Chapter 6 – The Old Wounds
The final banquet and then the Closing Ceremony for the Intergalactic Conference had gone very well. The banquet hall had been full to bursting, with attendees from the previous weeks arriving to be part of it. Every seat had been taken and every inch of free space around the hall, in the open doorways and out into the corridors beyond, had been filled as everyone had listened to the speeches.
Councillor Fovea had spoken first, there to represent the High Council. She was a fitting choice, for her own people, those of Xinda, were joined with Athos themselves via Rhakshar's Political Marriage with Zabetha. In a way, Xinda now had their own unique relationship with Atlantis, but Fovea had always been an outspoken supporter of forming ties with Atlantis from the start. She had given a very good speech, well written and not too long.
Though no speech could be as short as Ronon's had been. There to represent the Military Council, he had spoken after Fovea. He had simply stated the importance of working together in the fight against the Wraith and that the Military Council looked forward to a new two pronged attack on the Wraith by both the Alliance and Atlantis. And that had been it.
Teyla had made sure not to smile with amusement at the quick completion of her friend's speech. She had been able to steal away some time from the top banquet table during the meal and had sat with Ronon for awhile. He'd visited the Conference a few times these past weeks, so she had been able to catch some time with him, hearing news and seeing images of his growing baby boy, Rakai. Ronon was a very proud father and was clearly enjoying the new role in his life.
After Ronon's speech, it had been her turn, so she had stepped forward to the mass of watching faces and had given a short speech of her own. She had thanked all for attending and had reiterated much of her speech from her wedding day. She had stressed the importance of actual cooperation and real outcomes so that all could work together to win the fight against the Wraith. That Atlantis' involvement had started a new era in the history of this galaxy, and that she was grateful that all present had seen the potential and attended the Conference.
As she had turned back to her seat, she had discovered that John had stood forward with her. She had not asked him to, and she had been too focused on her speech to notice him stood just behind her shoulder. It appeared that John was starting to think as a Political Husband already, which she had whispered to him as they had returned to their seats. He had looked quite alarmed.
Father had then introduced Colonel Carter to the audience, as most had not seen her before. As the calm blonde military leader stood up, it had been clear that all eyes watching had been intently curious and keen to hear what she had to say. She had repeated the exact same sentiments as the Councillors, but had gone on to recount for the crowd how her own galaxy had once been ruled over by a destructive alien race, but that their power had been toppled by different peoples from different worlds working together. It had been a very well delivered speech, which clearly caught everyone's rapt attention.
Father had then concluded the ceremony by lighting a tall highly decorated candle. It had been handmade for the event by Athosian artisans, using dried flowers and a wide range of different coloured oils within the thick wax. Father declared the candle to represent all the differing cultures and peoples who had attended the Conference, and that, in lighting the candle, so he also lit the real hope of eventual peace in the galaxy. He had then set the candle's wick alight and declared the Conference completed, and the large banquet hall had echoed with loud applause.
It had gone very well, and Teyla was pleased she had been able to conclude her mission on Sol in time to be part of the ceremony.
The Conference attendees had then been left to mingle and depart in their own time, taking their time to enjoy so many new connections, acquaintances, and new trading opportunities that were being formed at the Conference. Teyla had heard that several new Political Marriages had also been confirmed, so it did seem that ties were strengthening again between the worlds and systems of the Alliance. It really did give her hope.
There was one final meeting to be held though, but it was one that Teyla found far more relaxing. The Tea Room was a nice informal setting for her family and the main representatives from Earth to meet to conclude these weeks. It was also customary for the first commencement of shared time for a new Political Couple to begin with a banquet. However, considering the huge number of recent days spent sharing discussions and meals with Atlantis, Father deemed a simple sharing of tea in a quiet room to be enough.
Clearly those from Atlantis appreciated the relaxed atmosphere of the room, after the busy press of people earlier.
Sat around two low tables pushed together into one long table, the Earth representatives, Colonel Carter, Zabetha, Rhakshar, and Elkaska lined both sides, deep in light and easy conversation. Sat at the far end, Father presided over the gentle meeting. Though Teyla could see the clear signs of tiredness across Father's face, she could also see the satisfaction plainly. She had no doubt that he was looking forward to the following quieter days after the Conference, but she made a mental note to ensure that Hakon had worked his usual magic in ensuring Father had some rest time built into his diary for the next few days.
