Title: Cemel Dosce
Author: Lady Valmar
Genre: Drama/Angst
Prequel: Switched
Rating: T-M (15+)
Pairings: Sire and Fledgling (Vampirism). No Canon pairings.
Characters: Entire team, Major Lorne, Amelia Banks, Rose Whedon, OC characters,
Beta: None
Archive:
Summary: Sheppard continues to be afflicted by his previous encounter with the vampire wraith. On a mission to help out Major Lorne's team they come across a new enemy and loose two of their own to it.
Episode spoilers: Season 1-3
Warning: Whumping – entire team, Rose etc. Dark, bloody, violent and a little gory.
Disclaimer: I don't own Stargate Atlantis. : ( The only thing I can proclaim to own is just this story and any original themes, concepts, ideas or characters in it. So please refrain from infringing or stealing my stuff.
Notes: This fanfiction takes place after 'Switched' and the episode 'Misbegotten' - 'Irresistible.' First chapter is a bit long. I added a few scenes and removed a few paragraphs of unnecessary information.
… .LV. …
"Cemel Dosce"
(Know Thyself)
By Lady Valmar
Song: Foreshadow by Ben Trexel
…
…
…
Run John.
…
…
…
The words resounded in his head, swirling and picking up intensity like an echo reverberating back.
He blinked and was off running. He could see the trees rushing past him, tall and straight. His work boots, compacted the mossy clay earth with his forward momentum. His heart raced and his lungs burned from the cold wind and exertion.
Up ahead the path was swathed in silver-gray fog. In the distance, screams erupted, he put a burst of speed into his step. He had to get away. The voices shouted in a chant but he couldn't hear what they were saying.
Suddenly, a break in the trees and his salvation; it was standing proud, a testament to a time long ago. Its dull silver shine and sharp v shapes his life raft in the chaos of trees, fog and voices. He had to get out of there.
His eyes wide and his nostrils flaring, he pushed himself to make it there just a little faster. Before the DHD was within reach, he collapsed as pain erupted in his stomach. Boiling and burning, waves of nausea over took him and he clenched it, curling into a ball on his side. His vision narrowed to a pinpoint and then he groaned.
What was this?
…
Just open your eyes.
…
All around him was the smell of death; it was so strong he opened his eyes. When he awoke it was to people surrounding him, lying on the ground, their necks torn, blood fermenting every piece of earth. He didn't recognize any of them, wearing clothes similar to those of some random planet his team had visited in the past.
…
Don't you like it John.
…
"Like what?" He screamed, as he stood, moving his head frantic to find who was speaking.
He turned and saw another version of himself covered in blood. "The blood John," said the other John, smiling. "I saved some for you." The other John brought up his hands covered in blood and torn bits of flesh.
.
.
Screaming, he awoke painfully to the cold hard floor of his room. He peeled his sweaty, sticky skin off the floor. His achy muscles made him grunt in displeasure. Rubbing his neck, he took a seat on his bed and held his head in his hands.
This was the fifth time this week.
Sheppard scratched his head with one hand aware he was still feeling a little ill. He'd gotten this viral infection and it was just hanging on. The dream seemed to linger so he stayed in his position on the bed until he felt relaxed.
Whatever these dreams were about he was trying hard not to let it bother him. Today however was the first time he had one linger. Normally, he rarely remembered the details of them only that he had been running and blood was somehow involved. But he always woke covered in sweat and breathing heavily.
He picked up his earpiece. Who should he call? Carson? Carson would give him sleeping pills…maybe it was time?
He really needed to talk to somebody about these nightmares but NOT Dr. Heightmeyer.
John scrubbed a hand over his face. These nightmares had to have a connection to something but what?
He was certain that the connection lie with the incident in which Rose and him had switched bodies. The orb Rose smashed may have done something to him. And the red eyed Wraith. That was the strangest thing. He wasn't surprised but if it was infected and somehow infected him, wouldn't Rose be sick too? Or maybe she was and wasn't talking about it with anyone.
