Nearly, very nearly finished! Second-last chapter, and the last chapter will be up soon, since I just need to add a few more things to finish that. Hope you've been enjoying the story so far, and hope you enjoy this part too!
Elizabeth yawned softly as she stared down at the booklet in front of her. Rodney had surprisingly finished before her, and was now fast asleep, while she still had things building up inside her to write.
Idly she let her gaze flicker over what she'd already written; pretty much a basic account of what had happened over the past three days. With a soft sigh, she glanced to Rodney. He looked so peaceful, so happy… and his booklet was just beside him. Elizabeth quickly shook her head, no, it wouldn't be right.
A frown suddenly crossed her features, and she crossed out everything she'd written before.
'This time I will be truthful. That's always been my main problem, hiding things away, worrying about other people's problems rather then my own, even when I've been writing in a booklet that no-one else will ever read. So right now, that's going to change.
I'll start by writing about what's happened lately. Saying that, it's actually hard to explain. I've always felt a connection with Rodney, even when I knew him before Atlantis. He's always made me laugh, and we seem to get along well together. I suppose it's only been on Atlantis that I've truly seen how much he means to me. Of course, a lot of that came out last week, when I was 'possessed' by an energy creature. It was terribly invasive, and frightening because I couldn't control myself, but it somehow enabled me to unlock my deep feelings also. Somehow, I feel like taking risks a lot more, maybe even telling Rodney how I feel. There's just one problem… I don't want to scare him away.
I know that he feels something for me. But I couldn't possibly force him into anything, especially when we're likely on Atlantis indefinitely. Sometimes I even wish for a Wraith attack, with all of these personal things happening on the base. Maybe that's why I invited Jane and Carson along, to try and have matters between them all resolved. In a way, I think things have been, because they seem a lot more comfortable around each other now. I suppose, honestly, the one thing I'd prefer the most is to have everything be back to 'normal'. It's so much harder to focus on enemies that seem to be all around you, when you have so many people you're close too nearby.
In some ways, that did help a lot, actually being able to see, in written form, how I feel. I'm also tempted to start writing a diary on Atlantis; possibly it may even help me sleep better.
Elizabeth let out a small sigh of relief then, closing the booklet. She hadn't written much, but it had felt good to actually write down some of her worries, and feelings. Deftly, she tossed the booklet under the bed, and allowed her gaze to wander to Rodney once more. Worry flickered over her features, as she noticed him tossing and turning on the floor. A bad nightmare maybe? He was even growling a little.
For a moment Elizabeth toyed with the idea of whether she should wake him, they may even be able to talk over it, and make matters between them a little better. So gingerly, she slid off the hammock, and knelt down beside him. "Rodney?" She murmured softly, shaking him with her hand. "Rodney, you're having a bad dream, wake up."
Another growl erupted, and Elizabeth frowned. She shook him a little more roughly, her voice volume raising a touch more. "Rodney, come on, wake up it's okay."
Rodney's eyes shot open and darted to her, his hand suddenly latching around her wrist. Elizabeth couldn't help the jolt of surprise that ran through her, and she laughed nervously. "Right Rodney, good try, you really had me scared. Now come on, let go." Gently she tugged her wrist, but his grip just tightened. "Please Rodney… you're hurting me."
Rodney started to unfold, a slow smile creeping across his face. Elizabeth felt a nervous shudder pass through her that she never would have expected to happen around Rodney, and she started to scramble back. She found he was a lot stronger then she'd ever expected, even as she tugged harder. "Rodney, come on, this isn't funny anymore!"
Rodney suddenly halted then, his eyes softening. Elizabeth relaxed, a nervous smile emerging. "Good, now, if you'll just let go…"
And then he leapt.
Teyla stared down at the blank booklet in front of her, still unsure of what exactly she should write. John had completed his writing in a matter of moments, and was now snoring away contentedly in a nearby corner of the hut. Teyla frowned softly herself, and tried to remember what Telana had said. Thoughts of the past three days… but they were simple of course, usually to do with what tasks had been placed upon them. It was as weird a task as when John had told her to see Jane, and yet that had helped. And she couldn't deny this was part of the ritual, one that Elizabeth was counting on them all to take full part in.
