Sanctuarium

Project File: Sanctuarium by Ellywinkle (Stargate Atlantis)

Content Warning: NC-17

Warnings: Character Bashing, Dark Themes, Death – Major Character, Explicit Sex, Murder, Violence – Canon – Level

Genres: Alternate Universe, Fusion, Science Fiction

Relationships: John Sheppard/Rodney McKay, Jennifer Keller/Rodney McKay

Word Count: 25,000

Author Note: The major character death warning is issued because I might just kill off one or two characters. I’m leaving myself the option, because options are wonderful things and some people just need killing. I feel like there should be a Warning: Feral Sentinel on here, too.

Summary: A mission to investigate a sanctuary for unlocking great power was the last chance for Alpha Prime Sentinel John Sheppard to convince latent guide Rodney McKay to stay before Jennifer Keller could drag the man back to Earth to get married. What they find is the Ancient Sanctuary for Sentinels and Guides where McKay’s gifts are awakened. But why is the Sanctuary showing that McKay’s gifts are suppressed, not latent? Just who benefits from keeping sentinels unbonded on Atlantis?

---

Chapter 1

Lt. Colonel John Sheppard made the turn at the second pylon and hit the third flight of stairs up to the North Pier without breaking stride. He felt the wind flowing through his hair, slightly cooling his sweat-coated body as he moved toward the marked path and hit the seventh mile in today’s run. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, and he allowed his senses to flow out around him.

He noted some of his men suffering through morning calisthenics. Lorne had a particularly vicious streak when it came to idiots who overindulged at the Athosian Harvest Festival. The Ruus wine was particularly potent this season, but making an ass of yourself with the Expedition’s best ally was plain stupid. Just as ridiculous as thinking that Lorne couldn’t sniff out every single one of them. His fellow sentinel had tracked them all down before they could return to quarters. Sheppard heard another of the men lose their breakfast and smiled.

Just down the pier, Miko Kusanagi was leading a Tai Chi class that was always well attended. She traded off days with Sgt. Jason Markham to allow daily sessions for drop-ins to attend. They also taught the civilian self-defense courses that had been instigated on the city after the first attempted invasion by the Genii.

That hint of something moving closer caused John to reach back and feel Specialist Ronon Dex gaining on him. He put on more speed in response to make it more of a challenge for Ronon. The Satedan was really the only one who could keep up with him at this pace.

The man had embraced the title Sentinel, clearly searching for a tribe. Still, John wished they had adopted the Satedan title of Specialist instead. It was more exacting about abilities since Sateda divided their Sentinels into four ranks instead of just the two used by Earth cultures. Ronon was riding that dividing line between Sentinel and Alpha. It showed in the strength of his senses as well as the physical boost that marked an Alpha Sentinel.

As he drew ahead again, John searched for disturbances on the city. Anything his senses marked as out of place. It was an exercise he forced on all the sentinels of the Atlantis Pride. No matter how strenuous their activity, they needed to be aware of their territory. Noting two civilians out of bounds, he triggered his earpiece.

“Sheppard to Control.”

“This is Control, Colonel.” The voice of Chuck came through, mellow and clear. Exactly what he would expect of a latent guide.

“Let Security and Radek know that Doctors Gagnon and Monroe are in the Northwest Corridor, level 17, outside the zone.”

“Message received and communicated, Sir. Security is mobilizing. Have a good run, Sir.”

John noted Ronon approaching on his left and put on a burst of speed to pull slightly ahead of the man as they approached the last leg of the route. Suddenly Ronon pushed forward into a sprint, and John finally let loose to join him in that sustained forward drive that only a sentinel could maintain. They were only steps away from their finish line when John was able to overtake Ronon and win by milliseconds. 

“Almost got me that time, Chewy.” John grinned at his fellow sentinel as they slowed to a walk to cool off.

Ronon removed the headband that was a gift from one of the science staff to hold back his dreads when running and shook out his hair. “You’re distracted,” was his reply.

“I beat you back there if you didn’t notice,” John pointed out.

Ronon shrugged, “Barely.”

John glanced at the man without breaking his stride. “See, I’ve got everything under control.”

“Right.” Ronon raised an eyebrow then asked, “Where’s Conover?”

John furrowed his brow in concentration, searching for the young guide who had arrived on the last transport. Elizabeth Weir was jockeying to have the Corporal returned to Earth on the next Daedelus run, but her reasoning wasn’t logical. Granted, the marine had an Uncle on the Senate Finance Committee, but he had earned his placing despite that connection, not because of it.

He finally tagged the man and reported, “Puddle jumper bay for the new arrival class with Radek and Stackhouse.” That was an eight week series with the last of the sessions focused on emergency puddle jumper operations. They were working to get this group finished before the next group arrived on the Daedalus.

