Chapter 5: Ancient Voices

A/N: I should have this wrapped up in about 3 or 4 chapters. Don't worry, I've got ideas for my next story. Yes, I will eventually reveal how Kyte got her name, just haven't found a good setting for it.

The jungle of the planet was as still as when we had left it, but there was no time to enjoy the scenery or stop and smell the proverbial flowers. We raced down the path to the temple ruins as fast we could. Normally, I would have been embarrassed at being the slowest of the group, but I at least could blame the fever. Dr. Beckett, however, could stand to get out of the infirmary more – I could have lapped him as it were, if I'd concentrated. I was sweating heavily and my legs were threatening to collapse from under me when we reached the temple.

"What were you muttering under your breath, Dr. Randall?" asked Colonel Sheppard.

"Ginsberg's 'Howl'. I used to recite poetry or Shakespeare when I had to pound out the extra miles. Takes your mind off the pain and the distance." I think I saw Major Lorne roll his eyes. I shrugged. "Liberal arts education. At least I don't recite pi out to a hundred digits." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw guilty look on Colonel Sheppard's face. Something he wasn't telling?

We entered the temple. "Time to test some theories," I said as I walked over to the podium and placed my hands on it. "Whatever happens, don't pull me away."

I felt a shock travel up my arms and something pulled at my mind. All I could do was let it take me wherever it, whatever it was, wanted me to go. I know I was standing still in the ruins of an Ancient temple, but when I opened my eyes, I was standing in a grassy field with my old high school cross country coach. I blinked in disbelief.

Coach Hansen smiled. "I pulled the image from your mind. Somehow it seemed… appropriate. You came back, but I sense you are not well?"

"Yes. Dr. McKay, the one who was with me, and I are both ill. We think it had something to do with… you."

The figure was silent for a moment. "Yes, you carry the genetic signature of those who built me, but you are not them. This is a problem, maybe."

"Dr. McKay and I both carry the Ancient gene. I'm supposed to have something extra with mine, but no, we are not the Ancients. We're their descendents, at least some of us."

"Ah, I see now. I was designed to be accessed by those who built Atlantis. I am a library, data storage, to be called upon in times of need,"

"Well, we're in need now. Dr. McKay is dying of a fever, from the attempt to rewire our brains and create new neural pathways. I'm not doing a whole lot better. Can you give me a way to stop this?"

"I can give you a way to reverse your friend's fever. That is simple. You are a little more complicated."

"What do you mean, more complicated?"

"You are closer to them, more so than your friend. The rewiring, as you refer to it, has begun with you, but it cannot be completed, because you are not wholly them. I will try to find a way to stop the process, but I cannot reverse it."

"If you find a way to stop it, will I be able to access your data?"

"I will see. If I find a way, you will be limited."

"Limited?"

"Your brain cannot handle all the information I was designed to convey. You will be able to access limited information, once, maybe twice without serious harm. I will at least leave you with some necessary information.

We spent what felt like an hour in silence. Later I was told this all took place in a matter of minutes.

"I am done. You will need much time asleep to finalize all that I have repaired, but I will attend to that. You will at least have time to convey the message you need."

I blinked and found myself surrounded by four anxious-looking men. Well, really three anxious-looking men and Ronon, trying to appear unconcerned. I pulled out a pencil and a notebook from a pocket.

"Have someone in Chemistry formulate this and give it to Dr. McKay," I said, rapidly drawing a chemical equation and set of reactions. "It should reverse everything. Don't worry about me. The librarian said I'll be fine, I just need to sleep," and with that I collapsed. Luckily, Ronon's reflexes kept me from picking up a nice Dr. Beckett-worrying concussion from the stone floor.

"She's breathing and her pulse is slow, but strong, said Dr. Beckett after a tense moment.

"Right. Let's get back to the jumper and Atlantis," said Colonel Sheppard. "Can you manage," looking at Ronon, who was cradling Dr. Randall.

"Yes," was the man's terse reply.

"I'm afraid I cannot let you leave with the girl," came a voice at the entrance. Dr. Beckett and the others turned to see three men in red monks robes, with a dozen more villagers near them, all armed with spears or arrows. Colonel Sheppard thought they looked like the priests from Chaya's planet. "You are free to go," said the head monk. "Many have come and attempted to talk with the oracle. She is the first to have succeeded and returned. The oracle told us to guard her while she sleeps." His tone was reverential.

"The lass needs medical attention. We must take her with us," insisted Dr. Beckett a little angrily.

The monk smiled patiently. "She will be fine. The oracle told us. If you are worried, you may remain."

Major Lorne and Colonel Sheppard looked at one another. Despite the obvious weapons advantage, shooting their way out was probably not the best solution. Colonel Sheppard made a mental note to have Dr. McKay double- and triple-check the life signs detectors on the jumpers, or maybe he should ask Zelenka this time.

"I will stay," said Ronon.

"We will return," snapped Dr. Beckett, upset at not being in control of the situation and able to monitor a patient.

"You are most welcome," said the monk. "I assure you she will be fine."

Reluctantly, Colonel Sheppard, Major Lorne, and Dr. Beckett headed toward the jumper, while Ronon followed the monks and villagers, protectively carrying the sleeping girl.

Dr. Weir, Colonel Caldwell, Major Andrews, and a few others waited at the gate. "Colonel Sheppard's IDC, ma'am," announced one of the techs. Dr. Weir breathed a sigh of relief and hoped for the best. Even with antibody injections synthesized from Dr. Randall's blood, Dr. McKay was losing the battle. The infirmary staff was giving him a few hours at best.

Dr. Beckett bounded out of the jumper, heading towards the labs. "Colonel Sheppard can explain what happened. By the way, Colonel, I expect to see you and the Major in the infirmary in an hour."

"Where are Ronon and Dr. Randall?" asked Dr. Weir.

"They're still on the planet," replied Colonel Sheppard.

"What!" asked Colonel Caldwell and Major Andrews simultaneously.

Colonel Sheppard gulped a little and remembered what it felt like to be grilled by a girl's father and older brother. Usually it didn't go too well.

TBC

A/N 2: I was going to send Kyte back to the infirmary, but what girl wouldn't want to be worshipped or at least held in reverence for a little while?