Chapter 16: Plans for Atlantis

John was coalescing in the darkness when he heard a strange tapping sound, he had no idea where he was or how long he'd been there, but one thing he knew for sure was there was dull ache in leg and it felt like someone had knifed him in the stomach. It wasn't too bad at the moment, but he suspected that if he were to try and find out what the tapping sound was the pain would notch up several levels.

The tapping continued and his head started to hurt, he knew that if it didn't stop soon his head would split in two, so with great effort he managed to open his eyes and to his annoyance Rodney was in the room tapping away on his computer and he had to wonder where did holographic Rodney get an antiquated looking computer from.

He lay still trying to alleviate the pain behind his eyes and quell the nausea in his stomach, telling himself not to speak, but he somehow had made Rodney stop making that aggravating noise.

"Rodney," he whispered, knowing that if he spoke much louder, he would probably be sick.

The tapping continued and his head, leg and stomach felt worse, "Rodney, he said a little louder.

Rodney just continued on with what his was doing, oblivious to the fact that he was awake.

He knew that he wasn't going to get Rodney's attention by whispering, so this time he had to yell, which made his stomach lurch. "Rodney can you stop that dam tapping my head is about to explode and that noise isn't helping!?"

"Sheppard, it's good to see that you're awake, I just need to go and get Joe. He wanted to know when you were awake."

John just lay there trying to keep his stomach from expelling its meagre contents. For a while he was succeeding until Carson came in with a cup of coffee and the smell was definitely too much for his stomach. Trying to roll on his side, he lost his stomach contents all over the floor.

He lay back in the bed moaning, because his stomach felt like someone was driving a sword through it and his head definitely felt as if it was going to split in two.

He vaguely heard Carson's voice pervade his consciousness, "John are you okay? Don't worry Joe is on his way."

"I'm fine," he whispered, not really wanting Carson to start fussing over him.

"How are you doing John?" Joe asked a little too loudly when he entered the room.

"Please keep the volume down Joe," he practically begged?"

"Sorry John, do you have a headache?"

"Yes, and my stomach is on fire, can you get me cleaned up and give me something, so that I can just go back to sleep until everything is healed?"

"Okay John, let's get you cleaned up and then I'll get you something for the pain."

He nodded and immediately regretted it when his vision blurred, and black dots started to dance in front of his eyes.

He barely noticed it when the nurses came to clean him up a few minutes later and he was relieved when Joe emptied his pain meds into the IV.

Once the Pain in his head and stomach were muted he looked around the room and noticed that Carson and Joe were the only ones that were with him.

"Where's Rodney," he whispered?

Joe shrugged his shoulders, "I don't think he appreciated you being sick all over the place."

"At least that dam tapping has stopped." John said beginning to feel a bit better, now that the pain meds were starting to kick in.

"Well you should get some rest now, you've been back for less than twenty-four hours and although we have healed your leg, arm and closed the wound on your head, your stomach is still going to be sore for a while longer. Shalite was in here earlier, but she has gone for a rest, so I suspect that Carson will want to sit with you for a while and when you're feeling better the President wants to speak to you as well."

John furrowed his brow, "the President?"

"President Julian Carver, the president of the New Satedan empire. I suspect his vice president General Specialist Rohan Lux will be in here at some point as well. They both seem to have a lot of questions for you."

John plastered a fake smile on his face, "I'll definitely look forward to that."

"Well I'll be in the doctor's office, if you need anything." Joe told him, before turning and leaving the room.

John's eyes were beginning to droop, "I'll sit with you for a while, lad while you go to sleep and hopefully, you'll feel better when you wake up."

"Thanks Carson," he whispered, and it wasn't long before he drifted off to sleep again.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Shalite sat surrounded by books and she was shocked by what she had read. Her assumptions had been correct and the coalition of planets had been lying to its people for thousands of years. The question was how could they keep so many people in the dark for so long? Upon reading further, she had found that many people had not travelled to worlds which were not part of the Coalition of planets and she wondered if anyone had ever tried, or whether people were happy to listen to whatever they were told by the Coalition.

There were records from many worlds in the library where she sat, and all of the books that she had read so far said that New Sateda had offered to move Atlantis on many occasions. But for some reason the Coalition had refused and because New Sateda hadn't wanted to start a war they had just left it alone. The Coalition had also taught that there had been no major wars in the last 50,000 years, but apparently Michael had tried to take over the galaxy numerous times over the years and some of them had led to full scale war.

The thing that shocked her to most though was their claims that their technology rivalled the ancients, but from what she had seen it didn't even come close.

