Remember, Never to Forget--14
Rodney McKay stood near the precipice staring down into the open valley awed by the splendor and beauty of the scenic peaks. They'd walked most of the way, but taken the lift the final five hundred feet because it was too steep and treacherous to make climbing an option. Kierra and Bendor had taken Teyla and Major Lorne along a narrow trail that led deeper into the woods, but he'd bowed out in order to spend some time alone and enjoy the solitude of the mountains.
Rodney looked at the heavy growth of trees and felt a sense of homesickness because the most abundant species reminded him of the Maple Trees that grew all across Canada. When most kids his age were climbing trees and building makeshift tree houses, McKay was busy designing them and making sure they were structurally sound. It never occurred to him that his peers found more enjoyment in actually building ramshackle structures instead of thinking through the schematics he showed them on his laptop. He'd been a loner from an early age, but that had changed because of the offered friendship from Colonel John Sheppard.
Rodney heard the sound of a small craft and looked up; recognizing the markings that belonged to Suduko and hoped they had some good news for a change. He watched as the craft hovered for several seconds before making a perfect landing thirty meters from where he stood. The doors slid up and away from the vessel allowing Ronan and Suduko to exit and move toward him.
"Rodney, where are Teyla and Lorne?" Ronan asked.
"Kierra and Bendor took them hiking," McKay answered. "Did you find out anything from Domitar?"
"Not much from the old man, but there as been a new development," Suduko answered as Ronan grinned at the scientist.
"We now know Sheppard is alive…"
"I thought we already knew that," McKay said impatiently.
"We did, but Drakar tried to destroy the body and wound up getting himself killed, but not before he told us Shazzia definitely had John Sheppard," Suduko explained.
"Had?" McKay asked softly.
"She sold him to someone else," Ronan offered.
"Dammit!" the Canadian cursed.
"Easy, McKay, Suduko has people watching Domitar's place and they'll contact him if Shazzia shows up," the Setedan explained.
"What good does that do us?" Rodney asked angrily.
"We'll be able to ask questions…perhaps find out who she sold him to," Suduko answered.
"Sheppard would hate being a slave," the scientist said, looking out over the valley as images of his friend flashed through his mind. John Sheppard was a man of many faces, of many emotions and Rodney knew he would loathe being a slave to anyone. Somehow, when they found him, Rodney would make up for leaving him to this fate.
"McKay, what happened wasn't your fault…"
"Then whose was it, Ronan? I hit that damned button and sent him to…to hell!" McKay spat.
"You were following his orders," Ronan observed. "You did what any of us would have done when faced with a difficult choice. Sheppard ordered you to blow it and just maybe that's what saved his life."
"Ronan is right, Dr. McKay. If you hadn't followed his orders then Shazzia's creatures would have torn your friend to pieces. By destroying the ship you forced her to make a decision and I'm sure Sheppard was beamed out with the rest of her slavers and that's why he is alive," Suduko explained.
"Then how do we find him now?" McKay asked.
"We watch and wait for Shazzia to make a mistake. I am sure she has realized her 'slave' was an important military officer…"
"Is…is an important military officer," McKay corrected. "Sheppard is alive and he still has his place on Atlantis…the city needs him…we need him…I need him."
"Ronan…Suduko, how did it go?" Teyla asked as they joined the trio. She listened as Ronan relayed exactly what had happened and she sighed heavily at the thought of John Sheppard being sold to another person. Slavery was a vile business and yet it seemed to happen on most of the planets they visited.
"We need to get word back to Atlantis," McKay told them. "Suduko is there any way we can contact Atlantis from here or at least someplace I can boost a signal?"
"Perhaps…my ship is equipped with a long range transmitter, but you would have to boost it if you wish to send a transmission to your world," Suduko explained.
"Rodney can do it," Teyla said with a slight smile.
"All right…let's help Kierra and Bendor pack things up and we'll head back to my place. I think I have whatever equipment Dr. McKay might need," the big man told them. They moved to the area were Kierra had set up the picnic and quickly packed everything in the baskets before heading for Suduko's small craft.
McKay took one last look at the valley and knew this was something he wanted John Sheppard to see. Once they found the colonel Rodney vowed he would bring him here and help him heal from whatever ordeal he'd endured…or still endured. 'Just hold on, Sheppard, we're coming for you,' McKay whispered before hurriedly climbing into the cramped craft.
SGASGASGASGASGA
'We're coming for you…we're coming for you…' John heard the words and slowly opened his eyes, hoping and praying the soft voice, so filled with worry would follow him out of his dreams. Unfortunately reality and dreams were not the same thing as he shifted and reawakened the pain in his back. He tried to breathe through it, but nothing eased the tremors that tore through his body as he fought to sit up.
John was finally able to breathe normally as he sat on the edge of the bed and placed his hands on his face before looking around. He knew Hawk was nearby, but for the moment he was alone. Sheppard looked toward the mirror hanging on the opposite wall and frowned when he saw the bruises and marks made by his 'owner'.
