FADE TO BLACK...part 13
Rodney mumbled to himself all the way to the Stargate. He was worried about Sheppard. Not that he would ever admit it, even to himself, but he couldn't help but worry. Sheppard had a habit of walking into danger, getting himself hurt in the name of saving whoever, and sometimes barely pulling out of it alive. Rodney was getting tired of it. Truthfully, he was just tired period.
However, the ride itself was uneventful. He dialed into Atlantis then shut down. He didn't have long to wait for a MALP to come through, as John had predicted, then he bent down to make sure he would be seen clearly, and gave his message to Atlantis.
"It's me, like you can't see that!" Rodney began. "For the record, I'm fine. Not fine, really, but alive. So is Colonel Sheppard, for that matter. Not fine, of course. He's been through hell, we both have, but anyway...I need a team because we're sort of staging a coup and Carson better come along as well. So, hurry up already! Oh, and bring a jumper. And Elizabeth. Elizabeth you have to come and negotiate..stuff." He snapped his fingers then stood up, wincing as his ankle protested.
If he hadn't been so sore, Rodney would have paced as he waited. Not that he had long to wait. Within ten minutes Ronon was stalking through the gate and grabbing Rodney up in a bear hug. Teyla was right behind him, offering the Athosian greeting. Elizabeth was a step behind, full of questions, which Rodney put off for now. He could explain everything to them all on the ride back to the city. Then Carson was there, and Rodney let him fuss a bit before brushing him off and insisting they get a move on. Lorne in a jumper with a dozen marines popped through right on cue and they headed off. Rodney answering their questions as best he could on the way.
OoO
John was tired. More tired than he could ever remember being in this moment, and that was saying a lot. Sadly. He knew he had pushed past his limits hours ago, but he was determined to see this through. He just wished he could slip in a nap.
"I will help you sleep, John," Kalara offered.
"Thanks, but I need to stay awake right now," he replied. "What happens here in the next few hours is going to be very important. And my people should be arriving soon." John couldn't hide how anxious he was to see them again.
Kalara was quiet for a moment, then she whispered, "Then I will help you stay awake."
In that moment John felt a sweet coolness flow throughout his body. A refreshing coolness that made him feel more alert both mentally and physically. He had no idea how Kalara was doing it, but he didn't really care. He was simply grateful and he let her know it before she faded gently away for now.
"John?"
He started at the sound of his name and turned to see Telyn standing beside him, looking worried. He smiled to alleviate her concerns. "So...how are the talks going? And shouldn't you be with them? Talking?"
Telyn smiled back at him. "Hafwan is handling things just fine. We've touched on the important things and now she's going into details, with my blessing. She's good at words."
"Like Rodney," John drawled. "But with more tact."
"Yes." Telyn looked amused, but then her smile faded. "How are you feeling, John? You should be resting."
John bounced on his feet a bit, trying not to wince when it jarred his headache. Which had faded, but wasn't completely gone, despite Kalara's best efforts. "I'm good, and I'll rest when this is over. My people will be here soon and I'll be going home. Dr. Beckett will probably chain me to the infirmary bed at that point."
Telyn bit her lip but managed to say firmly, "Perhaps he should. Regardless of how Kalara is helping you, you need to rest and heal and that will take time, John."
He knew that, he just hated it. "I know, but later. Okay? I'll be fine for now."
"At least come eat something," Telyn countered, grabbing his arm and drawing him over to the side table where they had set up dishes for people to help themselves from. Also John's idea, figuring that good food often helped ease the way when times were tense.
John was pleased to see Telyn's people mingling with Adala's people, although both sides looked a bit uncomfortable. Casnar was moving amongst them, looking as if he were trying to ease the way. John was proud of him. But when they reached the table themselves and the smell of the feast hit him, he wrinkled his nose and tried to backpedal. "Uh...I'm not really hungry right now, Telyn. I'll eat later. Promise." John didn't wait for a reply but turned and fled to the other end of the room where he sagged against the wall and closed his eyes, willing his stomach to stop rebelling.
