Must End
…sort of
Carson turns as Major Sheppard rushes into the infirmary out of breath, carrying Ashri. "Oh, what happened?"
"Electric shock," he says. Behind him Teyla, Lt. Ford, Dr. McKay and Dr. Weir follow in quick succession but stand back.
"What?" Carson motions to a gurney. "Why didn't you call me instead of bringing her down here. Her heart could have stopped."
Sheppard gently lays her down. "It's not like that doc." He looks at Ford. "Tell him." Just as Ford's about to speak, Ashri's arm falls to the side and blue bolts of electricity lash out at the metal IV stand, toppling it. The Major jumps back in time to avoid getting hit. The EKG monitor is not so lucky and it explodes!
"Bloody hell," Carson gasps.
"Did I do that, too?" Ford asks.
The Major's hovering over Ashri again and he glances back at Carson. "Guess you get to run your tests after all."
Ashri's back arches and a broken, breathy cry escapes as more powerful blue sparks shoot from both her hands, one jolt hitting Sheppard in the chest and sending him to the floor. Everyone ducks as the electric surge lances over the infirmary…walls, ceiling…leaving a trail of black burn marks. Another monitor explodes.
"Jesus! What the hell was that!" McKay whines, looking over his shoulder at the damaged wall. "That could have killed me."
Ashri drops back onto the bed, motionless. Sheppard, shaking off the blow, is off the floor and by her side in seconds. He cups her face, turning her toward him. "Let me, Major," Carson says, pulling the man aside. Ashri's clammy and her hair's damp.
"Ohmygod!" Elizabeth's remark catches his attention and he turns, instantly seeing what the problem is. Everyone's hair is standing on end—even McKay's—like they're all drawings in some horrible comic book.
"She ionized the room," McKay says.
Carson turns back. Sheppard has moved to the other side of the bed, taken her hand in his while gently tapping the young woman's face, trying to bring her around. "It's time to wake up, sweetie. C'mon."
Carson's concerned about making contact with the metal of his stethoscope, but he takes the risk. Her heartbeat is irregular. Breathing erratic. "Major, has this ever happen before?"
Sheppard looks up. "Just once. Three nights ago. When she finally woke up…I got zapped a bit. Actually, we both did. Not this bad, though."
"That's not the only time." Dr. Weir says. As Carson turns, she takes a step closer to the bed, though the others understandably hang back. She catches the Major's gaze. "Remember. When we almost shook hands that first day."
"Right," he says but adds nothing, returning his attention to Ashri, smoothing aside the hair matted to her face.
"Any time before that?" Carson asks.
He shakes his head. "No, never. Talk to me, Carson. What's going on?"
Carson shakes his head. "I'm not rightly sure, Major. I've never seen anything like this."
Sheppard drops the safety railing on his side of the bed and leans over, his face only an inch or so from Ashri's. He picks up her right hand and places it against his temple.
"Major, what are you doing?" Carson asks.
"She won't hurt me."
Teyla says, "I do not believe she wishes to hurt anyone."
Carson looks to Lt. Ford. "Tell me exactly what you saw."
"It's like she's turned into a human lightning rod," Ford adds.
"We have to help her," Teyla says.
"Can you be more specific, son?"
"Her hand touched the railing and suddenly these sparks…like these others…shot into her fingers."
Teyla shakes her head. "I am sorry, Lieutenant, I do not believe that is what occurred." She turns to Carson. "The sparks came from her fingers, just as a moment ago."
"How it this possible? People don't create lightning." Lt. Ford asks.
"McKay, what were you saying about lightning?" Dr. Weir asks.
McKay snaps his fingers as if trying to recall a memory. "Uhhh…It's nature's balancing tool. The more positive ions in the atmosphere, the more electrical storms occur to cancel them with negative ions."
Even Major Sheppard's attention is drawn to McKay after that. Carson's sure he and everyone share the same 'huh' expression.
