Thanks Dani, Jen and Sagey for your reviews.
Chap 11 : Good night…
-City of Atlantis - Planet Earth-
"You know, I refilled the ice cream." McKay said while he and Jennifer were heading toward their room.
"Thank you Rodney, you're adorable." She replied, taking his hand.
The sun was about to set on the city. The day had been particularly hard for the young woman who, once arrived in their quarters, sank heavily into the bed. Rodney saw that his girlfriend was exhausted.
"Jennifer, are you OK?" He asked, suddenly worried.
The doctor ran her hands over his face and displayed a tired smile.
"Yes, Rodney. I just had a few disagreements with James Walter. "
"Did he cause you trouble? "
"Yes, he did. First, he wants to work alone and hides everything he does from me. In addition, I don't have much time to devote myself to the gene therapy because of the clones ... And then he tells me this afternoon that he is ready to test a sample ..."
"A test on who?"
"In your opinion!"
Rodney sat beside the young woman. "On Todd?"
Jennifer nodded.
"But if we bring the Wraith out of stasis, he may ..."
"He doesn't care, Rodney. "
"Well, not defending Todd, but even if he is a Wraith, the last time he was still "with us ", he saved Amy."
"Walter does not care... I'm afraid that our dear colleague wants to do a stunt to impress the IOA. If the test works, and I don't think it will, he will score points with the organization ... "
"But what does he want? "
"Rodney ... don't you understand… he wants to take my place!"
"For goodness sake! The Sharks have invaded Atlantis! Wilson, who plans to oust Woolsey, this guy who wants rid of you, the clone of Melena who appears like magic! And last but not least Zelenka who robbed me of a mission!"
"You have to admit Radek deserved it this time."
"Well ... Maybe ... But if they find very important encrypted data there, I know Zelenka! He will panic, procrastinate ..."
"Rodney ..."
"And finally ... he will have to call on me! So its best that I should go in his place!"
The young woman placed her hand on the scientist's cheek and leaned forward to kiss him. At the sight of her diaphanous fingers, Rodney frowned.
"Jen, really, you look exhausted ... You don't think you should slow down a bit and take your leave now? I think ..."
"Rodney, no way! I need to wait for Carson to return. I have confidence in him. I'm fine and I'll hold on until then, okay?"
Before the determined eyes of his girlfriend, the physicist capitulated. He got up and went to get his computer and came back to sit on the bed next to Jennifer.
"I downloaded a new session of childbirth preparation, if you want ..."
"No Rodney, not now ..." she said, passing her hand across her sore neck.
The scientist then stood behind her.
"So change of plans, tonight is a special Rodney McKay massage!" he exclaimed, starting to gently kneading the shoulders of the young woman.
"Oh my God! Rodney, it's wonderful..." she moaned, closing her eyes.
"I know" McKay replied with pride. "I'm very good at that ... "
Jennifer rewarded him with a chuckle.
"If you don't go on the mission tomorrow, what will you work on? "
"I've got lots of information in Michael's diary that you can use to shut this Walter up... And I'm trying to develop an energy system combining ZPM and wormhole drives. If we go back to Pegasus, the ZPM may provide some energy for the trip but it will be enough to defend the city and for its partial operation once there. Until we find new ZPM. I just wish that will be the case tomorrow ... "
"It is likely that this is a dylonian sanctuary, isn't it? "
"I hope ..."
However, a shadow of doubt crept onto Rodney's face.
"Something is still bothering you." Jennifer guessed.
"I don't understand why Michael had not embarked on his plan to attack the city, leaving the lab where we found these half-finished clones, and especially a ZPM!"
"Maybe he thought he would succeed without difficulty and return to the facilities once his plan was completed. When he kidnapped her, he told Teyla he would use Torren to "improve" his hybrids.. "
"Do you think he transformed the Satedan clones into hybrids?"
"The Satedan people have genetic characteristics that make them highly resistant to infection. I saw it when I was studying the Ronon's genome. Their physical strength is also superior to ours. He may have thought that using Satedans to create hybrids would be a good idea. And what he intended to do with Torren, I dare not even imagine."
