The Prophecy
Chapter 18
A/N: Sorry for the lack of updates. Deadline for my papers is about a week away, revision collections are a day later. Stressed?
Teyla woke late. Having grown up without watches she had relied on her internal clock for most of her life, but in the last three years, she had come to appreciate the handy wristwatch devices of the humans. Checking her watch revealed that it was already past 9 a.m.. Normally it was impossible to sleep that long in the infirmary.
The morning rounds of the doctor took place at 6 a.m. and breakfast was at 8 a.m. She got up and found the infirmary to be deserted, neither Dr. Beckett nor a single nurse were to be seen. Even the other patient that had been there the previous night was gone. Something was wrong. An uneasy feeling crept up on her. Not caring that she was only wearing the burgundy infirmary scrubs, Teyla decided to investigate.
As she got closer to the door, she suddenly halted as her mind was assaulted by a barrage of angry and frightened thought on the other side of the door. People were afraid of her and John. They were afraid of what they could do. Fear had made them turn to violence. "They are afraid of what they didn't understand," Teyla thought sadly. Their aim was to keep them in the infirmary in order to protect the rest of the city from them.
Teyla tried to shut out the thoughts that reached her from the corridor. The mental noise dimmed a bit, she could now tell that they were consisted of individuals to what had been pandemonium of emotions and thoughts.
Teyla concentrated and tried to close her mind to the familiar voices of Bates and Stackhouse, as well as voices of men she didn't know.
They were afraid even though they would never admit it , not even to themselves. They were planning to take turns guarding the only exit from the infirmary. Bates was going over the worst case scenarios in his mind. He thought about them reading everyone's mind, plunging the city into fear and chaos. But he was also a man of reason; he knew that it had to end here and now.
There was silence for a few a seconds before she heard him yell in a commanding tone.
"You'll all surrender your weapons to me and return to your quarters now. That's an order. If I see any of you again before tomorrow, I'll report you to Dr. Weir. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir!" several voices answered in subdued tone, the anger and fear still in their thought.
Teyla had heard enough, she turned away from the door and headed for John's bad at the opposite end of the infirmary. It always puzzled her that the humans turned on each other so easily and still had manage to advance as far as they had. Fights and argument were rare among her people. They had only a chance of they stood together against the Wraith.
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Dr. Weir leaned back in her office chair. It was only early afternoon and she was already exhausted. It was one of the days that couldn't end soon enough. She just had finished a long discussion with Sergeant Bates regarding security in the city during the current crisis. Normally she wasn't embracing Bates hard-line approach the leadership, but right now, some of his ideas looked pretty good. It couldn't hurt to step up security in the city for the moment. She had resisted some of Bates' other suggestions, such as confining non-essential personnel to their quarters to prevent violence from spreading. Bates hadn't given her any details, but he made it apparent that he had already seen signs of violence born out of fear. She had wanted to ask him about who was involved, but Bates had been reluctant to answer. Surely, if she'd ordered him to, he would have given her the names, but for now she'd take his word, that he had his men under control. She hoped that wasn't making a fatal mistake there.
Dr. Weir was aware that she was walking a fine line. There was her responsibility towards every single member of the Atlantis expedition. John and Teyla didn't deserve to be treated like this. John was severely ill and it was appalling that there wasn't a single person among the medical staff that was willing to treat him. But the privacy of people's memories and thoughts was untouchable and everyone in the city had the right to it. She understood people's fears and had to admit that the thought made her very uncomfortable as well. But she couldn't let her personal feelings get into the way of her responsibilities.
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Teyla sat at John's bedside. He was asleep again. Being awake earlier in the morning had taken a lot out of him. Not for the first time, Teyla doubted whether she had done the right thing. John trusted her, even though she had betrayed him by not trusting him. He had forgiven her. Still she couldn't bear to see him suffer like this. When they had spoken the previous night, John had been willing to travel to Athos, but it if it was already too late? Part of her wanted to believe in the infallibility of the prophecy. It was written that their journey would continued beyond the current crisis, so she had nothing to fear. But living with the Atlantians for three years had changed her. She had learned that many things her people had explained as the works of the spirits of the Ancestors were easily explained by the scientists. Doubt had entered her thoughts.
