Thanks again for the reviews! This chapter is a bit longer so hope you enjoy.
xkawaiix: Yup, Siege ref was totally intentional…I love that scene it was so funny!
Ashkash: Ooo, love the Mummy 2! Know what scene you're talking about. Their story would be so nice if it wasn't clouded by them trying to then take over the world and coming back from the dead! LOL. I loved the first Mummy because of Rick and Evie…they were so cute. A JohnLiz story like that might be good!
Enlightened Beings?
Tensions and Reunions
"Calm down Cosmo!" Aeneas bellowed at the fair-haired Ancient who had been sitting next to Calista and was now standing and pointing threateningly at Romore.
Cosmo shot a look at his leader before returning his glare to the Furling. Calista cleared her throat and announced, "I think we should take a break Aeneas."
"I agree." He replied and stood up, a sign the rest of the group picked up on and copied. "Romore we have set aside quarters for you to rest in. Food and drink will also be provided."
"Thank you." Romore gritted out never taking his eyes off of Cosmo.
"Thanos please escort them to the guest quarters." Thanos nodded and gestured for the Furlings to follow him.
John moved his head closer to Elizabeth's and whispered, "We following? Cause I think this Cosmo guy is going to get-"
"Yeah." She agreed already moving. "Its as if he doesn't care about what has happened to Romore's people at all." She commented as they followed Thanos and the visitors. She tried not to sound personally insulted by Cosmo's distasteful words towards the Furlings but knowing she was partly one herself made them more hurtful.
"Well Faenus did say it was a violent history." John added trying to see where Sierra was in relation to Thanos. He caught a glance of her beautiful hair just to the right of Romore, therefore the left of Thanos. "I can't believe no one has noticed them."
"I think they have other things on their minds John." Elizabeth remarked smiling.
The group suddenly slowed as they reached a large room, which Elizabeth recognized as their recreational room. As the doors opened the Furlings filtered in and glanced around the room, which now contained food and drink placed on the large table in the center.
John and Elizabeth stood next to Thanos who clasped his hands behind his back. "If there is anything you need, please call for a guard or myself."
"Are you placing guards outside the doors?" Pelo asked receiving a stern look from his leader who obviously was content not to ask.
Thanos sighed and gave them all an apologetic look. "Yes, I'm sure you understand why. It is for everyone's protection." He waited for anyone to answer back but no one did understanding the Ancient's reasoning perfectly well. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
There was silence but before Thanos could leave Sierra called to him. "I could do with some fresh air." Turning to face Romore she gave him a sad smile. "It has been a while since we smelt fresh sir and seen a world not in ruins."
The older man nodded and touched her arm. "Of course. Is this all right Thanos? I also request that you accompany her, if you can."
Thanos looked momentarily shocked at the woman and man's request but then nodded as he stuttered, "Yes, yes of course. I'll take you to the nearest balcony."
Sierra gave Romore a grateful smile and then followed Thanos out of the room. John quirked an eyebrow up at Elizabeth silently asking if they were going to follow. She looked uncertain at first but then nodded and both followed the young couple.
"I can't believe we're doing this." She muttered watching Thanos and Sierra walk in silence to the nearest balcony, which just happened to be Elizabeth and John's favourite outside the control room.
"Why?"
"John, we're about to spy on a young couple obviously in love…it just doesn't feel right to eavesdrop!" She explained following them through the doors and as always becoming captivated by the view they could now see.
"Come on, they don't know we're here Elizabeth." John said trying to reassure her it was fine. "And you're obviously curious like me. You'll also get to see what Sierra was really like and how they-"
"Okay." Elizabeth cut him off reluctantly dragging her eyes off of the beautiful scenery.
Thanos stood back alongside the invisible John and Elizabeth and watched Sierra gasp at the view. She then leaned against the railing and took a deep breath while her red skirt and hair fluttered in the gentle breeze. John took a second to glance at Thanos who seemed content to stare at her slim figure and made no movement to join her.
"This view is stunning!" Sierra called over her shoulder never taking her eyes off of it.
"Yes, it is." Thanos agreed never taking his eyes off of her.
"It would be a lot better though if I had someone to share it with." She added giving him an inviting look over her shoulder before turning away again.
The Ancient sighed and seemed to contemplate her comment before slowly joining her, keeping his hands behind his back. "That was very risky."
Sierra chuckled and shrugged. "No one suspects anything Thanos. Is it really so bad to spend time alone with me?"
"After our last encounter…yes." He remarked coolly.
Sierra turned to face him fully, anger flashing in her eyes. "As I recall it was you who offered me a bed for the night! You who first asked me for a drink that night-"
"I didn't expect to end up feeling…!" Thanos trailed off as he stared at Sierra, his eyes flashing with anger and desire. "I never expected you to be so…captivating!" He growled and walked to the other side of the balcony folding his arms.