One of the words the Wraith had said 'Whet' he was sure meant "we are".
He'd had Rodney search through the database but Rodney had found nothing on any of the words.
Sheppard frowned, he'd stopped mentioning them to Carson and Elizabeth when they'd considered he should see Dr. Heightmeyer. He'd been put under the scanner numerous times and they'd found nothing. Not in the blood tests, not in the scans, not in the urine test, not in the database…nothing.
He would have to ask Rose later about it. Maybe she was having nightmares too.
Or maybe this was a breakdown from all the stress and life or death situations he'd been under.
Somehow he didn't think nightmares involving him drinking blood were PTSD related. He didn't have any other symptoms except he had the strangest urges picking at his brain.
It reminded him of the time he'd been in Carson's lab and had found out he was turning into the Uriatus bug. He'd been scared that time but he'd also felt really good and in control of his body like he'd never been. This wasn't scary like that time had been, but he felt little control over the feelings.
Yesterday he'd considered taking a look at the blood-filled IV bags they kept for emergencies while looking over mission reports. It had repulsed him and he was tempted to tell Carson but being directed to Dr. Heightmeyer for something that may not have a medical basis was not what he wanted.
John shuddered, their next mission was scheduled for tomorrow; it seemed like a bad idea. He knew if he didn't get help for this it could interfere with his ability to take care of the people underneath him.
John stretched and reminded himself, that's why I don't talk about it anymore. I'm not going to let this interfere with my life.
He had to keep focus on what he was doing for the team and Atlantis. Teyla would be staying behind for this mission to take care of some issues the Athosians had, after a pit stop for trade. He was looking forward to the mission, maybe it was the distraction he needed especially after Luscious Lavin.
Sheppard blinked and looked around his room. "This cannot be happening."
His stomach rumbled again like he had not eaten at all. He'd had dinner over an hour ago. He felt the craving for red meat. It was just a little late for red meat.
He picked up his tablet and added the date and time of this recent craving. He'd been keeping a record of the occurrences because that was all he could do besides wait to see what happens.
Maybe it was unhealthy to have a preoccupation with cravings and the nightmares…maybe he was pregnant?
Sheppard smirked and then frowned okay that really wasn't funny. He shuddered before he threw on his sweatpants and shoes. He felt like a steak. He could eat steak at 1 am. Hopefully they still had some in the back.
.
.
When he got there he headed straight for the kitchen, keeping an eye out for anyone. Thankfully he'd come at the right time because it was pretty much deserted. He opened one of the big Atlantean meat lockers. He pulled out a big steak and tore the packaging. For a moment he was ready to tear into it but cold, uncooked meat was never a good idea.
So he reached for a pan and put the steak in it heating it up until he was satisfied. He cooked it just enough so it was rare. Then seeking out utensils sat down at the nearest table and cut a piece of the steak.
Popping it into his mouth he closed his eyes, he could taste the richness. Perfect!
After a moment he tossed the fork and knife down and just picked up the steak, tearing into it with his teeth.
I'm beginning to think I've picked up some bad eating habits from Ronon, He thought.
…
Tastes good doesn't it?
…
He paused looking around. Had he heard someone say something? He didn't see anyone so he went back to tearing into his steak.
When he was finished he stared at his hands for a moment. "What the hell is wrong with me?"
Shaking his head he picked up his plate, got up and went to one of the Atlantean sinks. He quickly washed his hands off. He was gratefully not to run into anyone in the mess. By the time he'd made it back to his room, it was going on 2 am.
Wrestling off his shoes and then sweatpants he pulled his blankets back over him and got into bed.
He grabbed his tablet and finished up the log of what transpired. He was concerned but he'd had just a sandwich, a large pickle and a soda for dinner so it was possible that it had nothing to do with the nightmares. He rubbed his eyes, set his wrist watch to wake him for the mission tomorrow and tucked his tablet into his bedside table.
