Warnings: - Violence and some bad language
Disclaimer: - Not mine, if it was it would still be on the box!
Thanks again for all the reviews, I really appreciate them. Also thanks to all of you who have shown your support by putting me on story alert and favorite story. Again where would I be without my fabulous beta, Shepsgirl72? I really appreciate your help in correcting my grammer, typos and for the helpful suggestions...you really do rock!
WEIGHT OF AN OATH
CHAPTER 10
There was no way he was going to let John die here. Not in this place, and certainly not on his watch.
Carson saw the broken body of his friend and remembered the first time they'd met, which started an extraordinary journey for both of them. As he noted John's decreased breath sounds on the left hand side of his chest, Beckett recalled nearly killing the (then Major) back in Antarctica. It was him who told John about the Stargate programme and the mission to Atlantis. And it was him, who after telling the tall, dark haired stranger about the rare gene of the Ancestors, who first saw the shocked look on the Major's face when he sat on the chair, bringing it to life in a way no one had done before. That day had changed John Sheppard's life forever, bringing him to Atlantis and forging their friendship still present today. No…He wouldn't let his fiend die, not if he could help it.
Teyla had spent the last two days separated from her friends. On the night of their capture, Rolas made clear his intentions towards her, however her response had earned her a slap on the jaw, and the time spent since, chained up in a cell.
When she saw her friends brought out into the ring to fight, Teyla was horrified. Both men had been whipped and John's arm broken. Neither was fit to fight, that much was certain, but what came out of the warden's mouth next left her stunned. To pit two friends, brothers even, against each other in a fight to the death over her. She would rather die first.
As the fight began it became reassuring familiar to her. However when John fell to his knees from a blow to his side, it was obvious he was tiring badly, and would not be able to keep up with Ronon's superior strength much longer. Teyla knew Rolas would not tolerate their deception, but prayed it had bought them enough time for rescue to come. When the warden stopped the charade, with still no rescue in sight, Teyla recognised the look John gave Ronon. The Athosian had seen it before during the siege on Atlantis, as John prepared to give up his life to destroy a Hive ship. On that occasion the Ancestors had seen fit to spare his life…but now? She tried to cry out, to stop this madness, but nothing could be heard over the blood lust of the jeering crowd. When Ronon's first blow doubled their friend in two, her heart stopped. The look she saw in the Satedan's eyes made her weep, as one friend held the other close, to make the brutal ordeal end as quickly as possible. But as John fell to the ground, death a heartbeat away, she really didn't know who was suffering the most.
When the explosion came, the crowd dispersed in fear. Telya took her chance and overpowered the guard, releasing herself from the chains. Running to Beckett's side, she saw the look of dogged determination in the doctor's eyes and prepared to help play her part in saving their friend.
Sheppard was going to be pissed.
Rodney did what he had been asked to do and left. Well…not quite when Sheppard wanted him to, but when no one arrived after another hour, he knew another brilliant plan had gone belly up, so he reluctantly made his way back to Atlantis for help.
Who would have guessed Hermoid had been given permission to upgrade the 'gate as soon as he returned? The look on Woolsey's face spoke volumes when he appeared alone from the jumper. But by then it was too late to stop the over-zealous Asgard, for the work had already begun even before the jumper hit the bay floor. Rodney could have kicked himself. Why hadn't he reported to Woolsey on the situation before he went through the 'gate? Now the work was in progress, it couldn't be stopped for two days, or risk damaging the 'gate permanently. Two days in which he hadn't slept, eaten only enough to keep his hypoglycaemia at bay, and drank enough coffee to give him a perpetual buzz into the next millennium. But at least he was here now, along with Lorne and two other jumpers filled with marines. Rodney really hoped John was pissed, because that would mean he was alive and well, rather than the alternative.
Where were they? As Rodney followed Lorne into the building, he saw the four transmitter signals of his friends. One was on the far side of the prison, but the other three were clustered together in the large area just ahead. Oh no…
Carson saw the cavalry coming and sent up a silent prayer to his maker. "Not before time! What the bloody hell kept you? I need a stretcher and portable oxygen. Get moving…Colonel Sheppard is on the clock here people. We need to get him back to Atlantis NOW!"
