Title: Next Step
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: John/Teyla
Summary: Sequel to Urges
Spoilers: None
Chapter 1
At precisely 13:00 the Daedalus dropped out of hyperspace and requested permission to land on the East Pier. With the Daedalus secure Colonel Caldwell ordered that the supplies for Atlantis be beamed into the storage areas on the West Pier. Caldwell satisfied that his ship was in order and supplies delivered decided that it was time to report to Dr. Weir and get a report on Atlantis and to see what trouble Sheppard had caused while he was away.
The journey to the command tower took only 10 minutes and arrived in time for a mission briefing with AT-1.
"Colonel, Dr. Weir," Caldwell greeted the two and nodded to the others.
"Colonel," John said back.
"I see the Daedalus arrived safely Colonel," Dr. Weir said from her position at the table.
"Yes, am I interrupting?" Caldwell asked.
"No please sit we were just about to discuss AT-1's next mission." Dr. Weir said and gestured to one of the empty seats.
"So Colonel your next mission is to P2R-3864 it's just a follow up mission. AT-2 made contact with the locals. Lorne's report stated that they did seem technologically advanced and strongly suggested a follow up mission." Dr. Weir said.
"Are we using a Puddle Jumper?" Dr. McKay asked hopefully.
"Yes Lorne said the people lived far from the gate," with Weir's affirmation McKay quieted down.
"Colonel your team will leave tomorrow at 12:00. We're finished oh and Colonel, Rodney was complaining about needing someone in the chair room if you wouldn't mind?"
"Actually Teyla and I were planning on taking a trip to the mainland later today if that's okay with you?"
"Of course but when you get back could you help Rodney?"
"Sure McKay, when do you want to meet?"
"Is after dinner alright with you Colonel?"
"Sure that's fine I'll see ya later Rodney." John packed up his things and was preparing to head out the door with Teyla when Col. Caldwell asked the two of them to remain behind.
"Colonel I'd like a word with you two," Caldwell said.
"What do you need Colonel?" Teyla asked.
"How long have you two been together?" Caldwell asked coldly.
"What do you mean?" Sheppard asked trying to play dumb.
"Don't play stupid Colonel. Hw long have you and Miss Emmagan been in a relationship?"
"A few days, sir"
"You do realize Colonel that it's against regulations to fraternize with sub-ordinates. I'll make sure personally that your returned to Earth, stripped of your rank, and given a dishonorable discharge!" Caldwell said heatedly.
"Actually sir the regulations state that I can't have a relationship with any one in the military and you see Teyla isn't in our military so the rules don't apply to her. Also Doctor Weir said in the eyes of the U.S. Government she is given diplomatic immunity because she is the leader of her people."
"Listen here Colonel she's a part of your team and that makes the rules apply to her so unless you want to be stripped of rank and shipped back to Earth. I suggest you stop seeing her." Caldwell threatened.
"With respect Colonel…No…get Dr. Weir in here right now and let's settle this." John said starring down his CO.
"Fine, Dr. Weir this Caldwell could you report to the conference room immediately."
"Of course Colonel I will be there momentarily." Weir said and the trio could see her walking out of her office.
"What can I do for you Colonel Caldwell?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Are you aware that Colonel Sheppard and Miss Emmagan are involved?" Caldwell asked.
"Yes I had a feeling though I think that it's a very recent development." Weir said looking at Teyla to receive the answer. She just nodded in agreement.
"And you did nothing to discourage them or stop them?"
"I've read the regulations Colonel it says that John can't have a relationship with a member of the Armed Forces. It says nothing about a relationship with a civilian. It hasn't interfered with the team and I trust them so I don't want to hear any more about this is that clear!"
"Of course, I'll be returning to the Daedalus now." Caldwell said leaving the room.
"So you're dating now? I guess Rodney won the bet then."
"What bet?"
"There was a running bet on when two would get together and Rodney chose this week."
