To those of you who take the time, thank you for the very nice reviews. They are better than chocolate and they keep the fires burning. I've been bad. It's 3am and I'm still working on grades. Took a detour to finish this chapter and it turned into a long one. Sorry for the wait, but I hope you enjoy.
The Mind of Atlantis - Chapter 6
As soon as Beckett and Strauhan had Sheppard settled, McKay drug a chair up to the bed, close enough to see without being in the way. Elizabeth was debating whether or not to pull up her own chair when she was called away to the gateroom. She left, promising to check back later. After fussing with Sheppard's monitors and checking the settings for several minutes, Beckett finally pulled up a chair near McKay's. He oriented himself where he could clearly see all the monitor screens. Dr. Strauhan wandered back and forth between infirmary duties and checking on Sheppard.
McKay began to get restless after a few minutes. "Do you think he's talking to Atlantis yet?" he asked.
"He is," stated Beckett.
McKay looked skeptical. "Now how in the world can you tell that? Witchdoctor spell of some kind?"
Beckett just smiled knowingly. "Both his pulse and his blood pressure have decreased and his theta waves have increased dramatically. Those odd spikes have increased as well, both in frequency and amplitude. It's a fairly safe bet that he's with Atlantis right now."
McKay looked torn between being impressed and worried. "Ooo-kay. He's okay though, right?"
"Yes, Rodney, so far he's fine."
"Good." McKay looked relieved as he watched the monitor readouts with Beckett. After a few minutes he turned back to Beckett. "Hey, you don't have any popcorn, do you?"
Beckett scowled at the scientist. "Rodney...this is not a bloody movie. No...I don't have any popcorn."
"I know it's not a movie, but I still think some popcorn would be good, though." He patted his stomach for a second. "What about power bars?" Beckett just stared at him. "I'll take that as a no. How long do you think this will last?"
"I have no idea. If you're hungry, just go down to the mess and get somethin' to eat." And leave me alone, he thought.
"No...I'll stay. I wouldn't want to miss anything."
"Oh goody for me," replied Beckett sarcastically.
An hour later, McKay was starting to doze when Nick brought Beckett a cup of coffee.
"Thanks," said Beckett, taking the steaming cup from Nick and sipping the hot drink. "Ahhhhh. That's good."
"Thought you looked like you could use a cup. How's our patient?"
"He's okay so far. His pulse and blood pressure are getting lower than I'd like." They watched the monitor for several minutes. McKay woke up in time to see Beckett slide forward in his chair.
"Carson..." said Nick, standing behind Beckett and looking over his shoulder.
"I see it," said Beckett, getting up and moving to stand by the bed. "His pressure's dropping too fast."
Sheppard began to cough and gag about then. "Help me roll him," Beckett shouted, but Nick was already there, helping him roll Sheppard up on his side just as he vomited. McKay came to his feet, realizing that Sheppard was in trouble. Kelly must have also realized there was trouble, because suddenly she was there helping, wiping Sheppard's face as they rolled him back onto his back. Nick elevated the head of the bed somewhat to reduce the chances of aspiration in case the Major vomited again.
"Kelly, why don't you go ahead and start an IV. He's not going to like it, but I think he's going to need it."
Kelly nodded and retrieved the IV materials from the cart. The nurse whose name Sheppard could never remember showed up with a mop and hurriedly cleaned the floor as the two doctors continued to check the Major's condition.
An alarm went off, causing McKay to jump before Beckett shut it off. "Oxygen level's dropping." He took his stethoscope and listened at Sheppard's chest. Nick then shifted the Major up slightly so that Beckett could listen at his back. "His respiration is reduced, as well. Let's go ahead and put him on an oxygen mask."
As Nick and Kelly got Sheppard on oxygen, Beckett walked over to the cart, pulled back the towel, and selected a prepared syringe. He checked the contents carefully and, when satisfied, injected the contents into Sheppard's IV port.
"Carson?" McKay's worried expression asked Becket what was going on.
"We've got to get his pressure back up, Rodney. Just give us a moment."
The temporary flurry of activity slowed as everyone just stood around watching the monitors. It was several minutes later before Shepard's pressure improved enough that Beckett seemed to relax. The relief was short lived as Kelly announced that his temperature was a 103.5. Beckett sighed as he thought a moment.
"Nick, there's a syringe with..."