'I am somewhat unsure of what I should be writing. This theory of a 'diary' seems a little strange, but nonetheless I will do my best to complete the task. My father kept many reports, as did I, but they were historic, important events that should never be forgotten. If everyone had written their thoughts down, then surely there would be many pages per event? I and my people pass on thoughts through our stories, to our children, but I suppose there are times when some thoughts should not be public.
Certainly events have been fun, and pairing up with John is, as ever, a fruitful and enlightening experience. I believe there are many things that I have taught him though this time around, and we seem to have learned much of each other. I had always thought we were close on Atlantis, but having to spend constant time together, seems to have cemented our friendship.
There are still some things that trouble him though, things I dare not ask about, for fear of breaking this cheerful spell that has settled over him. More so because we seem to be the only ones who have preserved some semblance of cheerfulness, with the events of the past few weeks. Every night, I continue to see if I can feel a Wraith presence, because I fear of them coming especially now, when the ties we have formed as a team, are beginning to fracture.
Perhaps that is why, on some level, I fear becoming too close to John. He is a great friend already, and one that has saved my life many times, and introduced me to Earth culture in so many fun ways. It is impossible to deny some attraction between us, but it is unwise to pursue things further then friendship merely because of attraction. I believe that our friendship is more valuable then anything else at this time.
It is now I think that I see why people find diaries so useful. They are like some very close friend, who offers no judgement, and happily listens to all that you tell them, while never telling anyone else. I feel almost sad in a way that I will have to burn these words in the morning. But then, perhaps it is not the keeping of the words that is important, merely the writing of them.
Teyla surveyed that last sentence, reading it through her mind curiously for a moment or two, before smiling softly. It was amazing what thoughts sprung forth when you allowed yourself free reign of a few blank pages. Tucking the booklet away underneath the hammock, she then settled back into it. There was a moment of silence, before she heard a low growl from across the tent. Immediately, her senses heightened, and she stiffened. A stray animal perhaps? Telana had never mentioned anything like that happening before, but they were newcomers after all.
Suddenly she realised that she hadn't blown the light out. Of course, the animal was probably attracted by the light at such a dark hour. Sighing to herself, she rolled off the hammock, and tiptoed over to the nearby candle. As soon as the light was out, she waited for a moment, and then started to move back to the hammock. Halfway she stopped though, aware of another growl on the edge of her hearing. Closer this time, maybe even inside the tent. Mentally, she cursed herself for so readily erasing the only available light source. She'd simply have to rely on her natural instincts. The only problem was working out where the thing actually was.
Teyla didn't have to wait long for an answer, as John jumped on top of her.
"Rodney!" Elizabeth shouted then, lifting her knees up to try and push him off her. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Rodney just growled back at her, as if he didn't understand a word she was saying, and pushed her down to the ground further. It was obvious what his intentions were as soon as his hand started trying to rip her dress off.
"Okay, whoa there! Don't you think we should have a date first perhaps?" Elizabeth kneed him in the stomach deftly, and rolled away, ignoring the yelp from Rodney. She darted up then, eyes searching the hut for anything she could use as a weapon.
Rodney hit her full force, the both of them rolling along the floor of the hut. Elizabeth pushed back instinctive thoughts to enjoy this as much as possible and instead focused on trying to make it so that she ended up on top. As she looked down into Rodney's eyes, she knew, well, that it certainly wasn't Rodney in there. His arms quickly wrapped around her, and she squirmed as much as she could. Maybe she could scream? But what good would it do, with their huts so far away from the Alonins? And what if Rodney wasn't the only one affected?
"Right, that's it you… well, whatever the hell you are." As Rodney moved to roll over, she brought her knee up as quickly as possible, trying to ignore the obvious yelp from Rodney as she hit an extremely vital part of his anatomy.
