DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters of 'Stargate: Atlantis'. They're not my property.
They were surprised seeing houses made within the large, thick trees; it looked more like the trees had grown from the houses themselves. Each home was at least a meter above the ground but its camouflage was very believable. If Teyla had not showed them where the Tanminians' homes were, neither Elizabeth nor the colonel would have managed to recognize them.
"It looks empty," John noted as the three of them stood there. The rest of the team had remained by the gate because of Teyla's request. Because of the many children in their care, the Tanminians were vary of unfamiliar faces and especially if their number had been larger than three.
"They are being careful, Colonel," Teyla said. She then whistled gently. "Hira!" she called out. "It is Teyla!"
A small head of a little boy appeared from one of the windows of a house; his nose was like a small horn and his eyes tiny but curious. Then another small head appeared in the window next to his; with pigtails and skin red as her eyes, the young girl watched the newcomers quietly from her window.
"Who's Hira?" John whispered the question to Teyla.
"She is the head keeper," Teyla responded.
From the window of the middle house, an elderly woman with curly blonde hair appeared to Teyla's call, her pale face covered with unusual green spots. She eyed the Humans suspiciously but grinned when she noticed Teyla with them. "Oh, goodness! Teyla!" The small door opened and a rope fell down. Hira climbed down and then quickly approached them. In a long peach-colored dress, the woman greeted Teyla with a warm hug. "Oh, my pretty child. It has been so many days."
Teyla smiled warmly to Hira's greeting. "Too many."
Hira looked over at the other two and the little girl in John's arms. "Are they your friends?" she asked. "The ones you spoke about?"
"Yes, they –"
"Oh my, oh my!" Hira covered her mouth briefly. "You are Humans!"
John and Elizabeth looked at each other. "Last time I checked… yes," John replied.
"And she is Atonian!" Hira watched the three of them for what seemed like forever, making the adults slightly uncomfortable. "What happened to her… Atonian parents?" she finally asked.
"Her father was killed by the Wraith and her mother died of an illness not long ago," Elizabeth told her.
"Oh, goodness." Hira showed a sign of pity. Gingerly, she approached Syla. With a broad smile she looked down at the little girl. "But are you not a pretty and brave girl!" she told her.
Syla suddenly giggled to this. "Brave!" she responded and clapped.
Knowing Syla's usual response to strangers, her reaction to Hira surprised her 'parents'. Elizabeth looked over at Teyla. "She has a gift with children of different races. They trust her easily," the Athosian replied.
"What is her name?" Hira asked.
"Syla," replied Elizabeth.
"Her birth parents also had such beautiful green eyes?" Hira asked and looked back at Elizabeth as if checking something.
"Her parents had gray eyes. At least, her mother did," Elizabeth said.
Hira was stunned. "Why have you brought her here then?"
"I have explained to them your kindness with children from other worlds. Syla's mother asked of them to look after her but because their time is limited they are unable to. We brought her to you in hopes that you could give her a proper home," Teyla said.
"You know I could, but she is not an orphan," Hira responded.
"Excuse me?" Elizabeth felt confused.
"You are her parents. She is no longer an orphan and so she has no place here."
"How can you tell that?" John asked.
"Well, her eyes to begin with…"
"The thing is, Hira, that she requires too much attention. We have our duties and can't be with her constantly," John said.
"Why then did you take her in?" Hira asked.
"We were not given much of a choice at the time," he replied.
"We were also warned before by one of the Atonians that another separation might not be good for her," Elizabeth also voiced her concern.
"In what way?" Hira asked.
"Psychologically," Elizabeth said.
Hira smiled. "That is nonsense. Since the Atonians have not had any experience as with Syla here, the Atonian who had told you this only assumed but was not aware of the reality."
"Oh? And what is the reality?" Elizabeth asked.
"They can adapt well."
"Hmm, because this was told to us by a relative of Syla."
"Unfortunately for them they were not aware of many things. The Atonian children are close to those who care for them but this so-called separation does not damage them. They can be strong… psychologically, if there is someone else who could appropriately care for them after that."
