and a click of the right door unlocking to his command was loud in the silence. He hoped it didn’t sound as loud on the inside. He slipped through, again instinctively crouching down out of eyeline even though his invisibility had been confirmed. He need not have worried. The door opened into a viewing room dominated by a large window to the front, and open sections to the sides.

The middle of the wide space, within the central room, was dominated by a large metal ring. At first glance it resembled a half-sized stargate, but on closer examination it had no central wheel, and more technology surrounded it. He could see wires running over its entire surface, circuits and copper giving it a look of a half-finished science project.

A man appeared from the side; a scientist Evan assumed, as he had no military bearing in his stooped gait. He strode over to one edge of the strange ring and adjusted a dial. “Ready to go again, Professor. I’ve calibrated it to remove the variable from the last incursion so it should remain stable, this time.”

“Good. My patience is running short with these failures.”

Evan turned towards the voice, spotting three other scientists behind a display console. The majority of the wires from the machine snaking over to it. The man that had spoken glanced into the corner. “Is that the smallest one? I need a small one to test the effect of a minimal mass intrusion.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Evan instinctively ducked as a soldier came into view from the left side of the viewing window. A glance to the right confirming another soldier was standing there. “There’s two others of a similar age in the cages.” The soldier said, heading to the corner.

“Shame,” the scientist replied. “Would have been good to have it smaller.” The emotionless tone was chilling. “Never mind, we’ll keep this one as is, but the next one we’ll take the legs off before sending through. The next one after that we’ll do the arms as well. That should suffice.”

“Yes, Sir,” came the indifferent reply.

“Be ready to switch on then.” A whirring noise came from the console, the outer rim of the metal circle glowing red. “Grab the child. Check the sensors on it.”

Evans attention shot to the corner, seeing a squirming form who he assumed was Tomas. The child had been gagged, and a harness, with unknown technology, kept his arms pinned to his sides. A rope around his ankle was tied to a desk leg. Tears flowed down his flushed cheeks.

Evan moved into the open area without thought. His P90 instinctively trained on the soldier reaching down to untie Tomas. His finger tightening on the trigger when the circle in front of him shimmered to life.

He crashed to his knees. His senses flooding with the feeling of vast power, of openness and expansion. He felt himself slip.

EV!

EV! YOU MUST HOLD. YOU MUST RESIST THE PULL. FOCUS ON ME.

He was the universe, he melted into every being, the connections interwove into an intricate shimmering delicate web. A consciousness shifted its gaze towards him.

EV! LISTEN TO MY VOICE. STAY!

Gars voice was screaming in his head. He pulled back his reeling senses, he had lost focus, shifted from the threats in the room in a way no soldier should. Damn, what had happened? A whimper pulled at his attention. Tomas, dragged by the back of the harness, was halfway to the ring.

I’m back, Gar. Drop the shield.

Evan knew he couldn’t shoot the soldier from the hidden space he occupied, so steeled himself to act fast. A quick forehead shot and the soldier carrying Tomas hit the floor. Evan spun and the second soldier joined the first.

An explosive noise from behind him and a searing punch to his leg caused him to falter. He twisted as he fell, but his disrupted shot went over the head of the lead scientist, the thin face grinning, as an overly large pistol was pointed down at him.

EV!

Before Evan could bring his P90 to an upwards firing position the side of the scientists head disappeared in a red mist and the man, his malicious grin still visible on the remains of his face, dropped out of sight. The other three retreating scientists were taken down by Aliania, followed closely by Tyrl, as they ran into the room. Evan was vividly reminded of how destructive the Genii shotguns were.

I’m okay Gar. Just caught one in the leg. Please stay and keep watch.

He clutched the side of his right thigh, blood oozing from a line of fire. He could see where the supple leather of his trousers had been sliced by a bullet and, from the feeling of pain, where it had sliced the flesh underneath. A strong hand grabbed his wrist, prising it away from the wound. He looked up and saw Tyrl.

“Commander. We need something to bandage this with.” Tyrl clamped his huge hand over the wound and Evan suppressed a groan. His leg burned with a familiar pain and, though it was bleeding freely, he knew it wasn’t life threatening.

It was Janus that found the Genii equivalent of a first aid kit. Evan was surprised they had one, as he always assumed they left their wounded, or finished what had been started. It was surprisingly well stocked.

As Tyrl efficiently bandaged his leg he realised the Genii didn’t stretch to any form of pain relief. Aliania joined them, followed by a man tightly hugging a released Tomas.

“Major, are you okay?” she asked with concern in her voice.

“I’m fine. It’s only a glancing shot,” he said, though the numbness in his leg was beginning to be replaced with a pulsing pain. She looked at him with doubt.

“Tyrl?”

The large man kneeling next to him looked up at the commander from the knot he was tying. “He’s right. It’s messy, bled a lot, will leave a decent scar but shouldn’t result in a limp. I’ll get him out.”

Evan suddenly realised he had been side-lined. He mustered his energy to object.

“Major,” Aliania said, she could read him well, as she quickly cut off his protest. “We’ve been planning this escape route over and over. You would still be a spectator to it even if you hadn’t been injured. We know what we need to do and how we’re going to do it. We never thought we would get outside help, and we thank you for it, but you must let us take it from here. In the raid on my brothers farm we lost my nephew. I need to repay them for our loss.”

Evan could see the determination on their faces. He knew he could still help.

Gar, any movement?

None, Ev. The sounds of the gunshots were not audible to anyone outside.

Thank you. We’ll be out soon.

“Commander, my lookout reports no movement from the barracks. How are you planning to assault it?”

She sighed. “We hoped for more weapons in this building but have found nothing suitable. We have more men at our disposal as the Wraith threats mean all farmers are weapons trained, but we can’t send them in empty handed. Any suggestions Major?”

Evan reached into a pocket in his tac vest and pulled out a grenade.

“How about we blow it up, Commander.”

Chapter Text

Leaning wearily against the side of the building, his leg pulsed in time with his heartbeat. Tyrls large hand gripped his shoulder; though whether for support or restraint, Evan wasn’t too sure. His limping hobble, as they escaped the warehouse, made him fully aware he was in no fit state to join Alianias strike team, who now stealthily approached the barracks. A small hand worked into his and, as Evan looked down, he saw the tear-stained face of Tomas stare back. He smiled encouragingly at the quiet child, and got a tentative smile in return.

Glancing over to the outcrop, where the gleam of golden eyes was barely visible, he could feel the concern emanating from the dragon. He had repeatedly reassured Gar, that even though his leg hurt, it wasn’t life threatening and did not require a lift. He also wanted to ensure the group got to the Stargate safely and had asked the dragon to follow at a distance.

A mismatched pair of booms thundered into the night sky, the barracks briefly lighting up from within, with further explosions providing evidence of more weapons present in the building. The volume of the explosions indicating that survivors were highly unlikely.

With the smoke and noise settling, the assault team ducked inside. Emerging shortly after, their alert, yet relaxed posture indicated it was over. They quickly returned to the waiting civilians.

“It’s done. Thank you, Major.” Aliania said, handing Evan back his Beretta, the P90 already strapped securely to his back.  Atlantis was happy to share knowledge about nearly everything, but weaponry was not one of them. He needn’t have worried about the grenades either. They’d been happy to use the remaining two after the satisfying explosions of the first round.

She turned to address the assembled group. “Now we move quickly to the gate. We will only relax once we are off this planet. Remember your agreed partner. Look after each other and we will all arrive home safe.”

She turned to the man still gripping Evans shoulder. “Tyrl, can you assist the Major?”

“Yes, Commander.”

The hand on Evans shoulder shifted quickly to his wrist and with a quick twist and an arm round his knee, he was hoisted over the broad shoulders of Tyrl.

“For gods sake Tyrl, I can walk. Put me down.”

“Sorry, Major. Just obeying orders. We have no time for you to demonstrate how slowly you can limp.”

Gar, can I rethink that lift?

Humour seeped into the dragon’s words. It looks like you are already getting a lift, Ev. I will follow behind as you asked.

You do that Gar. I’ll just hang here.

The Genii, thankfully, had positioned their base close to the planets Stargate and the path, initially winding through steeply sloping tree-covered ground, had flattened and broadened by the second mile. A peal of laughter had him looking down and, with another swipe towards Tomas’ hair, the five-year-old giggled a retreat. Evan hoped the rest of the survivors could bounce back as enthusiastically.

The leafy canopy grew patchier as they reached the edge of the tree line, the Stargate standing alone in an expansive meadow. The large ring, its top illuminated by the brightening of the sky in the east, stood on a plinth of stone with the barely visible DHD positioned in front. The surrounding long grass waved gently in the breeze, dotted randomly with a burst of wildflower colour.

“Put me down Tyrl, I’ll be fine from here.” His head spun and his leg pulsed as he was placed gently back on his feet. “Thanks for the lift.”

“Are you sure, Major?” Tyrl still had a good grip on his upper arm.

Evan took a few steps with his helperl having no choice but to follow. He was happy to see his leg took his weight and his steps got stronger. His arm was released slowly.

“I still need to wait for my lookout. I’ll see you safely through the Stargate,” he replied.

“You must follow us,” protested the medic. “We cannot leave you on this accursed planet.”

“I’ll be fine Tyrl. I’ll return to Atlantis after,” he reassured the man.

They made their way into the meadow along a narrow, flattened path leading towards the DHD. He was trying to remember the gate address for Sion when suddenly the grass moved. The ground rose in a number of places, a rough line about thirty metres from the escapees.

It took Evans tired mind a second to process that ten camouflaged men stood with weapons pointed unwaveringly at the halted group. Dammit, he should have realised the gate would have been guarded.

“Stop right there.” The middle column of grass shouted as the soldier took a menacing step forward.

“No, never!” bellowed from the other side of Tyrl, pain and anguish deep within each word. Janus sprinted forward, his weapon rising as he ran towards the Genii soldiers. A burst from his shotgun toppled the nearest soldier, blasted back in a cloud of red, but the weapon had limited projectiles and, in that moment, Evan knew Janus had just condemned them all to death. He frantically reached over his shoulder to release the P90, but as he did a pistol retort threw Janus back, the mans head snapping to one side. His twitching body was soon swallowed by the long grass.

The guns trained forward again. Straight at them.

“Fire at…” The deadly command was suddenly halted by a reverberating scream that bounced off the towering mountains. Everyone in the clearing froze, and from behind the trees reared a vision of death. A flaming spiral of living fire rose with the dragon, his fully extended wings shining a deep red reflecting the rising sun. A jet of near white flame shot forward from his mouth as the dragon swept low towards the now fleeing soldiers. The stream of burning oil enveloped the nearest one, incinerating him as he ran. The shrieks of the remaining soldiers were cut short as they too were overwhelmed by the white-hot oil. Within seconds all that remained was a wide swathe of smouldering grasses.

The dragon banked at the edge of the clearing, landing on the far side of the Stargate. Gar looked at the smouldering grass with surprise as he walked towards Evan.

That was unexpected, Ev.

That was very impressive, Gar. Good timing.

I think I would like to go back and do that to the rest of those buildings please.

I’ll definitely be joining you in that.

The sharp grip was back on his upper arm as he was dragged towards the trees. He pushed his feet into the soft grass in an attempt to halt his retreat, his leg reminded him of its injury.

“Tyrl, let go. Come meet my lookout.” The backwards pull halted as the medic stared at Evan.

“That’s your lookout. That’s a..a..”

“That’s Gar.”  As Evan limped over, the giant head lowered, and he leant for support on the side and scratched between the dragons eyes. A contented rumble reverberated through the large body.

A darting whirlwind shot out from the closest group of huddled people. A scream of ‘Tomas’ alerted Evan to the identity of the incoming person. The five-year-old stopped suddenly at Gars foot and stared up in wonder at the towering dragon. Gar, shifting backwards slightly, lowered his head so his nose was level with the small child, and with the gentlest of nudges the grinning child rolled into the soft grass. Delighted laughter followed.

Evan grinned. I think that was the quickest switch of hero worship I have ever seen. He’s definitely gone to the top of your fan club, Gar.

He is very tiny. Smaller than Teyla.

A woman had ventured out from the group and picked up the rolling, giggling child. Evan recognised her from the first cell. She smiled with gratitude at Evan and stood still as Gar lowered his head to them. Tomas, sitting calmly in his mothers arms, ran his fingers along the snout of the dragon.

“I asked you earlier, Major, if you had reinforcements. I would definitely call that a reinforcement.” Aliania approached carefully, her eyes on the looming dragon.

“I’m sorry about Janus, Commander,” Evan said with regret.

She looked to the area where the body lay, the limp form shielded by a cluster of purple flowers. Two people crouched down next to it. She sighed.

“He was never going to be able to come back from this. He lost his whole family. He watched them get taken one by one, and each time a piece of him disappeared. When the last one, Lisla, his ten-year-old got taken, he died inside. At least he got some form of revenge.”

Her sad look triggered a memory in Evan.

“You said you were from Sion, Commander?”

“Yes, I was visiting my brothers farm. It was my nephews sixth birth celebration.”

“I could be wrong Commander, so please don’t get your hopes up, but we think only one farm was hit on your planet. We were informed it may have been the Genii by the eyewitness account of a young boy who hid during the attack.” Evan heard the quick indrawn breath and saw tears pool in her eyes. “But I don’t know the boys name. I’m sorry.”

“No, Major. Do not ever be sorry. You saved us and have now given me hope.” She glanced at Gar. “And wonder. These people have an image of sheer wonder to replace the horrors they have seen. I hope their first thought about this, is not the blackness of the previous days, but the glory and the light that you have brought us. Thank you. Will you return with us?”

Evan huffed a laugh. “No, we can’t. Someone has been steadily eating on Atlantis and cannot fit through the Stargate.”

I am not fat. I am sturdy.

Evan delighted in the stern Commanders genuine laugh as he relayed Gars words.

He continued. “We’ve an alternative means to get home, but first Gar wants to practice his fire shooting on the buildings we left behind. We’ll make sure there’s nothing left.”

“I wish I could see that, but I must get these people home.” She studied the group of people who had edged closer to Gar. Trepidation, replaced by curiosity, brought some close enough to touch the lowered head.

“I think I may have to pull some people away, however.” She continued, suddenly glanced down at his leg. “I forgot, Major but you are injured. I cannot leave you alone while the buildings are destroyed and you also cannot walk there. Tyrl!”

The man in question turned from where he was running a reverential hand over the neck of the dragon. He looked reluctant to leave, but stepped away with an occasional backwards glance.

“Yes, Commander.”

“Can you stay here with the Major. His lookout is going to destroy the buildings.”

Evan smiled. “There’s no need, Commander. Gar won’t let me walk.” He could feel the confirmation from the dragon.

I am not going to let you fly too much either. What did the Colonel say? I will be Driving Miss Daisy. You can watch from the rock. 

“You ride on his back, Major?” Tyrls question was filled with amazement.

“Best way to travel, Tyrl. Glorious views. But with this leg I can’t do too much, so Gar will have all the fun instead.” The anticipation was building within the dragon. He wanted the buildings gone.

“Again, we thank you Major. We will take our leave now and hope to see you soon.” Aliania said, moving to usher people away from the crouched dragon.

It still took over fifteen minutes for the goodbyes to be said, and after few tearful ones and a hand crushing one from Tyrl, the Stargate was dialled for Sion. The final straggler, being pulled away by his mother, said goodbye as only a five-year-old could.

“Bye, Gar.” Full hand wave.

“Bye, Gar.” Full hand wave but higher.

His mother leant down and whispered in his ear as she pulled him gently towards the Stargate.

“Bye, Major. Bye, Gar.” The grass now hid the small child, but the raised waving hand was still visible.

“BYE, GAR.” Tomas was again visible as he mounted the steps of the plinth, still waving.

The delightful sound of a child’s laugh tinkled across the field as he caught sight of Gar returning the wave.

Sap.

Thank you for the reminder, Ev. I will need to increase my oil levels after burning the buildings.

………………………………………………..

The buildings burned well.

Evan had limped through them earlier looking for anything important. He hesitated to gather any data, a gut feeling telling him the research was dangerous and needed to be destroyed. After a discussion with Gar, they decided on total annihilation.

Reclining against the rock, he watched the dragon take his commitment seriously. Nothing could survive the white-hot inferno, as the buildings with all their contents, were soon reduced to a glowing tangle of melted beams.

As he toyed with the bandage on his thigh, thankful the pain had receded slightly, Evan considered his options. He had weighed up the possibility of contacting Atlantis before heading back, but knew Colonel Sheppard may order him to stay put. Then how would Gar get home? He decided it was best to head home first.

He wouldn’t like the consequences of disobeying a direct order.

His hand stilled, his finger in mid scratch under the bandage edge. Gar raised his head from surveying the building remains.

Ev?

Evan didn’t see the view in front him, his mind racing back to the Atlantis warehouse and his actions the night before. The words ‘Major Lorne, stand down’ hit him like a brick and his memory froze as his fist connected with Coughlin’s surprised face.

“Oh God, what’ve I done. Shit!” His military mind quickly tallied up all the different levels of insubordination that had occurred. Disobeying a direct order, striking a fellow officer, weapons violations, absent without leave, the list rolled on through his head.

This was not good.

Ev?  Came the concerned query again.

I’m so sorry, Gar. I’ve fucked up. Badly.

No, Ev. What happened here was not wrong. Never wrong. We will deal with it together.

We need to go back and face it all. This will suck.

Together, Ev. Always together.

……………………………………………………

They emerged from in between into a roiling mess of dark cloud, driving rain and howling winds. Evan, crouching low over Gars neck, tightened his grip as the strong gusts tried hard to unseat him. He could feel Gar fight to regain control of their direction as they were battered from all sides by a torrent of freezing cold rain.

Gar, we can’t stay here. Atlantis will have raised its shields. Peering through the rain, his eyes open to slits, Evan knew that they would be lucky to find Atlantis at all in this. A screaming blast of wind caused Gar to nearly flip. Evan gripped on with all limbs. His leg throbbed.

The village, Gar. Picture the village.

He concentrated on the image of the cluster of buildings on the headland, the vivid picture mirrored in the dragon’s mind.

The weather was only slightly calmer as they emerged from in between, but the driving rain was still making it hard to see. As they skimmed over the tree tops, Gars wings frantically adjusting for unpredictable gusts of winds, the low menacing clouds split briefly and the first structures appeared in the gloom.

I will head for the barn, Ev. It is big enough to shelter us.

They passed quickly over the village centre where all the houses were shuttered tight against the pounding rain. No welcoming window light was visible. Evan knew, with the level of storm that had built, all inhabitants would have been evacuated to Atlantis.

They landed close to the largest structure in the village, its imposing double doors shut tight against the wind. Evan slithered off the dragon, aided by the water flowing off Gars scales. His leg buckled slightly under him as he landed in the thick mud, but steadying himself against the dragon, his leg held.

He limped over to the doors, bent forward against the strength of the wind. At ground level he could feel the power of the storm, the thick black clouds rumbling above him. Flashes of lightning illuminated the surrounding chaos and a crash within the village hinting a structure had given way. He peered round the side of the building, holding tightly onto the rough-hewn wood, and saw the roof of one of the buildings blow over a nearby field.

A quick turn of the locking mechanism, aided by the strength of Gar, meant they were able to open the heavy barn doors and stagger in. The open space had thankfully not yet been sectioned off and Evan felt much warmer just being out of the cold rain as the doors were pushed closed.

The dragon slumped to the floor, his tail folding around him, his long body coiling to fit into the space. Water pooled below his folded legs.

Gar you okay?

I am only tired, Ev. That was not an easy flight.

You did well. Thank you. This wasn’t the weather that was predicted. The storm must have intensified when we were away. We’re stuck here till it blows over.

You must rest Ev. Your leg still hurts.

Evan glanced down at the bloody bandage wrapped round his thigh. The leather flight clothing, supplied by the village, had been surprisingly effective in keeping out the majority of rain. But he still felt chilled and a slight shiver ran through him.

It’ll be fine till the morning Gar. I’ll keep off it.

He looked around the empty barn for a suitable place to rest. A slight mist drifted over his eyeline and he looked at the dragon in surprise. Steam rose from the expansive back.

Um, what you doing? Do you know you’re steaming?

An audible rumble emanated from the dragon. He knew the dragon was laughing.

I am visualising being warm and dry. The flame is helping. It is a very comfortable feeling. You are welcome to rest as you did before.

Evan rested a hand against Gar’s leg and could feel a slight feeling of heat under his palm.

We’ll add that to the handy list. I’ll take you up on the offer. Thanks.

He settled into the fold of Gars front foreleg; his injured leg propped up on the curled claws of the dragon’s foot. He could feel the heat emanate from the dragon, and as a wing settled over him, he gave into his exhaustion and followed Gar into sleep.

Chapter Text

“Coughlin, come in. What the hell’s going on over there?”

“Um…hello…sorry, Colonel. Yes, I think that was Gar, Sir. Um.”

“Wake up, Lieutenant! Go check on Major Lorne, I can’t get him on the radio.”

“Yes, Sir. I can hear him in the corridor.”

“Move it, Lieutenant.”

“Yes, Sir. I think he’s headed to the armoury.”

“Shit, move faster.”

“Copy that, Sir.”

“Coughlin…..COUGHLIN!…..Damnit man. What’s going on?”

“I don’t know, Colonel. He’s loading up for a small war, Sir. Gar sounds like he’s on the roof.”

“What’s he playing at. Hold out the radio, Lieutenant. This might work...MAJOR LORNE, STAND DOWN, THAT’S AN ORDER!”

“Don’t think it’s working, Sir. He’s still arming himself.”

“Stop him. Don’t let him leave.”

“I’ll try, Sir.”

“Coughlin?”

. . . .

“Coughlin?”

. . . .

“Coughlin, you’d better answer me.”

“Sorry Sir, I’m here. I couldn’t stop him. He’s headed to the roof. Ortiz and Reed are trying to stop him.”

“Get up there and see what’s going on.”

“Sorry Sir, I can’t. The Major’s got a mean right hook. Just getting my bearings.”

“He hit you!?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Major Lorne hit you?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Damnit, I’m on my way over. I’ll pick up Beckett.”

……………………………

“Hey, LT. Might be best if you stay down there. That’s gonna be some shiner.”

“Get me off this floor, Ortiz. Where’s the Major?”

“We couldn’t stop him. I know he can run but, damn, he was fast. Threw himself right off the roof.”

“What, that’s a four-story drop. What’s he thinking? Get a search organised.”

“LT, he’s not in the water. What Luis forgot to tell you is that Gar was flying past the warehouse. The Major jumped straight onto him. Never saw anything like it.”

“Thanks Reed. Ortiz full facts next time. My heads ringing enough as it is.”

“Can’t believe the Major hit you.”

“Took me a bit by surprise, as well. Though the way he was loading up with weapons I’m lucky he didn’t shoot me.”

“Shit, what’d he take?”

“From what I could see, his Beretta, a P90 with extra clips and a number of grenades. But he was reaching for the rocket launcher when I came in.”

“Holy crap. What the hell happened?”

“No idea. Which direction did he head in?”

“He didn’t LT. They did their vanishing act as soon as the Major sat on Gar. Wherever they went it was in a damn hurry. Did he say where?”

“Didn’t get much conversation out of him. He was muttering about needing to get there. Didn’t make much sense.”

“Hope they’re okay?”

“Me too. But I don’t think he will be when he gets back. The Colonels pissed. Him and Beckett are heading here.”

“Shit!”

“Yup, the Colonel ordered him to stand down. So, add disobeying a direct order to punching an officer.”

“Clusterfuck. LT”

“Yup, Luis. Clusterfuck.”

……………………………………..

“Sheppard, there you are.”

“Rodney, please tell me you found something.”

“Sorry, nope. I need a full data source to be able to confidently plot their route.”

“So, really, you can only tell me where they have been, when they come back. Not exactly useful, McKay.”

“Hey, I’m again working with limited data. Once I have the full set, I can see how the environment they move through works. Once I have that I will be able extrapolate the data on their next vanishing act and know where they’ve gone. It’s not as if I can go to a well-stocked library and pull out a book on ‘How dragons and their troublesome Majors disappear’ now can I.”

“I’m sorry Rodney. That was unfair of me. I’m just worried about them.”

“Apology accepted, John. Me too. We’re not the only ones. A surprising amount of people in the last few hours are also expecting me to perform miracles and find them. It’s very frustrating.”

“Fancy going to the Pier and sneaking some of that 20-year-old scotch.”

“Even though I can feel my brain cells dying, yes, I do.”

…………………………………

“Rodney, do you have hangover?”

“No, Radek, I don’t. But shut up.”

“Thought you don’t drink. Nurture those brain cells, you say.”

“Yes, yes, but probably I’m the only person with many to spare. What do you want Radek, it’s way too early to deal with you? Good god, it’s 3am!”

“I got woken up by Dr Fisher, so now I wake you.”

“Isn’t he the weather man.”

“Stop doing that. He’s a planetary meteorologist.”

“Good for him, what does he want?”

“To raise the shield, category 5 hurricane is on its way.”

“What! I thought only a storm was forecast.”

“It got bigger quickly. It will be here soon.”

“Shit, let’s go wake up Sheppard.”

……………………………………….

“Colonel that’s the last of my people on their way. I thank you for offering them sanctuary. I did not realise how strong this storm could get.”

“Happy to help, Teyla. And, yes, a cat5 hurricane is bad. We’ve had them this strong on Earth before but we normally get a lot more warning.”

“Why did we not know about this one?”

“I would love to repeat all the reasons I got at 3am this morning, but I can’t remember them. There was a lot of science talk going on.”

“Will we have to move Atlantis, Colonel?”

“No, thankfully. I do remember they reassured me that because of the fast build-up of this one, there’ll be no significant storm surge. Atlantis will also be protected by the shield.”

“Colonel, what about Major Lorne. Will he be able to return?”

“I really don’t know. I didn’t think this last night but now I hope they stay away longer. I have to raise the shield. We have no other option.”

“Then I will pray to the Ancestors for their safe return.”

“Me too, Teyla, me too.”

………………………………….

“Hey Reed, whatcha doing?”

“Watching the storm, Corp. Tried to read but I didn’t want to get too far ahead in the book. Need to wait for Gar.”

“More Tolstoy?”

“No, we went a bit more light-hearted this time. Treasure Island.”