McKay nods and makes circling motions with his hands and talks at his usual speed. "If what Ashri told the Major is true, then whatever weapon the Luminatés used must have changed the planet's original surface charge, and as a defense, mother nature or whoever, created the storms to return the charge back to its norm." He tilts his head in thought. "Oh, this makes sense. The planet's different from Earth…much more so than anywhere we've been. It's ionic charge must differ greatly. That's why it seemed like the lightning was targeting us. It was! Our innate ionic charge must be more positive than negative…that alone caused the planet to seek us out and… well…neutralize us."
"That's all well and good, Rodney," Major Sheppard glares hard at the scientist. "But what the hell does it have to do with Ashri?"
McKay takes a step forward, the glee immediately fading from his face. "I'm sorry, Major. Her ionic charge is like that of Luminance. Her body is rejecting our atmosphere."
Sheppard immediately turns back Ashri. Carson sees her eyes are open, gazing up at the Major. Tears spill over her temples and Sheppard wipes them away. Carson moves in. "Ashri, dear. Can you tell me what's happening to you?"
Her eyes shift to Carson briefly and he can see the fear in them. She shakes her head slowly before looking back at the Major.
Carson glances Elizabeth, her eyes are wide, glassy and her mouth is moving as if she's trying to speak only she can't get the words out. "Dr. Weir?" She doesn't respond. "Elizabeth!" Still nothing. Carson turns to McKay. "You're the physicist, Rodney, tell me what to do."
McKay stumbles over his words. "There's nothing we can do."
Ford steps over. "That's not good enough."
"We must help her," Teyla says firmly.
"She has to go back," Sheppard and McKay say at the same time. McKay looks shocked at his own words being echoed. Carson looks to the Major, he's staring into Ashri's eyes, caressing her forehead.
"To Luminance!" Dr. Weir shouts suddenly, and everyone turns to her. Carson can see the faintest trace of tears in her eyes, but she blinks them aside. "We can't connect there again. The virus shut us down twice. It nearly killed Teyla and Ford. We can't take the risk of getting re-infected."
Carson's sure he doesn't like the dangerous gleam in the Major's eyes as he gently lays Ashri's hand on her chest and takes two long steps toward Dr. Weir. Instinctively, she steps back as he approaches. "If she stays here she'll die," Major Sheppard growls. Carson can hear the tremor in his voice, the pain and fear combining.
"You don't know-" Dr. Weir starts, only to be interrupted when Ashri's back arches again and electricity leaps from her hands. Only this time she seems able to contain the outburst, forcing the energy to encircle her body…containing the damage. The charge dissipates and she drops limply onto the bed, once again unconscious.
Carson checks her. "If this keeps happening, her heart will stop. She's still basically human, Elizabeth. Nobody can take this kind of assault. If McKay's right…then Luminance is the only place she'll survive."
Dr. Weir turns to McKay. "And there's nothing we can do for her?"
He shakes his head. "There's no way to create the ionic atmosphere she needs."
"Then we dial out, but no dialing back in," Dr. Weir says to everyone's surprise.
"You're telling me not to come back," John says. The shocked look on Dr. Weir's face says she hadn't thought that part through.
"But-" McKay starts.
"No, Major. I can't risk losing you…with the Wraith…" She takes a deep breath. "We just send her."
"Look-" McKay says.
Sheppard slides in closer to Dr. Weir, but this time she doesn't back down, though in Carson's opinion, it'd be the smart thing to do. Carson's seen this edge in the Major's face before…and it scares him. "What do you expect me to do? Toss her through?" He points at the bed. "Look at her, there's no way for her to walk out of here. And I'm not leaving her there without knowing she's all right. So, either I say goodbye now or I come back…it's up to you."
"I'm trying to protect all of us, Major."
"Listen-" McKay holds up a hand.
"At Ashri's expense!" Sheppard yells at Dr. Weir.
