Author's note: I hope you really like this chapter. We are very, very close to the end. :) Thank you for your reviews. This is the longest chapter of the entire fic. Enjoy! And I'd love to read your comments. :)

Fata Morgana

Chapter 9

He walked into Woolsey's office and the sudden urge to run was excruciating. His first instinct was to grab hold of Teyla. He could feel her startled beneath his touch. He gazed into her eyes, confusion marring her golden face. He was suddenly terrified, but at what?

"Colonel Sheppard, may I present to you Commander Lydia and Commander Reus of the planet Geod. They have kindly asked for an audience with Atlantis for their interest in the device that we've retrieve from the waters of this planet."

Without noticing the translucent visitors, Rodney walked right up to John. "Sheppard, I've been looking all over for you."

"Dr. McKay, have you been cleared by Dr. Keller?" asked Woolsey, noticing his slight injuries.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss this meeting for the world." He was limping to his right side and a swollen bruise was evident on his face.

Teyla moved to sit by the window. John stared out at the seas and noticed the light rays of gradients shining down through the horizon.

"Why don't we all sit down and get to know each other better?" Woolsey added.

John neared the window. His thoughts wandering, his vision un-cleared with images flashing before his eyes.

"John, are you alright?" He heard Teyla from what seemed a long distance and yet he was only a few inches away from her.

"I'm fine, Teyla." He pulled the chair out and slowly sat down.

It was an uncomfortably long time before John realized that at least an hour must have passed and he couldn't remember participating, never mind listening to anything that had transpired throughout the entire meeting. He caught a glimpse of Teyla on his right and Ronon to his left.

"This is wrong." He said barely in a whisper.

"Colonel Sheppard?" Woolsey interrupted.

"This is very wrong." John stated with more emphasis.

"We aren't going to give up that Core, Commander. It's been activated. The power and energy emitting from this source is amazing and unlike anything we've ever encounter. Colonel Sheppard is the only one that has the ability to control it." Rodney looked at John to back up his claim.

John couldn't think properly. His mind was reeling and the hairs all over his body were tingling.

Woolsey shifted in his seat uncomfortably. "What Dr. McKay is trying to say Commander Reus, is that we are a very unique race that is full of curiosity. We have come here to continue our explorations but also to expand our allies to unite in our fight against the Wraith. If this source has the capacity to provide our city with the much needed energy to power the city to its full...."

"Stop!" Abruptly, John rose from his seat.

Everyone in the room fell into silence. John felt dizzy. He had a moment of clarity and it had felt like a thin view of all the events for the past two-weeks had opened the gates of hell from beneath his feet.

"Let them have it!" He ordered.

"What!?" Rodney all but shouted.

"Give them the Core, McKay!" The tone in John's voice left no room for argument.

"Colonel Sheppard, can we discuss this in private?" Woolsey asked awkwardly.

"Not before they leave the city with that Core!" John's eyes were fixed intently on the Geodes.

"I believe this device must carry a threat to the city of Atlantis and only Colonel Sheppard can detect it." John heard Teyla's voice right beside him.

"I'd do what he says, McKay." Ronon stood next to John staring at the Geodes intently.

"Oh, great. What is this?" McKay looked around the room for some kind of support.

"Colonel Sheppard, Ms. Emmagan, and Ronon, please take a seat." Woolsey also stood, his tone commanding but reassuring.

John felt Teyla's hand on his arm as she took a seat and saw Ronon stare into his eyes for approval.

He shook his head and was about to surrender, when suddenly, his eyes flashed to the back of his head and it hurt like hell.

And then it hit him.

The memories of what had happened flooded his mind in rapid succession of fast moving pictures right before his eyes. Heat rose from the bottom of his feet spreading like wild fire all over his body. Forget his spidey senses; hell was about to break loose and he was the one igniting the flames.

For an instant, he couldn't find his voice, and he was certain that his heart was not pumping normally, not by the way his palpitations were beating against his chest.

Suddenly he felt movement neared him. Commander Lydia stood right beside him.

Instinctively, he grabbed Teyla's hand, pulling her to her feet. He set his body right in front of hers and face Commander Lydia furiously using his own body to shield Teyla. He heard Ronon's stunner from not too far behind Commander Lydia.

"Don't come any closer!" John warned.

"Major Lorne!" Woolsey called and instantly, the room filled with marines. Yet in a matter of seconds, a bright light flooded the room blinding everyone as their bodies paralyzed, completely rendering them unconscious and unmovable.