"I see it." Nick was looking at the tray with various prepared syringes in it. He took one and injected it into Sheppard's IV port.
"Thanks."
"Now what?" asked McKay, still looking worried.
"Now we wait," said Beckett.
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The first thing Sheppard was aware of was a slightly irregular clicking sound. He tried to hold onto the sound long enough to identify it, but was disoriented enough to have no idea where he was. It took another minute to convince his eyelids to begin the process of opening. Before he could figure out what the sound was, it stopped.
"Major?"
He finally succeeded in getting his eyes open, only to instantly change his mind and close them. His head felt like fireworks explosions were going off behind his eyes and, dang, if he couldn't see them in all their glory.
"I'll get Carson."
That sounded like Rodney...which meant the clicking was probably him on his computer. And if he was going after Carson, that meant Sheppard was in the infirmary. Too much thinking and it was making his head hurt worse. He was starting to slip thankfully back into sleep when someone gently shook his shoulder. He groaned as this bobbled his head slightly. That was followed by a strong grip around his wrist. Beckett must be taking his pulse.
"Carson, I know I saw his eyes open. He's awake, I'm telling you."
"Shhhh. Too loud," Sheppard whispered. He felt like he had the mother of all hangovers.
"See, I told you..." the loud rant was cut short with a grunt. Sheppard figured Beckett had elbowed him in the ribs or some other equally effective technique. This was one time he appreciated the doctor's protective nature when it came to his patients.
"Major, try to open your eyes son. I've dimmed the lights some."
Sheppard tried the whole eye opening activity again, and found it went much smoother this time. The lights were thankfully dimmed back to a tolerable level. He was careful, however, not to move his head. "Thanks doc," he said softly.
Beckett elevated the bed slightly and offered Sheppard a sip of water, which he gratefully accepted. Sometimes he thought Beckett could read minds.
"Do you remember what happened, lad?"
Sheppard lay there a minute before everything came flooding back. "Yeah...yeah, I was talking to Atlantis. I think...I think I stayed too long."
"Aye, I'd say so."
Sheppard tried to bring his hand up to rub his eyes when he felt the tug of an IV. "Doc?" he asked, looking at the IV line taped to his hand.
"Sorry about that, but you had a few problems and we needed it."
Sheppard then realized that at least all the monitors were gone. "How long have I been out?"
Beckett frowned. "Almost 20 hours."
Sheppard looked surprised. "Twenty hours," he repeated. He yawned, thinking it was odd he'd been asleep that long and yet still felt exhausted. "What...what kind of problems?"
"Your pressure and respiration bottomed out on us, Major. About the time we got that under control, your temperature shot up. You're still running a bit of fever, but your pressure is much better. You just need some rest. Whatever goes on when you meet Atlantis takes a pretty big toll on you."
"Doc...I need to take a little trip."
"Major, you're not going anywhere for a while."
"No, Doc...I mean I've gotta go...you know...to the bathroom."
Beckett frowned. "I imagine you do, but I think we'd better go with a bedpan for now. I doubt you could make it that far."
"I can make it with a little help. Come on Doc, I hate those things."
Beckett rolled his eyes. "I suppose we could try. Rodney, come help me." Beckett helped Sheppard sit up and swing his legs over the side of the bed. He sat there a minute with his eyes closed as the pain in his head spiked, causing his stomach to lurch. He swallowed hard against the taste of bile rising in his throat. "Major?"
"I can do this, Doc. Just needed a second to get settled. I'm good now." Beckett and McKay each took an arm and lifted Sheppard to a standing position. They were prepared when his legs gave way and shouldered his weight, keeping him upright. As soon as he was on his feet, Sheppard almost passed out. His vision grayed completely and he felt like he was falling as the pain in his head edged up yet another notch. He was starting to think this hadn't been one of his brighter ideas when the dizziness began to fade and his vision began to clear. He felt his legs take hold underneath him.
"Okay guys, let's do this. My eyeballs are starting to float." They slowly began to edge forward, his arms around Beckett and McKay and McKay pushing the IV pole along in front of him. Sheppard was thankful he still had on scrubs and not one of those somewhat drafty gowns. What seemed like years later, they arrived at the bathroom. Sheppard had finally begun to support some of his own weight. "I can take it from here."
Beckett looked doubtful. "I don't know Major. I'd hate to have to come pick you up off the floor."