He was still leaning against the wall when Adala came striding over to him, looking like a woman on a mission, but with two of Telyn's people trailing behind her as guards. John managed to push off the wall and face her with a calm smile. "So how's it going?" he asked.
"I do not like being a prisoner in my own home," she stated, looking angry. But then the anger faded and she sighed softly. "But I realize there is no other way for now. I have lost control of my people. Many are siding with the others. This is not how it's supposed to be and that Hafwan woman is too demanding!" She came back to life as anger roiled through her.
"Just what exactly is she demanding?" John countered, and he was curious to know.
But Adala was gearing up for a full blown hissy fit of royal proportions. That is, until Telyn appeared as if by magic. She stepped between John and Adala and locked eyes with the woman who once owned her. "We ask for nothing but what all beings deserve. Freedom."
Adala looked outraged. "And yet to gain that freedom you wish to imprison me and my people!"
"Not at all," Telyn countered. "We wish to live together in harmony. Were you not listening to what Hafwan was saying? If she was not clear, I can help simplify things."
John was hard put not to snort at the slight dig at Adala's intelligence. Instead he focused on Telyn and how impressed he was by her sudden confidence. She was commanding without being obnoxious, perhaps feeling strengthened by the fact that she and her people were now free. John knew how good that felt from experience.
Eyes flashing, Adala stalked towards Telyn, hands lifted, and John intercepted her attempts to strike Telyn. He gripped her wrists hard. "No hitting," he warned, his own eyes flashing.
Adala got the hint and pulled away from him. "I have been a ruler of people my entire life. My family has ruled for generations. How can you expect me to change? It isn't fair!"
"But living in servitude of another is fair?" John countered, wishing that Elizabeth was here because this was the type of thing she excelled at. She had a feeling between Telyn, Hafwan and Elizabeth, Adala would fold like a house of cards.
Before Adala could respond to John's question, there was a shout. A rumble of John's name and he knew that voice. Turning to his right, John caught sight of Ronon plowing through the crowd of people. A heartbeat later he was caught up in a bone crushing hug and lifted right off his feet.
Laughing, John hugged back for once, happy as hell to see the Satedan.
Ronon shook him a bit, then set him down and said, "You got skinnier."
Which burst John's bubble a bit, but he ignored the feeling to clap Ronon on the shoulder. "It's good to see you."
"You too." Ronon grinned then stepped aside for Teyla and Elizabeth.
John greeted them with hugs as well, Teyla foregoing her usual Athosian greeting for the chance to enfold him in her arms. Elizabeth did the same, clinging tightly.
"Good to see you, John," Elizabeth whispered in his ear.
"You have no idea how happy I am to see you guys," he whispered back, then he pulled away and introduced her to Telyn and Adala, the latter looking put upon and almost sniffing at Elizabeth with disdain. John tugged her to the side so he could have a private moment. "Did Rodney fill you in on the way here?"
Elizabeth nodded. "He did. I think I have a grasp on what's going on."
John was relieved. "So, ready to negotiate peace talks then? Telyn can take you to Hafwan and you ladies can get down to business."
"Sounds like a plan." Elizabeth gave John's shoulder a squeeze then leaned in to whisper, "Carson's on the warpath. He's already read Rodney the riot act and Rodney has filled him in completely on all you've been through while you were here."
"Oh, shit!" John hissed, feeling himself go a bit pale. Carson was going to be furious. "Thanks for the warning," John whispered back. "I'll handle it."
Elizabeth nodded. "Good luck."
John nodded back. "You too." Then he watched her go, with Telyn leading the way and Adala in tow, looking petulant. At which point John decided to try and sneak off before Carson could catch him, but he was too late. Without warning the Scotsman was in front of John, wagging a finger at him.
"Why are you standing there, Colonel?" Carson's burr was thick as mud at the moment, which meant he was well and truly angry. "Rodney said you have a room nearby, and it's time for you to rest while I have a look at you!"
"Nice seeing you too, Carson," John countered, hoping to distract him from his tirade, if only for a moment.
