Deadly Intent
Summary:- An unwanted visitor from Earth brings total disputation to Atlantis, especially for Sheppard.
Spoiler:- Post season 5. Although there are a few references to past events.
Pairing:- John/Teyla
Rating:- T for mild adult content
Disclaimer: I don't own Stargate Atlantis and I still miss it even after all these years
Sorry no beta, but I did use Grammarly (Free vision) All other mistakes are mine.
This story follows two years after the events in Fragile Lives. You don't have to have read that story to understand this one. Here's a quick summary that I hope will help jog a few memories or explain things.
John's team come across a small town where all the inhabitants, except an infant, have died from a deadly and unknown plague. Even knowing the child was probably highly contagious, John risks his life to save it from drowning in a drain. The team call for help and are quarantined on the planet so as not to infect Atlantis. Rodney, Ronon and Teyla are in the clear, but John falls very ill, even though the infant he saved seems healthy. The doctors work hard to find a cure, but it seems hopeless until they accidentally find a natural antibiotic in connection to the Shari flowers that grow wild everywhere throughout Pegasus. Turns out the little girl John saved was a carrier. Despite that, the two become very close. Teyla had lost her partner Kanaan shortly after Atlantis had returned to Pegasus from Earth. Meaning there was nothing to stop John and Teyla from finally admitting their love for each other. Back on Atlantis, John recovers and they soon set up home together with Torren and the little girl whom they name Beth. Teyla leaves John's team to work for the Coalition. Rodney and Jennifer get married. Information from the Coalition leads to a child trafficking ring. John leads a team to put a stop to it once and for all. It turns out that Beth was sold by the traffickers to a couple on the plague planet. John and Teyla eventually find out that her real mom had died giving birth to her, so they end up adopting her. Not wanting to jump into marriage immediately, John and Teyla agree to wait until they feel the time is right for them.
Sorry, it took me so long to do the promised follow up. Between RL commitments and a good case of writer's block, I never got around to finishing it. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this story.
Deadly Intent
Chapter 1
Teyla smiled warmly as she watched her children happily playing with a small group of Athosian youngsters. Much laughter and squeals of delight accompanied their fun as they kicked a ball across the small, grassy playing area. The plastic soccer ball was one of many, Earth made ones, which John and others had provided over the years.
A few adults stood or sat on the edge of the field watching the young ones play. They talked quietly amongst themselves, seemingly relaxed and content with their lives. It warmed Teyla's heart to think that her people were once again settled and growing in numbers on their new planetary home of New Athos II. The small planet had been their home for a few years now. The days here were much longer than the planet they had occupied for a short time before Michael's abduction. The years were also longer than both New Athos and old Athos. However, this planet was not unlike their original home of Athos with lush forests, high mountains and inland waterways. At this location on the planet's largest landmass, the temperate climate made growing crops easy for most of the year. John and his people had systematically surveyed the planet, checking for problems and making sure it was safe before Teyla's people had moved here. Strangely, the planet contained no other human settlements or truly dangerous animals. There were signs that the planet had once been inhabited, but those people were long gone. Nobody knew where. Maybe the Wraith had taken them all a long time ago.
This particular location had also been chosen because there was a Stargate. The Ancients must have been here in the distant past as the address had been registered in the database on Atlantis, although for what purpose nobody knew? No hidden laboratory or the like had been found to date. Only when they had first tried to connect to the address, the wormhole had failed. As the planet had looked promising as a settlement or Alpha base, the Daedalus had taken a small science team, lead by Rodney, to investigate. It turned out that the Stargate had simply malfunctioned, so after Rodney's brilliance had fixed the problem they were able to connect. Nobody knew for sure how long the gate had been offline, but that could have also explained the lack of other human settlers.
The Stargate stood tall and imposing, just a short distance from the playing field. Teyla glanced towards it every now and again, wondering when Halling would return from his trading trip, as she wished to speak to him before returning to Atlantis. She had been a little disappointed when she'd arrived a few hours ago to find that Halling wasn't on the planet. It was her own fault really as she should have said something before turning up unexpectedly. Although she had something important to discuss with him, she supposed it could wait for another day. However, she really didn't want to delay the matter for too long.
According to Jinto, his father should be back anytime soon. So maybe, she could wait a little longer. Teyla turned to look at the young man in question now fully grown and nearly as tall as his father. His face no longer bore the innocence of childhood. That was understandable after the things he had witnessed during his short life, like the scars Michael had left upon their people. Thankfully, as the years went by, they had begun to fade. If only a little.
