Chapter 13: The Ancient city
John sat and stared out the window as a flash of lightning lit up the surroundings right before a clap of thunder roared through the dark forbidding sky. He had no idea how long the storm had been raging, but it was intense, and he wondered how often these storms came upon this planet. From what Sheppard had told him it was summertime in this region of the planet, so perhaps it was common for this time of the year.
At this point, he had no idea whether it was night or day – not that he really cared because all he could think about was the letter that he had just read. Sheppard had found an ancient facility and hadn't bothered to explore it, he also knew that the first thing he was going to do when the storm was over was to go and look for it.
Another flash of lightning lit up the sky and out of the corner of his eye he saw something in the distance, and it definitely looked as if it could be an ancient spire. Turning his head slightly he looked out of the side window waiting for another flash of lightning. A few minutes later when the sky lit up again, he strained his eyes hoping to see what he had seen before and much to his chagrin he couldn't find what he was searching for.
A hand on his shoulder startled him – turning around he saw that Torren was staring at him with a concerned look on his face.
"Are you okay Dad?"
He took a last look out the window before answering him, "did you see a spire in the distance when the sky lit up a few minutes ago?"
John watched as Torren shook his head and he felt a little disappointed because maybe Torren would think he was crazy and the last thing he needed was his adult son thinking of him that way.
"I'm sorry dad, but I didn't see anything."
Sighing he looked back at his son, "well, whether you believe me or not as soon as this storm is over, I think I'm going to do a little exploring – are you with me?"
Torren looked at him and shrugged his shoulders, "Sure, but what if it's dark?"
He wanted to tell Torren that he would go no matter what time of the day or night it was, but he knew that if it were dark Maddie and Teyla would wonder where they were. And besides his broken arm was really beginning to ache so perhaps he should head back and take his pain meds. He would certainly be coming to investigate what he had seen in the morning though.
"Nah, if it's dark, I'll head back to the cabin and come back to explore in the morning, but if the storm ends before sunset, I'll be heading out today."
A grin lit up Torren's face and at that moment he could see so much of Teyla in him – which was probably a good thing because the last person he wanted to see in his son was Kanaan.
"Well in that case I'll go with you dad?"
While they were talking the storm had cleared up and the sun had come out. When John looked out of the window a smile lit up his face. He was tempted to go exploring right now, but he saw that the primary sun was low on the horizon, and although the secondary sun was still higher in the sky, he knew that it would be dark soon.
He let out a frustrated sigh as he really didn't want to go back to the cabin if there was an ancient lab to explore. "Well, I guess that means we'll be heading back to the cabin then."
"Unfortunately," Torren muttered and that definitely caught John by surprise.
It shouldn't have though, because Torren was a scientist, who had spent a lot of time with Rodney McKay growing up, so of course, he would want to go and explore anything ancient.
"Sorry son," he said and winced at how old he sounded with that comment, "but we should tell the others where we are going, and it would probably be safer in the morning anyway."
"I know Dad, but I haven't had much chance to study ancient tech since I left Atlantis. In fact, when this is over, I may just ask if I can work there again."
He smiled at his son and found himself feeling extremely proud of the man that Torren had become, "they'd be lucky to have you."
"Right then," Torren said looking a little embarrassed. "Shall we head back to the cabin and see how the others are?" He suggested walking out of the jumper.
"Sure, why not," John replied, following Torren out of the jumper.
He was about to follow his son back to the cabin when he heard a whisper, "help me?" And it was almost as if someone was there with him. "Please help me," the strange voice whispered again?
The voice was a contradiction as it was silky smooth and haunting at the same time. There was something familiar about it, but whoever it was, sounded as if they were in pain. He looked for Torren and realised that he was already heading across the field in the dim evening light, "hey Torren wait up?"
He was about to walk off when he heard the strange voice again and it was more urgent this time, "John, please help me?"