"With us, he could not therefore continue to play Dr. Frankenstein! "
"Right. "
Jennifer felt very sleepy. She decided to take a shower and, once in pajamas, she sat down on the bed where Rodney was waiting. He pressed against her back, circled her with his arms and put his hands on her belly.
"He moves ..." he murmured, smiling.
"She moves." Jennifer corrected.
"How can you be so sure it's a girl? "
"Women's Intuition ... And Torren will need a girlfriend, later. "
Rodney smelt the sweet fragrance of his partner's damp hair. In only a few weeks they would be parents. He was both excited and terrified. Carson had done an ultrasound and, deciding they would like a surprise, did not to find out the sex of the baby. Before them, a new life would begin.
They had obviously given plenty of discussion about what they would do once the baby arrived: If Atlantis stayed on Earth, they would continue to work there. But if the city returned to Pegasus, there was the chance that the IOA would force them to leave the expedition.
And what saddened them most was the fact that they should have to leave their friends. Of course, their lives would be much quieter, far from Wraith, Asurans, and various hostile creatures that populated the many planets left to explore ... A nice job, why not in the SGC, new colleagues, a small house ... Rodney could perhaps regain a position in a university ... Publish some new articles ... A normal life ... Definitely normal ... Too normal ...
A jolt of the baby kicking pulled out Rodney his thoughts. Beside him, Jennifer fell asleep. He went up the blanket and snuggled against the warm body of the young woman. Girl or boy, he was soon to be father and fell into sleep with a smile.
OoooO
It was the third time he read the report. Finally, with a gesture of annoyance, he put the sheets in a blue folder and slid into the chair. He could not concentrate.
A throbbing pain pounded his temples. He massaged them gently while closing his eyes. The day was over. He had to relax a little and forget Wilson and his shenanigans. He would have loved to know what this upstart was planning at the moment.
Richard Woolsey left his office for his quarters with a weary step. On the way, he met two or three people and nodded courteously.
Since Atlantis had returned to Earth, all the staff had permanently adopted him as the undisputed leader of the city. His task was less difficult than when they were in Pegasus, but managing the repeated intrusions of the IOA was not easy.
Once in his room, he walked to the small cabinet, opening the sliding door, he pulled out a glass and a bottle of red liquid. He sank into a chair and poured himself some cognac. Slowly he swung alcohol around the glass, inhaling its perfume. Then, eyes closed, he took a sip. He drank only very rarely and sparingly, but tonight he really needed it.
With the left hand he grabbed the small remote control on the table near the seat and pressed the "ON".
Tosca. Act II. The sublime voice of Maria Callas filled the room. Her petition to the Baron Scarpia for her lover to be spared ... The violins out of control, her song of despair ... And soon ... the betrayal of the aristocrat ...
Richard Woolsey clenched his fists. No one would disrespect him again. Wilson had convinced the IOA and the high command to bring the clones to Atlantis. He was worried. He had a bad feeling. Yet he had let them do it ... Sheppard was right. He should be firmer in the future.
The next mission must be a success. He would do everything possible to ensure that Atlantis returned to Pegasus. Their involvement with allied nations was too important. And his own involvement was now complete. He never thought he would find such satisfaction with his new position in the city. He was proud to lead these men and women who now trusted him. And he didn't want to disappoint them. He closed his eyes and let himself be lulled by the music.
OooooO
The sky, streaked with trails of fire, flooded the balcony with an orange twilight glow. Ronon, leaning against the railing, was gazing at the desert where the purple mountains stood out against the skyline. He sat up a little when he heard footsteps behind him and John Sheppard came to admire the view next to him.
"It a change from the ocean." the soldier said.
"Sure."
In fact, the reason John was there at the moment was not to really talk about the landscape.
"You went to see Melena? "
"Yes."
"And then? "
"She really does not remember me. Just flashes of Sateda ... Besides, she asked me many things about our planet, the life there. We discussed it for much of the afternoon. "
"And did you tell her about you two? "
"No. And I don't think this is a good idea to do so. "
Sheppard agreed.
"And Amelia?"
Ronon was silent. John knew he progressed into a minefield. Yet he felt that his friend was far from having some peace of mind.