.
.
Rose Whedon dusted off her pant legs and put her thumb back into her mouth where she used her nail to flick her tooth. She couldn't decide what to wear. It was a humid planet for her first off world mission. Pants and boots seemed a little too hot but mosquitoes and bugs biting at her legs didn't seem appealing at all.
Finally resolving to wear pants, she reached for her bdu pants yanking them on. Picking up her short sleeve light-blue shirt and then jacket she put them on. Last was her rough terrain boots.
Her stomach was twisting in knots. It was partial excitement and feat. At least the burn on her arm had healed well. Though Dr. Beckett wasn't too happy to give her the all clear, he'd given in none the less. At least Dr. Weir had approved the mission.
She grabbed her pen, tablet and pulled her belt on. She made her way to her door before turning to stare at her room. This would the first time she'd be off world. What if the Wraith came? What if the gate didn't work? What if…?
She shook her head. She needed to get a hold of herself; still Rose grabbed a sheet of paper and scribbled a note about what to do with her stuff if she didn't return. It was just a precaution but at least it was there.
Rose pulled up the silver symbol around her neck, it was of a dragonfly. Which symbolized to her the meaning of freedom, luck and happiness. She was glad to have it with her on this first mission.
She ran her thumb over the necklace before grabbing her camera. It was small enough that she figured it wouldn't become a nuisance. She'd like to take pictures would run even if she couldn't share them with anyone back home.
As she made her way down to the gate room, she felt her heart beating wildly in her chest. She just had to keep telling herself she could do this. "Hey going somewhere?"
"Kitty?"
She looked up to see Amelia walking beside her, dressed in off world gear. "I'm glad I get to finally go on a mission."
Rose tucked the necklace beneath her shirt. "Why didn't you get to go off-world sooner?"
Amerlia shrugged. "I didn't have anybody to take over my gate duty for the day."
Rose smiled. "I'm just glad I won't be the only noob here."
"Me too, Rosey Posey." Rose rolled her eyes at Amelia.
"Hey Colonel Sheppard and his team are supposed to come along once we are given the all clear, isn't that intriguing?"
Rose nodded. "Umm…yea…"
Amerlia snorted. "You're just embarrassed because you guys switched bodies. Relax, I'm sure he doesn't want it mentioned either."
"No, it's not that…I told him about some things I wished I hadn't of."
Amelia's eyebrows rose. "You told him about what?"
"Well about some things he saw in my drawer," Rose sighed, "And asked me about it."
"I would have just told him a lie. I guess that explains some things about the looks."
"What looks?"
Amelia looked sideways at her before continuing. "Never mind. You know you could always get a lock box." At Rose's strained expression she added. "Just saying."
"Okay I see your point but Amelia I'm working on not lying because I want to be more honest. I couldn't bring myself not to tell him the truth. It was a little obvious that there are some things in there that he saw that didn't make much sense to him."
"There is a difference between being honest and just plain revealing too much personal information that he doesn't need to know." She raised an eyebrow at Rose, "You know..."
"What? Done criticizing me yet?" Rose said, slightly perturbed.
"I'm just making a point. You got it bad,"
"Got what bad?"
"The Colonel."
Rose shrugged. "Who doesn't have it bad for Colonel Sheppard?"
"True…"
Once they made their way down the steps, Rose felt her throat tightening. Her hands were so sweaty she cringed at the feeling. She felt like coiling up into a little ball.
Yes, she could do this. She just had to keep telling herself that. They stood beside each other, Amelia and her, as Major Lorne explained how the gate would feel like and such.
When he was done with the explanation and it came time for Rose to step through the gate, she had to pause. She touched the event horizon. It felt like cold, glass or gel. She could understand if people might confuse it for water because it certainly had a rippling, water embodiment quality.
She felt someone tap her back. "Hey time to go noob."
"Hey..."
