Stargate Atlantis: Path of the Storm

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Chapter Three

Now it was just a matter of waiting, from the look of Teyla Emmagan, Silveas decided it would not take very long. People were busy preparing the feast and setting out more plates and eating utensils. "So," Sheppard said finally speaking up, mindful of the woman was seemed possessed when it came to laying a table. Teyla took in a deep breath and placed her hand on Sheppard's forearm, it was for two reasons mainly. To get his attention and provide her with something to support herself upon. "Major," she said breathlessly.

"Teyla," he asked, concern showing as soon as he saw her pale complexion, at least as pale as she could possibly be. "You all right?" Okay, so it was a stupid question, Sheppard took a hold of her other arm to steady her and sit her back in the seat.

"I am feeling unwell," she answered calmly, a sweat breaking out on her brow. McKay got up out his seat to look at her; Ford leaned over and looked around Sheppard. All three of her team were concerned for her wellbeing.

"You know, now that you mention it I'm not feeling so peachy," McKay commented folding his arms.

"When aren't you?" Sheppard said glaring back at him then back to Teyla, she really didn't look good at all. "Maybe you're coming down with something?"

"It is very rare that Iget sick," Teyla reasoned with an arched brow, she was in perfect health.

"Sir," Ford said speaking up quietly, placing a hand on the back of the chair. "I think McKay has something, I'm feeling…"

"Woozy," McKay finished. Ford nodded. Sheppard got up out of his seat and cast a careful eye over his team then back to McKay.

"Could this be some sort of allergic reaction to the food?" he asked seriously, folding his arms. McKay needed some time to think about it, he certainly wasn't a medical doctor but he guessed it wasn't outside the realm of possibility and offered the man a shrug. That was good enough for Sheppard as he looked down to Teyla, she seemed the worse. "Teyla…"

"It cannot be an allergy Major," she answered firmly, pushing herself to her feet. "I have been drinking Drila ever since I can remember and I have had no such symptoms." Sheppard's eyes narrowed at that piece of information and even though he didn't want to let his suspicious nature get the better of him, he turned round to face Silveas.

The Bre'tar was the epitome of calm as their commander turned to face him, obviously displeased with something. "Is there anything wrong, Major Sheppard?" he asked. Sheppard didn't say anything as he walked round the table and took a hold of Jeana by the arm, seizing the Drila jug in her hand and staring at it. It had to be something in the wine; it was the only thing that seemed to make sense. Teyla was the worse because she had consumed the largest amount and McKay and Ford were suffering minor effects for they had very little. Perhaps, not drinking the Drila was one of the best decisions he had ever made.

"What did you put in this?" he asked, raising his voice slightly and shoving the jug forward. "Huh?" he said looking from Silveas back to Jeana, expecting one of them to come up with a response. Silveas remained tight-lipped, he hadn't expected to be found out quite so soon. Jeana simply stared back at Sheppard with an air of complete defiance. "Well?" Sheppard said, he was only going to ask so many times before getting extremely pissed off. He still had a hold on the red head so he pulled a little on her arm and raised the jug to her lips. "Well if you didn't do anything to this, you won't mind drinking it. Will you?"

For once, Jeana looked concerned and her eyes quickly darted back to Silveas.

Teyla was sure that her motor functions were being effected for she felt off balance, McKay saw this and quickly went to her aid, allowing her to lean on him. "Easy there," he said quietly then looked at Sheppard. He was serious about making the chick drink the wine, why were the pretty ones always evil? McKay looked to Silveas. "Just tell us," he said speaking up, they needed to know what they were dealing with. Poison? Drugs? Was there anyone in this galaxy who wasn't trying to kill them or make enemies of them?

That was all Teyla could stand for her knees buckled underneath her body weight and she had to latch onto McKay's leg to prevent herself from hitting the floor, she felt completely paralysed. "Silveas," she said angrily. McKay knelt down to help her but he seemed to be having trouble, as did Ford who drew his P90.

Sheppard's team were falling around him, he needed to know and he needed to know now. "Drink it," he ordered Jeana and forced the jug to her lips. She opened her mouth while Sheppard tilted the jug at an angle, allowing the purple liquid to run into her mouth and down her chin. Jeana tried her best not to swallow and waited until he had finished. Sheppard moved the jug away and set it down on the table, waiting.

She turned away from him and spat it back out onto the stone floor, standing up straight and wiping her mouth. "Even she won't drink it," Sheppard said turning back to Silveas, accusation in his eyes. "What did you do? Drug it?"

"I did what I must to ensure the safety of my people," Silveas answered without emotion, he had to confess it wasn't easy to put Teyla through this ordeal but it was necessary. Besides, he knew she would not come to harm.

"What?" Sheppard asked, the look fading and confusion replacing it. Silveas glanced to figure in the entrance, Sheppard followed his gaze and immediately reached for his weapon, Ford doing the same with as much strength as he could muster. "That's far enough," Sheppard said, a dangerous glint in his eye.

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