Thank for the nice reviews, I know putting John in the brig was harsh but coz I think Atlantis can contact Earth now (due to ZPM) discipline might be stricter. When I was rereading my first chapter I so could have done a song fic with it with Mario – Let Me Love You. It's so appropriate for it.
JS/RH Spirit: You're a Ron and Hermione fan too? They're so cute huh? I wondered what the RH stood for. Thanks for the review.
MacCartney: Straight to the point, nice! At this point I'm not sure Caldwell's fate yet. I'll keep your idea in mind though. Oh, and breath through the anger!
johnliz4ever: Hmmm, I' think Liz could some pretty nasty damage huh?
shipper4ever: I used to be annoyed about not being able to do anonymous reviews too so that's why I changed it. Thank you for reviewing!
Wolf Maid: Aaw! Thanks for putting me on your Author Alert list. Although I can't deny I feel the pressure now! LOL.
Puddles 1311: thanks for the kind words.
Quezacolt: I was beginning to think that too but I don't think I'll make Caldwell crazy though. Or will I? Hmmmmmmmm…
Worth It
5. Concequences
Elizabeth listened to the steady rhythm of beeps coming from somewhere close by. Even though her mind was slightly fuzzy she still could figure out it was a heart monitor and that she was in the infirmary. Shows how often I have to listen to one in this damn place! She thought annoyed.
Licking her dry lips Elizabeth decided it was time to open her eyes. Slowly opening one eye partially she glanced around the blurry room. Sighing in defeat when her vision did not improve Elizabeth opened the other eye and groaned in pain. John's right, these lights are too damn bright! Elizabeth could help but grin at herself for using the word 'Damn' twice. Such a John word she thought amusedly. It was then that the diplomat had no idea why she was there. Feeling panicky she tried to sit up but felt pain rip through her back and cried out in pain. This got some attention and Carson Beckett came running out from his office. When he saw Dr Weir sitting half way he gave her a stern glare.
"Dr Weir just whit do you think yir doing?" He asked while supporting her to lie back down. "You've got some nasty burns on yir back and left arm."
"If my back is burnt then why am I lying on it Carson?" Elizabeth asked through gritted teeth and the medic rolled his eyes at her snappy response.
She's beginning to sound more like Colonel Sheppard everyday he thought wearily. "Well, being unconscious you wudnae have notice, wud you? So now you are awake let's keep you on your right side, 'kay?"
Along with Carson's help Elizabeth managed to roll onto her right side and she breathed a sigh of relief when he increased her morphine level and the pain subsided slightly.
"Better?" he asked and she nodded.
"Much, thank you." She replied. "So, what happened Carson?"
"How much do you remember?"
Elizabeth frowned as she tried to recall events. "We were on the Lowderan's home world and had just negotiated a food treaty. Ryan, Rodney and myself were walking back to the gate when…there was an explosion in the village! They were being attacked! Oh god, did everyone get out okay?" she asked worriedly and Carson gave her a reassuring smile.
"All of our people made it back, you were the worst off. We also managed to save some Lowderans." He explained and her eyes widened.
"There was a mother and daughter. Did they make it?" Elizabeth asked not realising it was quite a vague description. The only reason the two stuck in his mind was because Sheppard had told Beckett that Dr Weir had helped save them.
Giving her a grin he said, "There absolutely fine lass, thanks to you it sounds."
Elizabeth closed her eyes and smiled. "Good." She said quietly, more to herself than Carson. When she opened them again she portrayed a puzzled expression. "I take it someone came back for me, huh?"
Carson cringed at her question. Although he was angry about how Sheppard was being treated the doctor did not want to cause his patient any distress until she was better. Choosing his words carefully, and trying not to lie in the process, Carson said, "Yes, Colonel Sheppard in fact."
Hearing his response the woman's eyes became glazed and a small smile played on her lips. "John saved me?" she asked and Carson nodded. He saw her eyes begin to flutter and knew she was sleepy. As she drifted off he heard her say, "He always does."
Smiling sadly at her remark Carson made sure her dressings were secure and made his way back to his office to report Weir's condition. If only his rescue hadn't been clouded by his court-marshal he thought and pressed the intercom button.
