Touched By An Ancient
By Ann3
Writer's Note: The idea for this chapter has been niggling at me ever since Critical Mass. Teyla and her people are so gentle and spiritual. And since I've rather neglected her so far, I thought it was about time for Teyla to come in and make sense of things.
Reference made to Critical Mass, along with another wee link to Hope Re-Born. As always, I hope you enjoy !
Chapter 14
It was getting to the point where her Infirmary was becoming more like a makeshift camping ground. Not that Kate minded. It spoke volumes for the respect and regard in which Carson Beckett was held – not just by the rest of the Atlantis expedition but, perhaps more touchingly, by their Athosian allies.
In Teyla's absence, Halling had led the daily groups of quiet, reverent well-wishers to his bedside – overseeing their now familiar rituals of meditation and prayer for his Journey's safe conclusion.
Kate had raised no objection to the sweetly fragrant incenses and candles they'd used in those rituals. But, she now noted in silent amusement, a certain scientist may well have challenged their necessity.
He'd no doubt blame them as yet another example of 'voodoo medicine' for its current, addled state. But Rodney McKay's self-professed, brilliant mind had clearly gone on temporary walkabout.
"He's – He's crying again…"
"Yes, Rodney, I know. And there will no doubt be many more tears before his Journey is complete…"
Still watching the surreal sight of his unconscious friend in floods of tears, McKay just nodded – eventual recognition of the soft voice beside him bringing another completely pointless observation.
"Teyla…! You're – You're back…!" Realising what he'd said, he then pulled a face while tagging on a rueful, familiar afterthought. "Obviously…"
As gifted a diplomat as she was a leader, Teyla simply smiled warmly back at him and nodded. Squeezing his shoulder, she then glanced, somewhat awkwardly, around three equally tired faces.
"I am sorry I could not return from the mainland before now, but…"
"It's okay, Teyla, you had the Ring ceremony for Peta to take care of…" John Sheppard cut in – smiling across at her, with none of his usual flippancy, before nodding to the silent figure beside them. "It's okay, you know he'd understand that. He's seen how much it means to you, remember…?"
"Yes, he has…" Teyla nodded, smiling her appreciation for his support as she took Carson's hand.
There had always been a special bond between them, strengthened still further since Charin's passing. Regardless of his own safety, his own conflicted beliefs and emotions, he'd remained at her side – comforting and supporting her through one of the most harrowing experiences of her life.
Even without the special closeness between them, it was only right that she now do the same for him – especially since this equally sacred journey which he'd been taken on was proving so painful.
He'd thankfully settled a little, but tears of untold, private anguish still trickled down his cheeks – McKay's voice betraying the same degree of anxiety as he stared, almost helplessly, up at her.
"He's been like this for almost three days now, Teyla...! And all through this morning, he – he just hasn't stopped crying…"
"I know it is worrying, Rodney…" Teyla replied, reaching across to again squeeze his shoulder. "And I know it is difficult to see him like this, suffering such distress. But Carson must face his fears. It is the only way in which he can truly defeat them. That is why he has been taken on this Journey…"
Waiting until he'd managed a faint smile of agreement, Teyla then nodded proudly around them.
"And he is not taking it alone, Rodney. His family is with him. He will draw strength from that…"
Nodding once more, McKay then blinked in some surprise at the sizeable crowd behind him. Among them stood a young woman who, he knew, held a very special place in his friend's heart – the nervous anxiety on her face prompting something of a minor miracle as he beckoned her forward.
"It's okay, Mir, he's going to be alright… yeah, he's gonna be fine, and… um… here, take my seat… you need it more than me, what with your… um… well, with your… um… needs, and – and all…"
Around him, pointedly ignored, stunned glances of pure astonishment were being exchanged. Mothers and children had the same effect on Rodney McKay as anything remotely related to citrus – this selfless gesture of gallantry prompting a five-way, deeply suspicious glance towards a nearby bowl of incense.
Seriousness returned, though, as all eyes drifted back to the now still and silent figure beside them. With his thirty sixth birthday now just hours away, Carson Beckett remained deeply unconscious – prompting another exchange of glances that shared one single thought, a united prayer of hope.
What were the odds of another, far more serious miracle blessing Atlantis in the next nine hours…?