Summary: - "leave no man behind." was John's oath, but how far would he go to rescue a friend?
Lots of Shep whump, some Ronon whump too with team and Carson friendship. Set after season 5.
Warnings: - Violence and a little bad language.
Disclaimer: - Not mine. If it was, I would still see the guys every week.
I should mention that in chapter 1 (only) there is mention of events that took place in my first fic "Betrayed." But this is a stand alone story, so you don't need to read it first…or at all! Many thanks to my wonderful beta shepsgirl 72 who works out my kinks, even though she's busy with her own writing! - But all mistakes are mine.
THE WEIGHT OF AN OATH
CHAPTER 1
Sheppard could scarcely contain a shudder as he walked through the 'gate into the picturesque town of Aldova. The place hadn't changed since that fateful day he came here over a year ago. It was a pretty place back then, still was, with cobbled streets and brightly painted stone cottages, providing a backdrop to the thriving small town. Children's laughter filled the air, as they played hide and seek behind brightly coloured stalls, selling anything a body could need, provided of course they could afford to buy. But today trading was the last thing on his mind, unless of course it was for information.
Teyla saw the tension etched on Johns' face, his jaw clenched shut, and couldn't begin to imagine the anguish he must be feeling being forced back to a place which held so many bad memories. The wooden post where he had suffered their version of 'justice' still resided tall and unrepentant in the centre of town, while at the top of the hill overlooking all it surveyed, stood the imposing grey stone two story magistrate's office. It seemed to Teyla, as they approached the building, it was lying in wait for the unwary or unlucky to fall foul of the law just as her friend did not so long ago.
John had sworn never to return here. The physical pain caused by the thick leather whip which had flayed open his back paled in comparison to the mental anguish caused by his subsequent imprisonment. In Aldova he was brought to his limits, both physically and mentally. Only the intervention of a good friend had saved his health, as well as his sanity. But desperate times called for desperate measures, and if it meant breaking open some scarcely healed old wounds to find his friend, then so be it.
Magistrate Garvis was pleased, but also surprised to see John Sheppard walk into his office. The first time the two men met, John had been sentenced to three months in the prison which he used to run. Their relationship had grown into an uneasy friendship of sorts, and in the end they had parted on good terms. However, if he was honest, Garvis never really expected to ever see John again, at least not in Aldova.
Coming forward to shake his hand, Garvis smiled. "John Sheppard, it's good to see you."
"Hi, Garvis, or should I say, Magistrate Garvis. Congratulations. It's good to know the councillors have some sense. Anyway, I would like to introduce you to a couple of friends of mine. Teyla Emmagan and Rodney McKay. Anyway, how is that son of yours doing? Is he still teaching you math?"
Garvis laughed. "He is at that, and I know Simeon will be sorry to have missed you. Unless of course you will stay and eat with us?"
John respected Garvis. While a prisoner under his roof, the man had always been fair, but to stay for dinner…
"Thanks, Garvis, but I'm afraid this isn't a social call. I need some information about the prison on Lorus. Can you help?"
Garvis slowly stood up from behind his desk, and walked over to a polished wooden sideboard in the corner of the room. In the centre of the sideboard, beside a framed picture of a blonde haired boy, sat a tall decanter with six ornate glasses. He took the decanter, and poured out four glasses of red wine. After handing round a glass to each of his guests, he sat down wearing a grim expression.
"Yes, I know it. In fact, my predecessor used it a great deal. It is notorious for its corruption and cruelty. Why do you want to know?"
John drained his glass, and saw his concern mirrored on the face of his friends.
"Our team mate, Ronon Dex, went to visit a friend in Baltron nearly four weeks ago and disappeared. From the intel I've received since, while they were there, both men were arrested and imprisoned in the Lorus penal colony. What the charges were, or the sentence they've been given, I don't know as the authorities refuse to discuss the matter. But I do know Ronon, he's a good man and apart from maybe getting into a bar fight, he would never harm anyone…not without good cause. I went over to see where the prison was, discreetly of course," He didn't mention the cloaked jumper "but it's a very well fortified building, set in the middle of a large stretch of water so it would be problematic mounting a rescue. Plus, I don't really want to get into a pissing match with these people…unless of course I have to. Do you have any contacts there?"
The look on Garvis face told John the story he didn't want to hear.