"Don't" Teyla hear a faint voice in her thoughts. "Don't doubt your instincts. You know it's true. You told me to believe in the Prophecy." John sounded weak even in her thoughts.
"John" Teyla said out loud.
She was answered by a groan and John opened his eyes. Immediately, he started to try to sit up with Teyla help.
"What's wrong?" Teyla asked, worry on her face, assuming that John's condition had deteriorated even further.
"Beckett?"
"He's not here." Teyla answered simply, not wanting to upset John with the news about the latest crisis in the city. He needed to conserve his strength for the trip to Athos. Teyla was determined to get John there. She wasn't going to lose him.
"Oh God. But it had to happen sooner or later." John sighed. "How bad is it?"
Teyla hadn't considered that John could read what she was thinking when he has asked her about Dr. Beckett.
"I don't know. There were some soldier in front of the door, but Sergeant Bates took care of the situation. I'm going to get Dr. Beckett." Teyla replied with cold determination.
"Thanks." John answered, trying not to shows how much sitting up had already taken out of him. The familiar headache was also making itself know by now. He waited until Teyla had let the infirmary before he let himself down on the pillow again. Only then it occurred to him that she probably knew exactly how ill and weak he felt. It would take time until they got used to read each others thoughts. There had to control it, a relationship without even a private thought was doomed to failure.
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When Teyla didn't encounter Dr. Beckett in his quarter, she went to the medical lab. There she got luck and found the doctor hovering over a microscope. The glass door was open, but she still knocked to avoid startling him. Dr. Beckett looked up and his expression immediately went from surprised to nervous.
"Teyla…shouldn't you be in the infirmary?" he managed.
"Yes. John is awake and he needs your assistance, he is not well." Teyla stated in a tone that indicated that she wouldn't take no for an answer.
"I'm working on something." Dr. Beckett said lamely, knowing himself that this was no excuse.
"Are not your patients your first responsibility?"
"Yes, you're right. It's just…" Beckett played around with a pen.
"It makes me very uncomfortable that you and John read my thoughts." Beckett finally managed. He was ashamed to admit it. He felt bad about his actions in the morning yet found it near impossible to overcome his strong fear of having another telepathic encounter. It was worse than Gate travel. Instead he had decided to work on a solution for the probably. The Aronans had indeed the designed a drug to suppress telepathy but had abandoned it because it wasn't suitable for court-ordered administration. One dose only lasted six hours and there were potentially dangerous side effects. The drug was fairly easy to synthesize and preliminary tests on blood samples showed no problems with compatibility for human.
Dr. Beckett took a deep breath and followed Teyla to the infirmary. He owed it to his friend. And he owed them and Dr. Weir an apology.
Once in the infirmary he made his way to John's bed. John who had been dozing, immediately became fully awake when Dr. Beckett had appeared on his bedside. Teyla had wanted to be there as well. But Dr. Beckett had ordered her to her own bed. Reminding her that she wasn't fully healed yet and that he would examine her later as well. Then he tried to put on a brave face and turned to John.
"How are you today?"
"Better, I think. Headache. Exhausted."
"I'll give you something for the headache. From what I've seen on the scans, it's your new mental abilities that cause the severe headaches. The human brain wasn't made for Teyla is doing a little, since Athosian are slightly more compatible She also mentioned that there used to be telepaths among her people. That might explain why her headaches are more manageable. But in the long term, I think it will cause actual physical damage. By long term, I'm talking about several weeks. So far there is no damage done, but we have to solve the problem somehow." This time Beckett didn't try to sugar coat anything. Since John knew what he was thinking, he would learn the truth anyways.
"Any prognosis when I'll get out of here?"
