[Previous entry: "Nano Day 8"] [Next entry: "Struggling to Catch Up"]
11/10/2005: "Nano Day 9 - Plot Point Hit!"
music: Taproot - Callingmood: accomplished
Updating this and adding yesterday's word count, because I'm so happy I finally finished it. Four chapters in, 13,000 words later, I finally threw in the major snafu to our boys. And it's also been written where if I have to write Ronon into the present later, it won't be too hard to fix (at least) the flash scene.
Tomorrow Mom and everyone flies in from FL, and Randi will be staying at the apartment for most of the weekend. I have a feeling she'll be a huge distraction. So now I must devote my time between now and 11 AM tomorrow to preparing for my oral presentation, and from 12:30 to phone call time will be spent doing a rush clean job on my room, so my parents don't think they're giving me money so I can live like a slob.
Today was a successful day writing-wise, because I broke both the 10k mark, and I'm only 2k behind what I'm supposed to be now. Hurrah for power writings. Writing to making sure something spefically happens is simultaneously frustrating and rewarding.
Tomorrow I start on Chapter Five, sort of entering into no man's land, as I don't have the initial "OMG! We're 10,000 years in the past!" planned out. I do know we shall be meeting up with some of the people on the run, and realizing how far back we've gone. Will probably need to visit the present and gets Teyla's side of the "WTF?" One major hurdle has been crossed though, and I feel satisifed.
Daily Word Total: 3669
Total Word Count: 13,230
“Well, we have to check back in tomorrow, wait to see what McKay has found, but she’s willing to talk an alliance.”
“That is good. We have been out of contact with the rest of the worlds for so long, but we have never had a need to venture beyond our planet.”
“No one’s left? For ten thousand years?” Sheppard raised an eyebrow. “How does that happen?”
“It was the wish of the Schafer for us to stay hidden. Many generations after we followed his wishes, and after that… well, there are many addresses, and if one does not travel, they eventually slip the mind.”
“Ah,” Sheppard nodded. “But why would he want you to stay hidden?”
“For our own protection, of course. Legend says a great evil was over taking our galaxy, such an evil, that not even he could save us from,” Barclay looked grim. “Although I cannot think of anything more grim than the Deimos.”
“More Deimos?” Teyla suggested.
“Perhaps,” Barclay appeared confused. “But the legends say he defeated them all.”
“Well what we know of the Deimos, or what we call the Wraith,” Sheppard pushed himself from the wall as he thought aloud, “they travel in hive ships, that carry the smaller ships. Maybe he took down a hive ship, somehow managing to not alert the rest of the Wraith that were awake at the time.”
The concept seemed completely foreign to Barclay, but he nodded politely. “Perhaps so.”
“We do not wish to take up too much of your time Elder Barclay, as we understand that you have many duties. But if there were time, Colonel Sheppard and I were hoping you would be able to tell us more of this Schafer,” Teyla smiled graciously, ever the diplomat.
“I would be delighted, my dear. I heard the stories so many time growing up, I have each one committed to memory.”
Sheppard glanced out the windows in the back of the kitchen, frowning at the angle of the sun.
“Is there a problem, Colonel Sheppard?” Barclay asked.
“No problem, just waiting for the other two members of my team to get back.”
“Hopefully they will arrive before dinner. We have prepared a grand meal.”
“Oh you didn’t have to—” John started.
“For all of our guests,” he assured John with a twinkle in his eye. “It has been so long since we have entertained, it alone is something to be celebrating.”
“Someone mention food?” McKay’s voice drifted in from the hallway a few moments before walked in, followed by Ronon and Torn.
“Food? Food’s good.” Ronon agreed.
Sheppard rolled his eyes. “Figures that would hurry you two up. What’d you find?”
“Well it’s a little difficult to tell, but—”
“He doesn’t know.” Ronon cut McKay off, earning himself a glare, which he ignored.
“Well that’s just rude. Why don’t I leave the fighting to you while I explain all the technical details?”
“Just spill it McKay.”