“That dragons going to be better read than me. Hell, even after the first book he was better read than me.”

“Think they’re okay, Luis?”

“I trust that dragon to look after the Major, and I trust the Major to look after that dragon. They’ve got each other’s backs.”

“I hope they’re not out in that. That storm looks fierce.”

“It’s definitely weird seeing it from inside the shield. I feel like I’m in a calm fishbowl looking out at hell. If they’re out there they’ll get somewhere safe. Is that why you’re here?”

“Thought if I saw them, I could ask the Colonel to lower the shield very briefly to let them in. Y’know?”

“Good thought, kid. Might join you in that. The LT’s back asleep again.”

“He okay?”

“Yeah, Beckett ruled out any damage to his occipital bone, but it’s colouring nicely.”

“What was the Major thinking, Corp?”

“I know exactly what he was thinking. He needed to be somewhere else and nothing and no-one was going to stop him. Did I ever tell you about my old unit in Afghanistan?”

“I know most of them are now based at the SGC.”

“Only four of us, Reed. We lost three on the final mission. I was on overwatch and saw them pinned down, they were overwhelmed, hell, we all were when the retreat was called. Me and the other guys went through Charlie team before we got stopped trying to get to them.”

“Shit.”

“Yup, it doesn’t matter who’s in front of you when you get like that, you go through them. My brother’s on Charlie. I broke his wrist cause he tried to stop me.”

“Does the LT know this?”

“Yup, he’ll understand why the Major did what he did. My only concern is the Major won’t forgive himself.”

“Corp?”

“The Major does everything by the book. He was moving fast up the ladder. To get to the positions he’s heading to you either keep your nose clean, or you make sure the skeletons are deeply buried. In the space of ten minutes yesterday he broke about four of the USAF unbreakable rules. That’s going to be a shock to him.”

“He gonna get court-martialled?”

“Probably, but thank god, he’s not just got that dragon having his back.”

………………………………………………

“General Harrington, that’s Colonel Maine to see you, Sir.”

“Thank you, Mary. Show him in.”

“General, good to see you again.”

“Colonel, come in. Take a seat.”

“Thank you, Sir. I don’t have much time but I wanted to keep you informed.”

“Appreciate it Colonel. Cheyennes clammed up after that fiasco last week. Even the Joint Chiefs are struggling to get any information out of O’Neill. They’ve circled the wagons.”

“Seems, like it, Sir. But with the President on his side there’s not much leverage we can do on that front.”

“So, we’ve hit a wall.”

“Not at all, Sir. We’ve got other options available. The information I’m getting indicates that Lorne’s formed a fully-fledged bond with an adult dragon. It’s frankly staggering seeing as we had limited success with the juvenile program. We need to get a chance to study them as we have dwindling opportunities left.”

“How do we do that, Colonel. We can’t get him here.”

“I believe you’re about to chair an appropriations committee meeting tomorrow, General.”

“You are very well informed, Colonel Maine.”

“Yes, Sir, I have good sources. We have an opportunity within our grasp but we need to act on it fast. It will take a small section of your budget but I can guarantee success.”

“I can’t just go in there and ask for money to get a dragon to Earth, now can I?”

“You would be surprised at the conversations I have been having General. I wouldn’t exactly put your request like that, but you may find that the conditions will be favourable in your direction, Sir.”

…………………………………………….

“Sheppard, get some sleep.”

“Can’t Ronan. Tried, but all I hear is howling wind.”

“You put the shield up, you can’t hear it now.”

“I think I’m too focused on what’s outside the shield at the moment.”

“They’ll be okay, Sheppard.”

“They’d better be. If I find out that putting up the shield killed them, I will kill them again.”

“That makes no sense.”

“I know, I’m tired, cut me some slack.”

“Colonel Sheppard, Sir.”

“Yes, Peters.”

“We’ve had a request for a visit from a delegation from Sion, Sir.”

“When they wanting to visit, Peters?”

“Now, Sir.”

“What, now? That’s not like them. Let them through.”

“Wonder what they want.”

“No idea, Ronan. God, I hope it’s not another raid. That would be a crappy end to a crappy day. Come on let’s see what they want.”

…………………………………..

“Prefactor Anterls, Good to see you again.”

“Colonel Sheppard, I am very sorry for the short notice visit. But we have most urgent business. Can I introduce you to Commander Aliania and Medic Tyrl. They are most keen to see Major Lorne.”

“Major Lorne. Why? I’m sorry, but I know that word has got around that he currently has a dragon, but we don’t do tours.”

“If I may, Prefector. Colonel, you misunderstand us. I was with Major Lorne and his dragon, Gar, on a Genii planet a short time ago. He rescued us from a prison there.”

“Lorne! He was where?”

“Yes, Colonel, the Commander speaks the truth. We were most surprised and much rejoiced when nearly forty of the missing came through the Stargate just four of your hours ago. Medic Tyrl was most insistent that he check on Major Lornes bullet wound.”

“His what!”

…………………….

“Let me get this straight.”

“Yes, Carson.”

“Evan and Gar teleported to another planet, rescued a bunch of people from the Genii, Evan got shot in the leg..”

“Grazed, Doctor.”

“Thank you, Tyrl is it?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“So grazed by a bullet, proceeded to blow up a barracks, Gar then burnt some more Genii to a crisp..”

“Good riddance.”

“Thank you, Stackhouse.”

“Sorry, Doc.”

“And they are now somewhere either on another planet or in the middle of a hurricane on this planet, with an untreated bullet wound.”

“Well…”

“Sorry Tyrl. A field treated bullet wound.”

“Succinct Carson. But they’re not on that other planet. We got the gate address for it from Sion and Rivers team went to check it out. A lot of charred building but no Major and his dragon.”

“That means they’re back here, Colonel, and arrived slap bang in the middle of a category 5 hurricane.”

“Colonel!”

“McKay, please give me something.”

“Found them. I knew tagging him was a good idea.”

“Where are they?”

“The Athosian village. From what I can tell they’ve holed up in the barn. And according to our scans they’re showing one human sized heat source and one dragon sized. They’re alive.”

“Thank god. Let’s go get them.”

Chapter Text

Higher.

“Yup”

Higher.

“Yup”

Lower.

“Yup. You cheating?”

No. Lower.

“You’re definitely cheating. That’s ten in a row.”

Higher

“Ha, gotcha. My turn.”

Evan awoke to warmth, his mind and body comfortably numb as he shook off the lethargy of an exhausted sleep. He could sense the far distant ache of limbs stiff from a night spent in one position and knew that moving was going to take time. He focused on the strange conversation.

“Gar? I take it from your distraction the Major’s awake.” He heard someone ask.

Ev?

Gar. Where are we? You okay?

I am fine, Ev. We are in the barn. The storm has passed. We await your awakening.

Who’s here?

It is LT. He has introduced me to a new card game. It is very simple. He is also very bad at this one.

“Sir, you awake? Be good to get you off Gar.” Evan could hear a tightness in his Lieutenants voice. He tried to gather his woolly thoughts but they were moving at a sluggish pace. He needed coffee.

Gar? What’s going on?

Ev, are you well? We are at the village as the storm prevented our return to Atlantis. You were asleep when they arrived so I ensured they would not disturb you. You are healing but your doctor is wanting to see you.

With Gar’s words the events of the previous day rushed back. He jolted where he lay, stiff limbs protesting the sudden movement and a bolt of pain from his leg brought everything back in crystal clear clarity.

“Ow.” Shit.

“Sir, you okay in there?”

“Tom, that you?” He knew the answer as he lay back against the dragon’s side. At least he could get one very needed conversation over with quickly.

“Yes Sir, sorry if I woke you. Me and Gar started playing cards.”

“I admire your perseverance, Lieutenant.” He heard the huff of laughter from the corner of the barn.

“Yes, Sir. Can’t believe a dragon that has played cards for a week is better than me already.”

“A dead slug is better than you.”

“True, Sir.” A pause as if Coughlin knew they were delaying a much-needed conversation. “You ready to face the day, Sir? Can you ask Gar to uncoil a bit so I can get to you?

Gar?

It is my role to protect you when you cannot. I did not allow them to climb on me.

Thank you. I appreciate it. Time to move though.

Evan could feel the dragon uncoil as he slipped slightly down from where he was laying. The wing that had settled over him withdrew and Evan could tell the storm had fully passed over by the slanting sunlight starting to broach the high barn windows. Gars neck and tail slipped by his vision as he realised the dragon had been tightly coiled around him. He wouldn’t be the only one feeling stiff today.

The sound of distant hammering drifted in through the ajar barn door, a shaft of sunlight hinting it was late morning. A hand appeared in his vision. He followed the arm up.

“Damn Tom, that looks bad.” The bruising around Coughlins eye socket was an impressive purple, a hint of green on the brow, extending down the cheekbone in a cascade of colours. A split in the skin below the puffy eye, showed Evan where he had hit his second in command.

“You punch hard, Major.” Coughlin replied wryly with a slight wince, his smile creasing the extensive bruise. Grasping Evans hand, he helped raise him to standing position. Evans muscles felt stiff and unyielding, his injured leg protested the change in position.

“I don’t think you’ll need to call me that anymore soon enough.” Evan replied. “I know it doesn’t help, but I’m sorry. I wasn’t in the best frame of mind.” Gar shifted behind him and something nudged the back of his knees. He sat gratefully down on the dragon’s foot and picked a bit of straw from between the claws.

“You don’t need to apologise, Sir. But as you probably feel you have to, then I accept it. And now we move on.”

Ever dependable, solid Coughlin thought Evan.

“Thank you. But you can probably drop the Sir. I’ll be on a disciplinary as soon as I see the Colonel.” The list of charges was forefront in his mind. The evidence of one of them was right in front of him.

“Sir...” Coughlin started. Evan appreciated the attempt.

“Lieutenant, I know what I did, what rules I broke and it just can’t be swept under the carpet. They exist for a reason and there has to be consequences for breaking them. The cohesion of a unit depends on the strength of their rules. Especially for us, as we are so far out from Earth. Sheppard knows this so don’t object to it when it happens, okay?”

He could see the truth in Coughlin’s face. Sheppard, with his appearance of a very relaxed command structure, still had to play by the USAF military code. Atlantis, and its inhabitants, had to maintain a fine balance between a military outpost and a civilian research centre. Both had to comply with the agreed set of guidelines. There could be no exceptions.

“Any idea what’s going to happen, Sir?” Coughlin queried.

Evan had known Coughlin since the early days of the SGC. They had never been on a SG team when they were based at Cheyenne, but both their teams had been on joint missions together. They had only been teammates on SGA-2 for about a year now but he had come to rely on, and trust, the man in front of him.

“Don’t know. Hopefully it won’t be demotion and a trip back to Earth. The latter didn’t go too well the last time.”

I will not let you, Ev

“Don’t think Gar, and a number of people would be too happy about that, Sir.”

“He agrees. If I was Sheppard, it would probably be a demotion and a reduction in duties. Probably house arrest, as well. I’ve been a Captain before; I didn’t think I would see it again but you know what they say about assuming.” He could cope with the demotion, what was concerning is he would probably have to hand his second in command position to Major Walters.

“A demotion will suck, Sir.”

“Yup, not great. But at least I would get a rest after a few hectic weeks. I think me and Gar would appreciate it.” His attempt at humour fell flat as Coughlin’s face fell.

“Sir, what about Atlantis. Will you lose that?”

“More than likely. Walters would be senior. Can’t have a Captain ordering around a Major.”

“Sheppard’s not going to like that, Sir. Walters makes him do his own paperwork.” Sheppard was a well-respected commanding officer but it was a known fact the man couldn’t file a paperclip.

A noise at the open door caused them both to stop their conversation.

“Hey LT, how’s it…” Ortiz whispered as his head appeared around the post. A smile spread across his face when he spied Evan. “Sir, you’re up.” He disappeared again. A loud whisper could be heard by them both. “Reed, hey, Reed. Get over here.”

“You do realise Luis, that sounded louder than talking.”

Evan was glad of the distraction as Ortiz and Reed appeared around the heavy barn door. Discussing his future was getting depressing.

“Doubt anyone heard him Sir, with the amount of hammering that’s going on.” Coughlin got up to push the barn door shut and swatted at Ortiz when the smaller man sat in his seat. “Out of that, floor’s comfy enough.”

Evan became aware of the level of noise that was happening in the village. “What is going on out there?”

“Good to see you awake, Sir,” Reed commented as he sat with his back to the wall. Ortiz joined him with a pout at Coughlin. “Roof repairs. Some houses have lost theirs completely, but its mostly tiles being put back. They’re also trying to get the windmill back up and running. Ronon and Tyrl are in competition to see who can do the most. It’s very impressive.”

“Did the storm turn into a hurricane without us noticing?” Something niggled with Evan. Gar raised his head.

“Yes, Sir,” replied Reed shifting slightly on the compact earthen floor. “When it hit us it was a category 5…”

“Wait, hang on,” Evan interrupted, realisation dawning. “Did you say Tyrl? As in Medic Tyrl?”

“Yes Sir,” Coughlin took over. He shifted forward in his chair as if Evan was about to bolt. “Him and Commander Aliania came through the Stargate earlier looking for you. McKay figured out you were here but we had to wait for the hurricane to move off. We got here about three hours ago.”

Evan winced. “And?”

“Apart from a battle of wills with Gar, who refused either Beckett or Tyrl access to you, they’ve been very helpful.”

That could cover a multitude of things Evan decided. He wasn’t under arrest yet.

“From the start, Lieutenant.” He ordered. Coughlin straightened instinctively.

“They came through with Prefactor Anterls, Sir. Asked for you. Told Colonel Sheppard you were injured. Told him their side of the story. He went into serious Colonel mode. McKay found you. Two jumper loads of people are here in the village. We’re fixing things up. Tyrl and Beckett are helping a logging team that took shelter in the woods. They ordered me to stay with you. It’s the only reason why they are not here prodding you. But that was over two hours ago so be prepared.”

“Then you know the whole story?”

“Most of it, Sir. The rest we can probably piece together. The Colonel played yes/no questions with Gar when we got here.” Coughlin smiled at the dragon. “Gar convinced the Colonel that it was best to leave you where you were.”

“And that convinced Beckett?” Evan asked with surprise. The Head of Medical was not known for leaving wounds unattended. He could feel the bandage sticking to his leg in a rather uncomfortable way.

Ortiz let out a bark of laughter. “God, no, Sir. He was all ready to scale Mount Gar but then the logging team staggered in. Their injuries trumped yours.”

“Are they okay?” There weren’t many Athosians in the village and he knew a number of them well.

“They should be fine, Sir. Two need to head to Atlantis for medical care so Becketts still dealing with them. Want me to go get Tyrl?” Coughlin had spotted the look of discomfort creeping across his face. His leg had started protesting the moving he’d been doing.

“No, don’t want to pull him away from a competition with Ronon.”

Ortiz smirked “Sir, I mentioned about you returning with Godzilla next time. I know Tyrl’s not a giant lizard but, jeez, the man is about the same size. How on earth did you find someone bigger than Ronon. Didn’t think it was possible.”

“It wasn’t really planned, Ortiz.” Evan looked round his team deciding it was a good time to start rebuilding the trust. “Sorry about the way it went down. I’ll not let that happen again.”

“So, what did happen, Sir?” Coughlin queried.

Evan reclined against Gar. He could feel the dragon settle behind him. “Reed, keep an eye out for Beckett. This may take some telling.”

……………………………………..

The village had reached a semblance of order by the time Evan and his entourage emerged from the barn, Gar deciding to sleep longer and with Reed volunteering to stay behind to keep him company. He suspected that the dragon had little sleep during the night.

Gripping Ortiz’s shoulder tightly they steered him towards the central area, the corporals arm steady around his waist. A compromise had been reached that either they would call for Beckett or he would accept his teams help. Ortiz being of similar height was nominated. Coughlin just hovered.

A shout of alarm caused them to turn towards where the windmill was being raised, Evan willing his leg to move a bit less painfully.  A sharp crack reverberated around the village and the windmill crashed to the ground.

“Damn, I thought that might’ve happened.” Coughlin studied the remains as they settled. “I had a look when we got here and thought the central supports were no-good. Think that proves it.” Coughlin’s engineering training had come in handy on a number of missions both back on Earth and in the Pegasus galaxy. “Think we’re going to have to build it from scratch, Sir. Good thing Gar has a supply of trunks.”

“We we’re planning on bringing them over after the storm has passed. Hopefully we’ll still be allowed.” He had seen the enthusiasm the villagers displayed for the promise of supplies.

“I’m sure the Colonel will allow it, Sir. Especially after the ferocity of this storm.”

Evan hoped that their destination was not too far off. Sharp pains had been radiating down to his ankle on every step and Coughlins hand had crept under his armpit. With the additional support, his leg barely touched the ground. Glancing ahead he identified their target as the village hall, Ronon sitting on the apex of the roof, hammer in hand.

“Major,” came a shout from above, the Satedan pausing his hammering. “Good to see you awake.” He leant over a raised vent next to him. “Beckett,” he bellowed into the building, “Lorne’s here.”

“Does that man have any sense of self-preservation?”

Evan was about to agree with Ortiz’s query when they reached the bottom step of the hall entrance.

The doctor appeared at the top, his glare taking them in. “Not one of you have an ounce of self-preservation.” Becketts tone was sharp and Ortiz took a slight step back as the doctors’ glare landed on him. “Did I not instruct you lot to alert me when the Major was accessible. At no point did I tell you to drag him halfway across the village. Get in here. And, for god’s sake, pick him up, before he falls over.”

Evan felt the hands supporting him grip a bit tighter and his foot barely touched the three steps leading into the spacious hall, where the large windows created a bright welcoming space. Only one far window still had shutters closed blocking out the bright sunlight.

Huddles of people filled the open space, clustered around a handful of beds, occupied by what he deduced was the injured logging crew. His entry caused a considerable amount of the halls occupants to look up, Evan flinching slightly under their scrutiny. He could see relieved smiles on a number of faces and relaxed slightly.

“Come on, bring him over here.” Becketts no nonsense tone was abrupt as he led them to a closed off alcove away from the main area of activity. The thud of the distant hammering receding as they entered the smaller space.

The sound of a commotion in the central hall halted them. A clearly flustered Aliania appeared at the doorway, wisps of her greying hair escaping her tight ponytail. Her eyes fixed on Evan and a slight smile crossed her face. It made her look years younger.

She strode over to him, throwing her arms round him and hugged him tightly. A combination of surprise and balance had Evan holding onto her.

“If you ever disappear like that again,” she whispered sternly in his ear, “ever, Major. I will set Tyrl on you. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes Ma’am. Crystal.” He replied with a smile. As she released him and stepped back, he felt Coughlins hand return as he was lowered to perch at the edge of a raised bed.

“Right,” she demanded, as Evan saw her military bearing reassert itself. “Lieutenant Coughlin, follow me. I need your assessment on the windmill. Corporal Ortiz, please keep the Major company.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Came the dual replies, a look flitting between Coughlin and Ortiz. The younger man nodded. With a “see you later, Sir” Coughlin followed Aliania out.

“What just happened, Ortiz?” Evan asked in confusion. “Did Sheppard give up command?”

“No, Sir.” Ortiz said with a laugh. “The Colonel’s flying the wounded back to Atlantis and left the Commander in charge. I think it was a combination of a healthy dose of respect, the need for her to be busy and abject fear on the Colonels part.”

Evan could see Commander Aliania was a very capable officer who evidently had led troops long enough it had become instinctual for them to follow her. His musings were interrupted when the distant hammering increased in volume.

Beckett huffed as he glanced upwards. “Ortiz, can you go and tell Ronon to give it a break. Tyrl’s with the Colonel so he doesn’t have to keep it up.” Beckett glanced over at the hovering Corporal when he didn’t move. “I would be kicking you out anyway as I need to examine Major Lorne. That was me telling you politely. Out Ortiz.”

“Loud and clear Doc. Major, I’ll go and check on Reed and Gar as well. Back soon, Sir.”

Evan shifted his attention to the dragon. Deep feelings of slumber hit him.

“He’s still asleep, Luis. But appreciate it.”

The mutterings of “so cool, so cool,” reached Evan as his corporal headed out.

Evan watched Beckett as he gathered his equipment; the doctor surprisingly quiet. It dawned on him he hadn’t been directly addressed by the normally blunt Scot.

“Carson, are you okay? I feel like I owe you an apology for something.”

Beckett tense shoulders dropped slightly as the doctor finally looked at him. The doctor grabbed a nearby chair, positioning it in front of the bed, and with a sigh sat down. He looked tired.

“I need to have a wee chat with your dragon, laddie. And, no, I’m not angry with you, just a bit peeved at the situation. I had no idea how hurt you were, couldn’t get to you and had to play a guessing game with an overgrown lizard.”

Evan winced at the description of Gar; glad the dragon was deeply asleep. He had always found it best to let Beckett get his rant out the way before any treatment happened. Also, it was a good way to get information quickly.

“We had no idea where you were.” The doctor continued. “Could’ve been in the bloody hurricane for all we knew. McKays stressing cause he couldnae find ye and yer teams kicking themselves cause they didnae stop ye. And the Colonel just paced. Ye know that man disnae do inactivity well. Then we find out ye’ve been in a bloody war.”

Evan opened his mouth to correct the doctor but took in the broad Scots accent and shut his mouth.

Beckett wasn’t finished.

“And the bloody storm was still going so we couldnae leave. For four hours, Evan. It wasnae a pretty sight. Then we turn up here to find a partly destroyed village and a badly injured logging team. Nerves were a bit frayed. We had no idea what we were gonna see when we opened the barn. Couldnae even see you. That dragon was coiled round you like the overprotective lizard he is. I had to get my information of your injuries from him through Coughlin. Not ideal, Evan.”

“Sorry, Doc.” Generalised apologies was always good in dealing with Beckett.

“Not your fault, laddie.” The Scottish accent lessening. “We were worried is all. Should have realised that dragon won’t let anything happen to you. Maybe I should thank him as well. But I’m still going to have a word with him about your medical care.”

Evan made a mental note to prepare Gar for a bit of Beckett lecturing.

“I’ll set it up, Doc.” Evan reassured the doctor and from the relaxing of his tense expression, combined with a friendly clap on the shoulder, the tension in the room lifted.

“Appreciate it, Evan, and it’s very good to see you. Now, we need to have a wee look at what state you came back in. Lie back now.”

As Beckett peeled the hastily applied bandage that Tyrl had done, Evan could see the state of his leg. The wound was about six inches long, creasing along the outside of his thigh in a slight downward angle. It gaped redly in the centre.

“What did this?” asked Beckett, gently palpating the wound. Evan winced as a clear fluid ran down his leg.

“A Genii pistol.”

“Good. If it was one of their shotguns you wouldn’t have a leg left. It looks okay but once we’re back on Atlantis you’ll be having a full wound debridement. I’ll just give you some painkillers and antibiotic spray for now and cover it back up.”

“Thanks Doc.” Evan replied, grateful that painkillers were mentioned. His leg had started pulsing in time with the hammering he could hear. He decided to get more information from the doctor as he tried to distract himself from the pain.

“So Tyrl’s here as well?”

“Good man that.” Carson replied as he leant out into the main hall. “Allie, can you pop through and bring the scanner and the lido combo please.”

“Yes, doctor,” came from the depths of the hall.

“Excellent medic,” continued Carson, cutting up Evans trouser leg to get full access to the wound. “He’s offered his services to help out in the infirmary on Atlantis and asked to learn a lot of our techniques. The Colonel is gonna put the request to the General. Can’t see it being refused.”

Carson draped a surgical sheet over him, after spraying his leg in cold antiseptic. Evan winced at the feeling on his hot skin. “The Colonel, Carson. How bad?”

Beckett paused in answering as he accepted a tray from a smiling nurse. He remained quiet as he injected a long needle into Evans thigh, a slight pinch followed as Carson emptied the contents of the syringe. The needle was placed back on the tray and he dismissed the nurse. With a sigh Beckett sat down next to Evan.

“That’s a bit more of a tricky situation, laddie.” Beckett said, reaching for a bandage. “I’ve been around the military long enough to know there was a few things you didn’t do by the book. And by the bruise on Coughlin’s face, I don’t think it can be ignored.”

Evan relaxed back into the pillow in a combination of the feeling in his leg receding and the reality of the situation sinking in.

“I fucked up, Carson.” Evan could feel the stirrings of concern.

“I’m not going to lie to you Evan, but there’s been a lot of angry messages flying about. It’s now moved past the Colonel and General O’Neill but you’ve got the support of everyone on Atlantis. It’ll be okay.” Beckett finished wrapping his leg and patted his knee in a show of support. “You may not see the Colonel much as he’s fighting your corner, but remember he has also to appear impartial.”

Evan realised something. “Doc, I can’t feel my leg.”

“That’s what a nerve blocker does, Evan.” Carson had a smug smile on his face. “Really helps with the pain.”

“But not great for my mobility.” His leg would only sluggishly obey commands to move.

“Means we won’t lose sight of you then.” Carson was now sounding smug as well. “It’ll hold till we get you back to Atlantis and get that wound cleaned out.”

……………………………………….

By the time the jumper arrived back from Atlantis Evan had lost complete feeling in his leg. He had begrudgingly shifted over to a basket stretcher, helped by a returning Coughlin and Ortiz, but had sat up in protest, occasionally giving Carson glaring looks. He prodded his leg again, getting the same result.

“Evan, the feeling won’t be back for at least six hours. Stop it.” A hand gently slapped his away. He gave Carson another glare. “Trust me laddie, that wound is deep. It’s close to the nerve.  This is the best option.”

“I’m sick of stretchers, Carson.”

“Major.” Came a shout from the doorway. Before he could greet Tyrl, he was enveloped in a tight embrace. As Tyrl pulled back he held Evan by both arms and studied him intently. “Are you well? How is your leg? It is good to see you, Major.”

Evan indicated to the seat next to him and with relief saw Tyrl sink into it. The man was tall enough when Evan was standing. He was a veritable giant when viewed from a stretcher.

“My leg’s fine, thank you, Tyrl. It’s good to see you too.” Evan replied with genuine warmth. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there on Atlantis when you got there. I didn’t expect to return to a hurricane.”

“We were most concerned when we arrived. We feared the worst. But your Dr McKay managed to find you. You have amazing technology. I can see how you can become invisible.”