John Sheppard sat quiet and still in the brig with folded arms and thought over everything that had happened the past few days. He had already studied his cell in great detail, not that there was much to see. He had never notice the plain pattern on the ceiling before and found the long marble bench attached to the wall very cold and uncomfortable. Then again this was John's first time being held prisoner in here so why would he have notice these insignificant details.
What was really getting to him was no news of Elizabeth. They had left the officer with his watch so he knew it had been over 4 hours since Caldwell dragged him in there and thought surely there would be news by now.
Unless Caldwell ain't telling me he thought moodily and scowled at the opposite wall as if it were the man.
The silence in the room was broken by the sound of the door to the room opening and John saw Caldwell and Ford enter. Ford gave him a small smile while Caldwell's face remained serious. John stood up and walked up to the shield with his eyebrows raised.
"Colonel?"
"I'm here to inform you that Dr Weir woke up half an hour ago." When John smiled in relief Caldwell pushed on, "Dr Beckett says she'll be fine but she's back asleep now."
John grinned at Ford who mirrored his expression. Looking back at his CO Sheppard knew the man had not needed to tell him this good news.
"Thank you for letting me know Sir." He said gratefully and Caldwell gave him a curt nod. Despite their quick mature moment, John asked a risky question, "Did she remember anything? You know, like the details of what happened afterwards?"
Seeing where this was going Caldwell growled, "Don't push your luck Sheppard."
John shrugged, trying not to sound smug. "Just wanted to know if she knew all the details."
They glared at each other then Caldwell marched away. When he had left Ford let out the breath he had been holding in during their face off.
"That was risky sir, " he said and John nodded.
"I know Ford. It just bugs me that Dr Weir could ever fall for a guy like him!" Ford gaped at his CO's honesty and John continued. "I mean, he thinks anyone is expendable! That's not Elizabeth, Ford!"
Ford was too shocked to speak John scolded himself for being so open in front of the young marine. Just when he was about to speak Ford found his voice.
"I agree Sir. To be honest I never knew what she saw in the guy."
Both men relaxed a bit with their confessions, then realised they had just been talking about feelings. John cleared his throat and Aiden shuffled his feet embarrassed.
"Well, I'll go see if she's awake yet." Ford announced.
"Good idea. Thanks Ford" John said and watched his friend leave feeling slightly better knowing that he was not alone in his dislike for Caldwell.
"I mean, wow Elizabeth. You saved them!"
Elizabeth blushed yet again at Rodney McKay's praise and Teyla chuckled at the diplomat's embarrassment.
"Really Rodney, it was nothing…"
"Then again you did save us all before. Well, the other older you." He said with a pensive face.
Although Teyla knew the scientist was annoying Dr Weir she did not want to have to deal with explaining Sheppard's absence. Dr Beckett had warned them not to upset the patient, as she needed rest. So for the past 2 hours Teyla and Rodney had been keeping their friend company avoiding anything to do with Colonel Sheppard. That was until McKay began talking about Elizabeth's heroism.
"You know, you should go off world with us more often!" he exclaimed to which Weir frowned.
"Em, I'm not so sure about that Rodney. Besides, what do you guys need a diplomat for?" She knew it was a lame excuse, as the flagship team was well known for messing up even simple treaties.
"Oh please! We are the worst team for making friends!" he claimed and pressed on ignoring Teyla's hurt glare. "Well, I'm just fine at it but you know these guys" he indicated to Teyla with his thumb. "Not so much! Especially Sheppard…"
"Right, Colonel Sheppard! Where is he?" Elizabeth jumped in.
Rodney looked like a deer caught in headlights and Teyla threw him an angry stare.
"Um, well, you see…he had some business to take care of with Colonel Caldwell." He stuttered avoiding her eye.
"Business? Even Ryan hasn't come to see me. "Elizabeth said slightly offended and Teyla knew the truth would come out eventually.
Bracing herself Teyla began to give the woman an explanation when Caldwell strode in. Elizabeth's face lit up when she saw him where as Teyla and Rodney tried to stifle their growls.