“We found a device that, well, I’m not too sure what it does yet, but the energy readings I’m getting off of it are amazing. They don’t match the usual energy signatures, but I’m sure there’s a reason for that. I managed to decipher some of the writings roughly, apparently it was built by an Ancient named Khonsu, at least I think it’s Khonsu. The etching was a little scratched.”
“Etching?” Sheppard raised an eyebrow. “Like ‘Khonsu’s Experiment, no touchy’?”
“Yes, except I doubt an Ancient would write ‘no touchy’. Honestly, it’s not proper English, although they didn’t speak English, but—”
“McKay.” Sheppard interrupted. “What. Does. It. Do?”
There was a pause before a reluctant, “I don’t know.”
“Which is what I said, trying to save everyone some time.” Ronon crossed his arms.
“Oh don’t be so smug Chewy—”
Sheppard massaged his forehead with a hand. “Barclay, exactly when did you say dinner was again?”
* * * * *
After dinner, which was a very small affair, probably part in thanks to Barclay, everyone had retired to an extra set of rooms in the Elder’s House, which were set off in another set of hallways. Despite the good food, long hike, and what John had the sneaking suspicion was the most comfortable bed in the entire village, he still found that he couldn’t sleep. As quietly as possible he found his way out the side entrance on their wing. The temperature had dropped after the sun had set, and he could see his breath fog in the night air.
He was starting to wish his stubborn pride hadn’t made him tell Elizabeth that he would stay. It was one thing for everyone on Atlantis to look to him to save the day. It was what was expected of him, and they were his responsibility. He didn’t know these people from Adam, and as much as he wanted to help them, he couldn’t be their savior.
His gaze drifted up to the unfamiliar stars above. A lot of people, like his father, had never expected him to make Major in the Air Force. They certainly wouldn’t have expected him to be The Second Coming on some backwater planet in completely different galaxy. He was hard pressed at the moment to think of a stranger mission than this. Usually by this point they were making a mad dash to the gate, explosions nipping at their heels. He supposed he should be grateful for the relatively peaceful, if uncomfortable, mission.
“Looking for Atlantis?”
Sheppard jumped, surprised that someone had been able to sneak up on him, and that someone was McKay, of all people.
“What are you doing up? The kitchen’s the other way.”
“Very funny. But no, I couldn’t sleep, for entirely different reasons from you, I’m sure.”
“Probably,” Sheppard admitted. “What’s got you pacing the halls?”
“I wanted to finish translating the sketch from the device.”
“By moonlight?”
“Ronon may have threatened some bodily harm if I didn’t ‘shut off that damn light’.”
“No fair tattling on the other kids McKay.”
“I’m not tattling,” Rodney huffed and crossed his arms. “Merely seeking a place to work without any threats on my life.”
“Work away,” Sheppard shrugged as he continued to study the stars.
McKay eyed him, hiding the notebook he’d brought with him behind his back. “Maybe later. You don’t strike me as the star gazing type.”
Sheppard sighed. “Really not in the mood for small talk, McKay.”
“Oh knock it off!”
Sheppard turned an eye on him. “Excuse me?”
“The whole brooding ‘Why does everyone love me? I’m not worthy’ crap. No offense Colonel, but you just can’t pull it off.”
“Yeah, well I’m sure you’d just love the attention.”
“Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t want everyone to fall down on their knees and worship me. If all of this bothers you this much you should just go back to Atlantis.”
John stiffened. “I can handle it.”
“Oh yes, that’s why you’re out here staring at the stars. How Lion King of you.”
“You have no idea—”
“How it feels for everyone to look at you to find a way to save them from certain destruction? Remember who you’re talking to Colonel.”
Sheppard frowned. “Fine. So you understand a little.”
“Just because they expect you to be some demi-god capable of wiping out a whole hive ship with one blow of your mighty fist doesn’t mean it’s your responsibility to. And just because Ancient Bed Hair there,” Rodney waved a hand at the statue towering above the trees, “made them a promise, doesn’t mean that you have to keep it.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to help them...”
“Then if you want to, and they want to, what’s the problem?”
“I don’t how.”