“And Nwosu?”

After giving Ronon a classic Sheppard look of confusion, he reached out and took less than thirty seconds to find the sentinel. “In Marine Biology Lab 3, helping pack for their fishing trip on the mainland.”

“And McKay?” Ronon’s query immediately followed John’s response.

Without taking time to think about it, he responded, “Main Mess with Tungsten and Giles reviewing their study proposal for P3Y-271.”

“Right.” Ronon just gave him a look that John interpreted to mean, Do you always know where the man is and what he’s talking about?

John pressed his lips together, because yes, yes he did always know where the man was. Granted, he didn’t listen in on every conversation because that would be excessive. After all, listening to McKay berate his minions gave John a hard-on every time. So there are times that listening to him would be inappropriate. Like that time John was in a meeting with Elizabeth, which, honestly, he learned his lesson, ok. There is a time and place for everything. And having that woman try to seduce him for the week after his very understandable but ill-timed response was enough to drive home the point to anyone.

“He’s a teammate, of course I keep track of him.” John shrugged it off.

“Where’s Teyla?” Ronon asked, then raised an eyebrow when John had to stop to search again before realizing she had left the city for the day.

John growled and changed direction back toward his quarters. “So what if I keep tabs on him. He’s my best friend.”

Ronon kept pace with him. “He’s your guide.”

“McKay’s latent.” John looked away. “If he was going to come online, then he would have by now.”

“Whatever.” Ronon looked like he wanted to say more but wasn’t sure of his reception. It was that slightly constipated look he would get when confronted with cultural differences that he thought were stupid.

John stopped and tapped Ronon’s arm to signal for him to do the same. “Ronon, we’re alone, so if you have something to say, then say it.”

“On Sateda, when a Sentinel and Guide find their match, they are mated. It does not matter if they are online. To interfere in their bond, regardless of bond status, is a high crime.” Ronon was becoming stressed, and John wanted to stop him because he knew where this was going. “How can you just let him leave with her? How can you not rip that bitch to shreds for seducing your guide?”

John let his head fall because he had been fighting those feelings for the last four months. “As long as he’s latent, I don’t have the right to do anything about his relationships. Mundanes don’t acknowledge bond pair rights unless both parties are online. Even in the Community, a lot of people don’t believe in the ability to determine your match unless both are online.”

“Just like Weir doesn’t believe we have a Pride because our Alpha isn’t bonded?” Ronon asked in disgust.

“Legally, she is correct. A Pride is only recognized on Earth when there is an Alpha Pair leading it with at least nine bonded pairs following them. On Earth, there are Prides that number in the hundreds.” John thought back on his officer’s training class on Sentinel and Guide Law in the Military. There was a lot more leeway in the requirements to form cohesive working groups, but Alphas automatically found themselves on a command track whether they wanted it or not. There was the concern that the need to follow an Alpha’s orders would supersede the orders of a superior officer.

“It’s stupid.” Ronon shook his head in frustration. “Why don’t your people value the unbonded?”

John sighed and started walking again. “We value them. The S&G Community values them. But there is a whole history of nations forming on Earth and drawing arbitrary boundary lines, then claiming ownership of the sentinels and guides in their country. Fights and wars over citizenship when an unbonded pair are on opposite sides. Earth is a mess of International Treaties that we are forced to abide by to keep the peace.”

“Those laws mean you can’t tell him you want him?” Ronon gave him that look that meant, you’re stupid.

John thought that maybe on this point, Ronon was right. “She tried to file a report against me for emotional instability and interference in a personal relationship. Elizabeth said she wouldn’t forward it as long as I could keep any interactions with Rodney on a strictly professional basis. And since Rodney has been wrapped up in his ZPM Project with that data we got from the Nylowans, he hasn’t gone on a mission in over two months. Any time I try to catch him alone, Keller is with him. If I schedule a meeting, Elizabeth shows up or schedules her own. Hell, when he does show up for a team bonding night, he brings Keller with him.”

The growl that rose from his throat at the thought of that woman made John take a deep breath and force back those feelings of bond interference this conversation had triggered. “It was his choice to walk away, Chewy. I don’t have to like it, but if it makes him happy, then I have to respect it. His happiness is more important to me than continuing a physical relationship with him.”

“Even if he’s going back to Earth to marry her?” Ronon asked in disbelief.

John grimaced then pushed out, “Yes. We can still have a friendship and be teammates if he marries her.”

Ronon raised one eyebrow. “Even if he stays on Earth?”

“He won’t stay on Earth. Besides, he’s not even engaged to her,” John scoffed.

“You sure?” Ronon asked. When John gave him the stink-eye, Ronon shrugged, “Heard rumors.”

