Chapter 4
A week later, Randi announced that she would begin restoring Ronon's spinal cord the next day. Dr. Keller was still smiling, after each scan continued to show improvement. Teal'c had become the voice of moderation, and John was glad for it. It didn't take long to realize that Randi would work until she collapsed. The woman never seemed to want a break and, though she usually lost, would argue with Teal'c every time he insisted on one. Teal'c had enlisted Keller's help in telling Randi that she was allowed to perform only one healing session per day. Keller jumped back and yelped when glowing eyes were turned on her. Randi quickly apologized and explained that she was still learning to control "that particular Go'uld trait" when she was upset or irritated.
John still insisted on having he, Teyla or Lorne with Randi, if she wasn't in her quarters. Unfortunately, due to her long hours, that meant the three of them were running on minimal sleep and a lot of coffee, or tea for Teyla. She had done nothing to make anyone overly suspicious, but she was quickly becoming a frequent visitor to the labs and the 302 bay. He was concerned about the 302 bay and made a mental note to check into why Lorne allowed her access there. The labs were easy to explain, as she was a natural carrier of the ATA gene and seemed to exert even more control over it than Lorne. John was still the strongest gene carrier, but he had learned long ago how to get out of light-bulb duty if he wanted. It was all new to Randi, so she didn't decline when McKay asked, in his usual polite manner, that she assist him in the lab again.
"Um, what is this... stuff?" Randi had speared her fork through a piece of purple-blue meat and was eyeing it with suspicion.
"Rakkat meat. Eat it, it's good," which Ronon demonstrated by stuffing a huge piece into his mouth. He was finally up and around in a wheelchair and was looking better every day.
John grinned at his friend's obvious enjoyment of the freaky-looking meat. At least his appetite is finally coming back. Although, between Ronon, Rodney, Teal'c and Baxter, we'll have to strike some new trade deals so we don't run out of food.
"Oh, I'm sure," Randi looked anything but sure, "it just looks like something Kofur brought back after taking one of Ra's worlds. That stuff stunk to high heaven."
"Who is Kofur?" Teyla inquired right about the time John was thinking that Ra was killed years before Baxter joined the SGC. He noticed Teal'c looked tense and had put his utensils down.
"Kofur was Sekhmet's-" she suddenly faltered and paled. She continued quietly when she realized that everyone was still waiting for a response. "He was her First Prime... about a thousand years ago." Everyone was quiet for a moment and Randi looked like she was going to bolt and run.
Leave it to Teyla to get things back on track. "I am intrigued that you have memories from someone else from so long ago. Is that how you managed to defeat me in our sparring session yesterday? By using an old form that I do not know how to defend against? In that case, I would like a rematch. How does 1500 sound?" Teyla was wearing a small and kind smile.
"Sure, that sounds good Teyla." Randi went back to her food, but John noted that she avoided the rakkat meat.
"Well, in the meantime, I have something you can do that the snake in your head never gave you any evil memories of-"
"McKay!" John kicked Rodney under the table and shot him a shut the hell up right now look.
Apparently, he had used that look one too many times, because it didn't faze Rodney. "What?" Turning back to Randi, "Come to the lab after lunch. I need to finish a simulation that requires the initialization of some Ancient tech and even I can't be in two places at once."
"How can I refuse such a sweet invitation?"
Rodney looked surprised for a second, until he saw the smirk on her face, "oh yes, yes, mock the genius that saves you daily."
"You have never saved me, Dr. McKay. In fact, I believe you once advocated letting me die." Teal'c's comment was delivered with a raised eyebrow and a stern look at Rodney, who paled and stammered, "Nonono, that's... no!" John was shocked to see Rodney leave his unfinished lunch and scamper out of the mess.
He looked back to Teal'c, who was being laughed at by Randi. "Damn, I can't believe you just won that bet! Cam will never believe McKay left food unfinished. And ran from an argument!" She looked more serious then, "T, you really should make it up to him. If you ever want verification for that bet anyway." With that, she left to follow Rodney to the labs. He saw Lorne join her, placing his hand on the small of her back to guide her out of the mess. Huh.