"I'm truly sorry to hear about your friend, John, but I must tell you there is nothing I can do. The warden in Lorus is a man called Rolas. He is a cruel, ruthless man, well known for having no regard for human life. The only thing that interests him is money, and Rolas will not do anything for anyone unless they are prepared to pay. Many of the prisoners sent there are never seen or heard of again. It is rumoured some inmates are sold into slavery, or else forced into the fighting ring for sport, with Rolas reaping the profits. However, as I said before, this is only rumour...What I do know for sure is anyone brave enough to speak out against the atrocities has not lived long enough to tell their story. As for the authorities, well…they are either too scared, or too corrupt to put a stop to his regime. I don't know which.
"My predecessor, as you know, was also a corrupt man, and he sent many of our prisoners to Lorus when our jail became full. After I took over the job, unaware to begin with of the situation there, so did I. That was until a few months ago, when a young man I sentenced to six months for theft did not return at the end of his time. When I spoke to Rolas he told me the prisoner had been killed in a tragic accident, but did not provide any details. I was suspicious of course, but without proof, I could only ask for the body to be returned to allow the family to bury their dead. However, he failed to return the remains and all my attempts to contact Rolas since have been unsuccessful. So from that day onwards, no matter how full our jail became, Lorus did not receive another prisoner from Aldova, nor will they, at least not while I'm in charge."
The silence in the room was palpable. John swallowed. He had tried plan 'A', and it wasn't goanna fly.
There was a plan 'B' forming in his head, but he really didn't like it at all…
Sheppard looked Garvis straight in the eye. "How would you feel about sending one last prisoner to Lorus?"
Rodney jumped up and got in Sheppard's face. "Nooo… Oh no, Sheppard! You can't be serious? I know you're worried about Ronon, we all are. But you can't go there, not after everything Garvis has just said? Besides, Woolsey wouldn't allow it."
Teyla placed a hand on John's arm." Please, John. I know you want to rescue Ronon, but this is far too dangerous. He wouldn't expect this of you."
Sheppard looked at his team, touched by their concern. But regardless of his own safety, he wasn't about to leave Ronon to rot in jail. "Leave no man behind" was an oath he'd kept since becoming a raw recruit all those years ago. No matter what it cost him personally or even professionally for that matter, he would do whatever was necessary to get his friend home, or die in the attempt.
Garvis didn't quite believe what he was hearing at first, then realised with sickening clarity, the plan forming in John's mind.
"I'm sorry, John, but I will not agree to send another soul there, especially someone who I consider to be a friend."
John really didn't want to do this either, but..."Look guys, Garvis, if any of you can come up with another plan to rescue Ronon, I would really like to hear it. If not, my plan is to get inside the prison and find out where he's being held. However, if for some reason I don't find him by the time our good friend Colonel Caldwell is back in town, he can beam me out of there. I know the plan has flaws, and I'm not crazy about it either, but it's the only one I've got."
Sheppard looked at each person in turn, turmoil written on their faces, but no one said a word because they knew he was right. They all realised mounting a rescue attempt on the prison would start a full-scale battle. It could cost countless lives, some of them their own people, and that was a price too high. So if it meant he had to endure some hardship and pain, or even sacrifice his own life, at least it would only be one life compared to countless others. Trying to lighten the mood a little, he smiled. "Okay…so what are you going to send me 'down' for, Garvis?"
Garvis started to pace the room. "This isn't funny, John, not at all. If I send you to Lorus with too light a sentence, Rolas will be suspicious as it has been many months since I sent any prisoners there. And, once you do leave, I cannot guarantee your safety as you will under the control of a brutal regime. I really do wish you would reconsider."
John walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Garvis, I know I'm asking a lot of you, and I accept all responsibility for whatever may happen. But this is something I have to do, and I really need your help. Please…for my friend?"
Garvis sighed. "Very well, John. I just hope neither of us regrets this."
Sheppard patted Garvis on the back. "Thank you. Now tell me, what is the least sentence I could receive, without raising Rolas suspicions?"
"Common assault carries a sentence of twelve to eighteen months. Or a repeat offence, such as theft would carry a similar sentence."
"So, Garvis, which one would you suggest?"
"If I were Rolas, I would be more inclined to believe the repeat offender charge. It would give me a good reason to send you to a different prison, and it would appeal to his vanity as it would imply Aldova's prison hadn't worked as a suitable deterrent."
John remembered only too well the harsh regime in Aldova's prison. Why anyone would even consider committing a repeat offence, was quite simply mindboggling.
"Okay, John Sheppard 'gentleman' thief it is. When do I leave?"
TBC…
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