Author's Notes:- Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.
I wanted to do a crossover for Atlantis and since The Pretender is getting shown by Sci-Fi now I can catch up with it, after Sky One stopping it just as it was getting exciting.
I've only seen up to the middle of Season Three of the Pretender and to the Defiant One of Atlantis.
This is set after Season One, enjoy.
*********************************************
"I can't," Rodney cried, "Leave without me."
"I won't," a hand grabbed his arm and pulled him along, "Rodney, I won't leave you behind for them not if I can get us both out."
Rodney sighed, "I don't know if I could live out there."
"You need to try," the whispered reply came, "I can hear them, you have to come. Please."
Taking a deep breath Rodney nodded and together they started to run. He winced as the bullets struck near them as they continued to run.
"Rodney, keep going," the encouraging words came with another yank to his arm. Suddenly the rush of air announced they'd made it to the outside and Rodney wanted to sigh in relief but didn't have time. Two men were running towards them and he was shoved to one side, the rocks jammed into his sides as he watched men converge on his friend.
"Jarod!!!"
-
Rodney woke up gasping for air, he had no idea what had happened to the man who had helped him escape The Centre but he was sure that Jarod was still alive, Rodney would know if the other Pretender was dead. Getting up he ran his hand through his hair trying to calm himself after the dream. It had been years since he'd escaped and they'd never found him especially since they'd have all their focus on their mega genius. Rodney threw water over his face before he headed to his lab.
At least here on Atlantis he didn't have to worry about anyone from the Centre finding him; here he was safe from them.
*********************************************
"Thanks," the man sitting at the desk said when Jarod handed him the file before he frowned, "Sorry Jarod did you have a question?"
"I heard they're sending another team to Atlantis," Jarod said, "I was wondering if it's all military or..."
"Or if there are some scientists going too?" Daniel Jackson grinned, "Well from what Jack...General O'Neill was telling me this morning they're considering sending a few non-military personnel as well. Do you have someone in mind?"
Jarod smiled, he couldn't help but like the man. Daniel was someone Jarod was thankful that The Centre hadn't managed to get a hold of because Jarod was sure if they had Daniel would be extremely dangerous..
"I already put your name forward," Daniel told him, "Now that we have the ZPM and so do Dr Weir and her team we aren't cut off anymore."
"If I could get there," Jarod told him genuinely excited, "It would be..."
"Incredible," Daniel finished for him, "And I agree but Jack refuses to let me go in case the power runs out."
"But you've been on other planets before," Jarod reminded him.
"Ah yes but in this galaxy," Daniel rolled his eyes before he seemed to stare off into the distance for a few minutes, the phone ringing interrupted whatever he was staring at and Daniel grabbed it, "I'll be right there."
Jarod watched Daniel leave before he moved and looked at where Daniel had been staring. Seeing the beautiful woman's picture Jarod suddenly understood more about the sadness that Daniel radiated. Quietly he left the office and headed to his own.
He'd been at the SGC for three months enjoying the anonymity the work gave him as well as the challenges. His real reason for being here however was to find an old friend.
When he and Rodney had escaped the Centre they'd agreed to meet up again earlier this year but when Rodney failed to show up Jarod started searching. The trail had led him here and then he discovered just what his friend had been up to. Jarod however needed to know that Rodney was alright, his big brother instincts coming into play even if they didn't know who the eldest out of them was.
-
Parker was beginning to wish once more that she hadn't quit smoking because she could do with about several packets considering what she'd just been told. Her new assignment had just been explained to her and she wasn't sure if this was some sort of joke they were playing on her.
"Angel," her father said, "We need you to do this. We can only sneak one agent into this and I know you will be the only one able to bring back our valuable asset."
"But it's been years and now you want him back?" Parker snapped, "Rodney was never as good a Pretender as Jarod who as you recall is who I was brought in to search for."
"Rodney had other talents beside his Pretender abilities plus with all the knowledge he's gained from this expedition," Mr Parker reminded her, "The Trust could use this and Jarod will come after him."
"So two Pretenders for the price of one," Parker mused, "When do I leave?"
"Now Angel," Mr Parker took a hold of her shoulders, "Be careful and come back to me," Parker was amazed as he kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly, "Remember do nothing to break your cover. And come back to me safe and well."
"I promise Daddy," Parker smiled slightly relaxing into her father's embrace, "I'll see you when I get back."
*********************************************
"What part of don't touch anything didn't you get?" Rodney snapped at Sheppard.
"It was a chocolate bar," the Major grimaced, since Rodney had heard there were new recruits coming from earth he'd been a little...nuts.
"It was my chocolate bar," Rodney replied petulantly.
"What is the matter with you?" Sheppard yelled, "You've been in insane mode for the past few days."
"There is nothing wrong with me that a little peace and quiet while I'm working wouldn't cure," Rodney replied, "So, could you please get lost."