After Teyla and Ronon left to return to his quarters-he had been taken off suicide watch and allowed to spend some time in his room, as long as he promised to take it easy-John turned to Teal'c, not quite sure what he wanted to ask.
"You are bothered by the fact that Miranda recalls memories that belong to the Go'uld, Colonel Sheppard?"
"Well, yeah. That doesn't bother you? Or anyone else at the SGC?"
"Indeed, it does. But it does not bother me, or the rest of SG1, for the same reasons it bothers General Landry and the IOA. I am distressed that Miranda recalls these things because of the pain it causes her. The Go'uld whose memories she shares was evil. The IOA fears it will corrupt her mind and turn her against Earth and the Tau'ri."
"She seemed embarrassed, more than pained," John said it like a question, not being familiar enough with Baxter yet to know for sure.
Teal'c tilted his head and considered him for a moment. "Let us take a walk, Colonel Sheppard." He took his tray to the racks and left the mess, waiting for John outside. He led Teal'c to the east pier. It wasn't his favorite place, but at this time of day it was in the shade and a bit cool, so they were unlikely to be interrupted. As they began to walk the length of the pier, Teal'c began to talk. And John began to get pissed.
"I fear that Miranda will not be allowed to return to Earth once her duties to Ronon Dex are complete," Teal'c started.
"What? Why not? That was the plan, right? She heals Ronon, she goes home."
"Did you not think it strange that the Daedalus was redeployed to Atlantis so quickly after returning to the Milky Way? We left Earth within two days of hearing of Ronon Dex's injury. The only reason was to transport Miranda Baxter here."
"Just figured they wanted to help Ronon." Even as he said it, he knew something was wrong with that statement.
"If the decision had been the SGC's, then yes. However, with the IOA involved, I am afraid there were no such good intentions. The IOA has never been friendly to the aliens working within the SGC. They were especially concerned about the return of Miranda to active duty. They believe she cannot be trusted."
"Since the snake couldn't be removed."
"Yes. Mr. Woolsey himself led the campaign to have her detained indefinitely in the research division at Area 51." That certainly explains her reaction to him when she first arrived, John thought. Teal'c continued, "It was only by the intervention of O'Neill that she was saved from that fate. He was able to convince the President that Miranda was free of the Go'uld's influence."
"Sorry, but that seems like something that would be hard to convince him of." That just sounded too easy to John.
"Indeed, it was. However, Miranda had previously met the President and assisted in a matter of national security." Seeing John's eyebrows go up, he quickly added "I am sorry, Colonel Sheppard, but I cannot speak of that incident. Suffice it to say that O'Neill reminded the President that he 'owed her one' and the President agreed. Miranda was eventually reinstated as a member of SG1. Yet, the IOA will not let her outside of Cheyenne Mountain. She has become a prisoner inside the base that was once her home. She may have regained the trust of a few, but it is not enough."
Teal'c stopped for a moment to look out over the city. "It is beautiful here. If she is not allowed to return to Earth, I think she may be able to find happiness here."
Whoa, wait a second! "Are you saying that the IOA sent her here, using Ronon as an excuse, just to get her away from Earth? They're dumping her here?"
Teal'c's jaw became tense and his eyes hard. Those were the only indications he gave that he was angry. "While the IOA likely thinks of her banishment that way, I had hoped you would see it as an opportunity for Atlantis. None of this is final. However, in the databurst that arrived yesterday, O'Neill sent word that he is losing the battle to allow Miranda to return to Earth. The IOA feels she is too great a risk."
He began walking again and John hurried to catch up to the taller man's strides. "I have seen the lights of Atlantis brighten when Miranda walks past them. They seem to do the same for you. And I have heard some of your scientists comment that several systems, which were previously unknown, activated when she arrived in the city. She has off-world experience as a member of SG1 and she has invaluable knowledge in the memories of the Go'uld, though she prefers not to access those memories. She has also honed her innate abilities since joining the SGC. I believe she would be a most valuable asset to Atlantis and the fight against the Wraith."
"Why was she ever tapped to join in the first place? No military or scientific background. She doesn't seem like a very likely candidate. What?" Teal'c had stopped to stare at him.
"You have not opened the files O'Neill sent you."
"Uh, no. Guess I should?"
"Indeed."
"Does Miranda know about all this?"
