The Prophecy

Chapter 12

Drs. Beckett and McKay were no strangers to nights spent at the lab and this night was no exception. They were glad to sacrifice a night worth of sleep when it might help their friends and meant solving a mystery. Although Dr. Beckett had technically sent Rodney out of the infirmary hours ago, he had only left briefly to get something to eat in order to prevent his blood sugar from crashing, but since then he had been back in the lab. It turned out that McKay's guess had been right. The events on Arona had indeed influenced the majors ATA gene. Comparing several blood samples taken since his return to Atlantis, the two scientists could detect a distinct development. While the first blood sample was normal, the second and third showed that the ATA gene was activated, even though there was no reason. As far as Dr. Beckett's current reason and their general experience went was that the ATA gene was consciously controlled, that way a person carrying the gene could use it the open a door a activate something, but didn't randomly switch on everything when they walked into a room, as it seemed to happening right now. Dr. Beckett had speculated the Major Sheppard both had a higher level of control of his gene and stronger presence of the gene, probably due to having had more Ancients among his ancestors.

Dr. Beckett had also started to research the presence of other Ancient genes, as it seemed improbably that only one specific gene had been retained by the descendants. He had indeed found evidence of further genes that only occurred in those who had the natural ATA gene. The number of people with the ATA gene he had available would never be enough to prove that those additional genes were really specific to people with Ancient heritage, for that his sample population was too small.

But on Atlantis, that didn't matter. The Ancient gene research was Beckett's pet project. His first priority was to serve as doctor to the Atlantis community, only his in few of hours, he allowed himself to research the Ancient gene, in the hope it would com in handy some day.

Now in Major Sheppard's latest blood sample, there was clearly a presence of the gene that he has identified as the second Ancient gene. Beckett had never clearly determined its purpose; he had surmised that it also helped control activation of technology.

When Beckett showed his results to McKay, they shared a similar feeling of disbelief.

"I don't think simple telepathy is responsible for that." McKay said what both of them were thinking.

"We know nothing about telepathy. It's a completely blank field to our medical research. Humans are not prepared for it, there is no room for telepathy anywhere in our evolution. It could have all kinds of repercussions, as far as we know." Beckett considered.

"But isn't it far more likely that Ancient technology of some kind did that. We know for a fact that it is that powerful. We have seen it in the past." McKay argued.

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation.

"Come in." Dr. Beckett called.

One of his nurses entered.

"Dr. Beckett. It is Major Sheppard. He is not doing well. His fever has spiked again. He is very restless. I thought it would be better if you had a look at him before you went off for the nigh."

"No problem."

Beckett had hoped that John was getting better after his fever had fallen slightly and he had been awake and coherent in the afternoon. Although it had only been for a short time, the doctor had been optimistic and had though that John was well on his way to recovery. This unexpected discovery of the genetic 'mutation'´, for a lack of better word' had concerned him, but until now, the entire thing, had seemed rather theoretical to him. But when he thought about it, the strain to the human body had to be enormous, if it were even able to survive it.

The nurse had been right. John's fever had climbed once again. While it was not dangerously high yet, they would have to closely monitor it and work to get it under control. So far acetaminophen had worked all right and they had managed to keep his fever under control, but the fact that it had spiked anew while he was still being treated with the antipyretic was somewhat disconcerting.

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John was back on the desert planet. His memory was muddled, the last thing he could recall was talking the Dr. Weird, telling her something, something important, and Beckett, Beckett had been there as well. He was ill. He was in the infirmary.

"You're right, this is just in your mind. In reality your body is resting in the infirmary. But do not worry, you will get well again." Teyla appeared out of thin air beside him again. He remembered, he had been in this desert before. This had happened before. Something was wrong, maybe he had hit his head hard during the last mission and everything was really in his mind? Or maybe he was finally losing it? Or was it that damned Athosian moonshine again? Hadn't he sworn never to touch that brew again after the last time?

"Trust me, John. I speak the truth. You were injured on Arona. While your body heals, I have taken you here." She reassured him sincerely.

"Who are you?" he asked wearily.