Sheppard looked annoyed. "I'm not much on audiences, Doc. I'll hollar if I need you."
"All right. We'll be right out here." Sheppard slowly made his way into the bathroom, clutching the IV pole as he pushed it along beside him. He didn't notice that Beckett didn't actually close the door all the way, just pushing it to. In a minute they heard the toilet flush and then Beckett opened the door a crack. "Major?"
"Okay Doc. I think I could use that help now."
Beckett stepped in and slid Sheppard's arm over his shoulder. "Let's get you back to bed now, lad."
A few minutes later, they had Sheppard safely tucked back in bed. Beckett smiled at the exhausted man as he crossed his arms. "So, Major. Was it worth it?"
Sheppard answered with his eyes closed, almost as if it took too much energy to hold them open. "Oh, yeah. Like they say, Oh what a relief it is."
McKay snorted. "I think that was actually a commercial for some sort of antacid."
"Doesn't matter, McKay. It...still applies. Tired...McKay."
"No, no, no. You haven't told me what happened with Atlantis yet. What did you find out?' inquired McKay anxiously.
Beckett intervened. "No...not now. The Major can fill us all in after he's had some more rest."
"Carson, he's awake NOW. Why can't he tell us about what happened? It could be very important. I know you'll probably keep him cooped up in here for a while, but if I knew some more, maybe I could be doing something. The Major can just kind of clue us in on some things and then rest all he wants."
"Rodney..."
"Carson, I don't think you understand the ramifications of this. He is the key to Atlantis, for heaven's sake. We need to hear what happened."
"Rodney..."
"I'm serious...just think about it. He can open up doors we never even knew were there. This is the most exciting thing to happen since we got the city topside. How can you make me wait for this? I ask you, seriously, how can you make me wait?"
"That's what I've been trying to tell you. He's asleep."
McKay looked down with dismay to discover that Sheppard was, indeed, back asleep.
"Oh...well, crap." He plopped back down in the chair. "How long do you think he'll stay out this time?"
"No idea, Rodney. But I think it'll be quite a while. Why don't you run along and I'll call you as soon as he wakes back up."
McKay nodded. "Guess I might as well. I think this chair has given me permanent back problems." He gathered up his computer and walked glumly from the infirmary. Beckett double checked Sheppard's IV line and vital signs and adjusted his covers.
"Get some rest, Major. I have a feeling you're going to need it."
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The next time Sheppard woke up, the process was a lot easier. He blinked a couple of times to get his eyes to focus and then looked around the infirmary. He noticed almost immediately that his headache was almost gone. Nothing left but a slight throbbing in his temples. Definitely much better.
"Major? Glad to see you awake. How are you feeling?" Beckett was coming up beside his bed, pausing to check the IV line as he waited for the Major's response.
"Good, actually. How long this time?"
Beckett looked at his watch. "Oh...about 15 hours. How's the headache?"
"Much better. It's almost gone."
"That's good. You're pressure's good. You've still got a bit of a temperature, but it keeps slowly creeping down. Feel like eating something?"
"Yes, actually I'm quite starved."
Beckett looked happy to hear that. "Good, then. I'll send out for a breakfast tray." He adjusted Sheppard's bed to more of a sitting position before he left. A few minutes later, Ford, Teyla, and McKay filed in, looking pleased that Sheppard was awake and sitting up.
"Hey, sir. You're looking much better." Ford looked particularly happy to see his CO awake and alert.
"Thanks, Ford. I'm feeling much better. It's amazing what sleeping for two days will do for you."
"I am sure you needed it Major. Aiden was right. You do look like you feel much better." Teyla smiled and nodded to Sheppard, who smiled and nodded back.
"Thanks Teyla. So...you guys keeping busy?"
Ford and Teyla looked at each other before glancing back at Sheppard. Teyla was the one to answer the question. "In a manner of speaking. We have been helping Dr. Kavanagh move his things to a different lab. It seems he was...not satisfied with the one he had. It was too...small for his very important work."
Sheppard laughed. "Oh...sorry guys. I'm not really laughing at you...just glad it wasn't me. Kavanagh and I don't have what you'd call a good working relationship. I might be tempted to deck him again and really get myself court-martialed this time."
Teyla just glared at him until he stopped smiling. He was relieved when Beckett came back over to the group, carrying a tray of food. He set it on the rolling tray table and pushed the table over Sheppard's lap. "Okay, Major. Breakfast is served and I expect you to eat every bite."
