Chapter 2

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Several hours had passed while his team waited on news, hopeful that no news was good news. People came and went, with the core five staying put. The fact that Nancy had not left was a source of annoyance to Teyla, amusement to Ronon and bemusement to Rodney. Inside the infirmary, Maylara's leg had been casted and she was resting comfortably, if restlessly, as she too waited to hear about her niece's savior, a man she had found charming and kind even before the ground had begun to tremble. His bravery through the incident had only increased her opinion of the man. The medical staff had impressed her with their knowledge and she had found them to be kind and gentle but adamant that she was not allowed out of bed to wait with the rest of John's team. Each time one of them passed her bed, she asked, only to be told patiently that they had no news and would let her know as soon as they did. When an obviously exhausted Doctor Keller passed through on her way to where everyone waited, Maylara stifled her urge to call her back. John's friends deserved to be the first to find out how he was. She hoped that someone would come to tell her soon.

When Jennifer exited the infirmary, every head snapped her way. The crowd had thinned considerably in the intervening hours and she was glad about that. Only John's team, Woolsey and a couple other Atlantis personnel remained. She smiled wanly and made her way to his teammates, needing to be near Rodney. The man had no social skills but he always seemed to find a way to make her feel better, and she needed that right now. She was surprised to see a strange woman standing with the group. Too tired to really wonder who the woman was, she stopped next to Rodney and allowed herself to lean into him a little. His arm automatically went around her waist and pulled her a little closer. She could feel him shaking and knew he was terrified of what she was going to say. "Jenn?" He whispered.

"He's alive. He…he crashed again on the table but we were able to get him back a little easier this time. I was able to remove the glass and suture the wound. It was loaded with debris and had to be cleaned out. I had to remove his spleen as it was too badly damaged this time. He was bleeding internally." The last time he'd been this badly hurt, Carson had managed to save the organ. "Luckily, it just missed his kidney and other organs. He's in intensive care right now and on a ventilator." Every one of his team stiffened, each of them thinking back to several months ago when he'd almost succumbed to a vicious beating and had been unconscious for weeks, much of that time also spent on the machine. She continued. "He also has broken ribs, one of which I caused doing CPR. One of them nicked a lung. I repaired the damage and it's not severe but under the circumstances of his other injuries, I felt the ventilator was necessary." She swallowed hard, still not sure if the rib that had done the damage had been the one she'd broken. If she'd been the one to drive it into his lung. Teyla reached out to touch her arm.

"Jennifer, you did what you had to do to save his life. John would be the first one to tell you that." Carson had been training Teyla on field medicine, including CPR, and had warned her that breaking a patient's rib was always a possibility when performing it on a patient. An unfortunate side effect of circumventing what the ribs were designed to do, namely to protect the heart.

"It's a good thing none of you tried to pull that piece of glass out. He would have bled out long before you could've gotten him home."

Ronon shrugged. "I've seen it happen. I figured the best thing I could do would be to wrap a field bandage around it and hope it kept it stable."

"Well, it did. You may well have saved his life."

There was silence and then Rodney asked. "What aren't you telling us, Jenn?"

She sighed and rubbed a hand over her face. For someone who was usually so clueless, she could rarely hide anything from him. "Look, I have to warn you. He was without oxygen for far longer than I would've liked. We have to be prepared that there could be brain damage." She'd had him under the ancient scanner and the results had her worried, the signs all pointed to damage that could severely hinder his quality of life when he finally awoke. Rodney's shaking increased.

Ronon responded. "Doesn't matter. Whatever happens, we'll be here for him." He stared hard at Woolsey, daring him to say anything different.

Woolsey simply stared back and nodded. "Major Lorne will be in command until we know what the prognosis is. I see no reason to notify the SGC of the severity of the colonel's injuries, just yet." Ronon smiled a little and Teyla placed her hand on his arm in thanks. It had taken time to learn to trust the man but he'd come through for them several times since taking over as expedition leader, throwing away the rule books that meant so much to him on more than one occasion and they were grateful for his understanding their worry now. Nancy, however, did not understand.

"Surely it would be better to send John back to Earth for his medical care? You can't possibly hope to take as good care of him here compared to what he would get back home! His family connections alone would guarantee him getting the best medical care possible!"