"Sorry Rodney." Elizabeth gasped as she rolled away, darting up as soon as she found herself to be stable enough. "I'll eh… make it up to you when you're back to normal."
As vital as that part was, Rodney seemed to recover quickly enough, and Elizabeth stood watching breathless as he staggered up. "Right, yes, good Elizabeth, but now what do you do?"
She didn't want to hurt Rodney, but then, well she had to do something. Help, she had to get help. Maybe Carson would know what to do, or Jane, Rodney might be going through some weird regression phase that she could deal with. Elizabeth dodged another leap from Rodney, and took the opportunity to give him another kick, this time to the head. She sent herself a mental memo to thank Teyla for those self-defence classes, and darted out of the hut.
The silence of the night shook her from her thoughts for a moment, as she wondered if perhaps this was all some weird dream. She seemed to have been going through moments like that a lot in the past few weeks. Ignoring the growls from her own hut, she ran over to Jane and Carson's, darting inside.
"Jane, Carson, you have to come, Rodn-"Her voice immediately collapsed as she stared with wide eyes at the sight in front of her. Carson was kneeling in front of Jane, his whole body trembling, while Jane stared into his eyes, her hand seemingly the only thing stopping Carson from collapsing completely.
"What the hell are you doing!" Elizabeth shouted towards Jane. But Jane didn't even turn to her, lost in her own world, simply smiling down at Carson. Right, so she had to make a choice, quickly. Elizabeth ran straight for Jane, and tackled her to the ground, already preparing to hold her down as much as she could. But Jane recovered quickly, smacking Elizabeth smartly around the side of the head, before rolling away.
"You… stupid… you've ruined everything!"
Elizabeth couldn't believe what Jane looked like. Her eyes swam as if they were filled with water, and her hands trembled. It seemed as if her whole face had morphed into a person Elizabeth had never seen, yet somehow still resembled the Jane she knew.
"What-what are you talking about? You were hurting Carson!"
"I, was, helping him!" Jane screamed suddenly, running towards Elizabeth and grabbing hold of her hair. With a loud scream from Jane, Elizabeth was smashed into the floor. "No matter." Jane suddenly added, in a strangely calm tone. "I can still continue, everything can still be-no, he's gone!"
Elizabeth took the chance to grab hold of Jane's legs and knock her down, trying her best to ignore the dizziness that was already filling her brain. Never again was she going to complain about staying on Atlantis and 'missing the action'.
Jane recovered once more, and kicked Elizabeth in the chest, sending her flying across the hut. Elizabeth tried to regain her breath, never having thought that Jane could be that strong.
"You, you weakling!" Jane spat out, stumbling up from the floor. "You sit on Atlantis, a figurehead with no power… in a world run by men! When you could so easily control them! At least Teyla has some semblance, but you… you do what they tell you! You simper, and moan, and whine, and in the end, they win!"
"Jane, what are you talking about?" Elizabeth croaked out, as she herself stumbled up. "You've never said any of this before… I think perhaps you should sit down..."
"There we go, diplomat to the end." Jane spat the words out as if they should be the ultimate insult to Elizabeth. "I've never said any of this before, because I wasn't me before! But now I've really awoken, and Atlantis will be properly ruled, and Carson, he will be right beside me. Always." Without even a passing look, Jane stalked over to the hut entrance.
Elizabeth desperately looked around, for anything she could use. She felt guilty now that she hadn't heeded John's advice, and had given away weapons so easily. The only thing she could possibly use was one of the stones from the stove that stood in the corner of the hut. Jane had nearly left, and if she let her leave… well then how could she possibly stop it all? Elizabeth took hold of the largest stone she could carry, and with a quiet 'sorry Jane', flung it with all her might. She winced as it smacked into the back of Jane's head. For a moment, she thought Jane would still be able to keep going, especially when she turned around, but she crumpled easily.