While Amelia was not much taller than Rose, sporting dark black hair and brown eyes, she was military and it showed. Amelia shoved Rose through the gate. It felt like there was a cord just behind her belly button and suddenly her whole body was being jerked forward. Predictably, Rose tumbled and before she could stop herself she threw up.
Disgusting, was all that came to Rose's mind. Once she had rinsed with water, she followed the others towards some ruins just barely visible through the trees in the distance.
.
.
Sheppard's team made a quick stop at one of the off-world outposts to make a few trades of the usual food and supplies and to see what else was available. Sheppard walked around lazily as Rodney complained as usual and Teyla did her own trading.
"Rodney…sometimes you just gotta appreciate the view and the pleasant company." He nodded to one of the country ladies walking around with a particularly good endowment.
"I'm just saying that while I do agree on the pleasant company part…I mean why couldn't we have done this some other day? Dr. Meyer is getting all the credit on what should be my discovery!"
Sheppard rolled his eyes. "Patience is not one of your stronger suites. We'll be there shortly Rodney until then how about you..."
"You boys thirsty?" Asked Louise, one of the kind ladies who had offered to show them around the farmer's market.
Rodney rubbed his hands together. "Finally. Yes!"
Sheppard raised an eyebrow. At least Rodney had the decency to look embarrassed for not saying thank you as he took the offered cup of water.
"He says thank you," Sheppard said. He couldn't help noticing that long neck. It was tanned but it looked inviting he wondered if…
…
Hot rich warm blood. It's right there.
…
He shook his head, he wasn't sure if it was his sub-conscious or if he was just imagining things, whatever the case he was not going to lose it while off-world.
"You alright?" Rodney asked picking up a purple fruit from the basket that Louise had brought them earlier.
"Yea just thinking…"
"You sure because you seem a bit spacey…"
"I'm fine Rodney."
They both turned as a sweet twenty something scanned the cart of vegetables near the little tavern and she gave them a grin.
Rodney crossed his arms after he returned the strange fruit to the basket. "Hey do you think a girl like that would be interested in…"
Sheppard smirked. "No."
"Oh come on…I mean I'm handsome and I got the brains why not?"
Sheppard shook his head. "I'm gunna leave that one alone."
He grew serious as he turned to look at Rodney who had gone back to his tablet.
"Rodney."
"Yea?"
"I know we've already gone over this awhile back but…are you sure there wasn't anything in the database about Lamirns?"
Rodney looked up. "You're still dwelling on this? I thought you said you were done with the whole research."
Sheppard leaned back. "I know but I just can't help feeling like we're missing something. A vital something. Obviously the Wraith…vampire…said the phrase and I wasn't imagining that because Ronon heard it too."
"I've told you before, there was nothing. Zip, nadda in the database about the word Lamirn or Whet. Or even Wraith and vampire in the same sentence. And whatever that thing was it could just be a hybrid species of wraith for all we know."
Sheppard was about to just let it go when he looked over at Rodney. "Did you say not in the same sentence?"
Rodney cleared his throat. "No, I meant that there was nothing in the database not on Vampires or Lamirns or whet or anything like that. You're chasing ghosts John."
"Okay." He turned to lean against a post. Maybe it was the nightmares…or maybe Rodney was right about this. Sheppard rolled his shoulder, "Maybe your right…"
Or wrong…completely wrong, he thought.
Rodney looked at him curiously, "Maybe you should ask about a day of leave after this mission. You look tired."
Scratching his ear, John replied distantly, "Maybe…"
Teyla approached with three large bags, two were stacked on Ronon's back and one she carried in her arms.
Sheppard addressed her with a smile. "Teyla."
"Colonel," she smiled back.
"What's that?" Rodney said annoyed.
"Tavo bean," Ronon replied before slinging down both bags to the ground gently.
"Oh wonderful! Can we go now?" Rodney asked eagerly.
Sheppard smirked. "Christmas and Birthdays must have been hell for you."
Rodney grumbled. "You have no idea."
.
.
A/N: Edited March 18, 2016