All except John, Teyla and the Geodes remained unharmed by its force.

"We mean you no harm, Colonel Sheppard and Ms. Emmagan." Commander Reus's tone could not be more charming nor could his words have sounded more genuine, but the menaces behind the sweetly spoken words were as sharp as a naked blade.

"What do you want?" Teyla asked with fury in her voice.

"To balance the universe again. To correct what our forefathers carelessly created. To bring peace and harmony as it once was in our galaxy." Commander Lydia's eyes shone brightly against her transparency.

"And here I thought you only wanted the Core." There was a dark tone beneath John's sarcastic voice.

"The Core is only a part of it. It's strength and power is unlike any you will ever encounter in your entire life and beyond yours. It was never meant to be created, for its powers are also corrupt and dangerous. Your people could never understand this, but we hoped you might in order to save your people from complete destruction. Your curious mind shield you from the truth and your quest for dominance deceive you."

Teyla shifted from behind him and stood beside John, but he still placed a hand on her to block her from moving any further.

"We are of no threat to you. Why not simply take the Core and leave us?" Teyla said, with icy control.

"In our quest to extract all traces of the Core, we have come across many interesting species in which all react differently, but all desire and thirst for the same thing; Power. Your people were no different than the others, and yet we wanted to understand you just as much as you wanted to understand us. There was more to your people with which we could learn from, but more importantly, we wanted you to understand us. By understanding you, we are able to see and offer you an alternative in exchange for your knowledge."

"You're going to have to speak more clearly if you want me to understand." John said irritably, still getting things straight in his head.

"What is it that you offer? Teyla asked cautiously.

"We desire to experience what he feels for you." Commander Reus smiled in her direction but then settled his eyes on John.

John experienced a moment's of hesitation and then he understood. He turned to see Teyla's eyes. His hand still shielding her body, and then she tightly tucked her fingers underneath his. It was clear. No force in the universe and beyond would stop him from ever leaving Teyla, from ever letting any harm come to her.

"That's not an exchange I'm willing to bargain with." John said testily.

"The Core gave you the ability to turn back time, to erase what was already predestined to occur. We have never seen the Core stand to such intelligence and manipulate time and space in such a way. And it only did it to bring you back to this moment in time. So, that you can save her, save yourself and those that you love and call your family. You were all destined to die from the very first moment the Core stepped into your city walls." Commander Reus' eyes moved back and forth between John and Teyla as he spoke.

John's mind was reeling. He drew in a deep breath struggling for control. Did they really expect him to believe it? Suddenly the warmth from Teyla's hand registered. It didn't matter now; Teyla was alive.

"Well then, leave us alone and take the Core with you." It sounded so simple coming out of his mouth, but somehow he knew the stakes were much higher.

"We have travelled far and wide. We have met many of your kind in other time and space, yet none have shown your strength, wisdom and your capacity to stand against the Core. For the past fifteen sunrises and sunsets, the Core has whirled your emotions and battled against the forces of its powers to rule and dominate your kind before erasing everything of your existence. And it was all due to your unwillingness to accept her first death." Commander Lydia's words were too painful for them to be true.

The headaches, the memories, the repetitiveness of the days events, it all made sense now. They were living the same day over and over again, and none of them ever remembered.

"That is impossible! What you state cannot be true. I remember everything that has transpired these past days since our return from Earth. What you speak are lies. What is your true purpose?" Teyla's voice was clear and certain, but only John could sense her doubt, anger and fear.

"She's not lying, Teyla." He couldn't face her, not when he wasn't sure what was happening himself.

"We understand your rage, fear and quest for power; but we don't understand your feelings." Commander Lydia cautiously stepped closer to John with her eyes intently fixed on his. "Colonel Sheppard, you are unique and you are not even aware of it. She is your weakness, but at the same time, she brings forth a different alternate in you with a power that you are not even aware exists within you. We must learn how you accomplish this. Our actions are not based on disciplinary judgments or revenge. You may not like us now, but you still have our utmost respect and loyalty. We only seek knowledge and understanding."

John tensed. Not for the first time did he found himself both awed and frightened. He stared at Commander Reus and Commander Lydia's hard in the eyes, doubtlessly trying to connect sympathetically as he had always been able to count on in the past.