"I don't like it either, John-"
McKay takes a chance and steps between the two, not the brightest move in Carson's book. Then again, he might just be saving Dr. Weir's life. "I have an idea!" They both glare at McKay and he starts rambling. "We take the Zed PM off–line. Shut down all but the control room generator. When Major Sheppard returns, we trade out. Once contained the virus can't jump to another source. So we replace the Control Room generator with one of the others and let it sit dormant for two hours.
"And what if it can jump?" Dr. Weir asks.
McKay huffs as if he's talking to a child. "Then we go dark for two hours again and reboot with the Zed PM. It'll work."
Sheppard nods to McKay. "Do it." Before Carson can stop him, he's at the bed, scooping Ashri up in his arms. Carson catches the Major's gaze then gives him a quick nod. He can't think of any other way to help the lass. And it's breaking his heart seeing the pain in the Major's face.
"Major!" Dr. Weir calls.
At the door, Sheppard slowly turns to face her and he's not happy about it. "You're not trading her life for a couple hours of power." Then he disappears into the corridor followed by McKay. Teyla and Ford give Dr. Weir a wide berth before quickly rushing after the others.
Dr. Weir runs her fingers through her hair, settling it finally. She heaves a sigh, still looking out the door, though no one is there. Carson touches her shoulder and she jumps. "It's okay, Dr. Weir. I understand." At least he's trying to.
"Good," she sighs. "Because I sure as hell don't." She glances at him and he can see such confusion in her green eyes. Even though he knows she's been sleeping and eating properly, Carson would swear, by the red-rimmed eyes and the blanched skin, she hadn't slept in weeks. "What is wrong with me?" The stress must have finally taken it's toll.
But there might be something else, more personal bothering her. For once, Carson wishes he did have a degree in psychology, then he'd know how to proceed. But as it is, he has to take the easiest route. The truth. "You're afraid he'll choose not to return to Atlantis."
She shakes her head. "Not really," she says and she sounds very certain of that. Carson doesn't know if he should be worried or not. The last time she made statements so firmly, she'd been right on target.
"What is it then?"
"I'm afraid he'll want to go back." She locks eyes with Carson, the weariness and confusion suddenly replaced by absolute certainty. "And I can't allow that to happen."
Trudy, Carson's nurse comes in then, interrupting his train of thought as she hands him a medical report. "Oh, crap," he says and Dr. Weir pulls the report from his hands, giving him a nasty paper cut on his index finger.
The event horizon shimmers in front of him. John holds Ashri close to his chest and kisses her forehead. She's still clammy and unconscious, but thankfully, no surges from the infirmary to the Gate Room. Hold on, he tells her. He glances up at McKay. "Keep a light on for me."
McKay nods. "We'll do."
And John steps through the gate.
Luminance is just how they left it, bright, colorful and surging with lightning, though not as bad as before. Seems the storm has managed to move on. John rushes down the altar steps and around the pond to the other side of the mountain. He lifts Ashri's limp hand to key the passageway open. Within moments, they're inside the dark temple.
John lays her onto the stone table and pulls out his flash light. It's meager, but enough to see by. "Ashri." He taps lightly on her cheeks, but she doesn't stir. "C'mon. You gotta help me here." John looks around...sees the pond. Maybe…
Lifting her into his arms again, John walks down the steps into the water, fully dressed. He sits on the bottom step, cradling her on his lap so she's nearly submerged. He rests her head against his shoulder, keeping her face above the water. He drips some water over her forehead, caresses her cheek with his wet hand. The pond seems to support her weight and she easily floats on her own, but he wants to keep her submerged and as close to his body as possibly, so he pulls her back down…he's not willing to let her go. "Ashri." He smoothes more water onto her hair and forehead. She's not moving.