“Well Colonel, good news for you.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, that’s why you have me.”
Sheppard raised his eyebrows. “Didn’t you just say something about your ego?”
“Did not. Just I don’t want everyone worshipping me, or a huge eyesore of a statue.”
“Hey! It’s not that bad.”
“You only say that because he shares your lack of fashion sense.”
“I wouldn’t talk if I were you.
“Are you going to make another crack about my mother dressing me?”
* * * * *
The rest of the tales of the Schafer were the usual mythological fare. Love stories, tragedy, and some legends that apparently were dated from before the man had even lived. Sheppard had listened as best he could, but even if it was his ancestor, he could only take so much mythology. Teyla however had listened with rapt attention. He wasn’t sure if she was really that interested, or for another reason.
So as they made their way to the ruins to lend McKay a hand with the device, he asked her.
“So Teyla…”
“Colonel,” she arched an inquiring eyebrow.
“I couldn’t help but notice how wrapped up you get when ol’ Barclay starts talking. Do we have a little crush?”
She smiled and shook her head. “That would be very inappropriate. I did not realize I was so obvious.”
“Well maybe obvious is a bad word. Focused may be better.”
“He reminds me of someone.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” she returned her gaze ahead so she could hide the sadness in her eyes. “My father.”
“Oh.” A pause. “I’m sorry.”
“Do not be. It is…” she paused, searching for the term, “‘all gravy’?”
Sheppard managed to not let the laugh bust out of him at hearing the phrase from her. He couldn’t keep a wide grin from taking up residence. “Where’d you learn that one?”
“Sergeant Tanner.”
“That would explain it,” he shook his head. “Probably safer if you study catch phrases from
She looked puzzled. “I do not see what is wrong with what Sergeant Tanner says. It is no stranger than the phrases you or Dr. McKay use.”
“Yes, but at least our strange phrases are normal.”
“That does not make much sense Colonel.”
“That’s all right Teyla, just as long as you understand.”
“If you say so,” she frowned, looking at the ruins around her. They reminded her of the old city on Athos in a way. “Where exactly is it?”
“Well according to this,” Sheppard produced the life signs detector, so he wouldn’t have to keep calling for directions. “It should be this next right.”
They turned the corner onto the street from earlier. They could see Ronon just outside one of the buildings, leaning against a wall looking very bored.
“Look alive Ronon!” Sheppard shouted.
If he were hoping to catch the Satedan off guard, he would have been greatly disappointed. Ronon merely lifted his head and regarded them calmly. “Get lost?”
“No,” Sheppard grunted. “I do not get lost. Merely turned around some times.”
“Uh huh, tell your lies to someone who might have a chance of believing them Colonel. We’ve all been witness to your amazing lack of navigational skills.”
“McKay?” Sheppard frowned and stepped into the building, eyes searching the shadows for the wayward scientist. “Don’t tell me the device turns you invisible without a mute button.”
“What?” McKay’s head popped out from under the device, which upon closer inspection was lifted almost two feet off of the ground by four stubby legs. “That’s ridiculous.”
“Sorry,” Sheppard shrugged, leaning against the console. “So have you found anything useful?”
“I found a few another section of text on the device itself.”
“Why are you playing auto mechanic?”
“What?” He then looked at where he was. “Oh, nothing. I was just trying to figure out how to turn it on. Was hoping there’d be an indication under there.”
“You want to turn it on? Without even knowing what it does?” Sheppard asked incredulously
“Nooo,” McKay drew the word out. “That would be plain idiotic, which of course I’m not. Power is running through it though, that much is obvious.”
“Yes, painfully obvious.” Sheppard rolled his eyes. “But if you’re sure it needs the gene to activate it, why look for the ‘on’ switch?”
“I said I was trying to figure out. There’s writing all over it. I was hoping there were some more instructions.”
“On the bottom?”
“Yes.”
“Under the device.”
“Well the Ancients don’t exactly have a history of being clear about things.”
“Well you better have something soon, otherwise I think Weir is going to pull us out of here.”
“This device might very well be a means of deterring the Wraith for good. I mean, how can they have totally overlooked this planet for 10,000 years?”
