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Here's Chapter Two.
Chapter Two:
Sheppard had enjoyed a restful sleep back in his own bed but had risen early to get in his customary morning run. Usually Ronon would have joined him but Sheppard had a feeling Ronon didn't get much sleep last night, having bumped into his Satedan friend and Amelia in the mess hall late last night. He had no doubt the two had spent the night "renewing acquaintances" and he was glad for them.
The thought of renewing acquaintances had led Sheppard's mind to Teyla, which brought on the sudden realisation that he had not checked in with her in quite some time. He decided that after his run and a change of attire, he would head up to the control room and contact his friend, making sure she was still safe and secure on New Athos. Not to mention to ask her for advice regarding the tedious Cassidian negotiations.
Making his way swiftly back to his quarters following his run, Sheppard chose to meet the various admiring glances from several female expedition members with a faint smile. Though usually he preferred attention focused away from him, in this case he was not adverse to the affectionate looks he often received.
At last reaching the sanctuary of his quarters, Sheppard washed and dressed in his usual attire before heading out, now eager to catch up with his distant friend.
- - SGA - -
Four weeks had passed since Teyla had told Sheppard that she was staying on New Athos to help fix the problems that were accumulating within her mind. And yet no progress had been made given that she spent much of her day tending to an unusually energised Torren. She rarely ventured beyond the confines of Halling's home, where she was staying until she found her way.
The radio equipment had been set up before the team had left and after each correspondence, Teyla found herself questioning her decision to remain so far away from her friends. As her mind wandered to the good times she had shared with her team both on Atlantis and on assignments, the radio crackled into life, bringing Teyla back to reality.
"Teyla, its Sheppard. Are you there?" queried the familiar voice of her dear friend.
Teyla quickly grabbed the radio and proceeded to respond, a rare happiness prevalent in her voice.
"Yes John, I'm here."
"Good. I know I'm a bit late checking in..."
"No doubt you've been on assignment..." Teyla defended him.
"The same assignment actually. Three weeks negotiating a damn trade agreement..."
"You sound frustrated"
"You have no idea..."
Teyla had understood early on that though Sheppard had many enviable traits and skills, patience was not high up on that list. And whilst his diplomacy skills had improved over time, she knew he was not really cut out for such a profession.
"Tell me whats troubling you John" she offered, eager to help her friend in need.
And so Sheppard relayed all the information regarding the Cassidians and the damn negotiations. How the first week saw them burn through two different negotiators. How each meeting seemed to bring with it more and more problems. How the closer they seemed to agreement, the further away it actually felt.
Teyla took in all the information and found it familiar to her own feelings when first representing her people. She had been fortunate to have plenty of people around her to provide support and advice. So she decided to take it upon herself to be his support, even from afar.
"Diplomacy is a game of subtlety John. Be aware of your surroundings and look out for opportunities to aid the other party. A good gesture can often be the difference in success and failure of a deal."
"I'll keep that in mind. Anyway, I didn't call just to complain. How are you doing?" said Sheppard, coming onto the main reason for his call.
Teyla hesitated slightly, not knowing the right response. Being truthful and admitting that she had made no progress could lead to John requesting she return to Atlantis. But she could not deceive him as he had become adept at reading her like a book.
"I am well John. As is Torren. He seems to be growing by the day." said Teyla as she gazed lovingly at her son, who was playing with some of the toys her friends on Atlantis had bought him.
"Thats good." replied Sheppard, desperate to tell Teyla how much he needed her but not having the nerve to do so.
"And you?" asked Teyla
"Aside from the mission, just peachy. We're all missing you here. Rodney is more annoying than ever in your absence." replied Sheppard, drawing a genuine smile from Teyla.
As they continue their conversation, a member of the expedition passed Sheppard a note requesting his presence in Woolsey office.
"Listen Teyla, I have to go."
"Yes as do I" she lied.
"Take care of yourself. And remember, I'm only a stargate away." he offered before cutting the transmission.
- - SGA - -
After receiving approval from Woolsey in relation to the trade deal, Sheppard had gathered together his team to head back through the gate. Barely managing to repress a smile as he walked past Ronon, he soon put on his game face as the gate opened up, ready for round ten of this gruelling contest.
The team arrived back on Cassidia during a particularly chilly afternoon, ready to finalise negotiations and get back home as quickly as possible. They made the short journey from the gate to the village, finding only a few people out and about on such a frigid day. They were soon spotted by a member of the Cassidian trade delegation, who ushered them into the usual meeting hall.
After a short wait, the rest of the Cassidian delegation arrived, with one notable exception.
"Where's Anaris?" asked Sheppard.
The Cassidians all looked at each other as if waiting for another to respond. Sheppard turned to face his own team, seeing the same look of confusion on their faces as on his own. Eventually, one of the Cassidians stepped forward and addressed the team.
"My name is Malakai. I am afraid Anaris has...become...indisposed. I will be handling negotiations from now on."
Sheppard and his team looked at each other, confusion now turning to concern. This was the third negotiator in as many weeks who had become "indisposed" and this time he wasn't buying the line.
"Indisposed? How? Maybe we can help." offered Sheppard, heeding Teyla's advice.
The Cassidians conferred amongst themselves again before Malakai spoke.
"That will not be necessary. Thank you for your concern. Now onto business, I have reviewed Anaris' proposal and we have made some modifications to the deal. I trust this will not be a problem."
"What kind of modifications?" asked Ronon.
"We have requested some additional items in exchange for our food" said Malakai, handing Sheppard a list of demands.
"You can't be serious!" said Sheppard, scanning the list.
"Why is that?"
"It says here you want some of our weapons. We can't do that.."
"I see. I was under the impression you were not in a position to make such a decision yourself. Therefore, I would like you to kindly relay our deman...offer to your superior."
Sheppard did not appreciate the tone nor the manners of this latest negotiator. But he knew he had to play diplomat so bit his lip.
"Fine. If you could give us some time to discuss your "request."
The Cassidians obliged and cleared the room. Sheppard noticed several of them cast lingering glances back at him and his team, as if trying to tell them something. But damned if Sheppard knew what it was. He turned to face his team, eager to share some of his concerns.
"Something strange is going on." observed Sheppard.
The three men nodded their heads in agreement.
"Question is, what are we going to do about it" asked Rodney.