Day Fifty-One
"No, you can't see him right now. Dr. Sodeburg is doing a bit of exploratory surgery at the moment, before the major goes in for the MRI. It'll be at least an hour or two. Go take a shower, and, for god's sake, please get something to eat and drink lots of fluids. Otherwise I'll be forced to strap you down with an IV."
With that warning from Carson, John makes his escape from the infirmary to the hangar bay.
Caldwell has assigned Levenson to take Shaaziya, and detailed Faraj to take the second seat intending Shaaziya to sit on Faraj's lap, thus saving the huge expenditure of resources by not sending a second 302.
They did need allies, and while this particular town was too far away to be truly useful, in the long run it was best to be a good neighbor. Their conduct in this situation would no doubt eventually spread through other towns and villages where it would make a difference.
John sees Rodney slink into the hangar, and he can't resist. He saunters over to where Rodney is lurking.
"So...," he drawls evenly.
Rodney flushes the most amazing shade of red. "I'm not talking about this."
"Does Elizabeth know?"
"What part of I'm not talking about this didn't you understand, Sheppard?"
"I'm just saying. Conflict of interest, possible cultural repercussions, and hey, did you at least meet her folks?"
This gets him Rodney's death glare, complete with chin thrust up in the air, his mouth twisted into a lopsided frown. "You're a fine one to talk."
John just shrugs.
"She says that she's estranged from her father, and, well, to be honest, I didn't quite understand the whole situation—not that it's any of your business."
"Hey, I'm your friend, friends talk about these things, right?"
"That's. That's. I don't even know."
"You're welcome. I'm pretty sure everyone knows that she's your girlfriend, Rodney, but I think Elizabeth should know that it's serious. If it is."
Turning his head away, either to avoid John's eyes or to see if Shaaziya and Elizabeth are there yet, Rodney mumbles something almost under his breath.
John's pretty sure he knows what he said but feels driven to make Rodney admit it out loud. “What was that?"
Rodney looks him straight in the eye this time. His expression is one that John's very familiar with, a peculiar combination of terrified and elated. "God, Sheppard, I think it is."
John's been through this before, so he knows how to school his face to hide his reaction. Buddies that he'd served with, saving each other's lives and sharing horrific and wonderful moments, who then finally meet their dream girl, and it's never the same again. Their priorities shift, focus changes, and John suddenly turns into the single guy they want to fix up, so they'll all be in the same boat. Just because it's not a new scenario doesn't make it sting any less. "It's okay Rodney. I get it."
Elizabeth and Shaaziya finally enter the hangar bay, and Shaaziya's back in her own clothing. Rodney gives John a helpless look and takes off, his course designed to meet them half way.
John picks his way through the crowd to find Lieutenant Levenson.
Levenson cuts a sharp salute. "Sir."
"I hear you've drawn the lucky straw to take our liaison pro-tem out."
"Yes sir, that's the plan."
"I imagine this'll be pretty scary for her, first plane ride in a souped-up fighter jet."
"Yee-haw!" Levenson grins.
John can't help but grin too. "See here's the thing, don't scare her so bad that she goes home and starts a war over it. That would be bad."
"I understand sir. I'll fly like my little old grandma drives."
"That's the spirit. Good luck, and be safe."
"Thank you, sir."
His largely ceremonial duties dispensed, John hangs back from where Shaaziya is getting her final briefing from Elizabeth.
Shaaziya's calm, but John can see that she's trembling slightly, although he can't gauge her reaction to know if she's excited or terrified. Rodney doesn't even get a hug goodbye, before Levenson's graciously handing her up into the plane and making sure that she's comfortably wedged in on Faraj's lap. John's never thought of McKay as a particularly restrained person, but the man kept secrets for a living for a very long time, even though he can't lie to save his life. McKay's been barely able to contain himself around Shaaziya, but at the moment he's the very model of self-control.
The crowd moves back and the jet engines fire up, and then the 302 is out into the purple dawn.
John starts to follow Rodney; he doesn't even need to be told that there's going to be a briefing, but Elizabeth stops him.
"We'll hold off and debrief after everyone's home, John."
John glances at Rodney. He has the air of a student that's been called to the Principal's office, and he avoids looking at John.
"Okey-dokey. I'll just be in my quarters."