Oops, thought Evan, forgot about that. He could see Beckett and Coughlin exchange a glance, the latter shrugging. He had unintentionally left out that part of the story.

“What?” muttered Ortiz, a bewildered expression on his face.

“Later, Ortiz.” Evan shifted his attention back to Tyrl. “Did everyone get home okay?”

“Yes, Major.” Tyrl was beaming, oblivious to the confused looks. “We arrived at Sion and there was much rejoicing. The commander’s nephew was not harmed in the raid and she was most thankful. She pulled rank which allowed us to travel to your city. I contacted Sion when I returned earlier. Everyone is relived that you are well. Though young Tomas was more interested to hear about Gar I’m afraid.”

Evan let out a genuine laugh. “I’m sure every five-year-old would be more interested in a dragon than a limping soldier.”

Ronon appeared at the door. “Beckett, the jumper’s ready to depart.”

“Okay, let’s move out then. Tyrl can I ask you to stay here to make sure everyone is moved to their houses safely. You’ll have the two nurses staying with you as well.”

“I’m also not coming back, Beckett. More roofs to fix.” Ronon rumbled. A rare smile on his face.

“Then I can join you, friend Ronon,” Tyrl enthused. “And after my medical duties are complete, I can show you how I hammer nails in with my fist.”

“What’s going on Carson?” Evan asked quietly glancing between the two men.

“Budding bromance, I think it’s called.” Carson pushed him back and connected the straps.

Ev, are you well? Evan had felt the dragon slowly surfacing.

Hope you slept well Gar. Yes, I’m fine. Carson’s numbed my leg so I’m not too mobile. We’re about to head home. What’s your plans?

I will check on you before you leave. Then I will head to the maybe-mango trees as they are delicious and are good sustenance. I will bring some back for you.

Thank you, Gar.

With all the straps tightened, Evan had no choice but to lie back. His view limited to the sky above him and occasional glimpses of Coughlins bruised face. A blatant reminder of what he was heading back to. Halfway to the jumper his view was filled with a huge dragon’s head.

Hey, Gar. He reached up and scratched the dragon’s snout. The smell of slightly charred pine oil wafted over him.

Ev, you are not mobile at all. Concern rose from the dragon.

Beckett’s just being cautious. I’ll be fine. Why don’t you head to the beach for a swim? I’ll check on who’s there.

I would like that, but you cannot join me. Sadness flooded their bond.

Definitely next time Gar. Don’t think Beckett will let me near sand at the moment.

Be safe, Ev. The dragon took a long leap into the air and spiralled round in his view.

Fly safe, Gar.

“Hey Reed.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Anyone at the beach at the moment?”

“You kidding, Sir. That beach break will have a swell with bombs that barrel.”

Evan forgot he was asking a surfer. “No idea what you just said, Reed. Who’s there? Anyone that knows Gar?”

“I think Lieutenant Cadman’s there again, Sir. First time back.”

Gar, Cadman’s at the beach. Would you join her for a swim? It’s her first time back in the water.

I would be happy to, Ev.

“Reed, can you contact them. Tell them Gar’s on his way. Appreciate it if they could give him a scrub.”

“Will do, Sir.”

…………………………………….

The flight back was uneventful. Beckett refused to let him sit up so he stared at a patch of curved jumper ceiling for the short journey back. His mind ticking over what was likely to happen on his return.

He was therefore surprised there was no welcoming committee to arrest him when the jumper docked and no guards were posted at the infirmary on his arrival. The mild sedative Carson administered to do the wound cleaning made him go fuzzy for about an hour and when he awoke, he had a clean, tight white bandage on his still numb leg.

And Lieutenant Rivers standing at the bottom of his bed.

“Rivers?” Evan acknowledged and saw the man flinch. A noise alerted him to the fact that Beckett was standing at the head of his bed.

“Major Lorne,” Rivers couldn’t meet his eye. “I have been informed by Doctor Beckett that your injuries do not impede your cognitive functions. Is that correct, Doctor Beckett?”

“This is ridiculous,” Beckett spluttered, “Ye cannae…”

“Carson!” Evan could tell that the doctor was gearing up a defence. “Just answer the question, please.”

He could see the relief in Rivers face.

“He’s fine Lieutenant. But he’s staying here till that nerve blocker fades. And no guards in ma infirmary, mind.”

Evan knew it had been coming, but to be faced with the reality felt like a hard punch. He could sympathise with Coughlin. Rivers took a deep breath.

“Major Lorne, Sir.” Rivers looked at him with desperate eyes. “I have been deputised by the Office of the Provost Marshall General to present to you an arrest warrant for court martial on the grounds of insubordination and conduct unbecoming an officer. You are to be confined to guarded quarters in the main tower for the next seventy-two hours. After that you are to attend a hearing where you will have access to legal representation to refute these charges. Any questions, Major?”

Evan could see the man was trembling. “Are you okay Rivers?”

“No, Sir. Not in any way.”

“It’s okay. I understand. But I do have one other question.”

“Sir?”

“Where’s your warrant?”

“Sir?” Evan saw the panicked look replaced by a quizzical look.

Evan smiled. “Tell Colonel Sheppard that in the filing cabinet in my office, second drawer down, there are blank ones. Get him to fill it in and then you bring it back. Only then is your arrest valid.”

Rivers had his panicked look back on. “Do I have to go back to the Colonel, Sir?”

“Yes, Lieutenant. Most definitely.” Every officer went through legal training in the OCS. Was he the only one that was awake for it?

“He’s not in a good mood, Sir. Always thought his black ops background was maybe not true. Don’t doubt it now.” Rivers started for the door.  “I’ll be right back.”

A snorting noise made him look to the doctor standing next to him. “Carson?” he queried.

“God, Evan.” Beckett was shaking his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You’re not gonna go anywhere laddie, this place would fall apart without you.”

……………………………………………..

Three hours later he could feel his toes again, but the unfortunate consequence of that was his leg wound, painless until now, had started pulsing. A liberal dose of oral painkillers dulled the pain to the background. A brief mini standoff with Carson allowed Evan to regain a certain amount of control and he slowly hobbled out of the infirmary on crutches, Rivers following, clutching a medication bottle. They were met by Sergeant Stackhouse at the infirmary doors.

“Really Sergeant.” Stackhouse’s normally stoic face showed a hint of regret. “I’m on crutches, how far do you think I’ll get?”

“Sorry, Major.” As the marine fell into step with them. “Orders from the Colonel, Sir.”

Evan knew the policy and two guards minimum were expected especially where the charge of striking another officer had been laid. Evan just wished Sheppard had picked less conspicuous ones.

As they headed slowly along the main corridors Evan became increasingly aware of the lack of foot traffic. In fact, the corridors were nearly deserted. A brief glimpse of a passing scientist was all that was seen, and after a brief cough by Rivers, the scientist scurried through a nearby door.

His suspicions rose. “Alright, guys. What’s going on? It’s the middle of the afternoon, where is everyone?” He asked as they turned down an unfamiliar corridor. “And where are we going exactly? I’m not up for a trek.”

He had used crutches before but had forgotten how cumbersome they were. He had been trying to get back into the rhythm of them but his instincts were based on a lower leg cast and not a thigh wound. He stumbled slightly as his foot caught an edge. He hissed with the jolt of pain.

“You okay, Sir? We can request a wheelchair. That’d make Beckett happy.” Rivers had stopped outside a smaller transporter.

“I’m okay, Lieutenant. Just getting used to these damn things again. But I’d appreciate knowing our destination as I don’t think I’ve much left in the tank.” He could feel his energy levels waning and he wanted to get horizontal soon.

“Only a bit longer, Sir. The Colonel’s asked for you to be placed under guard in the penthouse.”

“What? Why on earth there?” The aptly named penthouse apartment was huge, covering three levels, and considered totally impractical for quarters. He had only been up there once; the all-round views of the city were stunning from the expansive balcony. Ah. “Don’t answer that, I think I know.”

Expansive enough that a dragon could land on them. Sneaky Sheppard. Appear to be containing him in the most secure accommodation available while allowing access to what will probably be a pissed off dragon. His admiration of the Colonels deviousness went up a notch.

A short transporter ride had them at the penthouse door, standing alone in its own foyer with a corridor stretching along to storage rooms at the far end. Two seats placed either side of the door already stood sentry.

“Dr McKay has restricted the transporter authorisation to only a handful of people.” Rivers explained. “It’s me, Stackhouse and the Colonel. So, guard duties will be rotational with one of our team members. You will only be allowed to use the transporter during a city-wide emergency, Sir.”

Evan wondered if they realised that he could just hop on a dragon if he wanted to leave. He decided not to remind them of the fact. He was sure the Colonel had realised that. If they didn’t want that as an option he would be in the cells. Definitely no balconies there.

As Stackhouse opened the door, both him and Rivers stepped back allowing Evan access. They didn’t follow him in. After glancing back at them in confusion for a blatant breach of policy, he headed down the corridor leading to the main living space, searching out a horizontal surface. He stopped in surprise.

Colonel Sheppard was standing at the floor to ceiling windows, staring out at Atlantis.

The heavy quiet continued for a minute, before Evan decided it was better for him to sit down. He sank into an armchair. Damn, it was a comfy one. He felt his leg relax as he stretched it out.

Sheppard broke the silence.

“Do you know the main strength of Atlantis, Major?” Sheppard did not turn round. He stood ramrod straight surveying the view to the North Pier. “People, Evan. Always its people.”

“Sir?” Evan decided vague answers was the safest way forward.

Sheppard glanced round at him. “Not the time for a ‘Sir’, Evan. This isn’t a Colonel/Major chat.”

Ah, one of those conversations, he thought. “John, what are you doing here? You know this isn’t a good idea.”

Sheppard moved away from the view, sitting in the matching chair next to Evan and reached down to the side. A quarter full bottle of 20-year-old Scotch appeared on the low table between them, followed by two glasses.

Evan smiled. “Now that’s a much better idea, Sir.”

“Ak, no rank at the moment.” Sheppard held up a warning finger as he poured a healthy measure into both glasses. “I checked with Beckett, the painkillers you’re on will not react with alcohol.”

“And he agreed, with no lecture?”

“Oh, there was a lecture, mostly about the use of his whisky. But I think Beckett marked it down as vital medicinal use. Besides, we need to have a chat.”

“I will say again, John. This is not a good idea. You could be dragged into this. I can’t see you go down as well.”

“I prefer nobody to go down. Least of all you. And, anyway, I’m not here.”

Evan frowned at his commanding officer. “Yes, you are.”

“Nope, definitely not. I was not seen arriving. And at a certain moment in the near future your two guards will patrol to check the storerooms. If my exit happens to coincide with that patrol then, hey, never seen.”

“What about the transporter records?” Nothing happened on Atlantis without a record of it somewhere. His concern about implication now included Rivers and Stackhouse.

Sheppard leant back and sipped his whisky, a devious look on his face. “I have told Dr McKay a number of times that he needs to keep the transporter system running smoothly. Lifeblood of the place, you know. The system requires regular upgrading especially when changing transporter protocols. Means sensors may have to go down for a minute of two.”

The man was definitely sneaky he concluded. It still made him feel uncomfortable about the risk others were taking for him.

“Still not liking this.”

“Tough.” The stern Colonel tone creeping in. “Deal with it. I needed to give you a heads up.”

The tension in the room rose again. “How bad?” Evan asked with trepidation.

“Before we get into it, I would like to say how happy I am that you’re not dead. Good work on the staying alive front. In fact, good work all round, Evan.”

“Thank you.”

“Good. Now we’ve established that I am glad for your continuing existence, let’s discuss how we are going to achieve that going forward.”

A small part of Evan shifted back onto an even keel. With the Colonels absence, from the time Evan awoke in the village, a tiny voice had whispered concerns.

“I’m sorry I’ve been hands off, but I had my reasons.” Sheppard continued. “I even got a talking to by Tyrl on the jumper flight back because of it. By the way, please stop picking up intimidating giant individuals on your travels.”

“I’ll try my best.” At that Evan felt the familiar camaraderie click back into place. He relaxed back into the very comfortable chair and sipped his whisky.

“Good. Now to the nitty-gritty.” Sheppard swallowed the rest of his whisky and poured them both a new one before continuing. “A court martial pre-hearing is unavoidable, me and General O’Neill tried to contain it at a summary level, hence why I’ve not been about, but it’s being pushed up to potentially the general level.”

Evan closed his eyes when a surge of panic hit. Of the three levels of court martial the general court martial was the most serious with far reaching consequences. If they had just held a summary one it could have been done by Colonel Sheppard and had the minimal level of punishments. The general level was not a good sign.

“Shit.” Evan said with feeling.

“Exactly.” Sheppard nodded. “There is a bigger agenda here and we’re not seeing the full picture. That pisses me off. You know how much I hate higher up politics. So, we need to figure out our next step.”

“I need to plead guilty, John.” He knew it had been coming to this.

Evan got the full Sheppard stare for a beat. “No, you damn well don’t. That’s not an option that’s on the table.”

“It has to be.” He argued, his musings on the jumper trip home had covered this. “I’m screwed if I go down the route of being controlled by an external source. That never ends well. I’m also screwed if I argue that I wasn’t in my right mind. I loaded up with weapons, Sir. Either of these ways, my military career is over before the first argument is presented.”

Sheppard remained silent. His look dark.

“If I plead guilty,” Evan continued, taking the silence as confirmation that Sheppard had no real plan, “then I can say that I knew what I was doing, that the information I received put me on a combat ready footing. I reacted accordingly, but rashly.”

“Won’t you just be playing right into whoever’s hands are pulling the strings.” Sheppard countered.

“Yes, Sir. But maybe that means we can see the puppet master. I would rather see if we can get them now than at a random point down the line.”

“I’m not liking it, Evan.” Sheppard stared into his glass. He swirled the amber liquid around. “But I can see your point. I feel like you’re being laid out as bait.”

“I don’t want to live my life looking over my shoulder. If we can use this to our advantage then I’m all for it.” He could feel the anger building up in him. The self-serving bullshit that went on at high levels sickened him. He wanted to fight back.

“This is going to take some persuading. O’Neill’s ready to come in with guns blazing.”

Evan stared at him in horror. His feeling of panic increasing. “Tell me you talked him out of it. That’s not going to help anyone. He’s needed at the SGC.”

Evan grinned at the look Sheppard sent him.

“I do sometimes see the bigger picture, Evan. And speaking of the bigger picture it’s arranged with Prefector Anterls that if this all goes boom, you and Gar will be heading to Sion until we can get it all sorted.”

“What?” Evan hadn’t thought much past the start of the court martial.

“Think about it, if you’re taken back to Earth, that dragon will go with you.”

“We can’t let him.”

“That’s not a conversation I plan on having with a rather intimidating dragon. I heard he breathes fire.” Sheppard poured the remains of the bottle into their glasses. Evan could feel numbness creeping in along with the unnatural effects of alcohol induced relaxation. He leant his head back. He was taking one of these chairs to the courtyard and claiming it as his.

Evan knew the Colonel was correct. Gar would not leave him and at the same time Evan would not leave the dragon. Their lives were forever intertwined. If they ever ended up on Earth it had to be on their own terms.

“You’re right.” Evan smiled at Sheppard’s enthusiastic ‘yup’. “But if it does go boom they may just transfer me straight to the Daedalus after the court martial.”

“Well,” Sheppard said slyly, “a little birdie tells me you’ve been using Atlantean technology that makes you invisible. Pray tell Evan, what technology was the very reliable Commander Aliania talking about?”

“Ah, that.”

“Yup, that. Probably something we should have known about, doncha think?”

“Don’t think I’ve told you the story from the start. Maybe I should rectify that.” Evan stared at his near empty glass. “Shame, a good story is always best with alcohol.”

“Don’t worry, Major.” Sheppard leant down and pulled a full bottle from the floor. “I know where Carson stashed his second one.”

Chapter Text

By day two Evan was starting to go stir crazy. Sorely tempted to take Gar up on his offer of a quick flight, he resisted, as he knew it would do more harm than good. He alternated between worry and lethargy, partially aided by the hangover from Colonel Sheppards visit.

Finally, at the end of the second day, he requested that Rivers pick up his painting supplies so at least he would have something to keep his mind occupied. He spent a peaceful morning of the third day painting the view of the north pier, accompanied by questions about art from the snoozing dragon stretched out along the length of the balcony.

“Major Lorne, Sir,” came a distant shout from the penthouse entrance. “You’ve got visitors. Okay to send them in?”

“Sure,” he shouted back, cleaning his hands on a damp cloth, a stubborn spot of cerulean blue resisting under his fingernail. As he stood, stretching his back after a number of hours at his easel, his leg only gave a slight twinge; he’d given up on the crutches the day before.

Visitors? queried Gar, eyes closed. No outward sign of the dragon’s attention visible, but Evan could tell all his senses had flared.

Don’t worry, he replied. Hughes won’t let anyone in that he doesn’t trust. The bomb disposal expert on Stackhouses team was a suspicious man at all times. It was always entertaining listening to him discuss his latest conspiracy theory.

“Evan, you in here? Jeez this place is huge. It’s got more levels that the SGC. Makes my place look like shit.”

Grinning, Evan headed into the vaulted main room. “What the hell you doing here, Sir?” he asked in surprise, crossing the room to greet Colonel Cameron Mitchell, as the current leader of SG1 looked around in awe.

The older man turned, and with a shout of greeting, enveloped Evan in a crushing hug.

“Good to see you too, Evan,” was the equally enthusiastic reply. “I’m here to rescue you from your ivory tower. Though as I’ve heard you’ve now got a dragon, you’re more than halfway to being a Disney princess, then I think it’s already too late for you.”

“Very funny, Sir.” Evan replied, as he was released and assessed. He had known the grinning man in front of him since they had completed flight school at Maxwell Air Force base when they were both doing their basic. He had huge respect for the Colonel and was glad he had found a place in the SGC. “Good to see you too. I heard that there was a group coming from Earth. But how did you get authorised access to see me?”

With a hand on Evans shoulder, Mitchell turned to peer down the corridor. “I’m just the very well-trained guard dog for your legal representative,” he replied. “If I can tear him away from staring at the architecture. Oi, Jackson!” Mitchell bellowed back down the corridor.

“Coming, coming, but this is so representative of about five different architecture developments, it’s fascinating. Hey, Evan. Impressive quarters.” Daniel Jackson wandered past the two men. “You can just see the roman columns with the ….”

“Oi, Daniel. Focus. Priorities now, gawp later” Mitchell barked as Daniel looked like he was heading up the stairs.

“Sorry, it’s just… to be here in all this…sorry, right. Evan, how’re you feeling?” Evan could literally see the archaeologist pull his attention back into the room.

“I’m fine, Doc. Leg’s much better, thanks.” He frowned. “What do you mean legal representative?” He was confused. No other person had entered the room.

Mitchell sighed as Daniel started examining a lamp. “Turns out Jackson here is a fully functioning lawyer. He did a law degree as a bet, go figure. So, it means there’s a justifiable reason for me to be here, as the General felt that Daniel needed a minder. Can see why.”

Evan tried to recall the SGC gossip that he’d heard when he was briefly on Earth. “But I thought you were trying to get the remaining Tokra to possibly join the fight with the Ori?”

Mitchell put on an aggrieved face. “Turns out they’re not too impressed with my brand of humour. Sam’s gone to see if she can do any better.”

“Colonel, you called one of them a back stabbing, snake-headed, yellow-bellied cheat,” came the distant response from Dr Jackson as he wandered into the downstairs restroom. Evan felt respect for a man who could get passionate about Ancient bathrooms.

“See, no sense of humour. Think the General sent me here to get out me of his hair. And also, because some idiot has decided to plead guilty to all charges. I felt my skills could be better used to see if I could talk some sense into him.” Evan felt the heat of Mitchells glare.

As he opened his mouth to explain, Daniel wandered back into the room.

“We talked about this Cam, it’s the best course of action for him. If he tries to argue against it then his military career is over, and yes, I know pleading guilty sounds like a sure-fire route to that, but it’s the best option for any future decisions.”

“Still means I don’t have to be happy about it. Though, woo-hee, Evan, if they lock you up in here, at least you’ll be in the lap of luxury.”

Evan looked around the space that had become a prison. “You would think, but someone’s not happy about the wind shear coming from the row of towers to the south. I’ve listened to quite a few complaints.”

I have more where they came from.

Come and meet our visitors, Gar. They’re here to discuss the trial.

“I take it you’re talking about your dragon. Colonel Sheppard says he’s been assisting the Athosians with building material.” Mitchell commented.

The light within the room dimmed as Gar ducked through the double height door leading to the balcony. A good proportion of the floor space had been cleared of furniture and Gar had taken the opportunity to settle there for the last two nights. Nobody had objected, and Evan suspected there were concerns he would sleepwalk again if Gar wasn’t nearby. He also appreciated the company.

He watched, his amusement building, as Mitchell and Jackson took a couple of steps backwards when Gar entered. The dragon took a minute to settle, his hind legs and tail remaining on the balcony. He dominated the room impressively.

“Holeeee crap,” Mitchell muttered under his breath. Dr Jackson was experiencing a rare moment of speechlessness.

Evan decided to make introductions. “Gar this is Doctor Daniel Jackson and Colonel Cameron Mitchell from Earth. Guys, this is Gar.”

I am very pleased to meet you. The dragon reclined his head in greeting.

“He says he’s very pleased to meet you.” Evan informed the staring men.

“We’re honoured to meet you, Gar.” Daniel said with a look of wonder on his face. His face split into a grin as Gar used the universal sign for hello.

“Lieutenant Coughlin’s been teaching him sign language,” Evan explained. “Initially only poker terms but they’ve branched out a bit thankfully.”

“Poker?” Mitchell sounded horrified.

“Yeah, that’s on Corporal Ortiz, Sir. But it’s calmed down since they’ve discovered nobody can beat a dragon for a poker face.”

I do not know what to do with my winnings. The concept of money is confusing, Ev.

“He’s built up a tidy sum.” Evan explained. He turned to the dragon. “Chat with Reed, you could put some of it towards new books. With the Daedalus due in tonight we normally put a list together for anything we wish to buy.”

I will do that, thank you.

“Books?” Daniel sounded impressed.

“Gar and Reed are working through the classics. He’s better read than most on Atlantis.”

They were interrupted by the droning city-wide alarm as it drifted through the open doors. Gars head swivelling to the noise.

“It’s okay,” Evan said reassuringly. “The signal means that the Daedalus is on its final approach. It should be here in about an hour.”

“That brings us to the reason we’re here, Evan.” Daniel had managed to tear his attention away from Gar with only occasional side glances. “Colonel Sheppard’s asked us to give you a heads up on the judiciary panel that are going to be there tomorrow.”

“How many did they decide on?” Evan asked with trepidation.

“Only three,” Daniel commented, looking worried. “It’s less than it should be, but you’re in a challenging situation. In most circumstances there should be a minimum of five but you can’t head to Earth so allowances have been made.”

“Do you know who’s going to be on it?” He knew his chances rested on the individuals on the panel.

“Colonel Caldwell, who, of course, is arriving on the Daedalus. General Braddock and a Colonel Foster who came through the gate with us.” 

“Damn.” Evan felt his confidence sink. His concern increased a notch. “This isn’t good. Caldwell’s not pro-Atlantis at all. I think he’s still harbouring aspirations of command. Braddocks nickname is by-the-book so he’s not going to be too lenient. Who’s Colonel Foster?”

“He’s new,” Mitchell sighed. “So new, his eagles are still shiny. From what I’ve seen of him he’s ambitious. Volunteered for this, meaning currently he’s an unknown. Colonel Sheppard’s also told us of the plans if everything doesn’t go our way. You okay with it?” Evan could feel the disapproval from Mitchell from the tone of his words.

“Any alternatives, Sir, would be appreciated.”

“Hell, Evan.” Mitchell ran a hand down his face. “My plans are never the greatest. Ask Jackson here. Hey, stop nodding Daniel. I think I’m just pissed off with the whole unfairness of it. Good God, you both saved the lives of nearly forty people, you should be getting a damn medal. Not this!”

Mitchell threw himself out of his chair and started pacing. His nervous energy ramping up the tension in the room.

“Sir, it’s okay.” Evan hoped he believed his own words.

“Dammit, it’s not!” Mitchell shouted. Gars head rising. “This is wrong. I’m sorry.” He directed his words to the startled dragon. “This underhand bullshit pisses me off. Hell, Major, I’ll fly you to Sion myself if it keeps you and Gar out of their scheming, grasping mitts.”

I like him, Ev.

He is a man of principles, but piss him off and he gets fierce. He always stood up for the underdog, people who were picked upon.

“Evan, are you okay?” Daniel asked.

“Sorry, I was chatting to Gar,” he explained. “I was telling him the Colonel always supported the put-upon people. Never thought I’d find myself in that category.”

“Hopefully not for long.” Mitchell stopped his pacing and threw himself back into the seat. “General O’Neill’s fighting for you at his end, and if we can keep it together at this end, then we should come out on top.”

His words hung heavy in the air. The conviction behind them, in Evans mind, slightly lacking. From the expression on both of the men opposite him they felt the same.

He reached a hand down and scratched between Gar’s eyes when the dragons head moved closer.

“Gar’s going to head to the village before the trial,” he informed the pensive men.

I do not feel it is wise for me to leave.

“You know why, Gar, it’s for your safety. We’ve talked to Halling and he is happy to shelter you.”

I do not want to abandon you.

“You’re not abandoning me. I’ll feel happier knowing you’re safe.”

But you will not be safe.

“I will be in constant contact with you. You know what the plan is.”

Yes, if you are to be detained, use the shield and I will meet you at the North Pier.

Me and you, Gar. Me and you.

“So, what happens now?” Evan pulled the conversation back to the matter in hand. “I know the process of a court martial but how’s it going to work out here?”

Daniel leant forward. His gaze focussed. “Yes, it’s a slightly different process than would normally happen but the Judge Advocate General has approved it. The Article 32 hearing will take place tomorrow and it will be over quick so it will allow the investigatory officer time to interview everyone and read the reports. He will decide what charges there are and, if any, what level of court martial there will be. That’s where we hope to head it off.”

“So, we may not head to a full court martial.” Evan felt his hopes rise.

“Hopefully, cause if it gets to that, and you plead guilty, then it’s up to the judiciary panel to decide what happens to you.” Daniel said, his gaze serious.