"I'm afraid not. Until your fever goes down and you're in no more danger of having any seizures, we might be able to discuss it. But frankly, I'd like to keep an eye on you while your Ancient genes are changing. There is no precedent for this. It could cause severe problems. I'm afraid you're going to be stuck here for a while." Dr. Beckett explained. Then he remembered that John would find out the truth anyways, he added. "To be honest, this is all news to me. It might take time to find to right treatment if there is one."
"I know" John said quietly. "The genetic change could kill me any minute. That's why I have been considering the prophecy Teyla told me about."
"When did she tell you about? Dr Beckett asked. The only time he had heard about it had been at the briefing.
"You don't want to know." John answered with a smile, thinking it better not to mention that Teyla and he had chatted about the prophecy on a sort of mental plane.
"I've had the same thought. I haven't exhausted all the options yet, but I think we should keep it in mind as a last resort." Dr. Beckett answered.
"I'd rather try it as soon as possible. Chances are that I'm not going to get better any time soon. The trip is going to be pretty exhausting for me anyways, so I should go soon."
"I'll think about it. Technically you are in no shape to travel anywhere. If it weren't for the lack if option and the seriousness of the situation I would never even think about authorizing
something like that."
"Thanks." John paused, feeling already tired again. "One other thing, I'm sorry about this morning. I shouldn't have used what you were thinking against you. It wasn't fair."
"I owe you an apology as well, I didn't think, I just reacted. And thanks to me, everyone is now in a panic."
"Thanks to you?" John already had his eyes closed again.
"I guess, I told Dr. Woods."
"Bet he told he girlfriend, Nurse Johnson so that she could stay out of the infirmary. He probably didn't want anyone to know that he dates a woman who could be his daughter." John murmured softly.
Not having a nurse at the moment, Dr. Beckett had to take care of the task himself and notes John vitals, checked on his I.V.s. and give him another dose of acetaminophen to further combat his fever. Then he went over to Teyla who had actually done as he had ordered and had gone back to her bed. While she had appeared fairly fit when she had come to see him at the lab before, now, lying in bed, she looked exhausted. Nonetheless she sat up, as Dr. Beckett approached. As expected, she complained of a headache, as everyday since her return from Arona. Dr. Beckett was almost done changing the dressing on the burn injuries on her back when she spoke.
"I overheard your conversation with John. He is right. The journey to the Old City isn't an easy. If we are to attempt it, we have to do it now while he is still strong."
Beckett didn't quite believe that Teyla had overheard them in the traditional sense of the word, but he answered her nonetheless. He had a responsibility to her and she couldn't control her abilities.
"I told him that I'd think about it. I'm responsible for him."
"He is aware of the risks and he wants to try it. Isn't that enough?"
"Not in this case. Dr. Weir has to authorize the mission and I have to determine whether or not John and you are fit enough to travel."
When Teyla looked at him in surprise, Dr. Beckett continued.
"Teyla, you know that this also concerns you. You feel better than know, because your people are more compatible with telepathy and since you don't have any Ancient genes, we don't have to worry about any genetic changes, but eventually, telepathy will harm you. The Aronans have a drug that will suppress your ability. If Dr. Weir okays it and you can give it a try, but there is no guarantee it will work with non-Aronans and whether or not you will have side-effects."
"We need the gift for the Journey ahead of us. Don't you believe in the prophecy?"
"To be honest, I don't know what to believe anymore. What I have seen in the past five days is stranger than what I have seen in the past three years. I have to admit that the prophecy is frighteningly true. But we humans normally don't believe things like that." Dr. Beckett tried to explain. "We are afraid of what we don't understand, you have seen that today. It's one of the dark sides of human nature."
"Every people has its dark sides. The Athosians are no exceptions." Teyla paused then continued. "Please know that neither John nor I wish anyone on the station any harm. I will need to speak with Dr. Weir. Could you please page her?"
"Already did that. I need to speak to her about the drug I synthesized"
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Dr. Beckett offered Dr. Weir a seat in his office.