Sheppard wondered what his life had been like before Shazzia had taken him, but his mind seemed to be a blank sheet of paper since he'd awakened in her quarters. His hand touched a crescent shaped scar on his shoulder and he remembered the unbearable pain upon first returning to consciousness. It was like nothing he'd ever felt before and John knew if he could just remember how he'd gotten the scar the rest of his memory would return with it.
There were bits and pieces that seemed to fit together, but like any puzzle it was hard to make sense when so many pieces were missing. Two names continued to haunt him…Rodney and Carson…he attributed both to a feeling of safety, but did not understand why this was so. There were no faces to go with the names, but there were times when he swore he could hear voices…bickering as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
John closed his eyes and took a deep breath before reaching up and touching the collar that encircled his neck. It marked him as Hawk's property, but John vowed he belonged to no one. He hated it and tried to hook his fingers beneath it, but there wasn't enough room for that and he silently cursed the hated object.
"John," Hawk called from the open doorway. He'd been watching his 'slave' for several minutes and was not surprised when the man tried to remove the collar. He'd seen John flinch when he realized he was no longer alone and was glad he'd decided to mark him permanently. It would show everyone who John belonged to and ensure his return should he escape or be stolen.
"Go away," John whispered, angry at being caught unawares.
"This is my room, John. I allowed you to sleep in my bed, but when we return to my home you will find the sleeping arrangements have changed. The storms have ended and we will be leaving as soon as the clouds have cleared and it is safe to travel. There is something that must be done before we leave. I have arranged for everyone to meet us at the cages…"
"Why?" John asked, anger evident in the set of his shoulders.
"You will be marked during the Shobanna Ritual," Hawk answered.
"Shobanna Ritual?"
"That is correct. I have spoken with several of my colleagues and we have chosen one amongst each of our slaves to wear the mark of our camp. You will be marked here," Hawk said and pointed to an area on the right side of John's chest.
"Marked?" John couldn't help asking as a smile formed on Hawk's face.
"It will be painful, but I'm afraid it is necessary because we value our property. It is only done to the most valued slaves so you should feel honored…"
"Feel honored about being marked? I don't think so," John snapped.
"We shall see, John," Hawk said and reached for the clothing he'd placed next to the bed. "Get dressed or do you want to go to the Shobanna Ritual as you are?"
John didn't say a word as he reached for the soft fabric that marked him as Hawk's slave. The shirt was sleeveless and ties at the waist while the simple pants were ankle length and had a drawstring to hold them up. John quickly dinned the hated clothing and reached for the sandals he'd left beside the bed.
"Very good, John…you are learning fast," Hawk told him and attached the leash to the collar before leading his reluctant slave from his quarters. It didn't take long to reach the cages and John was forced to his knees on a raised stage. He smiled at the Goliaden kneeling next to him before speaking. "Are you okay, Tyrel?"
"Silence, John, or you will be gagged during the ritual," Hawk warned. There were a total of ten slaves, including John and Tyrel to be marked. The fire burned with a fierce heat as the lames flickered between bright red and orange, casting shadows against the walls as a robed figure appeared from the darkest corner of the caged area.
John felt Tyrel tremble and tried to instill a sense of calm on the young Goliaden, but his eyes were drawn to something held in the newcomer's hands. He'd seen them before, but only in the old westerns he'd watched with his brother when they were kids. He shivered at the thought of what Hawk was about to do and turned to find the big man smiling at him.
"I take it you have seen this before, John," Hawk said and reached for the long metal rod with his markings on one end. He placed it in the hottest part of the flames as several other slavers did the same thing. It wouldn't take long for the markings to heat up to the proper temperature and when it did he would have the honor of being the first to mark his slaves during the Shobanna Ritual.
"Hawk," the robed figure spoke in a gasping voice as if his throat had been damaged at some point. "You have honored us by allowing Tyrel of Glione to take part in our games. He is a skilled fighter and has won each of his challenges and deserves to be revered as a champion. Do you wish to mark him yourself?"
"I do," Hawk replied.
"Very well…and what of the other slave? It is unusual to have two slaves marked at one gathering…is this one so special that you allow him to kneel with your champion?"
"John is a valuable slave and he was purchased with Tyrel…I believe they should be marked as fitting true warriors."
"Do you have plans to let John participate in future challenges?"
"Yes, I have, but he must be properly trained first…a challenge I will take up myself," Hawk assured him.
"Very well…Tyrel of Glione, do you agree to have John kneel with you?"
"Yes," Tyrel said, eyes downcast as the newcomer stood before him.
"Hawk, Tyrel is your champion and has agreed with your wishes. You may begin by marking Tyrel," the robed figure ordered.
