Miryana

by Rexy48

While searching for a lost villager on the mainland, Teyla and McKay uncover an Ancient hidden chamber the forest. Inside is a stasis pod with a young girl. But why would the Ancients hide a child on the mainland instead of taking her to Earth?

1. Chapter 1

TITLE: MIRYANA
AUTHOR: REXY48

Disclaimer: I don't own them, no money was made, yada yada yada.

Characters: Mainly SGA-1 and OC with a healthy side serving of minor characters.

Spoilers: Anything up to and including Trinity.

A/N -- This occurs several weeks after the events of The Cursed One, so you might want to read that first.

Description: While searching for a lost villager on the mainland, Teyla and McKay uncover an Ancient hidden chamber the forest. When a stasis pod is opened to reveal a young girl, Teyla rushes the barely breathing child back to the city. But why would the Ancients hide a child on the mainland instead of taking her to Earth?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1

"Charla will be so happy to see you again. She asks about you each time I visit."

"Aye, I look forward to seeing the wee lass as well. She's quite the fast learner. Makes an excellent assistant for times like this."

"She looks forward to one day working with you in Atlantis."

"If she continues her studies she might be coming sooner than later. How old is she again?"

"She will be fifteen seasons soon."

"Fifteen you say? She seemed older."

"She is very responsible, taking care of her younger brother since ever since her parents were taken by the Wraith."

"How old is he?"

McKay grumbled to himself, trying to tune out the annoying voices coming from behind him. Would Carson and Teyla ever stop yakking away? And people thought he never stopped talking? At least when he spoke it was important, not idle chatting about completely useless information.

He wasn't even sure why they needed him to pilot the jumper. Beckett had the ATA gene, and despite his complaints he was more than capable of flying the ship to the mainland. The physician had done it before, but did that matter? No.

Weir had approached him with the request a few hours ago. Most of the military, including Sheppard and Ronon, were off world on a training exercise. The few remaining soldiers were needed to remain in Atlantis. Although there were several scientists with the ATA gene, natural or through therapy, finding one with flight experience was another matter. She had asked nicely, yeah, but he knew from the way she asked it wasn't really an option - he was going.

The jumper rocked slightly in response to his anger, but the two in the back didn't seem to notice. Good – it wasn't like he needed any more belittling. Succeed a hundred times and no one says anything, but fail once? He had received more than enough after the Arcturus disaster. The almighty McKay, Mister Incredible, had failed incredibly. He and his ego had destroyed five-sixths a solar system and had almost killed both Sheppard and himself in the process. So yeah, he could understand their apprehension. But to be assigned as a pilot for a man who could fly the ship himself but was too scared? Great. Didn't they know he had more important work to do? Or did they just not trust him enough not to blow something else up?

"Doctor McKay? Rodney?" A hand on his shoulder jolted him out of his thoughts. Teyla stood next to him, a concerned look in her eyes. "Are you feeling well?"

"Peachy," was the response. Before Teyla could ask how he could feel like a fruit he added, "How long is this going to take again?"

"A few hours," Teyla answered. "Halling and I have much to discuss about the upcoming harvest, and there are several people in need of Doctor Beckett's services. I am sure he would appreciate your help."

"I can hardly contain my excitement," he muttered.

"I am sorry, I did not hear you. What did you say?"

"I said we've arrived, better sit down."

Teyla gave a slight raise of her eyes before she sat in the co-pilot's seat. She did not understand the change in McKay during the last few days. She had overheard several conversations from his co-workers complaining about his refusal to listen to others, but that was a normal occurrence with McKay. Yet even Sheppard seemed to be acting a little distant toward him. She had learned that both he and Sheppard had almost been killed when an experiment went out of control, yet felt there were details that had been purposely left out. She made a mental note to confront Sheppard about it later.

