The Grudge
Part 9
Author: Mac
Disclaimer in Part 1


Elizabeth stopped walking to take a breath. This probably wasn't the brightest idea she ever had, but she wanted to be certain John was going to be all right. Not only that, Kavanaugh needed to be dealt with.

"Dr. Weir," Carson said, his hand on her forearm. "Are you all right?"

She nodded and took another deep breath. "I'm fine, Carson. Just a little tired."

"I shouldn't have agreed to this. You're in no condition to be walking around. I'm sending you back to Atlantis."

"No!" She cried. "Carson, I will not go back until John is safely home."

He'd seen determination before, but it wasn't just that. It confirmed that Dr. Weir was in love with John Sheppard as much as he was with her. "Very well. You'll stand by me and the minute we get to the hospital, you will rest!"

"Yes, Sir," she replied.

Kavanaugh had just finished his antidote when Dr. Beckett and his team arrived. Elizabeth ordered the airman to keep an eye on him while Dr. Beckett checked over everything. She glanced over at John and immediately felt sick to her stomach. His eyes were closed, but you could tell he was having trouble breathing

She glared at Kavanaugh as she sank into the chair next to John's bed. Beckett could tell the man was about to say something so he quietly told the airmen to escort Kavanaugh outside.

"Katie," he called one of the nurses. "Could you please get Major Sheppard's vitals, then make certain you get Dr. Weir's?"

"Right away, Doctor!" she replied.

Beckett took a deep breath and began his work. He study everything carefully, also noting the books Eli's people had on the flower extract that was used. It took him twenty minutes to realize what was wrong with John.

"Carson!" Elizabeth cried, before the man could say anything. He rushed over and saw what was worrying her. John was awake, but seemed like he was in some sort of trance. "He won't reply to me at all. He doesn't even acknowledge that I'm here!"

Elizabeth watched in worried silence as Dr. Beckett checked him over. He finally turned to face her when John began blinking and taking deep breaths. "It was a seizure, Dr. Weir. He'll be fine."

She was confused. "How was that a seizure? He didn't move an inch."

"It's a different kind. It-" He was about to continue, but he was cut off.

"Hey, guys," Sheppard said softly. "Nice of you to visit."

Elizabeth's smile grew. "It's nice to see you awake, John. Dr. Beckett is just making certain Kavanaugh's antidote is going to work."

"Any luck?" he asked.

"Yes. I was about tell you both, actually. The extract from that plant is, in a way, like cocaine. That, plus the sap from the Craylax tree, is what caused your reaction. The only thing it does to the people of this world, is put them to sleep. They wake up groggily within two hours."

"Wait a minute," Elizabeth said. "Didn't Eli mention that this stuff kills people?"

"That's just what Dr. Kavanaugh told him. He must have known it was harmful to humans, but didn't know it only capacitated Eli's people."

John rolled his eyes. "That's fascinating, Doc, but what about me?"

"The antidote is viable. If you're ready, I can administer it now. We'll transport you to Atlantis as soon as we're finished."

"What about Kavanaugh?"

Elizabeth sighed. "That's a good question. I have no idea what to do with him. I'm going to see what, if anything, Eli might like to do."

Elizabeth found Eli sitting alone on the porch when she stepped outside. She cleared her throat and sat in the chair in front of him. "Dr. Weir. How is Major Sheppard doing?"

"He'll be fine," she replied. "The antidote Dr. Kavanaugh created is viable. However, this leads us to something to think about."

"What to do about that young man. Yes, I know. I have been thinking on this as well. If he were sent back with your people, what would you do with him?"

She sat back with a sigh. She honestly had no idea. "Our security didn't seem to detain him much last time he was jailed. I don't know what to do with him."

"Perhaps he should remain here. We have many things he can do and we will keep him under constant guard. If it makes you feel any better, you may have a few of your officers guarding him. When you hear from your people on Earth, was it?" At her nod, he continued, "You can speak to your superiors about him."

Elizabeth smiled. "Are you certain about this, Eli?"

"I am."

"I accept," she replied, shaking his hand.

"Wonderful. And, as soon as Major Sheppard is well again, I would like to invite you and his team to a feast to celebrate our new friendship."

"Excuse me, Dr. Weir. I've administered the antidote and the Major is ready to be transported back to Atlantis."

"Thank you, Doctor. Just let me know when you're ready to go. I have to talk to Kavanaugh." She joined Eli at the bottom of the porch stairs. "Are you ready?"

"I think the more important question is, are you ready, Dr. Weir?"

She sighed. "As I'll ever be."

They found Kavanaugh lounging in what looked like a brig. He remained in his position as Eli and Elizabeth walked up to him. "It's nice to have visitors," he said. "Senator Kinsey will be saddened to hear his plan didn't work. He knew from the start that you and Major Sheppard would be trouble."

"Where the hell do you get off?" Elizabeth exclaimed angrily. "What made either of you think this was such a great idea? We're pretty much stranded out here..." she trailed off. Was there something Kavanaugh knew that she didn't? She ordered them to open the brig and strolled over to him, grabbing him by the shirt collar. She knew she was on pure adrenaline at this point. "Are you in contact with Kinsey?"

"Are you insane? Of course not!" he screamed back at her.

She shoved him back onto his cot, breathing heavily. "If you so much as dial Atlantis again, so help me!"