~*~
A shake of his shoulder wakes John out of a deep sleep. He sits up immediately swinging his feet to the floor. Carson steps back, looking worried. "We couldn't reach on the radio, and you didn't respond to the call on the tannoy. Are you all right?"
John wipes a hand over his face, and then scratches his chest. "I guess."
Carson takes a hold of his chin and peers into his eyes, then pressing his fingers at the pulse point of John's wrist. After a moment, he says. "You don't normally sleep that heavily. Taking in fluids?"
"Yeah, but I could murder a steak right about now."
"Hmm. Lay down, Colonel. I'd like to check your other injuries." Carson makes a twirling motion with his finger.
John lies down, recalling that feeling as Carson pulls down the elastic, and presses around each of the wounds on his backside, and then moves to the one on his calf. "They look fine, nearly healed, and no infection. I'll advise Steven and Elizabeth to push the briefing back until you've murdered a steak, doctor's orders. If we have one left."
"Thanks, Carson."
"Aye, and then I want you in the infirmary after you've eaten. Your blood tests came back, and your electrolytes were alarmingly low, among other oddities. The heavy sleep could be related to the treatment you received—are you still tired?"
John cracks his neck with a twist of his head as he considers his state. "Actually, I am."
"Good, you can sleep through the IV then. See you in a few."
John realizes that he'd literally fallen into bed. He's still wearing the torn and bloody boxers and desperately needs a shower.
Clean and dressed, he walks to the mess hall. Rodney and Shaaziya are sitting by the dark windows, the remains of a meal spread out between them. John picks up whatever the meal du jour is—alas not steak—and Rodney waves him over.
"Hey, how did it go?" John eats steadily as Shaaziya talks, until he's down to an empty plate.
"Many are dead, and all are frightened that another will come. Maisa is grateful you stopped wraith. She was also impressed that you speak some Peragro, is not easy to learn."
Figures, he thinks. We get the hardest language on the planet to learn first.
"If it is permitted she would like you to return, so they may thank you and your fellows."
Rodney interjects, "Speaking of fellows, Cadman's jaw is going to be fine. Laith managed to glue it together enough so that Carson doesn't have to wire it shut. Lorne's in an induced coma, but Sodeburg thinks that he should be okay, although we won't really know until he's awake."
John knows that he really needs to go back to sleep if his first question to Carson wasn't about his team. He pushes back the empty plate and looks up at Shaaziya. "How was the plane ride?"
She laughs and claps her hands together and then sweeps them wide, disturbingly Rodney-like. "I was flying, like a bird! Very fast bird. I would like to do that again, when I am not so scared. The flight back was best; Raul said it was a 'barrel roll'. I did not want to come down again."
"I know what you mean." John smiles at her, suddenly he has a connection to her that wasn't there before. If John could manage it, he'd fly her to every town on the damn planet, but without a renewable source of fuel, joyrides are out of the question. Damn, but he misses the jumpers!
He stretches his hour to the maximum, and arrives at the infirmary only a few minutes late. He checks on the unconscious Lorne, who's lying on his side, and Cadman is long gone. Carson reassures him that she's already had an IV of electrolytes and has been sent to her quarters. He then proceeds to puncture and prod John, verbally and physically, before attaching the IV bag. "Get some rest, Colonel."
The Daedalus infirmary is smaller than the one on Atlantis and all gunmetal gray; there's nothing to really look at. Lorne's monitors are beeping, but other than that it's quiet. For few minutes John wishes he'd brought his new book, but the lack of sleep in the last week is catching up to him, and he fades out.
Day Fifty-Two - Fifty-Four
John wakes up suddenly and all at once takes in his situation. Someone's removed his boots and pulled a blanket over him, and the IV shunt is gone. There's a small bandage taped over the site on the back of his hand. There must be something that the Gift of Qaral did to him, because even at his most exhausted, normally he'd never have slept through something like that. The lights were dimmed; between the twenty-hour days and sleeping like a rock, he's completely and totally unable to tell what time it is, and his watch is useless; he'd neglected to check the time against dawn or dusk.
Now he feels better than he has in weeks, sharper, energized and awake. He folds the blanket, gathers his boots and sits in the chair next to Lorne to tie them on.