McKay stood stunned. John looked half-dead, actually more than that. He was too late...
"What happened to him?" Stupid question, Rodney. "Who did this to him?"
"I did." Ronon was standing behind him, a haunted look on his face.
Teyla saw the look of horror in Rodney's face and could not, would not, allow Ronon to take the blame for the actions of the real culprit for this crime."What has happened is not all it appears to be Rodney. And Ronon, this is not your fault…you must believe that. Explanations will come later, Rodney, but now we must all be here for John."
John coded on the way back to Atlantis.
The mood was sombre, the deafening silence only interrupted by the zap of the defibrillator, as stunned faces watched Beckett fighting to keep their friend alive. As Carson wiped the sweat from his brow, it seemed to him, for the first time ever, Sheppard had given up the fight to live. As he charged up the paddles for the last time, Teyla came over and placed her hand on his arm.
Kneeling by his lifeless form she clasped John's hand in hers. "John, it's Teyla. I am safe and free. You must fight…Atlantis needs you….We need you. Please, John…don't leave us like this." Teyla removed her hand and nodded to Carson. All eyes were upon him as he stunned Sheppard's heart and waited…A blip appeared on the monitor. It was slight, but still there. John was alive, for now at least.
Carson was exhausted, but Jennifer knew better than to suggest he left the surgery to her. Whatever had happened on Lorus, no one was saying, but Beckett would not leave John's side. Neither, though, did he refuse her offer to assist, only to whisper as he passed for someone to take care of Ronon. Keller recognised the symptoms of shock when she saw them, and nodded to Marie to tend to the injured man, but Ronon had other ideas. No one, it seemed, wanted to leave the colonel, but fortunately Teyla stepped forward, gently took his arm and led him into the infirmary, where she stayed by his side until he lost his fight with the medication, and fell into an uneasy slumber.
The sun was setting in Atlantis, its pink tinged golden glow shining through the infirmary window, as Lt Colonel John Sheppard was settled into intensive Care. His injuries were extensive, his ultimate survival uncertain, but John had made it this far, which in Carson's book was all he could hope for. Soon afterwards, Keller insisted he get something to eat and get some rest. Beckett knew Jennifer was right, but still couldn't leave his friend, so in the end a compromise was reached. Later, showered and settled in the adjoining bed, Carson set down his tray. It felt good to be clean and the bed, though not his own, still felt comfy and warm. Lying on his side the whoosh of the vent and the steady beep of the monitor told him all was well. Keeping his gaze firmly on his patient, he felt it safe enough to close his eyes, just for a minute, and it wasn't long before the loud rumbling sound of snoring could be heard all through the ward.
A jumble of confused images ran through his head. The last thing he could remember was being on Lorus, talking to McKay, watching as Beckett tried to save Sheppard's life…John…The memory of what he'd done threatened to choke him…he couldn't breathe.
"Easy, buddy… calm down…you're in Atlantis. Do you want me to get Keller for you?"
Ronon woke up with a start, his heart hammering in his chest. "What are you doing here, McKay?"
Rodney simply replied. "Couldn't sleep."
He turned and saw Rodney typing into his data pad. "Why aren't you with Sheppard?"
"I've already been to see him…John's holding his own. Did you know Carson's sleeping there? Seriously…haven't you heard his snoring?"
Turning to his friend and teammate. "Did Teyla tell you?"
Rodney put down his pad and turned to look at Ronon. "Yes, she did. Look…Ronon, you're not the bad guy here. You were both put in an impossible situation. John was badly beat up and as CO he made the only decision he could make under the circumstances. As for you…I don't know if I would have the courage to do what you did."
The memory of John's blood on his hands came flooding back. The look on his friend's face, willing him to throw the killer blow…"You think killing a wounded man took courage!"
"Yes…I do...when it's the life of a friend, someone you care about. Look, big guy, John is still alive and we all know he has beaten the odds before."
"And if he doesn't…tell me, McKay, how am I going to live with that?"
"I don't know, Ronon. What I do know is Teyla is alive because of what you did… what you both did. If you want to blame anyone, blame that sadistic SOB Rolas, or blame me…It's partly my fault the rescue was late. Whatever happens, Ronon, John trusted you to do what he asked, and he wouldn't want you carrying around the guilt for his death…Whatever happened to Rolas anyway? Did you kill him?"