“So, who’s the investigatory officer. Is it Foster?

“Nope, some hotshot lawyer from the JAG office out of Charlottesville.” Mitchell replied. “Don’t know much about him, even O’Neill’s not had much luck. He’s got the right security clearance, and not many JAG officers have so he could be included in our little outing. Colonel Maine seems okay, bit standoffish, but most lawyers I’ve had the misfortune to meet normally are.”

Chapter Text

Daniel was right about the speed of the hearing. Short, to the point, and succinct; it was over ten minutes after they arrived. The only people present, apart from himself, were the panel, Daniel, and a man who was surrounded by copious amounts of documents, and who kept his head down at all times. Apart from when confirming his identity.

Colonel Maine was quiet, reserved and looked like a stiff breeze would blow him over. Evan didn’t know what to make of him. The Colonel didn’t speak when the panel started the hearing process, he nodded slowly when they actioned him to conduct the investigations and he didn’t at any point look Evans way when the order to reconvene later was issued.

He was back in the empty penthouse a half hour later. He missed the presence of Gar.

Glancing at the art supplies stacked neatly in the corner, he considered finishing his painting of the north pier. Deciding against it, as he would miss the occasional comments from a snoozing dragon, he slouched despondently in a chair.

Thinking of the dragon brought a burst of need to be flying through the skies. The sheer rush of adrenaline would sweep away any concerns and allow him to live in the moment. No concerns of the future would enter his mind and the delight of flying would flow through his mind.

A knock on the divider to the corridor startled him from his increasingly melancholy thoughts.

“Hey, Lorne. How’re you doing in here?” asked a frowning Colonel Sheppard as he stepped into the room, followed by a wide-eyed Dr Beckett.

“Would you look at the space?” Beckett commented in wonder. “How the hell did I not know about this, Colonel. I really do think it’s ideal quarters for a stressed and over-worked chief medical officer, doncha think?” Beckett stared at Sheppard. Sheppard just smirked.

“And that’s why nobody knows about it, Carson. I don’t want the hassle.”

Evan found himself grinning at the doctors words, his mood lifting by just having company. “Carson, you may want to rethink your request,” he commented to the gaping doctor. “I got so bored yesterday I counted how many steps it took to get from the bedroom to the kitchen. Way too many, Doc.”

Carson speared Evan with his sharp gaze. “There’s a kitchen! Colonel, I’d better be on the list.”

Sheppard reclined in the very comfortable armchair, stretching out his long legs. With a wink at Evan, he retorted. “Shall we take the running costs of this place out of your salary then, Carson. You should have heard the griping from McKay, when we started this place up.”

“Colonel….” Evan started, guilt rising as he knew energy in Atlantis was a precious commodity.

“Nope, don’t,” Sheppard interrupted, as he raised a silencing finger. “That’s a natural state for McKay. It was him that suggested putting you here. I’d actually forgotten about this place. Hopefully it’s only temporary and we can get you back to your pier in no time, though McKay’s again desperate to talk to you so he may pull this in as a favour. Last I saw him he was attempting a level of maths that seemed hard even for him. Think you’ve vexed him, Major.”

Part of the gloom from earlier crept back in as he considered if he would be returning to the Pier. “How’s it looking with the case, Sir?”

“I’ve had my deposition already. That’s why I could accompany Carson on his wellness check on you. Though I think his check is more on your accommodation. Where’s he gone?”

“He headed up the stairs, Sir. The first floor is huge, he may be a while. That was quick for a deposition.”

“I thought so too, but whatever you think of the man, Colonel Maine is efficient.” Sheppard made a face that Evan could easily interpret.

“You don’t like him, Sir?” The gloom crept in further. This was not going well.

“Can’t put my finger on it, Evan. Just something doesn’t sit right. He asked all the right questions but it’s like he’s ticking boxes. I put something in, that any investigatory officer should have picked up on, but he didn’t. Hopefully it’s just me being paranoid.”

“I trust your instincts, Sir,” he said truthfully. The Colonels instincts had saved them numerous times in the past. If Colonel Sheppard had doubts, then Evan wasn’t going to argue.

Sheppard eyes gleamed menacingly. “General O’Neill’s looking into his background a bit more. I’m thinking we may have found the start of the shit-heap.”

“How did you get the General to do that, Sir?” Evan knew that all calls back to Earth were monitored and recorded. It would have been dangerous for Sheppard and O’Neill to have an open conversation. His concern for both men rose.

“Oh, the General is sneaky. A while back he started up a code that only me and him know. It’s worked damn well in the past. Might be best to get you in on it, once this farce is over with.”

“That sounds good, Sir.”

“We should know tonight what Maines findings and recommendations are. If he goes with a full court martial recommendation then it will take place tomorrow, possibly slightly later as we’ll have to get a prosecuting lawyer through. We may have to move fast to get you and Gar to Sion, are you ready for that?”

Evan could tell Sheppard was checking him for any outward signs of injury.

“Yes, Sir. I’m fine.”

“I’ll be the judge of that, laddie,” Carson shouted from the second-floor balcony, positioned directly above where they sat. “But it’ll take me a while to get to you; I think I’m lost.” He disappeared from view.

“Thought that would get his attention.” Sheppard huffed a laugh. “On a slightly lighter tone Woolsey’s back and a bit pissed off that he can’t see you. But the scuttlebutt is that he’s got a girlfriend.”

That pulled Evan from any contemplation of gloom. He stared at his commanding officer. “Woolsey!” he grinned. “Good for him. What’s she like?”

“Oh, she’s the total opposite to him. Met her yesterday when she arrived on the Daedalus. In the space of five minutes, she had spilt coffee on a report, broken a laptop and nearly fractured Peters nose. Organised chaos develops in her wake, and he just follows her around with a sappy look. It’s quite endearing actually.”

“She’s here? I take it she’s not military?” That level of chaos was normally encouraged out of the US forces. No point in destroying the army from within.

“Oh god, no, definitely not military. We would never win any wars if she was. She was one of Jacksons teachers. She’s been asked out to Atlantis for a rotation as her speciality is ancient mythical creatures, so is here to help with Gar. Woolsey’s positively beaming.”

A spike of suspicion hit him.

Sheppard spotted Evans look. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said hurriedly. “And no, that woman does not have a devious bone in her body. She’s currently mothering Dr Jackson. She’s convinced he looks tired.”

Carson appeared at the top of the stairs. He spoke as he descended. “You’ll like her, Evan. She’s passionate about everything dragon. Can’t fake that. She nearly cried when we told her Gar was not available.”

Evan was reminded of the enthusiasm that Tomas showed when he first met the dragon. He could understand how it could carry into adulthood. He still decided to reserve judgement until he met her.

“Colonel,” the doctor continued, “I’ve changed my mind about this place, it’s a wee bit too big. Not a good look if, during a medical emergency, I can’t get out of my own quarters. Ended up at the observatory twice.”

“There’s an observatory?” Evan asked in surprise. He had explored this place when he first arrived to orientate himself. He couldn’t remember an observatory.

“Yup,” Carson said, pointing helpfully upwards. “On the third floor.”

“There’s a third floor?” How did he miss that?

“Aye, just next to the swimming pool.”

……………………………………………………

It wasn’t until later that evening that Evan was summoned back into the conference room for the results of the investigatory hearing. He walked in, attempting to keep a positive mindset, but found it hard when thinking about Sheppard’s words and his own gut feeling.

Daniel patted him on the shoulder but remained quiet.

“Colonel Maine,” General Braddock said, the older man speaking for the first time. “Have you completed your investigations?”

“Yes, Sir,” came the short reply, as the lawyer barely looked up.

“In your opinion, as a representative of the United States of America Government, are there grounds for charges to be laid regarding the previous actions of Major Evan Lorne?”

“Yes, Sir.” A brittleness had crept into his tone.

“Please recite the full charges to the hearing, Colonel.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Maine replied, as he stood, finally facing the room. He had cold eyes. “As a representative of the United States Armed Forces I charge Major Evan Lorne with the following misconducts. Article 86, absent without leave. Article 89, disrespect of a superior officer. Article 90, wilfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer. Article 92, failure to obey a direct order. Article 93, abuse of US military personnel. Article 108, unauthorised use, leading to the loss of US Army property. Article 128, assault. Article 933, conduct unbecoming of an officer. So concludes the findings of the United States.”

The silence was deafening. Evan thought even General Braddock looked taken aback. He saw the man take in a deep breath.

“Thank you, Colonel, for your investigation,” the General said. “Major Lorne, you have heard the charges against you. Do you wish to enter a plea now or confer with your legal counsel to consider these charges?”

Daniel stood up quickly, a hand resting on Evans shoulder. Slight pressure showed he was to remain seated. “Sir, we wish to delay our plea to allow further legal consultation. Thank you, General.”

“Understood, Dr Jackson. We will enter the plea in the first session tomorrow.” The General turned his attention back to Colonel Maine. “As the United States representative, Colonel, which court martial is to be convened?”

“Sir, it is the request of the United States that a General Court Martial be convened.”

“Acknowledged, Colonel. We will reconvene tomorrow at 1pm. The later time will be to allow a prosecuting counsel to attend. Dismissed.”

Evan stood on wobbly legs to salute as the panel and Colonel Maine exited the room. When the door shut, his legs gave way and he slumped to his chair. His forward momentum continued and he rested his forehead on the table in front of him. He heard Daniel sit down next to him.

Neither man spoke.

After a minute he felt the need to break the heavy silence. “That wasn’t just the book getting thrown at me, Doc, that was the whole damn library. Each one of those articles is a court martial offence. Are they trying to get the death penalty?” he partially joked.

“We knew they had an agenda, Evan,” Daniel said tiredly. “This just proves it.”

“Just hearing it like that, you know.” He could feel himself shudder at the thought of the list of charges. “Technically I’m guilty of every single one of them.”

Evan could hear the slight squeak of the chair as Daniel turned towards him. His shoes needed a polish as Evan stared down at them. “Stop thinking like that right now,” Daniel said forcefully. “Me, you and everyone on Atlantis knows there were extenuating circumstances, so just focusing on the charges is wrong. The damn military always does black and white situations. I’m so tired of it.”

“Sorry,” Evan wasn’t too sure what he was apologising for, but thought throwing it out there was a good idea.

“Don’t you dare.” Daniels tone showed he was getting incensed, “Don’t you dare apologise for what some narrow-minded assholes are doing.” His voice softened. “I’ll set Jack on you.” A hand settled on his back.

The door opened slowly; the slight creak of the hinges was loud in the silent room. “Is everything okay in here, Sirs?” Stackhouse’s voice showed a hint of concern.

Evan spoke from his head-on-desk position. “It’s fine, Sergeant. Just having a crappy night.”

“Should I fetch Dr Beckett, Sir.”

Evan pictured the abrasive doctor lambasting the panel. He felt slightly better.

“Don’t think that’d be necessary, Sergeant.” Daniel answered for him.

Evan took a deep breath, held a brief inner shouting match at himself and sat up. “Sorry about that. I was just gathering my scattered wits.” He attempted an obviously fake smile. “I’m fine, Sergeant. Time to get back to the ivory tower, I assume.”

“Take your time, Sir.” Stackhouse said, not looking convinced. “Me and Voight will just wait out here.”

“Thank you, Sergeant, we’re just finishing up.”

“Sir.” The door clicked shut behind Stackhouse.

“Anything else I should know before tomorrow, Daniel?” The inner control freak that lurked inside him was starting to feel the situation spiral a bit.

“If you’re still planning a guilty plea, then the panel will ensure the prosecuting counsel is not pursuing the death sentence. So, don’t get shocked when they ask the question. If they accept your plea then they’ll call a recess to review everything before sentencing. This will probably be for the rest of the day with sentencing done the following day.”

“So that’s possible D-day then?”

“Yes, and I think I know what the D stands for.” Daniel commented. “Evan, I also have to warn you that after the guilty plea you’ll likely be put in the brig for the night. You’ll be classed as a prisoner. There’s no legal recourse to prevent that, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Doc. I thought I was going to be there this whole time anyway. Think I can cope for one night.” The stark design of the Ancient cell offended his artists view. He would cope but it wouldn’t be a pleasant experience.

“Anything else?” Daniel asked.

“No, Doc. Think that’s enough to not help me sleep tonight. I should make the most of the space I’ve got. Might go for a search for that third floor.”

…………………………………………………………….

Daniel bade him a good night outside the conference room door and left him with his escort, claiming he had to read everything Maine had found. He promised to join him in the morning and go over the depositions with him.

Stackhouse and Voight were silent on the journey back to the penthouse, which Evan appreciated. He didn’t feel up for conversation.

He could tell Stackhouse had picked up on his unease when he emphatically offered any assistance, he could be to him.

After thanking the gruff marine, Evan headed into the vast apartment. He should have expected the man sitting in the comfortable armchair.

“Carson?” he queried, scowling at the doctor as he sat down. “Hopefully you’re here because you’ve moved in, not because Stackhouse tattle-tailed on me.”

“I’m here as another excuse, Evan.” The doctor pinned him with a sharp gaze, “But why should Sergeant Stackhouse have concerns?”

“It’s nothing, Doc.”

The doctors glare intensified. “I can go and ask him, he’s right outside the door.”

Evan leant his head back against the cushion. “He saw me after the charges were read. Think it just hit me, Doc. That’s all, honest.”

“Okay, I’ll trust you.” Beckett said quietly. Evan looked at him surprise. “What? It happens.” Beckett huffed.

“So, if you’re not here to poke and prod me. What gives doc? Changed your mind about the swimming pool.” Evan decided he needed to find that before downsizing accommodation.

Before the doctor could reply, movement from the outside balcony caught his attention.

“He’s here because I needed another excuse,” Colonel Sheppard said as he stepped into the main room.

“Sir, what are you doing here?” Evan was getting more confused.

Sheppard threw him something. He fumbled his catch for a second then stared at the googles in his hand.

“Sir?” His confusion rose further as Sheppard handed him a radio.

“Thought you might need a bit of a distraction. Two hours top, or I’ll be out in a puddlejumper. Go straight upwards for a while and then in this visibility, I’m thinking five miles north and you should be out of sight. Come back the same way. The panel are all based in rooms with expansive views to the south so both of you stick to the northern area.

“Sir, I don’t know……”

Ev, we need to fly. You need to fly. Come.

“Gar?”

The dragons head appeared at the windows. Evan swore he saw a wink.

Sheppard was smirking. “Go, Evan, before I change my mind.” He turned to the window. “Look after him, Gar. Two hours mind.”

Come Ev, let us soar.

Chapter Text

He could still feel the buzz of exhilaration from the flight as he sat down in the conference room the next day. They had stayed out for the maximum two hours allowed and Evan estimated that only their exit and return to Atlantis was done at anything resembling normal speed. Everything else was fast. Very fast.

As they had drifted back to Atlantis on a high thermal, Evan told Gar what had occurred and what was likely to occur. He could tell the dragon could not grasp most of the reason behind it, only having hazy memories of a basic legal structure, but the unwavering support bolstered Evans mood.

It was also helped when, on the return to Atlantis, he found Sheppard and Beckett setting up a bed in the main room.

“Doctor’s orders, Evan.” Carson sounded smug. “I don’t want you sleeping on that dragon but near him will do. Do you want something to help?”

He felt the stress of the day suddenly catch up with him, exhaustion flowing through him, as if the restorative flight had knocked it loose. “Thank Doc, but I’ll be fine. That was just what I needed. Thank you as well, Sir.”

“Anytime, Evan,” Sheppard said, clapping him on the shoulder as he passed. “Sleep well. I think you will now. Gar, make sure you leave before it gets too light.”

He felt refreshed the next day, his mood lighter, when Dr Jackson had arrived with breakfast. Even the extensive depositions they went over could not diminish his brighter outlook.

He got a searching look from Colonel Maine as he entered the conference room. A quizzical frown crossing the normally blank face as the non-descript man sat next to a formally uniformed Lieutenant, who Evan assumed was the prosecuting counsel.

Their attention was taken by the panel entering the room and General Braddock starting the session.

“I call to order this session of the general court martial brought by the United States against Major Evan Lorne. Please remain standing, gentlemen.”

Evan took a deep breath, his anticipation rising.

“Colonel Maine the charges you laid out yesterday, do they still stand?”

“Yes, Sir.” The coldness was back.

“And Major Lorne, have you had the opportunity to discuss these charges with your legal counsel?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“How do you plead Major?”

Here I go, Evan thought, as he stood at parade rest. “Guilty, Sir.”

The look of shock that crossed Caldwell stone-set face caught Evan by surprise. So the man did have emotions. Evan had always doubted it. Even General Braddock was staring at him.

“Okay, right.” The General floundered a bit. “Do you need us to read out the charges again, Major?”

Daniel took over, his hand squeezing Evans elbow, that Evan took as an implication to keep quiet. “Sir, my client has understood all charges and has accepted his guilt in all of them. I also wish to include a brief to be reviewed during your decision of sentencing.” Daniel picked up three thick files and handed them to Colonel Foster. “I have done them in triplicate as I am aware we are under a time constraint.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” The Generals attention shifted to the new addition to Maines table. “Lieutenant Montgomery, before we accept this plea can we confirm that the United States will not be pursuing the death penalty?”

Even though Daniel had warned him about this question it was still heart stopping to hear it discussed.

The young lieutenant came to attention. “Sir, I can confirm that the United States will not pursue the death penalty.”

“Then we can accept Major Lorne’s plea into the record. We will adjourn to consider all evidence before sentencing. We will reconvene at…”

Out of the corner of his eye Evan saw Maine subtly nudge the lieutenant next to him.

“Sir, if I may?” the man stumbled out.

“Lieutenant, something you want to add?” General Braddock said, glancing up from his notes.

“Sir, we have concerns about the accommodation Major Lorne is contained in at present. Now with the establishment of guilt we feel he should be moved to the brig. He may be a flight risk.”

Evan could swear he saw a corner of Caldwell’s mouth twitch at those unintentional words.

“Agreed,” said the General with a sterner face. “Major Lorne, you will be relocated to the brig for the duration of our adjournment. We will reconvene at 9am tomorrow for sentencing. Dismissed.”

As Evan stood and saluted as the panel leaving the room, his legs felt stronger. The guilty plea that now hung over him could not diminish the feeling of relief that swept through him at the release of tension.

“Thank you, Daniel,” Evan said as the room emptied, thankful of the support of the man next to him, and fully aware that if he had the support of the archaeologist then, by default, he had the support of the SGC.

The archaeologist turned lawyer smiled at him.

“I didn’t do too much, Evan. You pleading guilty took a massive chunk of the work away,” Daniel replied, narrowing his gaze. “I know that we can’t change anything now, but do you have any regrets.”

“No. None at all,” he answered truthfully. He gathered his courage as his need to control was building. “What happens now Doc, what should I expect?”

“It’s hard to say. From their reactions I could tell they didn’t expect for you to plead guilty. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that expression on Caldwell. So hopefully that will act in your favour and towards our strategy.”

“Strategy, Doc?” Evan asked. He knew they had not discussed the additional folders that Daniel had handed over to the panel.

“Yes, we did actually come into this with a plan. Every opportunity we’ve had when in earshot of the panel, we have discussed it as if you were combat ready. We have tried to paint a picture of you as a soldier heading into a combat situation, as you did. Focused and resolute. Each conversation the panel have been involved in has been planned and executed perfectly. Neuro linguistic programming is an amazing effective weapon when employed effectively. Also, I don’t know what you were up to last night, but today, you helped.”

“Doc?” Evan was puzzled.

“When I got here you were in, to put it mildly, a bit of a downer. I asked Colonel Sheppard if there’s anything that he could do. So, whatever he did worked. You seem more grounded. More solid. What happened?”

Evan grinned. “Went flying really, really fast, Doc.”

Daniel mirrored the grin. “God don’t tell Cam, he’s griping enough that you’ve got to fly something he hasn’t. There a story behind that?”

“It was at Maxwell, Doc,” Evan replied. “Me and Cam swapped the first and second in the class so many times that I honestly don’t know who came out on top. We had a seriously unhealthy competition going on that if it could be flown, we had to fly it. We had the same postings the next couple of cycles, but then we went our separate ways. I still get regular updates of his latest addition to his list, from him with just a picture. He finds it hysterical that I have no access to all the aircraft he does.”

“Think you fixed that, Major.”

“Ha, yes, that’s a given. And as Gar is a one-man dragon I’ll always be one up on him.” He had a quick sobering thought. “Don’t think there’s planes in Leavenworth though.”

“I’m not seeing this end in a prison sentence for you.” Daniel said hopefully. “If they’re currently reading what I’m hoping they’re reading, then far from it.”

“What did you do, Daniel?”

“Let’s just say we took our own depositions. Though I’m afraid Tomas’s was just a drawing of Gar. That’s a serious amount of dragon love going on there. Maines depositions focused on what you did, we just expanded that and added why you did it.”

“Think it will make a difference?” Evan could feel the building tension about tomorrow. He knew he could face a sentence of imprisonment back on Earth and took a deep breath.

“It should,” Daniel said emphatically. “I know you’ve got doubts about the panel, but they’re all good men, and yes, even Caldwell. He’s just grumpy cause he feels like an intergalactic taxi service at times.”

“Major?” He turned to see Stackhouse at the door. An unhappy expression on his face. “The General’s asked us to escort you to the brig, Sir.”

“Be right with you, Sergeant.” He turned to Daniel. “I know I’ve said it before but thank you for this. I appreciate it.”

“Anytime, Evan. And remember the brig is only one night. I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll go and see if I can get an idea of the panel’s mood.”

………………………………………….

“So, you think the Ancients mistreated their prisoners, then?” Evan queried. He had never considered this. It was an interesting take.

Hughes waved in the direction of the freestanding large cage Evan was currently locked in. “Well, Sir, if you think about it, they had the highest level of technology available to them and what did they build for their prisoners? This!”

Evan took in his surroundings. The Atlantis prison was about three metres long and two metres wide. “I admit,” he responded, “it is lacking in any aesthetic appeal, but it definitely does its job.” The ugly barred room gently hummed, the forcefield surrounding it turned to the lowest level, though it would still give him a jolt if he touched it.

“It’s lacking in everything, Sir.”

“Don’t say it Corporal, I warn you.” Evan said, his tone threatening. “Yes, it’s true there is a distinct lack of facilities in this dull cage, and I thank you for adding the bed.” A comfy one, as well, he noted. “Last time I was here there was only a chair. Wasn’t looking forward to sleeping on the floor.”

“See, that’s what I mean, Sir.” Hughes leant forward eagerly, getting into his current subject. “If we did this in America it would be against the Geneva convention. At least the prisoners there have access to a toilet.”

Evan heard Anders snort.

He frowned towards where the two marine guards stood flanking the entrance. “I warned you Corporal, you had to say it. You do know that if you think about a toilet when there’s not one, it makes you need it.”

“Sorry, Sir.” He heard a slight slap. He was sure he heard Anders mutter ‘idiot’.

“I’m now going to try to stop thinking about it. We need a non-toilet related topic.” He also needed to change the subject, as he didn’t want to consider prisons on Earth. “Is it true Woolsey’s got a girlfriend?”

“Yes, Sir.” The normally taciturn Anders replied. “She’s nice. He’s besotted. She’s desperate to meet you though. Not like romantically, I mean.” He added hastily.

“It’s not as if I’m going anywhere at the moment. Couldn’t she come and visit?” Evan had wondered why the only people he had seen for a large proportion of the day were the two marines.

“Sorry, Sir. She can’t. Colonels orders.”

Evan decided to try and not figure that one out. A noise at the entrance to the brig caught his attention and he sat up. The two large marines stood quickly and faced the door.

Colonel Maine walked in.

“Colonel, what can we help you with, Sir?” Hughes asked. Evan swore the man got bigger as he challenged the Colonel.

The unassuming man seemed surprised to be challenged, so halted hesitantly in the doorway. Evan couldn’t see much of him as the considerable bulk of Anders and Hughes blocked his view but he did see Anders reach round to his back, where a radio was clipped, and click the button twice. Evan frowned.

The bland tone of Maines voice echoed round the room. “Corporal, I am here to talk to Major Lorne. Step aside.”

Anders glanced at Hughes. The tension rose in the room. What was going on?

“Sorry, Sir, but unless you’re on the approved visitors list you can’t see the prisoner. Respectfully, Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” Hughes did not move an inch as Maine stepped forward.

“Corporal, are you disobeying a direct order? Now step aside.” Steel had appeared in his words. Evan didn’t think Maine had it in him.

“Sorry, Sir.” Steel was matched with immovable rock. “But I can contact Colonel Sheppard to see if we can get you on the list.”

Maine bristled. “Sheppard’s in with the General, Corporal. He can’t be disturbed. Now I know you grunts are just doing what you’re told.” Evan could see Anders tense at Maines words. His hand twitching slightly towards the pistol at his hip. “But see this oak leaf, this gives me the same authority as Sheppard. So, move.”

“It’s damn good then,” Mitchell said, striding through the door. “That my eagle beats your oak leaf, Lieutenant Colonel Maine.” Evan caught the slightly winded sound in the words. Had the man been running? “Now, I know I’m on the list, but I don’t recall you being on it, Lieutenant Colonel. Whatcha doing here?”

“Colonel Mitchell, I was taking an opportunity to have a word with Major Lorne, but I see I’m not going to be able to. I’ll take my leave then, Sir.” With those abrupt words he turned and strode out the door. Anders and Hughes relaxed incrementally and Mitchell leant over, hands on his knees, and breathed heavily.

“Think I need to start upping my running training.” He glanced up. “Hughes, can you make sure he’s gone.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Evan stood. “What the hell just happened here?” he demanded.

A brief hand wave from the bent over man showed Mitchell still had to catch his breath. Anders just grinned.

Finally, Mitchell stood as Hughes returned.

“He’s gone, Sir. Saw him get onto the transporter,” Hughes confirmed.

“Thank you, Corporal. Sorry, Major, I was with Ronon in the gym. Came as fast as I could.”

Evan was beyond confused. “Again, what the hell, Sir?”

Mitchell took one final deep breath, his face flushed from his impromptu run. “Don’t know, Evan, but something’s made O’Neill twitchy. Whatever the General has found out about that man, has put Sheppard on alert as well. The General couldn’t tell us, as it was an open channel, but somehow Sheppard knew. Asked us to keep an eye out. Didn’t think it was a good idea to have Colonel Maine visit you. Hence my sprint.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Hughes responded. Evan was still confused.