Without another word the jumper landed with amazing smoothness. Teyla disembarked first and was greeted warmly by several of her people. Beckett followed right behind, his medical bag slung across his shoulder. A dark-haired girl was already chatting with him before McKay even fully powered down the systems. By the time McKay reluctantly made his way to the rear hatch, the young woman was dragging Beckett away toward one of the tents, and Teyla was nowhere in sight. Great. With a sigh he adjusted his pack and headed after Beckett.

ooOoo

"This is very good, Charla. This is a perfectly set splint."

"Of course! I learned it from you."

Beckett gently lowered the splinted arm of one of the children who had injured it while playing. He was amazed at the progress Charla had made during the last year. It might not be a bad idea to have her return to Atlantis soon so she could begin learning more advanced procedures.

The smile that lit her face showed her excitement at his praise. She cast a glance at the other doctor in the room, but he was fiddling with a strange device and seemed oblivious of the entire situation. No matter. Doctor Beckett was the one who really mattered.

"Aye, if only some would listen as well to my teachings as you do." This time it was Beckett that cast a glance at McKay, who looked up long enough to give an annoyed expression before returning to his laptop. Beckett couldn't understand the fascination with the device; it was as if the scientist couldn't live without it. He himself preferred to use the older but proven tools. He wasn't denying that some of the Atlantis equipment was a godsend, but he still trusted his own eyes and ears more.

Turning back he addressed the child, "Okay lad, off you go. Charla, send in the next one." The girl nodded and moved outside, her graceful movements reminding him of Teyla. Did all the Athosians possess such fluid motions? He knew they were all strong-willed, and many strong fighters. Living in the shadow of the Wraith had strengthened them in many ways, uniting them as a people. Was it a dream to ever think the Earth might stand as united one day?

While waiting for the next patient to be brought in he commented, "You know Rodney, this isn't so bad. Think of it as a chance to get away from the lab for once. When is the last time you had some down time?"

"Down time?" McKay asked, looking up with an expression that said, 'What are you, crazy?' "I don't have time for down time. Do you have any idea how many different systems need to be inspected and maintained on a daily basis? Or how many of the so-called brilliant scientists have no idea how to compile simple conversion programs? No, didn't think so. Plus, you don't have people on your staff like Kavanagh, who are prone to cause more problems than solve them. Who knows what he's getting into while I'm stuck here as your chauffer."

Before Beckett could reply Charla escorted the next patient in, an older but by no means frail woman. Pushing aside his annoyance at the scientist, Beckett turned to greet the woman. "Esher, good to see you again. Charla told me you she treated you for some cuts a few days ago. Let's have a look shall we?"

Beckett removed the bandage, giving the healing skin a satisfactory nod. "It's looking good. A few more days and you will be able to keep the bandage off. For now let me provide a fresh wrapping." As Beckett began to treat the wound, Teyla and a small boy entered.

"Doctor Beckett, Doctor McKay, we are in need of your assistance."

"What's wrong? Who is hurt?" Beckett asked, pausing in his work.

"We are hoping no one, but Laien has reported Ranal missing."

"Ranal?" Charla asked, worry in her voice. "What do you mean my brother is missing?"

"I saw him sneak into the forest earlier," the young boy answered. "We were supposed to meet by the lake later, but he never came."

"I was hoping you would be able to use the life signs detector to help locate the boy," Teyla stated. "Would it be able to find him in the forest?"

"More or less," McKay answered. "It will display all life signs, including those of any animals. I know you've mentioned seeing several species of birds. If they are similar to the ones on Earth, birds tend to stay in small groups. The one we would be looking for would be a lone signal."

"Give me a moment and I'll join you," Beckett stated, reaching for a new bandage.

"As much as I'd rather remain here than traverse a bug infested forest, you don't know the first thing when it comes to recalibrating the scanner's settings to incorporate a varying search area. No, you stay here and keep working your voodoo. The sooner you finish, the sooner we can get back to Atlantis." The slightly hurt look on Beckett's face caused him to add, "Besides, these people need you here."

"But…"

"It is okay, Doctor Beckett," Charla stated. "I will go with them, in case my brother is injured. Please remain here."