"Well, there was this big deal being made of her accepting her parents," John said.
"Of course there would be. If the child does not accept those who would give her care then she would die. It is normal."
"How do you know all this about the Atonians anyway?"
Hira smirked. "Experience. I have had only two Atonian children in my care but I learned much from them. Their personality shapes greatly when they are between thirteen and nineteen moons of age. Before that they are still too fragile and much is not needed to assure their survival apart from the most basic of needs, but once the thirteenth moon of age is reached… it is crucial for their development."
"How so?" Elizabeth asked.
"Atonian children grow much faster than Humans do. This is the age of primary learning for them. It is of course best for them to be placed with parents who would give them proper guidance during that time if they have lost their birth parents."
"Oh boy…" John said quietly when he remembered what Syla had probably learned from him.
Hira gathered her hands closer to her belly as she watched the Humans' confused faces. "You were not told this?"
"N-o…" they responded.
"Were there no other Atonians to explain this to you?"
"There were but they didn't tell us much," John admitted.
"Not unheard of. I will never understand their reasons for abandoning their young like this." Hira shook her head.
"What happens after that, when they reach… erm… twenty moons?" he asked.
"Then the period of secondary learning comes and that lasts until they mature."
"And how is that one different from the first one?"
"Well, the primary learning period is how their souls will be fundamentally shaped. What follows after that is only… an addition."
"Oh. So…. What she learned from us will be…"
"Who she will become, yes," Hira replied.
"Uh, I was afraid of that," John replied under his breath.
"What was her age when she was given in your care?"
"Thirteen moons we assume?" Elizabeth replied.
"She appears to be only twenty moons old now," Hira said.
"Yes, she is," Elizabeth answered.
"And she is happy so I can assume you had taken good care of her since her birth parents' death."
"We hope we did," Elizabeth replied.
Hira watched Syla's behavior as she leaned her head against John's chest. "She is peaceful with you," Hira noted. She then looked up at John. "She must have acquired much of her knowledge from you."
John smiled nervously. "Let's hope not."
Hira raised her red eyebrows to this. "Have you not taught her useful things?"
"Uh, well… there are some who would agree to that," John replied.
"Oh, forgive me but what are your names?" Hira quickly asked.
"My name is –" Elizabeth began the introduction but Syla quickly interrupted her.
" Elizabeth," Syla said and lifted her hand to touch John's cheek. "John."
"Elizabeth and John," Hira said and smiled.
John lifted Syla higher to have a good look at her face. "Did you just say my name?" he asked.
Elizabeth leaned in closer to him. "I forgot to mention that before. Vera said that the first words their children utter are the names of their parents."
John slowly turned his face to Elizabeth. "Well thank you for telling me that now," he said.
Hira smiled happily to this. "You are her parents now. She is better with you."
"I'm touched by this but I still think she needs someone to be with her constantly and who would give her the proper attention."
"I agree," Elizabeth added. She then noticed children emerging from the houses, many of races she had never seen - something which surprised her. Along with them were many adult Tanminians.
Hira turned around and shouted in a friendly voice something in Tanminian to them. It must have been her way of assuring that the guests were not a threat because the others quickly dispersed and went about their business… in a way. The woman then nodded towards them. "Come," she invited the others.
As they followed Hira through the small forest town, they could see many activities going on. There were children sitting on tree branches and reading books; a small group playing a game of invisible volleyball; some eating fruit; others sitting in a circle and talking.
"You have many children here," Elizabeth noted.
"Yes. Many who had been left orphaned or homeless have been brought to us. We give them a good home along with our own children."
"You've always accepted kids like this?" John asked.
"Oh, yes. We do not believe in abandonment."
"That is kind of you," Elizabeth told her.
Hira nodded. "Thank you, Elizabeth."
"How do you raise them?" John asked, seeing the different races of children about.
"Their individuality helps us. We look at who they are as persons and make our own rules along with that. Every child is different and we cannot apply the same rules for everyone. That does not mean that they are not equal to the other children or that they receive fewer opportunities. Our main concern is that they grow up happy and healthy."