“No problem, Corporal. Think I should be thanking you instead.” Mitchell patted the large marine on the shoulder. “I was getting my ass handed to me by Ronon, you just gave me an excuse to leave before something broke.”

Mitchell turned his attention to Evan, his eyes roving over the brig. “Damn, that’s one ugly ass cell. What the hell were they thinking, there’s not even a toilet.”

“Thank you, Sir,” Evan groaned, his words dripping with sarcasm. “I never noticed that. But thank you for pointing it out. Think I’m going to need out soon, Hughes.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Evan could hear the smirk.

Mitchell looked around the dim room. “This is not a secure at all, stupid place for a prison. It’s easily accessible. I’m not happy about this.” Mitchell said, his tone serious. “I’ll talk to Rivers. I want two more guards at the transporter and I’ll see if McKay can limit its use.”

“Isn’t that a bit of overkill, Sir.” Evan asked. The situation was turning stranger by the minute.

“Nope,” came the blunt response. Mitchell turned to the two marines. “Sorry guys, but can you two go guard the transporter for a bit. I need to talk to the Major about sneaky, underhand stuff.”

Evan was surprised when no objection was forthcoming from the two marines and with a ‘yes, sir’ they headed out the room.

“Cam,” he reproached, as they moved out of earshot, “they’ll get suspicious.”

“Hopefully,” came the confusing reply. “If they go back to the barracks later and tell all about how we were being mysterious, then all the better.”

“Colonel Mitchell,” Evan said sternly, smirking at his friends surprised expression. He rarely used the mans full title. “If I don’t get a straight answer then I’m damn well going to break out of here.” He knew it was impossible; the forcefield would have to be off and the door would have to somehow unlock.

A sudden cessation of the humming in the room and the click of the door as it swung open surprised them both.

“Evan?” Mitchell stared at the slowly opening door. “What the hell just happened?”

Evan suddenly realised what he had done. “Shit, get the door. I’ll see if I can turn it back on.”

Mitchell didn’t move. “What do you mean? Did you do that?” He stared at the door. “How the hell?”

“Yes, but move it, before this gets noticed.” Mitchell did not look impressed.

“You.” A finger stabbed in his direction. “Talk. Now.”

Evan slumped on the bed. Mitchell reached out a tentative finger, and frowning at the door, clicked the door shut. He raised his eyebrows as the forcefield hummed back on.

“Colonel Sheppard thinks it’s my connection with Gar, Sir.” He watched as Mitchell stepped away from the door. “You’re probably best talking to McKay about it, as he can give you the rundown of the science. But from what I can tell is, if Gar is near, I can at times, unlock things and turn invisible.”

“What! You can do what?”

“Turn invisible, Sir.” Evan watched as Mitchell sat in the nearest seat. He stared at Evan.

He finally sighed. “Okay, you win.” He threw his hands up. “Yup, you definitely win. I admit defeat. There is no way I can beat that. I could find fucking Pegasus and ride him to the moon while shooting rainbows out my ass and I wouldn’t be able to top that. Hot damn, Evan. Does General O’Neill know?”

Evan shook his head. “Don’t think Colonel Sheppard has had the opportunity to tell him. I only discussed it with the Colonel a couple of days ago.”

Mitchell leant back in the chair. “No wonder he’s gone all protective on you. Shit, Evan. Do you think anyone else knows this? D’ya think that’s what this court martial is all about. Fuck.” He leapt from the chair and stared pacing. “No fucking way you’re going back to Earth.”

“Is that why we’re being mysterious, then?” Evan tried to get the pacing man back on topic.

“What?” Mitchell stopped. “Hell, yes, we are. Right, we’ll put the fact that you can turn invisible, and all that shit, on the backburner. But you’re telling me the whole story soon, preferably with alcohol.”

“Not whisky, anything but.” Evan winced.

“God, no. That’s horse piss. You know I’m a beer man.” Mitchell pulled the seat over to the cell. “But you turning invisible now makes the plan a bit easier to understand. Couldn’t figure how you were going to get to Gar, then onto Sion.”

“Sorry, Sir. I’m sure Colonel Sheppard was going to tell you. He asked me to keep it on the downlow. He’s controlling the information flow.”

“That’s one of the reasons that I was coming to see you anyway. Sheppard’s called a meeting tonight, and obviously you can’t attend, but I thought you should know. If he imparts that nugget then I’m gonna watch Daniel explode with questions. Sheppard will then see what we all have to put up with on a daily basis.”

“Thanks for letting me know,” Evan said. “But what did you mean about being mysterious?”

Mitchell shook his head slightly. “It shouldn’t surprise you to hear that there’s a lot of people on Atlantis who are not happy about this.” He pointed round the cell. “Sheppard got wind of a vague plan to rectify it and managed to halt it before it got too far. If people see that we seem to be plotting that should keep the mob happy. Hopefully.”

“Shit.” Evan said forcefully. He shouldn’t have been surprised. Hughes had told him of how pissed off his team were. “I can’t pull anyone else into this.” He could feel the risks rising.

“Maybe it won’t come to it,” Mitchell replied. “It’s in the hands of the panel now and I would be surprised in any of them had alterative motives.”

“Hope you’re right, Sir.” Evan sincerely hoped so.

“I’m always right Evan.” Mitchell stood, glancing at his watch. “Trust me on this. Anyway, I’d better be off. The meetings about to start. I’ll send your guard dogs back in. Try to get some sleep, Major.”

“Yes, Sir and thank you.”

Chapter Text

Despite the low hum of the forcefield, Evan managed to get a decent nights sleep on the narrow bed. His night time guards, two marines from SGA-3, had diplomatically positioned themselves outside the room so at least he didn’t have the strange feeling of having someone watch him sleep.

He suspected Gar had a hand in the quality of his sleep. He hadn’t felt tired until towards the end of their long evening conversation. It was only when waves of tiredness started filtering through their bond, did he start yawning. He was asleep before he could challenge the dragon.

He sensed the dragon in the direction of the North Pier when he awoke. He checked with Gar to make sure he was out of sight of the rest of Atlantis.

Before long he was back in the conference room, Daniel seated on one side with Colonel Sheppard on his other. His duty, as Evans commanding officer, meant the Colonel was there to witness the announcement of the sentence and, if needed, oversee the punishment. The man looked tense, an unnatural look on the normally laid-back Colonel.

Evan was about to initiate conversation when the panel entered. The military men within the room stood to attention.

“Gentlemen, pleased be seated.” General Braddock said, taking his seat.

As they settled in, Evan tried to read their expressions. Colonel Caldwell, to the right of the General, was, as ever, as readable as a rock. Colonel Foster, to the other side, looked more relaxed.

“Major Lorne,” General Braddock said, drawing Evans attention. “You entered a guilty plea in the session yesterday. Do you wish to reconsider or does that still stand?”

“Still stands, Sir,” he stated. He saw General Braddock make a note.

“Thank you, Major. Before we proceed with sentencing, Lieutenant Montgomery, do you have anything else to add?”

“No, Sir.” The young lieutenant replied.

“And Dr Jackson, anything further you would like to add?” The General asked. Evan saw his eyes glance down to the file in front of him. It was the one that Daniel had given to the panel yesterday. His hopes rose slightly.

“No, General.” Daniel responded.

“Colonel Sheppard,” the General turned his attention to the man sitting tense next to Evan, “you are here as Major Lornes commanding officer. Owing to the situation with Atlantis, it may be your duty to oversee the sentence. Are you willing to carry out these duties?”

“Yes, Sir,” Sheppard said, his hand curling unconsciously into a fist on the table.

“Fine. Major Lorne, please stand.”

Evan was pleased to see that Daniel and the Colonel both stood with him. He locked his knees, refusing to show any weakness.

“Major Evan Lorne after reviewing all the evidence presented, we the panel, find you guilty of all charges.”

His knees trembled. He locked them tighter. He saw Sheppards fist clench white.

“As a consequence of your actions you are hereby demoted to captain. You will also forfeit three months wages, followed by three months of reduced pay and you will also comply with a sixty-day restricted movement sentence. It has been decided by this panel, that this sentence will be completed here on Atlantis.”

Colonel Maine shot to his feet. “General!”

Evan let out the breath he was holding. He could stay. The rest he would worry about later.

I’m staying, Gar. It’s all okay.

No words came through their bond, just sheer joy and happiness. The bellow of a dragons call reverberated around Atlantis. Every member of the panel startled.

“Colonel Maine, do you have something to add to our final decision?” General Braddock asked distractedly as the noise faded. Evan could hear the warning in his voice.

“No, Sir.” Colonel Maine said, his face pale.

“Good, and Colonel Maine, I would recommend the next time you gather depositions you ensure you get the whole picture. It’s frowned upon in many legal circles, to only focus on one particular aspect.”

“Yes, Sir,” came the toneless reply.

The General continued. “This case is due to go in front of the review board at the SGC on our return. Colonel Sheppard you will be contacted after that review hearing and informed of any changes to the sentence that the board may recommend. Thank you, Gentlemen. Dismissed.”

Evan saluted as the panel exited, closely followed by Lieutenant Montgomery and a clearly agitated Colonel Maine.

A weight lifted off him.

He was about to slump back down when he was swamped by arms from the side. It took him a second to realise he was getting a sideways hug from his commanding officer. He glanced over and saw a very close, grinning face. He couldn’t help but grin back. A slight shake and he was released.

“God, Evan.” Sheppard let out a breath. “For a moment there I was a bit concerned. Let’s never do that again. I don’t mean punching anyone, because I may punch Colonel Maine. I mean, court martials. Can’t take any more of that.”

A hand patted him on the back. He turned to see a matching expression on Daniels face. “I agree with the Colonel, Major. That wasn’t good for the nerves.”

Evan nodded. “I plan on following your advice totally. No more court martials. Ever.” He could feel his adrenaline levels lowering.

“Good, we should make a note of that,” Sheppard said sternly. “Somewhere official would be best.” A hand landed on his shoulder, steering him towards the door. “Come on Evan, you have a dragon to see.”

………………………………………………………………….

He didn’t manage to see Gar for a while. The volume of people who wanted to congratulate him, as they made their way to the transporter, indicated the level of relief that was flowing around Atlantis. The courtyard at the Pier was filled with people all wanting to shake his hand. He could feel the dragon waiting patiently in the warehouse.

Finally, he made his excuses and headed in. The dragon was resting on his expansive pine bed, his head stretched down towards him; eyes downcast.

I could sense your concern, Ev. I regret my presence has resulted in this. I am sorry.

Gar, at no point have I ever wished this to be any different. Meeting you has been the best thing to ever happen to me. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Can’t get rid of me that easily you know.

He leant against the dragons broad snout and rested his forehead between the eye ridges. He breathed in the aroma of pine he would always associate with the dragon.

I am relived you are staying, Ev. I am glad to stay here with you.

This is your home, Gar. This is both our homes. Atlantis will always protect us.

He could swear he felt a change in the background hum of the city. Strange.

Shall we fly? Came the hopeful query from the dragon.

The Colonel has asked us to hold off till later tomorrow once the group from Earth has gone. He’s got concerns about one of them.

Is there a danger to you, Ev?

Not at all. Haven’t you heard? My best friend’s a fire breathing dragon. The man wouldn’t dare.

Satisfaction and affection flooded the bond.

A slight cough behind him had him turning, spotting Ortiz standing in the wide doorway.

“Sorry Sir, Gar, but General Braddock was wondering if he could have a word with you? He’s in the Rec Room, Sir.”

Gar, I won’t be long. Unfortunately, I can’t refuse a General.

I will wait here, Ev. There are too many in the yard at the moment. I fear I may squish someone.

Has Reed been teaching you words again?

Yes, it is a good word.

That it is. Be right back, Gar.

“I’ll head right there, Luis.” He could see the relief on his Corporals face.

“Thank God, Sir. Corporals and four-star Generals should never really mix.”

“Could you keep Gar company. I won’t be long.”

“Will do, Sir.”

As he headed through the warehouses, he noted that the levels of pine tree trunks had diminished considerably, the third warehouse now sitting nearly empty. The Athosians must have an ample supply of building material as only a small pile of trunks remained. The store of maybe-mango trees was higher.

The double length rec room, located on the opposite side of the yard, was currently being set up as a two-lane bowling alley. Evan didn’t want to know how Ortiz had managed to persuade the engineering department to build the mechanisms for it.

The General was leaning over them peering into the depths.

“Sir.” Evan stood to attention and saluted as the General straightened.

“Major Lorne, at ease. I was admiring your set up here. Very impressive. Might need to tweak the rotator heads a bit though,” the General commented, returning the salute. Evan was glad to note that the indoor poker table, normally positioned next to the large window to allow Gar access, was not visible.

“Ever since I knew about this place,” the General continued, “I always thought why anyone would want to be stationed so far out here for so long. I’m happy to say I can now see the appeal. You’ve got good people here, Major.”

“Thank you, Sir. It’s not a typical base but for the most time it works.” And other times he had to spend the day fighting metaphorical fires.

“I’ve heard that a lot of the smooth running is down to you, Major.”

He decided to approach it head on. “Is that why I’m staying, Sir?”

The General laughed. “I also heard that you say what you mean. Good trait, son.” He headed to the chairs arranged around a table that Evan suspected had come from the Mess. The General pointed to the chair opposite. As Evan sat, the General continued, “I have to admit it is partly that.”

Well, that was vague. “Sir?” Evan prompted.

The General gave him a searching look as he leant back in his seat. “Well, it probably starts with my wife,” he said with a small smile.

“Sir?” Evan queried again. He couldn’t figure out where this was heading.

“Son, I loved my wife. Thirty-eight years we were married, the best damn years of my life. She was my rock. Had a temper on her, wow, could she shout, but mainly directed at anyone who was lazy, rude, deceitful or underhand. Worst day of my life when that damned cancer took her. Near enough killed me, but she had planned it all out you see.”

The General paused and dabbed at his eyes. Evan remained silent.

“Always a planner, liked lists, so she had picked five people out of the hundreds of her friends to keep an eye on me. Casseroles, socialising, all that stuff. You have no idea how many social events a four-star general has to attend. And that’s how I met Marie. She had been one of my wifes physiotherapists while she was having treatment. The most wonderful, caring and kind woman you ever did meet.”

A smile spread across his face.

“She had never married, had no kids, but she’d fostered for years. So many of them, ever since she was twenty-five, and she’s still currently looking after three. She would take these kids that people had given up on, had left in the system to rot, and somehow change them into the best kids you’d ever meet. She has that touch, y’know. Amazing woman. Been carrying this around for a while.”

He reached into a pocket and produced a box. Opening it, Evan saw a ring probably worth his year’s salary.

The General winked. “Think I’ll ask her when I get back.”

“Congratulations, Sir.”

“Thank you, but that’s not why I was telling you this. That woman, who hopefully will say yes, has hundreds of her kids, well, most of them adults now, dotted around the world who keep in touch with her. And one, who is currently not on Earth.”

“What? They’re in the SGC?”

“Yes, on Atlantis to be exact. So, imagine my surprise when three weeks ago she showed me a video message from one of her kids. She always thought she’d failed with him as he still carried a bit of a chip around, but in the message he told her of a commanding officer that had just saved his life by pushing him out of the way of an opening crevasse, nearly sacrificing himself instead. In that message you could see the kid had changed, the chip was gone and, in its place, there was a healthy respect for what just happened. She was so happy, especially when he asked for her help to improve as a person.”

Suddenly it clicked. “Airman Marshall?” Evan said. A memory of the ground shaking, lava and a hard shove to a man slipping in.

The General nodded. “Yes, Major. You might want to have a chat with him. He really wants to thank you but he’s not had a chance to. You’ve got a hefty ring of protective people round you, did you know.”

“Yes, Sir, I will.”

“Thank you, son. Now, I’m not just doing this because you saved his life at the risk to your own. I’m doing it because this situation stinks like week old dog crap. I’ve kept an eye on it, seen powerful men plotting and that doesn’t sit right with me. So, I reached out to Falcon and was kept in the loop.”

“Falcon, Sir?” A lot of close air force buddies referred to each other by their call signs. It was hell for identifying who they meant.

“We’d lost touch over the years so few people knew our connection but O’Neill liked it that way so he kept it on the downlow. I got to appreciate that dilapidated cabin of his, Major.”

“Sorry Sir, it’s captain now,” he said with regret.

“Pfft, that’s gonna get over-ruled when your case is reviewed back on Earth, but don’t tell anyone yet.”

Evan could feel the relief creep in. He started relaxing incrementally from the alert status he had maintained for the last few weeks. He could feel things starting to return to normal. Well, he rectified, as normal as it could be.

“Thank you, Sir,” he said with genuine feeling. “I appreciate all that you’ve done for me.”

“You’re welcome, Son.” The Generals eyes crinkled as he smiled. “Though could you indulge an old man and introduce me to your dragon. It would be good to meet him and also would, most definitely, piss off Falcon.”

“It would be my honour, Sir.”

Chapter Text

It was amazing, Evan thought, how easy it was to slip back into a routine as he made amendments on the guard duty rota that Sheppard had attempted. He tried to picture all ten guards that had been allocated to the armoury turning up at the same time. He smirked.

A knock on his open door had him looking up to see the man in question slouching against the side, a lazy smile on his face.

“Thank god, you’ve got that.” Sheppard said with relief in his voice. “I’m not great at doing rotas.”

“Just tweaking it, Sir,” Evan said diplomatically. “You needing to see me?”

Sheppard sauntered into his office, checking for a chair and coming up empty. He leant against the low filing cabinet instead.

Evan realised his spare chair had vanished. He thought the one in the Rec Room had looked familiar. He would have a word with Coughlin to get it returned. Or, he amended, head to the penthouse and appropriate that one.

“You sure you don’t want time off?” Sheppard queried. “You’ve had a bit of a challenging week, to say the least. And now you’re back the next morning before even the dust has settled.”

“Thanks for the offer, Sir. But all I really did was laze around for a couple of days getting bored.” He felt invigorated this morning as he settled back into the familiar.

“Evan, you were in custody. Most people don’t call that lazing about,” Sheppard said sharply. “And also, you will need to take time to process it all.”

Ah, there’s the reason, he thought as he reclined back in his chair and gave his commanding officer his full attention. “I’m ahead of you there, Sir. Me and Gar are going to head to the surf beach for a couple of days from tomorrow. Dr Cash is scheduled to go as well. I’ve had a chat with him, and he’s going to have a session with me, if he manages to stop surfing. The man’s obsessed.”

He knew that Atlantis didn’t have a permanent psychiatrist anymore but always had a number of medical doctors who had minored in psychology.

“Your team’s on rotation, as well. They going with you?” A concerned look crossed Sheppards face.

“Yes, Sir,” he replied. The concern lifted. “Ortiz has decided to try to teach Gar to surf. Not too sure how that’s gonna go, but it’ll be interesting to watch.”

“Now that’s something you wouldn’t see every day.” Sheppard commented as he shifted off the filing cabinet, tugging his jacket straight. “Anyway, I came to tell you that Dr Jackson and Colonel Mitchell have decided to head back with the Generals party. They’re leaving shortly.”

“Thought they were staying a bit longer. Has Ronon beat up Cam too many times?” Evan asked. He’d had a long talk with Colonel Mitchell over a number of beers last night and was under the impression they had been authorised to stay longer. Daniel seemed entranced at every corner of Atlantis. He was very surprised the archaeologist was leaving.

Sheppard shook his head. “They’ve just received word from General O’Neill, he needs them back on Earth. The Ori are on the move again.”

“That doesn’t sound good, Sir.” He couldn’t decide which was worse. The Wraith with their bloodsucking, murderous tendencies or the Ori and their world-destroying, religious fanaticism. Probably both on an equal level.

“I agree, Major.” Sheppard narrowed his gaze as Evan frowned at the use of the incorrect rank. “Your rank is Major until I hear otherwise.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Evan said gratefully as he rose and filed the rota away. “They at the gate room?”

“Yeah, gate’s dialling in ten minutes. I’ve already got McKay bitching about the power drain.”

“I would have thought he would have insisted on the normal return trip.” Evan knew that most gate trips to Earth or Atlantis were followed by a month-long return trip on the Daedalus. The gate bridge to Earth did require a large amount of power so a return trip the same way was surprising.

“I think it’s just McKay blowing off steam.” Sheppard said as he followed Evan out of the office. “The parts he found in that warehouse increased the efficiency of the wormhole by an amount of science I didn’t understand. Less power draining, I may have heard.”

“Bet he didn’t want to advertise that,” Evan laughed. McKay hoarded the power supply as Gar hoarded maybe-mango trees.

Sheppard joined in the laughter. “Nope, definitely not.”

The expansive gate room was busy as they descended the main stairs, Evan spotting Mitchell and Daniel off to one side. The latter digging, head first, in an oversized rucksack.

Mitchell smiled as they approached. “Hey, Major, Colonel. Sorry to cut and leave but they just can’t run Earth without us. I was looking forward to spending a bit of time here but duty calls. The Ori wait for no one. Literally.”

Evan reached out his hand and got pulled into a hug. “Fly safe, Cam,” he said, muffled against a shoulder.

“You too, Evan.” Mitchell said as he released him. “We managed to get the General to commit to a return visit for us.” Spotting McKay in the crowd his voice rose. “Especially now the gate’s more efficient,” he said loudly, with a grin.

McKay scowled. “It’s not that much more efficient, Colonel, that you can joyride. But safe trip back, and thank you.” He said with surprising emotion. “If anyone needs me, I will be at the control panel sorting out the energy drain.”

“What he said,” added Sheppard, shaking Mitchells hand. “Well, not all of it but thank you for all your help. You too, Doc.” He directed at Dr Jackson who was emerging from his bag.

“My pleasure Colonel. I would say ‘anytime’ but erm, no.” He turned to Evan. “I mean it, no more court martials.” He softened his words with a smile. “Sorry we didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to Gar. He still at the village?”

“Yes,” Evan confirmed, “we thought it best if he headed there before first light. Gave him a chance as well to move the remaining trunks.” Evan spotted the General on the opposite side of the gateroom, staring at the gate. He needed to thank the man before they left.

“Excuse me.” Evan said. “I’m just going to speak to the General.” And wish him luck with the proposal, he mentally added. “Be right back.”

As made his way over to the General, he could feel his tension ease. With this group gone he could draw a line under last week giving him and Gar the freedom to fly. He was considering how many G’s he could pull on a barrel roll when a hand on his upper arm stopped him.

“Major Lorne, a word, please.”

He turned instinctively, stepping further into the corridor he had collided with on his return through the gate with Gar.

Colonel Maine stood there, his face blank, his eyes cold, his grip tightening on Evan’s upper arm.

“What can I do for you, Sir?” Evan said stepping back slightly, moving his arm out from the mans possessive grip.

“Lorne, I need to speak to you. In private. Right now.” A tone had crept into the Colonels voice, sounding to Evan like a hint of panic. The hand that had been on his arm was now clenching and unclenching at the mans side.

Evan’s concern rose. “Sir, there’s no time,” he replied, attempting to reason with the twitchy man, who was now blocking his way back into the gateroom. “The gate’s being dialled in five minutes. When you’re back at the SGC you can present your request through General O’Neill, I’m sure he will be happy to send it on.”

“You don’t understand,” Maine said in a rush as the Colonels volume increased and the man took a step forward. “There’s no time. It has to be now.”

Evan could feel his tension rising again, accompanied by a sudden urge to be away from the man. Glancing over the Colonels shoulder into the main room he caught Stackhouses eye. The tall marine, standing a head above everyone else, was looking in his direction with a frown on his face. Evan felt reassured as the Marine Sergeant started heading his way.

“Colonel Maine, Sir,” Evan said calmly, focusing back on the unravelling man in front of him. “I’m sure if we go to Colonel Sheppard and discuss this with him...”

“No, no, no…it’s not right. It’s not,” the man was rambling now, “this wasn’t how…”

“Major Lorne?” Stackhouse said, the large marine blocking some of the light from the bright gate room, and casting the corridor into shadows. “Is everything okay, Sir?”

His internal relief flared when he heard the Sergeants concerned voice, but as he watched the Colonel in front of him, he saw when the decision was made. The cold look in Maines expression was replaced by one of menace and calculation. As the Colonels hand reached around his back, Stackhouse, positioned behind the Colonel, lowered his gaze, his eyes widened in alarm. Maines other hand quickly darted out, grabbing Evan by the front of his BDU’s.

“Gun!” Stackhouses shout reverberated around the gateroom, the marine reaching for his holstered Beretta. The conversation in the outer room died as Maine darted behind Evan, his arm moving into a strong chokehold. Evan grabbed at the tightening arm, trying to dislodge the restriction, but it felt like solid rock.

An ominous click followed, along with an uncomfortable pressure pushing in just below his jawline. The angle of his head prevented him from seeing what was there but Stackhouse’s next words confirmed his suspicions.

“Colonel Maine, put your weapon down now, and release Major Lorne.”

Evan could see the barrel of the Sergeants gun pointing straight at him. It was an intimidating sight. Sheppard and Mitchell appeared next to Stackhouse, the former with his gun out but lowered. He could see Cam encouraging the outer room to clear.

“Stackhouse, back off,” ordered Sheppard. “He’s got a release trigger on that thing.”

“Well spotted, Sheppard,” Maine said, the words close to Evans ear. “One attempt at anything then my finger moves a millimetre and it won’t turn out well for Lorne here. So, I would suggest Major, stop moving!” The demand was followed by a squeeze of the arm. He felt his breathing struggle.

“Colonel Maine, it’s me you should be talking to.” Sheppard barked, edging slightly in front of the immovable Sergeant. “Just me, and we can see if we can sort whatever this is out. Okay?”

The gun pressed in. “Not okay, Sheppard.” The words spat out. “This wasn’t how it was meant to go. But it’s how it has to go now.”

Ev, what is happening? You are concerned. Are you okay?

Bit of a situation, Gar. The Colonels handling it though. Hopefully, he added, as he saw Ronon appear in the corridor to the side.

I am on my way. Relief flooded through him, though the dragon was still half an hour away.

“Tell me, Maine. Tell me what’s happening here and between us we can sort this all out.” Sheppard insisted, taking a step forward. He waved at Ronon with the universal sign of ‘stay there’.