“Well it’s not working so great if they’re attacking now.”
McKay frowned. “Good point.”
“So what the heck does it do?” Sheppard shifted his stance, letting his hand fall to the console. An audible hum started up somewhere within the machine, and one by one, all the dim consoles on the top of the device began to glow. Sheppard pulled his hand back as if he’d been burned.
McKay’s eyes widened. “What did you do?”
“I just touched it!”
“You touched it? You’re not suppose to touch things!”
“A little late for that now!”
“Well turn it off!”
“How?”
“I don’t know! You’re the idiot that turned it on!” McKay struggled to pull himself out from under the device, resembling a worm wriggling on a hook.
Ronon stepped away from his perch on the wall, closer to the device. Outside Teyla stopped gazing at the ruined architecture as the sound of the machine grew from a hum to an all out whine.
“Is that a good sound?” Sheppard shouted over the engine as he tried to pull McKay out.
“What do you think?!”
Ronon raced in towards his lagging bickering teammates, placing a large hand on each of their shoulders. “We’re leaving right?”
The whine increased to an ear-splitting pitch, causing the three Atlanteans to cover their ears. A blinding white light filled the room, blinding everyone. As the flash faded from their eyesight they could hear the engine winding down. The three men rubbed their eyes.
“What the hell was that?” McKay shouted.
“You’re the scientist,” Sheppard grumbled. “You figure it out.”
Ronon glanced around the room as the spots faded from his vision, and everything was as it was before. He started ambling around. “Something’s not right.”
“I’ll say. You both all right?”
“Yeah.”
“No.”
Both John and Rodney looked up as Ronon stopped at the missing wall.
“What’s wrong?” Sheppard asked.
“Where’s Teyla?”
“She was right…” McKay pointed out to where he had seen her previous to the blinding flash, only to see an empty street. “…there.”
Sheppard jogged out to the exterior of the building, head whipping around. “Teyla?”
Ronon skulked around the area outside of the building, stooping down to the ground. Sheppard didn’t take notice, or didn’t care to, and continued searching the nearby area. “Teyla!”
McKay watched their actions nervously, moving back towards his pack to make sure that none of his equipment had been damaged during the machine’s activation. He booted up the laptop briefly, glad when everything appeared normal, and then checked on his scanner. It seemed to be in perfect working order as well. That was good. He quickly put everything back into his pack and swung it onto his shoulder. As he spun around, something on the console caught his eye.
“Teyla, you better get back to me right now!” Sheppard shouted into the radio and threw his arms up in the air to show his frustration. He spun around on his heel to look back at Ronon, who was studying the ground intently. “What?”
Ronon indicated the dirt that made up the street. “The aren’t any tracks to indicate we’ve been here?”
“What?” Sheppard frowned.
“The only tracks I see are those of you walking out and around.”
“How does that happen? Did we miss a freak dust storm that just so happened to carry Teyla off?”
“I don’t know,” Ronon rose to his feet. “We should return.”
“What about Teyla?”
“If she did not answer, she is likely not around.”
“She can’t just disappear!” Sheppard snapped.
“There’s nothing here to indicate she was here, or taken away by force,” Ronon regarded him calmly.
“You just said there was nothing here to indicate that we’ve been here.”
“Yes.”
Sheppard let out a cry of frustration. “We are not leaving here without her.”
“And him?” Ronon indicated McKay with his head, who was studying the panel intently.
“I’ll get him moving, you start sweeping the area. Be back here in five minutes.”
Ronon nodded before moving off. With a sigh Sheppard slowly made his way back into room housing the device, trying to squash his annoyance at Rodney’s scientific curiosity. Here Teyla had gone missing, and he was trying to get that stupid machine to work again.
“McKay we need to go and search for Teyla.”
“All the scratches are gone.”
“What?”
“That cracked inscription I was telling you about?” McKay pointed to an area of text carved into the surface of the console. “See any scratch?”
Sheppard frowned. “No. Listen, we have to go, now. Something’s just happened here.”
