Usual Disclaimers apply; I don't own any of the characters, or the Stargate world…that is purely for MGM's pleasure. I am merely playing in it for a while.

The Legacy of Janus

Chapter One - Unknown Origin

Infiltration had been easier than expected. It had taken months of preparation, but through patience, observation and careful placement, the trap was finally set. Now all they had to do was to wait.

SGA SGA SGA SGA

Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard signed the final report of the day with an extravagant flourish, closed the brown folder and tossed it on top of the large pile of others on his desk. It had been another long day; full of reports, tedious meetings and lengthy phone calls. Ever since Atlantis had returned to Earth three months ago, the red tape and politics had made his life a living hell.

He reached for his coffee mug, took a swig and grimaced. It was stone cold. He glanced at his watch and groaned. Time for some real coffee and whatever was left in the mess hall. He'd already missed lunch and his stomach was already growling for some dinner. He started to get up.

"Colonel Sheppard, come in."

Reluctantly, he activated his earpiece. "This is Sheppard."

"I need you to come to the Control Room ASAP."

"What is it, Rodney? I was about to head to the Mess Hall."

"I'm getting some strange energy readings coming from the East pier."

"What kind of readings?"

"Did I not just say 'strange'?"

"Right. I'm on my way."

By the time he'd reached the Control Room, Rodney's state of unease had heightened considerably.

"Okay, Rodney, what have we got?"

"It seems to be coming from one of the power conduits, but the energy spikes are beginning to seriously tax the ZPM as it tries to compensate."

John raised an eyebrow at him. "So just isolate the conduit from the mainframe."

Rodney stared back. "Now why didn't I think of that?"

John ignored his friend's derisive tone. "Alright. Which power conduit are we talking about?"

He had his answer the second he strode around to look at the schematics on screen. "That's right near …"

"Janus' secret lab."

"Pull up the biometric sensors." John leaned both hands on the console and peered more closely at the monitor.

"You won't see anything," Rodney said, rather acerbically.

"Just … do it."

There were multiple life signs in the gym and surrounding corridors, but nothing in any of the other rooms. Janus' lab didn't show up as a secret lab was designed to be just that – invisible.

"See? Nothing. Besides, no one's got authorization to go in there and the Ancient Wall remains active."

John frowned as he glanced at Rodney. "So what's causing it?"

"I have … no, no, no!" Rodney frantically started to type.

"What is it?"

"The energy levels are spiking again."

John rubbed hard at his jaw as the readings continued to rise. "So shut down the power already."

"What do you think I'm trying to do?" Rodney growled. "Oh, c'mon!"

"Rodney?" John had seen that wide eyed expression before.

"I can't stop it."

John instantly tapped his earpiece. "To all personnel in the East Pier. This is Colonel Sheppard. Evacuate the area immediately. This is NOT a drill, I repeat, this is NOT a drill."

"Colonel, this is Teyla. Ronon and I are in the gym. What are your orders?"

"We got some weird energy building up in your area. Get everyone outta there now."

"On it," said Ronon.

"Okay, Rodney. What are our options?"

His friend's countenance was grim as he grabbed his tablet from the console. "We don't have a choice. We're gonna have to cut the power manually."

"Wait a second. What about the control chair?"

Rodney's eyes lit up with the glimmer of hope. "It might just work."

John bolted down the stairs, with Rodney following close behind.