"Ryan!" she exclaimed and smiled when he kissed her on the forehead. Perching on the edge of the bed the marine turned his head to Teyla and Rodney.
"Do you mind if I speak with Dr Weir please. Alone." He said raising his voice slightly at the word 'alone'.
Rodney was about to refuse when Teyla interrupted him. "Of course. Perhaps you can explain recent events to Dr Weir." She said with a smirk and pulled Rodney's arm forcing him to leave with her.
Elizabeth gave Caldwell a confused look, "Recent events? Oh, did you find out who attacked the Lowderans?"
Ryan visibly relaxed with her question, which he did have an answer to. Stroking a piece of hair behind Elizabeth's ear, then cupping her cheek for just a second and finally letting his hand rest over hers, he began to explain the attack.
"We've been discussing the attack with several members of the planet. Apparently the Lowderans have an enemy we did not know about. They have been in a civil war for the past 2 years."
Elizabeth's eyes went wide with surprise. "They never said! That's why they were so interested in medical supplies!"
"Yeah. They've been at war on their enemy, the Pitarian's, land so much of the destruction has happened there. That's why it was never obvious and why they wanted the treaty done so fast." Caldwell continued. "They had no idea the Pitarians had developed aircrafts like themselves so they were unprepared for the attack. Most of their fighters were still on enemy soil."
Elizabeth nodded slowly taking in the information. "Did Rami and Mekha make it?" Ryan's eyes told her everything and she gave a sad sigh. "I know we should be angry they kept this from us but…after our several meetings together I thought we had genuinely become friends."
Ryan gazed at her understanding eyes then leaned forward to press a tender kiss on Weir's lips. Despite her recent confusion over their relationship it felt nice to have someone show care for her like this.
"Mmmmm, I've been desperate to do that since I heard you were awake." He said softly. Then, looking up at her with loving eyes, told her, "I almost lost you Liz."
His statement did nothing to clear up Elizabeth's confusion and she gave him a small smile. "Well, you didn't. Thanks to you and Colonel Sheppard."
Caldwell realised that she must think he'd ordered Sheppard to go back for her. Not wanting to upset or lose her Ryan shrugged.
"I wasn't going to lose you." He said and then cupped her cheek again, "I love you Liz."
He could tell she was shocked by the way her mouth opened slightly and cheeks flushed. Expecting her to respond he was surprised when Elizabeth said nothing. Ryan couldn't help the hurt sigh that escaped him and when it did Elizabeth squeezed his hand.
"I'm…I'm sorry Ryan. I'm just not there yet." She told him gently. "I hope you understand?"
He stared at her for several minutes not bothering to hide the hurt expression on his face. It tore Ryan up that after all this time together she still didn't love him. He just hoped Sheppard had nothing to do with this. Taking a deep breath Caldwell said,
"Of course I understand. Take all the time you need."
The object of his affection gave him a grateful smile and squeezed his hand again as she let out a yawn. Questions about John and the civil war left her mind as her eyelids felt heavy. Taking the hint Caldwell stood up.
"I'll let you get some sleep. Next time you wake up I'm sure you'll have many more visitors. Okay?" he asked and she nodded pulling the white sheet up around her shoulders. Kissing her on the cheek this time he whispered, "Night Liz."
Gazing at the sleeping woman once more Caldwell finally left the infirmary. Next time he saw her the marine knew she would be angry after hearing about Sheppard. He only hoped she wouldn't leave him because of it.
The next time Elizabeth woke up she had two visitors, the woman and young girl she had helped.
"Oh, sorry. Did we wake you Dr Weir?" the mother asked worriedly.
"No, no. It's alright." She assured them sitting up slightly. "How are you both?"
The mother stroked her daughter's head. "We are well. Thank you so much for helping us. I am sorry you were injured."
Elizabeth waved off her apology smiling at the little girl. "Don't be. We're all okay. That's the main thing. So," she said directing her question at the daughter. "What's your name?"
Giving Weir a shy smile the girl said, "Misha" and her mother lifted her onto Weir's bed.