“Hell, Atlantis runs on rumors. If McKay was leaving for good, everyone would know it by now.” John brushed it off, but his gut started churning. They reached the transporter before he finally just had to know. “What rumors?”

Ronon, the dick, just grinned, then stepped into the room and waited for John to join him. John stepped in and triggered the residential zone. Ronon walked ahead of him to John’s quarters and waited to be let in before he spoke.

“People talk. Sometimes forget I’m a sentinel. Heard Keller tell some nurses that McKay wrote his sister. Asked her to get their grandparent’s wedding rings out of the bank. Also, his sister is planning the wedding. Told her he wants everything ready, so he just has to walk down the aisle. That’s what you people do when you marry, right?”

John felt sick. “Yeah, walking down the aisle is getting married.” He rubbed a hand across his mouth. “But, even if he plans to get married, it doesn’t mean he’s staying on Earth.”

Ronon did that whole body shrug that meant he thought John was in denial. “Keller told the nurses she wasn’t sure she was coming back. McKay’s sister was fixing up the old family home for them to live in.”

Drawing in a sharp breath, John walked over to trigger the drawers and started roughly pulling clothes out for a shower. “His contract is up for renewal. I thought he was just going back for negotiations and a vacation.”

“You gonna stop him now?”

“Well, I’m damn well going to find a way to talk to the man without that bitch hanging onto him.” John fought back from the edge of seeing red. Keller was taking his guide away from him. John forced himself to stop and breathe. No. He couldn’t take away Rodney’s choice. He didn’t have the right. “Damn it!” John slammed his hand against the wall.  He had too much to lose to do this now. “Ronon, you can’t push like that. That’s the kind of reaction Elizabeth has been trying to goad out of me from the moment she realized how much control of the city I have. If she knew how much more I could take if I wanted to. How complete that control could be as a bonded Sentinel.” He stared down his fellow sentinel. “You better believe she would use every underhanded political trick she could muster to have me removed on the next transport. Unbonded sentinels can be forced to report for a full six-week evaluation on the hint of instability. I’m willing to bet she has at least five reports of potential instability to pull out if she feels threatened.”

Ronon met his eye a moment then bowed his head in submission. “I don’t trust her. She smells like deception.”

“Yes, she does. She has an agenda. Rodney and I were looking into it before he-WE agreed to take a break, but she hides her tracks well.” John sat down and slipped off his running shoes. “Elizabeth keeps me around because the city works best when I’m here. But as far as she’s concerned, I’m just a glorified light switch. I want you to keep in mind above all else that she wants to be in control. And she’s not above skating the edges of legal to do it.”

“You think she’s a threat to me?” Ronon sat down in a chair to watch John.

“She treats you like a caveman and ignored every report about your overall education because it conflicts with her perception of you as an ignorant sentinel savage. She considers you potentially dangerous, but not an actual threat. If she ever feels you are a threat to her position, she will have you off the city in a heartbeat.” John glanced over to see how that statement was received, then slipped off his socks and threw them on top of his laundry bag. “I have the potential to be a threat. If I were bonded, there’s no way in hell she could make a move against me. But there are no online guides available for bonding out here. So, for now, I have to watch my step. We’re in a war zone, and the last thing I need is to be fighting a war here when the Wraith are the enemy.”

Slouching down in the chair, Ronon huffed. “So you’re just going to let him go.”

John deflated. “If I have to. It is my duty to protect my guide, even if I have to protect him from myself.”

– – –

“Rodney,” Jennifer Keller called out as she approached the gaggle of scientists that were grouped around the lone laptop, pointing and speaking over one another in a disruptive explosion of sound. She bit back a shout of frustration that once again, the Chief Scientist did not stop to acknowledge her presence, much less seem to have heard her calling for him for the last three minutes.

She checked the time and watched for a lull where she could interrupt him. Why did the man have to be so difficult? The first week on Atlantis, she could have practically taken her pick of men and a few women on the base. She had briefly, very briefly, considered Sheppard because the man was good looking and everyone knew sentinels had stamina to burn in bed. But his reaction to her in the first staff meeting told her everything she needed to know.

Ronon had been another strong contender. Not just for the potential physical fun, but because he would have been easy to control. He was practically illiterate and clueless about social norms. Alas, it was not to be. She had just attracted his attention when she received direction to focus on McKay.

She watched Rodney as he was running roughshod over the whole group of them. Destroying their theories rudely, she might add. She tried to make sense of the discussion, but she honestly only kept up with one word in ten. It was one of her greatest feelings of frustration on this city.

She grew up as the prodigy in her family, in her town, in every school she attended. She was pampered and courted by hospitals and research programs alike. Then she comes here, and she’s treated like she’s adequate. Here she had to work just to keep up, and sometimes the sheer volume of information that made her question all her hard-earned knowledge was overwhelming.