"No…I wanted to. But I know Sheppard doesn't believe in killing someone in cold blood, so I didn't."
Rodney was curious. "So…if you didn't kill him, where did he go?"
Ronon turned to Rodney with a gleam in his eye. "Last time I saw Rolas I pushed him into the fighters' cell. Figured those guys might want to settle a few scores of their own…didn't see him after that. What happened to the prisoners I freed?"
"Lorne's taxi service took them back to the 'gate, and stood guard till they left, just in case anyone in Baltron tried to stop them." Ronon nodded, satisfied, and lay back against the pillows. "Right…Anyway, you need your rest and I need to eat. Do you want me to bring you anything back? Jell-O? DVDs?"
"Thanks, McKay…could you bring my Dirty Harry DVDs?"
Rodney got up to leave. "I don't get the man myself, but sure I'll bring them. We can watch them together, and I'll bring popcorn. By the way…did I tell you it's good to have you back Ronon? The place just wasn't the same without you…too quiet."
When no answer came, Rodney saw Ronon was asleep. He felt ashamed when he remembered his reaction as the Satedan told him he'd beaten John. What an idiot he was! How could he have believed Ronon would do such a thing, especially to Sheppard of all people, without a very good reason. McKay couldn't imagine how his friend would cope if Sheppard died. But that was crazy talk. This was Captain Invincible he was talking about. At least he hoped it was…
Woolsey came to visit his Military CO and was shocked at the state of the man. Dr Keller had told him Sheppard underwent surgery for a punctured lung and a lacerated spleen, but the surgery had gone as well as could be expected. However combined with his other injuries; a broken arm, broken and cracked ribs plus lacerations over most of his torso, the colonel was severely weakened. The doctor advised him although they were hopeful of his ultimate recovery, it couldn't be guaranteed.
Richard, knew for a diplomat, his bedside manner was dreadful. The truth was he had never liked hospitals, was uncomfortable spouting forth the tired platitudes one used when visiting the sick, and always made a point to put off visiting even his nearest and dearest, until he was embarrassed into it. But looking at John Sheppard now, he wished the man was responsive and well enough to hear those platitudes, and looking at the machines keeping him alive, he gained a new respect for the brilliant medical team in Atlantis. By the looks of things, if this had happened anywhere else, Sheppard would surely have died.
The least he could do was sit for a moment. Listening to the steady beep of the machines he started to feel himself drop off, so decided it was time to go. Getting up to leave, he turned to look at Sheppard, startled when terrified hazel eyes caught his…John was staring to gag!
"Try to calm down, Colonel. You're on a ventilator."John seemed to understand and his heart rate slowed. "That's it…slow, easy breaths…Just hold on and I'll get someone to help you."
Woolsey tried hard not to panic. "Dr Beckett! Dr Keller! Anyone?"
Carson heard the commotion and came running. When he saw John awake he said a silent prayer. "Well…so you've finally decided to join us have you Colonel? How about I make you more comfortable and take this out? Now you know the routine by now. One deep breath, as much as you can manage, and I'll pop this out for you…Ready? One…Two…" And the vent was out. "Don't try to talk, son. Your throat will be sore for a couple of days." Beckett patted his arm. "I'll be right back with some ice chips."
Last thing John remembered Ronon was beating the crap out of him on Lorus. Man did that hurt…What had happened? How come he was still alive? And why was Woolsey sitting by his bed and not his team… were they alright? He must get out of here to find out. "Aghhh.."
Carson rushed back. "Easy, John, try to lie still. You have just been through major surgery. It was touch and go for a while there, and you're not quite out of the woods yet. The good news is I think you'll live to turn my hair grey, the bad news…you'll be in a lot of pain for a while yet." Taking a syringe and pushing it into the IV. "This should help with that shortly and allow you to rest. Once I see you settled, Mr Woolsey and I are going to tell your team they won't be needing a new CO for a while yet. Aren't we, Mr Woolsey?"
John's heard the word team, knew everything was okay, and started to relax. So he'd made it after all. How about that?
