Chapter 6: Bad Timing:
A/N: Well, I was going wrap this up in a couple chapters, but Innogen in her last review gave me some new ideas, so the plot's taking a sharp left turn into darkness. Thanks. ;D A little Shep whumping for good measure.
"The monks assured us she would be ok. The villagers were a little insistent with the spears and arrows pointed in our direction. I didn't think shooting our way out was a good idea. Besides Ronon's there with her now, and they said we can return, which I'm planning too, along with anyone who's interested. I would suggest you, Elizabeth, since you tend to be a little better than me at the negotiation thing," Sheppard tried to explain, while simultaneously ignoring the glares from Colonel Caldwell and Major Andrews.
"She's unprotected, and not in any shape to defend herself. Do you think you can rely on Ronon and villagers with primitive weapons to defend her?" barked Caldwell, visible upset.
"With all due respect sir, began Major Lorne.
"With all due respect sirs, ma'am," interrupted Major Andrews angrily. "Dr. Lowell and his team are still out there, and they will not hesitate to open fire if they find her,"
"She told us what happened to her."
"Then you know what they are capable of. If they hear she was able to access an Ancient database or whatever it is, successfully, well, she'll wish I had shot her months ago."
"Gentlemen, my office now," Dr. Weir commanded, turning on her heel and heading towards her office. Col. Caldwell, Col. Sheppard, Major Lorne, and Major Andrews followed like guilty schoolboys.
The meeting was brief, but tense. Colonel Sheppard and Major Lorne defended their actions and Dr. Weir agreed that it had been the best course of action given the circumstances, but agreed that they should return to planet in six hours with a team, someone from the infirmary, and herself to open negotiations for Dr. Randall's return. The mood was significantly lighter when Dr. Beckett radioed in. Chemistry had synthesized the drug Dr. Randall had sketched out. Dr. McKay's fever had broken and he was showing significant improvement. Dr. Beckett figured he'd be pulling a 'Sheppard' in a couple days. The Colonel scowled slightly – everyone hated being cooped up in the infirmary – he couldn't have been the only one to make a few escape attempts.
Dr. Weir could swear Major Andrews would wear a path in the gateroom. He must have been pacing the whole six hours. She smiled at his protective nature towards Kyte, but knew that he had his reasons. She wasn't sure about Colonel Caldwell's protectiveness, however, Dr. Randall was the first person he'd shown more than a passing interest in, but neither of them would talk. Not that Dr. Randall talked much. The conversation with her earlier had been one of the few times Kyte had opened up. Dr. Heightmeyer had suggested that she was still traumatized by earlier events, and Dr. Weir wondered why she had revealed some of it on their return to the planet. She'd let Kate sort that one out later, when Kyte returned.
She was surprised to see Dr. Beckett enter the gateroom. "Rodney getting on your nerves already?"
"Dr. Beckett smiled sheepishly. "No telling what kind of state Dr. Randall will be in when she wakes up. I figured the lass might need a friendly face when she wakes up. Besides the villagers might also want a familiar face."
"I'm not sure if Kyte would consider you a friendly face, when she figures out how many tests you're going to run," said Colonel Sheppard sarcastically.
"John!" scolded Dr. Weir.
"Ready for another go round?" asked Major Lorne. I hope we're getting frequent jumper points today," he grumbled, as Lt. Stafford rounded out the group.
XXXXXX
The village was a short distance from the temple ruins. Dr. Randall was still asleep, if it was that, in a room of what appeared to be a monastery. Candles burned and incense wafted in the air. Fruits and other delicacies were laid out nearby. Someone had combed out Dr. Randall's usual ponytail and braided in tiny flowers. Lt. Stafford smiled and said, "A girl could used to this." As she checked out the food, reaching for a piece of fruit. Dr. Beckett glared and mumbled something about consuming foreign foods.
Ronon saw them enter and gave a sheepish grin. Apparently, the villagers had been quite generous in feeding the "guardian" as well. Dr. Beckett shook his head and set to work hooking portable EEG and EKG machines and positioning leads in appropriate places. The monks and villagers gave him puzzled looks, but did not interfere. She's stable," he announced after a moment. "Her readings indicate she appears to be in a deep sleep. I don't know how long she can remain like this, or if we'll be able to wake her. I really should get her back to Atlantis."