Jennifer jerked her attention back on the room and realized there was silence. Like a light switch cutting off, the scientists were all running back to their stations and eagerly returning to work. How did Rodney do it? How did he turn the bickering and angry debates around into happy, excited, functioning workers?

“Jennifer?” Rodney asked.

She shook herself when she realized he said something and she missed it. Well, it couldn’t have been important. He was probably just apologizing for making her wait. “It’s ok, Rodney. I understand.”

She smiled pleasantly as he became happy and excited. See what kind of response she can get with just a little positive reinforcement?

“Great, fine, ok. Well, we should be going. The meeting starts in a few minutes, and I need a chance to set up.” Rodney turned to go and then hesitated as she cleared her throat. He had that annoying confused look on his face when he turned back to look at her.

Giving him her patient look, she lifted her chin and moved forward to pass him into the hall. Jennifer just kept reminding herself. McKay is a work in progress. Think about the last financial report provided by her contacts. Think about the lucrative contracts she could direct him toward once he was out of the Stargate Program and open for private work.

Jennifer glanced back at his half confused, half smitten look and just smiled sweetly at him while widening her eyes and blinking three times. She knew from experience that always had a positive effect on men. There see, now he looks bemused. Perfect.

They reached the conference room, and she froze her face to prevent it from scowling. Sheppard and his team were present. She quickly hooked an arm around Rodney’s to lead him to the other side of the table. Pulling up her notes, she saw the flash of pleasure in Elizabeth’s eyes at the maneuver.

Elizabeth patiently waited until everyone was settled and quiet, giving her their complete attention before speaking. Jennifer really wanted to learn how to do that.

“As of our last communication, the Daedalus is eight days out. They will stop to dial in on a Pegasus gate sometime late tomorrow if they have not been delayed. Are there any emergency needs we need them to push through the gate at that time?” Elizabeth leaned back regally and waited for a response.

Jennifer leaned forward. “Yes, I’m expecting a replacement supply of medication and supplements. Half of the last shipment was contaminated. I’ve been able to stretch what I could, but in some cases, the oral doses aren’t as effective. I should have three or four cases with directions to deliver to me instead of Medical. If I could get those, the rest of the medical supplies can wait until the ship arrives.”

Elizabeth met her eyes then nodded in agreement. “Of course, I will put that at the top of the list.”

There were several additional requests, most shot down by Rodney or Sheppard as not an emergency need, then silence until Elizabeth acknowledged it.

“Next, Colonel, there were some complaints from the Athosians about some of your men.” Jennifer fought back a smug smile as Elizabeth gave Sheppard that disappointed school marm face.

“I am aware. The matter has already been addressed with the men. They have been disciplined and confined to quarters. They are preparing apologies for the involved parties for tomorrow so that they do not interrupt the Athosian day of rest. During the apology, they will offer their free time to pay back any damage they may have done.” Sheppard motioned toward Evan Lorne.

“Major Lorne has already approached the Athosians and received a full accounting. He will handle the schedule personally.” Sheppard leaned back in his chair and played with his stylus in an insolent manner. The man was always insolent.

“Well, I want to know why I wasn’t notified immediately and why I was not consulted for mediation,” Elizabeth demanded.

Lorne spoke up, “With all due respect, Ma’am, this was a military matter. All of those involved were members of the Expedition’s armed forces. Halling and Teyla were understanding and accepting of our response. Halling stated that it was clear they were just a bit too boisterous and that he felt my solution would provide healing for any damages and misunderstandings between our peoples.”

“I am not dismissing your work on this, Major. But when it involves my people, then I expect to be informed immediately. Not after the fact.” Elizabeth’s eyes were flaring at the man.

Lorne looked from Elizabeth to Sheppard in question, as if he was questioning Dr. Weir’s orders. Jennifer couldn’t believe how these people just randomly decided when they had to obey.

“I’m waiting for acknowledgment, Major.”

“Elizabeth.” Sheppard sat up straighter at the table. “Major Lorne was doing his job. As the XO, he is responsible for the scheduling and discipline of the men and women in this command. He reported this to me as his superior and the base military commander. The details should be in your morning report. If you have an issue with the decisions, then you should bring those to me and not berate my officers in public.”

His voice had a quality that Jennifer associated with the Alpha Sentinel in him, and it always made her uncomfortable. She could see Elizabeth preparing to argue, then she glanced around the table and changed tactics.

“Very well, Colonel. We can discuss these procedures later.” She flagged a file on her tablet and then moved on.

They made it through the rest of the Department Head reports before Elizabeth opened the meeting for new business. Rodney had been relatively quiet through most of the meeting, and it was nice to see that she had been able to influence him as much as she had. Jennifer was confident that by the time she needed to network him in public, she would be able to make him presentable to those who might want to hire him.