Sheppard raised an eyebrow at the hostility radiating from the scientist and decided to back off knowing Rodney would either get over it or tell him. They had if not friendship at least a mutual respect and Sheppard was beginning to hopefully be someone Rodney trusted.
"I'll give you a call when our houseguests arrive," Sheppard told him noting the quick panic that filled Rodney's eyes.
"Whatever," Rodney replied turning his attention back to his work.
When the Major left Rodney sighed taking a seat. The news that more people from Earth were joining them had sent all his alarms ringing. He wasn't the greatest Pretender but he did have senses that bordered on Empathy and Precognition which right now it was telling him something bad was heading towards them.
"Okay," he murmured to himself, "You're a Pretender, pretend everything's alright so you can get some work done."
-
Elizabeth saw the Stargate start to dial and she smiled waiting for it to open.
"Atlantis base," the distinctive and unmistakable voice of Jack O'Neill came over the radio, "This is Earth. How you guys doing?"
"It's good to hear your voice General," Elizabeth told him, "And we're doing fine. I believe you have some new recruits for us?"
"Yep," Jack replied, "Oh and if Daniel comes running through send him straight back would you?"
"I promise," Elizabeth laughed, "How are you Daniel?"
"Sick of Generals who think they're funny," Daniel replied dryly, "The reports you sent were fascinating. I'm hoping to be allowed a visit soon."
"We'd be pleased to have you here," Elizabeth replied.
"Okay," Jack interrupted, "Doc, have fun breaking in your new recruits and I'll talk to you in three months."
"You too," Elizabeth replied watching as the first group exited the Stargate.
-
Jarod stared around the room in amazement noting that the other members of his group were also staring.
"Welcome to Atlantis," a woman stepped forward, "However, we need room to let the next team come through so if you'll follow Lieutenant Ford he'll get everyone settled in quarters and you'll get a map. Your first briefing will be tomorrow morning at 0900."
Jarod joined the rest of his team and followed the young man as he tried to contain his excitement at being not only on a different planet but in a different galaxy.
"Dr Starr," Ford called, making him turn, "Nice name for this place. This is your bunk, maps in there. You are allowed to the gym, mess hall and rec areas at the moment. Tomorrow after your briefing you will be assigned labs."
Jarod nodded and entered the small room sighing in relief as the door closed. He dropped onto the bed pulling out some pez and glancing over the map wondering how he could get Rodney alone before they accidentally ran into each other. Rodney wasn't at his best when startled.
He opened the door noting the crowd had thinned a little and he headed towards the mess hall looking for something to eat as well as his friend.
-
Rodney arrived at the control room just as the second group were arriving.
"They look scared," he noted.
"And you weren't petrified the day you came here?" Sheppard asked.
"We had no idea what we were heading to," Rodney reminded him snarkily, "They know we're safe here."
"It's still a terrifying prospect coming to a whole new galaxy," Elizabeth appeared at his side, "Have you got the list of your new helpers?"
"Yes Elizabeth and they all look as wonderful as each other," Rodney replied sarcastically, he glanced over to where people were still pouring out the event horizon and caught a glimpse of what seemed to be a familiar woman but she disappeared amongst the crowd.
"You're getting paranoid," he murmured to himself turning back he found Elizabeth and Sheppard staring at him, "Anyone else hungry," he said aloud before heading to the mess hall to get away from them and his own strange feeling.
Walking through the corridor Rodney decided to avoid the mess and head to his lab, a hand clamped over his mouth and pulled him into the room. Rodney was pushed against the wall and stared in amazement at the man in front of him.
"Jarod," he whispered when the hand was removed, "What...what are you doing here?"
"Looking for you," Jarod replied as the two men embraced, "I see you've done well for yourself."
"Jarod," Rodney struggled to find the words, "I knew someone was here but I thought I saw Miss Parker. Oh I'm so glad to see it's you."
"I just can't believe you're using your real name," Jarod laughed.
Rodney shrugged, "They probably wouldn't believe that someone would be as nuts as to hide using their real name."
Jarod laughed, "I was worried when you didn't show up so I went looking for you."
"Not bad is it?" Rodney grinned, "Are you hungry?"
Jarod grinned, "That's a great idea."
-
Parker was dumbstruck by what she'd just experienced. She'd managed to keep her cool as she walked through the Stargate and numbly she followed her guide falling onto the bed in the quarters she was assigned. She was on another planet, she was in another galaxy and suddenly everything the Centre stood for seemed very small and unimportant. Even still she had a job to do and she had to do it because she was certain that the Centre would have some way to watch over her even here. She pulled out the list of personnel for Atlantis base still amazed that someone who was supposed to be so smart could be so stupid and use their real name whilst hiding out.
"Alright Parker," she jumped up and started to pace, "You have to get him alone and somehow persuade him you're not here to hurt him or get him to the Gate and persuade them to open it back to Earth."