The Major looks marginally better, he's got a little color in his face, but he remains unnaturally still. John sits there for a little while, until Dr. Cole sees him when she pokes her head out of the office. She joins him with, "How are you feeling, Colonel?"
"Better, thanks. Much better."
"We're seeing signs of sleep deprivation among the crew, the day's too short, and these people are used to working 18 hour days. Those missing four hours are having a huge effect."
John just nods. He's spent the last year with twenty-eight hour days, and that makes it even harder to adjust. 'What time is it?"
"Does anyone really know what time it is?" she quips.
John grins, "I didn't realize you were quite that old, Dr. Cole."
"Please, I have listened to the radio once or twice. It's about midday. Well, let me do a quick wound check, and then I'll let you go."
John obediently lowers his head, and she pokes and prods at his neck. "It's amazing, really. This is healing with a supernatural speed, and I daresay you won't even have a scar." She lets go of his head, and he looks up. "I assume the others are the same?" She gives him a frank, appraising look.
The tips of John's ears redden, but he replies evenly. "Beckett said they were almost healed, no infection."
"Well, I'll spare you the indignity, then. If you start to have any problems, please don't delay coming in. We were lucky; we have no idea what the bacteria on this planet are like."
"Thanks, I'll do that, Dr. Cole."
"Call me Paige, please. Off you go then, or stay if you like; I think they pushed the briefing back until this evening." Dr. Cole dismisses herself with a nod, and after checking on Lorne's readings, goes back into the office.
John sits with the Major for a few more minutes, but decides that he really has to get up and move around. He's feeling antsy, like he's about to explode out of his skin.
He wanders over to Olander's office to check in. He goes to the bridge, and there are only a few techs on duty. He wanders by the galley, and it's moderately full, sunlight's pouring in through the window, and those tables are empty. Deciding to pass on food at the moment, he takes the hike down to the hangar bay, which is virtually deserted in the blasting heat.
The small gym is nearly full, and none of the treadmills are free, so John decides to hell with it and starts to run through the corridors to burn off this jittery feeling, dodging around the startled people in the busy corridors.
He runs the length of the ship fore and aft on every deck, which takes him the best part of two hours. It's not like Atlantis where there was room to run for hours and never see another person. John briefly wonders why Rodney's not going insane with claustrophobia; John's feeling cramped and unhappy, and if it weren't a zillion degrees outside, he'd go run in the desert.
The irony of not wanting to march to and from N'vellesem and yet missing the opportunity to run freely isn't wasted on John. Right now, he'd happily take that march.
He finishes his run, cleans up and takes his book to the small galley, which is now nearly empty. John grabs a sandwich and some water and takes them out to the hangar bay. The heat is almost unbearable, but the wide-open vista of the desert, stretching out to the horizon, is far preferable to sitting inside.
John had left War & Peace back on Atlantis, but realizing that eventually he was going to finish it, he'd picked up Crime & Punishment as well as The Gulag Archipelago. He had a theme going, and he was sticking to it. He could possibly spend the rest of his life with these books. John mourns the fact that he might not ever get back to Atlantis, but the unfinished War & Peace is the least of those concerns.
He eats his sandwich, thoroughly chewing and measuring the bites, stretching out the meal. He reads his self-allotted pages slowly, and after considering the words, re-reading the pages again.
It's late afternoon, the sun near setting, and people are beginning to climb down the ladder when John finally closes the book. He watches them for a while but doesn't join them as the briefing will start soon.
Rodney startles him, "Ah, Sheppard, there you are."
"Yep, here I am. What's going on?"
"Actually, nothing. It's kind of refreshing, as a change. Dostoevsky?"
John shrugs and deflects the conversation. "Why aren't you going crazy with claustrophobia?"
"I've spent almost my entire adult life in a lab or classroom--this isn't very much different. It's mostly knowing that I can leave whenever I want."
"I can see that. How's the transporter?"
Rodney grins, the 'you're a geek' left unsaid. "Inanimate objects, no problem, but I killed two more mice, so short of retrieving the satellite, it'll probably have to remain that way."
"Still useful, won't have to slog back and forth with trade goods. We can use the regular beam for line of sight, right?"
"Yes, that's true." Rodney glances over at John. "Are you pondering what I'm pondering?"
"I think so, but where are we going to find a duck and a hose at this hour?" John smirks.