The gun pressed further into Evans jaw. He could feel his pulse beat around it.

“No, you can’t. Nobody can. Only me,” Colonel Maine rambled, his breath warm on Evans ear. “And I’ve got to do it. Don’t take another step, Colonel, or will I release my finger. Do not test me. My life, as I know it, is over, but it doesn’t need to be for the Major. We only need to borrow him for a bit.”

It wasn’t just the tight arm around his neck that caused his breath to hitch. Colonel Maine’s words were spoken with conviction and certainty.

Gar, whatever happens, do not put yourself in danger for me.

I am coming Ev. Do not leave.

I’ll aim not to Gar.

Colonel Sheppard had the same idea. “There’s nowhere to go,” he said, his left hand raised towards Evan, his right hand tight on the gun at his side. “You know we will not let you through the Stargate with Major Lorne. That’s not gonna happen. It’s best to put the gun down and we can help you.”

“That’s where you’re mistaken, Colonel.” The words menacing as the arm around his neck twisted slightly. Evan saw, through his spotting vision, Maine check his watch. He could see a flashing red light on its surface, that clicked to green. “There’re other options available. We’ll be in touch.”

His last view, as the white beams of light enveloped them, was the panic on Sheppards face. The Colonel rushed forward, gun finally rising. He was too late.

……………………………………………………………………..

As the white columns of light faded and the familiar tingle of the Asgard beaming technology dissipated, Evan was still looking at a gun. But one that was five inches from his face. He froze.

“Welcome aboard Major, now hands out where I can see them.” The thin faced man behind the gun smiled with no warmth at all. Another man, just further slightly back, watched emotionlessly.

Evan let go of the arm that was still tight around his neck, holding his hands out to his sides. Maines arm slowly unwound, and the gun that had been digging painfully into his neck moved away. Evan resisted the urge to rub the probable bruise. He shifted his eyes over the room he was in looking for any advantage he could use, but only pipes and metal surfaces were in view. Where the hell was he?

“Ah, ah, ah.” The man in front waggled his gun. “Eyes on me. You can look all you want when you’re nice and snug. Grant, hurry up.” The younger man at the rear of the room stepped towards them.

He saw movement to his other side as Maine shifted into view, his gun still trained on him, trigger pressed. The blank calculating look was gone and in its place was restrained fury. Evan wondered how he’d ever thought the man was harmless.

“Colonel Maine,” he said, relieved his voice came out strong, “this is a mistake. Whatever’s going on I’m sure we can sort it out. We need to return to Atlantis….”

“Shut up, Major.”

Evan saw the man, Grant he assumed, reach out and grab one of his wrists, as he twisted it round his back his shoulder protested the rough movement. The clicking of handcuffs caused him to flinch away. The grip round his wrist stayed tight.

The gun came closer. “What did I say about moving,” the thin man hissed. “I can easily shoot you in the leg and Grant can still restrain you, your choice.”

He stilled as his other hand was grabbed and the handcuffs were tightened. He felt another pinching further up his arms as more restraints were added. If he had been flexible enough, there was no way now he could get his hands to the front.

A safety clicking on showed Maine had holstered his gun. Thankfully, as Evan was looking at the man, he had a split-second warning the punch was coming. He tried to roll with it but it still caught him near his eye. The pain was blinding and he felt his skin split.

His shoulder cried out as he hit the decking, his hands unable to slow his fall. He watched as blood dripped to the floor panel below. He never, however, saw the foot that caught him in his side and he felt something give, the pain sharp and quick. Rolling to his side, he tried not to pass out.

“You fucker!” Maine screamed. “You absolute fucker. How the hell did this turn into a fucking mess. I spent ten years getting to this point and I’ve been hung out to dry. Fuck you, Major.”

A hand grabbed his uniform, lifting him slightly, and another fist crashed into his jaw, followed in quick succession with a blow to his temple, then back to his jaw. He felt his lip split and he was dropped back to the cold floor. Blood ran down his chin as he rested his forehead against the cool surface. Spots danced in front of his eyes.

“Oi, Sir. Our orders were not to harm him.”

“Oh, I know what our orders are, Morton. I know those fucking orders. It said minimal damage. So, I’m only following those fucking orders.”

A hand grabbed at his handcuffed wrists, a tight fist enclosing the smallest finger on his right hand. Shit! Evan knew what was coming. He squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath. A sharp pulling twist, with the resulting crack had him flinching where he lay, the fiery pain shooting up his arm. He swallowed his scream.

He slumped to the floor, pressure building on his arms as the restraints pulled.

“There we go, that’s enough I think Major.” The voice neared him as he assumed Maine had knelt down. “That felt so good. I think I worked through some anger issues.” A sharp slap on his head. “You’d better hope they don’t increase again.”

He heard the man move away as he just lay on the cold metal floor. He ached.

“And where were you lot, you fuckers?” Looked like Maine still had a bit of anger left. “You were supposed to be here two days ago. You cut it fucking fine.”

“Sorry, Sir. I fucking hate the Pegasus galaxy. We ran into some Wraith hives. Lost them a couple of jumps back.”

“Damn, those white freaks are one of the reasons I wanted to grab the Major on Earth. You sure you lost them?”

“Yes, Sir.” Evan started actively listening to the conversation. He needed to gather intel. His aches retreating slightly. “But we’ve now got the plasma cannons on this bird working. She’s a sweet ride.”

“We need more than that if we come up against the Wraith, Grant. Let’s hope they don’t show so we’ll make sure by doing another jump. Morton see if you can encourage the Major up to the bridge. Or drag him, I don’t care.”

“Shouldn’t we lock him up somewhere, Sir.”

“God, no. I’m keeping an eye on him. He’s a slippery bastard and I may want to kick him a few more times.”

Evan heard feet stop close to him. “On your feet, Major. Time to get that tour of our baby. You really don’t want me to drag you. Are you gonna let a few punches, a broken finger and,” an unexpected foot nudged his side and he groaned, “some cracked ribs stop you? Think again.”

Hands grabbed him and pulled him to a standing position. His world spun but he drew in a deep breath, his side complaining, and the grey room settled. He was yanked towards the door.

He tried to take in as much of his surroundings as possible but the cramped corridors confused him. He found it hard to get his bearings as every surface was covered in exposed wiring and systems. A number of times they had to duck low to get under a conduit. This ship was not designed for people judging by what he’d seen.

The design looked Atlantean. What the hell was this?

Finally, the claustrophobic corridor opened up and he found himself staring at the bridge of a ship that was definitely Atlantean in design from the fluted column to the central chair that at first glance looked like the command chair on Atlantis.

The central chair occupied by Maine.

“Tie him to that column over there. Good and tight now.” Maine pointed his hand to the side of the bridge. Evan was yanked in that direction. A kick to the back of the knees had him crashing to the floor.

“See, Major,” sneered Morton, “all nice and snug.” As Evan was shoved forward in a seated position, his ribs twinging, he could hear a chain rattling as it was attached to his handcuffs. Morton stepped back and glanced over to Maine. “All secure, Sir.”

“Good, let’s see if we can organise the second part of this deal. Dial Atlantis.” Maine glanced in Evans direction. “Wait, I feel this conversation should be a private one, don’t you think, Major. Don’t want eager ears to hear what the adults are organising.” He pressed a button on the arm of the chair. “Doc, can you come to the bridge, bring your bag.”

A minute later an older man with piercing eyes walked in. “You’re back Colonel. Were you successful?”

Maine, not turning round, pointed a thumb over his shoulder in Evan’s direction. The man’s gaze swivelled to meet his. It was a calculating look as he stared at Evan.

He turned back, glowering at Maine. “You were told he shouldn’t be harmed. That doesn’t look like unharmed.”

“He resisted, Doc. What ya gonna do?”

“No further damage, Colonel. I insist. It may affect the tests.” The man approached and knelt at Evans side, reaching out a hand towards his bleeding eye.

Flinching back, Evan quickly pivoted and lashed his foot out. It would have connected with the mans head if Evan hadn’t been dragged backwards suddenly and rammed into the pillar. He felt a knee restrict any further movement of his legs.

“Slippery one this, Doc.” Morton said as his knee pressed in. His hand gripped Evans collar, thumb digging in painfully under his chin. “Gotta watch the reaction time of trained soldiers. Not like your usual test subjects. They’re mean. Think that’s why you’re here. Got anything to take the bite out of him.”

“Yes. I should have. Didn’t come prepared for that though.” Doc reached for his bag. “Get his mouth open.”

Before Evan had a chance to clench his jaw, a hand grabbed his face and squeezed, shoving his head back into the wall. A bar was forced into his mouth and held. He couldn’t close his mouth and panic started rising. Twisting his head made no difference and he was unable to avoid the pills that were pushed in by medicinal smelling fingers. Water followed and he had no choice but to swallow or drown.

The bar was finally removed and, leaning to the side, he coughed the remaining water out. The pain in his side flared.

“Thanks Doc.” Mortons grip never wavered on him. “But I think the Colonel was looking for something more immediate.”

The man turned to rummage in his bag. “I’m not a walking pharmacy but I may have something that will hold him till those pills kick in. My own recipe, quite proud of it actually.” Evan watched, panic swirling round him, as a bottle and a cloth were removed from the bag. He tried to shift away but Mortons hold tightened.

“You bastards,” Evan swore. His SERE training officer would be disappointed in him. Fuck controlling the situation. “When my team gets here, I will happily put a bullet in each one of your fucking heads.”

“Shut him up!” shouted Maine, swivelling around in his chair.

“Hold him still,” Evan heard as he attempted to get some purchase with his feet to shift Morton off. A hand gripped hard into his hair and a sharp smelling cloth was pushed over his nose and mouth. His lungs, depleted of vital oxygen by his earlier shout, strained in the need for air. He resisted the demand to breathe. The hand left his collar and a jab at his injured ribs had him sucking in a quick breath with the sudden pain.

The effects were immediate. The fumes travelled deep into his straining lungs. Dark spots danced in his eyes. As the hand held the cloth hard against his face, he instinctively breathed in again. Nostrils burning with the chemical smell, he slumped against the wall, dimly feeling the restraining hands leave. As his senses muted, he managed to control his slide to the floor, landing on his uninjured side. That was his last conscious thought. The black spots merged together and he knew no more.

Chapter Text

“What the fuck? That was an Asgard transporter. Maine has a ship up there! Where’s McKay? McKay!”

“Up in the control room, Sheppard.”

“Thanks Ronon. McKay!”

“I heard you the first time. I’m on it. Scanning now.”

“C’mon, c’mon. Faster.”

“John, I can understand your frustration, but it’s going as fast as it can.”

“Can you, McKay, can you really understand my frustration. That asshole waltzes in here and just takes one of my men hostage. I’m way past frustration. That asshole is going to die.”

“Sheppard, calm down.”

“John, listen to Ronon. This isn’t doing Major Lorne any good. And he’s my friend too. We’ll get him back.”

“Dammit, I’m sorry Rodney. That was unfair. It’s my fault, I knew Maine was up to something. Hell, O’Neill warned me. I should have made Lorne go with Gar.”

“Shit, Gar. Thinks he knows Colonel?”

“Yes, Rodney. I definitely think he does. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t on his way here. We need to get Evan back now.”

“Scans nearly complete. There they are. What kind of ship is that? That’s not an Earth ship. Scans are indicating Ancient but it’s not any shape I’ve seen.”

“Can you stop it Rodney?”

“I’m trying, I’m trying but its shields are…Oh dammit!”

“What? What now?”

“It’s gone Sheppard, it just blinked out. I might be able to track it.”

“Get on it, Rodney and I’ll try to intercept a pissed off dragon before he rips Atlantis apart.”

……………………………………………….

“Colonel Caldwell, Sir. I have Colonel Sheppard on the line for you.”

“Colonel Sheppard, what can I do for you?”

“Sir, I need the Daedalus in the air.”

“What, why?”

“Colonel Maine has just taken Major Lorne hostage, at gunpoint, and beamed him to a ship that was in orbit.”

“Are they still there?”

“No, they vanished. The ship is an unknown. So, it may have unknown technology. McKay’s trying to track it.”

“We’ll be in the air soon, Colonel. I hope McKays got co-ordinates for us when we do.”

“Me too. Thank you.”

“We’ll find him Colonel. Caldwell out. Sergeant.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Call the crew back. And commence the start-up procedures. We need to beat our record.”

“Yes, Sir!”

………………………………………………….

“Lieutenant Coughlin, this is Sheppard.”

“Coughlin here, Sir.”

“Where are you?”

“The Pier, Sir.”

“Stay there, Gar’s on his way back. Lieutenant, we’ve had a situation in the gate room. Maine was beamed to a ship in orbit. Tom, he took Lorne with him at gunpoint.”

“Shit! What? Is the Major okay?”

“We don’t know, we’ve not heard from them. I need to stay in the gate room, cause if they contact us, it will be through the stargate as the ship’s not in orbit anymore.”

“And you need me to head off Gar Sir.”

“You’re the only person on Atlantis at the moment that is best qualified to do so. At least you have the ability to reason with him.”

“Reason with an annoyed dragon, Sir?”

“Well, as much as an annoyed dragon will listen. So, yes, Lieutenant.”

“And try to stop him doing anything rash, Sir.”

“You’re getting it, Coughlin.”

“Yes, Sir. How we going to get the Major back?”

“Hopefully when Rodney gets a route for us then we’ll get the opportunity to do something rash.”

“That’s good to hear, Sir”

…………………………………………………….

“General O’Neill, this is Atlantis. General Braddock would like to speak to you on a secure line, Sir.”

“Patch him through, Peters.”

“Patching him now, Sir.”

“Braddy, you’re on a secure line. How’s Atlantis treating you? Thought you were heading back today?”

“Jack, shit, I dropped the ball on this one.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re bringing Lorne back to Earth. That wasn’t the plan.”

“No, no, not that. The hearing went fine. Charges were minimal, all to be served on Atlantis. No, it was just now as we were leaving, that weasel Maine took Lorne hostage.”

“What the fuck? How’s that gonna benefit him. Sheppard’s gonna go apeshit.”

“Maine somehow has a ship and Asgard beaming technology. If he’s got access to all that, then this goes way deeper than we initially suspected.”

“Dammit, I knew I shouldn’t have sent him. Didn’t have enough evidence to support refusing him. At least now I’ve got grounds to start an investigation. Can you send Daniel back, I need his giant brain?”

“We’re all going to come back. There’re enough people here to rip the Pegasus Galaxy apart finding Major Lorne and anyway, Caldwell’s not letting me on the Daedalus.”

“You do know he’s a Colonel, General.”

“Funny. His exact words were ‘You are one of the few decent four stars and be best if you went and kicked some butts on Earth’.”

“He’s not wrong. But I’m surprised Mitchell’s coming back. He and Lorne are close.”

“Mitchell’s not happy about it but it’s why I’m borrowing your SG1 commander. While I’m kicking butts, he’s going to be punching them in the face.”

“Good. Your first point of contact’s going to be Harrington. Him and Maine have been thick as thieves over the last two weeks.”

“Fine, I never liked the man. Oh, Jack, there’s something we’ve missed.”

“What now?”

“Who was Maine representing?”

“What do you mean? He was representing The Office of the President of th...oh shit.”

“Yup, better contact the White House, Jack.”

……………………………………………………

“Gar, please calm down. Stop roaring. I need to tell you what we’re doing. Gar?”

*Ev*

“Yes, the Major. He got beamed to a ship in orbit. No! You cannot fly there, Gar. Stop bunching your wings like that. I know you’re preparing to take off.”

*Ev, where?*

“The ship isn’t there anymore. Please calm down. We are trying to track him, Gar. Listen to me, we will get him back. I promise.”

*I no find Ev*

“What? Sorry I don’t understand that one. What do you mean?”

*Gar look. Ev not there*

“What in the between?”

*Yes, Ev far away*

“It’s a ship we’ve never seen before, but McKay is figuring out a way to track it. Look that’s the Daedalus firing up, they’re heading out to search.”

*Gar go?*

“No, I’m sorry you can’t. Neither can we, Gar. Sometimes soldiers have to be patient. We will be called if they need us.”

*It shit*

“What?”

*It shit*

“Um, yes. But you are part of our team so we will wait with you. And if a part of the team is required to assist, we will support them. Understand.”

*Yes, I wait and team wait*

“Thank you, Gar. C’mon we will gather the team. I also need to talk to Ortiz about certain sign language teachings.”

*Still shit*

“Totally agree, Gar. Totally agree. It shit.”

…………………………………………………

“Sir, the gate’s receiving a signal.”

“Who is it Peters?”

“Strange, there’s no gate address, Sir.”

“How can that be. Raise the shield.”

“Yes, Sir. Gate engaging now. Audio only signal coming through.”

“Sheppard, you there?”

“Maine, you bastard. What the hell are you thinking. You angling for your own court martial, cause I’m damn sure they will throw away the key for this one. Where’s Major Lorne?”

“The good Major is with me right now. We’re enjoying a little space jaunt.”

“I want to speak to him.”

“Now Sheppard, I don’t like your tone. You know you’re not in charge at the moment. Ask nicely and I’ll see if he’s available.”

“Dammit, you’re an asshole. Can I please speak to Major Lorne?”

“Oh, did I forget to tell you that I have a rank and I want you to use it. In fact, I’ve given myself a field promotion. It’s now general. So, ask nicely and remember the rank.”

“Oh for fucks sake. Okay I’ll play this game. General Maine, can I please talk to Major Lorne.”

“Wait. I’ll just check. Nope, ‘fraid not Sheppard. He came aboard with a bit of an attitude, think he’s spent too much time with that dragon, so we had to calm him down for his own safety. He’s currently napping. I’ll take a message though.”

“You bastard.”

“Tut, tut, that’s no way to address a general, Sheppard. But enough about me, time to talk about you.”

“What do you mean, Maine?”

“If you recall, I had a bit of time to explore your poky base at the arse end of this galaxy. You really shouldn’t let people with plans, run round your base. Well, let’s just say there’s a bomb. A big one. So, it goes like this, I have some demands, you sort them out, and I won’t blow you all up. Simple.”

“What do you want?”

“God, Sheppard, you can’t be that dumb. I have the main player; I now want one of the supporting acts. It’s not hard to work out.”

“You want Gar.”

“How cute that it has a name. And, yes, I want it. You get it to a planet that I will give you the gate address for, and you get to keep your insignificant base intact.”

“He doesn’t fit through the gate, Maine.”

“It’s your stupid fault for feeding it then. Stick it on the Daedalus then, I don’t care.”

“I’m not giving up another member of my team.”

“Fucks sake, Sheppard. It’s two evolutionary steps away from a lizard. You willing to risk your base for that. I will call back in two hours, maybe you’ll have realised that by then.”

“I need confirmation that Major Lorne is alive.”

“You’ve pissed me off, so no. I’ll need another therapy session now and I have to wait until my punching bag is awake. Is that confirmation enough.”

“Maine!”

“Sir, the signal’s gone. Gate’s shutting down.”

“McKay, please tell me that you got something.”

“What, apart from the sheer insanity that came through in that call. Maine’s lost it.”

“I know, I could tell. And he’s got Lorne. So, we need anything.”

“Well thankfully insane megalomaniacs like to talk, meaning the line was open long enough that I have their ships signature. Now I need a directional.”

“How do we get that.”

“I’ve got two hours to figure that out, don’t I.”

…………………………………………………………………

“Rodney, dragon is roaring. Why does dragon roar. What has happened?”

“Radek, I don’t have time for this. Crazy Colonel Maine has taken Lorne hostage, beamed him up to a ship and is now demanding Gar. Oh, and there’s possibly a bomb on Atlantis.”

“So, it is Tuesday, then.”

“Radek!”

“Sorry, bad humour. I joke when I panic. It helps.”

“What, nevermind. I can’t find the bomb and I can’t find Major Lorne. Nothing is helping. Everything I do, I need more information about. I don’t even know what kind of bomb.”

“Rodney, you think too high at times. Look for bomb where bomb wasn’t.”

“Make sense, Radek. We don’t have time for riddles.”

“Scan city. Compare city to scan from last week. Look for change. So maybe bomb.

“Okay, okay, that might work. Running scan now.”

“Now find the Major. Dragon not sound happy.”

“I wish I could. I know the ship’s signature and could pick it out of a million ships but space is big Radek.”

“You need directional then. Use tracker when gate opens.”

“What?”

“You put tracker on Major Lorne. No?”

“I did, didn’t I.”

“Was that a question?”

“He’s still wearing it. I would have known if he’d taken it off. I can use that.”

“See, jokes work.”

…………………………………………………………

“Colonel Sheppard. Are you there?”

“Yes, Maine. I’m here. I want to talk to Lorne now.”

“Ah, ah, ah, remember what I said.”

“I’m going to kill you, you know that. General Maine, please can I talk to Major Lorne?”

“Yes, definitely. Just let me go and get him...Oh, damn, looks like the Majors down for another nap. Do you know he’s missing all this wonderful space. I know he so wanted to see it but unfortunately, we just jabbed a huge needle into his thigh and he went out like a light. The boy does like his sleep.”

“You absolute asshole. You will fry for this.”

“Enough with the threats, Sheppard. Have you gift wrapped my present? I’m so looking forward to seeing it.”

“Yes, the dragon is on the Daedalus. They’re orbiting this planet now. Where are they going?”

“Sending the coordinates now.”

“Sir, this is what’s just come through.”

“Maine, these coordinates are for the middle of the quadrant. There’s nothing there.”

“Sheppard unlike you, I’m not stupid. Do you think I’m going to give you the planets location so you have time to set up an ambush? Now get one of your pet scientists to work out how long the Daedalus will take to get there?

“McKay?”

“About five hours, Colonel.”

“Five hours, Maine.”

“Good god, they should’ve called it the dead, slow and stop. Five hours, jeez, I’ll be back in touch then.”

“Maine! I want Major Lorne unharmed or the deal’s off.”

“Oops, should have said that at the start, Sheppard. But, don’t worry your dumb little head, it’s not as much fun to break one of his fingers when he’s unconscious. I should know, even though it cracked beautifully. I much preferred it when he was awake. Though I thought he would have screamed louder. Gonna test it with a knee after his nap. I’ll be in touch.”

“Signal’s gone, Sir.”

“God-damn fucking asshole. I will fucking kill him.”

“Colonel, calm down. And please don’t throw my tablet. He’s saying these to rile you. And it’s working.”

“Too damn true it’s working, Rodney. I would love to hear that you think Maine’s left Evan unharmed, but I suspect we both know that’s not true.”

“He is sounding more unhinged. But I have a location.”

“What? Why you didn’t tell me.”

“You were in mid-Rambo mode. He won’t be there now as the ship can do a weird jump thing, but I can extrapolate the vectors and with its destination point known I should know where it is.”

“Thank God. Good work Rodney. I’ll contact Caldwell, get him to pick us up at a gate planet. I need to be on the Daedalus.”

“You and most of Atlantis, I suspect.”

…………………………………………………………………….

- user compatibility identified

- user interface active

- user sign in

- user sign in

- user sign in

- user sign in

- user sign in

What? What’s happening, Gar, is that you?

- user acknowledged; state designation

Who is this?

- state designation

Um, Major Evan Lorne.

- scanning Major Evan Lorne; scanning complete; user authorised;

Where am I?

- section 23.327; grid 45.987; region 34879.761.890

What?

- section 23.327; grid 45.987; region 34879.761.890

I heard you the first time. Who are you?

- official designation; seed ship 347

What’s a seed ship?

-primary objective; manufacture and disperse starcircles to viable planets

Starcircles, do you mean stargates?

- unknown parameter

Are you the ship I’m currently on?

- user Major Evan Lorne is present on seed ship 347; current status – unconscious; injury list; yes/no

Let’s go with yes. Fucker came at me with a needle.

- two distal phalanges closed full fractures; three costae partial fractures; upper leg puncture wound; multiple contusions; blood loss minor; outcome – survivable 100%.

Good to hear. But that bastard broke another finger. Fucker.

- unknown parameter

Who is also on the ship apart from me?

- scan complete; five terran lifeforms.

Do you have weapons?

- affirmative; 6 turret guns; 3467 drones; 1 star cannon

Good, but I was thinking smaller.

- negative; internal defensive capabilities present

Sounds promising. Can you show me?

- affirmative; download complete

Woah, that was a head rush. Holy crap the Ancients were vicious if you boarded their ships.

- unknown parameter

Can you help me wake up? What did they give me?

- scan complete; components identified; C13H17Cl2NO, CHCl3, C…

Stop. I get the idea. Can you get them out of my system?

- affirmative; cleansing scan required to remove components; warning; against medical advice; side effects; yes/no

Let’s go with no. Beckett will kill me but he’s got to find me first. Ship 347, can’t call you that. What’s your name?

- unknown parameter

Were you called anything apart from Ship 347?

- common designation; Trinity.

Good to meet you Trinity, I’m Evan.

- User Major Evan Lorne replaced with Evan.

Right let’s get back to getting out of here. I opt for the ‘electrified deck plating to render unconscious’ defensive mechanism. Hopefully it will hurt them a lot. Can you isolate the section I’m on?

- affirmative; action now; yes/no

Not yet. Can you show me navigation and weapons?

- affirmative; download complete

God, my head feels full. You’re some ship. Can I still talk to you when I’m awake?

- affirmative; connection completed in theta wave subconscious state; successful

Will they hear you?

- negative; interface required through subconscious theta wave with compatible users

Um, okay. Anything you can do about the handcuffs?

- scan complete; affirmative; full restraint removal available; warning; against medical advice; consequences; yes/no

Yes, this time. Don’t want to lose a hand.

- minor burns; minor blisters; outcome; survivable 100%

That’s fine. Not the worst I’ve had today. Proceed restraint removal.

- WARNING potential threat WARNING

What the hell?

- current jump vector; location 34.567; five potential hostile vessels detected; information yes/no

Yes

- scan complete; Iratus variation lifeforms 8748; terrans 48; hostile vessel weapons; yes/no

Damn, it’s the Wraith. And no, I know exactly what weapons they have. Do you have shields?

- affirmative

Put shields up as soon as we arrive. Arrival time?

- 4.987 minutes

Recovery time from cleansing scan?

- 6.234 minutes

Hold off on the electrocution for now but I need to be awake. Initiate cleansing scan, please.