- Mainland -
"Greetings, Teyla, Colonel!" Halling greeted the two as they exited the Jumper. Then gave the two a questioning look after seeing, the two holding hands.
"Much has changed since our last visit Halling," Teyla said.
"You have chosen?" Halling asked. Teyla took one glance at John and said "Yes I have."
"We must inform the Elder-" Halling said but was interrupted by Teyla.
"If you would not mind we would like to wait a while before informing the Elder's of my decision."
"Of course," Halling said then continued "What brings you here today?"
"Teyla wanted to come and visit so I volunteered to fly her over. Also if Jinto's aroundI brought something to show him. " John said.
"Yes he is out with the other children feel free to visit them. They are playing in the far field down there." Halling said pointing at the far end of the camp.
"Great and Teyla when you're ready to leave just come and get me," John said giving Teyla a quick kiss on the cheek before running into the Jumper to get the football and run down to the field.
"What are you going to do today Teyla?" Halling asked after Sheppard left.
"I was planning on visiting Charin and a few friends," Teyla said and began walking passed rows of tents looking for her mentor's home.
"Then I will leave and it is good to know that you have chosen. The Elder's have been worried you would not find a mate and continue your family line."
"Well they need not worry any longer. Good day Halling," Teyla said and then entered Charin's tent.
"Teyla it has been awhile since your last visit. What brings you here today?" The old women asked.
"I just wished you come and visit as you said it has been many days," she said.
"Come now Teyla you came to discuss something I can see it in your eyes."
"Yes on our last mission I was infected with something that made me come to terms with my feelings for Colonel Sheppard."
"And how did you come to terms with them?"
"I became quite open with him, and possessive, and while infected tried to mate with him."
"Successful were you?"
"Only once clear of the virus, John would not accept me while I was infected. He wanted to be with me but not become some virus was telling me to be with him."
"An honorable mate he will be to you," The old woman declared.
"How did you know? We have only just informed Halling?" Teyla asked though Charin always could tell about things like this.
"I had a suspicion and you only confirmed it my dear. Have you informed the Elder's?"
"No I am afraid that they will not approve of John as my mate as he is not an Athosian." Teyla said
"I do not think they will disapprove as he has done many things for the Athosians Teyla. I believe that they will just be happy that you'll be continuing your line."
"You always did know what to say to ease my fears," Teyla said.
"It is something that you pick up as you grow older my dear. Where is your electus now?"
"He is with the children teaching them how to play football," Teyla said.
"He is like a child in some ways is he not?"
"Yes and that is what will make him excellent father one day," Teyla said.
"That he will, I believe we are finished here go and visit the others. They will be glad to see you," Charin said.
"Thank you again Charin for allowing me your time," Teyla said getting ready to leave.
"For you I will always have time Teyla," Charin said bidding her good-bye.
"I will take my leave then," Teyla said walking out of the tent in search of her friends.
After spending a few hours with her friends Teyla decided it was time to find John and left for the field at the edge of the camp.
Arriving there she saw two of the children tackling John to the ground. She just smiled at the group and walked towards John.
"I see that you are having fun," Teyla said.
"Yeah I taught the kids how to play football and my team's winning 27 to 25," John said happily since he hadn't played in nearly two years.
"I am ready to leave," Teyla said.
"One moment we're in the 4th Quarter with only a minute left," John said then walked but to his team and took his position. Teyla sat down so she could confortly watch the end of the game. With only a few seconds remaining John intercepted the ball and made a mad dash for the end zone only to miss the point by a few seconds.
"Time Score 27 to 25!" John said excitedly.
"Are you ready?" Teyla said rising from her position with the help of John.
"Yeah," John said then turned in the direction of Jinto and threw him the football and then left with Teyla.
"So did you have a good time?" John asked.
"Yes I visited Charin and a few friends," Teyla said.
"Good lets head back to Atlantis then," John said powering up the Jumper and angling it towards Atlantis.
TBC
Electus – is latin for chosen