Promises Made, Chapter 4

"I am sorry that my father could not join us for dinner tonight. Commander Karna had some urgent business he needed to discuss with the Grand Commander."

"It's okay Kerrin. We understand that your father has other duties to attend to."

Sheppard looks over at Weir. Her face is impassive and her words are appropriately diplomatic, but he can sense a hint of sarcasm in her voice. It has nothing to do with Grand Commander Kashak – he has been a generous host since the Atlantis team arrived in the Inbi city. Kashak's private doctor is even taking care of Stackhouse who has a mild concussion from hitting his head against a rock. They have no reason to doubt that Kashak has been more than honest about his desire for peace. It's Karna that they don't trust.

The commander had been apologetic after the "accidental" attack on the road, but none of them had felt any true sincerity in his words. Karna claimed that one of his soldiers had seen movement of Dreyan troops, meaning the cease fire was at an end and any non-Inbi soldiers were fair game. John is sure that Kashak didn't believe Karna any more than he did, but the Grand Commander was unwilling to challenge the word of the Inbi's most decorated soldier in public. Maybe Kashak is giving Karna his ass-chewing in private tonight.

"Tell me, Kerrin, what do the words Dreyan and Inbi mean?"

John and Elizabeth are the only ones left in the dining room except for the Grand Commander's son and his bodyguard standing by the door. In watching Weir so far during this mission, Sheppard has come to realize that even the most mundane of conversations have a purpose. This is probably one of the times he should keep quiet and let her work.

"In the old language, Dreya means 'high born' and Inbi means 'soldier'."

"I see."

"Is this important?"

"In a way. History is always important in understanding the motivation of others."

"What do you know of our history?"

"Not much, just some thoughts based on what I've learned so far."

"If you share your thoughts, maybe I can tell you if they are correct."

"Okay, but this is just a theory."

Sheppard is sure that this theory is going to be dead-on.

"I think the Dreyans were once your ruling class with the Inbi trained to protect and serve them. When the Wraith attacks began, the Inbi became more necessary. Eventually the balance of power shifted and the Inbi began to rule Teyne instead of the Dreyans. Now the Dreyans are fighting to preserve what they believe is the true Teyne culture and the Inbi are unwilling to relinquish the power they weild."

"Your deduction is impressive."

"I'm just observant."

"The Dreyans are not soldiers. They do not have the strength to repel a Wraith attack."

"Strength and weakness is often relative to what you measure it against. They have been able to wage war against you for many years now."

"That is true. The Dreyan tenaciousness has been surprising."

"Different motivations are not necessarily a sign of weakness."

Kerrin mulls that over for a moment. There's definitely something else on his mind and Elizabeth waits for him to speak again. John has this image of Weir slowly letting out her line, waiting for the fish to hook himself a little more, before reeling him in.

"Many of the Inbi believe that my father is weak for seeking peace."

"What do you believe?"

"What I believe is not important."

"What you believe is more important than you think, especially to your father."

The young Inbi's brow furrows in thought. Elizabeth stands and John follows suit.

"Thank you for having dinner with us Kerrin, but we should probably turn in. It's a long walk to the Stargate tomorrow."

They start to walk out of the room, but Kerrin's voice stops them at the door.

"Dr. Weir?"

Elizabeth turns back with a small smile on her face.

"Yes Kerrin?"

"What do you believe of my father?"

"I don't really know him too well, but leadership is a difficult responsibility. Sometimes it takes a braver man to make right decision instead of the popular one."

The creases on Kerrin's forehead get deeper and Sheppard feels a little sorry for him.

"Good night Kerrin."

The Inbi suddenly remembers his manners and stands.

"Sleep well Major Sheppard, Dr. Weir."

John and Elizabeth walk out toward their rooms.

"You're slick."

"How's that?"

"Don't act all innocent with me. You purposely maneuvered Kerrin into that conversation. You know the kid's not gonna get much sleep tonight."

Elizabeth shrugs one shoulder.

"Maybe not, but he'll be better off for one sleepless night."

"You're probably right. But why do I get the feeling that this is more important than a kid doubting his dad?"

"Because it is. It's easy for leaders to sign peace agreements, but it's up to others to maintain it. Kerrin is the next generation of Inbi and I'm willing to bet that his doubts mirror what most others are feeling."

"That's why you were working on Minar?"

"Yes. The younger Dreyans have their doubts too. It's hard that both the High Minister and Grand Commander are keeping their cards close to their chests."

"I still can't believe that Kashak has managed to keep his secret from almost everyone. Military installations are usually huge rumor mills."

"Well it won't be a secret in a few days."

The two come to a stop. Their rooms are in opposite directions down the hallway.

"You know, I'm still not sure we're safe here."

"We're in the Grand Commander's house and he's given orders that we're not be harmed. The Inbi are trained to follow orders."

"Tell that to Karna."

"Good point."

"I'd still feel better if you took my sidearm. Especially now that I know you're a little Annie Oakley."

Sheppard gives her a wry smile and she smiles back.

"Don't start with that. It's not my fault you automatically assumed I didn't know how to use a gun."

"You deliberately withheld information."

"No. I just didn't volunteer any information."

"Fine. But you should still take my 9mm."

"No, John."

"I'm concerned about your safety."

"Which I appreciate, but I really don't think there's any reason to worry."

"Well...there's one way for you not to take my gun and still have me not worry."

Elizabeth's eyes narrow suspiciously. Sheppard's sexy half-smile is always followed by some outrageous suggestion.

"You can stay in my room with me."

John expects her to blush and run away. Instead, Elizabeth takes a quick step forward and leans against him to whisper in his ear.