"I'm Teyla" She replied smiling at him.

"No, you aren't. You are in my head. You're reading my thoughts again. You are one of them! One of the rebels! "John shouted his voice lost in the endless plains of the desert world.

The pain in his head was back, bringing him down to his knees. Pain started to envelop his entire body as he collapsed sideways to the ground.

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McKay had quietly followed Dr. Beckett from the lab to the infirmary. He knew better than the stand in the way of the doctor, so he kept out of the way. He quietly stood against the wall watching medical personnel fuss about his friend´, who clearly wasn't doing very well. John was unconsciously shifting around on the bed, his hair wet from sweat, standing off in all directions, looking even more chaotic then usual.

Suddenly, leaving McKay to watch in horror, John's body stiffened, then his limbs started jerked. Nobody seemed to notice what was going on so McKay called for help from his spot near the wall.

"Somebody, he needs help!" McKay had no idea what was going on, but to him, whatever it was, it looked bad.

Beckett followed McKay's panicked yell and raced over to John's bed. One look told him that John was in all likelihood having a febrile seizure. Beckett was a professional and knew what to do. Calls for diazepam and his assistants followed. Confused and frightened by the events and the ensuing commotion McKay fled to the lab.

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John was looking at the sky. He was flat on his back, still on the desert world. The pain that had brought him down was now gone. He was alone again. He felt peaceful now. He got up, brushing the loose sand from his uniform. Looking ahead, he saw that there was now a structure visible not to far away.

He expected Teyla's figure to appear at his side any moment, but this time, he remained alone as he walked towards toward the building in the distance. As he came closer, the building turned out to be a small temple with a simple wooden portal. When he came within ten meters of the portal, Teyla, or a woman who looked like her, suddenly appeared standing before the portal.

He cautiously remained where he was. His previous experience with this illusion of Teyla had been rather painful and he was not eager to repeat it.

"Do not be afraid of what awaits you. You are Chosen. While you are here, your body recovers the strength you will need in the task ahead."

He ignored what she was saying and repeated his earlier.

"Who are you? Because you sure are not Teyla."

"You have an inquisitive mind. You are right. I am not the one whose form I have taken."

The apparition in front of him changed and instead of 'Teyla', he now saw a woman wearing a white robe. "But Teyla will join you on this journey."

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----------two days later----------

Teyla awoke, immediately knowing where she was. The sense o awareness upon waking up had born out of years of living on the run, in constant fear of the Wraith. Sleepiness and tardiness could cost you your life.

She could still feel the pain in her back, but it was numbed, presumably by medication. She knew what she needed to do. She needed to see John and talk to Dr. Beckett. If what she knew was right then John needed her help, if it wasn't too late already. There was a good chance that the prophecy, she had been willing to give up a life with John to prevent from happening might come to fruition after all.

Teyla slowly got up, her stiff and sore muscle protesting after two days of disuse. Her head still hurt, but the pain was moderate compared to the terrible headache that she had experience soon after her return from Arona.

"Ahh, you're finally awake. I thought you might wake soon. How are you feeling?" Dr. Beckett was approaching her.

"I'm feeling much better indeed. How is John doing?"

"He is still unconscious. Due to his fever he's had some seizures, but we've put him on valproate and he hasn't had any recurrences since. The Aronans loaned us a doctor that helped us stabilize the neural activity in both of you. It seems to have worked a lot better for you than for John, I'm afraid."

"John is changing. He is still in danger." Teyla stated in a tone of grave certainty.

"What do you mean? How do you know?" Beckett was confused.

"There is an ancient prophecy among my people. The events that have taken place match exactly what has happened, including John's grave illness. If we don't act, he will die. We all are in danger."

"Don't worry about him. While he is in critical condition, he is stable for the moment." Dr. Beckett reassured her. "I think this is something we all need to know about. I don't think it's a very good idea for you to be up and about, but given the circumstances, if you feel up to, I cam talk to Dr. Weir about arranging a briefing.

"That would be helpful. But please tell her that this is an urgent matter, we do not have much time."

TBC