Here's the last one (whimper), thanks for reviewing guys (whimper), you were all so nice about this one (whimper)…did I win an Oscar or something! Anihooo, seriously thanks to all who reviewed or just read this as it was something different I was trying.
elemental-sparky: thanks dude!
Ling-San: At least you came back and reviewed. Thanks!
TubaPrincess: Glad you were surprised.
Ashkash: Yep, wanted Liz to seem really strong so I'm glad that came across.
Chapter 12
Elizabeth's eyes shot open and she winced when the bright lights caused a surge of pain to pulse through her skull. Blinking a couple of times so her vision would become more focussed she then heard voices. It was two men arguing and she was positive she knew who they were.
"It's off, okay! I double, then tripled checked!"
"It's still blinking!"
"It's on stand-by mode"
"How do you know that?"
"Well, hmm, look short of whacking it with a hammer I can't be sure-"
"That sounds like a good idea, Ford-"
"No, no, no!"
Elizabeth let out an involuntary cough and was immediately surrounded by four or five people staring down at her. Glancing nervously at each face she managed to put a name to each – Carson, Rodney, John, Teyla and Ford.
"Wha-what happened?" She asked in a hushed voice and Carson squeezed past the rest so he was at the head of the bed. "Is…is this real?"
The group exchanged confused looks and then looked at Carson for an explanation. Ignoring their stares he proceeded to examine Elizabeth's eyes and head.
"Aye, we're real love. I can promise you that." The medic confirmed, although the patient still looked unconvinced so he continued to explain what had happened to her.
"You were on P2S447 with Colonel Sheppard and his team when the Wraith attacked the planet."
John jumped in next before Rodney got the chance. "We, me and you, managed to get cut off from the rest and ended up taking a detour to the gate. Just as we were about to jump through you were shot with something in the head."
This time Rodney took over disregarding both Carson and John's scowls.
"It was a small round alien device that had attached itself to your temple. It was causing some unusual energy readings as well as-"
"Causing you to remain in a coma for almost two weeks." Carson finished and everyone looked at Elizabeth expectantly. The reaction they got however was a surprise.
"Don't lie to me again! I will not believe you this time!" She screamed and the group stepped back slightly when she sat up glaring. Watching them suspiciously the doctor slid out of bed so she was a safe distance from them. Suddenly she grabbed a scalpel and pointed it towards them.
"What have you done to me this time?"
Her voice was low and dangerous and Beckett coughed nervously. "Dr Weir, we've done nothing to you. I swear-"
"Stop it! I will not give you anything, nothing!" Her eyes were wild and John stared into them.
"Elizabeth, we're not going to hurt you, I promise. You're in Atlantis, safe."
As the pilot spoke Elizabeth began to panic and shook her head. "You won't fool me again." She whispered directing the statement at John.
He frowned seeing the terrified look in her eyes and barely heard Beckett's next words.
"Everyone else out please." He ordered and held up a hand to the colonel who he knew would protest. "Please colonel, she's very agitated. I think it would be best if you all leave."
Elizabeth waved the scalpel again as the crowd slowly exited the cubical. Behind a worried looking Carson she could see Sheppard take one last troubled look at her and for a second contemplated that this could be real.
Seeing Elizabeth become pensive Carson took a few careful steps towards her and held out a hand. "I need you to calm down Dr Weir. We have no idea why you don't trust us but I can assure you there's nothing to fear here."
Elizabeth opened her mouth and closed it twice before speaking properly. "The Wraith."
"Aye, well, of course we have to fear the Wraith here but we're in no immediate danger. We fought them off, remember?"
She studied his face again but still no flaws were apparent. They weren't the last time either. Looking from the tiny knife in her hand to the doctor's face she finally placed it in his hand. Whether this was real or not it didn't matter, there was nothing she could do about it.
Letting out a relieved sigh Carson motioned to the infirmary bed and Elizabeth lay back down.
"Okay lass, why don't we start again?" He asked gently and pushed on when the woman consented. "As we said before the Wraith shot a device at you that embedded itself in your temple. When you fell through the gate the Colonel caught you but you appeared to be unconscious. Since then you had been in a coma until Sheppard made the tough decision of removing the device."
"Why was it a tough decision?" Elizabeth asked still glancing wearily around the medical bay.
"We couldn't run anymore tests on the device so long as it was attached to you. But that meant not finding out what it did, therefore how to remove it safely. I presented the options to the colonel and he decided you would want the device studied instead of keeping you in a coma. The lad found it very hard."
Elizabeth noted the sadness in the doctor's voice but this still did nothing to ease her agitated state. How do I know this isn't a double fake out and he's a Wraith?
"So, would you like to tell me what happened?" Carson asked with a steady voice, one of his classic signs of patience. He wouldn't push her if she didn't. Studying his face again Elizabeth sighed.
"To me, the past two weeks have been dream and a nightmare Carson." She admitted quietly and the medic's brow furrowed. "I remember running to the gate with Sheppard but then I woke up in mental institute back on Earth. According to another version of you I was crazy and that Atlantis didn't exist. It all felt so real."