"And how exactly would we...sleep if I were to stay in your room?"

The sudden pressure of her chest against his, her breath tickling his ear, and the suggestive way she says "sleep" leaves John dumbstruck. Her soft laughter brushes against his cheek when she steps backward.

"That's what I thought. Goodnight Major. I'll see you in the morning."

Elizabeth walks away and gives John one final smile over her shoulder as she walks into her room. His breath comes out in a rush. He looks over at the guard standing at the end of the hall, but the soldier makes no sign that he witnessed the exchange.

Sheppard goes to his room, glad that there's a bathroom attached. He takes a cold shower before he goes to bed and then a second one after a rather vivid dream in the middle of the night.

Seeing Elizabeth is the first thing on John's mind in the morning and he dresses quickly, hoping to catch her before everyone else is awake. He's grinning when he knocks on her door. There's no answer. After knocking for a second time, he walks over to the guard standing in the hallway. It's the same one from last night.

"Have you seen Dr. Weir this morning?"

"No sir. But I just returned to my post. Maybe she has gone to breakfast?"

That doesn't sit quite right with John, but he walks down to the dining room anyway. The only ones there is Kerrin and another bodyguard.

"Good morn–"

He holds up his hand to silence Kerrin. Sheppard is fighting a rising tide of panic as he reaches for his radio.

"This is Sheppard. Is Dr. Weir with any of you?"

"No sir," comes from Ford and Markham. After a little while, there's a groggy "No" from McKay.

"Damn it!" Sheppard runs out of the dining room. Kerrin jumps up to follow, ordering his bodyguard to wake the Grand Commander as he leaves.

"Markham – go check with Stackhouse in the infirmary. Ford and McKay, get dressed and meet me in front of her room."

John walks into her room and knows without a doubt that something is wrong. The bed is neatly made with her combat vest lying on top of the sheets. The one thing that he's learned from their early morning jogs is that the orderly Dr. Weir hates making her bed.

McKay, Ford, and Kerrin get there just in time to see Major Sheppard slam the guard against the wall.

"Tell me where she is!" Sheppard's voice is more of a growl than a command.

"Major Sheppard?" Kerrin isn't quite sure what's going on.

"Dr. Weir isn't in her room and she wasn't in the dining room. She wouldn't wander around without one of us and I have a feeling that he-" the guard is slammed against the wall again for emphasis, "knows where she is."

"What is going on here?" The Grand Commander and a few of his soldiers, along with Markham, have now joined them in the hallway.

"Father - Dr. Weir is missing and Major Sheppard believes that Ralen has some knowledge of this."

"Ralen?" Kashak turns to the man Sheppard has against the wall. "If you have had any part of this, I order you to tell us where Dr. Weir is."

"I take no orders from you." The Inbi raises his chin and turns his face toward Kashak with disgust. "You would have us bend our knee to the weakling Dreyans. When Commander Karna takes rightful command, we will crush them beneath our boots."

"You would jeopardize our people to follow Karna?"

"It is you that jeopardizes our people. Karna will make sure we win this war."

"We cannot win this war."

All of the Inbi look at their Grand Commander in confusion.

"What do you mean, father?"

"We have used many of our munitions in this war and have been too focused on winning battles to replenish our supplies. One of the largest storehouses is in Dreyan control and I do not believe they have the capability to restock their arms. If the fighting does not end soon, not only will we lose this war, but Teyne will have no means of defending anyone against a Wraith attack. Karna knows this."

"You lie!" screams Kalen.

"He's not lying," Ford speaks up. "He showed us your warehouses and factories. He's also right about the Dreyans. They don't know how to make weapons."

"I swear to you it is the truth." Kashak looks Ralen in the eye. "Karna is too afraid of losing to do what is right for our people. This peace isn't defeat, it's survival."

Ralen pales and slumps against the wall.

"Tell us where they've taken her," Kerrin asks softly.

"They are headed to the old ruins. They will walk through the woods to try and stay concealed. We can gain time on them by taking the main road. I...I will lead you to them."

"Have they hurt her?" Sheppard's fists tighten on the Inbi's uniform.

"No! They will not harm her. We only mean to keep her from the peace talks."

Sheppard brings his face right up to Ralen's.

"If anything happens to Dr. Weir, I will feed you to the Wraith myself."

The Inbi doesn't doubt the Major's words. Sheppard shoves the Inbi away from him before turning to his team.

"Markham and Ford, you're with me. McKay, take Stackhouse back through the Stargate with you. Get everything ready. We'll be there in time for the talks."

"And if you're not?" McKay can't help asking the question.

"Then stall," says Markham.

"How am I supposed to do that?"

"You keep telling us you're a genius," responds Ford. "I'm sure you'll think of something."

"Alright, let's go." Sheppard is impatient to start off. He doesn't trust Karna not to hurt Elizabeth.

"Wait Major Sheppard." Kerrin and a few of Kashak's soldiers step forward. "We will come with you. We do not know how many men Karna has loyal to him."

Sheppard nods and the group starts to walk down the corridor. Kerrin turns to his father.

"Please forgive me for doubting you."

"No forgiveness is needed." The Grand Commander clasps his son proudly on the shoulder. "Bring her back safe."

Kerrin places his own hand on his father's shoulder before jogging off to join the others. Karna's men are already well ahead of them and it's a long way to the old ruins.

TBC...


Thank you to kbandy for the Annie Oakley reference. It was too good not to use in this chapter. I promise that Elizabeth's prowess with a gun will be explained in the next one.

I know it was a quick u-turn for Ralen, but they do it all the time on tv shows, so I get to do it too. ;-)