Chapter 7
Teyla and Jennifer approached the encampment carefully with Colonel Carter and the female marines fanning out behind them. As they approached the perimeter, they could see the makeshift cage just as Rodney had described. Even though it was across the camp from where they stood, they could clearly make out the figures of John and Ronon inside. The two men immediately stood and quickly approached the side of the cage. "What the hell are they doing?" John growled to Ronon. "She's 8 months pregnant! Why the hell would Carter let her come?" John was fretful in his worry for Teyla.
Ronon had only been half-listening to John's grumbling. He was too busy taking in Jennifer's appearance. His eyes scanned her from head to toe and he noted the dramatic outfit, the adornments, and most of all, the protruding belly. Ronon spoke low in an aside to John, "They're up to something. Look at Jenn." John's eyes went quickly to the doctor and then right back to Ronon. "Does she look pregnant -- and did you just call her 'Jenn'? Ronon flushed slightly and growled defensively, "That's her name, isn't it?" John's eyes widened innocently, "Well, yeah, I guess that IS her name….." At Ronon's glare, John decided to change the subject and quickly looked back at the approaching group. "That's Carter, directly behind Teyla -- and…..are all those marines….female?" At Ronon's nod, John muttered, "Yeah, definitely up to something. Be ready, big guy. This could get interesting…."
When the group from Atlantis got to within about 10 feet of the cage, several of the Domarians moved towards them. The tallest woman looked carefully at each face of the new arrivals before welcoming them. "It is not often that we see other cultures with female warriors such as yourselves. Sit down and share a meal with us." Teyla replied in a polite but direct tone, "Thank you; however, we have come for a specific purpose and cannot stay." Teyla then pointed toward the cage where John and Ronon were standing. "These two men you are holding are bound to and claimed….by their mates." Teyla indicated herself and Jennifer.
John tried to show little reaction to her surprising words and he silently willed Ronon to do the same with a look. Comprehension dawned on Ronon quickly and he again looked across at Jennifer. Feeling his eyes on her, she turned her head in his direction and winked at him. It was quick, nothing anyone else would notice. Ronon's heart sped up and he had to remind himself not to react visibly, but the corners of his mouth twitched, threatening a grin. The leader of the Domarians noticed the looks passing between the two and walked over to stand in front of Jennifer.
"You are claiming the tall Satedan warrior?" When Jennifer nodded, the older woman continued. "There are many here who wish to fight for the right to claim him. He is a healthy, strong, spirited, warrior and there are many here who would like to claim him for themselves." The woman looked Jennifer up and down critically and continued, "I do not believe such a man could, and would, be satisfied by such a…...delicate woman as you." The woman glanced down at Jennifer's middle. "You claim he is bound to you by a child?" Jennifer's and Ronon's eyes collided. Her chin rose in defiance and her words were clear. "Our hearts bind us together, not the child." Jennifer glared at the leader and spoke in a determined voice, her hands clenched at her sides. "He WILL be leaving this planet today…..with me. And I assure you, pregnant or not, I will make anyone suffer, who hinders our leaving."
Not fully convinced, the Domarian leader turned to Ronon. "Tell me, Satedan -- does this fair flower truly have a claim to you?" It was said with a smirk, for she clearly expected Ronon to reject Jennifer's claim. Every woman present was surprised, and some very disappointed, when Ronon rumbled without hesitation, "I would kill any who harm her. I would give my life to protect her. I am hers." It was a fierce declaration and none doubted his sincerity.
Jennifer stared at him wide-eyed for a few seconds before finally recovering and regaining her composure. The way Ronon was looking at her was so….so….feral! She wouldn't have been surprised to see him lick his lips and her heart hammered as she wondered what she had started by boldly participating in this charade.
The Domarian leader then walked closer to the cage and addressed John. "And what of you? Is this woman's claim over you valid?" she asked sourly, indicating Teyla. John caught Teyla's gaze, held it, and spoke without hesitation, "She owns me – heart, body, and soul. It was so from the first moment I saw her and it will be so until my dying breath." The power of his heartfelt statement left Teyla breathless for a moment.
Electricity seemed to sizzle between John and Teyla as they stared at each other for several seconds. She took several steps until she was standing right in front of him, only the cage bars separating them. Teyla reached a hand to his chest and John took it between both of his. He then abruptly fell to his knees and humbly kissed the swell of her stomach that was pressed against the bars while her hand rested atop his bowed head.
It was a very eye-opening sight to everyone present. Those that knew him well, knew that it was no act. He truly meant what he had said – he belonged to Teyla, heart, body, and soul. It was also very convincing to the Domarians as their leader indicated for the two men to be released. Ronon and John quickly exited the cage and made their way to the group from Atlantis. John walked up to Teyla but she only smiled at him with a small shake of her head. She then abruptly turned to leave with John falling into step directly behind her. They both knew they were all being watched very closely.
Ronon retrieved his gun from a low table and, holding it at the ready, approached Jennifer. They nodded to each other and Ronon fell into step behind her and slightly to her right, showing clearly that he was her protector. There were no words spoken as the group made their way back towards the 'gate since they were unsure if they were being followed and observed by the Domarians. It had been clear by the looks on some of the women's faces that they had wished to keep Ronon and John, even if they were already claimed. But thankfully, the leader had honored their people's traditions and let them leave peacefully.
Teyla and Jennifer went through the 'gate first, followed by John and Ronon, and then Colonel Carter and the marines. In order to clear the 'gate area to allow Lorne and Rodney to return in the 'jumper, they adjourned to Colonel Carter's office, the marines being dismissed by John. Once they were in Sam's office with the door closed, Teyla sank into a chair, with John taking the one next to her, their shoulders touching over the shared chair arms. Jennifer attempted to sit in a low chair by the door but felt very awkward in her dress and padded belly. "You look so graceful all the time, Teyla. I honestly don't know how you do it! I feel so big and clumsy with this on." Jennifer absently shifted the pillow strapped to her stomach and then looked up self-consciously to find everyone's eyes on her.
When Jennifer's gaze met Ronon's, she was relieved to find a sparkle of humor there -- and something else. So maybe he wasn't mad at her or embarrassed at what they had had to do or say in order to secure his and John's release? She blushed, then smiled at him briefly before asking Colonel Carter if she was needed further. "I really just want to go get out of this get-up. No offense, Teyla, but being big and pregnant is not that fun!" Teyla smiled understandingly, and said, glancing at John, "It has its moments." They all chuckled and Jennifer moved to leave. Ronon glanced at John with a silent question and, at John's nod, left the room right behind the young doctor.
As Ronon walked with Jennifer after leaving Colonel Carter's office, neither of them spoke. Finally, after the third odd look by a passerby, Jennifer practically ran to her own room, ducked inside quickly and wasn't surprised when Ronon also followed in behind her. He hadn't said anything since making his claim of being hers back on the planet.
Jennifer was worried about what he was thinking but she was more worried about starting the rumor mill on Atlantis spinning by walking down the hall with him, looking hugely pregnant. With her back to him, she reached up under the borrowed maternity dress and began trying to remove the pillow that was strapped around her midsection.
Seeing her struggling and understanding what she was trying to do, Ronon stepped up close behind her and began to unzip the black leather dress she wore. She immediately stilled and held her breath, while he lowered the zipper slowly and loosened the ties holding the pillow, which fell at her feet. Jennifer couldn't help but giggle, "I guess, I just gave birth" she said laughingly, looking down at the pillow at her feet. "Great, so you can give Teyla back the dress…..but could you keep the boots?" Ronon waggled his eyebrows suggestively as Jennifer giggled again, but then she quickly sobered as his mouth began to descend upon hers.