Taking her hand Elizabeth said, "Pleased to meet you Misha. I'm Elizabeth. Misha's a very pretty name. "
Both woman chuckled at the Misha's embarrassed grin and they spent sometime talking about each other's cultures. Eventually Misha, who was around 7 or 8, let out a big yawn and Elizabeth reached over for a watch left by the bed. Seeing it was only 7 am in the morning she guessed the Lowderans had been having trouble settling in Atlantis, after all it was a huge, intimidating city.
"Oh, I think someone needs their bed!" Elizabeth exclaimed and Misha's mother nodded in agreement.
"So do I, let's leave Elizabeth in peace." She said lifting the girl up into her arms.
"But I'm not tired!" Misha cried while barely managing to keep her eyes open. "I want to stay."
"Tell, you what Misha. If you go to sleep for a while I promise we can talk when you wake up, okay?" And Elizabeth smiled when she nodded sleepily. "Goodnight and sweet dreams Misha."
As she watched them leave Elizabeth let out a contented sigh. It was then she decided all the pain had been worth it just to meet Misha. Staring at the door, she was surprised to see it open again and Lt. Ford walked in.
"Oh, Dr Weir!" he exclaimed. "I didn't think you'd be awake. I came here to see Dr Beckett."
"I don't think he's up yet Lieutenant." She told him.
Ford nodded then pointed to the chair beside the bed. "Mind if I join you?" he asked.
Elizabeth shook her head and gave him a smile. "Of course not."
"I came to see you last night but I saw you were fast asleep."
Elizabeth was touched at his concern. "Yeah, I was pretty exhausted and I'd only been sitting around most of the day!" she complained jokingly. Examining Ford closer she could tell something was bothering him. "Ford, is everything okay?"
"No, Ma'am. Actually it's not." He said, almost depressingly. "There's something you need to know about the mission, well after you were injured. It's about Colonel Sheppard."
"Will this explain why I haven't seen him since I woke up yesterday and why everyone's been avoiding my questions about him too?" she asked sounding slightly irritated.
"Yes. You know he saved you, right?" When Weir nodded Ford continued. "Well, the only reason we knew where you were was because the woman you helped told us what had happened. Colonel Sheppard immediately began to go back for you. But Colonel Caldwell ordered him not to."
If Ford had been expecting an angry reaction he didn't get one. The woman before him just stared at him in shock mixed with confusion. Deciding to go on Ford began to examine his hands as he did so.
"Sheppard told Caldwell that they had to get you back but he gave him a direct order not to. Instead, Caldwell ordered an evacuation. Ma'am, Colonel Sheppard disobeyed orders and stayed behind to retrieve you. And now he's going to be court-marshalled and is currently confined to the brig."
Ford looked up to see Elizabeth pursing her lips and knew she was pissed. He was now worried how this would affect her health wise and the earful he would get from Beckett.
"So, Caldwell ordered you all to leave me behind but Sheppard defied those orders and rescued me?" she spoke slowly as if trying to understand the story. "Then Sheppard was basically arrested for disobeying orders even though he saved my life?"
"Yes Ma'am." Ford verified quietly.
Just then Carson bounded in and gave them both a cheery smile. "Good morning! So how are we feeling today?" he asked Weir while beginning to check her vitals. He stopped when he got no reply. Looking closer at his patient Beckett saw the anger and hurt clearly etched on her face. This can only mean one thing he thought and shot Ford an angry glare.
"She had to know doc!" he said defensively. "Dr Weir already knew something was wrong!"
Turning to Elizabeth Carson placed a hand on her uninjured shoulder. "I'm sorry we didn't tell you but I thought it was for the best…"
Weir suddenly began to shove off the covers and Ford tried to stop her.
"I need to see him." She muttered but Carson also tried to stop her.
"Elizabeth, you need to calm down…"
"Carson! I just found out that the man that supposedly loves me wanted to leave me behind to die! Now I want to see John so I can thank him for saving my life and then Ryan so I can find out exactly what the hell he's thinking!"
Seeing they were only making it worse, Carson eventually agreed to let her see Sheppard but only if he could take her himself and in a wheelchair. Elizabeth reluctantly accepted his terms and both men helped her get ready. As they were leaving the infirmary Carson noticed the tears that had formed in her eyes and knew that Elizabeth would try with all her might to now save John.