Woolsey was relieved and for once happy to visit a patient. "It's good to have you back, Colonel. Atlantis missed you, and so did I." Perish the thought I would have to deal with Caldwell… "Sleep well and do what Dr Beckett tells you, I'll drop by to see you later."
Drifting somewhere between asleep and awake, John heard the familiar clack of computer keys. He opened his mouth to speak, but even that simple movement awakened a fire in his gut and he could only groan.
"Carson! He's awake!"
Settling back into the covers, John croaked, "Thanks, Rodney…I can now add deafness to my list of injuries."
"Sorry…but you're in pain right? Just trying to get you some help. Carson…I think Sheppard needs some more of your 'good' drugs." Beckett saw Rodney flap and smiled. He knew the scientist was worried about his friend. What had happened to the self-centred scientist who arrived in Atlantis five years ago?
"I'll take care of it, Rodney. How are you feeling now, Colonel? Describe the pain to me as a number between 1 and 10, and don't say you're 'good' because we both know that's a lie."
"Wouldn't dream of it, Carson. I feel like crap, and the pain's about an '8'." John shuffled in bed and groaned. "Okay…maybe an '8.5'."
"Good, lad, honesty is the best policy. Give this a minute," he pushed a syringe into his IV, "and you'll soon start to feel a bit easier."
Rodney turned to look at Beckett. "Seriously, Carson, where do you get that stuff 'Honesty is the best policy'. Do they give you a manual of trite phrases in medical school?"
Carson didn't even look back at Rodney while continuing to check John's vitals. "I'll treat that with the contempt it deserves, wont I, Colonel?"
Sheppard smiled.
Rodney snarked. "There's another one! Honestly, how many more of those do you have?"
Sheppard watched his two friends bicker with amusement. It was good to be home. But he was so tired… The pain was starting to go down a notch or two, and he could really use another nap.
Both men turned and saw John was asleep. McKay looked at his friend with concern."Carson, is he going to be alright?"
"Aye, Rodney. He's got a long recovery ahead, but I think so. Look, Teyla called to say she is coming down to sit with the Colonel, so how about you and I go for some lunch?"
"Sure. Why don't you get your handbook on the way so I can learn some of those phrases for myself?"
"Very funny, Rodney. Isn't it time for your vitamin shots?"
Rodney panicked. "I'm only kidding. You know that, right?" Carson started walking away. "C'mon, Carson, you can have my dessert!"
All John seemed to do was sleep. Sometimes he would wake up and Rodney was there, typing away. He would start to listen about the news in Atlantis, and in the middle of the conversation he would drop off again. Sheppard was pretty sure McKay was starting to take it personally, but as much as he hated to admit it, Rodney wasn't that boring. At other times he awoke to Teyla sitting by the bed fussing with his covers, or playing with Torren. Regardless of who came to visit, he just couldn't seem to stay awake longer than thirty minutes at a time. Beckett kept telling him it was perfectly natural, his body had been through several massive traumas, and it was only to be expected he would take longer to heal than normal. However frustration made him agitated. Part of him knew he was lucky to be alive, but he knew deep down, things would never be right until he squared things with Ronon. The problem being, despite being in the infirmary for ten days now, the man in question still hadn't come to visit.
Beckett wasn't daft. John didn't mention Ronon's absence on 'Sheppard Watch' once, but everyone else had. Only a few people knew what had happened on Lorus, so the medical staff and some of the marines were puzzled by the Satedan's absence, and were starting to talk. Carson wasn't bothered about the gossip, but he was concerned about the welfare of his patient. John wasn't healing the way he should, and he was pretty sure the unresolved issue between the two best friends was at the heart of it. It would take some particularly sneaky behaviour on his part, but a plan was forming in his head.
Ronon sat on the bed gripping the sides, as Carson changed the dressings on his back.
"Well, the lacerations are healing up nicely now, and the infection seems to have gone, so I would say you should be back to light duties in a week. But I still want you in for wound checks every day until then just to be sure…and no sparring okay?"
Ronon put on his shirt. "Okay, doc. Thanks."
Marie walked towards the men. "Where are you going, Marie? I need your help with Colonel Sheppard."
"I'm sorry, doctor, but Dr Keller needs me to help in surgery. Alice has taken unwell."
Beckett looked frustrated. "Isn't there anyone else?"