"So this has something to do with the Core that I touched," he said indignantly holding on tightly to Teyla's hand. Some things were so crystal clear in his mind, but others still just a haze.

"We do not interfere with destiny. We only seek its understanding."

"Well then, why don't you explain it to me clearly because I don't understand." This was too much and John was running out of patience, but what really burned inside the depths of his being was this fear that was crawling through the back of his spine like a predator slowly torturing its prey. Mostly, because he knew it wasn't related to the Geodes; instead, with time, fate, and destiny. John was fighting against the inevitable.

"Our presence or absence is irrelevant. We have no say or control over the matter." Commander Lydia stated almost sympathetically.

"Like hell you do. You let her die! And you'll stand there and watch and let her die again!" John didn't care for her pity. He wanted answers. And his fury was no match for sympathy.

He felt Teyla stiffen at his harsh words, "Are you saying that this will occur again?"

"You have found a way to interpret your own actions against the crisis that poses an unacceptable risk to you and to the one you love. We have no say or right over what you have chosen to be your path." Commander Reus words were so inexplicably confusing, and yet deep within John was the answer. He just didn't know how to remember it.

"Don't talk to me in riddles! Are you telling me that I can stop Teyla's death? That I can break this screwed-up cycle, or whatever the hell this is? Just tell me how to do it!" There was anguish and rage, hatred and love in his words.

"Only the Ancients have the ability to reverse time and change the course of a pre-destined future. John possesses no such medium. I do not fear for my death, but I will fight for the people of this city," Teyla's voice faltered for just a fraction of a second, "You are simply avoiding telling us the truth of your purpose."

"Your future is not yet decided. Colonel Sheppard is controlling everything along with the Core." Commander Reus eyes turned from Teyla towards John. "We only desire to understand you as much as you've wanted to understand us. That is our only purpose."

John had enough of their games and their words were saying nothing to him. These last words from Commander Lydia and Commander Reus only sparked the pandemonium raging within him because he knew that behind the Geodes words was the answer, but clearly they weren't going to give it to him directly. Everything had to be a mystery for these aliens in this galaxy. Nothing was ever clearly spelled out in front of you and John Sheppard had lived too many years now learning that the hard way.

"Where do I go from here?" John asked, feeling the need of urgency.

"John, you will do nothing drastic." The turmoil in Teyla's voice shot through him stronger than any bullet could penetrate through his heart, but he had already made up his mind. He wasn't going to watch her die again.

"You said you wanted to understand," he brought Teyla's arm and placed it in his heart. "If I agree to this, you will let her live, and you will leave Atlantis and never come back again."

"John, this is not real. Do you even comprehend what it is that you are consenting to do?" At first, Teyla's question troubled John visibly, and then her fingers tightened against his and the answer blazed his mind.

"Yes." He knew he should have said more, but what was there to explain? There were no promises, nothing guaranteed, but there was life, her life and that was all there was to it. Yes, he would do anything to save her.

"We never doubted you, Colonel Sheppard." Both Commanders couldn't hide the sadistic glee in their voices.

John was exhausted. He didn't know how long this conversation had lasted, but he felt the weight of the city on his shoulders all of the sudden. It was as if this entire charade was nothing but a big joke. He wondered if perhaps he was lying in one of the infirmary beds, unconscious and tied up with an IV and an oxygen tank. Wouldn't that be a relief! Yet, something deep inside him told him the truth was right outside the city walls. Suddenly, his eyes went to the windowpane, watching at the mirage outside the city's waters. Faint colors swirled around the dark blue waters of the sea, and he remembered that that was the same phenomenon that he'd seen throughout the days.

Is there a connection?

He first saw it when he was flying over to the energy signal that was transmitting the readings that Rodney had detected. He then saw a similar mirage when he was meeting with the Geodes Commanders on their ship while Teyla spoke to the escort leading them to the Councilmen; A Fata Morgana, the Commander had called the phenomenon.... but, wait, that can't be. That hasn't happened, not yet.... Not... He turned and faced both Commanders.

"I can't make you understand what I can't explain myself. I can only show you." John remained outwardly calm, his voice betraying none of his true vexation.

"Yes." Commander Reus replied anxiously.

Everything was beginning to make sense to him, "Promise to take us back to the beginning, before this all started."

"We are in agreement, but it is you who possess such skill and ability. We only wish to understand how." The Commanders uniformly replied.

There it was again. A power that supposedly he had that he had no clue how to use and even access.