“Finally. I thought you would waste all our time with banality.” The words flew out of Rodney’s mouth, and Jennifer just cringed.

“Gee, McKay, tell us how you really feel.” Sheppard quipped from across the table like a ten-year-old.

How was she supposed to civilize Rodney when Sheppard kept goading him to new heights?

“Do you want to know how I feel? Let me show you.” He shared his report with the screen in the room. “We’ve been working for three months on that data crystal that the Nyowlans traded us for salt. It’s not interacting well with the Atlantis Systems. We think the database corruption is pulling the data randomly, which is making it very difficult to get anything usable. However, we have been able to verify one reference in the crystal.”

Rodney highlighted a section. “There are several references in the crystal for a Place for Unlocking Great Power. The latest reference we’ve found included a gate address.” He grinned manically and started vibrating in his seat. “And, get this. The address does not exist in any of the listings we have been able to retrieve from the Atlantis Database.”

Sheppard leaned forward. “You think this is…?”

“Unlocking. Great. Power. What else could it be?” Rodney’s eyes lit up like a thousand suns.

Jennifer watched in confusion, not making the connection that everyone, Elizabeth included, seemed to be making.

“How soon can we go?” Sheppard asked, looking between Rodney and Elizabeth.

“Rodney?” Elizabeth asked eagerly. “Should we wait until the Daedalus arrives?”

“I don’t see why.” Rodney shrugged. “Besides, when we entered the coordinates in the Atlantis Database, while they were not shown in the database, there was the symbol we’ve come to mean no-fly/guarded planet.”

Sheppard dug into the report on his own tablet. “I think it’s best if we took a jumper on this one. We can do an orbital survey if we determine it’s safe to do so. I wouldn’t want to risk the Daedalus.”

Elizabeth nodded, “If you think there’s a chance that they have weapons in orbit to protect the planet, then I will agree.”

Rodney huffed slightly, “Of course they have weapons to protect it. If this really is the Ancients’ ZPM factory, then I would expect all kinds of safeguards.”

Jennifer sat up straight as it finally clicked. “You’re not going, Rodney.”

“Don’t be an idiot, of course, I’m going. Do you think I’ve spent this much of my career trying to recreate the wheel to just walk away when I find the holy grail?” Rodney rolled his eyes and dismissed her completely.

Jennifer held back her anger, trying to reason with him. “But Rodney, we’re leaving on the Daedalus.”

“Please. It’s not due for eight days. We will be there and back in no time.” He just brushed away her concerns.

Jennifer saw the amusement in Sheppard’s eyes and decided to just invite herself to this little party. Let’s see who laughs last. “In that case, I can be ready to travel as soon as you schedule the mission.”

Sheppard’s eyes flashed in anger, and she hid a smile. “Oh, I don’t think that will be necessary, Doctor. This is a science mission, not a medical relief mission. It’s best if we limit the mission to trained personnel.”

“If it’s a science mission, then I think Rodney should have the last say in who is necessary.” She turned and smiled at Rodney, who was ignoring everyone as usual. “Rodney?”

“I agree with John.” He said, not even looking up from his tablet.

“Excuse me?” And now she was getting mad—the nerve.

Rodney looked up, and his eyes glazed over for a moment like he was watching the last few minutes on a video in fast forward. “What? John’s right. There’s no need for medical staff on an exploration mission. If we think it’s going to be that rough, then we would need a backup team with a trained field medic who’s certified in rescue. Like, oh…Team Trouble.”

Major Lorne spoke up, “You mean Lt. Truell’s team.”

“Whatever. The team with the crazy medic who climbed down through that cave with Radek to get Stiger’s out when he screwed up completely.” Rodney pointed at Lorne. “If I need a medical evac, I want him. He’s crazy, does his job, and listens when a scientist tells him not to touch something.”

Elizabeth cleared her throat to get attention. “I agree in this instance that the first mission should be a small group. I approve the mission, Colonel, as soon as your team is ready.” She caught Jennifer’s eyes and smiled at everyone. “Wouldn’t it be nice to have some exciting news when the Daedalus arrives?”

The meeting broke apart, and everyone ran off to prepare. Jennifer stayed with Elizabeth until the room was clear. Then she dropped all pretense.

“I don’t like it.” She slid her tablet into her pouch. “Sheppard hasn’t given up.”

“Jen,” Elizabeth poured a cup of water from the pitcher on the desk. “Sheppard is harmless. He knows that any action he takes will result in a report of instability on his part. He won’t risk his position here just for a last chance to screw McKay.”

“But, would Rodney risk it?” Jennifer threw back her head in frustration. “Rodney is difficult on a good day. But he hasn’t had an injection in three weeks.”