"Susie has gone off world to help Dr Cole vaccinate the children on PZ9129, and Monica isn't back from lunch."
"Very well then, I hope the lass is alright." Turning to Ronon, he asked, "Could you help me, son? It won't take long and doesn't really need a nurse. It's just that Colonel Sheppard can't sit up on his own yet, and I need to change the dressings on his back."
Carson thought for a minute the Satedan was going to refuse. "Fine. Let's do it, so I can get out of here."
As they walked towards the bed, John was just waking up from yet another nap. If he was surprised to see Ronon coming toward him, he didn't show it. In Beckett's hands was a metal tray with fresh dressings.
"Hi Doc, Ronon. It's that time again I see. Where's the nurse?"
"Sorry, Colonel, they're all busy I'm afraid, so I asked Ronon here if he could help." The Satedan didn't say anything, but wore a sullen expression that spoke volumes. "Right, Ronon, if you put his legs over the side of the cot first …That's it; now help me get him upright, easy…good!" Beckett and Ronon went to either side of Sheppard and slowly eased him up until he was perched on the edge of the bed facing Ronon. "Now hold him steady with your hands on his shoulders, while I get you, Colonel, something to take the edge off the pain before I start."
John was exhausted and achy. Even with someone doing all the work, he was wiped out. But at least Ronon was here at last." Are you okay, Ronon?" Sheppard looked at the stubborn set of his friend's jaw.
"Yeah, Sheppard, I'm just fine. It's not me who needs someone to hold him up."
John was determined not to keep his friend against his will. "Leave if you want…I can manage. It's just Beckett being cautious." As Ronon started to move away, John listed to the side.
Resigned, Ronon steadied Sheppard. "Yes I can see that." Where the hell was Beckett?
John caught Ronon's eye." I'm sorry, Ronon, for what went down on Lorus…I really am. But if I had to ask you to do it again…I would."
Barely concealed anger threatened to consume the Satedan. "What gave you the right to make that choice? I would have died for Teyla as well…But oh no, it had to be you, the great John Sheppard, Military CO, sacrificial lamb and everybody's hero!"
John felt fragile, but he still gave Ronon a steely look. "It's because I am your CO I made the decision. On that day, Ronon, I was the weaker man. If one of us hadn't become the sacrificial lamb as you put it, Rolas would have killed Teyla and I couldn't have allowed that. Under normal circumstances I would never have asked anyone to do what I asked you to do. For what it's worth, it took more courage to kill me, or try to…than it did for me to give my life. If it makes you feel any better, if the situation was reversed, I would have taken your life instead."
"Oh, you think so Sheppard? Even on a bad day, do you really think I wouldn't be able to beat you?"
Ronon saw Sheppard hold back a smile and laughed. "You really are a SOB."
"Are we good, Ronon?"
"Yeah, Sheppard…we're good." The Satedan looked down at the number 5 on his chest. "What are you going to do about that?
"Thought I'd keep it for now. Remind me of the team. You, Rodney, Teyla, Beckett and Me."
"You're kidding…right?"
"Duh…of course I'm kidding! The doc says I'm not strong enough for a skin graft at the moment, but yeah, it's going."
Ronon saw Beckett approach. "Here comes that sneaky bastard Carson now."
"Excuse me…did I hear my name mentioned? I can't help it if I have no staff, can I?"
A wry smile passed Carson's face, and as he began to push some pain killers into the IV, John touched his arm
"Thanks, Carson."
"It's my job to ease your pain, son."
John gave him a knowing look. "And so you do…in more ways than one. You're a good friend."
Over Ronon's shoulder, John saw the rest of his team approach and smiled. He felt weak and in pain, but right now, amongst his family John felt good. Watching as Ronon snarked with McKay, he knew there were still some bridges to be repaired between him and the Satedan. Too much had happened on Lorus for things to be back to normal overnight. However with his friends' secure grip on his shoulders, supporting him, keeping him safe, John knew the healing process for both him and Ronon had began.
THE END
Well that's it done and dusted! Hope you liked it, and again thanks to all of you for your support. But could I ask one last thing? Please, please review and let me know what you thought of the story and the ending. It helps me know what you guy's like (or don't), and gives me encourage to keep on writing.
Thanks again
J.