Elizabeth moved forward cautiously, before sighing at the trickle of blood that was leaving the gash on Jane's head. Quietly she hoped she hadn't hit her too hard, and led her to the hammock. Maybe, if Jane had been the one who was causing all of this… with Rodney, and Carson, then maybe it would all stop now. There was only one to find out. As cautiously as she dared, she exited the hut.
Teyla was more prepared for this then most people would be, and so quickly rolled so that John was on his back. With one deft movement, she elbowed him in the face, trying her best to ignore the obvious 'crack' that happened on contact. Quickly, she rolled then, already settling into a combat position.
It faltered for a moment though, as she saw it was really John who'd jumped on her. He stumbled a little, from the hit to his face, but he still managed a good charge at her. With ease Teyla darted out of the way, sweep kicking him and sending him on to his backside. Her leg flicked out to kick him, but he grabbed it with a dexterity that Teyla had never witnessed with him. Before she knew it, she was on top of him, being held firm.
And the worst thing was that the smile he held was one that was truly John. Before she could fully resist, he was kissing her, and it reminded her of the day in the gym, when she'd felt those urges rising, and he'd pushed her away.
Maybe this was just it; maybe it was just him giving into urges. But somehow she knew it wasn't, that something wasn't right, especially as he rolled and held her down with more force then John would ever dare give her. The grip was too strong to wiggle out of, so Teyla mustered all her strength, before with a loud grunt, pushed him up and over her.
John was so surprised, that Teyla had enough time to dart up and send him a resounding kick straight to the forehead. As luck, or Teyla's good aim would have it, he smacked full force into one of the poles holding up the hut, and quickly crumpled to the floor.
For what seemed like forever, Teyla stood there breathless, ready and waiting to see if John would get up again. Obviously, something had happened, something that hadn't affected her, and something that had made John behave like some primal beast. With a sigh, she relaxed, and crept over to him. Thankfully he was still breathing, but she couldn't chance him waking up again, so she pulled a few strips off her dress, that seemed to be getting shorter now each day, and bound his hands.
Then she turned and ran from the hut, sure now of only one thing, she had to find the others.
"Oh… my… god…" Elizabeth murmured as she stumbled out of the hut, upon the scene before her. If anything, she certainly hadn't expected this. In the grounds in front of the three huts, Carson and Rodney were fighting each other like two suddenly uncaged animals, who've been eyeing each other ever since they can remember.
"Rodney, Carson, no! Don't do that!" She shouted, even as she knew it was ultimately fruitless. The two seemed hell-bent on destroying each other. And Elizabeth couldn't think of anything to do, except watch, horrified.
There seemed a moment of peace though, as the two men staggered back, as evenly matched as any two people could possibly be. They circled each other, and Elizabeth began to listen more carefully, as she heard words mixed in with the loud growls.
"Jane, my… woman…" Carson almost howled, diving for Rodney. Rodney almost welcomed the attack, grabbing Carson around the waist and swinging him around.
"My… woman!" Came the reply, as Rodney flung Carson into the soil.
So, that was it, that's what it all came down too. They were fighting over Jane, after everything… No, it was no time for soppy thoughts. What the hell was she doing just standing around anyway? Feverishly, she glanced around, and was relieved to spot Teyla running from her hut.
"Teyla! What is it? John's not gone crazy too has he?"
"Yes, I believe so." Teyla replied, as she ran over. "I have fully apprehended him however, and he is now unconscious and tied up."
"Best place for him at the moment." Elizabeth murmured.
"Where is Dr. Heightmeyer?" Teyla suddenly asked, watching the ensuing fight with mild curiosity.
"Uh, long story… listen, we have to do something! This is only the warm-up; they might actually rip each other apart!" Elizabeth couldn't hide the panic in her voice, although she did try her best to quell the trembling of her body. "I thought maybe if I stopped Jane, then they'd be back to normal, but they're still going!"
"I believe there is only one course of action… we must apprehend them ourselves Dr. Weir."
"I was afraid you'd say that." Elizabeth sighed, before nodding. "Very well-"
"There is no need, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth jumped, gaze darting, and finally settling on Telana. "What-the… what, how did you know... I mean, did you hear..?"