Perhaps it was time to leave the archaeological society and work on New Sateda. She had no idea what would happen to Atlantis now and she feared that a war could break out over it. She knew that Julian had contacted the Coalition of planets about the fact that it had been moved and he had arranged a meeting with the leader of the Coalition, but she had no idea of the outcome as yet.

Looking at her watch, she realised that she had been at the library far too long and it was about time she went and sat with John. She was hoping that he was awake, because she wanted to ask him to attend the burial ceremony for Tuart and Roget, she had invited Carson, Rodney and Joe already and they had agreed to come. It was planned for two days' time and she had decided that she would bury them on New Sateda, because she felt that New Sateda offered her a new hope for the future.

She had no intention of going back to Louisa, because as far as she was concerned her family was here now. Her parents were long dead and her sister died two years ago. Now that Tuart and Roget were dead, all she had left was Joe. Rodney had become a very dear friend as well and she was hoping that Carson would become a support for her in the future. She would have loved for John to stay as well, but deep down she knew that he really had to get back home to his friends and family.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

John's senses slowly awoke to what was happening around him, the smell of antiseptic, the softness of the pillows and the whispered voices around him, all led him to one conclusion, he was in the infirmary. Opening his eyes and looking around him, he was disappointed to see that he was in a strange place and not on Atlantis. He wasn't happy when he felt all of the tubes attached to his body either. IV, heart monitor, feeding tube and the dreaded catheter, he barely remembered why he had ended up here and right now he didn't care, his stomach felt as if someone had stabbed him, his leg ached and all he wanted to do was go back to sleep until his body was totally healed.

No such luck, he thought when a voice pervaded his thoughts, "John it is good to see you awake, Rodney has just gone to find Carson or Joe. "Would you like a drink of water?"

He nodded his head slowly and when a bendy straw was placed in front of his lips, he drank greedily.

"Easy John, you do not want to be sick," Shalite told him pulling the straw away.

He decided that it was probably time he tried to say something, "Shalite…" he whispered.

"Yes, John it is me and you are safe now. Carson, or Joe will be here in the moment to talk to you."

A loud cheery voice joined the conversation, "Laddie it's good to see you awake, how are you feeling?"

He put his hand to his head to rub his aching temple, "I'll be much better if you keep your voice down Carson."

"Sorry John," Carson said in a softer voice.

"What's going on Carson," he whispered.

Carson looked at him with his bright blue eyes, "What do you remember John?" Carson asked in a gentle voice.

"I remember that Michael was torturing me and then you were there. Then the cave collapsed and we were in there for a while, but I don't remember too much after that, how long have I been here Doc and where am I?"

"You've been here for four days and You've been unconscious until now. You did wake up for a while three days ago though and the answer to your question, as to where you are is that you are on New Sateda 50,000 in the future."

Yawning he tried to keep his eyes open, as he looked at the faces around the room. Rodney was there and of course Shalite. Although these people were his friend's he really wished that Ronon and Teyla were there.

"So, what's the damage this time Doc?" He asked finally closing his eyes.

"You've got of pretty easy this time John, you had a large gash on your head, but Dr Jarvis was able to close it and reduce the swelling, so there was no concussion. He fixed your broken arm with a bone healing device, you cracked ribs have been healed as well, the bullet in your leg has been removed and the bones have been healed, although you may feel sore and have some stiffness there for a while. Finally, you had a tear in your liver and Joe and his team, managed to fix it up, although that is probably going to cause you the most pain over the next few weeks. Luckily the Iratus toxin left your system fairly quickly and Joe was also able to heal the wound on your neck without leaving a scar."

"Thanks Doc, but can I go back to sleep now?"

"Aye lad I'll come back and check on you later John." Carson said, before he left the room and John was relieved when Rodney followed.

He felt a hand on his shoulder and he knew that it was Shalite's, he really wanted to see her face and talk to her so he struggled to open his eyes, "I am so sorry about Tuart and Roget."

"It's okay John, it is not your fault, I only wish I had a chance to tell Tuart I loved him before he died."

He looked at her and could see the tears brimming in her eyes and he wasn't in the mood for emotional right now, so he tried to say something encouraging, "you do know that he died saving my life, don't you?"

"Yes, I know and I am grateful that he was brave enough to save you, but I have no idea what I'm going to do without him," Shalite said and John was horrified when the tears finally began to fall.