Teyla nodded. "It is settled. Doctor Beckett, we will radio you if your assistance is required. Rodney, Charla, let us go." The scientist gave a slight nod, already having switched to the LSD. Standing, he slung his pack over his shoulder.

"Alright, let's get this over with. Sooner we find him, the sooner I can go back to real work." Leaving Beckett to attend to the rest of his patients, the three headed out.

ooOoo

Teyla made her way through the forest, hacking a small path with a machete she had borrowed from one of the villagers. Behind her was McKay, directing them to potential targets, and following him was Charla, worry evident in her eyes as her hands unconsciously fiddled with the medical bag she carried. They had been searching for close to thirty minutes. Several of the signals had quickly moved away as they neared, which they assumed was wildlife. The signal they were following now was deep in the forest, farther than any of the Athosians had explored. She felt for certain it would lead to the lost boy.

She was surprised that McKay wasn't complaining – at least, not his usual amount. The rough terrain may have played a factor though, as he stopped several times to 'check the scanner', though she believed it was simply to catch his breath. While the delays were annoying, she knew this task would have been nearly impossible without the scanner – the forest was just too large to search for one small child, even if all the villagers helped.

"He should be right up ahead," McKay stated, looking up from his scanner. "The signal hasn't moved yet." Teyla nodded and hurried forward, Charla passing by McKay to be right behind. They arrived in a little clearing where a small boy with thick black hair was lying on his side, unmoving.

"Ranal!" Charla cried, running forward, fear as to what might have happened filling her. The figure shifted around before sitting up.

"Charla?" Ranal rubbed tiredly at his eyes before standing. He looked around with a puzzled look on his face. "I think I fell asleep."

"Ranal! How dare you worry us like that!" Charla glared at her younger brother. "What were you thinking? Do you know how hard we searched for you?"

"I am sorry, Charla. I did not want to worry you. I was just tired." Her anger dissipated, Charla moved to embrace her brother before quickly examining him for any injuries. "I am fine!" he told her. Only after confirming for herself that he was okay did she nod and back up. She turned to Teyla and McKay, bowing slightly.

"Thank you for your help. I am sorry to have caused you trouble."

"You do not have to apologize," Teyla told her. "We were all young once. Let it be a lesson though, Ranal, not to travel so far away by yourself. What would have happened if you had injured yourself? Wise warriors know the value of a friend by their side."

"I am sorry, Teyla."

"Yes, yes that's nice," McKay grumbled, replacing the scanner in his backpack. Unlike Sheppard, he could count on Teyla's sense of direction to get them back to the settlement. "Now that we're done you think we can head back? I have several experiments back in the lab that need attending to."

As they started to head back Carla asked her brother, "What were you doing this far out from the village?"

"I found a hidden room," the boy said, excitedly. "I was going to show it to Laien."

"A hidden room?" Charla asked. "What makes you think it was hidden?"

"Because I did not see it until I fell in." At her concerned look he quickly added, "I did not hurt myself! I thought it was a pile of vines, but it covered the room. It was dark inside but I could see funny pictures on the walls, and in the middle was a big stone table and a machine like the one in the city of the Ancestors, and this pretty orange crystal that I tried to take but…"

"Crystal?" McKay stopped walking, looking at the boy. "Did you say an orange crystal?"

"Yeah!" Ranal held his hands about a foot apart. "It was this big and had a smooth bottom and…"

"I don't believe it!" McKay stated, bringing out his scanner.

"I am not lying! I really did find a…"

"No, no, not about that. What you're describing is…" He paused, frowning. "I don't see any power readings. Where did you find this room?"

"I will show you. Follow me!" Before Charla could stop him, Ranal bounded off. With an unusual amount of enthusiasm, McKay hurried after. Charla frowned.

"Do boys never grow up?" she asked Teyla, who laughed.

"Sometimes. Come, let us not lose sight of our boys." Several minutes later the four arrived at what looked like a large, vine covered rock. McKay continued to monitor his scanner, frowning.

"Are you sure this is it?"