"What happens to them when they become adults?" Elizabeth asked.
"It is their choice to stay, return to their original planet or inhabit another one. Strangely, none of our children had wished to remain with us after reaching maturity but they consider us their family. Many have become individuals with great influence in their society and that has helped us greatly because they offer us assistance in times of need."
"They look after you."
"Just as we had done when they were children."
"That's neat," John said. "Do they help when the Wraith attack?"
"Yes, they do! In fact, they helped us build an underground shelter from those vampires. Fortunately, the Wraith are not aware of its existence."
"This is where you hide during an attack?"
"Yes."
"Mind if I take a look at it?"
"I do," Hira replied. "I am sorry, John. Although you are friends of Teyla's, I cannot show you something that is vital for our security."
"O-kay… Uh, can you describe it to me then?"
"Why are you curious?" she asked.
"I want to make sure Syla will indeed be safe when the Wraith decide to visit this little planet of yours," he replied.
"We have survived many attacks, John. You can be certain she will be safe during such dangers."
"Uh-uh. So, the shelter…" John nodded expectantly towards her.
"It is a combination of several… alien technologies."
John nodded slowly. He expected a longer answer. "That's it?"
"Yes," Hira replied, her calm face visibly showing her refusal to discuss the shelter further.
"Okay then… How did you manage this?" John asked.
"As I have already said, it is thanks to those who were once living among us. We have survived thanks to their help just as they have survived thanks to ours."
"They haven't forgotten you," Elizabeth said.
"Indeed," Hira replied with a smile.
Two children then ran past the newcomers, almost knocking Elizabeth to the ground. John quickly grabbed her arm and prevented her from falling down. "Thanks," she said.
"You're welcome."
"Your town seems very peaceful," she noted, hearing only the familiar sounds of the inhabitants and those of nature.
"We always try to keep it that way. It is important for the children to feel safe."
"Looks like a good place for kids to grow up," John said as he looked around. He noticed two children hiding behind a tree and observing them. They giggled shyly when John noticed them. The first one whispered something to the other and their giggles became louder. The second child covered his ears for a moment and grinned. The first one said something out loud and both giggled again.
"They find you amusing," Hira told him.
"I'm afraid to ask but, why?"
"It is your ears."
"My ea-" John touched his left ear. The children started laughing again to this.
"Yes, it reminds them of the Kevorian donkeys that live on this planet," she told him and smiled widely. She must have found the children's comparison equally amusing. "Their ears are similar… only longer."
If Syla wasn't in his arms, John would've covered both of his ears. "Kids and their imagination," he said with slight nervousness.
"You know, they do lo-" Elizabeth started.
"Hey, hey!" He cut her off. Even Syla let out a giggle.
"If you do not mind me asking, do you have children of your own?" Hira asked them.
"Ah, no, we don't," he replied.
The woman smiled curiously. "Then I am certain that Syla has prepared you when that time comes."
"She gave us some idea," Elizabeth replied and then glanced at John.
"If you have succeeded in taking care of an Atonian child… then I have no doubt you will make excellent parents when your own child arrives in the world," Hira said with confidence.
"Thank you," Elizabeth replied.
"Um, yeah," John reluctantly agreed.
Hira looked down at Syla who smiled at Hira. "Are you absolutely certain you wish to part with Syla?"
"Only if she has a good upbringing here," John said.
"I can assure you that she will," Hira replied.
John and Elizabeth exchanged a glance. "Could we have a moment?" Elizabeth asked.
"Of course," Hira agreed.
"I cannot understand if it had been the mother or Syla who had chosen them," Teyla said as she and Hira watched the small family walk away from them.
"I am certain the decision of the mother had been very important. Syla would have needed some guidance of whether she could trust these people. In her own way, her mother had agreed and perhaps transferred that to her child."
"I see… How?"
"Mother and child sense the feelings of the other very easily in the beginning. Their bond is strong then as it is very important for the child's survival."
"I was not aware."
"Not many are, Teyla," Hira told her with a smile.