“I thought you had him and all the other latent whores on oral suppressants.” Elizabeth shivered. “I don’t want them coming online, Jennifer. I was assured you could follow Carsen’s regimen.”

“I can, and I do. But that last shipment was contaminated when those irradiated rocks were placed in that storeroom. I lost a lot of medical supplies to that.” Jennifer scowled at the thought. “Well, and that nurse. But the important thing is that I’ve been reduced to the oral meds which are adequate for the others but not as effective on Rodney. His hypoglycemia interferes.”

“I’m sure it will be fine. We should have a new supply in eight days. Just increase his dose or something until the shipment arrives.” Elizabeth packed up her supplies as she stood to return to her office.

“I’ve already got him on the maximum dosage. Don’t you think it’s better to keep him on the city instead of sending him into an alien environment?”

Elizabeth sighed, “It would be hard to explain why. It’s best just to let it go. Don’t worry so much. He’ll be gone a day at the most. When they report in, I can have them send him back if needed.”

She reached out and touched Jennifer’s arm supportively. “Just remember. In just two short weeks, the two of you will be on your way to Earth, and you never have to see this place again. You will have plenty of time to get control of Rodney. And the longer he’s away, the less chance he will ever come online.”

Elizabeth smiled. “I’ve already lined up replacements for the two of you. And they are prepared to assist you in setting up the practice of your choice. Once you follow through and marry him, you will be set for life.”

Jennifer returned Elizabeth’s smile at that point. “You’re right. Everything is about to fall into place. Once I’ve married him, there is no reason to pretend. If he becomes a problem, well…I can make it work as a widow.”

– – –

John reviewed the jumper supply list, carefully cross-checking that Jumper One was ready for departure. Rodney’s science team was securing several cases of equipment in the back of the jumper. Just in case this really was the ZPM factory they had been searching for since their arrival in Pegasus.

He paused in his own task to just watch as Rodney practically danced around the equipment with his team. His excitement was infectious, and even Ronon was smiling. Though he immediately scowled at John when their eyes met, and John winked at him.

Looking back at Rodney, he contemplated what his life would be like to never see the man again. Was Ronon right? Should he throw Earth norms aside and tell the man how he really felt?

Could he really just let him go without a fight?

Rodney suddenly turned and caught John’s eye, raising an eyebrow I question/confusion/worry. John just gave him that little boy smile that had gotten him out of trouble so many times over the years. Rodney’s gaze softened, then he turned back to something Radek was saying and bounced in place again.

John initialed his report and then moved to the pilot seat to begin his preflight checklist. No reason to be sloppy now.

It was thirty minutes later when the last of the science staff left the jumper and Rodney sealed the door. He joined the team in the front and took the co-pilot seat as usual. John wrinkled his nose as a large burst of Keller’s obnoxious perfume filled the compartment. The damn woman must have bathed in it before coming to see Rodney off. She certainly wasn’t wearing this much of it during today’s meeting.

“All ready?” He called out to the entire team. Teyla merely inclined her head. Ronon crossed his arms, leaned back, and used his monosyllable for the day, “Yup.”

John looked over to Rodney. “Yes, yes-yes-yes-yes-yes. Can we go now before I die of boredom?”

Smiling as he opened the jumper bay doors, John lowered the jumper into the gate room and triggered his communicator. “Jumper One to Control. We are ready when you are.”

Elizabeth’s voice came over the radio, practically vibrating in pleasure. “Jumper One, you have a go. Good luck.”

John met Lorne’s eyes from where the sentinel was standing behind Elizabeth. Lorne gave him a single nod then stepped back to watch them leave. Good man, John thought. Always good to know someone has your back.

Chuck dialed the gate at Elizabeth’s command, and everyone held their breath until the gate connected. They used the remote readings to verify that everything appeared safe and livable on the other end.  John cloaked the jumper with a thought then steered the vehicle through the gate.

His first impression was of beauty. Everything seemed to be just the right colors, shades, and intensities to engage sight without overwhelming it. Leading away from the gate was a decorative circle along with a well-maintained path that seemed to lead over the nearest hill toward some trees. John hoped the path continued to be visible from the sky.

They reported their successful arrival and waited for the gate to close before moving forward. As the jumper passed the circle, blue light suddenly cut upward, and the jumper was caught in it. John felt it like static electricity through his limbs.

Ronon was panting hard, and John realized he was doing the same.

“John, Ronon, are you well?” Teyla asked, the concern soaking her voice in the way some sensitives were able to project. Otherwise, she appeared utterly unaffected by the light.

“Yeah, fine. Rodney, what is that?” John turned from Ronon and Teyla to look at Rodney and froze. “Rodney?” John asked again. The color had drained from Rodney’s face, and he looked like his whole body was cramping. “McKay!”