Teal'c sighed. "I believe she suspects, but she will not discuss it. She does not seem to fault the IOA or anyone at the SGC for being suspicious of her. If she stays, Colonel Sheppard, you should be aware that she is still trying to find her balance after being taken as a host. Most hosts that are restored to themselves have the memories and knowledge of the Go'uld extracted with the symbiote, leaving only the memories the host has of the time as host. Miranda is the first known host to retain all of the memories of a Go'uld. She tried to block them out at first, but that proved impossible. Now, she is slowly integrating them into her life. You saw an example of that this morning. As she integrates them, the night terrors are slowly going away."
"Night terrors?" John had heard of them. "Aren't those a lot worse than nightmares?"
"Indeed, they are. That is why I have been staying with her. Vala Mal Doran and I both reside at the SGC, so we take turns keeping her company at night. It makes her feel weak, though she is not. She avoids sleep as often as possible and will work herself to collapse if allowed. She will need someone to help her with this. Though she appears to be improving since arriving in Atlantis. When questioned, she will only say that the city is comforting to her."
"You want me to stay with her at night?" He can't be serious, I barely know this woman!
Teal'c frowned at him. "No. I simply wish you to be aware, as her team leader, that she must be forced to get rest."
"Team leader!" John heard those two words very clearly.
"It is a request of O'Neill's that, should Miranda stay in Atlantis, that you make her part of the flagship team here." He saw the set of John's face and that he had carefully wiped all emotion aside. "O'Neill's request is in the file Colonel Caldwell delivered to you. It is only a request and should you refuse it, there will be no negative consequences. O'Neill is aware that forcing a new member into an established and successful team would be likely to result only in disaster. It is my opinion however, that you would be foolish to pass up the opportunity to have Miranda join you off-world."
"But this is all dependent on the IOA's decision, right? They could still decide to let her return to Earth, or maybe Woolsey could say something. And why exactly did General O'Neill send communications for me to you?" John knew he sounded a bit desperate, but geez. Trying to integrate a Go'uld host into a city where half the population started out fighting the Go'uld at the SGC? And my team works great as we are, thank you very much.
"I believe you have more faith in the members of the IOA than I, Colonel Sheppard. And Mr. Woolsey is now subject to the whims of the IOA as well. As for O'Neill, he asked me to speak with you and to make an assessment of how Miranda would fare here." He was thoughtful for a moment. "I am beginning to believe that Miranda may be better off in Atlantis. She seems happier here."
The next day held a marathon healing session for Ronon. Dr. Keller and Randi had explained that he would likely experience pain once she began working on the spinal cord itself. The idea was for her to do as much as possible in one session, to decrease the discomfort to Ronon. Keller had the strong drugs ready, just in case. John was at Ronon's bedside while Randi and Teal'c were hunting for a stool she could sit on that would give her the height and comfort to work over the bed for hours at a time.
Ronon was nervous but John knew he would never admit it. "I guess this is it. Listen, if this doesn't-"
"No, no. Not going there buddy. This will work. Look how far you've come already! By this time tomorrow, you'll be wiping the floor with my ass again."
Ronon grinned at John, "Tomorrow? I may be paralyzed, but I could still wipe the floor with your ass today."
Keller overheard the last part and was quick to jump in, "No ass-wiping until I clear you for that!" She blushed furiously when the loud laughter of the whole team clued her in to what she had said. "You know what I mean!"
"Sure, doc." John couldn't stop laughing, it was probably nerves. Please let this work.
When Randi came in with a stool, he and the others met Teal'c in the observation lounge and settled in for a long wait.
Seven hours later, Ronon was spacey on some of Keller's drugs and Randi looked exhausted. Teal'c did not look pleased, but he had given his word that he would not interrupt this session for anything more than a quick snack for Randi, which he had done an hour ago. Keller moved to give Ronon another dose of fentanyl but Randi stopped her.
"I'm almost done. You'll be able to start testing his reflexes and pain responses once the drugs wear off." The team and Teal'c quietly made their way into Ronon's room and surrounded his bed. A few minutes later, Randi deactivated the healing device and slumped on the stool. John caught her before she slid off and he helped her into one of the chairs by the bed. "Thanks," she mumbled.