"No problem, Doc. I'm hungry. How about you let me..."
"No, not today. I might release you tomorrow if you behave and your fever goes down. I need to run some tests this afternoon."
Sheppard frowned and stopped forking his eggs. "What kind of tests? I thought we were done with those."
"Major...there's something happenin' to you that we don't really understand. If we're goin' to keep goin' with this, I need to figure out as much as I can so I can properly care for you durin' these little excursions of yours. I'll need another EEG to monitor your ever changing wave patterns. You're not goin' to like this, but I want a new round of blood work, an MRI, and a CT scan. You're physiology is changin' and I'm just tryin' to keep up with it."
Sheppard stared at his eggs as he picked at them with his fork, debating whether it was worth it to argue. He wanted to jump off the bed and run as far away as he could. He was so tired of tests and needles and people poking him and staring at him. He was beginning to wish he'd never started any of this. He briefly entertained the idea of telling them all he quit and walking out of the infirmary.
"Major?"
He put his fork down and forced himself to look at Beckett. He had a brief flash of the day they ran all the tests when he had the mind of a six year old and he felt the total fear of that day grip him. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the pillow, feeling slightly dizzy and light-headed.
"Major? Tell me what you're feelin'?" Bekett was checking his pulse.
"I'm okay. Just a little light-headed," he lied. He opened his eyes to see Beckett peering at him worriedly, a guilty expression on his face.
"I'm sorry, lad. I wish there was another way. I know you're sick of all this." He looked at Sheppard, obviously wishing he could think of something else to say or do. Sheppard felt a twang of guilt at making the doctor feel bad. He knew he was just trying to watch out for him.
"It's okay. I understand. Doesn't mean I like it...but I understand. How about a..."
"Shower? That I can do. You eat first. That's probably one reason you're feelin' faint. You slept all day yesterday, so it's been a while since you had anythin' to eat. After breakfast we'll see about gettin' you a shower and some clean scrubs."
"Okay, Doc. I guess I can live with that," Sheppard said softly.
"Good. Why don't the rest of you clear out and let the man eat."
"No...Doc? Can they stay a while? I'd really like the company?" Sheppard's eyes almost pleaded with Beckett.
"Okay lad. They can stay. But after breakfast, they'll need to go and let us get some things done."
Sheppard nodded and picked up his fork again. "So, tell me about working with Kavanagh. I could use a good laugh about now."
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The next morning, Elizabeth sat at the table in the conference room with Ford, Teyla, McKay, and Zelenka. She looked at her watch. They were 15 minutes late. She was about to get on the radio to see what the problem was when the door opened and Beckett hurried in with Sheppard right behind him.
"I'm sorry we're late," Beckett apologized.
"Yeah...Momma Beckett had to fuss over me one more time before releasing me," quipped Sheppard, grinning at Beckett and waiting to see if he got a response. He wasn't disappointed.
"I wasn't fussing, Major. You had a serious trauma and I was simply tryin' to make sure you were properly recovered before releasin' you. If you keep that up, I can revoke your release and stick you right back in there, ya know."
"Chill, Doc, I'm just joking."
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at the two men. They both noticed the look and sat down silently, waiting on her to start the meeting. Satisfied that she was back in control, Elizabeth turned to Sheppard. "Okay, John, why don't we start with you telling us about the meeting with Atlantis."
'Sheppard nodded. and filled them in on everything Atlantis had told him about the training process and what it would eventually mean in terms of running the city. Then he told them about seeing the city as it was. He described the individual people he had noticed, as well as the state of the city at the time. As he finished, he was surpised at the wave of sadness that washed over him. It was more than just sadness. It felt like he was mourning something or someone very important to him that was lost. As the emotions flooded his thoughts and feelings, the sounds of the conference room were drowned out by the sounds of Atlantis. It almost seemed as though the city itself was crying. It felt as though the dispair was dragging him down until he felt a hand on his shoulder, bringing him back to room and the people in it. He looked up to see Beckett observing him with concern.
"Major? Are you all right, lad? Maybe you should go lie down."
"No...I'm okay. Sorry...guess I just zoned out for a minute." He noticed that everyone in the room was looking at him and he quickly shifted his gaze down to the table.
Elizabeth stepped in. "John, we can continue this later if you need to rest."