"I had a feeling." Telana replied cryptically, looking uncharacteristically sheepish for a moment. Then she nodded to Aranis, and gestured to Rodney and Carson. "Take them down."
"What? No! You can't hurt them!" Elizabeth felt the outburst leave her lips before she'd even thought of it.
Telana placed a reassuring hand on her arm, and merely smiled. "Do not worry, they are merely sleeping darts. We use them often with difficult hunts. They will only keep them asleep for an hour or two. Then your man, Rodney, will be fine."
They watched silently, as deftly two of the Alonins shot down Rodney and Carson, and then led them away to the large meal hut. It was only then that Elizabeth suddenly realised something. "Wait a minute; you said Rodney, what about Carson, and John?"
"Ah, Teyla's man will be fine also. Once he also awakens, he will be restored. If only with a minor headache."
"But Carson will not?" Teyla asked, sharing a worried gaze with Elizabeth.
Telana suddenly looked sheepish once more, her gaze flickering around her fellow Alonins, and then back to Teyla and Elizabeth. "I… believe there is much to discuss, privately. Please, follow me to my hut." Briefly then, she turned to Aranis. "Tend to Jane. Once she has awoken, bring her to my hut. I believe she will aid in the explanation." As if to read Elizabeth's mind, she then turned to her. "And she will be as normal as well. If perhaps, a little embarrassed at her conduct. Please, follow me."
Still too shocked to really do anything but, Teyla and Elizabeth followed Telana into her hut. The Alonin leader dismissed her guards effortlessly, before gesturing to them both to sit down. "I'll make you some tea, please, make yourselves comfortable."
Elizabeth pursed her lips softly as she sat down on the floor, not yet able to allow herself the luxury of relaxing. "You seem very calm about all of this." Elizabeth eyed Telana curiously, part of her angry at the fact she seemed to be the only one actually worried about everything. "Almost as if none of this has surprised you?"
Telana busied herself with the tea for a few more moments, making no endeavour to answer Elizabeth's question. Once the tea had been made, and passed equally among them, Telana then took a deep sigh. "You could say that I suppose; certainly it is not the first time we have had problems with men."
Anger flashed through her once more, and Elizabeth frowned. "But this wasn't their fault this was…" Her voice faltered, and she sighed. "This was Jane's. I still don't fully understand what she's actually done."
"Please, Elizabeth, drink, it will help you calm." Telana's voice held a note of pleading, before she sent them both a nervous smile. "Really, I would prefer to leave it all to Jane, I am certain she could explain everything more fully…"
"But, you did mention there were things we had to speak of?" Teyla took a slight sip of the tea herself, sending a reassuring smile to Elizabeth afterwards. After all the sudden upheaval, it felt strange to be calmly talking about things. But Teyla felt somewhat relieved that this was how it was being resolved.
Telana waited a few moments, forming her thoughts. Then she nodded lightly. "Yes, there are many things I had wished to speak to you about, you especially Teyla, as we have known each other for many years now. But… it is forbidden of course. Now however, well there seems little I can do but explain matters. You see, we are not as we appear."
"No, you hardly seemed shocked by what's happened." Elizabeth set the cup down in front of her, hands clasping. "I mean, it's almost as if you expected something like this to happen."
"Expected? In a way, I suppose you are right. Honestly, I had hoped that it would not."
"But you knew…" Elizabeth frowned a touch then, casting her mind back over the past few days. "You knew when you first met Jane, that there was something different about her? Didn't you?"
"I… sensed, something, I suppose you could say. Yes."
Elizabeth just shook her head then, unable to grasp anything fully. Her body was vaguely aware that it was around 1 or 2am her time, and yet she had to try and fathom all of these things as well. "Look, please, could you just explain everything to us?"
Telana smiled to them both then, shifting her position a little more. "I'd be happy too. There is a proposition; I would ask of you, after all this. But first, you must know the full story. Teyla, you remember the myths that I told you when we first met?"