"Are you sure your father will be here soon?" Teyla asked once again. She was anxious to get back home as it would soon be the children's bedtime. At least according to their Atlantis routine. Here on New Athos II it was just after midday. Her two lively four-year-olds didn't seem to be all that tired at the moment, so maybe it didn't matter if they were a little late getting back.
Before Jinto could reply, the Stargate began to spring to life. Instinctively, everyone moved away from the open spaces just in case it wasn't one of theirs or a friendly coming through. Old habits die hard. As the mothers gather up their children, Torren and Beth came running to join Teyla.
"Is that Daddy?" Beth cried out.
Teyla sighed with a smile, she always wanted her daddy. Torren too for that matter, but he was more attached to her. He accepted John's absence from time to time far easier than Beth ever did, although she was getting better at letting her father go off on his necessary away missions. "No Beth, we will be returning to Atlantis soon. Your daddy should be back from his mission when we arrive." At least she hoped so.
The final chevron engaged. Then thankfully, Halling with several others emerged from the event horizon. He looked their way and hurried towards them giving his son a warm smile. "Teyla, what a pleasant surprise. Had I known, I would have returned home earlier?" he called out upon reaching them.
They exchanged the usual Athosian greeting by touching foreheads before Teyla replied. "And I should have let you know we were coming. I had a few hours to spare from my duties. And as I have some important news to share with you, I thought I would come and visit."
Halling looked thoughtful. "Come then and join us for some tea. I am thirsty and by the looks of things, so are the young ones."
Torren looked up at the big man towering over him. A little doubtful frown crossed his face. "Not tea," he pleaded. Beth vigorously nodded in agreement.
Jinto laughed at their concern, knowing they didn't like Athosian herbal tea. "Do not worry I have some of that homemade, sweet berry juice that you like so much." The children nodded enthusiastically. It was one of their favourites whenever they visited Momma's people.
Teyla smiled at their reaction before turning to address Halling. "That would be lovely, although we cannot stay too long as it is already evening on Atlantis. John should be home from his mission, and the children will wish to spend time with him before they go to bed."
Halling bowed his head slightly. "Yes, of course. Where did his team go to this time?" he asked as they started to walk towards the settlement. Not that it was any of his business.
"M5L 662 for a simple trade mission. It was not originally planned for John's team, but Mr Woolsey changed his mind, as he thought it would be a show of good faith if they went. Rodney was not pleased as the planet is mainly covered with great oceans and jungles. As such they could not use a jumper as apparently, the Stargate's location is on the coast and the settlement is surrounded by thick forest."
Halling looked thoughtful. "And the settlement is near the Gate?"
"According to our contact, it is located further along the coast about a thirty-minute walk using a coast pathway."
"Do you still miss being on Sheppard's team?"
Teyla stopped and turned to look at Halling while Jinto carried on with the children in tow. "There are days when I miss being with them greatly, but I am content with my work for the Coalition and caring for the children."
Halling nodded. "That is good to hear. And has Sheppard found a suitable replacement for you at last?"
Teyla started to move off again. She thought of the people that had come and gone from John's team over the last two years. Five in all, rejected for one reason or another. Unfortunately, one had been killed on his third mission, due to no fault of John's. Although John had blamed himself at the time. "Lieutenant James Becket seems to have settled in well. I believe he will stay a good choice. John was hoping to give him his own team. However, the Lieutenant now seems quite content to be on SGA1."
"Yes, he does seem to be a capable young warrior," Halling said nothing more as he led her into the tent he shared with his son.
The cool interior of the abode was a welcome relief from the hot midday sun. Jinto went about giving the children some juice while Halling brewed some of the refreshing tea. The big man glanced at Teyla and smiled. She looked so very content and happy these days. Radiant even. It pleased him to see it. She had put her sorrow far behind her. She now fully embraced the life she had with John Sheppard and the children.
"You are looking well," he commented as he handed her the tea.
"I am very happy, Halling. I hope my news will please the people," Teyla paused and looked to where the children now played quietly with some toy bricks while Jinto kept an eye on them. "John and I feel that after two Earth years together the time is right to be joined in a ceremony of union commitment. We wish for it to be here on New Athos II. It will also include some elements of an Earth marriage as John wishes for our union to be recognised by his people. Mr Woolsey has already agreed to officiate at that part of the ceremony."