Quickly turning around, he was surprised to see the spire in the distance, and it appeared to be glowing. It was unlike anything he had ever seen before and for some strange reason, he felt inexplicably drawn to it. He took a few steps towards it wondering if he should just go ahead and explore right now, but then he knew that the others would worry about him if he didn't show up with Torren. He was positive that Maddie would be the most furious because she was a doctor and like all doctors, he knew that she was a little over the top when it came to caring for the sick and injured – and right now he was definitely injured.
Looking back at the spot where he had seen the glistening tower, he was discouraged to see that it had disappeared and there was nothing there. So, he stopped and listened to see if he would hear the intriguing voice again, but he was disappointed when there was only silence.
"Oh well, just another mystery to solve," he muttered to himself before he turned and caught up with Torren who was standing waiting for him with a serious look on his face.
"Hey Torren, did you hear a voice a few minutes ago?" He asked his son, hoping that he wasn't going crazy, and Torren had heard it too.
"Nah I didn't hear anything Dad," Torren told him before walking off.
"Did you see anything?" He asked, hoping that the spire he'd seen wasn't just a figment of his imagination.
"Nope," Torren replied before stopping to face him and the look on his face was one of worry and confusion, "are you sure you're okay dad?"
Sighing he decided not to tell Torren what he had seen and heard. It could well have been his imagination and if it was, he didn't need or want anyone telling him he was going insane. Whatever was happening, he would deal with it in his own time and his own way.
"Can you not mention this to Teyla or Maddie because the last thing I need is for them to think that I'm going mad?" He asked hopefully.
"Are you?" Torren asked with a look of concern.
"I hope not," he replied before storming off in the direction of the cabin.
Walking in silence in the dull light, he strained to listen hoping that he would hear the soft silky voice again – it was a mystery that he was determined to solve as soon as the sun was up in the morning, and the only person he was going to ask for help from, was Torren.
Arriving at the cabin a few minutes later he found that the children were sitting on a log outside. Charin was sewing and David seemed to be carving a piece of wood with a tiny penknife.
"Hey kids, what are you making?"
"I'm making a new dress for Maddie," Charlie announced showing him the brightly coloured fabric that she was holding in her hands.
It looked like a set of curtains, but there was no way he was going to tell her that. Then he had to wonder where she'd actually found the fabric. He was positive that all of the curtains in the cabin were still hanging in the windows. But then again Sheppard never told him where he had found the fabric to make the curtains either.
He shook his head wondering why he was suddenly so interested in such things since normally he wouldn't care about making a room or house look nice. That was really more Teyla's thing.
"I'm making a tiny model of a puddle jumper, "Dave announced interrupting his contemplations and showing him the piece of wood, he was working on.
He was actually surprised at how much the tiny ship David was carving looked like a puddle jumper. He assumed that Sheppard must have taught him how to make things out of wood.
"Wow kids they look great, but what's for dinner?"
Dave looked at him and shrugged his shoulders, "I have no idea, but Maddie and Teyla are inside cooking it now."
He shuddered at the thought of Teyla having anything to do with the cooking, so he decided to go inside to see if Maddie needed any help.
Suddenly he heard the voice again and this time it was louder and more intense, "John you have to help me?"
Pain began to build behind his eyes and the voice in his head started to screech at him, "help me now!?"
The screeching continued and the pain behind his eyes continued to build to the point where it became so intense that he couldn't stand up any longer. He fell to his knees and put his good hand over his eyes. As he fell to the ground, he was vaguely aware of someone calling his name. The screeching continued to get louder and the voice in his head continued to yell at him. By this time, it felt like a thousand white-hot needles were drilling into his brain, a vision of a control chair invaded his mind, and he could feel the darkness encroaching – the last thing he heard before he lost consciousness was Teyla calling his name.
oOo
A soft voice pervaded his consciousness, and it was different to the screeching voice that he'd heard the last time he was aware. He kept his eyes closed and listened to the soft silky voice that was whispering to him. This voice was definitely different to the voice he'd heard when he was last awake, and he immediately knew who it was.
"Teyla," he croaked.