“Yeah, for starters the energy field collapsed, I’m getting nothing on my scanner.”
“Teyla is missing McKay, or does that matter to you?”
Anger flashed in the scientist’s eyes. “Of course it matters. But whatever happened to her and us has something to do with this machine. So please forgive me for wanting to try and figure it out so I can get things back to normal!”
Sheppard clenched his jaw, grinding his teeth together. It always ended like this. Things would go smooth between them for a while, and then their tempers would erupt, and all those bitter angry feelings from Project Arcturus would come back full force. He took a few deep breaths, willing himself to be calm. A good military man never let his feelings control him, but he’d never been the model of a ‘good soldier’.
Finally, he regained his calm, but still spoke through clenched teeth. “We’re leaving. Now.”
“Fine!” Rodney snapped back, hefting his pack. “Let’s go traipsing around the ruins looking for Teyla, even though everything tells us she’s not here. Have you even bothered to check the life signs detector?”
Sheppard flushed and pulled out the detector, watching the tiny screen flash to life, displaying three blinking dots. The two clustered together represented him and McKay, and the other dot circling them he had a feeling was Ronon. There was nothing else around, even when he zoomed it out as far as he could.
“Nothing,” he admitted quietly.
“We need to dial Atlantis. Get a team here to examine this machine, figure out what happened, what that thing did.”
Sheppard tapped his radio, mildly surprised when it worked. “Ronon fall back. She’s not around.”
“Understood.”
It was a tense few minutes as Sheppard and McKay waited for Ronon to reappear. Neither spoke or hardly even looked at each other. They both occupied themselves in their own way. McKay taking rubs and sketches of the machine, while Sheppard’s eyes were trained for the first sign of his returning teammate.
Ronon finally reappeared, looking more disturbed than when he left.
“Find anything?”
“Scorch marks. They look fresh.”
“Crap,” Sheppard sucked in a breath. That could mean a number of things, but the top one on his mind was the return of the Wraith. They could have beamed Teyla up while they were distracted with the machine, or any number of possible scenarios. “We need to get back to Atlantis now.”
Ronon nodded as McKay slapped the cover on his notebook shut and joined them. “Then what are we waiting for?”
Sheppard shook his head as he took point, leading them back out the way they came. Ronon corrected his path a few times, but he didn’t hear one comment from McKay about it, which meant that the scientist was still annoyed at him, or was just as concerned as the rest of them. Probably both.
The ruins gave way to the grassland immediately outside of the decrepit city, and they started to march up the hill that would lead them to the valley. He could see Ronon frowning as they crested the hill. Sheppard thought he heard him mutter something about it being “a little off”, whatever that meant. McKay remained uncharacteristically silent.
As they reached the top, Sheppard noticed it too, Ronon’s comment about it being off. The trees leading into the valley weren’t exactly like the ancient pines that stood guard. They seemed younger, shorter.
Ronon pursed his lips together as he surveyed the valley, noting the subtle differences is the rise of the hills. This did not appear to be the same place that they had left.
“Hey guys,” Sheppard stepped forward, peering intently in one direction. “Shouldn’t we be able to see the statue?”
“You can see that eyesore from anywhere,” McKay grumbled and glanced up. “Oh crap.”
The statue was gone.
McKay launched into a flurry of motion as he dug through his pack. After tossing aside several items in a very panicked manner he finally withdrew the notebook he’d been using earlier. Quickly he flipped through the pages until he landed on the recent rubbing of the console. He eyed it critically for several moments, before his death grip on the binding loosened, letting the notebook hit the ground in a small thump. Sheppard eyed his friend, alarmed to see McKay’s face pale.
“McKay? What is it?”
“That crack obscured the name.”
“Yeah. So?”
“I translated it wrong at first. It’s not Khonsu who built that machine.”
“Who did.”
“It read Khronus.”
“Khronus?” Sheppard echoed, before it hit him too. Khronus. Or more commonly known as Chronos.. Sheppard surveyed the land in front of him, the young trees, the fresh scorch marks on the ruins, the subtle change in the skyline.
“I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore Toto.
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