"Don't do this to me…please!" He cups her face in his hand then runs a wet finger up and down the sides. He doesn't know when he starts crying, but his body hurts from the rage. His tears drip onto her face. He remembers this pain. Swore he'd never let himself feel it again. And yet here he is…sobbing like the 'cry-baby' his father once called him.
Silently he curses his father for being a cold-hearted bastard. But he realizes his dad had it easy. If you don't feel anything…you're heart can't be shattered.
Just as the lightning once made his body buck and shake, so now do the uncontrollably sobs wrenched from his soul. John drops his forehead, pressing it against hers. She's cooler now, but he doesn't take that as a good sign. There's so much he wanted to say to her. So much more they needed to share. He kisses her deeply, hoping futilely for some sign of life still within. When nothing happens, the miracle fairy tale kiss fails, John throws his head back, letting loose an animal like scream ripped from deep within his chest. His rage echoes throughout the temple, scaring the birds from their comfy perches.
John thought Ashri would never hurt him…he couldn't have been more wrong. The sobs and heaving slowly subside, but the tears still flow, hot and heavy down his cheeks. I should have told her!
But he'd been afraid. Afraid of three little words that now she'll never get to hear. John caresses her face again, wishing he could look into her eyes once more, but knowing if he did, she would not be there. He pulls her up, drapes her limp arms around his neck and hugs her close, burying his face in her wet hair. "I love you," he sighs against her ear. "Forever."
Feeling the tightness in his chest and a lump in his throat, John knows the sobs are coming back full force, but he doesn't care. He sits in the water, rocking with her, telling her over and over… "I love you."
Time has no place in the dark cavern, but the beam from his flashlight is beginning to fade. His body shakes as the tears slowly ebb. John looks down at Ashri, his beautiful lady Godiva that once rose from this same water as some fantasy vision, has become his Sleeping Beauty. Her eyes closed, angelic face slack. He wishes he could have taken her picture. Why didn't he think about that!
He kisses her lightly, one last time…feeling a slight tingle in his head.
John…
"What should we do?" Carson asks as soon as she finishes the report.
Finally Dr. Weir looks at him. Her arms are crossed over her chest, her eyes narrowed and she's biting her bottom lip. That same look is in her eyes, the absolute certainty of the person in charge. "Don't tell him."
"But, Dr. Weir…?"
"Is there anything to be done about it?"
Carson shakes his head and sighs. "No."
"Then it would only hurt him to know."
"I suppose…but, still." He's a medical doctor. It's a medical situation. He should tell Major Sheppard as soon as the man returns. What if he decides not to return?
As if seeing the debate on his face, Dr. Weir steps right up to Carson and grips both his upper arms fiercely. She's surprisingly strong for such a tiny lass. "Carson. It's privileged," she says in that stern voice she usually only reserves for McKay or the Major. "I'm ordering you to keep it that way."
Carson's eyes widen. She actually made it an order! How can she do that to him. He's never been good with secrets when someone's health…hell entire future is involved. "But…"
She holds up a finger, cutting him off. "An order, Carson."
With a heavy sigh and even a heavier heart, Carson nods. "Very well, Dr. Weir." He pushes the paper into the file. "But I don't like it. And I don't understand."
She nods curtly before heading out of the infirmary and he can swear he hears her mumble, "Neither do I."
Rodney's at the control panel when the gate lights up. "Incoming wormhole."
"Shield," Dr. Weir says from her normal perch on the balcony.
Peter looks up from his laptop. "It's Major Sheppard's I.D.C."
She sighs. "It's about time. Open it."
Major Sheppard saunters through the gate at his own leisurely pace, in fact, there's even a bit of a bounce to his step. Rodney rushes down the stairs, passing Teyla and Ford before they can get up to greet the Major. "You were gone long enough."
"Not that long, Rodney."
"Eleven hours, Major."
"Oh…that long, huh?" Sheppard smiles slyly, rubbing the back of his neck before raising his eyes to the balcony as he usually does after an off-world trip.