His throat felt dry, and his head still hurt so he wasn't convinced that it would be a good idea to open his eyes, but then he desperately wanted to know what was going on, so he cracked them open a little. Much to his relief, it was still dark – other than the dim lamplight – so he was able to open them fully.
"John, it is good to see you awake," Teyla said a little too loudly for his liking.
"Shh..." He whispered
"I am sorry John; do you have a headache?"
That had to be the understatement of the century of course he had a headache, "yeah," he whispered, "can I please have some water?"
Teyla was by his side with a glass of water with a bendy straw within seconds. He drank greedily and didn't stop until the glass was empty.
When he had finished, he turned and looked at Teyla in the dim lamplight, he had no idea how long he'd been out, and he had no idea what had happened to him this time. Although he vaguely remembered a strange voice in his head.
"What happened to me?"
"We do not know; Maddie and I were in the kitchen when we heard Torren and the children yelling. We rushed outside and found you on the ground and you appeared to be in agony. Very soon you lost consciousness and we brought you in here where Maddie did a thorough examination."
That really didn't sound too good, and he really hoped that whatever they found, it didn't prove that he was going insane, "and what did you find?"
"Luckily you did not injure your shoulder or broken arm any further, but for a while, your heart rate and blood pressure were extremely high. It very quickly settled down to normal when we brought you inside to bed though. Maddie suspects that the headache may have been caused by the bacteria in your system and she intends to do some further investigation in the morning."
"I hope that doesn't mean she wants to do a whole heap of tests on me," he quipped.
"She has not divulged the details to me," Teyla answered with a raised eyebrow.
The last thing he wanted to do was continue the conversation further, so he changed the subject, "what time is it?"
"It is very early in the morning and the primary sun is not due to come up for another hour or two, so I suggest that we both try and get some rest."
"I couldn't agree more."
He closed his eyes deciding that it was probably a good idea to get some more sleep, but as soon as the sun came up, he was going to look for the glowing spire he'd seen the night before. He would definitely ask Torren to accompany him because he needed a scientist to help him, but he wouldn't tell anyone else at this stage.
oOo
When he awoke again, it was still dusk, and the primary sun was just peering over the horizon. Teyla seemed to be asleep beside him so rather than wake her he thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to do a little exploring. Luckily no one had bothered to undress him the night before so he still had his clothes on – his shoes were a different matter though and he knew that he would need some help with them. Hopefully, Torren would help, and he had every intention of asking his son to go exploring with him.
Once he had managed to get out of bed, he crossed the room and was about to open the door when he heard voices. He pressed his ear to the door and realised that it was only one person mumbling to themself, and he was fairly sure that it was Torren.
Taking one last look at Teyla, he left the room and found Torren sitting at the table drinking coffee and eating something that resembled cereal.
"You're up early Torren, "he announced before sitting down next to him.
"Well, I thought that if we are going exploring this morning, we should get an early start. And besides, I get the impression you don't really want the others to know what you are up to."
Suddenly he remembered that he hadn't even told Teyla about the note from Sheppard that he'd found in the jumper the night before, perhaps he would leave it here for her to read. Part of him wanted to tell Teyla where they were going and what was happening, but a bigger part of him wanted to tell her nothing, "not really, I'll probably leave a note for Teyla though."
"Well in that case perhaps we should get going before the kids get up. You know what early risers they are," Torren turned to him with a concerned look on his face before continuing, "how's the head feeling this morning dad?"
"It's actually not too bad," he lied, as the truth was it was still pounding, and it felt like a jackhammer was rearranging his skull, but he certainly didn't want Torren to know that just in case he called Maddie.
"You really are a lousy liar dad, so take some pain meds and let's get going before the others wake up."
"Umm…, you may have to help me with my boots."
Torren smirked at him – which left him feeling more than a little embarrassed – before kneeling to help him.
Twenty minutes later they stepped out of the cabin into the early morning light. Luckily everyone else was still asleep so they wouldn't have to explain themselves to anyone. The plan was to get some exploring done early and then they would head back to the cabin and tell the others what they had found before lunch.
