CHAPTER 10: TEYLA
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"Greetings, Dr. McKay."

"Teyla. . . hi."

"I have come to inquire about your health."

"Yean, I figured that much."

"I do not understand, would you not wish for people to care about your well- being?"

"Yeah, I'm justifiably overjoyed. Just. . . spread the rumor that I'm fine, will you?"

"I will do my best."

"Thanks."

"I have also come to ask for your forgiveness."

"Fo . . forgiveness?"

"Is your hearing troubling you again? I was led to believe that the hearing device Dr. Beckett inserted to your ear helps."

"Yes, it does. Really, eternally grateful to the good doctor here, just- - I would really liked if I didn't need it in the first place."

"I see. I am also grievously saddened for your loss."

"Not as much as loss as inconvenience, but more to the point, why are you asking me to forgive you?"

"Was I not clear? It was my duty as a member of your team as well your friend to keep you safe. I must plead for forgiveness for my failure."

"Waa. . wait. It's not your job to protect me. Ok, it is. Hey, you're right! It was your job to protect me and you failed."

"I am very sorry for that."

"As you should be."

"Should I leave?"

"What? No. it's ok. You're far less annoying than the average visitor."

"But are you not angry about my inability?"

"Not really. I'm pretty sure it was my fault, too."

"How so?"

"I let Dick get me."

"Dick?"

"The Wraith. God, the Colonel is rubbing on me. Don't tell him."

"As you wish. But this was not your fault for being captured. Many great heroes from my village have fallen victim to the Wraith. You were... overpowered."

"Thank you. It makes me feel so much better now that I know you think I'm weak."

"I merely suggested that the enzyme made them stronger than humanly possible."

"Really? If you were there, held by that . . . thing, I'm sure you would have found a way to escape."

"I was a witness to your situation, Doctor. I am positive that there was nothing you were able to do."

"So I'm simply cursed. Great. Way to go, Murphy."

"I was not aware that there is a Murphy at your expedition."

"Oh, no no no no. this is an earthy saying. You see, Murphy was a sailor who talked about the probability of things to go to hell when you least expect it. Like... a bread will always fall on the buttered side."

"We had a similar saying on Athos- if a man shakes an apple tree, the fruit will descend on his friends."

"I guess I can see a vague similarity..."

"Doctor, are you unwell?"

"No. just a little dizzy here for a second. Trust me, in a minute it will pass."

"Perhaps this is time to call Dr. Beckett?"

"I don't think you should."

"Has something occurred between you and Doctor Beckett?"

"You can say that. Na, it's ok. He's probably sleeping anyway."

"Does he not have a replacement?"

"Sure. But she's been thoroughly bribed to leave me the hell alone."

"I am not sure this is wise doing so."

"Pl-ease. I'm a genius. Besides, there is not much they can do."

"Elderliness is a revengeful illness."

".. . . are you. . were you ever. . afraid of dying?"

"Of course. I lived most of my life under the shadow of the Wraith. Death was a constant fact in our lives."

"Did it change?"

"In a way. We are still fearful, yet now we have hope to fight and for the first time we know we might win."

"Because of us."

"Thanks to you."

"But we awakened the Wraith."

"And also helped to fight them and correct your mistakes. The Lantiens inspired much needed confidence in my people, hope that was nearly extinguished before."

"At least something good came out of us coming here."

"You regret coming to Atlnatis."

"Sometimes. I don't know. Thing are complicated on Earth. I didn't really fit in."

"Were not your wisdom and expertise admired?"

"You would think that, wouldn't you?"

"Have you done something enormous to anger them?"

"No. Honestly, I was my usual charming self."

"Then perhaps the reason is that they were envy."

"Ha! I knew it. They denied, of course, but I am the smartest man in 2 galaxies, after all."

"It would seem so"

"Yeah. Maybe."

"Does your head hurt again?"

"What? Oh, no... just thinking."

"Should I leave?"

"If you want to."

"What I meant was- should I leave you to your musing?"

"Nothing important really. Was just thinking how life seems different when you're at their wrong end."

"You are afraid."

"What are you, Miss Obvious? Of course I'm afraid! I'm about to die!"

"As long as you live there is still hope."

"Hope, shmope. We both know that the only person who has any chance to reverse the effects is stuck right here under doctor orders."

"I believe your staff is capable enough and proved so many times."

"Oh, please. What is it with you women that you insist telling me that very time?"

"I was not aware of any other female who told you do."

"Sam. Well, not really, she was my subconscious. Still.. .I'd like to be there when they figure it out, ok?"

"Perhaps I should talk to Dr. Beckett?"

"Please try, but I don't think that Dr. Voodoo here will listen to anyone but himself. Besides, I already told you. He's sleeping."

"When he awakens, then."

"Sure, go ahead."

"In the meantime, I suggest that you return to your rest."

"Yes, my rest. As if this isn't the only thing I'm doing here these days."

"I believe it would make you better. Less angry, perhaps."

"No, it'd still be angry. Besides, on Earth there's a prayer that asks God to bring one's soul back when he awakes, as if the night is death."

"You will not die in your sleep, Dr. McKay. Your friends will watch over you."