Rodney rolls his eyes at John, but he's grinning. "Come on, let's go torture ourselves by listening to Elizabeth and Steven belaboring the point for hours on end."
~*~
It's a very long briefing intended to bring everyone up to date.
John gives a blow-by-blow account of the three Wraith that they did manage to take off the map, what happened, and why it went wrong. He also describes in vague terms the healing treatments they received.
Lieutenant Klingenschmitt provides a concise narrative of his team's activities. They took out three by AMMRAM and dispatched one Wraith prior to its entering a village, but the proximity required them to address the matter on the ground. They deployed the HDEP and returned to base. He absolutely does not smirk, for which John is entirely too grateful.
Carson gives a precise, if somewhat edited for confidentiality, version of the injuries sustained by Sheppard's team, and their current medical situation. Lorne's been upgraded to serious, and they are maintaining the medically induced coma, until the swelling is reduced. He declares that Sheppard and Cadman are provisionally fit for light duty but requests that he'd really like to confer and study with one of the native healers, on the theory of their craft.
Rodney goes through the technical details of the satellite, its failures and limitations as well as what it does do successfully-allow them to monitor and scan the nearby space for Wraith or rescuers.
Shaaziya describes the meeting she had with Maisa, and that the citizens of Tobat were extremely grateful for the assistance; the wraith had been terrorizing them for two days, and many had lost their lives. Haitham was sorry that he couldn't do more for the Lorne; Maisa extended an invitation to return at any time, because the villagers would like to thank them properly.
Caldwell gives details of the total fuel and ammunition used, and the current figures on what they have left, which sounds like a lot, but it's absolutely irreplaceable, and they have no guarantees that another Wraith ship won't come check them out. All nonessential flight is prohibited and he's raising the bar for what will be considered essential.
John shares a moue of disappointment with Shaaziya.
Elizabeth's voice is a little better. "Thank you, everyone. Carson's expressed his interest in talking with a healer, and circumstances prevent us from returning to Tobat. I'm sure that we could arrange an outing to N'vellesem to speak with Neela. I would also like to return, and Rodney's made it more than clear that he would like to study the database. Our concern is that this may initiate another incident. Shaaziya, what are your thoughts on that?"
John interrupts Shaaziya. "Sorry, Rodney, the Avaxqaral is out of the question. We absolutely cannot afford to have you under nixat as well."
"There may be a way. I have heard the story of your treatment when you went to Ayse, and it is true that my village does not like strangers. I would introduce you to the Abnepa, and he may give his blessing to you. No more assassin."
John considers how likely that really is, knowing what he does. "If I knew that we weren't going to be attacked immediately, I would go to Ayse, to see if this can be settled peacefully. Is there a healer in Ayse?"
Shaaziya gives Carson an apologetic look. "No, Zainab was burned long ago."
Carson shakes his head slightly. "No matter, I can wait to go to see Neela."
"I would like very much for Dr. McKay to accompany us," Shaaziya says, and it's odd that she refers to him by his title, that must be Elizabeth's suggestion. Rodney looks discomfited, but John thinks that the thought of meeting Shaaziya's father is the probable cause of the expression. He wonders if his little chat with Rodney prompted this move.
"I would like to go as well. I think it's important that we meet and discuss their concerns."
"If we use the Asgard beam to send us there, we'll need to wait until the sub-lights are on; the battery isn't capable of providing the necessary power. Colonel Caldwell allowed me to test the satellite, but in light of our effort to conserve fuel... I know it's not perfect, but there it is."
"Our current fuel stores for the sub-light will last slightly less than two years on the schedule we've implemented to charge the batteries. If we have another Wraith attack, we will have to use the engines to power our defense, and that shortens the estimated time to depletion." Caldwell doesn't have to add that it's very likely the Wraith will be back.
Elizabeth adds, "Conservation is an excellent concept, but we also need to determine ways to supplant technology with more old fashioned skills. We have two years to learn to live like the local population." It's a pronouncement and a timetable. "Any suggestions on how to accomplish that?"
"The easiest way is to integrate ourselves into the existing population. We could set up a whole new town for ourselves, but that's not going to happen in two years."
"We will have to inquire of Anbur, and check with the Qaroptimat to see if they would allow this. I believe that Anbur would agree."
