A Glimpse into the Future
By Major Dork
Summary: He went to bed in his own room alone, he woke up with a wife, three kids… and a screwed up future.
A/N: Well thanks for the reviews everyone! It's nice to know people are reading! Yet again, spoilers for "Sanctuary" with an appearance by Chaya… and for all those who hate the woman… well… ahem… by the end of this you may end up hating her just a little bit more, or a little less… who knows… so be warned. :) I should also warn you guys that there's a little hint of spoilers for season three… not much to tell anyone anything, but I just thought I'd mention it just in case.
Part Four "It Was Just a Misunderstanding"
"John?"
John stood at the door, staring in surprise at the woman he'd never expected to see. He was frozen, shocked to see Chaya staring back at him. She was the last person he'd ever thought he'd see again after what had happened between them the last time they'd met. She was an ascended being, cursed to spend her life protecting a people she'd once before saved. What the hell was she doing living on the mainland!
"Chaya, it's good to see you," Carson said, a small smile on his face.
"Carson, it's been a while since you last came. The children miss you and your family. Gavin has especially missed Malcolm."
Carson's smile grew. "Well, when Malcolm and Lena have returned from their visit to Earth I'll be sure to visit the mainland with them. In the meantime, I'm afraid I need your help… well we need your help actually, love."
Chaya nodded, her expression becoming more serious with Carson's last words. "Anything, what is it that you require?"
Carson hesitated, looking back at John. "During our expeditions second year on Atlantis John activated a machine made by an Ancient named Janus. When it activated it sent him far into the future."
Chaya's eyes widened slightly. "Janus? Why am I not surprised. He has always had a fascination with time… and he was certainly brilliant enough to do something about his interests. Does he explain the device? What it is supposed to do? Why he created it?"
"Janus left notes explaining what the machine does, that it mainly works so that the person who touches it may correct any mistakes he has or will make. John was sent here, only his knowledge of this timeline is very limited… especially when it comes to… his ruined relationship with Elizabeth."
Chaya frowned, obviously realizing what Carson was saying. "You want me to tell him what happened."
Carson looked over at John, wanting him to speak up. Sheppard finally got a hold of his surprise and took a step forward. "Uh yeah, but before you tell me about that… what the hell are you doing here on the mainland?"
Carson smiled at that, taking a seat next to Chaya. Chaya seemed to relax at that, obviously more comfortable explaining that part of the story than the rest. "Please, take a seat. Are you thirsty?"
"No… more like confused," John muttered, taking a seat facing Chaya and Carson.
Chaya nodded, clearing her throat. "I suppose it would be confusing considering the last time we spoke in your timeline."
"You told me the Ancients punished you… you were forced to protect the planet because you interfered in mortal affairs," John said.
"Yes, but that punishment no longer applies to me, John."
"Why not?"
"Because I am human," she stated finally with a sad look.
Sheppard took a moment to take the new information, now more confused than ever. "Am I missing something here? What happened?"
Chaya sighed. "Years after our meeting I did something to bring myself back into good standing with the others. Because of this they were willing to allow me back, only it would mean leaving all those that I have cared for."
"You didn't want to leave your people behind with no one to protect them."
"Yes, so I chose to come to you."
"You wanted us to care for them?" he asked.
"You live in Atlantis, one of the most powerful ships the Ancients as you call us built. I knew you would have the means to protect them. So I asked for your assistance, only it seemed at the time you had your own problems to attend to."
"What kind of problems?" John asked, happy to finally meet someone who could explain this future to him.
Carson jumped in then. "A new enemy… one more powerful than even the Wraith. You'll meet them soon enough."
"More powerful than the Wraith?" John questioned, not sure he was looking forward to that idea.
Carson nodded grimly. "It wasn't pretty, that's for sure. Atlantis lost a lot to them, and even those who did help us… they couldn't really do much. Although we had weapons to fight them, it was no where near enough. Some even infiltrated Atlantis… because of this, Atlantis was sure to be destroyed. If not for Chaya… we'd all be dead."
"Chaya saved Atlantis?"
Carson nodded.
"Unfortunately in doing so… my crime was even worse than what I had done before. I was forced back to what I was, trapped in a body once more. I awoke on a planet I had never seen before, naked, unsure of whom I was. Years later you found me… you helped me remember much of the life I had before."
