Mitchell strolls into the infirmary, and is surprised when he can't find either Dr. Beckett or his reluctant patient. He wanders past a row of hospital beds, stopping curiously when he hears the murmur of low voices from behind a closed curtain. He recognizes Sheppard's voice, and realizes the other must belong to the awakened marine. Unsure of what to do, he finds himself listening in.
"I'm so sorry," whispers Simmons.
Sheppard responds firmly, "Nothing about this is your fault. We should have seen those murderers for what they were."
The other man sounds shattered, "It doesn't matter. I betrayed the mission. How many time have you been under torture and didn't crack? But I'm weak, and now I've jeopardized everyone."
With a tight voice Sheppard argues, "Listen. The training doesn't prepare you for the reality. Nothing can. You're right, I've been there. That's why I know that everything they teach you is absolutely useless when some evil freak is screwing with your head. Don't admire me. The only reason they haven't gotten to me is because I've got nothing to lose. But you've got an amazing girl at home; she'd have hurt you way worse than those bastards, if you didn't come back in one piece."
It was a weak joke, but Mitchell can tell this guy is barely hanging on. Anything might help.
Sheppard gently promises, "Listen, I'll be right back. They're holding the briefing right now, and Dr. Weir will need this intel. Remember, none of this is your fault. We can deal with this. No traitorous Wraith puppets are taking us down."
From the note of conviction in his voice, Mitchell gets the feeling this is going to be very, very bad.
As Sheppard is leaving the curtained area, a hand clamps onto his shoulder and distinctive Scottish voice demands, "And just where do you think you're going?"
Sheppard pulls the doctor aside, gesturing them both to the outside corridor, "Simmons broke under interrogation. It's only a matter of time until the Wraith know we're here. I need to go talk to Weir."
Beckett visibly pales, but then turns to scan the man suspiciously.
Mitchell warily volunteers, "I heard the end of their conversation. I don't know what the threat is, but it's very real."
When Beckett continues to waffle in uncertainty, the Colonel grabs the headset off the startled Doctor.
"This is Sheppard to Weir. I'm calling an emergency session in the conference room. Now. Contact Caldwell, Lorne, Teyla, Ronan, McKay, Zelenka, and the new engineer that came on the Daedelus."
In an unreadable voice, Weir replies, "Carson, what's going on?"
Meeting the officer's glare, Beckett declares, "I'm not entirely sure yet, but I'm coming too."
Sheppard nods in assent, "Fine. But I need someone to stay with Simmons, and you might want to call in Heightmeyer."
Beckett sadly lowers his head in understanding.
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NOTE: I hope to have the next update up by the end of the weekend.