"Of Anyana and her gifts? Of course."
"Well, they're all true. All of them." As Teyla's eyes widened, Telana continued. "You see, I, am Anyana. I, and all of my people, are what you would call… Ancient? I believe the word is?"
"My God." Elizabeth suddenly murmured then. "Rodney was actually right?"
"I have a feeling he will not be in a mood to gloat though Dr. Weir." Teyla supplied with a wry smile.
Elizabeth chuckled a touch at that, and then nodded to Telana. "I'm sorry, please, continue."
"Thank you." Telana smiled back at them, and then clasped her hands in her lap. "I am, not fully Anyana though. You see, every 100 years, my people go to the Temple, and are 'reborn'. Their minds are… restarted if you will, and their bodies refreshed. Only Aranis and I, remember what transpired, as we prolong our time to every 500, and even she is now beginning to forget." Her gaze lowered then, and she took a moment to gather her thoughts. Teyla and Elizabeth both remained silent, aware of the sadness that filled the hut, waiting for answers to what had really been going on.
"As you know, we as a race were plagued by the Wraith. The more we killed, it seemed the more appeared. Our only way out, it seemed, was ascension. But it was not easy. Ideally, many thousands of years should be taken with study that leads to enlightenment… but we were too afraid, too ready to escape as quickly as possible. So when we did ascend, it was difficult. Those who are ascended, truly, forsake all emotions. You think that will be good, to be free of hate, prejudice, fear, hurt… but you forget the greatest emotions; love, happiness, joy… it was those we could never let go of. My family, I could not let go of. So we were punished, by those 'above' us."
Here Telana paused, contempt entering her voice. Her fingers formed fists, slowly draining to become white. "Punished, for still caring for those deemed 'lower' then us! I, no, we, lashed out. But they were too powerful, were in greater numbers. We were banished, to this planet, like children. Shown the 'error' of our ways. We were forced, to forever embrace emotions, to know, forever, what it was like, to constantly know what others are feeling…"
"You became empaths?" Elizabeth cut in quietly, astonishment in her voice. "That's how you sensed Jane, how you knew…"
"Knew that she had power? Yes, I knew." Telana nodded then, looking ashamed for a moment. "But I also knew that she was not aware yet, not fully. I have grown old, Elizabeth, begun to forget what happened on this world. Jane has the power, the power capable to awaken it all again… it was stupid of me to bring men back here, too dangerous for them."
"The story you told Telana, it spoke of evils of men." Teyla queried quietly then, her eyes searching Telana's features curiously. "Did they do something, something perhaps to hurt you?"
Telana paused for a moment, and then laughed loudly. As it echoed around the hut, it showed nothing but hollowness. "They, hurt us! No! It is us that hurt them, that hurt…" Tears welled, but Telana forced them back. "No, I will tell you the full story. You deserve this much. As I said, we were sent back, but something went wrong… I do not know why, or how, but it was discovered that the men had a defect. They could sense others emotions, but did not have the power that the women did. We were able to control men, to… persuade them to feel happy. For many centuries, it worked. The society worked in harmony, as the women did what they wished, and the men were constantly happy."
Elizabeth blinked as she listened. For a brief moment she wondered what Atlantis would be like if that was possible, and she suddenly understood what Jane had meant. But how good would that really be? No individuality; the men like slaves.
"They were happy Elizabeth." Telana smiled back to her, reassuring her with a raised hand as Elizabeth was shocked once more at her ability to read her. "Yes I still hold the gift fully. Do not worry, I use it very rarely. Anyway, as I was saying… the men were happy, it worked. Until a tryst was discovered. One of the women became restless, decided that there was more… some say she was merely bored, others say it was real love, but no matter, she forced a man to sleep with her, made him believe that he wanted too. His wife found out, and was obviously devastated. Blamed the other woman of course afterwards, but initially she was so angry with the man… that she forced him to kill himself."
"My God." Elizabeth suddenly blurted out. "How could she do that?"