"Ronon Listen, I just can't put myself in your place. I guess to see your wife, I mean her clone, like that, must be quite difficult. Especially after all you went through, and after starting to build something else with Amy ... "
The Satedan turned his head towards him, still without saying a word.
"Now, you must analyze the situation... What are your impressions ..."
"My impressions? "
"Yes ... What do you feel for Amy ... and ..."
"And...? "
"And Melena. "
It was said. Sheppard was sure. Ronon could not ignore the woman he had loved passionately and who died just in front of him. Although Amelia was very important for him, feelings, whatever they are, should be brought to the surface.
The Satedan could no longer deny it. His silence was used as a response and Sheppard sighed.
"I understand ..." the soldier murmured, admiring the sunset.
So it was with amazement that he heard the ex-runner to confide in him for the first time.
"I don't know what to do ..."
The soldier waited motionless as Ronon continued, taking care not to interrupt the Satedan lest he change his mind and not talk about the situation.
"I really care about Amy. And I hope she knows it. "
"Have you told her that ... you love her? "
"I'm not comfortable with declarations of love ..."
"Me neither, but girls are crazy about it! "
"You told Teyla that you love her? "
"Well ... Uh ... Sure!"
"Yeah, I see ..."
"Do you see what? The important thing is the situation between you and Melena and Amelia!"
Ronon frowned. A soft warm breeze caressed their faces while, in the city, the first gleams of artificial light came on one by one.
"I have this strange feeling when I'm with her, Melena ... Everything comes to mind. Good times, pain also. And I don't want to relive it. Yet when I left her earlier ... I could not chase her face from my mind until you arrived a few minutes ago. "
"Oh ... so that means that you do still feel something for her? Finally for the "new her "?
"I told you, Sheppard, I don't know what to do ... I don't want to hurt anyone. Amy is wonderful. She's perfect. I feel torn in two ... "
The balcony was now plunged in darkness, lit only by the dim glow of artificial lights that lined the small terrace. In conversation, Ronon and John did not see the thin figure which came out quietly from a dark corner near the porch and walked away from them on tiptoe.
OooooO
"Walter! I advise you to calm down! This is not the way you'll be able to achieve your goals! "
"Wilson, it's enough now! Showdown! You're here because you're an ambitious bastard who only wants one thing: to climb the ladder of the IOA, removing, if necessary, all in your path. And for this I am with you."
"James, everybody knows that you wish to replace Dr. Keller and that her appointment was a thorn in your side. But if you don't stop treating her as you do, you won't shine in front of the council... I thought you were much smarter than that! "
"And I thought you'd given a mouthful to Woolsey!" the stung scientist replied.
Justin Wilson went to the sofa and settled comfortably while James Walter remained standing, hands on hips, facing him.
"But what do you believe, Walter? Do you think I want his job? You're joking! Buried here in this dismal town in the desert? "
"And if the IOA agrees for Atlantis to go back to Pegasus? "
"One more reason more! In another galaxy with the Wraith threat or who knows what other aliens! My God! Don't you ever understand? "
"Okay then, what are you looking for, dammit! "
Justin sank deeper into the cushions.
"A nice office in Washington, my dear Walter ..." he grinned.
The scientist finally realized.
"You mean ... you're aiming squarely the IOA leadership?" He choked, a little stunned.
Wilson was jubilant.
"With the information we get from Michaels laboratory, clones, the new dylonian site, I have my chance ... Dickinson is sick. Cancer. A new director should be nominated shortly. Result: I asked that clones are brought here and it's me who helped retrieve the medallion which can open the dylonian sanctuary... "
"I don't understand. The Indian's medallion? You told me that our scientists were able to make a new one ... "
"You can be so naive Walter! Produce an artifact like that! We don't even know what the real components are! There were two medallions owned by our beloved SGA1 team in Canada: one of them had been destroyed in the explosion in the cave but our good Colonel Sheppard had returned the second to the old Indian ... Easy in these conditions to go to the squamish and to make him believe it was a technological feat from us.