They stood in silence for a few minutes, Sierra gazing at Thanos' back. Elizabeth felt her heart swell in sympathy for them and took a quick peek at John who seemed to be enthralled by the fight. Then Thanos began speaking again.
"This won't work Sierra."
"Why not? Our people are talking-"
"You saw how Cosmo reacted. I may not agree with him but he has a lot of influence." He added bitterly.
"Isn't that why you became a speaker?" Sierra asked softly as she moved slowly towards him and he turned to face her. "So you could change people's preconceptions? To solve our differences through words and not violence?"
Thanos gazed at her, his eyes taking in all her features. "Yes. But if they found out-"
"They were the ones who sent you to spy on us!" Sierra reminded him firmly as she neared him so they were almost nose-to-nose. "Fate brought us together Thanos for a reason…maybe to bring our people together. And for me these past few months have been…awful without you. When the Wraith came…I…"
Her voice cracked and immediately Thanos' hands grabbed hers. "I wish I had been with you. I'm so sorry you had to go through the attack by yourself."
Sierra nodded and smiled as Thanos began stroking her cheek with his thumb. "I know and I also had my brother by my side. But thinking of you got me through it." She told him softly and placed a hand on his waist. He smiled briefly before capturing her lips in a gentle, loving kiss.
At that point Elizabeth and John looked away, being careful not to look at each other too. The scene and their words gave both a familiar feeling but neither could exactly pin point why as they had never had this kind of talk before.
John cleared his throat noticing the couple had still not separated. "Um, maybe we should leave them-"
But the door suddenly slid open and Sierra stepped back, dropping her hands and giving Thanos a worried look. Elizabeth and John turned to see a very sullen looking Cosmo who marched up to his colleague and guest.
"What is going on here Thanos?" He asked giving the young woman a glance up and down before facing Thanos.
"Excuse me?" The Ancient replied giving him a confused look.
"Why is she out here? She should be with her own people in the guest room." He stated throwing Sierra another glare.
"I only requested fresh sir Cosmo." She answered for Thanos folding her arms defiantly. "I have no intention of causing any trouble."
"It seems you already have." Cosmo cryptically stated and panic graced Thanos' features, but only for a second.
"What do you mean?" He asked, trying to look puzzled.
Cosmo snorted and stood beside the younger man so both were looking directly at Sierra. Her forehead wrinkled as she wondered what he was up to.
"It seems she has taken a liking to you Thanos." He remarked amusedly. "I'd watch her, all Furling woman have a habit of causing pain and humiliation."
Sierra's eyes went wide with the accusation and she took a deep breath, trying to maintain a calm attitude. Elizabeth felt like applauding the woman, as she was remaining remarkably cool through out this. "It sounds like you've had experience with a Furling woman Cosmo. Although it sounds more likely that she found someone more worthy of her time."
Thanos' mouth dropped open as Sierra gave them both a smirk and left the balcony. Cosmo stood in shock at her remark and spun to face Thanos. "They should not be here! We haven't encountered the Wraith yet; we should take care of ourselves and leave them to it! I expect your support during the talks."
"Cosmo, you forget we may have caused this problem!" Thanos retorted angrily stepping by him to head for the door.
"What are you talking about?" Cosmo asked following him to the door, although by the tone of his voice he knew exactly what was insinuated. "We can't prove-"
"We left our people there!" Thanos cried pointing a finger in his face. "Aeneas told me about the secret reports passed down from our Ancestors. Their actions years ago may have fuelled this new…species!"
"Even so, we need to ensure our own race's survival!" The older man declared before walking away from Thanos, who lowered his head and took a deep sigh before following him.
Elizabeth and John gave each other a stunned look before moving to the railing. As they took a minute to appreciate the view John peered at Elizabeth who seemed to be angry.
"Elizabeth? What are you thinking?" He queried turning slightly so he could see her better.
"It's nothing." She replied but the wrinkles on her forehead suggested otherwise.
"Elizabeth?"
She stared at him for a second before taking a deep breath. "I'm beginning to wonder why we idolize them."
"The Ancients?" John asked confused and she nodded. "Well, they were pretty amazing-"
"Yes, with technology." Elizabeth stated taking her eyes off of him. "I used to think they were…these amazing beings who were…enlightened." She shrugged and gave him a sad smile. "It seems that they were just as petty and single-minded as 'normal' humans."
"Some are petty and single-minded." John corrected her. "Look, I'm surprised at Cosmo's attitude as well but…maybe something will change their minds. I mean look at Thanos and Sierra. They're still young and have completely different opinions."
Elizabeth gazed at him for a minute before giving him a grateful smile and pat on the lower arm. "Yeah, I guess so."
He shrugged and tapped her on the upper arm. "Fancy going back into the talks?"
Weir nodded and together they watched in amazement as the door opened sensing their presence. John gave his companion a raised eyebrow, "Now this is getting weird!"
A/n: Please r'n'r!
