Stargate Atlantis: Path of the Storm

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Chapter Twelve

Upon reaching the corridor to the infirmary, Weir realised she had quickened her pace in order to get there sooner. The doors opened for her and she saw McKay and Ford sitting on one bed, Teyla lying on another and Carson Beckett standing over her with a folder in his hands. "Carson," she said quietly walking in slowly and over to them all.

"Elizabeth," McKay said turning to face her.

"Any news on Major Sheppard?" Ford added anxiously.

"I'm afraid not Lieutenant," she answered gently then looked down to Teyla, resting a hand on the side of the bed. "How is she?"

"Not good," Beckett said opening the folder in his arms and flicking through the results. "I found trace amounts of a chemical compound in both Rodney and Lieutenant Ford, the closest I can find is potassium based." He finally looked up from what he was reading. "They only ingested a small amount of this Drila," he said looking to Ford who nodded; he looked back to Weir. "It's only a low dose so it shouldn't have any ill effects. It would take a large dose of potassium for me to be very concerned."

"That's good news," Weir said with a smile.

"Aye," Beckett replied slowly. "However, in Teyla's case this is bad."

The smile faded gradually at that news and she prepared herself for the worst. "Go on," she said gently.

"Teyla's system shows the same amount of potassium but there's another compound, I believe it's a strong neuro toxin created by a plant enzyme." Beckett placed the folder down on the tray next to Teyla's bed; he didn't need the rest of his notes to explain the situation.

"A plant enzyme?"

"It's probable that whatever the Bre'tar put in our drinks came from a plant," McKay added folding his arms. "Hence why we were disorientated."

"It's more than likely a chemical secreted by a large carnivorous plant to incapacitate its prey before eating it," Beckett concluded.

"I don't understand how this would effect a humanoid," Weir said.

"This certain toxin, from what I've been able to establish. It reacts badly when it comes into contact with the immune system. It's effectively shutting down her body and it's only a matter of time before I won't be able to stabilise Teyla." Beckett drew in a deep breath; this had been one of the most difficult days for him so far.

He allowed her time for it all to sink in. Weir lowered her gaze back down to Teyla, closed her eyes briefly then looked back to Beckett. "If it's native to the Bre'tar homeworld then surely there would be a natural antibody or immunity to it."

"It's a possibility," Beckett answered with a small nod. "I've got the people down in botany working on it but it's hard to do without samples."

"Then they're just going to have to go back to Bre'tar and get them," Weir said then looked to Ford. "Lieutenant, have you been cleared for duty?"

"Yes ma'am," he said hopping off the bed and standing up.

"Good, find Sergeant Bates and tell him to get to a team together to go offworld, I want a security escort for the scientists." Weir folded her arms.

"Ma'am," he began.

"Permission granted. I know you'll want to go with them." Ford gave her a small smile then literally ran out of the infirmary while Weir turned her attentions to McKay. "Rodney."

"You don't expect me to go offworld," he answered with a mortified look.

"No," she replied then thought about it. "Not yet anyway." Weir unfolded her arms. "Work with Zelenka, see if you can come up with some way to retrieve the address dialled from the Bre'tar gate."

"I have a few theories on that actually and I believe that…" McKay began getting up.

"Rodney," Weir said firmly.

"Yes I will get on it right away," McKay said heading out of the infirmary. "Even if I do have to work with Zelenka," he muttered as the doors closed.

Weir looked to Beckett. "Carson…"

"Do what I can," Beckett finished for her and gave a small nod. "Aye I will." Weir looked down to Teyla once more, promising herself that she wouldn't loose anymore people on this expedition before leaving the infirmary.

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The view from his cell was steadily getting very boring. Sheppard rested his head back against the wall and let out a long sigh. "What I wouldn't give for a TV right about now," he said quietly while staring at the ceiling. Matriya looked over in his direction and gave him a scowl before facing the front once more. He sat up straighter and looked to the two Wraiths. "So," he said casually. "What are you in for?"

The Wraith to his right actually bothered to look at this pathetic human next to him and grunted. Sheppard shifted to his left not wanting to get too close to the bars, this one obviously wasn't a conversationalist. He looked to his left at the other who was staring at him. "Problem?" Sheppard asked.

"No," it replied with a low voice. "Just awaiting my opportunity." Sheppard knew fully all the implications that statement made.

"Hey if you're waiting for me to fall asleep so you can have a snack. You can think again." He brought his knees up to his chest and glared at the Wraith. "I am most definitely off the menu."

"You think you are safe human?" the Wraith asked menacingly. "Just because these…" he looked at the bars then back to Sheppard. "Are between us?"

"No, I know I'm safe because if you did try and take a bite, those guards over there would shoot you." Sheppard gave him a tight smile.

"Over-confidence will be your downfall."

"No," Sheppard replied smugly. "Kolya wanting to kick the crap out of me himself is why I know you won't be feeding on me anytime soon."

"He is a fool," the Wraith answered followed by a low hiss.

"Well," Sheppard said quietly shaking his head and looking back to his ceiling. He honestly never thought he would agree with a Wraith on something. "I guess at least we have that in common."

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A/N: So sorry it has taken so long to updating, I hit a wall and just couldn't come up with anything  plus college life is so busy and I'm hoping to finally get this story carried on and finished if it kills me. Enjoy. Kelly.

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