In short, for some time, I have been an undeniable candidate for the leadership of the organization. I pull the strings and the good ones. I'm involved in all initiatives and I'm counting on the success of your recent missions to permanently solidify my position. From there, it will be me who would make all the decisions and some people here will have to worry ... "
"Then you'll allow me to work on the Wraith! "
"I said I was pulling the strings, but I had not got complete control! Not yet ... For your experiment, you'll have to await the decision of the council ... "
"But I also need the results of this test to prove I'm better than this girl! "
Justin looked at him with a serious face.
"Are you sure, Walter? "
"Sure. This serum will be a success. "
Wilson took a moment of reflection and then displayed a pout, harbinger of bad news for the geneticist.
"I fear not being able to do much for you. "
The scientist was steaming now. Jaws clenched, pale face, he turned and left without asking his for his leave.
It was almost 11 p.m. Justin Wilson was alone in the room, glad to have finally being rid of that boring man. He got up and walked to his office. He opened a drawer and pulled out a red folder from which emerged a few stapled pages. At the top of the first page, a name was written in capital letters: Amelia Banks.
Wilson viewed the content of the document before storing it back into the portfolio, with an air of satisfaction.
OooooO
Larrin walked quietly from the hallway into her room. Or so she hoped. Twice she went to the wrong room and had as much difficulty in navigating the multitude of levels and towers that was the city of Atlantis.
She tried to clear her head as she realised as much fun as it was taunting McKay, flirting with Sheppard, poking around Atlantis, or combat training with the twenty soldiers who were oddly lining up for the privilege of hitting her, she was missing her ship. She was missing her family. She was definitely not one for the sedentary life.
Moreover, in her haste to not lose her share of what the Atlanteans had recovered from the laboratory, she had completely forgotten to bring supplies. Suddenly, she was short of panties ...
Then around a corner, that she identified as being absolutely not the one leading to her quarters, she came across a sort of small room where a female figure sat in a chair. The young woman's forehead was resting on her knees, the knees raised to her chest.
"Um ... Excuse me ..." Larrin was moving toward her." Sorry to bother you meditating but I am apparently completely lost ..."
On facing her, the Traveler recognized the gate technician.
"Hey! You are Amelia, right ? You are with Ronon Dex. "
The young woman, a little surprised, tried to compose an engaging face but Larrin saw that it wasn't the right moment.
"Yes ... Yes. And you're Larrin. I heard a lot of things about you." the technician said, leaving her fetal position and rising. "If you're lost, I'll help you find your room. "
"It would be nice of you. There should be signs in this city for visitors! "
Her remark made Amelia smile.
"I think your quarters are in the area 10, right? " she asked, going towards the transporter.
"If you say so. " Larrin replied. "Oh, and I was trying to find something clean to change into. Something nice, a little cleavage and tight? Not like those suits buttoned up to choke you like those you wear all day, no offense! "
Amelia smiled again. Decidedly, she began to find this girl rather funny.
"Tell me, did you have a problem just now? I felt that things were not good when I arrived. "
The technician looked down. They both entered the transporter and Amelia activated the teleportation. The door opened two seconds later and Larrin finally recognized her floor.
"OK ... If you don't want to talk ... I just wanted to help ... But I thought you were in a delicate situation right now ... Well, you and Dex ... And his wife's clone returned from the dead ... "
Amelia sighed.
"I'm fine, thank you ..." she replied politely.
Larrin preferred not to pry.
"If you need a completely objective ear and someone who can shamelessly kick this pale copies butt ... You know where to find me."
"Thanks for your offer, but I can safely assure I am okay at "kicking ass." Amelia said, a little more relaxed. "Now, if you want clothes, come with me. My room is also on this level, I'll lend you a few supplies until you find something to put on from the laundry."
Larrin's face illuminated.
"You saved my life!"
After they chose three or four items of casual clothing, the Traveller warmly thanked Amelia before taking her leave. The technician opened her window and took a deep breath. Fortunately Larrin did not ask too many questions about the cause of her dejection in the rest room.
It had been two days since Ronon had told her about Melena. Two days she avoided him. Last night, she used the pretext of urgent work in the jumper bay but tonight she had decided to talk to him. She wanted him to know she would always be there for him, she understood he was disturbed by the arrival of Melena and they were going to get through this ordeal together.