Telana's eyes narrowed; her voice sharpening. "She did not do it on purpose. How would you feel, I wonder, if a man you loved with every part of you betrayed you, no matter how pliable he supposedly was? Her anger, her hurt, it filled him. It was impossible, with such a close bond, for her not to project. It shattered his mind completely, and he killed himself immediately." The tears were unmistakeable now as they ran down Telana's cheeks, yet her voice continued as strong as ever. "That man… was my father. My mother had no true guilt in the matter, and yet she felt it with all her heart. That very same night, she killed herself; leaving a pleading note for all of this to be an example. It was my duty, as the oldest child, to take over the responsibility of leadership of the clan. Aranis is my sister, and is as headstrong as she was then. She believed we could forget about it, but I would not let the deed go unnoticed. So I ordered everyone, except for myself and Aranis, to go inside our minds and lock away our thoughts, our knowledge, our… power, for ever." Finally, her gaze lowered, tears still running unhindered. "I had no choice."
Elizabeth just stared back at her with awe. With everything happening tonight, she'd never really thought of how the Alonins would react to it all. And now to find out that Telana already had an inkling; not to mention her own deep past. "I'm sorry." She finally murmured. "I had no idea… how could you have lived with all that?"
Telana continued to allow her tears to flow for a few more moments, before she fully composed herself. When she did look back up to Elizabeth, her strong exterior had returned. "It was not too difficult. I had no choice after all. If I had ever tried to fight against it, or had even tried to leave this place, then your 'Ancients', would have done something to stop me."
"You make your power sound as if it's a curse."
That voice was Jane's, and all three turned to look at her as she moved into the hut.
"I see it as just that Jane. Surely you must understand that now, after everything that has transpired?"
There was an evident pause, one in which Elizabeth found herself tensing. Telana had assured her that Jane would be back to normal, but she still seemed a little aloof, as if she hadn't quite returned fully.
"Yes, I see. But I also see the benefits of having this gift. It's enabled me to realise who I really am."
"A woman who controls the men around her?" The snap was a reflex action, and Elizabeth immediately paled, even more so when Jane turned to her.
"Don't we all do that Elizabeth? I am simply more capable, not as… subtle."
Telana's eyes flickered between the three other women as Jane sat down, waiting for one of them to make a move. When they didn't, Telana sighed, and gestured to Jane. "Jane. I have explained everything of my people to Elizabeth and Teyla. You will learn soon enough more then I can tell you in a few moments."
Their gazes locked for a moment, before Jane nodded with a soft smile. "I understand. It would no doubt be for the best." Her gaze suddenly shifted to Elizabeth and Teyla then, and she smiled. "Very well. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have."
"Why?"
Jane shifted her gaze to Teyla. "An obvious question. I did what I did because I love Carson. I merely wanted him to open himself to the feelings he was trying so hard to hide."
"And you don't believe that maybe he was hiding them, if at all, for a reason?" Elizabeth's gaze narrowed and she rose. "You've hurt my chief medical officer, perhaps beyond repair. Not only that, but you've influenced both Rodney, and John to do things they would never do."
"Never?" Jane rose to meet her, her head tilting. "Are you honestly saying that you believe I forced them to do something they didn't want to do? Something they never even thought about? Admit it Elizabeth; your beloved Rodney isn't as perfect as you so wish him to be. He's a man, ultimately they are flawed, and ultimately those flaws will appear. That's why we have to guide them!"
"Turn them into puppets you mean!"
Teyla and Telana rose in unison then; Teyla to Elizabeth, Telana to Jane. "Please, do not fight like this." Telana pleaded, as she pulled Jane back. "There are things to be resolved."
"You said she'd be back to normal!" Elizabeth shot over to Telana, unable to hide her anger now. "But she's just as sick as she was when I caught her with Carson. She's done nothing but hurt Carson, and John and-"
"Rodney?" Jane snapped then, struggling to break free from Telana's grasp. "You don't really care about anyone else but him do you Elizabeth? Why not just admit your feelings! I could teach you to make him freer!"