Jennifer cringed a little, she was too drained to deal with this now, and John's team turned to provide a united front to this interloper. It was Teyla who responded. "John already has the best medical care possible, right here on Atlantis. Jennifer, Carson, and their team, have saved John's life, all our lives, more than once. He could not do any better on Earth. Atlantis is his home and where his family is. He stays here."

"Who are you to determine that? Surely SGC rules would indicate he should be sent back to Earth?" She was determined that John would go back and she would go with him, taking care of him in his time of need. Finding a way back into his life.

"He is my mate and I am his listed next of kin. That is who I am. I have the right to say he stays here and stay here he will!" Teyla was well and truly agitated by now. Her usual calm demeanor fled as she found a target for her worry and fear.

Nancy took a step away from her and snarled. "We'll see about that! I'll be contacting the SGC if you won't and his brother, Dave Sheppard, who will make sure he's taken care of, away from this backwater field hospital!" She turned to flounce away, only to find that the door wouldn't open for her. She turned back to find every face in the room smirking at her. "Let me out of here!"

Woolsey found he no longer thought of Nancy Kingston as particularly attractive. "I'm afraid Atlantis has made her decision as well. John Sheppard will stay here and the SGC will be told of his injuries, when, and if, we deem it becomes necessary."

"What do you mean, Atlantis has made her decision? It's an inanimate city! Are you talking about what she said when John was pronounced dead? That the city was mourning him? How far gone are you people?"

Ronon grinned at her and she swallowed hard. The look was anything but friendly and made him look like what he was, a warrior and dangerous. "You have a lot to learn about Atlantis and a lot to learn about the people who live here. No one will help you remove Sheppard from where he needs to be."

"He needs to be in a hospital back on Earth where they can give him the best possible care!" She reiterated like a broken record.

The door behind her opened and Major Lorne stepped in. One of the other personnel in the room had quietly contacted him while the argument raged between those closest to the Colonel, to let him know that his CO was out of surgery and that there was some kind of drama brewing in the infirmary. He'd headed here immediately and, having heard the last thing his boss's ex-wife said, felt his hackles rise. "What's going on here?" He asked.

Teyla turned to him and said. "This woman wants to take John back to Earth! She does not believe that we can give him the proper care here."

Lorne looked at the defiant woman in front of him and sighed. As soon as he'd found out his CO's ex-wife was their IOA guest, he'd worried that her presence would be disruptive and it looked like he'd been right, just not for the right reasons. He'd been more concerned about the two women and their relationships to Sheppard, past and present, causing waves, not this. "Why would he need to go back to Earth, ma'am?" He asked calmly and put his best poker face on as he faced her, knowing he'd side with John's team to fight her every inch of the way.

"He needs to be somewhere he can get better medical care than here!" Nancy restated her opinion loudly. She pointed at Jennifer. "What is she? Like 12?"

"Well, ma'am, I doubt you'll find any better medical care in either galaxy than what the Colonel has right here. Dr. Keller may be young, but there's no one I would rather have working to save my life."

"You people are delusional! You've spent too much time away from civilization to understand what's needed!"

Teyla tensed and waded into the fray once more. "Away from civilization? What do you think we are? A bunch of savages scrabbling in the dirt?"

"Well, if the shoe fits!" Nancy wasn't going to back down to this backwoods female, unaware that the woman had been the leader of an entire people and had the respect of many societies throughout the galaxy and at the SGC. Not to mention, she was a fierce warrior in her own right. Nancy was scared to death that John would die here and was not her normal diplomatic self. She'd already determined that she would fight for what she felt was right for him, no matter whose toes she stepped on or whose feelings she hurt.

Before Teyla could reply, Jennifer finally spoke up. "Stop it! Just, stop it! It's a moot point anyway! Colonel Sheppard is in no condition to be moved anywhere, let alone all the way back to Earth. Moving him now could kill him."

Five pairs of eyes stared at her and then they all turned to Nancy. She glared at them. "This isn't over, not by a long shot! When John is able to be moved, he will be sent back to Earth to get the proper medical care!" She turned and this time Atlantis let her go through the door, although she barely made it through before it slammed shut behind her. A soft chuckle escaped one of the personnel not actively involved in the altercation, amused at the evidence that the city was aware of the situation. Lorne raised an eyebrow and the small group decided now would be a good time for them to make their exit as well. Each made sure to touch Teyla in some way as they left, silently conveying their well wishes and the belief that Colonel Sheppard was where he was supposed to be. Several had already decided to lodge a complaint about the woman's actions with the IOA.