For the moment the pain in his head was at a manageable level and the pain in his shoulder and broken arm had been minimalised to a dull throb so he didn't have to worry about his pain levels for another few hours. Torren had packed some more pain meds for him along with large quantities of water so for now, they were all set.
He walked in silence feeling a little nervous as to what was to come. If the voice he'd heard the night before was anything to go by, he was about to get himself and Torren into a whole heap of trouble, but how could he ignore an ancient facility like the other Sheppard had and he certainly couldn't ignore a cry for help – no matter what it cost him.
They were heading towards the crashed jumper and halfway across the field when he heard the voice again and it was more gentle and less urgent this time, "John are you coming to help me?"
"Yes," he whispered, trying to breathe through the pain that was still present in his skull.
At that moment he heard the hum of ancient tech, only it was off somehow – it was more like a roar inside his head – he had no idea whether he could take it much longer and he fell to his knees holding his head and moaning.
A voice spoke to him, and it sounded muted as if it was calling to him through a tunnel, he was disoriented so it took him a moment to realise it was Torren, "dad, are you alright? Do you need me to go and get Maddie?"
Slowly as the pressure behind his eyes began to dissipate to a dull throb, he realised that he was lying flat on his back and Torren was peering down at him with an intense look on his face.
"Dad, are you with me?"
That was certainly a good question, right now he felt okay, but he was laying on his back and he had no idea how he'd feel if he tried to get to his feet.
"I think so," he moaned, and he was relieved the find that the roaring in his head had disappeared for now.
"Here let me help you sit up, "Torren suggested offering him a hand.
He allowed his son to help him into a sitting position and he was happy that the dull throb in his head didn't become any worse. But for some reason, his broken arm was screaming at him right now. His right shoulder seemed to hurt the least, which was something.
"Can you stand up? Do you need me to get Maddie?" Torren offered.
There was absolutely no way he was going back to the cabin before he'd had a chance to explore the ancient facility and he suspected that it held the key to the weird voice he kept hearing in his head as well.
"No! I'm fine, "he said a little too forcefully.
"Alright then, how about I give you some pain meds and then we can keep going because I know how much this means to you."
"Thanks, Torren," he replied letting his son help him to his feet.
Once he was on his feet he suddenly felt dizzy and he was relieved when Torren held him for a minute to stop him from falling flat on his face.
He was feeling stronger by the minute so all he wanted to do was head towards the ancient spire that he had seen the day before, "thanks for your help Torren, but I'm fine now so let's just get going."
"Fine, we'll keep on going on one condition!" Torren stated forcefully.
All he could do was roll his eyes at that comment because for some reason there was always a condition on him doing what he wanted to do, "and what might that be?"
"You'll take some pain medication before we continue."
Looking at his son he saw the same no-nonsense look that Teyla gave him when she wouldn't take no for an answer.
Sighing he nodded at his son and took the medication that was offered to him. After washing it down with a drink of water he was ready to go. He looked over into the distance to see if he could see the spire, but all he saw was the remains of the jumper scattered across the field and beyond that, he could see a large grassland that seemed to go on forever. It had him totally confused as to why one minute he could see the spire and hear the voice and then the next everything was gone.
The minute he felt steady he began to walk to the spot where he thought that the ancient facility may lay – although he secretly suspected that it was some hidden ancient lab, perhaps one of Janus'. He walked past the main hull of the jumper where he and Torren had waited out the storm the day before and then he just kept walking.
For the moment the pain from his injuries was a dull ache, so he continued, hoping that Torren was keeping up.
After walking for around ten minutes the sky in the distance seemed to shimmer, "do you see that?"
"If you mean that the sky is shimmering, yeah, I saw that," Torren replied coming up alongside him.
"What do you reckon some kind of cloaking device?"
"It's possible Dad, but whatever it is I think it's malfunctioning."
He looked at him with confusion, "why would you say that Torren?"
"Because for a split second I saw a spire of ancient design."
Well at least he knew that he wasn't crazy, "do you hear anything Torren?"
"No, all I see is an occasional glimpse of the spire."
"In that case, I think we should keep going and investigate, don't you?"