Carson, however, wasn't falling for it. "I know what condition you were in when you left us," he replied, "And I can see for myself how pale and thin you are. I'm not angry at you, lad, I'm not. I'm just worried and upset at the set back."
That bugged John a bit. "I'm not set back!" he protested. "Kalara has been helping me get better, Carson. She's been helping me heal."
"Then why do you look thin as a toothpick and ready to collapse if I breathe on you too hard?" Carson wasn't backing down this time, not that he ever really did when it came to John.
"I'm tired," John conceded. "And when we get back to Atlantis I'll sleep and eat until I'm fat and rested. Promise."
Ronon snorted. "You'll never be fat, Sheppard. You've got a better chance of seeing Gotaks fly."
John didn't need an explanation to get the analogy, although he idly wondered if a Gotak looked anything like a pig. Lifting one hand to rub at his forehead, John didn't realize he was falling until strong hands caught him. Gray dots danced with black and it wasn't until he felt himself being lifted and cradled against a strong chest that he caught on to the fact he had nearly passed out. Not a great impression to make in front of Carson. But he was more concerned at the fact he was being cradled in Ronon's arms. He opened his mouth to order the Satedan to put him down, when the black dots beat out the gray dots and John slid into darkness.
OoO
He felt like he was floating in warm water, drifting aimlessly, the sound of soft and soothing voice echoing around him. He felt serene in this moment. Serene and without a care.
"Your friends are worried, John."
He wasn't surprised to hear Kalara's voice, but he was surprised by her words. "What do you mean? Why are they worried? The negotiations? What's happening? Is everyone all right." The serenity he'd been feeling shattered.
Kalara wrapped herself around him, attempting to calm him. "The negotiations have gone well, John. Your friends have done well. Adala has agreed to accept her new station in life. As an equal to all others."
"That's good." John felt relief flooding through him, until he remembered the part about his friends worrying about him. And then he remembered slipping into darkness.
"You have been ill, John," Kalara replied, answering his unasked question. "I have not been able to help you this time. I can not cure exhaustion, or put food in your stomach. You are weak and your friends are concerned. You must reassure them."
He could do that. Maybe. John sighed. "Guess I'll be waking up now, because I'm assuming I'm still asleep?"
Kalara chuckled, the sound like a vibration against his skin. "Yes, you are still asleep. You have been asleep for two days."
"That's not good." John knew that Carson's worry would have shifted into overdrive, which meant he was going to pay for it in the long run. "Talk to you later, Kalara," John said, then he focused on waking up.
Which wasn't overly pleasant, and harder to do than he'd figured on. His eyelids felt weighted and wouldn't cooperate when he tried to peel them open. He was about ready to use his fingers to open them, but his arm felt too heavy to lift. So he tried again, hearing a familiar voice close by.
"Carson, he waking up!" Rodney shouted.
"Lower your voice, Rodney!" Carson chided, his own voice getting louder which meant he was getting closer. "You're loud enough to wake the dead."
A moment of silence then Rodney's taut voice hissed, "Don't say that!"
Carson clucked his tongue. "Ach...sorry, Rodney." Then he was patting John on the cheek. "Colonel, can you hear me, lad? Open your eyes if you can."
John made a Herculean effort and pried his eyes open. He could make out a blurred shape so he blinked hard and slowly Carson's face came into focus. "H-ay," John croaked, his tongue feeling thick in a dry mouth.
"Welcome back, laddie," Carson replied, a tired smile lighting up his face. "You had me worried."
"S'sorry..." John mumbled. He was laying back mostly flat and he felt too vulnerable in that position, so he tried to sit up and failed miserably.
Carson turned away. "Ronon, would you give me a hand here?"
A moment later John felt himself being lifted with disgusting ease as the Satedan manhandled him upright against a mountain of pillows that suddenly appeared. Despite having all the work done for him, the movement in itself left John feeling exhausted. Which scared him more than a little. "W-hat 'appened?" he asked, only to find himself fading away again.
THE END...of part 13