As she mused she decided the best idea was to get him to trust her, they'd been almost friends when they'd been kids she could build upon it. Talk to him about Jarod and Angelo, Rodney was one of those people desperate for approval of others, she could con him.
-
Sheppard watched as the Head Scientist of the Atlantis team sat eagerly talking to one of their new arrivals. There was something about both of them that was bothering him, something he just couldn't quite grab onto but it kept nagging at him. He had developed a sense about McKay over the past year that meant he could tell when something was wrong with the scientist and there was definitely something going on with the Canadian.
Sheppard was jolted out of his thoughts as Teyla sat beside him, "What are you doing?"
"Is it me or has McKay been acting really weird the past few days?" he asked her.
"I have noticed he has been quite...ah... I believe the phrase you would use is uptight the past few days," Teyla replied, "Though he looks much more relaxed now."
"Something strange is going on," Sheppard told her.
"Dr McKay seems fine now," Teyla said, "The man he is speaking with is one of those who came through from Earth earlier today. Perhaps he was worried his friend would not be coming?"
Sheppard frowned, "I don't think that's it but I can't quite put my finger on it."
"Then perhaps it is wisest not to think about it," Teyla laughed, "Besides I believe you have a great deal of work tomorrow."
He grimaced as he thought about breaking in their new people, he hated having to train but that was the best thing about being in charge, you could delegate.
*********************************************
Rodney led Jarod back to his lab fascinated by what his friend was telling him about everything he'd done over the time since their escape.
"So did you find your family?" Rodney asked.
Jarod gave a bittersweet smile, "In a manner of speaking. Do you remember Kyle?"
Rodney shuddered, "He was quite a twisted one."
"He was my brother," Jarod revealed unable to help but smile at Rodney's shocked expression, "He was killed by Mr Lyle saving my life."
"I'm sorry," Rodney told him.
"I've seen my mother for a few seconds and my sister," Jarod frowned, "But the Centre chased them away."
"What about your father?" Rodney asked taking a seat.
"He's taken my clone and disappeared," Jarod loved the expression that filled his friend's eyes at the word clone, "So I came to see how you were. Did you go see your family?"
Rodney gave a bitter laugh, "Yes I really want to see the people who sold me to the Centre."
They fell into uncomfortable silence Rodney breaking it a few minutes later.
"You do realise that you can't leave here for at least three months?" he asked, "Don't you?"
Jarod shrugged, "I could use the adventure before I return to looking for my family."
"Or you return to the Centre," a woman interrupted them.
Jarod and Rodney spun in horror to find Parker standing there a gun trained on them.
"Are you insane?" Rodney snapped, "Put that away before Sheppard or one of the others arrives."
Parker frowned at him, "When did you grow a backbone?"
Rodney stared at her his eyes boring into hers, "About the same time your conscience appeared. How's your friend's daughter doing?"
She jumped in shock keeping the gun trained on him.
"Parker, don't be an idiot," Jarod said as calmly as possible, "You have no way to get out of here without someone shooting you."
Parker sighed and relented, putting the gun away she turned to the two Pretenders, "Fabulous."
"Don't worry about it Miss Parker," Jarod smiled at her, "Think of it as a vacation from the Centre."
"A vacation with you two," she sneered sitting down, "I'd sooner be with a vampire and just slit my wrists."
"Be careful what you wish for Parker," Rodney told her, "Trust me on this one."
-
"Remember when we snuck into SL24 and nearly ruined the experiment Sydney was doing?" Jarod asked with a laugh.
The three of them were resting against the wall in Rodney's lab.
"Angelo warned us just in time," Rodney grinned, "How is Angelo?"
"Just as crazy as always," Parker replied turning to him, "So explain why you didn't change your name like Wonder boy here?"
"If you were on the run would you use Parker?" Rodney asked.
"No," she laughed, "Because its nuts, it's stupid and..."
"No one with my IQ would be as dumb as that," Rodney replied, "Which is exactly the reason I used it."
Jarod laughed, "At least you have a name to use."
"Are we supposed to bring out the violins?" Parker asked him, "Because they wouldn't let me bring them."
"Miss Parker, I'm surprised you didn't fine a way to smuggle them," Jarod baited.
"Would you two knock it off," Rodney snapped, "You're like two ten year olds and I get enough of that from Major Sheppard."
"How long have you been working with these people?" Parker asked changing the subject.
"Almost two years," Rodney replied.
"And they're just sending someone after you now?" Jarod asked starting to realise what Parker was getting after.
Rodney shrugged, "Maybe they only realised that it's me recently or maybe they've just decided to come after me now."
"No," Parker frowned, "If they knew who you were they'd have come for you instantly."
"So that means someone must have discovered your identity," Jarod took over, "And sent a message back to Earth."
"Which means someone here on Atlantis," Rodney whispered in horrified realisation, "Someone's a traitor."
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