John walked ahead of Torren and kept his eye on the shimmering horizon occasionally catching a glimpse of the spire when the cloak failed. The closer he got the more the cloak seemed to be failing and by the time he reached an entrance the entire spire and the city beneath it had been revealed.
"I can't believe it, "he whispered, "there appears to be an entire city here and it looks similar to Atlantis only smaller."
"It's incredible," Torren replied, "I can't believe that Sheppard didn't want to explore this place."
"I have no idea what his problem was, but he acted in ways that I would never act."
"Well, I guess you'll never know why he acted the way he did Dad, but his life turned out very differently to the way yours has."
He turned to glare at his son, "are you saying that in different circumstances I would lie, cheat and give up on life? I can't really see myself ever acting that way – no matter what happened to me?"
"I'm not saying anything of the sort," Torren replied sheepishly.
Deciding that he didn't want to get into an argument with him, he turned to look for an access panel to open the doors.
The city seemed remarkably well preserved considering the eons that must have passed since the city was in use – he suspected that it was probably deserted around the time the ancients left the Pegasus galaxy for earth ten thousand years ago.
It didn't take him long to find the entrance and he immediately waved his hand over the access panel and when he did the strange voice spoke to him again, "John if you are here to help me you must go and sit in the control chair straight away."
A vision of a control chair and a map of the city popped into his brain, right before the pain behind his eyes began to escalate and he fell to his knees again.
He vaguely heard Torren talking to him as he tried to make sense of the images running through his mind. Eventually, the pain dissipated, and he soon realised that he was lying flat on his back again.
Torrens voice finally cut through the haze to the point where he could understand what he was saying, "Are you alright to continue dad, or do you need a rest?"
As much as he'd like rest, he figured that the city needed his help as quickly as possible, "no I think the city is in trouble, so I need to get to the control chair."
"Well, I'm sure we should be able to find a schematic once we're inside," Torren suggested.
"I know exactly where I'm going, but I may need your help once we get there."
He placed his hand over the access panel and the door very quickly opened – revealing a long passageway in front of him. The lights came on as he entered the city, no doubt responding to his ancient DNA. The architecture was similar to Atlantis as were the red and green colours that were decorating the city.
After a few minutes, he came to a T junction, and he immediately turned left – knowing that the chair room was nearby.
As he approached the chair room, he sensed the urgency emanating from the city and he knew that he needed to do something quick as she was in pain. Once he arrived, he immediately sat in the chair and tried to connect with the city, but he couldn't connect properly because his left arm was in a cast.
"Torren! "He yelled, "find me something to get this plaster cast off?"
"Are you sure you should be doing that?" Torren replied with a worried look on his face, "your arm has barely had a chance to heal."
"The city needs me," he pleaded.
"Alright give me a few minutes, I'll see what I can find?"
"There's a medical lab a few doors down Torren and can you make it quick as the city is in pain? I need to connect with her to find out what is going on."
Once Torren had left, he closed his eyes a tried to calm the city. Although he had dealt with Atlantis on many occasions when she was malfunctioning and needed his help, this was unlike anything he had ever experienced before – it was more like a child having a temper tantrum.
Torren returned a few minutes later with something that looked like a laser, "this is all I could find."
Torren approached him with the tool and John didn't like what he saw, "please try to not cut my arm off?" He quipped.
Torren just rolled his eyes at him and activated the tool, and he instantly felt the heat as the laser began to cut through the plaster. He was relieved when the cast was gone a minute later and although his arm hurt like hell at least he could connect with the city now.
Putting his hands on the sensor pads he closed his eyes and leant back. Instantly a flash of pain shot through his brain, and it was the worst pain that he had ever felt – even worse than the time that he'd been fed on by a Wraith, or almost turned into a bug – it felt like someone was drilling a hole through his brain and there was no way to escape it. His body started to shake as the pain intensified and he felt a hot sticky substance running from his nose. He tried to deal with it and not utter a sound, but it was just way too intense so right before he lost consciousness he screamed.
TBC…