Damnit!

He slowed his breathing, calming his mind. He breathed deeply and turned to see her.

Teyla.

How does he explain to her what he himself doesn't understand? How can he show love when he can't even bring himself to admit his feelings to her, never mind to himself?

Golden skin that outshined the sunlight's rays, streaks of firelight hair that tousled pleasantly upon her shoulders, cheeks that flushed and burned fearlessly; this is Teyla. A strikingly beautiful woman, an extraordinary woman, and he has foolishly wasted so many opportunities to tell her just how much he really cares for her. How can he deny, that throughout all these years they've been together, he has only wanted more than just her friendship?

Love was a strange and terrible thing. John had thought he had found it with Nancy. Hell, he tried to avoid it after Nancy! Courting was fun, sex a lot of fun but love-well that was a pointless illusion.

But after seeing Teyla that first time in Athos, he knew- he knew that he wanted to lure this woman into his world. When they stood forehead to forehead only a few years ago, from that day, he has vowed to protect her at any cost and to never let any harm come to her.

Now, John focused on her form full of bravery and pride, of wisdom and love.

Yes, love. He's always known he loves her, but he was too afraid to venture in her direction. Now, he's being force to do what he's always wanted.

And she didn't understand.

At this moment, no force was going to stop him from making her see how he truly feels for her and yet...gently, he feels her fingers trailing along his jaw, and he hears a gasp escape from her lips.

"Teyla," he whispered, but her fingers move and rose, shushing his lips.

He reached for her fingers and slowly cradled them with his, holding her closer to him.

He could see her eyes reading into his soul for only she has that power, and he saw the moment that clarity shimmered in her eyes.

"Teyla, I…It has always been there. I just hid it very well." He confessed, keeping their hands linked tightly, looking deeply into her eyes.

"It has always been clear to me. You only had to voice it."

Whatever happened after this, he would always remember this moment. The sweet shape of her face, her dark brown eyes, and the round mouth he so wanted to touch with his own. He was so close to her, that it was with the smallest step forward that his face was in her hair and then her arms were around his back, holding each other firmly.

It seemed so simple, now, to be this close to her, to feel her against him so intimately. For so many years the thought alone had terrified him. He never thought himself a fool, but now he could see it written all over his face. This was such a magnificent relief, that he knew later, much later, after he'd fight the big bad monsters, reclaim his title as the dashing hero that saved the day once again and finally kiss the pretty Athosian Queen; yeah, after all that, he would take the time to curse himself for all the missed moments that he could have had with her since they first met.

But that could wait too.

He took a step closer and cupped her face in his hands. He looked down at her soulful eyes. She simply took his breath away. Devotedly, he kissed her forehead and dusted a kiss on the tip of her lips and leaned....

"What the hell is going on here?" John's lips were still moist against Teyla's lips when he heard Rodney from behind.

The sirens were going off in the city and the floor trembled from beneath their feet.

Woolsey, Ronon and Lorne also woke abruptly, confusion clearly in their faces.

To no surprise, John realized that the Geodes had dematerialized and were gone.

"There's no time for explanations. Rodney, follow me!" He still held Teyla's hand with his.

"Oh, great. I've no clue what's going on but I still have to save the day?"

"Rodney, if you think you're having a shitty day," he glanced over to Teyla, "you should try ours on for size."

Woolsey stood from his chair, "Colonel Sheppard, would you care to explain what is going on here?"

"We need to get rid of that Core before it all happens again." He was running out of time. He's fighting against time.

"What happens again, Sheppard?" Ronon's voice was loud and clear but John couldn't sit around and answer any questions.

"Sorry, buddy, but I gotta go." John tapped his earpiece ready to call someone.

"Sheppard?" the Satedan's husky voice thundered from behind Teyla.

"Ronon, John is trying to prevent us from repeating the same day over again." Teyla was always reliable not too give too much or too little of the information needed, enough to calm everyone down for just a bit.

"What?" Ronon's loud voice was almost comical.

Apparently, Teyla's summary wasn't enough.

"We need to get to Rodney's lab! Gather the marines and secure the gate room." John activated his radio piece again. "Chuck, get ready to shut down the shield on my command."

"Yes, Sir!"

"John, what exactly are you going to do?" Teyla's voice was full of concern.

"Simple, we need to take the mother ship back home." He tugged onto Teyla's sleeve and they started to run.

TBC...