He grabbed her hand and before he knew it she was in his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. This was even worse than when Teyla used to seek out comfort, he actually enjoyed to closeness with Teyla, because he always hoped that they would get together, but Shalite had just lost her husband and he desperately wanted to get back home, so this was incredibly uncomfortable. And despite the fact that for a brief moment he had entertained the idea of staying here and forming a relationship with her, he knew that it was never going to happen.

Sitting there with her in his arms, he tried to soothe her and comfort her. After what seemed like forever, she finally sat up and wiped her eyes, "thankyou John for trying to comfort me, I know that must have been uncomfortable for you, but I do have another favour to ask of you and please feel free to say no?"

He nodded and encouraged her to continue, "I'm listening."

"I would love you to come to the burial ceremony for Tuart and Roget?"

That wasn't a really hard decision to make, he wanted to be there for her, for as long as he was in this time period, "I would be honoured to attend. When is it?"

"It is in two days' time, I have already asked Joe and he has said that you should be well enough to be released by then, but you will need to use a hover chair."

Although he was feeling incredibly tired he managed to grin at her, "great I love those things."

She put her hand back on his shoulder, "we will talk more about this later John, for now I think you should go to sleep." Shalite said in a soothing tone, which reminded him of Teyla.

Closing his eyes, he concentrated on her hand on his shoulder and it wasn't long before he drifted off to sleep again.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Shalite sat at a conference table with General Lux and President Carver sitting alongside of her, on the other side of the table sat President Luchias Tinkle, from the Coalition of planets and the leader of the Science academy, Jolie Hoyte. They had come together to discuss what was to be done about Atlantis, now that it had been moved.

President Tinkle was a young man with green eyes and blonde hair, and he was taller than Shalite and very lean. He had an arrogant air about him, which all of the Coalition presidents that Shalite had seen in her lifetime seemed to have. Jolie, was the opposite of Luchias, as she was short, round with blue eyes and dark hair, but the thing that was most different about her was she was timid and seemed to be the type of person who did exactly what she was told to do. Shalite knew that she'd always been a bit like that, but now she'd read some of the history books on New Sateda, and seen what Michael had done to her friends and husband, she wasn't going to be like that anymore.

Shalite plastered a fake smile on her face, as she really didn't want to be here with these people, "President Tinkle, Jolie, it is good to see you again."

"I'm not really sure what to say Shalite, I feel that you have betrayed the Coalition, by teaming up with the interloper known as John Sheppard and I don't know if we can ever forgive you." Luchias replied snidely.

Before she had a chance to respond to the hurtful comment Julian spoke up, "Luchias we are not here today to lay blame or accusation, we are here to talk about Atlantis and what should be done with it, so that it will benefit all the people of the Pegasus Galaxy."

Shalite watched Luchias and shuddered when he showed his yellow teeth, "and what would you suggest we do about it Julian?" He asked with a scornful look on his face.

"I suggest that we let Shalite have her say, it was her and her friends who risked their lives to move it after all? And when she has finished perhaps Jolie would like to speak, since I value her opinion as an archaeologist." Julian replied with a fake smile.

Shalite took a deep breath, because for the first time in her life, she was going to get a chance to tell the Coalition of planets and the archaeological society what she thought, "I believe that scientists from the Coalition of planets and scientists from other worlds should be able to live and work there. It will take many years to bring it back to its former glory and when we have managed the feat many people should have the opportunity to come and visit it."

"And how is that going to happen Shalite, who is going to lead this expedition and does anyone know any ancient gene carriers that we would need to operate the ancient technology?" Jolie asked and it frustrated Shalite that all Jolie could think of were negatives.

Before Shalite had a chance to reply Luchias interrupted and Shalite knew that he wasn't happy, "I don't want John Sheppard having anything to do with Atlantis, if I had my way he would still go to jail, but seeing as he is currently on Satedan soil, I can't do anything about it!"

"Well no-one has asked you for your opinion Luchias, right now the only two people I want to hear talking are Shalite and Jolie and If you are not quiet I will have General Lux remove you from the room." Julian stated in a much softer tone.

"And I would do it without hesitation!" Lux growled glaring at him.

"Now," Julian said, before turning to her, "Shalite what do you propose."

"Perhaps we can choose a representative from several worlds and the leaders from those worlds could choose a leader from them. The candidates would probably need to go through several interviews to see if they are the right fit for the position."

"And what qualities would you expect from the leader Shalite," Jolie asked timidly?

"Well I do know someone who we could ask about that, but I don't think President Tinkle would approve."

"And as I've already said, I do not want John Sheppard involved!" Luchias said forcefully.