After Elizabeth described all the events, minus some of the more intimate situations with John, a stunned silence filled the air and the doctor looked flabbergasted. Of all the possibilities discussed he had never imagined the device had been stimulating dreams.
"So, you were worried that this was still that reality?"
"I'm still worried."
Carson smiled understandingly and then glanced over his shoulder. Turning back he said, "Just give me a sec."
He disappeared behind another curtain and then came back with something in his hand. Peering at it he held it out so Elizabeth could see it clearly. It was a small round silver device, no bigger than a button. Seeing the tool it's appearance seemed vaguely familiar. Staring at it and then looking up at the medic she asked, "Have we seen these before?"
Carson shook his head. "I'm afraid not. It does however look similar to a Tok'ra memory recall device Stargate Command has encountered."
"Right." Elizabeth muttered recognising the name. It had been on a list given to the expedition team before leaving Earth. It described many alien machines that were considered dangerous and therefore told to watch out for. The recall chip had been used by the goual'd before and so was considered hazardous.
As they continued to fiddle with the device neither noticed another figure join them.
"You know Rodney's going to be pissed."
Both Carson and Elizabeth jumped and saw John with a smirk on his face.
"Colonel, I told you-" Carson began.
"I know I know. I just wanted to see how Dr Weir was doing." John assured him but was met by the Scot's stern glare. "Just for five minutes?"
"Nope! I want her to get some rest-"
"Rest? I've been asleep for almost two weeks Carson!" Elizabeth exclaimed but the man was not having any of it.
Pointing to John he barked, "Out!" and then turning to Elizabeth ordered, "Rest!"
Elizabeth and John made a 'tut' sound but complied. She lay back on the bed and glanced at Sheppard cautiously as he left. He shot her one of his trademark grins and then left. It certainly seemed like the real ones but she was still weary. Positive she would not be able to sleep it surprised her when her eyelids began to droop and her body felt drained of its energy. Slowly letting her eyelids get heavier Elizabeth sighed as she entered a deep slumber.
Rodney tapped his fingers on the briefing table to a silent tune and John glared at him while sorting through a deck of playing cards.
"Rodney, would you please stop doing that? It's giving me a headache." He gritted out but the scientist simply smirked back.
"Thinking too much are we Colonel?" He shot back.
"Yeah, but just ways to get rid of you. Don't worry too much about it." John quipped and then turned away to end the conversation. He heard a 'pah!" sound behind him and stifled a laugh but allowed a triumphant smile to show. Ford laughed and Teyla rolled her eyes. The man they were waiting on finally walked in and the large thin doors slid shut blocking out all other activity.
Since Elizabeth was in the infirmary Carson claimed her normal seat so he could brief the team.
"How is Dr Weir?" Teyla asked her worry clearly etched on her face.
"Better now." Carson confirmed and the group visibly relaxed. "It would seem the Wraith device was causing Dr Weir to dream."
His statement was met by silence and then Rodney broke it with an intelligent. "Huh?"
Carson cleared his throat signalling this would be a long and complicating explanation. "According to Dr Weir she has been experiencing another life all this time we thought she was unconcious. They fooled her into thinking she was delusional and had a completely different life on Earth."
"Why would they do that?" John asked the obvious question.
"Dr Weir and I believe the device is used to probe their victim's mind. In this case the Wraith wanted to learn more about Earth and its position in the Milky Way. At one point, in the dream, she was outside and was naming the constellations to a friend." When he said the last part his eyes quickly darted to John who didn't miss this. Making a mental note to enquire about it later he allowed the doctor to carry on. "They used several things to make her believe she was back on Earth and that Atlantis didn't exist. However she began to suspect otherwise and was eventually attacked by four Wraith illusions. Or minds, depending on how you look at it."
As the three men became confused Teyla intervened. "Using the probe they created a dream world based Dr Weir's memories and feelings. They then tried to trick her into giving away information by interacting with her through their mental abilities."
"Exactly." Carson said although he was sure the other three were still puzzled. But, like proud men, they nodded as if it all made sense. However, Beckett knew after this all three would individually corner him and he'd have to explain it all again.
"But she'll be okay now?" Rodney asked confidently.
"Well, I can't be sure. Having someone mess with your thoughts and feelings can be pretty damaging. I mean, look how she reacted when she woke up. She believed we were all Wraith."
"He's right." Teyla announced sadly. "It may take time for Dr Weir to trust any of us again."
Everyone's head dropped slightly and John pursed his lips as he tried to suppress the anger building up inside of him. It had taken all this time for the expedition team to trust each other but now they were a family built on that trust, despite a few niggles here and there.
One person had found it difficult establishing that trust with everyone, including himself. Elizabeth had dealt with insubordination from many officers, marines and scientists. Now she would feel edgy and weary around them when she should feel at home and safe.