Together ...
She knew he liked to be alone on the level seven balcony. Chuck had confirmed he had passed him a few minutes earlier in that sector. There was an amazing view of the mountains and the sunset. She had therefore headed towards that destination, and had seen from afar the recognizable silhouette of the Satedan. Only a few steps from him, she realized he was not alone and apparently in conversation with John Sheppard. Then she got ready to turn back when she heard both her name and Melena's one. She understood what was the two men's topic of discussion.
Hidden in the shadows of an alcove, she heard every word and every sentence touching her like daggers to the heart. He doubted. He was torn between her and Melena. He was not sure of his feelings. She had preferred to slip away quietly.
The hot shower did not manage to calm the throbbing pain now simmering in her chest. She did not know what to do. Like a robot, she dried herself and went to bed. Without being able to sleep, she forced herself to close her eyes when she heard the bedroom door open.
Ronon.
Of course.
They had decided a few months ago to share her room. The decision had followed the time when the young woman cut her foot on a hunting knife that the Satedan had left on the floor.
She heard Ronon undress in the dark and gently slip between the sheets, thinking surely she was deeply sleeping. Then she felt the warm and powerful body of the ex-runner coming closer to hers and nestled against her back. With his fingertips, he caressed her shoulder. She shuddered. Then he kissed her hair before putting an arm around her waist.
In the silence of the room, lulled by the soothing sound of Ronon's breathing, Amelia wiped a tear from her cheek.
OooooO
It was past midnight. John Sheppard entered the room he now shared with Teyla and Torren. All three moved to the level 8, where they occupied new quarters with two separate rooms, one of which was used as a nursery for the little boy.
No sooner had he crossed the threshold, he discovered a surprisingly large number of candles lit and a sweet perfume of dried flowers. In the dim light, Teyla, dressed in a simple fluid and transparent nightdress approached him, smiling.
Through the strained light, the soldier could enjoy every curve of the slender body that swayed toward him.
"Am I in Heaven?" he asked, receiving with pleasure the burning kiss of the Athosian.
When their lips finally parted, Teyla, in a whisper, murmured "I'm leaving tomorrow. And I want to take with me memories of another one of those magical nights with you ..."
But John was already lost in the fiery glance of his girlfriend. He pulled her closer to him, tasting her mouth once again eagerly. His T-shirt was soon on the ground. The warm hands of the young woman on his chest electrified him. He slid the thin straps of the nightdress off of the golden shoulders of the Athosian… now naked in front of him. Magnificent spectacle.
Yet, oddly, an insidious thought came at the moment of pure delight ... He stopped suddenly.
"You know Teyla, the other day with Torren ... I ..."
The young woman put a finger on his mouth, reducing him to silence.
"Torren has great affection for you. You act with him as if he was your own son. "
"I do not want to create problems with ..."
"And I'm very happy, John." she interrupted again. "You have nothing to be sorry for. It's all my fault. It was me that went away from Kanaan, it's me who asks you to play a role you do not want to play. "
No. He could not let her think she was asking too much.
"Torren and you, I love you more than anything! "
Teyla froze. Words of the soldier touched her heart as a benevolent wave. For several seconds, they looked each other intently in silence. Their fingers intertwined.
"I love you too " she murmured finally, melting into his arms.
OooooO
What did this woman know about what she could feel? She was supposedly a doctor. "Psychiatrist" she said.
Baker. She also said she could call her Sarah. Sarah Baker.
She was here to talk to her. But talking about what? About the few fragments of memories she had of Sateda? About the fact she was made in a laboratory? About her feeling of being trapped here?
Or maybe about the only person to whom she felt a sense of trust was apparently her husband and she had only vague impressions of having actually been his wife in another life?
However, this afternoon, when she and Ronon had talked, she felt good ... It was the first time since her awakening. She felt relaxed with him. Besides, it seemed to her that something was happening between them ... ... A link connection ... Feelings ... She did not talk about their marriage. He did not say anything about that. Apparently he did not suspect she was now aware. She had decided it was better that way for now.
Her head was growing heavier. She closed her eyes. Ronon's face appeared in her mind and she took this picture to her dreams.
TBC…