- starting cleansing scan

Chapter Text

Oh god, he should have asked about the side effects. He felt like he’d been turned inside out. His skin crawled, his head swam, and his body ached. It was hard to tell what didn’t hurt. He felt like crap. How the hell was he supposed to move?

- cleansing scan 67% complete; time to successful movement 2.62 minutes

Thanks, I think. I’ll just lay here then.

Heat built up on his wrist. An uncomfortable feeling of a skittering creature suddenly made him think of replicators. Those destructive self-replicating robots had always taken the shape of bugs. It was like they knew nearly everyone’s phobia. Couldn’t they have done a donkey shape, everyone liked donkeys. He was glad they had been destroyed.

A sharp spike on his wrist allowed him to pull back his drifting thoughts. Donkeys?

Trinity, what’s on my wrist?

- maintenance remote robot; capability; laser; continue; yes/no

Yes

The uncomfortable feeling lessened as the thing stepped onto his sleeve. He felt a loosening in the lower handcuffs and realised that one hand was now free. He followed its progress up his arm as it moved onto the upper arm restraints. With a slight release in tension, he knew he was completely free.

But he still felt like crap.

Voices started to filter through.

“Fuck, this is boring. At least that bat-shit crazy colonel gets to sleep for a bit. Was creeping me the fuck out with all that ranting.”

The sound of someone spinning a chair showed that the person was over at the far console.

“Shut it, Grant. We’re coming up on another jump. That’s something to do.”

Evan identified Morton, sounding closer, but still in the direction of the front facing windows. He hoped the creepy-ass doctor was elsewhere.

“How’s that in any way interesting?” the whining voice continued. “So, it’s another bit of boring fucking space. We wait ten minutes then press a button and then it’s boring fucking hyperspace again. God, I’d kill for a burger.”

“Put a sock in it. Go find something to do.”

“There’s nothing to do on this flying shitheap. This was designed to be fucking automatic. Didn’t think to put any entertainment on it for the non-existent crew. The only fun was harassing that fucker but Doc’s loaded him up with enough ketamine to keep a dinosaur down.”

“That’s the point, idiot. Once the Daedalus brings the dragon to us, we do the same to it. Then we get the fuck out of this galaxy.”

Anger rose sharply and quickly in Evan at the thought of the threat to Gar. Adrenaline coursed through his body and the feeling of crap faded. He felt stronger.

Time to movement?

- 1.13 minutes

An alarm sounded. He felt his body shift slightly as a sense of deceleration washed over him.

“Jump compl..”

“Holy fuck! Wraith! Colonel come in.”

Evan couldn’t hear the Colonel’s response.

“We’ve got five hives, well, four and one massive fucker, Sir.”

The distant feeling of intermittent reverberation kicked in. Sounded like two plasma cannons firing.

Fast footsteps clattered onto the bridge. “Get the shields up.” Maine shouted as he entered at a run.

“Yes, Sir. Shit, that’s strange, they’re up already.”

- shield capacity compromised; failure section 4; 30% section 5. Attempt repair; yes/no

Yes. How long till movement?

- 58 seconds; full movement 2.338 minutes

Damn. Weapons status?

- plasma cannons 3 and 6 fully utilised; plasma cannons 1, 2, 4 and 5 unused; drones; unused; starcannon; unused

What the hell are they doing? Fire all plasma cannons.

- comply

“Woah, where the fuck did they come from? Sir, three more plasma cannons just appeared at the front of the ship. We’ve got incoming, darts coming from the nearest two hives.”

- plasma cannon 5 inoperable; scan complete; unable to repair; unknown error

His eyes cracked open. If that was the movement Trinity promised then he had a long way to go. He could see Maine in the command chair, the man’s hair sticking up comically at the back. Morton was at the nearest console and Grant was out of sight on the far side of the bridge.

“Stevens, come in.” He saw Maine stabbing at the arm of the chair. “Fuck sake, Stevens!”

“What!” came the harried reply. At least he’d found the fifth crew member.

“Get that jump drive powered up now. We need to be out of here fast.” A drone screeched over the viewscreen, followed by bolts of plasma. A second drone, caught by one of the bolts exploded, its front section spiralling off into space and the rear section impacting with the shield causing a red web of light to appear.

Everyone in the bridge instinctively jerked back. Evan felt his body move as well. Just waiting for his legs, he thought.

-shield status; sector 1; 65%; sector 5; 55%, sector 4; non-operational. proceeding to repair.

“Shit, the shields dropped a bit.” Evan heard confirmed.                                                              

His toes wiggled.

“Sir, we’ve got multiple darts incoming. Think they’re getting through the shield at the front. Why aren’t the hives firing?” Grant’s voice was taking on a note of hysteria. These aren’t soldiers, Evan thought, no trained soldier would cave at this point, wait till the Wraith are sucking your life force out, he mentally added.

Maine’s voice dripped with disdain. “Because they want this ship. They’ll board us first.”

- hull breach; sector 4; defensive mechanism failure; repair yes/no

Yes. Are the drones operational?

- scan complete; negative; subroutine failure; repair yes/no

“Maine!” came the tinny shout from the chair unit. “I can get us a jump in six minutes.”

“We’ll be dead by then, Stevens. Work faster.”

The appearance of the darts was nearly constant now through the viewscreen. Their speed almost making them an afterthought in Evans vision.

Yes, repair.

- comply

He felt stronger. He moved his arm over his side and it appeared in his eyeline splayed on the floor. Two fingers were bent out of shape but the pain was distant. He felt the coldness of the floor, he could feel his hand touch the hard surface but it still seemed disconnected.

Time to full movement?

- 35.2 seconds

“We’ve got Wraith on board, Sir. Forward areas showing multiple lifesigns.” Grant sounded tense. “Sir, we can escape through one of the stargates.”

“We are not leaving this ship in their bloodsucking hands. This is my ship. I’m not being stranded in this fucking galaxy.” Maine sounded, in Evans opinion, unhinged. The most dangerous type of commanding officer to be in charge. Especially in a combat situation.

“He’s right, Sir,” Morton added. “We’ve got to go.”

“No fucking way.”

“I’m not a fucking soldier. I fucking quit.”

Grant appeared in Evans eyeline and sprinted towards the door. A gunshot rang out, loud and fast in the contained room. Grant fell face down on the floor, a chunk of his head missing above his right eye. Evan looked away and saw Maine point his gun at Morton.

“You know what to do, keep doing it.”

Morton glanced at Grants body in horror. “You’re fucking insane,” he said, turning back to the controls.

The radio crackled to life. “Stevens here, I can hear them in the corridors. They’re nearly at the engine room. Someone’d better get down here.”

“Stevens, the jump? Is it ready?” Maine demanded.

“For fucks sake, didn’t you hear me?” Distant sounds of gunfire came staccato through the radio. “I can’t get out. Fuckers won’t die…”

A scream pierced the bridge. Its sudden cut off left an ominous silence that was slowly filled with measured breaths. A menacing voice, filled with hate, hissed through the radio.

“Little peoples, we are hungry. We come to feed on you. Surrender to us and we will allow you to live. Defy us and we will drain you dry. Slowly and painfully. We fight in the honour of our high queen above all.”

“No, no, no.” Maine leapt out of the command chair, and raising his gun, fired repeatedly into the radio on its arm. A quick spark on the metal strut flared sharply and Morton slumped forward in his chair, a ricochet catching him in the back of his head. Blood and brain matter splattered onto the observation window in front of him, the glass cracking as a second ricochet followed. A spiderweb etched rapidly across the curved surface. A bridge alarm wailed.

Trinitys voice in his head sounded agitated.

- WARNING pressure failure; 4 minutes; bridge WARNING; initiate evacuation protocols; yes/no

No, but maybe soon. Be prepared to seal the doors on my command.

-affirmative; awaiting order

He had to move. He was going to die here if he didn’t move. He wanted to see Atlantis, he wanted to fly with Gar, he wanted to see how many G’s he could do on a barrel roll, he needed to live. His family, his friends, his life. He had to move. To move was to live, to stay was to die. He reached deep within himself and pictured his life, past, now, future. All of it. Everybody, everything, duty, love, joy, wonder, he poured it all in.

Power coursed through him. He could feel it energise every cell, the roaring flame clearing the fog and the lethargy, replacing it with life.

The bridge window splintered.

With new energy Evan pushed himself to his feet, a second to allow his head to stop spinning, and he threw himself at Colonel Maine. The red-faced man was distracted, destroying the arm of the chair with the butt of his gun, and never saw the punch that floored him. Evan grabbed the back of his shirt and dragged him out the bridge door.

Trinity, seal the bridge.

The doors behind him shut suddenly and he slumped against them releasing the collar of Colonel Maine. The man still looked insane, even in unconsciousness. Evan picked up the gun Maine had somehow kept a hold off and checked the clip. Empty, damn.

Weaponless and with heavens only knows how many Wraith on board.

- 86 Iratus lifeforms present

Thank you, Trinity. How close are they to the bridge?

- 2.45 minutes

Crap, he had to move. He stood, chucking the useless gun to the side. Bending to grab Maines collar, a flash of light caught his eye. He straightened and stared up into the grinning face of Ronon.

“Gotchya.”

Before his brain had a chance to catch up, the huge Sadaten had wrapped his arms round him, a large hand covering the back of his head.

He tried to turn as he heard Sheppards voice. “Caldwell, beam us back. We’ve got him. Maine’s coming too.”

For the second time in what seemed like days Evan felt the tingle from the Asgard transporter and the accompanying white light filled his vision. When he next felt a solid surface under his feet, he knew he was safe on the Daedalus. The immediate threat of the Wraith receding. The arms loosened around him, coming to rest on his shoulders, but his head remained on the warm chest.

“Major? You okay?” he heard the words and felt them rumble through the chest. It reminded him of Gars laugh. “Sheppard,” the rumble continued. “Check on Lorne, will ya.”

“Maine’s unconscious, I’ll wait till he’s awake before I kill him.” He heard Sheppard move closer; a hand gripped his shoulder. “Evan, are you hurt?”

He frowned. Gar? Daedalus?

He gasped upright as the thought hit him. He turned to face Colonel Sheppard, his hand shooting out to grab the front of his commanding officers shirt.

“Is Gar on this ship, Sir?”  he demanded. He couldn’t sense the dragon but the fuzziness caused by the drugs he’d been given was creeping back in.

A look of shock crossed Sheppards face. “Jeez, Evan. You look like crap.” The man turned away. “Corporal, alert the infirmary. We’re on our way.”

He didn’t have time for this. He pulled the Colonel back around. “Gar!” he shouted. “Is he here?”

The shocked look softened into concern. “No. He’s safe on Atlantis. Ortiz is with him.”

He put his head back on Ronons chest in relief. Someone patted the back of his head.

The ship rocked slightly.

“Corporal?” he heard Sheppard ask. “What’s going on. Have we jumped yet?”

“Don’t know, Sir. Don’t think so.”

“Damn, I’m heading to the bridge.” Sheppard was using his command voice. “Get him to the infirmary.”

A hand took his arm and pulled him slightly away from Ronon, the large man following Sheppard out the door. Evan turned and saw a very young soldier. He looked into his nervous eyes. “Sir,” the soldier said gently, “can you come with me?”

The Wraith can’t get you, Evan thought. Way too much life to live. It can’t happen. He needed weapons.

- scan complete; phase cannon 5 offline; all remaining weapons available

Trinity?

- affirmative

“Holy shit,” Evan said. A confused frown appeared on the young face in front of him. “We need to make a detour first.” Evan explained, he knew what he had to do. “What’s your name Corporal?”

“Anderson, Sir.”

“Figures, c’mon. Show me where the bridge is, Corporal.”

As they ran towards what Evan hoped was the bridge, he tried to wipe the blood from his face, but he saw an unfortunate amount of it on the white tissue supplied by Corporal Anderson. Thankfully most of it was now dried.

- WARNING; hostile intruders; malicious damage; WARNING

Trinity, initiate deck plating electrocution. Highest setting.

- initiating  

“Sir, I really think….” Evan gave the Corporal points for perseverance.

“Anderson, think about it. If you had the means to help, what would you do?” he asked, wincing as he hit a sore spot on his eyebrow.

The Corporal glanced at the corridor wall when the sound of strafing came along the side of the ship. The huge behemoth rocked slightly from what must have been a hive shot. The Daedalus would not shift from just a dart. He needed to move.

“Trinity,” he said out loud. This had to be obvious. “Move into a defensive position protecting the ship I’m currently on.”

- moving to vector 23.098

“Sir?” Anderson stared at him. “Who’s Trinity?”

“The Ancient ship out there, Corporal.”

Evan waited, as Anderson stared at him. He started making alternative plans when he finally saw the young man come to a decision. “I’ll get you to the bridge, Sir.”

“Thank you, I’ll follow.” He directed his attention to the ship, only partially aware of the Corporal leading the way. Trinity, shield status.

- repairs complete; shields 100%

Are the drones working? He saw Anderson shouting at the guards standing in front of the closed bridge doors. He didn’t pay attention to the words. The nearest guard stared at Evan, grabbed his partner and stepped out the way.

- drones 100% operational

They stepped onto the bridge. Into a sea of chaos.

Evan glanced out the expansive viewscreen set at the end of the bridge. A lot of destruction was visible. One hive was in pieces, its multiple pieces floating slowly apart, a second hive had a concussion wave sweeping through it, setting of a number of short lived explosions, and was listing increasingly to the right. Two fully intact hives were advancing, one firing at the lower part of the Daedalus. Disable not destroy, he noted. The beams hitting the shield over the front of the ship which stretched forward from the viewscreen. He could see darts and F302s locked in swooping fights. The last hive, the largest he’d ever seen, sat back from the fight. It was immense, nearly five times the size of the surrounding hives.

“Colonel.” The cry from the navigation chair, in front of the window, drew his attention. “FTL is still offline, Sir.”

A shower of sparks cascaded at the back of the bridge. One of the vertical navigation charts flickered and went blank.

“Engine room,” shouted Caldwell, perched forward on the central chair, flanked by two lower chairs. One, noted Evan, occupied by a very tense Sheppard. “Give me something.”

He wondered where Ronon had gone.

“Sorry, Sir,” came the crackling reply, “that last one knocked it offline, it’s going to take time.”

“Dammit.” The normally calm Colonel swore. “Sheppard, I need…”

“Sir, the Ancient ship. It’s moving. It’s drawing their fire.”

As all eyes shifted to the viewscreen, Trinity appeared in the upper corner and Evan got his first view of the ship. A curved triangular shape, half the size of the Daedalus, and flatter than he thought but he could definitely see the Atlantean influence. He could picture it sitting easily on the docking platforms on the East Pier. It would look more part of the city than the blocky ship he was currently on.

“Is it on a collision course, Corporal?” Caldwell stared at it.

Evan could see the impacts of the bolts against its shields. The red spiderweb pattern flashing like fireworks over its surface.

“No, Sir, it’s holding steady. It’s protecting our failing shields in section 3.”

Evan staggered across to stand behind Sheppard’s chair, Corporal Anderson shadowing his movement. As he reached out a slightly shaking hand to the chair to give him stability, he saw the two advancing hives close in, their forward guns intensifying. He knew this had to end.

“Trinity,” he said calmly into the chaos of the bridge. “Activate the drones. Target the two closest Wraith hives and their darts.”

-targeting complete; calculation; 12% drones required; deploying

He didn’t see Sheppard spin round in his chair, or Caldwell stare at him open mouthed, what he saw was beautiful. All along the visible edge at the front of Trinity, hatches opened. Streams of light flooded out, deadly in their purpose and direction. Each an independent weapon of a collective, set on a path of death and destruction.

The Wraith thought they were a hive of destructive power but they were nothing compared to the Ancient weapons. He felt the swarming mass impact the ships, with individual lights splitting off from the whole and, swerving round any F302s, obliterating the darts.

The only sound on the bridge was a further cascade of sparks from an overheated conduit.

“Major?” dropped into the silence.

He pulled back from the drones and focused on Sheppard in front of him. The Colonel had a hand gripped round his upper arm. Evan had slightly sagged into it.

“Sir?” Evan queried. He felt tired. Was he as tired as Sheppard looked? He hoped not. His knees shook. Another hand was shoved under his opposite arm.

“Corporal, sit him here. Get that kit.” Sheppards words sounded slightly distant.

He fell into the chair as his knees were objecting to holding his weight.

“Sir,” The call came from in front of him. Did it mean him? There were a lot of Sirs on the bridge. “The main hive is powering up.”

“Sheppard. Whatever he did, he needs to do it again. That’s not a normal hive.”

A hand lightly slapped his cheek. “Evan, look at me.” Sheppard was now crouched in front of him, a hand rested on his knee. Another hand on his shoulder confused him. How many hands did Sheppard have? He looked up and saw the young face of Anderson. He wondered if he’d seen it. Good film. Crap sequels.

“Trinity,” he muttered. She suited her short hair, and can’t forget that leather jumpsuit.

“Major, what was that? C’mon Evan,” Sheppard said, his voice echoing down the tunnel he was in. “Corporal, what did he say?”

“Trinity, Sir. It’s the name of that ship,” he heard Anderson say. He wondered if he ever did bend that spoon.

“Okay Corporal, you’re staying with me. Hand me that. Sorry for this Evan.”

He always thought Mr Smith was… a sharp pain in his thigh had the tunnel receding. He shot out with a gasp. Light, sound and smell came into clear HD clarity. His heartbeat thumped in his chest.

“Major, you back with us? Evan! Focus now!”

“Yes, Sir. I’m here.” He gasped. Adrenaline flooded his system. He saw Sheppard drop the epi-pen into the open first aid box beside him. Its contents strewn across the floor.

“Sheppard,” barked Caldwell. The words painfully loud to Evan in his heightened state. “There’s no time.”

“I’m trying, Sir. He’s barely holding on. Evan, we need more drones. That giant hive is moving, we are about to be in its firing range.”

He glanced out the window to the front of him. The giant hive moved slowly but was menacing in its progress.

“Trinity,” Evan said, glancing up at the ship still hovering to the right of Daedalus. “Target the final hive ship. Fire drones.”

- targeting complete; calculation; insufficient drones available; deploying

“Evan,” Sheppard said, standing and staring at the moving hive. “Can you find out anything about it? Why’s it so big?”

Scan ship. He suddenly realised what Trinity had reported. “Sir, there’s insufficient drones.”

Sheppard, watching the drones pour from the Ancient ship, squatted down in Evans eyeline. “Major, you sure? There’re thousands coming out of that ship.”

“I’ll ask, Sir.” He glanced back up. “Trinity, potential damage report of drones.”

- shield damage 97%; ship damage 35%; ship scan; 4134 iratus descended individuals; 48 terrans. location required yes/no

“There are people on the Hive, Sir. They must be prisoners.”

“Evan!” Sheppard gripped his arms. “Focus. We can’t help them if we get destroyed. Why won’t the drones destroy the ship?”

He reviewed the information he’d received. “The shield will go, but only 35% of the ship. It’s still enough for it to be operational.”

Sheppard turned to Caldwell. “Sir, we should get out of here.”

Caldwell looked as tired as Sheppard. “Wish we could, John. Hyperdrive’s still not up. We need to make a stand.”

“Permission to join the squadron, Sir.”

Sheppard had a lemming instinct a mile wide, Evan always felt like he was pulling him back from the cliff. His hand shot out and grabbed the Colonels wrist.

“Wait, Sir.”

Sheppard halted. “Major, what is it?”

“I can use the star cannon.”

He felt the heat of the glare. “Major, you have something called a star cannon up your sleeve and you’re just telling me now.”

Evan quickly reviewed the blueprints in his head. “It will totally drain the weapons power bank, Sir. It’s designed to destroy out-of-orbit planets. It will take 5 years to recharge.”

He heard Caldwell whistle. “Now, that’s what I call a weapon.”

“Do it.”

“Sir, the people?”

Sheppard turned to the central chair. “Caldwell, is there anything we can do. There’re humans aboard that hive.”

“Damn,” he heard the man sigh, “if you can get me their coordinates, we might be able to beam them aboard as the shields drop. It won’t be exact, but I’m not sending anyone over this time.”

Trinity, coordinates of the terrans on board. He hoped they weren’t moving about too much.

 - scan complete; results downloaded

He felt the information in his head. That’s not what he meant.

Trinity how do I download this into our computer?

- direct interface with digital console required

He lunged forward, pushing off with a weak feeling leg. His forward momentum helped by the arm Anderson had got round his middle. His hand slammed into the navigation control in front of him. Damn, he’d used the hand with two broken fingers, the pain sharpening his mind.

“Lorne!”

“Major!”

He ignored both shouts as he felt the information flow from his head.

Download now.

“Sir,” the shout came from the back of the bridge. “I’ve got the coordinates.”

He was heaved back into the chair. He dropped his head into his hand as a headache flared.

“What the hell. Can we beam them out?”

“Another six seconds and the shield will be failing in patches, Sir. We should be able to do that in 3, 2, 1, now.”

“Sergeant, commence beaming to cargo bay 6. Alert guards. There may be hostiles.”

A hand found his lowered forehead, the cool skin calming his pulsing head. It pushed back, his head rising with it, and he saw Sheppard once again crouch in front of him. A hand was on his shoulder again. He had a strange feeling of deja-vu. Ha, that was in the film. A cat wasn’t it? No cats here.

“Sir. Forty-eight souls confirmed on board in cargo bay 6.”

“Major,” Sheppard’s hand was tapping his cheek again. He wished people would stop hitting him. “We need the star cannon.”

Trinity, fire the star cannon. Target the Hive.

- deploying star cannon; full weapons drain imminent

He was glad Sheppard had rested his head back against the seat, for if he had been still slumped forward he would never have seen it. The part of the ship he could see in the window illuminated as if a light had switched on inside it, and it was stunning. A pulse of light flowed along the length of the ship building in the front part of the ship, a section he had thought was purely decorative.

The whole front section split and retreated as the light intensified. At the point he didn’t think it could get any brighter a thick beam shot out towards the hive and carved it in half. The thickness of the beam resulted in nearly two thirds of the massive hive vanishing at once. The remains, with many fires flaring, gently drifted apart. The hive ship died instantly.

Silence sat heavily on the bridge.

Caldwells cautious voice rang out. “Am I the only one that’s kinda glad that won’t be available for another five years.”

Evan agreed.

Chapter Text

Somehow, he’d shifted in the chair. It was an uncomfortable one and Evan made a mental note to tell Ortiz not to steal it for the yard. As he had kept sliding off, he’d twisted sideways, legs positioned over the arm, his back against the other, and the less sore side of his head rested against the even more uncomfortable back. His hand clenched round fabric, fingers distantly aching.

Evan had heard Caldwell huff as his feet came to rest on the edge of the central command chair. He wasn’t too sure if he should’ve done that, but decided he didn’t care. His mind was strangely fuzzy.

“Is he comfortable? Doesn’t look it. Could have told me he wasn’t in the infirmary, Sheppard.” The rumble identified him as Ronon. He missed Gar. He wanted to fly. Like Neo. He wondered if the Corporal could fly.

“Sorry.” The Colonel didn’t sound sorry. “We need him here for now, so we brought a bit of the infirmary to him. Doc, how’s he doing?”

Shit, was Beckett here? For some reason he knew the doctor was angry at him. Couldn’t remember why.

“Not the healthiest, Sir.” That wasn’t Beckett. He missed Beckett. The voice was a rumble without the Scottish burr; deep and authoritative, yet calming. “He should be in the infirmary. He’s got two broken fingers, three cracked ribs, and obviously he’s had the shit beaten out of him.” Evan was sure that wasn’t a medical term. “His blood work is wonky, he passed exhaustion some time ago and some idiot shot him up with adrenaline.”

“Hey, that was me,” protested Sheppard. Evan’s commanding officer had just admitted he was an idiot, he felt like he should disagree.

“Then you’re an idiot, Sir,” rumbled the doctor.

He liked this man. Took no shit. Still missed Beckett. Maybe he should ask this doctor if he could talk in a Scottish accent.

The rumble continued. “It’s why he can’t pass out. He will crash and he will crash hard, so I would prefer to have him in my infirmary when he does.”

“Why’s he got a death grip on the Corporal then?”

Nope, he wasn’t letting go. He knew where it led to.

“No idea, but his brain’s probably misfiring. I meant it when I said his blood work’s wonky. Why you down there, son?”

“Don’t know, Sir.” Evan felt the fabric in his hand pull forward, and with a tug he pulled it back. “I was clearing up the first aid kit, felt him grab my collar and here I am. Sorry, Colonel. I would get up if I could.”

“It’s okay, Anderson,” Caldwell sounded amused, did the man actually know what humour was. “Nothing has made much sense recently; this is just another thing to add to a very long list.”

“Has he said anything to you, Corporal? Wait, your name’s Anderson?” Sheppard didn’t sound like he was an idiot. He felt bad that he had to tell his commanding officer he was. Was that an XO’s duty? “Has he said anything else?”

“Well, he did say that I should go to Sion with him. He said I would like Tomas as we’re the same age.” Did Colonel Idiot just snort. “And then something about spoons, Sir.”

“Okay, I think I know what’s happening. Caldwell, we need to get him to the infirmary, he’s definitely gonna crash. Do you need him for anything else?”

“What are we going to do about that ship, Sheppard? It’s at full shield capacity so we can’t beam over. And we can’t just leave it lying about.”

That was rude. Trinity wasn’t discarded rubbish. She was beautiful and could kick ass. Caldwell was mean. Idiot and Mean. They should be a comedy double act. But not be funny. Or good. Bit like the sequels. Neo dies. Nope, not happening. His hand tightened.

“Undo your collar, Mr Anderson.” See Colonel Idiot got it. Decent impression. The fabric released slightly.

“Evan?” The cool hand was back on his forehead. “Hey, you in there?”

Yes, the numbers had started running up the walls. He was in the Matrix.

“Colonel?” he muttered. Was that out loud? He couldn’t hear well over the ringing telephone.

“Major, you need to tell Trinity to follow us. We’ll transmit coordinates.” The telephone was just in the next room. Its bell-like ring, the old-fashioned style, made him thankful for modern phones.

“Colonel, his numbers are dropping.” Not-Dr-Beckett said.

“Evan, just this one thing, and then you can sleep.”

You can’t help but look at the woman in red. Did she know where the telephone was.

“This isn’t working.” Sheppard sounded annoyed. “Let’s try this. Major Lorne, call Trinity. Call her and tell her to follow us. Tell her to follow the coordinates. It’s the only way out of the Matrix. Understand.”