Rodney looked toward John then fumbled for his laptop, but he couldn’t seem to make his hands work right. He looked at John, opening and closing his mouth several times, but no sound emerged.

As suddenly as it appeared, the blue light was gone. John reached out to touch Rodney, anything to prove to himself that the man was still with him. His skin was clammy to the touch, and he was still recovering from what had happened.

“Ok, that’s enough of that. I think we need to go back and get checked out.” John spun the jumper around to face the gate and started to dial. When he hit the last symbol, the gate shut down, and a purple shield seemed to encase both the gate and the DHD in front of it. “What the hell?”

“It would seem, John, that we are not allowed to leave yet,” Teyla said, her voice modulated to be calming for sentinels. Any other time he would be thankful for that. But, Rodney needed help, and he didn’t care what anyone or anything else thought about it.

As if reading his thoughts, the jumper suddenly turned and started following the path from the gate. John repeatedly tried to stop it, but it was on remote control.

Eventually, it stopped outside a well-maintained complex. The architecture was clearly Ancient, with beauty and function combined.

“Well, I guess we’re going to meet the natives whether we’re ready or not.” John looked back to Rodney, who they now had lying on the floor behind the seats. “Ronon, you protect Rodney. Teyla, you’re with me.”

Before they could respond, the jumper doors opened. There was a brief flash of light, and a figure appeared at the open door.

At first, the figure spoke in Ancient. John didn’t catch much, but he did register something about Welcome and that this place was called the Sanctuarium Praeditus.

“I’m sorry, my spoken Ancient isn’t very good,” John responded, trying to figure out what to do.

The figure froze. Literally just stopped. Then it seemed to reset to the beginning, but this time the words were in English. “Welcome Protector to the Sanctuary of the Gifted. You were right to bring your Guide to the Halls of Healing. He will be well cared for.”

There was another flash of light behind him, and he spun around in time to see Rodney disappear.

“Where is he.” Growling John stepped forward, but the voice modulated in the way of a guide calming their sentinel. “All is well, Protector. We mean you and your guide no harm. He has been transported to triage. This facility is automated to ensure optimum care. All of your needs will be met.”

Teyla stepped forward and gently placed a hand on the top of John’s arm. “Will we be allowed to leave?”

“This is a Sanctuary for all the Gifted in need of healing and training. For your safety, we must ensure that all are healthy, trained, and prepared for travel to other worlds before the lock on the porta will be released. It is our duty to protect you as well as your home tribes.”

John stepped forward and ran his hand through the hologram. “And how long do you think that will take?”

“You will be screened for health and tested for ability to determine if you lack any skills. Length of stay at this facility is dependent on individual needs.”

“Well, see, that doesn’t work so well for us. We have people waiting to hear from us.” John held himself rigidly, knowing that there was no one in front of him to fight. No scent of anyone living detected.

“Take heart that all know that the Sactuarium Praeditus is responsible for your care. There is no place safer in this galaxy for your kind.” And if John didn’t know better, it seemed a little miffed that he was questioning its care. “The lock on the gate will be released once you are healed and trained.”

“Don’t think it’s gonna give us a different answer,” Ronon said from John’s other side.

John grimaced in agreement. “Can I see Rodney now?”

The figure bowed his head. “It is my honor to escort you to your guide.” With a motion of one hand, the figure turned and led them toward a building filled with light and air while the soothing sound of a breeze over grass rustled through the land.

– – –

---

Chapter 2

Major Evan Lorne stood at attention as Colonel Steven Caldwell, Commander of the Daedalus, beamed down to the Atlantis Gate Room. The ship arrived in orbit twenty minutes ago and Caldwell had stated his intention not to land. Dr. Elizabeth Weir had attempted to argue the point, loudly, but Caldwell had insisted on continuing any discussion in person and cut communications. Weir had not taken that well. Frankly, she had been uptight about the Daedalus’ approach since they lost contact with Col. Sheppard. She had always grated on Lorne’s senses, but now it was difficult to be in the same room with the woman.

The amount of stress stinking up the room didn’t help him, either. Everyone was reacting to their inability to dial the planet that Sheppard and his team were searching. Lorne had taken his responsibility to the sentinels and guides on the expedition in hand and met with each of them individually and in groups to ensure that the atmosphere wasn’t negatively influencing their control. For the most part, they all admitted that there was a sense of anticipation. Lorne felt it as well, as if he was waiting for something to happen.

Lorne pressed his fingernails into his hand to keep from zoning while he allowing his vision to focus on the Colonel’s appearance despite the sensory nightmare of watching beaming technology at work. Lorne noticed Caldwell’s nose wrinkle at the scent briefly before the man schooled his expression and returned Lorne’s salute.  Weir, of course, didn’t wait for military protocol to be exchanged before attempting to push her agenda.