When the door closed behind them, Lorne turned and looked at Woolsey. "Sir, I think maybe a call to Amelia in the command center might be in order."

Richard nodded and keyed his comms. "Amelia?"

"Yes sir?"

"Would you please make sure that our guest, Nancy Kingston, is not allowed to make any calls out of the city, please?"

"With pleasure sir." The grapevine had been very active and she knew who the woman was. If Woolsey didn't want the IOA representative to make any calls out, she was pretty sure it had to do with the Colonel and that it wasn't good. She entered the appropriate commands and then, hesitating for just a moment, she asked. "Sir, how is Colonel Sheppard?"

Richard looked at Teyla, who was listening to everything he said. "He made it through the surgery and I have every confidence he'll survive this. He's too stubborn not to." The look of appreciation that passed over Teyla's face more than made up for the fact that he was worried he'd just lied to one of his people.

"That's good to hear sir! Amelia out."

He turned to Lorne. "That should do it."

Lorne smiled tiredly at him. "I doubt it will even be necessary. Something tells me Atlantis herself will not allow that woman to make any calls that could lead to John leaving here." His words leaving no doubt to those listening about his opinion of the woman who had just left, a far cry from the admiration he had expressed earlier.

A sudden thought crossed Woolsey's mind and he turned back to look at the closed door. "I wonder where she's going?" He asked softly, of no one in particular. "No one had time to show her where the guest quarters are and, until now, she hasn't left the infirmary." He looked at the others and saw the moment the same outcome crossed their minds as small smiles appeared on each face, including Dr. Keller's. The thought of the woman wandering the halls of Atlantis, trying to find her room, was an image they could live with. Half of the expedition still got lost in the massiveness of the city and, for a stranger, its very size would quickly lead to getting lost. Somehow, they doubted she'd get much help along the way.

Lorne tilted his head at Woolsey and asked. "Do you think I should have someone track her down and take her to her room?"

Richard smiled and said. "Perhaps. Eventually."

Ronon clapped a hand on his shoulder, practically knocking him over. "Didn't think you had it in you Woolsey." He said with a grin. Richard found himself swell with a little bit of pride at having garnered the Satedan's approval. He wondered if he would even recognize himself when the time finally came for him to go back to Earth permanently. He wasn't happy that the thought of going back didn't fill him with anticipation, instead recognizing that a mild panic had just set in at the thought of leaving. His thoughts were interrupted by Dr. Keller.

"Now that the drama is over, I need to get back to my patient. I'll keep you updated on how he does." Jennifer turned to go, only to be stopped by Ronon, Rodney and Teyla stepping in front of her. She knew what they wanted but it just wasn't possible for all of them to sit with their friend. She held up a hand and said. "Fine! One. One of you can sit with him at any given time. He's still in critical condition and I really shouldn't allow anyone in with him but I know my wishes won't stop you." While she knew that was the proper thing to do, she also knew each one of them seemed to do better when another member of their team sat with them in a time of need.

"Teyla should be the first one." Rodney said. The others looked at him in surprise. "What? She's his….mate…she should be the one to stay with him first." He was still having a hard time adjusting to the fact that John and Teyla were now a couple but he knew how he'd feel if it was Jennifer lying in that bed. There was nothing in either galaxy that would be able to keep him away from her side. Teyla reached out and placed a hand on each of his shoulders and lowered her forehead to his. The Athosian ritual affected him more than he wanted to admit. Softly he said. "He's going to be okay, Teyla. I believe it. He's strong and he has you and Torren to come back to now. I know how much you both mean to him and he'll do everything in his power to stay here with you."

"Thank you Rodney. You are a good friend." Her raspy voice betrayed how much his words meant to her. She turned and followed Jennifer to the ICU area of the infirmary. The others watched her go, her head held high, every inch the leader and warrior she was. They all knew, though, that inside she was terrified that this time, John wouldn't make one of his miraculous recoveries.

Ronon turned back to the rest. "I'm hungry. Anyone want to go to the mess hall?" They all nodded listlessly and trooped out of the room, confident that their friend was in the best possible hands.