“Yes, Sir.” God, he couldn’t leave her in there. There were Agents everywhere.

Trinity follow the coordinates in the call from this ship. Follow me and you’ll be safe.

- acknowledged; awaiting coordinates

He could hardly hear over the noise of the telephone. “Done, Sir. She’ll follow us,” he muttered, the Matrix numbers forming the words in the air.

“Okay, that’s it. His numbers are tanking. We’re moving him now. Corporal, looks like you’re coming with us. Move people.”

He found the telephone, next to the white rabbit. The little bastard took it into the dark tunnel. He wasn’t getting away. He jumped in after him.

………………………………………………….

He awoke to a grey wall. He stared at it for a long time. It stayed a grey wall. Why did he think there should be numbers?

Ev, you are still very tired. Go back to sleep.

Okay, Gar. Listen out for the telephone, will you?

I will, Ev.

There’s the rabbit. Why the hell was he wearing a red dress? He’ll ask him when he catches him. Little fucker. He murdered Grant.

Sleep.

He jumped in the hole.

……………………………………………………..

He only realised his eyes were open when a face appeared above him, or was it sideways.

“Sir? Are you awake?” The face asked. The roof above ripped back. He knew what was coming in.

A radio crackled. “LT, can you ask Gar if the Major’s awake. He’s now staring at the ceiling.”

“Will do, Ortiz.” A distant reply.

Ev, are you awake?

Gar, I think it’s out there. Use the EMP.

Close your eyes, Ev. It will not be there if you do not look at it.

He was sure it didn’t work like that, but Gar was clever. He had eons of knowledge and probably knew where Zion was. He hoped the Corporal hadn’t gone there.

The Corporal is safe, you are safe. Stop thinking. Sleep more.

……………………………………………………………….

The next time he awoke the numbers had gone, the rabbit was shot, like Morton, and there was a cat sitting on his chest. He blinked and now there were two.

Was that how deja-vu worked?

No, it is not.

Thanks, Gar.

I have watched the film now; it is a strange film to be stuck in.

Brains, Gar, are strange. I’m tired.

That is good, Ev. Sleep. We watch over you. You will not be lost in the Matrix.

Don’t like it. You’re not there.

He had hunted for the dragon but couldn’t find him. Way too many cats and dead rabbits. But no dragons.

I will always be with you. Sleep deeply Ev.

He closed his eyes, trusting the dragon. He knew the way out of the Matrix now.

……………………………………………………………………

The feeling of overwhelming crapness hit him as soon as he knew he was awake. He mentally fought the urge to throw up. Nope, not happening on his watch. The scent of pine drifted in; the aroma lessening the nausea.

Thanks Gar.

You are welcome. How do you feel?

Like crap.

Dr Beckett is on his way over.

Gar, I don’t know where I am.

Open your eyes Ev. You are home.

Obeying the order from the dragon, his eyes blinked open. A blurry figure shifted into his view and as he raised one hand to rub his eyes it refused to form into a fist. He studied it as his vision cleared and saw two fingers, splinted together, sticking out like a deformed Scout salute.

“Beckett says the splint can come off soon, Sir. I think he wanted to wait till you were more awake.”

He looked past the seated Coughlin and saw his room at the Pier. Gar was right, he was home. Memories crept in.

“I’ve had some weird ass dreams,” he commented, as shards of them flitted around the boundaries of his mind. He knew if he could grasp one, then the whole dream would be remembered but they turned to dust in his hand, so he gave up trying. They were just dreams.

“Not surprised Sir, that’s a weird ass film to hallucinate,” Coughlin replied, his lieutenant shifting forward on the seat. “It took us hours to watch it with Gar. He kept asking about references. There’s a load of references in that film.”

And it was now time to sort reality from the dreams.

“Tom, was I taken hostage?” Evan queried, shifting his eyes to take in the frowning man.

“Yes,” Coughlin sounded evasive. “Should I get Beckett, Sir?”

“He’s on his way. So where did reality end for me, Lieutenant?” In his mind, a memory arose of a view out of a spaceship. He hoped that’d been a dream, there was a load of destruction going on.

“On the bridge of the Daedalus, Sir.” Coughlin still sounded cautious.

“So, Trinity was real, and the Hive ships happened.” He had hoped they’d been dreams. Well, at least the Hive ships.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Oh.”

Trinity, you there?

- affirmative; current location; east pier; atlantis starcity base

Status?

- all parameters acceptable

Hello, I am Gar.

- scan complete; user gar acknowledged; designation gar authorised

Well, that was weird.

I like her, Ev.

- unknown parameter

“Sir, are you okay?” Coughlins soft voice drifted through, and Evan realised his eyes had closed. He felt tired again.

“M’okay, Gar wass meeting Trinity. Wass a bit odd.”

“Your dragon was meeting your sentient ship. Nothing odd about that at all, Sir. Time to go back to sleep, I think.” His lieutenants words were muffled by the soft cotton filling the room with not a rabbit in sight, dead or otherwise.

Evan smiled. “No rabbits, Tom.”

“That’s good Sir.” How could he talk through all that cotton? It was so soft. “No rabbits at all.”

Sleep, Ev

……………………………………………………..

Carson was holding his hand when he next awoke. His head felt clearer and he could finally think straight. He felt slightly less ill.

The doctor was still holding his hand but now staring at him. Evan stared back. The staring got too much for him quickly.

“Doc?” he questioned quietly.

“Major, good to see you awake and alert. How do you feel?” Carson asked. Evan felt that was a loaded question. He decided to go with the truth; always best when dealing with a focused Beckett.

“To be honest Doc, a bit shit.” He took stock. Things ached in various parts of his body, his headache pulsed and a slight feeling of queasiness hovered around him.

Beckett smiled his all-knowing, and in Evans view, irritating smile. “That’s to be expected. You’ve been through a lot and the drug traces that were in your system should’ve kept you unconscious for days. How did you manage to wake up?”

“Had a cleansing scan done on Trinity,” he replied, realising his error as soon as he’d said the words. Oops.

“A what?” The annoyed doctor tone was back.

Oh, well. Full disclosure. “Trinity cleared the drugs out of my system.”

His reply was rewarded with the annoyed Beckett huff. “All at once,” the doctor said sternly. “That’s damn dangerous Evan. There are consequences to that. Please don’t do it again.”

“Definitely don’t plan to Doc.”

Getting taken hostage, drugged, connected to a sentient ship, then a space battle should not be a plan for any day.

“Good.” Carson was still holding his hand.

“Doc, hand?”

“Sorry, Major. Just removing the canula. Your blood work finally came back within agreeable levels so we can release you from your regular blood tests.”

Evan couldn’t remember having even one done. There was a jumble in his head that, if he concentrated, made a certain amount of sense.

The doctor shifted off the bed and placed the tray on a nearby table filled with medical stuff.

“This isn’t my bed.” Evan realised; the wider, higher bed positioned in the centre of his room, was more a common feature in the main infirmary. For a moment he worried that Ortiz had moved on from appropriating chairs.

Evan watched as Beckett skirted the foot of the bed, and with a firm hold the doctor lowered the metal bars at the side. “It’s only on loan, I want it back, mind.” Carson said, leaning over Evans elbow and disconnecting a tube, then hanging the end over a nearby IV stand. “You spent one night in the infirmary, but kept trying to get to Gar. He couldn’t come to you so you came to him, with most of my supplies.”

Carson, in all the time Evan had known the man, had never let any patient stay elsewhere, even if they pleaded. He had tried it once.

“Bad, Doc?” He knew it must have been.

Carson’s sympathetic expression was obvious as the doctor focused on removing whatever was in Evans arm. “Major, your blood work was the worst I’d seen in a long time. It was understandable.”

Evan interpreted the medical speak for; yes, it was.

He frowned. “I didn’t hit anyone?” Wouldn’t that have been ironic.

“No,” the calm voice replied, as the doctor taped a plaster into the crook of Evans elbow. “You just kept trying to get out. With your bloodwork poor we couldn’t use sedation. But you settled once you were here. It was in your best interests to be here, so you were treated here. The last couple of days you’ve been in a normal sleep rhythm.”

That got his attention. “Days?” Evan asked with concern. “How long have I been asleep?” He knew it had been a while as he had that oversleep lethargy feeling in his limbs. He needed to move.

That earned him a pat on the arm. “It’s been three days since you arrived back on Atlantis.” Carson said reassuringly. “You were on the Daedalus for just over one.”

The doctor continued, when he saw Evans shocked look. “Don’t worry laddie, it was only sleep. We were able to wake you up and you showed no sign of a coma. Honest, you just had a lot of sleep to catch up on. What you’d been through, I’m surprised that you’re as alert as you are.”

“Doc, I need to move.” He declared. He needed to know what had happened, where everyone was. He wouldn’t get the answers lying in this, admittedly comfy bed. He pulled the covers back.

“Whoa, wait, Major! You need to take it easy. Let me get someone to assist you, at least.”

It wasn’t just movement he needed. Time to put his negotiation skills to the test. “Doc, please. For the last three weeks I’ve probably had two days where my life was my own, where I made my own decisions. I’ll stay within the Pier, I promise, and if I feel tired, I will sit down. There’re enough chairs around and if I need to sleep, I will. And if I fall asleep somewhere that is not on your approval list, I give you my permission to put me to bed.”

He could tell Carson wasn’t convinced. Another angle was needed.

“Doc, I need to feel in control. A lot of decisions have been made for me, some of them against my will, and I need to get the authority back in my life. All I’m asking is the space to get my freedom back.”

He could see that the hard doctor shell was crumbling. Using his need for control against Carson’s much weightier control issues, always worked.

Carson sighed in defeat. “Okay, but I have my demands. No gallivanting. I mean it this time. I want a check-up in forty-eight hours and until then the time is yours. Now, after a final exam and slightly against my better judgement, I’m going to leave you alone, and go and tell your hovering team that they need to hover a little less conspicuously.”

The doctor sat at the end of the bed, in a contradiction to his words. “You may have to forgive us a bit in our hovering cause I’m not going to count the times you could have died, Evan. It leaves scars, not just on you, but on everyone who cares for you. It’s good to have you back.”

“Thanks, Doc. Good to be home.”

Then, after a fairly thorough check up, he was finally alone. He slowly made his way to the adjacent bathroom and stared at his reflection for a while. The bruises on his cheek and jaw had faded to shades of yellow and green, with hints of purple circling his right eye. Various cuts were now narrow red lines and only the one at his eyebrow was clustered with caterpillar-like stitches. He looked washed out.

Hey, Gar.

Ev, I am happy to hear your voice.

You too, You on the roof?

Yes, and you are welcome to join me. It is warm. And quiet. That indicated the dragon had overheard his need for space. He suddenly had an urge to be alone with company.

The walk to the roof took a while. His stamina and strength were sorely depleted as a consequence of the trauma inflicted on his body. A few times he heard movement in the warehouse below as he climbed the upper stairs but no-one disturbed him.

Finally, he reclined comfortably against the dragon, thanks mostly to a suspiciously large number of blankets and cushions that had appeared on the roof. He was tempted to ask the dragon if he felt like he needed comfort but he knew why they were there. He accepted defeat and in no way snuggled into them.

Sleep didn’t happen but a comfortable doze washed over him, the distant sound of bowling balls against pins lulling him. He didn’t need to be anywhere; no demands were being made of him so he just existed. He lived in the moment. He could feel Gar drifting along beside him in peaceful silence, content to just be.

It was good. He felt relaxed and more like himself.

He opened his eyes a while later, a handheld radio sat next to him holding down a fluttering piece of paper. Muted conversation floated up from the yard.

Picking up the note, he recognised Coughlin’s precise handwriting. He read it out loud for Gar’s benefit.

                ‘God, Beckett can lecture, Sir. Though it was a bit confusing. ‘Keep an eye on him, but don’t keep an eye on him’. A lot of that.

                The radio is there if you want company. Roof or yard. Or not. Up to you.

                Coughlin’

What would you like to do, Ev?

It’s so good to hear someone ask me that question. Thank you.

Always, Ev.

He pictured a barrel roll, a plane looping and rolling.

Yes, Ev. We will be doing that. That looks fun.

I’ve been given two days to rest then it’s barrel roll time.

Happiness and satisfaction rolled off the dragon.

They sat for a while.

Are you okay Gar?

I am now. I am sorry I was unable to help.

He didn’t like the wave of regret that washed over him from the dragon. He had many things to thank Gar for.

You saved me. I connected to Trinity because of you.

I have thanked her for saving you.

What did she say?  He could guess the answer.

Unknown parameter, Ev. He let out a laugh. But I heard thanks in her voice. I am wearing her down.

His laugh continued and he heard one reverberate through the dragon. He felt better than he had in weeks.

……………………………………………………

It took a while to get down the stairs.

He considered going back to bed but he had another reconnect to do. Or a multiple reconnects he amended. Gar offered to take him down the side of the warehouse but he wanted to test his stamina. Not great he found.

He stepped out into the yard; his team seated around a blazing fire pit. Ortiz was found to be a closet pyromaniac as well as a chair hoarder. Gar was coiled to one side, his front claws and head between an empty chair and one occupied by the Corporal. A surprising lack of other people made the yard seem smaller and solely theirs. He made his way over.

“Hey,” he said as Reed leant to the side and handed Evan a bottle of cold beer. He took it gratefully, sitting down in the empty chair. It was the one from the penthouse. He mentally cheered.

Coughlin raised his bottle in a salute. “We’re not going to ask you how you feel, Sir, and we won’t hover, much,” he added with a smirk, “but we’re glad you’re back. Here’s to you, Major.”

The sun glinted off Reed and Ortiz’s beer bottles as they raised them as well.

Evan took a long drink. It had been well earned.

“Thanks for everything. Mean it. Now, is anyone ready to tell me what happened?”

Coughlin snorted. “That goes slightly against Becketts lecture, Sir. But if you ask questions, that’s just us answering them. So, I’m sure that’s allowed.”

He knew what his first question had to be.

“What happened to Maine?” He needed to get the tough question out first.

Coughlin frowned. “He’s alive, Sir, much to Colonel Sheppards disgust. But he’s totally insane and heading back to Earth on the Daedalus. The SGC thought it best he wasn’t here when you woke up. He’s made no sense at all since he got taken off Trinity. Kept screaming ‘Wraith’ and ‘no’ continuously until he got sedated. Oh, and he couldn’t sit in any chair with arms. Kept trying to destroy them.”

A weight lifted off Evan, the man he hoped to never see again was a galaxy away. He could hear the question in Coughlins words. He decided to give information as well.

“He was unravelling, Tom. He shot both of his bridge crew, one intentionally, one with a ricochet. Then over the radio, he heard the engine room crew member get fed on by the Wraith, who then threatened him with eating him. Damn creepy voice. All coming through the radio on the arm of the command chair.”

“Ah, yes,” Realisation dawned on Coughlin’s face. “That would do it.”

“Yup,” Evan agreed, as he stared into the dancing flames. “What about the Hives, did we get them all?”

“Yes, Sir,” replied Reed. “The Daedalus got two. You got the other two with the drones and then the larger hive with that cannon thing.”

Suspicion crept in. “You were there, Reed?”

“Yes, Sir.” Their youngest team member looked caught out. “I was flying one of the F302s. LT was on the Daedalus as well. We came looking for you. Ortiz and Gar were on Atlantis in case you returned here.”

Evan had never asked about his team, only Gar, but he had known deep down they would come for him.

“Thanks. Appreciate it.”

“You’d do the same for us, Sir.” And he knew he would.

A concern niggled him about the larger hive. “Why the difference in Hive size?”

“Don’t know, Sir,” Coughlin replied. “Nobody really knows why. Think they were going to ask you.”

He had heard something; he was sure of it. A memory surfaced and he was back on the bridge of Trinity, fear permeating every surface. A non-human voice echoed around the bridge. “The Wraith on the radio,” Evan said, concentrating to remember the words, “the one that spoke to Maine, he said he served the high queen above all. I thought at the time it was just a term of endearment, but after seeing the giant hive, now I’m not so sure.”

“Well, whatever it was,” Ortiz said grinning, “there’s been no Wraith attacks anywhere in the region since that Hive was destroyed.”

“What?” Evan exclaimed. That was unheard of.

“There is a galaxy wide rumour, Sir,” Coughlin said, “that the Wraith have gone into hibernation again. If they’ve lost their high queen then maybe it has happened.”

“Wow, that would be a good outcome.”

Ortiz laughed. “That’s the understatement of the year, Sir.”

“What about the Wraith on board Trinity?” He hoped they were not still there; he knew they had been electrocuted, but that was over four days ago. They’d smell bad by now.

“She dumped them into space before following the Daedalus, Sir. I had to swerve past a few.” Reed commented.  “Gar opened the doors for us yesterday so we did a good check of the ship. I don’t know if the smell of fried Wraith will ever go, but she’s clear. Dr McKay’s keen to have a look at the ship, but Gar won’t let him. Keeps telling him to ask you. It’s been an amusing thing to watch.”

“So, what happens now?” He slumped back into the cushion of the comfortable chair, feeling sleep nudging in, but estimated he still had time to ask about the future.

“Nothing, Sir. Absolutely nothing.” Coughlin smiled. “Becketts laid down the law. R&R for you for two days with no interruptions. We’re not to move out of the Pier and nobody can come in. We’re okay with that,” he waved his hand towards the central tower, “the rest of Atlantis, not so much.”

Evan leant his head back on the seat cushion. “Can’t remember when I’ve had two days off together, with no interruptions.” It was possibly when he had the flu in basic training. He had still flown better than Cam. He frowned. “So not even the SGC can contact us?”

“Have you met Dr Beckett, Sir?” Ortiz said, leaning forward and holding another beer out to him. Evan waved him off as sleep was decisively knocking. “He’s had a go at everyone regardless of what’s on their collar. General Braddock requested to speak to you, a four-star general, and Beckett refused. Man’s got balls.”

“That he does, Luis.” Evan grinned. The mention of General Braddock brought another issue to mind. “What about the court martial?”

“Gone, Sir.” Coughlin replied. “Over-ruled three days ago. Totally off your record and you’ll probably get a personal apology from General O’Neill. Think he’s keen to visit.” Coughlin sat up. “That reminds me General Braddock asked us to pass on a message. Bit odd, it was just one word. He asked us to tell you ‘Yes’”.

Evan smiled. Good for him, he thought as he levered himself to his feet. His team and Gar mirroring his action.

“At ease,” Evan said, a flapping hand motion had them sitting back down. “I need to search out a flat surface as I’m not having the undignified possibility of you lot carrying me to bed. I suspect I’m not going to see much of these forty-eight hours.” He headed towards the warehouse doors. The clicking of claws showed Gar was following. “Wake me when there’s food available,” he called over his shoulder.

A ‘will do, Sir’ drifted back.

Gar was settling into his pine bed as Evan contemplated the warehouse stairs leading to his first-floor bedroom. Were they always that high, he wondered, as they seemed to stretch on forever. He was seriously considering sleeping downstairs when Gar interrupted his sluggish thoughts.

Ev, come here. Sleep as you did in the barn.

Evan nodded in agreement. That removed the issue with the stairs.

He could feel the warmth of the dragon as he made his way up the low pine branches, his hand clenched around the first claw of an extended foot. As he settled, once again, into the fold of Gars foreleg, his head resting against the dragons smooth scales, he basked in the all-encompassing feeling of connectivity. Of Gar and Trinity. Of the distant hum of Atlantis. Of his nearby team and the rest of the expedition. Of family found in this distant galaxy. Of Home.

And as a wing settled over him and the light muted, sleep beckoned insistently. He could sense Gar following him into slumber, a constant, steady presence that was such a fundamental part of him now it was strange to think there was ever a time the dragon wasn’t there. Contentment flowed from him.

Always and forever, Gar.

Contentment flowed back.

Always and forever, Ev.

Chapter Text

Six Months Later

“Rodney!”

His bellow reverberated around the control room as he sprinted up the stairs, his long legs taking them two at a time. A quick scan and John realised the scientist was missing. “Peters, locate Dr McKay.”

The young gate technician, seated at the gate terminal, lowered his gaze and pointed hesitantly downwards. “Sir, he’s calibrating the gate signal under here.”

“Thank you, Corporal. I like quick solutions.” His speed had him around the desk fast, where he was confronted by a pair of scruffy combat boots he knew belonged to his friend, the thumbtack still embedded in the sole of the left boot. He smirked, that’s three weeks and counting.

The muffled words, abrupt as always, came from the depths of the desk. “Sheppard, I told you this would take time, I know I’m brilliant but I can’t do everything at once.”

Could the scientist not sense his urgency, the man was normally a mind reader. “Rodney, Evan and Gar have gone again. Just heard from Coughlin. They upped and left during a poker game. No weapons, or beating up of team members this time. So, hey, progress.”

The boots suddenly moved and a hand appeared at the edge of the console, quickly followed by the rest of the scientist.

“Okay, give me a sec. I’ll find out where they’ve gone.”

“I’m not leaving them alone this time.” John said, squashing down the rising concern as he thought of his SIC, a man that he counted as a friend, and a dragon he now couldn’t imagine his command without.

“I know, I know,” McKay muttered, pulling himself to his feet and sitting in the chair that had been rapidly vacated by Peters. “Now that we know what we are looking for it shouldn’t take too long.”

John keyed his radio. “Rivers, come in.”

“Rivers here, Sir.”

“Get your team, Stackhouses and Lornes together and meet us at the gate in twenty. Combat ready. Pick up Ronon and Teyla as well, they’re in the Mess.”

“Yes, Sir.”

He turned his attention to his frantically typing teammate. The quiet mutterings were not sounding good. “Well, Rodney?”

“I’m running it again. It’s not making sense.”

John looked at the screen. He could not make out the results but even he knew that flashing red numbers were not what the scientist wanted to see.

“No, no, no. This can’t be,” the mutterings continued.

“Tell me what you’ve got.” He could hear his command tone creep in. “If it’s not a gate planet, find the nearest one. We’ll get the puddlejumpers ready. If not, let’s prep Trinity.”

The seed ships had done their job well in distributing the gates many eons ago. He knew that in this galaxy if a system had no viable planet that could accommodate a gate, then a space gate was normally available. He hoped it wasn’t a system they had harvested for the gate bridge to Earth, that would then result in a longer trip in Trinity.

As Rodney sat back in a slump, John felt his concern ratchet up a notch.

“He’s not in this galaxy, Sheppard.” McKay reported dejectedly, his hand nervously messing up his already messy hair as one of his anxious habits made itself known.

John stared at the numbers again. They continued flashing their indecipherable information at him until Rodney reached up and turned them off.

John frowned. “I thought you said they couldn’t travel to other galaxies, that the forces would be too much for them.”

McKay stood and started his familiar pacing. John, used to the nervous tics of his anxiety ridden teammate, felt his call to action suddenly subside. He knew the pacing was a way for Rodney to delay imparting bad news. He waited. The scientist reached the end of the walkway, glared momentarily at the gate, and turned.

“If these numbers are correct, they’re not in this universe.” McKay said, taking a deep breath. “They’ve jumped dimensions. The readings are the same from when the quantum mirror was used.”

“Damn, how the hell did they manage that!” John exclaimed, hopelessness creeping over him. “Can we get the mirror here and track them?”

He knew it was a long shot as the higher-ups on Earth had refused its use in any circumstance. The SGC had no idea where the mirror was and rumours had it melted down, but he always imagined it sitting in a box next to the Ark of the Covenant in the giant warehouse from Raiders of the Lost Ark.

“No, Colonel,” McKay replied, slumping back into the vacant seat.

John winced. When Rodney addressed him using his rank, he knew that there was no solution. It rarely happened.

McKay continued, his tone reflecting Johns disappointment. “There’s no way of knowing which dimension they ended up in, and there’s no way we can check every one of them. All I can measure is the short burst of data that comes through when the window they use to get into the between is open. I have no data about their exit, I can only track the line they follow. There is no line this time. I may be able to figure out their exit when they return.”

John exchanged a sobering look with Rodney. He could tell his thoughts were mirrored by his friend. Should they use the word ‘when’ or ‘if’

“Dammit!” he muttered. He reached for his radio. “Rivers, come in.”

“Rivers here, Sir,” came the breathless reply. Noise in the background indicated he was in the central armoury.

“Stand down, Lieutenant.”

“Sir?”

He could tell, as the questioning voice came over the radio, that Rivers had stopped what he was doing. The background noise stilled as well.

“We can’t track them,” he replied, knowing the team in the armoury would not like the following information. “They’re somewhere where we can’t reach them.” Tiredness washed over him. He rubbed his eyes in exasperation. “Wherever they are and whatever they’re doing, they’re on their own.”

……………………………………………..

Evan stood with Gar on a high mountain crag, in a place he sensed was far from Atlantis. A vast plain lay before them, split in half by a wide, slow-moving river, the shattered ruins of a crumbling city straddling its banks. Farther away through the haze of distance, where the plains ended abruptly, rose a towering mountain range stretching as far as he could see. A red glow flared behind the highest ridge; its origins shrouded in the dense black clouds that clung to the remote peaks.

He shifted his gaze back to the area surrounding the mountainside he and Gar had landed on, where, dominating the lower foothills, nestled a city that had no equal on Earth. Looking as if it was carved from the granite rock itself, its tiered, winding streets curved around a dominating buttress of rock; each level containing a myriad of buildings huddled close together. It possessed an awe-inspiring beauty.

With a sharp indrawn breath, realisation dawned on him.

“No,” Evan said, blinking in disbelief. “How can this be? It’s impossible.”

For the city below could not be real. He had read the stories over and over, picturing it so vividly in his mind that only slight differences existed to what lay before him, but they were still so similar he knew, without a shadow of doubt, he was looking upon one of the greatest cities ever constructed.

But one that should not exist in reality.

He could clearly see the White Tower of Ecthelion and its dominating citadel perched high at the pinnacle of the city, and there, one tier down, the Houses of Healing, its green lawns contrasting sharply with the surrounding lighter stone. And lower, past the ornately carved buildings clustered on every level, and stretching far into the Pelennor Fields, were the huge, black outer walls of the capital city of noble Gondor, the mythical White City of Minas Tirith. Impenetrable, solid, ever-lasting.

And outside those walls, screeching and howling, the Horde of Mordor advanced.