"And as I said, I'm not asking for your opinion at this stage!" Julian said just as forcefully, he turned to Shalite and softened his voice, "why do you feel that John would be helpful?"

"He was the second in command on Atlantis in his time and at times he led the expedition. He also had a close relationship with the leaders of the time."

"Or so he says," Luchias said rolling his eyes.

What happened next took Shalite by surprise. Rohan stood up and grabbed Luchias by the scruff of the neck, "if you do not remain quiet I will physically throw you out of the room," he growled and Shalite didn't miss the cold anger in his eyes.

Shalite almost laughed at the look of shock on Luchias' face, right before he sat down. She suspected that he would probably be quiet from now on.

Julian turned to Jolie, "Jolie what do you think of some of Shalite's ideas?"

"I believe they have merit and I would like to discuss them further at some point. I'm assuming that you would like to work and live on Atlantis once your child is born?"

"Yes, and I would like Rodney, Joe and Carson to be able to come as well. Carson lived on Atlantis as a doctor and Rodney is an expert in ancient systems. Atlantis will also need more than one doctor, so I think that we should have the best and I believe that Joe fits that category."

Shalite was relieved when Jolie nodded, "We will take your suggestions under advisement Shalite. The only question I have now is, does someone know a gene carrier."

It was Julian who supplied to answer to that question, "I know that we would be able to find several carriers on earth, so they should have to opportunity to apply to work on Atlantis as well."

Shalite was ready to get up and go when Luchias spoke again and he was as forceful as ever, "Now what are you going to do about John Sheppard?!"

Julian was intense as he answered, "it is my intention to help him get home to his time and while he is on New Sateda he is under the protection of our Military, so any move to arrest him, or harm him in any way will be an act of war against the Satedan people. I have tried to remain calm and keep the peace with the Coalition of planets, but my patience is wearing thin. Now I believe it is time to call this meeting to a close, we will reconvene at a later stage."

Shalite watched as the others filed out, as she wanted to talk to Julian alone. Once they had gone, she thanked him, "thank you for standing up for John, he is a good man."

"I tend to agree with you Shalite and I know that he is here by accident, so I am committed to helping him find a way home, so how about we go and visit him now, because I would really like to officially meet him."

Shalite smiled and followed him out of the door.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

John next venture into the world of wakefulness was much easier, and he was surprised to see Shalite sitting next to a small round man with blue eyes and grey hair.

"Hey Shalite what's happening?" He asked trying to suppress a cough.

A bendy straw appeared in front of his lips and he drunk greedily and he was relieved that he was able to finish to whole glass without it being taking away.

"Is that better, "Shalite asked with a serene smile.

"Thanks," he said before turning to the other man in the room, "hi I'm John Sheppard."

"I am President Julian Carver, the leader of the New Satedan Empire, but you can call me Julian."

"Pleased to meet you, Shalite has told me a bit about the Empire and how parts of it cross over into the Milky way galaxy. So, I was wondering if you have ever been to earth?"

"I have never been personally, but I am in contact with their government there. We have subspace communications, which can cover great distances within seconds."

John sighed, it would probably be a bad idea, but he would really like to see earth in this time period, "do you think it would be possible for me to go there?"

"I think that can be arranged and I believe that they have a few times-ships hidden on earth, I'm not sure if they can travel back 50,000 years though."

That had to be the best news he'd heard all day, "I'm pretty sure that Rodney will be able to work it out."

"Your holographic friend, is certainly and interesting character," Julian smirked.

"Yeah he is and he is a lot like the original, so if anyone can figure out an ancient time-ship he can." John told him with a smile and his tone turned serious before he continued, "did you come across Michael's body in the caves?"

"No, we didn't, but we recovered the bodies of Roget and Tuart and several other hybrids, but we have no idea what happened to Michael." Julian answered and John could see the worry in his face.

John took Shalite's hand and spoke gently to her, "I'm sorry, I really hope that he doesn't turn up and cause trouble for you and your child."

"Don't worry John, we will protect her and keep her safe. She is welcome to stay on New Sateda for as long as she likes and if she goes to Atlantis, we will send a military contingent there as well."

"Thank you, Julian, "John said, before turning to Shalite," what are you plans for the future?"

"Well firstly I intend to help you get home and then I plan of staying on New Sateda until after the baby is born and then hopefully I will be able to go to Atlantis to live and work."

"I really hope you get that chance Shalite," he said, his eye drooping again.

"Thank you, John, but now it looks like you need to go back to sleep again."

Once he was sure that they had left he decided that it wouldn't be a bad idea to have another sleep, since for now things were beginning to look up.

TBC…