John's eyes widened as he realized what she was saying. "They made you human? Doctor Daniel Jackson was punished the same way… SG-1 found him on a planet they went to while trying to find Atlantis. He'd been an ascended being."
Chaya nodded. "Only, unlike Doctor Jackson I was able to retrieve most of my memories while ascended."
"We took you in… and you've been here ever since?"
"Yes, but it was a small price to pay. My life here is no longer filled with loneliness… for this I am very grateful. Both my people and Teyla's people have grown to live with one another in peace. It is not like it once was, but we do survive."
"So how do you know about what happened between me and Elizabeth?"
Chaya hesitated, a sad look falling over her features at his question. John had a feeling then and there that he wouldn't like what he would soon here. "Because it was my doing."
"What?" Oh yeah, he'd be right. He didn't like what he'd just heard.
"My presence had caused a strain in your relationship with Elizabeth. Although you loved your wife deeply, and was truly loyal to her… you also felt something special for me. We'd shared much with one another, and although you would never have cheated on Elizabeth… many things can happen in one moment."
"What kind of things?" John asked, feeling the anger boil inside of him, his voice tight with annoyance.
Chaya closed her eyes, her sorrow great. "You have never forgiven me. I worked closely with you not long after you and your team found me. Both you and Rodney worked closely with me in learning and understanding all the knowledge I possessed as an Ancient. During one of those occasions we were working late into the night. I'd… fallen in love with you during our time together. Elizabeth didn't like how close we'd become, but you believed that there was nothing to worry about. The next thing either of us knew… I kissed you."
John looked down, unable to look at her, his emotions growing stronger by each passing second. "And don't tell me… Elizabeth caught us," he muttered, connecting the dots.
"I caught you by surprise; it took you a second to realize what was happening. Once you realized what I'd done, you pushed me away, but it was too late. We turned to see Elizabeth standing before us at the door. She turned around and left, you chasing after her. You tried to explain to her that what she'd seen was not what she believed. You tried to tell her, but she wouldn't believe you… or me for that matter. I never did understand why she seemed so insistent to not trust you. You both fought often after that night. It had been a foolish mistake, and it cost you your marriage. Because of the pain I caused you, I decided to leave Atlantis and I rejoined my people on the mainland. Some of the others would visit me, Carson including, becoming friends with my people, but the only time I saw you is when there was need for us to evacuate. It wasn't until later that your son Jason told me what happened. He'd been rather angry at the time. You and Elizabeth had a bad fight, and after both of you exchanges some rather hurtful things you left. Elizabeth didn't trust you, nor did she believe you, something that I think had a play in why you were never able to settle what happened."
"That's when Simon came," Carson joined in.
John's eyes snapped to Carson.
"She leaned on him to get her through… he was there for her during a time when she and I weren't on good terms."
"John, it wasn't your fault. Elizabeth's old flame took advantage of the situation, it is what many believe. Simon supported her, got her through the pain she felt. She truly believed you cheated on her, that you weren't as loyal as she'd once thought. Although you were still trying to work things out between you and Elizabeth… Rodney later told me that your efforts came to an end when you caught them kissing," Chaya told Sheppard.
"You'd been heading to Elizabeth's quarters to speak with her when you caught them… you were hoping to clear things despite all that had been said between you two. Although you'd given up trying to make her see the truth, you still wanted to make things right, to confront your problems," Carson added.
"But when I saw her and Simon… I knew it was over," John finally whispered.
"You'd lost something after that day," Carson told him, a sad look in his eyes as he went back to that time. "You drank more than you should, more than once I had to give you something for a hang over, although you never cared what your destructive behavior was doing to you. Soon after you and Carrie began a relationship. And when Elizabeth finally told you Simon had asked her to marry him… it was the last straw. You told her you didn't want her anyway, that you didn't care… you were drunk at the time, but Elizabeth hadn't cared. You called her a slut… hence the reason why she knocked you out."
John shook his head, not sure if he could hear anymore. "No wonder she hates me… I'm a complete jerk. I have to do something… I NEED to do something. Things can't end this way."