"He's already free! Free from anything that made him sane! If you were still human you'd realise that!"
Jane stepped back for a mere moment, before shrugging. "If anything, I was never truly human Elizabeth, not as you and the rest of your world term it. Yes, Carson's tests would say I was. But I've always been different, always had this power."
Teyla stepped forward then, forcing Elizabeth behind her. "Please Jane, tell us. Perhaps the truth will clear the air."
"You speak as if I've lied to you all these years, but I haven't!" Jane seemed almost pleading now, and she gestured to Telana to let her go. With reluctance, Elizabeth herself sat down, and they waited for Jane to speak.
"The fact is. My parents were human, but… they were different. They came to this planet thirty years ago, escaping from a G'oauld planet just in the nearby vicinity." Her hand waved vaguely, as if this was all facts not worth knowing. "To put it short, they were experimented upon. A G'oauld scientist was researching whether it could be possible to implant a mind-reading capability within himself. If that was possible, then he would easily be able to rise to the top of the hierarchy, and always know whether someone was spying on him. Unfortunately, it did work." With a deep sigh, she leant against the wall of the hut. To Elizabeth, she seemed barely affected by this history of her parents, seemingly unemotional. "Partly, at least. They became empaths, and were able to read the minds of someone in very close vicinity. With this knowledge, they were also able to hurt, and ultimately escape. They travelled to the nearest inhabited world, Earth."
For the millionth time that night, Elizabeth found herself having to deal with strange new information. It took her a few moments, before she suddenly blinked. "Wait, I've never heard about this though. I mean, it's not on your personal sheet or anything."
"What exactly would I put?" Jane sneered then, her eyes rolling. "Originally from outer space? Come on Elizabeth. But you are right in some part; it enabled me to get on to this program with relative ease. My parents didn't live long after they came here. They were tested on just as they were on that planet, their powers eventually killing them. In guilt, I was raised by one of the research scientists and his family. Of course it enabled him to keep a watchful eye on my 'development' also. I'm not as… strong, as my parents were, but I'm a good empath. However, it seems this place, has amplified my abilities."
Telana rose then, nodding in agreement. "It is as I had believed Jane. I sensed the power within you when you arrived, but I was unsure of whether you knew it yourself. Because of our history, this planet has no doubt awakened you fully, causing you to mimic the abilities that we once held."
"So… if she came back to Atlantis, it would eventually go back to normal? To her, empathic abilities?"
"There's no point discussing that." Jane suddenly snapped, dismissing Elizabeth with a wave of her hand. "I'm not going back."
"Excuse me?" Elizabeth's eyes widened, arms folding. "I haven't heard anything about this! Jane, despite what's happened here, you're a valuable member of my team."
"But no longer." Jane coolly replied. "I no longer wish to serve a simple subsidiary position Elizabeth, I want to be free, to lead and express myself! I can't do that sitting and listening to a bunch of people whining about their problems."
"Dr. Weir." Teyla suddenly cut in with, her hand resting upon her arm. "I believe this may have already been hinted at." Her gaze shifted to Telana then, and she smiled. "You wish to swap places?"
As Jane and Telana nodded in agreement, Elizabeth yanked her hand away from Teyla. "Will somebody please explain what has been decided? I feel like I've been sitting with my ears plugged up for the last ten minutes."
Jane gave a frustrated sigh, while Telana smiled gently back to Elizabeth. "I was unsure of Jane's wishes, but the fact is… my grip on my Clan is diminishing Elizabeth. It has been for some time. Now that they have seen the power that Jane is capable of here, well, they will naturally shift to her. If not now, then soon. So if you would allow it, I would like to come back to Atlantis with you."
Elizabeth just looked back at her with a stunned expression. Telana actually wanted to come back to Atlantis? What exactly would that mean? Was she still an Ancient? If so, it'd certainly be a boost. But even so, some part of her wondered now, if perhaps this had been Telana's plan, if maybe, she couldn't be trusted at all.