John adds, "But that puts a whole lot of strain on their infrastructure. They might not be able to take all of us in; that was the Manarian's initial objection when we were looking for refuge from the storm."
"I agree. We'll just have to inquire and proceed with negotiations. When is the next scheduled engine start?"
"Not for another month, at least." Caldwell sounds firm on keeping to the timetable.
John shrugs. "I don't mind the trek. I'd rather not just hang around waiting." John is looking forward to getting out and moving.
"It is not a long journey, I have made it many times." Shaaziya glances over at Rodney.
He sighs. "Fine, we can go now, and walk."
"Shaaziya, is there any reason to delay our departure?"
"I do not believe so."
Carson pipes up. "I'd like you to wait a day or two, I'm still monitoring Colonel Sheppard. Aye, I think he's probably fine, but I'd like to see more normalized test results, before he goes hiking across the desert where I can't get at him."
"Keep us advised, and we'll schedule our departure based on your advice."
Day Fifty-Five
It only takes a day or so to make the arrangements to depart for Ayse, and Carson releases John for the journey with a sigh.
Shaaziya dons the clothing she'd arrived in and enough food and water for several days is packed, despite Shaaziya's insistence that they will be received and well treated.
Rodney's manfully holding back his usual tirade about walking and the waste of time; all he has is time, there's no choice and he might be trying to impress Shaaz, who sets a quick pace. They walk in pairs, Shaaziya unerringly in the lead, with Rodney at her elbow, Elizabeth following behind and John a few steps away from her. Rogers and Alvarez are staggered at the rear.
John eventually takes pity on Elizabeth and Rodney, neither of whom allow their pride to be the one that cries uncle. "Whoa, Shaaziya. I could use a break."
"My apology, I did not realize." Shaaziya stops and easily kneels in the sand.
Elizabeth collapses to the ground in a controlled fall, whispering, "Thank you."
The first moon is nowhere to be found, the second moon is already sinking low on the horizon, but desert is lit with the shifting rainbow of the aurora. Rodney's face is red from exertion even though it's quite chilly, a typical desert night.
Everyone is pulling out their canteens and as they rest, Elizabeth takes the opportunity to ask, "Shaaziya, tell me about Qaroptimat, and how it differs from Peragroilla." John knows what Elizabeth is doing, they had independently received an explanation from Anbur.
There's doubt in her voice. "I believed completely in everything the Abnepa taught, but now I see things outside his teachings. I was afraid to know that he is wrong.
"I broke tradition and left the temple before my training was complete, because Zuhair could not answer my questions. When I came to see the star that fell from the sky, and roared in the desert, Zuhair listened to my stories of the strange building that had suddenly appeared, and that there were men in it. I came to watch many times. I heard the quiet words that there was nixat, because the ones who traveled to N'vellesem had seen the Avaxqaral, when we have never had it. I could not let my father start war, break the peace of a hundred lifetimes."
John and Elizabeth share a shocked look in the dim light--Shaaziya's father was the one that declared nixat against Elizabeth?
Elizabeth's voice doesn't reveal her surprise, and she says evenly. "I'm sorry, Shaaziya, I didn't know. This must be very difficult for you."
"Perhaps. Initiates must leave the temple for one anam; I only left before my time. Zuhair will say I am, precocious?"
Rodney answers the question in her voice, "Yes, that's the word. So when you return to the temple, what will happen?"
"I return as a visitor. I must not stay. If I understand and wish to become Abnepa, it will be at the end of annum. Come, let us go now."
They pick themselves up out of the sand, and trudge on through the night, though at a slightly slower pace than before.
The reception at Ayse isn't very different than their first trip; most people still give them menacing looks, and it isn't hard to remember that they are under nixat. However, Shaaziya's inundated by greetings and well wishers, hugs from girlfriends, and respectful greetings from men and boys. The old women chastise her and give sly looks at John and Rodney, who are standing near enough to Shaaziya to be meaningful; Timmons and Alvarez are standing back a little, keeping an eye on the group as whole.
Shaaziya talks excitedly to her friends for a moment before clapping her hands and moving on. The entourage they've gathered trails after them in the street, and soon they are at the temple gates. "You must go through Arch of Qaralyn alone."