"She's getting married, Colonel Sheppard, what can you possibly do? The last time you spoke to her… well you told me yourself, it didn't end well," the Scott fought.
"I know, but at least now I know what happened. I have to convince her that she can't marry Simon… one way or another; I will NOT let her marry that man. I was sent here for a reason… I won't let my life turn out this way."
John walked out the door, determined to face Elizabeth again, and set things right.
Carson sighed. "This can only end badly."
Chaya smiled at the Scott. "Let him try, Carson, he may just succeed where he once before failed. He deserves to be happy."
"Aye, thanks Chaya. I better go before he leaves without me."
"Good day, Carson."
"Good day, Chaya."
Elizabeth blocked a blow headed toward her side, turning quickly, ready for the next attack. "You have been practicing," said Teyla, with a pleased smile.
Elizabeth gave her a small smile back. "Ronan helped me with a few moves while you were on the mainland a few days ago."
"Good." Teyla lunged forward, forcing Elizabeth back in defense, just nearly missing Teyla's attack. "Very good."
The two women circled, planning out their attacks and readying themselves for anything that may come their way. Elizabeth took in a deep breath, trying to keep her mind on the moment, instead of everything else. Unfortunately Teyla noticed the frown on her face.
"Simon told me what happened last night."
Elizabeth jumped forward, her attack being blocked by Teyla before she got to the floor to trip the Athosian woman. Teyla avoiding Elizabeth's foot, her left stick heading for Weir's leg when it clanged with Elizabeth's right stick. The two backed off once more. "Yeah… it was really nothing Teyla."
"Colonel Sheppard wishes only to solve things between you and him."
"I can't do that, Teyla. I'm marrying Simon, that's all there is to it."
"Then tell me, are you marrying Simon for love, or to truly make what you and John once had over."
Elizabeth sighed, shaking her head. "Teyla, me and John have been over for a while now."
"Really? Somehow I am not so sure of that." Teyla lunged forward once more, hitting Elizabeth's side, turning her around and pulling her sticks up to Elizabeth's throat.
Elizabeth frowned, knowing she'd been defeated, just as Teyla let go.
"You did well, but you must keep your focus on what I do."
Elizabeth put her stuff away in her duffle bag. "I better go, I have to meet Simon for lunch." The diplomat grabbed her duffle and headed toward the gym door.
"Doctor Sheppard."
Elizabeth stopped, turning back around.
Teyla looked over at the doctor. "I do not know what happened between yourself and John Sheppard, but I do know that he still loves you very much. The only time I have seen him truly happy in the years I have known him, is when he is with you."
Elizabeth looked away from Teyla. "I can't, Teyla. I can't be with him again, not after what he did."
"The Ancient named Janus created that device so that the person who touches it could change any mistakes he has or will make. Interesting that he would be sent here, days before your wedding to Simon."
"Teyla, I am not the reason why he is here."
Teyla gave her a small nod, her eyes staring Elizabeth down. "You should go, or you'll miss your lunch with the Doctor."
Elizabeth looked back at Teyla, then turned back around and left, angered by her conversation with Ronan's wife.
He'd checked every room he'd expect Elizabeth to be in. He'd checked her office, he'd checked her room, he'd checked in with Jason and Ani to see what they knew, he'd checked the gateroom… and every other room he could think of where Elizabeth might go, but one room was left. John walked to the nearby transporter, selecting his destination. Seconds later the white flash was gone and he found himself walking into the cafeteria. After scanning the room, his eyes rested on her face. She was sitting with the man he'd seen earlier in Elizabeth's quarters, the two eating their lunch together.
John took in a deep breath to gather strength as well as courage, before walking straight towards Elizabeth's table. Unfortunately Elizabeth's future husband seemed to have problems with his plan. "John, what the hell are you doing here?" Simon asked him.
"If you'll excuse me, Elizabeth and I need to talk."
Simon stood an annoyed look on his face, as he took a protective stance next to Doctor Sheppard "I don't think so."
"Simon, I can handle this," Elizabeth said, trying to calm the man.
"You should listen to her, I've been in the Air Force since the age of eighteen, and if there's one thing you should know, it's that in those years my main focus was hundreds of interesting ways to kill a man, so stay outta my way before I start brushing up on one of those ways!"