“Col. Caldwell, welcome back to Atlantis.” She stepped forward so she stood in front of Lorne. “If you would follow me to my office, we need to discuss our resupply.” She turned and started walking up the stairs to her office without a look backward to see if he was following.

Caldwell’s eyebrow rose before he grimaced slightly and turned to Lorne. “Major, you’re with me. I might as well get a full report now.”

“Yes, sir.” Lorne gave his men a brief look before following the Colonel up the stairs.

Caldwell waited until the doors were shut before speaking, though he did give Lorne a brief look when the glass remained transparent. Lorne gave him a look of complete innocence. After all, Dr. Weir didn’t request sentinel safeguards so there was no reason for him to ask Atlantis to darken the glass or to dampen the noise. And as a mundane they were functions she had no hope of controlling on her own. Frankly, he wasn’t certain she knew it was possible. Though he had paid close attention to that part of the report Dr. McKay had completed on the privacy functions that first year.  The only reason sentinels weren’t eavesdropping on her all the time was because of the orders from Alpha Sheppard to grant her privacy.

Weir’s teeth were grinding loudly as she attempted to maintain her composure when Lorne took a seat next to Caldwell. He wondered if she would try to order him out of the room, but she let out a controlled breath and focused on the Colonel. “Steven, my people are waiting to off-load our supplies. Why haven’t you landed on the North Pier as directed?”

“My crew is waiting for the command to start beaming down all of the essential supplies. Once that has happened my ship will be leaving orbit to go to Col. Sheppard’s last known location. We can finish unloading supplies once we return.” Caldwell was sitting ramrod straight and returning her gaze without giving an inch.

Before she could open her mouth to complain, Caldwell turned toward Lorne. “Major, I need a sitrep.”

“Yes, sir. Eight days ago Col. Sheppard and his team left on a standard exploration mission. The gate address was a new one not listed in the Atlantis database as far as we could tell. Dr. McKay and his staff located it in a set of data crystals we obtained from a trading partner. We have not been able to retrieve all of the data on the crystals, but the address was noted to be a place of Unlocking Great Power. Drs. McKay and Zelenka believe this may refer to the Ancients’ location for creating ZPMs. We felt it was worth the risk to investigate before obtaining more information.”

Caldwell nodded in agreement. “It sounds promising at least.”

“The team left in a jumper. They communicated with us upon their arrival. The video signal shows signs of civilization based on maintenance around the gate. They indicated their intention to explore, ended transmission, and the gate was closed. When they did not dial back for their scheduled check-in with the Alpha Site, we attempted to dial the gate. It would not connect.” Lorne kept eye contact with Caldwell because he didn’t need to look at Weir to smell her annoyance at being ignored.

“Any reason to believe the gate is destroyed on the other end?” Caldwell asked, glancing briefly at Dr. Weir before returning his full attention to Lorne.

Lorne shook his head. “No, sir. The science staff is certain the gate still exists and is online. The Atlantis systems just won’t allow us to connect. We can dial out to any other address, but when we try this one we receive an indicator that the planet is restricted and those attempting access don’t have authorization or need to access the world.”

“Have you attempted to dial in from another world?” Caldwell asked.

“Of course we have, Steven,” Weir huffed. “The gate won’t engage. We think it may be a safety protocol. If Dr. McKay actually found the ZPM factory, perhaps the gate locks down to prevent interference.” She smiled at the thought. “They could be creating new ZPMs as we speak.”

Caldwell’s expression soured. “Do you really think that Col. Sheppard would authorize something like that without check in with Atlantis first?”

“Well, it isn’t like he has control over Rodney.” Her look of distaste was disconcerting and had been getting worse lately. “Rodney may be brilliant, but he is impulsive when it comes to new technology. I doubt he would even listen to John.”

Lorne bit back the protective instinct whenever Dr. McKay’s name was brought up. It was inappropriate to express those instincts around mundanes when the subject was latent. The law didn’t protect a sentinel when actions were taken on behalf of a latent. And, Elizabeth loved to quote laws when they supported her goals. Whatever those goals were.

Caldwell nodded as if in agreement then rose and turned toward the now open door as he said, “In that case we should get moving. It should take about two hours for us to beam down the essential supplies then we can head out. I just need the coordinates for this world and any data your staff has been able to assemble.”

“There were indications that the planet may be protected. I can’t guarantee the safety of your ship.” Weir shook her head. “I just can’t allow you to take that risk, Steven.”

Lorne flinched as Colonel Steven Caldwell turned stiffly to face Weir.

“Dr. Weir, I did not ask your permission. I am the commander of the Daedelus and I take orders from Stargate Command, not from Atlantis.”