His thoughts were interrupted when he saw the group stand up signalling the end of the briefing. Watching everyone else leave John cornered Carson before he could make an escape.
"So, can I see her properly now doc?" He asked not attempting to hide his desperation.
Carson rolled his eyes. He knew Elizabeth had dreamt being married to the air force officer and that seeing him was difficult. But he also knew she couldn't hide from the man forever.
"I'd give it another day Colonel. Just give her the time she needs to straighten things out in her own mind." He told him gently and the pilot reluctantly nodded.
Elizabeth turned another page of the heavy book she was reading and became so enthralled in the story did not hear the doors open. As John entered he saw the diplomat hadn't heard him so just stood for a minute watching her.
She was more relaxed, now being back in her own clothes, and had some colour back in her pale cheeks. He smiled as she giggled at a part in the book and couldn't believe she was sitting there before him.
John had been sure removing the device would kill her but had not seen any other options. He had actually cried the night before he made the decision worried whatever option he chose would kill her. Watching her in the coma for these weeks had been hell knowing she was still alive yet unable to wake. He had watched her almost every night and talked or read to her. On one desperate night he had actually carried her outside to the main balcony to give her fresh air and admire the sunrise together. Carson had been very pissed at this but had understood John's need to do it. He had run Atlantis during the day and then spent the night by Elizabeth's bedside.
So when she had stared at him with petrified eyes it had hurt. He hated the thought of her being scared of him. So he had done what Beckett had suggested and left her for a day. Now watching her read John was worried she would freak at him again.
As if sensing his stare Elizabeth glanced at him and smiled. "John."
Smiling back John grabbed a seat and pulled it to the bed. Sitting down she closed the book and looked at him with apologetic eyes.
"I'm sorry about yesterday."
"It's okay, you'd just been attacked by Wraith. Wraith pretending to be us. It's understandable." He said with sympathetic eyes.
Elizabeth gave a relieved sigh. "Good."
John looked around the infirmary and then grasped her hand. The intimate contact startled Elizabeth and she immediately pulled back.
"Sorry…sorry. I just-" He stuttered clearly beginning to panic.
"No, it's okay. I was just surprised. That's all." Elizabeth assured him and took his hand again. She gave it a squeeze and nodded. "I don't know what Dr Beckett told you about my…dream."
"He just said that it had seemed pretty real. And also that some of us popped up but that's all. Why?" He asked with raised eyebrows hoping she would elaborate.
"I just wondered. It felt very real John. I could touch things, feel and even speak to people."
"Did I show up?" He asked and didn't notice the flicker embarrassment on her face. "Is that why you were so scared of me yesterday?"
Elizabeth nodded hoping he couldn't see the flush she could feel creeping into her cheeks. "Yeah. All of you did. Even Kavanaugh."
His eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really?"
"Yeah, as a mental patient." Both paused and then burst into laughter.
"Oh, at least the Wraith got one thing right!" John choked out and that just made them laugh harder.
As their laughter finally abated Elizabeth took a deep breath and John wiped an eye. When he looked up he saw she was slightly flushed and then glanced around the room. Facing back with a twinkle in his eye he leant forward and whispered, "Want to go for a walk?"
Seeing the mischief beaming all over his face Elizabeth shook her head. "No, Carson said I was to stay here."
As soon as she had declined his offer Elizabeth realised she hadn't really been outside for weeks and that she missed the view. When he saw the distant look on her face John whipped out a piece of paper and looked around for a pen. Spotting one he grabbed it and quickly jotted down a note. Waving it around he raised an eyebrow.
"Last chance. Coming?"
Biting the side of her bottom lip Elizabeth knew it was wrong but desperately wanted to feel the breeze. Sighing she nodded and slid off the bed. Slipping into the pair of shoes sitting next to the chair Elizabeth felt like a kid again sneaking off somewhere without her parents' permissions. Once ready John pulled her arm and they left the infirmary.
They somehow made it to the main balcony without being stopped Elizabeth noticed. What she didn't know was that John had glared at anyone who had approached using his best 'back off buddy!' expression to keep them at bay. As soon as they stepped outside he saw her face light up and copied her pose when she leant against the railing.
They stood in silence for a few minutes taking in the view. Although Elizabeth felt odd being around John she knew he was trying his best to put her at ease and was grateful for it.
"So, do you want to talk about it?"
All he received was a silent shake of the head and he gave her one nod to show he understood. But he couldn't stop himself talking.
"It must have been hard, dealing with the Wraith I mean." He stated keeping his eyes on the sea.
"Yeah, that was the hard part." Elizabeth muttered looking down at her hands.
John heard her change of tone but decided not to press it. She would talk when she was good and ready and he knew that.
"Well, whenever you're ready I'll be here." He told her facing her with a smile.
"I know." She answered gazing into his eyes.
And as their gaze returned to the spectacular view Elizabeth knew this was the real reality and the one she wanted.
THE END
A/N: Thanks again but if I get lots of reviews I could be convinced to do a epilogue about when she does tell him about being married. Please R'n'R!