"So, what do you think?" John asked her.
"Well…" Elizabeth looked over at the other children who were playing. "It looks pretty safe. Teyla trusts them…"
"Do you?"
Elizabeth looked back at him. "If they indeed have this history, then," she nodded, "I don't see a reason to doubt them, and she seemed pretty familiar with Atonian children."
"Yeah…" John observed the settings of the place. "And Syla reacted well to Hira."
"Surprisingly."
John lifted Syla higher. "Would you be happy here?" he asked her. Syla only smiled at him. John sighed. "Why is this hard for some reason?"
"Letting her go?" Elizabeth picked up.
"Yeah," John replied. "I mean, it's been only like what, seven days?" He brought Syla closer to him again.
Elizabeth smiled. "You've grown attached to her just as I have."
John looked at her. "No I haven't," he spoke quickly.
"I won't tell anyone." Elizabeth assured him. "I won't say I'm not surprised given how awkward it was in the beginning but it's good to see this change in you."
"Uh, yeah, whatever," John quickly brushed that off but not before Elizabeth noticed how uncomfortable her sentence had made him. "I promised her we'd find her a good home. I wanna keep that promise."
"So do I," Elizabeth agreed. "And I think we've kept it. May I?" she asked.
"Oh, sure." John handed the little girl to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth removed some of Syla's hair away from her eyes. "This will be your new home now, Syla. We know it will be a good place for you and that you will be happy here just like your mother had wanted you to be."
Syla was quiet as she listened to Elizabeth's words; her soft green eyes watching her as if she understood what was being said to her.
"Hira and her people will take wonderful care of you just like you deserve. We gave you what we could with the little time we had. Although it was short, the moments when you were with me were some of the most precious and beautiful. I truly wish things could've been different and that you could have stayed with me and John." Elizabeth kissed Syla's forehead lovingly. Her emotions were almost getting the best of her but she managed to keep them barely below the surface. "Take care of yourself, okay?"
"O-kay," Syla replied and hugged her.
Elizabeth closed her eyes tightly. She did not wish to cry but it appeared more difficult to hold it back. "Stay safe," her shaky voice gave her emotions away easily. Even John was quietly touched by Elizabeth's goodbye as he stood aside, giving them a long moment alone. "I love you, Syla."
"Love," Syla replied and looked at Elizabeth. She brushed her hand on the woman's soft cheek. "No cry," she spoke.
Elizabeth smiled with watery eyes. "I'll try." She kissed Syla's forehead again and then gave her back to John.
"You okay?" he asked Elizabeth softly.
"Um, just a bit emotional," she replied.
"Okay," he nodded. "Do you mind if I say my goodbye to her in private?" he asked.
"No, no, go ahead," Elizabeth said, bringing her hands to her face, covering her lips and nose. She did not want anyone else to witness her emotional response to this.
John gave Elizabeth one more look of concern before he took a few steps away from her. He then looked back at Syla who was quiet again. "So this is how it feels to have a kid, huh? Then again maybe not, as you grow up more quickly and all," he said and smiled. When those familiar green eyes continued to watch him, he felt that tingle of sadness begin to grow uneasily within him. "I didn't think this would get so difficult. You were really a great kid. I probably would've kept you as well if the circumstances were different." He paused. "Hey, you like flying like I do so, that's something." He tried to smile at her but it was not easy. Elizabeth had been right – he had really grown attached to Syla. The separation appeared more difficult than he had imagined it would. "Why didn't you turn out to be a brat anyway?" he jokingly asked her.
Syla giggled and touched his nose. "Okay, but try not cutting off my air supply again, alright?" he told her. Syla giggled more loudly to this and only gently and briefly squeezed his nose. "Thank you," he said. John felt glad that she understood his humor despite her age. "It's gonna be weird not having you around for a while… or longer. But at least this is a good place for you… maybe even better than Atlantis. You have lots of kids to play with here. And I have kept my promise to you – I found you a good home."
"H-ome," Syla said and smiled. "You home."
John smiled gently at her words; he didn't want to make more of them than he needed to. He kissed her head softly.