Rodney follows his gaze. The balcony is empty. He turns back to the Major, motioning with his hands. "Well? Did it work?"
"Yes," Teyla says, joining them. "How is she?"
Sheppard grins and bobs his head. "Better."
"Good. Good."
"That's great news, Sir," Ford adds. "Are you doing all right? You look a bit wiped."
The Major presses his lips together and raises his creased brows. "Now that you mention it…I am a bit tired. Think I'll hit the sack."
Rodney catches a glimpse of something and narrows his gaze. He wags a finger. "Is that a…hickey…Major?"
Both Teyla and Ford stop and look at Sheppard as his hand flies to his neck and he scrunches his face, coming up with an explanation. "Probably a bug bite."
"Hmm. A bed-bug perhaps?" Rodney raises his brows and exchanges amused looks with Ford. "And, I imagine, this bug would be about…say five-foot-seven, exotically beautiful?"
Sheppard nods a bit. "Sounds about right."
"I see." Rodney claps his hands together. "Well then. So happy I could facilitate your…how should I put this…exposure to said bug."
"Yes, Rodney," Sheppard grins sheepishly. "Thank you very much."
Rodney glances up to the balcony. "That's a wrap, Grodin. Shut it down."
As the power in the Control Room and gatrium dies down, Teyla, Ford and Sheppard head for the corridor leading to the quarters.
The pain from Teyla's heart lifted as soon as the Major indicated Ashri would be all right. She still felt saddened that the woman would have to remain on the planet all alone. As she and Lt. Ford walk along the corridor with the Major, Teyla says: "I am surprised to see you, actually."
"That tired of me, already, eh, Teyla?" Major Sheppard says in his usual light manner.
"Not at all. I simply meant-"
He raises a hand and chuckles softly. "I know what you meant. And I can't say I wasn't tempted. Very tempted."
Keeping pace with them, Lt. Ford walks on the other side of the Major. "What made you come back, sir. If you don't mind my asking."
Major Sheppard halts walking, he puts his hands in his pockets and looks down at the floor, rocking slightly. "Ashri did."
Teyla exchanges a confused glance with Lt. Ford. "Really?" They say at the same time.
He licks his lips; something she notices he does when he is trying to find the right words to say or when he is embarrassed. "It's a long story." He looks at both of them in turn and Teyla can see the longing in his eyes, the sadness he is desperate to hide. "But she convinced me this is where I'm needed."
Teyla nods. She wonders if she would have been able to let go of a love so dear. There is no doubt in Teyla's mind that Ashri truly loves Major Sheppard. So what could it be that prompted her to let him go…to have to 'convince' him as it were? "Perhaps you will be able to visit her soon."
Lt. Ford clears his throat and seems to be quite distressed about something. "Dr. Weir has ordered Luminance locked out of the dialing system."
"Of course she has," Major Sheppard says and Teyla gets the impression he's not surprised.
"I had not heard. I am sorry, Major."
Major Sheppard waves a hand in the air and starts walking again. They are only a few feet from his quarters. The door opens and the Major steps inside, but not before Lt. Ford notices something Teyla did not.
"Uhh, Major?"
"Yeah, Ford."
Lt. Ford lowers his voice and glances around quickly. "Where's your GDO?"
Major Sheppard looks at his bare arm, raises his brows and shrugs. "Hmm. Dunno." He smiles in that charming manner Teyla has come to mistrust immediately. " Must've lost it," he says.
Lt. Ford looks to Teyla and she can tell he's thinking the same thing. "That's a shame," he says, his broad smile sly.
The mischievous grin, marked with dimples re-appears, raising Teyla's suspicions. "Yeah…big one," Major Sheppard says as he disappears behind his closing door.
END
A/N: Yeah, I marked it as character death…couldn't give away the ending, right. Hope you enjoyed this rather LONG story. Feedback always appreciated.
Look for the sequel...Redemption.