"That's not it. I just...it's like I connected to the city for a minute and it was...it was mourning...grieving for the loss of the way it used to be...the loss of the people and the life. I think the city misses...being a real city." Sheppard quickly rubbed his hand across his eyes, trying to rid them of the watery feeling.
McKay seemed confused. "You talk about the city like it's alive."
Sheppard considered this for a minute. "Maybe...in a way it is. I don't know. I'm just telling you what it felt like. I don't pretend to understand all this." He glanced up at Beckett, still hovering at his side. "I'm okay, Doc. Really."
Beckett seemed to accept this and sat back down. Elizabeth nodded at McKay to give his report next.
"Major, we found the training room, right where you said it would be. Zelenka and I took the liberty of looking around. We couldn't get anything to activate. I ran several of my people with the gene through there and I gave it a try myself...nothing. But the room and the equipment seem to be in good shape. I think we can try as soon as the Major is ready."
"I'm ready," said Sheppard.
"John," said Elizabeth. "Has Atlantis told you that you were ready?"
"No...I haven't seen her since the big meeting."
"She said she would know when you're ready, so I think we should wait on her. Let me know when she says you are ready and then I still want Carson to check you out. When we do go, I want your team there, as well as Dr. Zelenka in case there are any problems. And Carson, I think you should be there with a med team in case there's any problems of that sort. Are there any questions?"
No one had any. "Okay, everyone is on standby until we get a go from Atlantis. Dismissed. Carson, I'd like you and John to stay for a minute."
After everyone else had filed out of the room, she turned to Dr. Beckett. "I was wondering about John's test results."
"Well, blood work was okay, nothing odd there. The EEG shows a continual increase in theta waves and the spikes are becoming more frequent, especially the ones within the theta waves. There's also been a slight increase in the blood flow and activity level in some areas of the brain. I'm not sure Elizabeth...but I think this is either rewriting neural pathways or possible creating new ones. And I have no idea what effect this will have long term. So far, the short term effects seem to be exhaustion, severe headache, and fever. During the event itself, he has a drop in pulse and blood pressure. This last event also resulted in some breathing difficulties, but I have no idea why."
What are you expecting from the training session...more of the same?'
"I have no way of knowing. I just hope it's not any worse than what he went through while talking to Atlantis last time."
"Guys...it's going to be okay. Atlantis won't let anything happen to me. I'll be fine." Sheppard gave his best reassuring smile. He had to do this and he needed them to be okay with it.
"Okay. I guess we still have a go then." Elizabeth wished she felt as confident as Sheppard looked.
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It was another three days before Sheppard heard from Atlantis. He had gone to the balcony over the southwest pier out of sheer boredom and was resting his arms along the railing. He felt her presence and turned to see her next to him.
"It's time, John. Just remember, I will be there with you."
"I'm ready. I just hope I don't..."
She put her finger to his lips, stopping him from completing his sentence. "You won't. Stay strong, John. This first part is very difficult and you have not interacted with this level of technology before. You must be careful."
"I will. Doctor Beckett will be there if anything goes wrong."
"Good. He seems to be a good man. Just remember, don't fight it. You must relax and let it happen. Good luck, John Sheppard."
He opened his eyes and looked out over the surface of the water. Funny. He didn't even remember closing them. He took a deep breath and went to go tell Elizabeth it was time. He was so lost in his thoughts that he was surprised to find himself at Elizabeth's office door so quickly. He stepped in to find her looking over some reports on her desk.
"John, come in. What's on..." She noticed the look of excitement on his face. "You heard from Atlantis, didn't you?"
John smiled broadly. "Yep. I'm ready. When can we go?"
"It's rather late tonight. Why don't you report to Carson at 7:00 in the morning for a quick check and we'll go after that. I'll contact Carson and let him know we're on for tomorrow."
Sheppard nodded. "I'll get hold of the team and Rodney can tell Zelenka. See you tomorrow."
"John," she called after him as he started to leave. He moved back into the room.
"Yeah?"
"Are you sure you want to do this? It's been pretty hard on you so far and I don't get the impression this will be any easier. We have no idea what this will do to you or...how all of this will change you. You don't have to do this."
Sheppard's face took on a more serious expression. "I want to do this Elizabeth. I have to do it. I can't explain it...it's like a need...I just feel like I can't not do it. Don't worry, we'll be careful." The trademark lopsided grin made an appearance and washed her desire to argue with him away.