"I was surprised to see you back in the infirmary." Dr. Weir said in lieu of a greeting.
"I feel bad about the entire situation. I didn't stop to use my head for one second. I apologize for my behaviour this morning. I neglected my responsibility to the members of the expedition."
"What brought you back to your senses?"
"Teyla, she walked up to me in the lab and didn't take no for an answer." Beckett smiled weakly.
"If only everyone would come to their sense to that easily." Dr. Weir sighed.
"Anything new?"
"Bates wants everyone confined to their quarters. I've agreed to step up security. There was a almost brawl in the commissary. Other than that, it's been quiet enough. Security is dispersing any big groups."
"I have found a telepathy suppressant drug, but of course it has never been tested in a non-Aronan. There could be problems"
"I understand. But if you think, it's worth the risk, we have to consider this. At least as a short term solution. We'll focus on the long term once we have this crisis under control."
"There is one other thing. Both Teyla and John are insistent about going to Athos. Giving the circumstances, I'd support them and also accompany them as medical which they will be needing. I realize that this an unconventional request, but given the circum-"
"I know. I read your report. John doesn't have many other options left and I guess the gene therapy is a rather random shot at getting this genetic change in him under control." Dr. Weir interrupted him.
"Not random, but highly theoretical."
"Then you have a go. I hate to let them go, but we are out of options. And if the prophecy is really true, then we are doing the right thing. So far everything it has foretold has happened. I'll put together a team to support you. You leave first thing in the morning, I'll sending a scouting team ahead to make sure that you won't run into any trouble. You're taking a jumper, John and Teyla are hardly in the shape to walk to the city. The last thing we saw on Athos was a full scale Wraith attack. One more thing, can you page me when John and Teyla are awake? I need to talk to them before you leave."
"Teyla was awake before, you should be able to talk to her now. John has been awake a lot today, you might be lucky."
The two left the office and entered the main infirmary.
Dr. Weir was indeed lucky. Both John and Teyla were awake. Teyla was sitting at John's bedside, not speaking, but it was still clear to the observer that the two were involved in a conversation. They didn't even hear Dr. Beckett and Dr. Weir approach.
"Excuse me. I hate to interrupt, but could I have a minute with John?" Dr. Weir asked.
"Sure" Teyla got up quickly and hurried back to her own bed, before Dr. Beckett had a chance to chastise her about being out of bed again. Dr. Beckett made his way to another part of the infirmary, giving them a bit of space.
"I've given you the okay for the mission to Athos."
"Thanks." John said simply.
"We both know the risks. I wouldn't have authorized it if-"
"You don't need to say it. Beckett told me the whole story. I also know that it either happens like it's written in the prophecy and we meet this healer and he fixes me or I'm not coming back at all. Not exactly great perspective, but it beats lying around here waiting until my whacky genes kills me or the fever fries my brain. I never wanted to go without a fight."
"You won't."
"Take good care of the team."
"I promise. I'll see you tomorrow when you leave."
Dr. Weir slowly walked over to Teyla's bed, still processing her conversation with John.
She had to admit that even after knowing her for three years, she still failed to understand to understand Teyla. She often admired her, as she was a kind, string and just leader and at the same time also a capable soldier. Before she had a chance to sit down, Teyla spoke:
"Thanks for allowing us to return to Athos. I know it must have been a difficult decision for you."
"It has been. I admire your faith in the prophecy."
"I believe it has to do with the difference between your cultures, Dr. Weir."
Dr. Weir shook her head. "No. I couldn't stand the thought that all my life is already predestined and that what will happen is written on a piece of paper. The prophecy you told us about stated that do defeat the Wraith, you and John had to sacrifice yourselves. How can you live with that?"
"There is comfort from a prophecy. It's written that John will live and be healed on Athos. He will. And if it will take the loss of our lives to rid this galaxy of the Wraith, I don't think John or I are in the position to questions that." Teyla smiled.
"I hope for both of you that you're right. Take care of yourself and John.
"We'll be safe."
TBC