Halling became reflective and serious, but Teyla wasn't worried as she knew that was his way of doing things. Eventually, his face broke out into a huge smile, and Teyla breathed a sigh of relief. Even though she didn't need his permission to commit to John, it gratified her to have his blessing. "Teyla, it pleases me greatly to hear that. John Sheppard has brought the light back into your eyes to shine even brighter than it ever did. The Colonel is a good man, and I know he will care for you and the young ones for as long as you both may live."
Teyla returned his smile and began to outline her plans for the ceremony to be held at a time yet to be decided upon.
oOo
Returning to Atlantis an hour or so later, Teyla was disappointed to find the gate room unusually quiet. There was no sign of John or his team. Then she saw Mr Woolsey move quickly out of his office to descend the central stairway. He wore a deadly serious and pensive expression on his face. Teyla's heart began to pound as she was sure he was coming to tell her that something bad had happened. Holding the children firmly by the hand, she waited for him to join them.
"I'm so sorry," Woolsey told her as he stopped a few paces away, "There's been an accident. You'd better go to the infirmary."
Teyla's heartbeat quickened its pace even faster. John. Something had happened to him. Teyla just knew it. For two years now he had done his best to stay out of trouble. Just a few injuries had been added to his list, the worst being a stab wound when a Toriso gang member had tried to take him down.
"What happened?" she quietly asked around the lump in her throat.
Woolsey looked vague. "I haven't had any news yet. They brought the Colonel in by jumper an hour or so ago. He was immediately transferred to the infirmary where I understand Doctors Beckett and Keller are currently working on him. I think it's best if you get the full details from Doctor McKay and Ronon."
Teyla simply nodded and quickly led the children firmly by the hand. She needed to find Amiera or someone to look after them before going to see what John had done to himself now.
Beth struggled, upset as she sensed her mother's worry. However, it was Torren who spoke out. "What's happened, Momma?"
"I do not know, Torren. You and Beth will have to stay with Amiera while I go to the infirmary."
Beth suddenly stopped in her tracks and refused to go any further. "I want to go and see my Daddy," she wailed.
Teyla bent down and hugged both children. "I need you both to be strong for me. Once I know what is wrong with daddy, I will come and get you. All right?" The children didn't look happy, but they nodded and allowed Teyla to lead them on.
Thankfully, Amiera was in her quarters and willingly took the children in hand. She didn't seem to know what was going on either, leaving Teyla hopeful that it was nothing too serious.
She arrived in the infirmary waiting area to find Ronon pacing, Lieutenant Becket leaning against a wall, looking nervous, and Rodney slumped in a chair, looking positively glum. Teyla's heart had settled down a bit on the way, but as Ronon moved to hold her, she felt it begin to pound again. "What?" she managed to get out.
Rodney got up and also moved to her side. "He fell down a cliff after a mad, wild cat-like creature leapt out of nowhere and attacked him. It all happened so quickly. We didn't hesitate to try and pull the creature off him. Then Sheppard somehow managed to get himself free. Only before he could crawl away from the edge, the ground just caved beneath him. The path was pretty narrow at that point, I guess his added weight was enough to make it crumble away. Ronon tried desperately to catch him, and I know Sheppard made an effort to stop his inevitable fall but…." For a few seconds, Rodney couldn't say any more. "By that time, the creature had run off. We tried to get down to Sheppard." Rodney shook his head. "It proved impossible because of loose stones and dirt on the cliff face. James had already gone to call for help because Sheppard would obviously need medical attention if he was still alive. We stayed up on the cliff while we waited, although Conan here tried to make several more attempts to climb down. They quickly bought a Jumper through the Stargate. The rescue took a while and proved a little tricky due to encroaching waves on a very narrow beach. Lorne managed to land and get an evacuation team to him. It didn't take long to get him into the Jumper. They couldn't land to pick us up, so we didn't get to look at him before they left. They told us John was still alive, but in a bad way. Broken legs, arms, back, nobody knew for sure. Only that Carson and Jennifer have had him in surgery now for hours. There's still no word. I'm so sorry."
Ronon disagreed. "Hardly hours, McKay."
"Alright. Maybe a couple or so, although it feels like much more."
Teyla felt tears spring to her eyes. She couldn't lose John. She just couldn't. He had to be okay. Gathering her strength, she nodded in understanding. If only she hadn't delayed her return from New Athos II, then she would have been there for him. Of course, that wouldn't have changed anything. He still would be severely injured.
She suddenly felt light-headed as if all the blood had drained from her head. The room began to spin alarmingly. Teyla tried to move, to quickly sit down. She never made it as darkness reached out to claim her.
TBC