"Okay...as long as this is something you want to do."
"It is. I'm going to see McKay. Call me if you need me." And then he was gone. And Elizabeth couldn't explain the knot of fear deep in the pit of her stomach. She just had one of those feelings that said this wasn't going to be the picnic John was hoping it would be.
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McKay paced nervously back and forth, rubbing his hands together. "Where are they?"
"Calm down," Zelenka said. "They will be here in minute."
"Well, I hope so because I have things..." Sheppard strode in, followed by Beckett and Kelly and a gurney loaded with equipment. "Jeez, Carson, are you moving in down here?"
"No, Rodney, I'm just being prepared."
"For what, the end of the world?"
Sheppard interrupted the argument. "If you guys are all done, I'd like to get this show on the road."
McKay smirked. "By all means, Major. Radek and I have been growing old down here waiting on you. Please proceed."
"Major?" Teyla walked up to Sheppard and gazed up at him. "I would like to wish you good fortune in this and tell you that we are here if you need us." She leaned her head forward and Sheppard leaned forward to touch his head to hers. After a moment, they separated.
"Thank you, Teyla. I'm glad you're here."
Sheppard walked across the room and sat in the chair. Instantly the chair lit up and reclined back as he closed his eyes. A blue, almost fog-like light started at Sheppard's head and began moving down towards his feet. His body tensed visibly under the moving light. Beckett took a step forward, but was stopped by McKay's arm.
"Don't. I think it's just scanning him."
"I still wish the Major would have let me hook up a couple of monitors." Beckett worried.
The light that had been moving over Sheppard disappeared and he relaxed, looking almost like he was asleep. McKay hit his radio button. "Elizabeth, we've started. Everything looks okay so far."
"Okay. Let me know when you're done."
"Roger that. McKay out." He looked over to see Carson looking at him. "What?"
"Roger that? Where did you pick that up?"
McKay crossed his arms and tilted his head back. "I'm part of an off-world team, remember. Radio contact is very important. Maybe you should get out more."
Beckett just looked annoyed. "Whatever Rodney. We might as well sit. The Major said this should take two to three hours."
Two hours and twenty minutes later, the chair powered down and returned to a sitting position. Sheppard opened his eyes, but said nothing. Beckett and McKay looked at one another and then back to Sheppard. Beckett began rising from his chair. "Major, are you okay?"
Sheppard still said nothing, his eyes looking a little glassy. He stood and took a couple of unsteady steps as Beckett and McKay began moving toward him. He suddenly leaned over and vomited, totally emptying the contents of his stomach. By the time he was through heaving, Beckett and McKay were on either side of him, offering support. They attempted to help him back up the few steps to the chair, but after one step his legs buckled and they ended up lowering him to the floor. They could feel him trembling as they tried to make him comfortable. Kelly was moving the gurney over with the equipment and they could hear Ford calling Elizabeth on the radio.
Beckett leaned over Sheppard and called to him just in time to see his eyes roll back in his head. His body stiffened, arching his back off the floor just before he began to jerk violently.
"Carson?" Rodney looked panicked.
"He's having a seizure, Rodney. Help me keep him from hurting himself." They tried to minimize the flailing and keep Sheppard from crashing into the machinery around them. After what seemed like an eternity, the Major went limp. As Beckett and Kelly hurried to check his vital signs, McKay retrieved a gauze pad from the medical supplies to wipe the blood trickling from Sheppard's nose.
Beckett yelled at Kelly to start an IV as he cut Sheppard's shirt open and began attaching leads to the heart monitor. When he got the heart monitor going, McKay saw why he connected it. The heartbeat was erratic, first painfully slow and then a rush of rapid fire beats, followed by a slow period again. Beckett also put the oxygen mask on Sheppard as Kelly moved the gurney beside the still figure. The members of the military leader's team worked together to lift his limp form onto the gurney. As they started to head out the door, Sheppard began having another seizure. Everyone worked to keep the Major from pulling out the IV, disconnecting the monitor, or throwing himself off the gurney. Thankfully, the second seizure was shorter that the first and slightly less violent. When it was over, Beckett did a quick check of everything and then they rushed out the door and toward the infirmary. As they hurried along the corridor, Beckett tried to watch the monitor and Sheppard's breathing, thinking all the time that if the Major pulled out of this one, he just might lock the man up and throw away the key.
TBC