Behind the curtains that Caro had told her were for privacy, Maylara had heard the end of the argument when the voices had been raised enough to be heard throughout the infirmary. She didn't know who the woman was who argued so vehemently about John leaving here, going back to this place called Earth. She assumed it was their home world as Teyla and John had both been open about the fact that, while Atlantis was now their home, it had only been so for a handful of years. She couldn't understand why the woman would want to take him away from these kind, wonderful people who obviously knew what they were doing. She was so deep in her thoughts that, when the nurse called Marie opened one of the curtains to come in, she started.

"Are you ok, Maylara?"

"Yes, Marie, thank you. I was thinking and did not hear you approach." She knew John was still alive but badly hurt by the heated discussion she had just overheard, still she wanted to hear it for herself. "How is John?"

Marie smiled at her but she could see it was strained. "He's still alive and holding his own. Dr. Keller is one of the two best doctors I've ever worked with. He's getting the best care possible. In addition, Dr. Beckett should be back soon. He's the other one." She patted Maylara's knee as she started to take her vitals. Satisfied that all was well, she asked. "Would you like something to eat?"

"No, thank you. Caro brought me something before she left for the day. Would it be possible to see him?"

"I'm sorry but that won't be possible right now. Colonel Sheppard is badly hurt and Dr. Keller will only allow one person at a time to sit with him. Teyla is in with him now."

"I understand. Please let Teyla know that I will be praying to the Ancestors for his full and speedy recovery?"

"I will. I'm sure she'll be happy to hear that.'

"They love each other very much, do they not?"

Marie smiled, this time sincerely. "Oh, yes! They've loved each other since the first moment they met, but it took over five years before they admitted it just a few months ago. We all knew though. It was evident to everyone but them." Her face took on a dreamy quality and Maylara wondered if she was picturing herself in Teyla's place. She hid a small smile. She'd seen his effect on the young women of her village. He'd effortlessly charmed each one with just a look and a grin. As young as she was, she was pretty sure that her niece was now under his spell as well. She, herself, wasn't above feeling a little tingle when he smiled at her, the smile crooked but sincere.

Doing some math, Maylara frowned. "They have only been together for a few months? I thought their son Torren was almost two?"

"Oh, Torren isn't the Colonel's child. He was conceived with another Athosian who Teyla was in a relationship with. It…didn't…work out. I used to watch them together and wonder why they didn't see what we did. That it just wasn't right. That she belonged with the Colonel."

"But I heard him call the child his son."

Marie smiled brilliantly. "He may not be Torren's biological father but he is his father all the same. He loves that child as fiercely as he loves Teyla and would do anything to protect them."

"That seems to be something he extends to more than just the two of them."

"You mean going back after your niece? That's not something that would surprise anyone who knows him. Colonel Sheppard is a protector. It's in his blood. He could no more have stood outside that building, knowing that he might be able to save her, than he could if it was Teyla or Torren inside. He's put his life on the line for every one of us here on Atlantis, more times that I can count."

"You admire him, very much if I am not mistaken?"

Marie blushed furiously and pretended to straighten blankets that didn't need it. It suddenly occurred to her that she'd been gossiping about the Military Commander of Atlantis with a stranger. Keller would kill her if she found out. She smoothed the blanket once more, wondering how to get out of this.

Maylara hadn't been the leader of her people for so long without learning how to read people and instantly knew the young woman was regretting telling her so much personal information about John. She reached out and put it over the nervous hand that played with her blanket. The hand stilled and Marie looked up at her. "Do not worry my dear. I will not tell anyone you said a word about John other than to kindly tell me how he was doing."

Marie blushed again and muttered a heartfelt thank you as she turned to leave the enclosure. At the curtain, she turned back. "No one has done more for Atlantis than the Colonel and we'll all do everything in our power to make sure he stays here, where he belongs." She didn't know how much Maylara had heard, but she, herself, had heard most of the argument between the IOA woman and the Atlantis personnel. Her tone and disparaging remarks about their hospital here had made her angrier than she'd been in a very long time. She knew no one would help the woman remove the man from Atlantis but still, she worried.

"I know you will dear. It is in your blood."

Marie tilted her head at her, wondering what she meant. When the meaning became clear, she smiled, her previous worry about her gossiping wiped away by the kind woman in the bed. She nodded and left, quietly pulling the curtain closed behind her. Maylara settled back in her bed and silently began a steady prayer to the Ancestors for John's return to health, just as she'd promised.