Syla then hugged him tightly. "Love – you," she said.
"Love you, too, kiddo," John held her tightly. His emotions were threatening to escape to the surface but he managed to keep them better than Elizabeth. "Just be safe and happy, that's all I ask."
"S-afe… safe," Syla replied.
John took a deep breath. "You're sure about this?" he asked Elizabeth one last time.
"Yes, I am," Elizabeth said decisively.
"Okay, Syla, lets get you to your new home now."
"Okay." The little girl smiled.
John cleared his throat. "So we decided that… it's probably best for Syla to remain here," he said when they returned.
"If that is your wish for her," Hira responded.
"It is. We believe that she will be happy here," Elizabeth told her.
"I can promise you that she will," Hira assured them. She was then given the little girl by John. Having perhaps understood John and Elizabeth's words and their feelings, Syla was quiet when Hira took her; her gaze to her foster parents confirmed that.
"Oh, and…" Elizabeth pulled out a drawing from her backpack. "We would like her to have this," she said and gave the rolled up paper to Hira.
"She will always keep it, Elizabeth. And… whenever you wish, you are welcome to visit her."
"Thank you, Hira, we appreciate that," Elizabeth replied.
"Very much," John agreed.
"Goodbye, Teyla," Hira touched Teyla's shoulder.
"Goodbye, Hira," Teyla replied.
As the Tanminian woman walked away from them, Syla looked over Hira's shoulder at John and Elizabeth. Shyly, she waved goodbye to them. Discreetly, they waved goodbye to her.
"We'll miss you, kiddo," John said quietly. Elizabeth silently agreed.
The portraits of Syla's parents were given to Vera; the portrait of Elizabeth had a place on the wall in her room while the one of John had a place on his wall; the drawing of the city had found its place in Elizabeth's office. As for the last drawing of the three of them… it was given to Syla to keep and perhaps remember; just in case.
Standing on the balcony John and Elizabeth were silent tonight, only watching the empty night sky together. It had been four days since Syla's departure.
"Do you think she's happy with the Tanminians?" he asked.
"I have a feeling that she is," she replied.
"So do I…"
Brief silence came again as the wind had eased its speed for a moment.
"How are you?" she then asked him.
"Good. Why?" He crossed his arms. "Actually, I'm relieved that my babysitting duties have finally ended."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I tell ya, seeing your commanding officer with a baby like that? Doesn't work very well. Although… it did help with the female staff," he said and smirked.
Elizabeth smiled. "And all this time I thought you actually enjoyed taking care of Syla."
"Well, it wasn't a pain but… let's be realistic," he leaned closer to her, "it was distracting," he said and then pulled back.
"I admit it was bad timing."
"I think she might have had some sixth sense or something when it came to McKay; her screaming. Man! I had never seen him with a more mortified expression before," he laughed as he remembered, "and with him that's hard to do."
"Yeah, he's almost always that way," Elizabeth replied with a smile. Both of them laughed at that thought and other moments when Syla's behavior had made situations funnier.
"You were good with her though," he then said more seriously with his eyes towards the ocean.
"You think so?" She watched him with a soft smile.
"Yeah, I mean, women are usually good with kids and thankfully you didn't prove that theory wrong."
She smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"Good, as it was meant that way, Elizabeth" he told her and glanced at her, his look friendlier than usual.
"I actually think you deserved more points than me," she said.
"Ah, I doubt it."
"You still don't want to admit you might have good parenting skills?"
He smirked and said nothing.
"Okay, have it your way. But she liked your company so you must have done something right."
"I remembered to feed her so…"
Elizabeth chuckled. "You were good, John," she told him softly.
John looked back at her. Both shared a long and understanding gaze. In a moment only for them, they agreed that they had been good parents to Syla, even for seven days only. When their eyes returned to the calm ocean, Elizabeth asked jokingly, "So, is it time to remove the Baby On Board sticker from the Jumper now?"
"I think so," he replied.
THE END
Author's note: Thank you for reviews! Also, a special thank you to Jess. :-)