John watched helplessly as Hawk lifted the branding iron from the flames and advanced on the young male kneeling next to him. He could feel Tyrel trembling, but there was nothing he could do as Hawk spoke to the Goliaden.
"Tyrel, with this mark you are my greatest fighter and will be given your rightful place of honor amongst my slaves," Hawk said and pressed the branding iron against the young man's right shoulder. He held it there for five seconds and smiled that his property made only the slightest sound as the stench of burnt flesh permeated the area. He turned and placed the iron back in the flames before reaching for the salve offered by the robed figure. "This will help ease the burn," Hawk explained and slathered the pungent cream over the reddened area.
John stared into the flames, barely registering the fact that Hawk now stood before him. He lifted his head, refusing to be kowtowed like Tyrel. He didn't know why it was important that he not bow down in front of these people, only that it was and he stared hard at his self proclaimed owner as the man reached for the branding iron.
"Will you be as strong as Tyrel, John?" Hawk asked softly, angry and proud that his 'slave' was so stubborn and would not lower his gaze even after the stern warning. John would be punished for the insolence, but it would be done in the privacy of Hawk's home and away from prying eyes. He wanted John to know who was in charge, but he didn't want to break his willful spirit.
John refused to answer and held his head high as Hawk brought the red hot iron close to his shoulder. He could feel his skin burning, but at the last minute his 'owner' moved the iron and brought it down on John's chest. The fiery pain sent shockwaves through him, but John never made a sound as the mark was made above his left nipple. When Hawk pulled the iron away, John glanced at the markings that he'd seen in Hawk's quarters. It looked like two crossed swords held between the claws of a hawk, one that looked ominously like the birds he'd seen on wilderness trips as a boy.
"Hawk, you have two slaves that could bring you many Shoclaws…"
"I don't need Shoclaws, My Friend," Hawk interrupted the robed figure and placed the iron in a bucket of cold water before applying the salve to John's burned flesh. "I could not put a value on either Tyrel or John."
"You are indeed a wealthy man, Hawk we look forward to seeing both your warriors in the future," the robed figure said.
Whatever was in the salve had taken the burn from the raw wound and John was forced to watch as other slavers placed their marks on their property before the Shobanna Ritual finally came to an end. Hawk ordered both him and Tyrel to stand and reached for John's leash before leading them away from the caged area.
SGASGASGASGASGA
Elizabeth Weir looked up as a soft knock sounded on her door. She motioned Carson Beckett inside and waited for him to report on the four members of the scientific team that had contracted some kind of virus while exploring an area in the southern most section of the base. "Well, Carson, have you found the culprit?"
"I believe we have and it's a simple matter of inoculating everyone with a trace of the enzyme I found in Dr. Malcolm's blood stream. We're synthesizing the enzyme in large quantities and will keep a small supply on hand should we need it again," Beckett explained.
"So Malcolm's team are okay?"
"They will be given a few days rest," the physician answered. "Has there been any word from Major Lorne?"
"Nothing…"
"Dr. Weir, we're being haled from PG-2743…it's Dr. McKay's IDC," Grodin said and waited for the two people to join him in communications.
Elizabeth and Carson hurried to stand behind Grodin as he nodded that communications were open.
"Rodney, it's Elizabeth…are you guys okay?"
"We're fine, Elizabeth, but I need to make this quick before we run out of power. We've found evidence that Sheppard is alive…"
"Thank God," Beckett said softly and knew the others were thinking the same thing.
"Already did...look, we think he was taken by a female slaver known as Shazzia…"
"Do you know where she took him?" Weir asked.
"Not yet…but we know she no longer has him. We have an ally here named Suduko who was once a slave and he's helping us, Elizabeth. He has contacts that help him…"
"Do you trust him?" Weir asked worriedly.
"I do…we all do. Look I'm losing power and wanted you to know that we're going to find Sheppard and bring him home…McKay out."
"Well, at least we know he's alive," Beckett offered as he watched Weir's face. He knew she was worried, not just about Colonel John Sheppard, but about McKay, Ronan, Teyla, and Lorne.
"But what kind of shape is he in, Carson?" Weir asked, making her way toward her office with the physician following close behind.
"We'll deal with that when they bring him home," Beckett vowed, mentally running through the many times he'd treated the colonel since arriving in Atlantis.
"I know we will," Weir agreed as she sat behind her desk and looked at the picture of the Atlantis expedition team members and sighed tiredly. There were at least a dozen members who'd lost their life, forcing her or John Sheppard to write letters to their family and she prayed she could rescind the letter that was sent to the colonel's family.
"I'll let you know when we can begin inoculating everyone," Beckett said before leaving the woman to her thoughts.
"That's fine, Carson," Weir said and tried to concentrate on the paperwork before her, but her mind kept wandering and she finally gave up. She retreated to the high tower and stood looking out over the ocean, listening to the soft lap of the waves against the lower levels and hoping she would have the chance to share this experience with John Sheppard again.
TBC