Elizabeth stood, knowing the two men would be at each other's throats in a moment if she didn't do something. "Don't you dare threaten him, John. You may not be the John from this timeline, but don't think I'll give you slack for that little comment."
John's eyes turned from Simon, looking Elizabeth Sheppard in the eyes. "I spoke with Chaya. She told me everything."
Elizabeth faltered, surprised that he'd gone to such lengths just to get the truth. "Good for you, but so far I don't see how this applies with me."
"We didn't DO anything, Elizabeth. I never cheated on you. Chaya kissed me, she caught me off-guard but I would NEVER try to hurt you and I certainly would never disrespect what we had!"
"John, I am NOT having this conversation with you again," she said firmly, ready to walk away.
"If you would just listen to me, then maybe you'd know…" just as Elizabeth was about to walk away from Sheppard, she heard him grunt, and fall to the floor. Doctor Sheppard turned back to her future ex-husband, surprised by what she saw. "John!" Elizabeth scrambled over to the man, trying to hold him still as she watched seizers shoot through his body. Soon after Simon was right beside her.
"Elizabeth, these seizers are bad, make sure he doesn't bite his tongue. I'll call Doctor Beckett."
Elizabeth nodded her focus on John as his body shook violently, the fear that shot through her leaving her breathless. "I'm right here, John, just stay with me!"
Elizabeth kept her arms folded as she watched John sleep rather peacefully, unable to shake the image of him lying on the floor his body shaking violently. Carson had been able to deal with the situation with Simon's help, but she'd yet to know what had happened to John. Carson had promised to run tests, and sent Simon on his way to get some rest, Elizabeth had refused to budge.
"Well he seems to be alright for now," Carson said as he walked over to her from his office.
Elizabeth turned her head to look at him. "Did you find anything?"
She immediately knew by the look on Carson's face that it was bad. Suddenly her heart pounded as she waited for an answer from the Doctor. "I spoke with Rodney… I was hoping the device that sent Colonel Sheppard here might shed some light on what was happening to John."
"Carson… just tell me."
Suddenly the sickbay door opened, Rodney running inside, a worried look on his face. "We've got a problem!"
"What kind of a problem!" Elizabeth asked, annoyed by his interruption.
Rodney hesitated before looking over at Carson. "Our suspicions were correct."
Carson's frown deepened at the news. "How long, Rodney?"
Rodney shook his head, a pained expression on his face. "Days."
"Days!" Carson exclaimed. "Oh god!"
"What are you two talking about? What suspicions?"
Rodney finally looked back at Doctor Sheppard. "When Colonel Sheppard began to have seizersCarson worried that it might have been caused by the device somehow, that it was a side effect. When I looked through Janus' notes I found some information about where OUR John Sheppard went when THIS John Sheppard too over."
"Well?" Elizabeth urged.
"Well do you remember when Laura Cadmen and I were taken by that Wraith dart? The dart was shot down so it wouldn't relay any information about us to the hive ship it belonged to, which would mean exposing us. Only when Doctor Zelenka got us out of there… he got my body out… with Cadmen's mind in my head."
"Your two consciousnesses, yours and Cadmen's, shared one body… I remember, what does this have to do with Sheppard?" Elizabeth asked, confused.
"OUR John Sheppard is simply being suppressed so this John Sheppard could take control of his future body, being allowed to correct mistakes with out physically being in the future. And just as it affected my body having to hold Cadmen in there too… it's already begun to affect his, only worse. We have two to three days before the pressure this isputting on his bodykills him."
Elizabeth closed her eyes at the news.
"It gets better…" Carson added his look grim.
"How's that?" Elizabeth whispered.
Rodney sighed. "We still have NO idea whether that device will collect enough power to send John back to his own timeline and free our John. Even if John does find out why he's here and fixes the problem in the days he has left… he may still not be transferred back to his timeline, and both Johns would die… completely ruining the timeline in ways we can't even begin toimagine. In other words, if that device doesn't have the power… we have a matter of days before this timeline is completely erased and a new, probably far less appealing one takes it's place… with John Sheppard dead."
To Be Continued….
A/N: Hell of a way to end this chapter huh! lol Well you know what'll keep the chapters coming! (hint hint)