"No, thank you. Whatever happens, thank you." John spoke as sincerely as he could. Not only had she exhausted herself, but she might have given up her chance to stay on her home planet, all to help his friend. She met his eyes and nodded.
Ronon's drugs wore off quickly and he denied having any pain. He wiggled his toes and then started laughing heartily. Teal'c and John nearly had to tackle him to the bed to get him to stay long enough to go through with the reflex tests and scans that Keller said were necessary. Less than an hour after Randi completed the treatment, Keller came back in the room and pronounced Ronon healed. "You're good as new Ronon!" After the cheering and hugging was over, she tried to caution him about overdoing it.
"No way, Jen. I'm going for a run. Then sparring. Or sparring first." Ronon was beaming.
Keller aquiesed after Teal'c assured her of the effectiveness and permanency of a healing provided by the Go'uld device.
After Ronon enthusiastically wiped the floor with his ass in the sparring room, John watched Teyla get the same treatment, all with a smile on all of their faces. It was only then that he noticed Randi and Teal'c were not at the impromptu party. When Ronon started taking on marines four at a time, Rodney cheering him on from the sidelines, John thought he could sneak out for a little while. He made his way to Randi's quarters and activated the buzzer. The door slid open to reveal Teal'c filling the doorway. "Colonel Sheppard. How is Ronon Dex?"
"He's having the time of his life and beating all of my men to a pulp."
"I am glad to hear it."
"Is Randi here? I know Ronon will want to see her and Teyla's been talking about what a great sparring partner she is..." he trailed off at the look on Teal'c's face. "Is everything alright?"
Teal'c moved out of the way, to reveal Randi, draped across the bed. She was deathly pale and breathing shallowly.
"Crap. I'll call Keller." He was reaching for his radio, but stopped when he heard Randi speak.
"It's OK. I'll be fine."
He made his way over to her and knelt by the bed. "You don't look OK."
She opened her eyes and looked him over. "Yeah, well you don't look so hot either."
"That would be Ronon's fault." He was pleased to see her smile at that.
"Good, I'm glad it worked." He was still watching her warily, like she might give up the ghost any minute. "Give me a break, Sheppard. I just rewired a guy's central nervous system today. I think I've earned the right to be tired and look like crap if I want to!" She grinned when he chuckled.
"OK, but call me if you need anything. I'm just right next door, you know." He turned to leave and spotted Teal'c sitting on the couch with a small smile in place. Teal'c nodded to him as he walked by and he got the impression he had just passed some kind of test.
That was the first night he dreamed of Randi. It was nothing too strange or out of the ordinary. The most unusual thing about it was how clear it was in his memory after he woke the next morning.
He was dressed in his BDUs, walking through the empty halls of Atlantis. He felt the emptiness should bother him, but it did not feel strange or frightening. He walked through the halls, humming Folsum Prison Blues to himself. He reached the gateroom and was surprised to find it was not empty. Randi stood on the lower level, facing the gate. She turned to watch him approach as he walked down the stairs towards her. "I remember this place," she whispered. At his questioning look, she explained "When I first beamed down, it felt like I had been here before. I felt like I know this place, like I was always meant to be here, like... home."
"I know what you mean. It felt right when I got here. That first year, when we were cut off from Earth, I wasn't worried about getting home. Because I was already here."
She looked at him with a soft smile on her face. "Show me more of your home? I still haven't had much of a chance to explore."
He turned to lead her to the nearest transporter. "Well, I really like the south pier. It's got the best view of the sunsets on Lantea. But there is this cool holo-game room that one of the science teams found recently. Rodney's been trying to modify it so it doesn't use much power. I'm thinking we could load football onto it."
"Or hockey."
He looked at her and frowned. "McKay got to you, didn't he?"
She chuckled, "Sorry, nothing so sinister as that. I just never liked football much. But I love all the action in hockey."
"Are you kidding? Football has tons of action!"
And they continued like that, bantering back and forth about various topics, until they made their way to the pier. They lay back on the cool metal and watched the stars and eventually, when John looked over to make another argument about their latest conversation topic, Ding-Dongs vs Ho-Ho's, Which Was the Better Treat, she was gone.