"I wonder if it's like airport security." Rodney's pulling a scanner from his pocket and John wonders about how much stuff he'd really taken to Earth. "Low level power, I wonder how they're generating it, we might be able to copy it."
"The blood of Qaralyn will not be hidden." Shaaziya says it like a prayer.
John steps back a little farther, drawing Elizabeth with him. "So, here's our chance to make a big splash."
"You were right, we weren't going to be able to hide it."
"I guess the difference is recognizing the gene or worshipping it."
"Shaaziya doesn't know, does she?"
"Rodney took her to the mess while we had the rest of the meeting."
Elizabeth pulls Rodney aside. "Does Shaaziya know that you and John have the gene?"
"Oh please! That's completely unfair! Like I would tell her, after John made such a production of me getting her out of the room. I've worked in top secret facilities, Elizabeth."
"That's not what I said, she's lived aboard for almost a month, and it's possible she found out some other way. You are the one that's spent the most time with her."
"I locked up all the goodies after the meeting, and there's no other Ancient tech on the Daedalus. She can't possibly know."
John thinks of asking him what her reaction will be when the gate lights up, but Rodney's normally not the best judge of character, and now that he's intimately involved, he's definitely got a conflict of interest going. Though John would never say that out loud, or at least not until it was absolutely necessary. "Well, I think it's only fair that we give her some warning, since we're about to be outed anyway."
"I agree."
Shaaziya looks like she doesn't quite believe their explanation that they might have the Blood of Qaralyn, but nods anyway.
Rodney's the first to go through the gate, the gentle bong and flash of light steals his attention, and he's concentrating on the readings. "It's definitely Ancient." He follows the reading to the inside wall, and begins investigating. Shaaziya is completely floored by the fact that Rodney has the gene.
The arch is dark and silent as Elizabeth walks through.
Shaaziya gets a curious look on her face when she gets a faint light and a gentle sound as she passes under the arch, and Elizabeth and John are the only ones that see her confusion. Rodney is completely oblivious as he studies a section of the wall next to arch.
Shaaziya walks back and forth under the arch a few times, getting the same result every time.
Elizabeth asks in a kindly voice, "Shaaziya, has this ever happened to you before?"
"No never. I am one of the many that do not carry the Blood."
Elizabeth and John stare at each other across the short distance with matching 'oh, shit' expressions.
John walks through the gate, and it's like Disneyland at night. The arch flares brightly, and the previously gentle bong is loud and insistent. Every head in the vicinity swivels towards him, and John suddenly finds that the paving stones are really interesting, and hey look, knees.
The strength of the arch's reaction to John has the attention of the temple elders, who begin pouring out into the courtyard.
It's when they see Elizabeth that all hell breaks loose.
One of the temple elders yells at the top of his lungs and the crowd rushes toward Elizabeth at top speed with knives drawn, similar to the one that they had picked up in Tobat.
Shaaziya is screaming at the top of her lungs; she looks shocked at the confrontation. Timmons and Alvarez run through the gate, P90's firing above the crowd as John roughly grabs Elizabeth, thinking, 'oh, this was a really bad idea!' when a knife intended for Elizabeth strikes him instead, embedding itself down to the hilt. It was a lucky shot in the side, between the ribs and under his arm, and it hurts like a motherfucker.
Yeah. This was a really, really bad idea. It was a perfect hit, and John has to sort of admire the skill and strength that it takes to inflict the sort of damage he's taken. He falls to his knees, gasping for breath, and it's not that the pandemonium has really ended, it's worse than ever, but it's that John stops hearing it.
Rodney gets into his face, he's shouting, but John can't really hear it over the pain that's radiating out from his chest, overriding any other external stimuli. His skewered heart is failing, still trying to pump blood but the knife hilt prevents it from pouring onto the ground. No, instead it's filling up in his lungs and chest cavity, and things are getting light and floaty fast. John's world tilts as Rodney leans him into his lap, hands scrabbling uselessly at the knife that is solidly embedded in John's side.
John is sure there's some kind of commotion going on around him, but he's really not paying attention. He knows this feeling, he's had it before, but it's so slow this time—not a swift jolt to the heart, but a sluggish, oozing, petering out.
John tries to say something, but he can't get a breath, the wicked pain is stealing it away. He coughs up a brilliant, scarlet froth instead, and the last thing he sees is the look of utter horror on Rodney's face.
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