"Yes, the entrance is over here." Ranal indicated one area, and Teyla moved forward to examine it.

"He is right, there is an opening." Using the machete, she cut the vines to create a four-foot wide opening. "It is dark, but I can see the outline of the table he described." Teyla entered the room and a moment later called out, "Doctor McKay, are you coming?"

Still frowning McKay approached. Teyla had managed to cut enough of the vines to show part of the wall. He ran a hand along it, amazed to find it smooth to the touch despite the rough appearance. Figuring it would be best left to the geologists, he stepped inside. The moment his foot touched the ground the walls began to glow. He paused, eyes going wide.

The walls of the room were indeed covered, not with pictures but with Ancient script, too much to comprehend on a first glance. The room was roughly ten feet across and angled at a way that reminded him of a dome. In the center was a stone table that looked too much like a coffin for his liking. Attached to the table was a control panel similar to ones found on Atlantis, powered by what was definitely a ZPM.

"You mean this was here all this time?" McKay slowly moved forward, unable to believe what he was seeing. They had been searching the galaxy for so long in an attempt to find additional ZPMs, and here one had been on the mainland all along.

"Would not the scanners have detected the power source?" Teyla asked, looking around in awe. She recognized a few of the symbols on the walls, but they were scattered and held little meaning.

"Yes, except …" He moved to the wall, looking between it and the scanner in his hand. "I believe these walls are made from the same minerals that we discovered on Batigin. It blocks power signatures from being detected, making it virtually invisible to any scanner."

"But why would the Ancestors hide such a device? And why on the mainland and not Atlantis?" McKay didn't answer as he moved toward the console. Despite the layer of dirt that covered the keys, he was familiar with the design. He brushed off some of the scattered debris before pressing one of the keys, pleased to see a display monitor appear. His eyes scanned the text as he shifted from one screen to the next.

"Hmm, this is strange."

"What is it?" Teyla moved to his side. To her the screen was filled with little more than moving squiggles. She did not understand how that was a language.

"It appears this table isn't really a table. It's a containment device of some sort."

"Containment? Like the stasis pod the alternate Doctor Weir was found in?"

"Sort of, except this one is being powered by a ZedPM. It's possible whatever is inside is … well, better preserved. It also looks like who or whatever is inside cannot exit without direct and live outside influence, meaning no self-awakening programs." He started to type away on the console, frowning. "This isn't good. According to these readings, the ZedPM is nearly depleted. And now that this cave is activated, the power levels are dropping fast. We need to open the device, now, before the power is lost."

Before Teyla could argue McKay pressed a series of keys. The table began to glow a bright green color before it flashed a bright white and disappeared. In its place was a small figure wrapped in brown robes, a splotch of red hair sticking out beneath the hood. Teyla moved quickly and pulled back the hood to see the peaceful, still face of a young child. She felt for a pulse, relieved to find one. "Her skin is cold, but she is alive."

"How do you know it's a girl?" McKay asked, looking at the child and thinking she, or he, couldn't be much older than six.

"I do not, it just feels right. Rodney, we need to get her to Doctor Beckett."

"I will let him know you are coming," Charla stated. She and Ranal had waited quietly by the doorway. "Come on, Ranal." The two turned and disappeared. Teyla bent down and carefully began to lift the child into her arms, amazed at the lightness.

"Are you sure we should move her?" McKay asked, unsure what to do. Why did it have to be a kid? More importantly, how could she still be a kid after 10,000 years?

"We cannot leave her here. I told you her skin is very cold to the touch. I fear if we do nothing she will not live long. We must hurry."

"But..." McKay glanced longingly at the console.

"This room has been here for ten thousand years, it is not going anywhere. The same cannot be said for this child. Please, Rodney."

He reluctantly agreed. Holding the child in her arms Teyla headed outside, McKay following. She waited only long enough for him to indicate the location of the room on his scanner before starting back to the village. Though not knowing why, she felt a connection to the small bundle in her arms. She wanted … no, she needed to protect this child. With speed brought on by urgency, she willed her legs to move even faster.