At the mention of Atlantis, the villager and monks looked impressed. "You are from the city of the Ancestors?" asked one of monks.
"Yes," said Dr. Weir.
"But you are not the Ancestors?"
"Some of us are their descendents," added Major Sheppard. "Dr. Randall there, may have been altered to serve as a link between the Ancestors and us."
At this announcement, all the monks and villagers bowed reverentially in Dr. Randall's direction.
"With all due respect, we appreciate all you have done for Dr. Randall," said Major Andrews politely. "However, there some people who seek her for these abilities. They will not be kind to her or to you, if they find her here. That is why we must take her back with us. Given these circumstances, I do not think the oracle would be upset."
Dr. Weir smiled. She might have used the same lines herself. She had almost forgotten about the Major's background in political science.
"We will continue this conversation in the Great Hall," said the head monk.
Dr. Weir and Major Andrews followed the villagers accompanied by Major Lorne, while the others remained behind.
"So is there anything you can give her to wake her up, doc/" asked Major Sheppard as Dr. Beckett checked the readouts once again. Several hours had passed and Ronon and Lt. Stafford had headed back to the jumper. Apparently, watching someone sleep was tiring.
"I don't know exactly what's going on, so I don't want to give her anything that could interfere with whatever that archive did to her." The doctor shrugged. As Rodney would say, damsels in distress are your area. You could play Prince Charming, or at least try talking to her."
Colonel Sheppard looked a little embarrassed. He thought for a moment, then announced, "I've got a better idea." He walked over to the sleeping figure. "Wake up Dr. Randall, or I'll let Dr. Kavanagh play Prince Charming."
The impulses on the monitor jumped. "You wouldn't," I whispered, looking into a smiling face. I saw Colonel Sheppard give Dr. Beckett a smirk. I'm sure Dr. McKay would only use this to reinforce his 'medicine is voodoo' theory. I tried to sit up and remember what had happened.
'Take it easy lass," cautioned Dr. Beckett untangling leads and putting a steadying hand on my shoulder. "What do you remember?"
I shook my head. "Not much. Just tell me this didn't involve alcohol and me dancing on a bar." Judging by the shocked look from Dr. Beckett and the intrigued looks from Major Lorne and Colonel Sheppard, the answer was no.
"You re-accessed the Ancient database and then collapsed. Ronon and the villagers have been looking after you. Apparently you get the VIP treatment," Dr. Beckett continued as I looked around the room.
I started to pull wires off, despite the upset look I got from Dr. Beckett. "Yes, I know, but you're just going to run a zillion tests in Atlantis, " I protested, while giving the Colonel a 'You and Dr. McKay are going to help me escape if he keeps me more than a day' look.
"Dr Weir, Dr. Randall is awake," said Dr. Beckett into his earpiece. "I suggest we head back to Atlantis soon."
"Understood. That simplifies matters. We've managed to obtain some produce in trade as well."
Our goodbyes were lengthier than I expected. Everyone seemed sorry to see us leave, which I guess was a change. I was reminded several times that I was welcome anytime to come and visit the oracle.
We were just leaving when automatic gunfire rang out. Instantly everyone was on alert. "No," I whispered. The one man I didn't want to see appeared in my line of vision.
"Nice to see you Kyte, Major Andrews," said Dr. Lowell, pointing a gun at Colonel Sheppard. "Dr. Weir, what a pleasant surprise," he continued. "You just made things easier. You ladies are coming with us." The men with him collected weapons. "Thanks for the contributions."
Dr Weir started to protest. "I said you're coming with us," repeated Dr. Lowell. "I'm serious," firing a shot at Colonel Sheppard's leg. The Colonel collapsed, pain creasing his face. Dr. Beckett stood frozen, knowing he should render aid, but not sure if would set off more gunfire. Dr. Weir looked at me. We had no choice. As we were walking away, Dr Lowell fired two more shots at Major Andrews. "I'll consider that your resignation," he said. I heard Dr. Beckett cursing in Gaelic. I wanted to turn and look, but couldn't.
TBC