Still, tiredness aside, it was clear that Father was now quite comfortable with those from Atlantis. They had been such a regular daily presence here in the Tjaru during the Conference, and during the more official meetings following her and John's wedding, that they were now familiar faces to all in the Governing Complex.
It was, yet again, another clear sign that the Political Marriage was already living up to the promise she had envisioned for it. All that remained to discuss was trade between Atlantis and the Elite. Since the moment that her marriage was announced, the Elite had been in deep and complex discussion about what they should offer in trade to Atlantis and what they wanted in return. Almost every single Elite warrior had expressed their support in the trades, and a final list had been consolidated for her and Si to present to Atlantis tomorrow.
Tomorrow – her first day in Atlantis. With the completion of the closing ceremony, she found herself feeling strangely disquieted about her visit to the Ancestral City. It was not that anything specifically worried at her or concerned her about staying with John's people; she had stayed there before and she trusted those from Earth enough, but she and Si would be far from the Alliance. Home was only a Portal trip away, but she was aware that her freedom would be slightly impinged by her stay, and that her days would be governed by whatever Atlantis wanted to discuss or action. Though that was part and parcel of such a Political Marriage stay, she found herself feeling faintly anxious about the days ahead.
Perhaps it was simply that she was tired. She could feel the weight of her body, the slight slowness to her thoughts and these wayward feelings that told her that she needed to properly rest. She had barely had a few hours of sleep each day on Sol, so she needed a good night's sleep; especially with her departure to Atlantis tomorrow morning.
John's elbow gently nudged hers, drawing her focus suddenly back into the Tea Room. She had not heard any of the conversation for some time. She was definitely tired and distracted.
She glanced at John beside her and he gave her a knowing and slightly questioning look that silently asked her if she was well. She simply smiled back to him, grateful for his intervention.
As was with tradition, they sat beside each other at the opposite end of the table from Father. Though, as the end of the table was not all that wide, they had been forced to crush their floor cushions close, and her left knee was propped up on John's closest thigh. The physical contact did not feel uncomfortable or jarring, which surprised her somewhat, but then they had shared far closer contact in the past. The simple touch and the heat of his leg was comforting in fact, perhaps as it was acceptable and appropriate contact that did not feel as if it skirted that slightly awkward line of intimacy between them.
His eyes held hers as she smiled at him, thanking him for his wake up nudge, and she could see his gaze shifting over her face, assessing her.
Keeping her voice low, she asked, "Did I miss much?"
His smile widened, his eyes glancing away for a moment and then back to her. "Nah," he shook his head, but she felt that, even if she had, he would not say so. "Tiring mission, huh?" He asked.
"I spent the last three nights hunting Wraith through a forest," she told him, comfortable that it was safe enough information to share, not breaching any restricted information. They had grown rather used to coping with what they could and could not share with each other.
"You get them all?" John asked of the Wraith.
"Yes, we did," Teyla confirmed. "Though there were more than we had anticipated. Oneakka walked away with a few scratches, but it was successful."
"Bet he wasn't pleased about that," John smiled, again his eyes shifting away to the rest of the table and back. Again, it was almost standard for them now to be constantly aware of who was around them, who was watching, and selecting their words carefully in case they were overheard. It was only when they were entirely alone together that they could drop all pressures and restraints.
Well, no, that was no longer true, was it. There was that new distance; the carefulness they had with each other regarding anything approaching the physical intimacy they had once shared so easily. Perhaps that was why their light and acceptable limited physical contact now, legs touching and shoulders occasionally brushing, was so comforting. It was a way of being close to him, but without fear of it progressing into territory both of them were disinclined to approach.
Her stay in Atlantis though would surely challenge that distance. They would be sharing quarters, their sleeping space separated only by a single door. It would inevitably bring the subtle tensions between them to the foreground.
She was not certain what it was about that prospect that worried her the most – that he would show his interest in intimacy again and she would be forced to reject him; that he might offer and that she would easily agree; or perhaps, that he would do nothing.
What if his feelings were waning? What if her words and actions had cut him too deeply? What if his fears of his career outweighed his feelings for her?
She felt strangely trapped between different sides of the same issue – not wanting him too close, but fearing that he would not wish to be close. At least in this middle ground of companionable enjoyable friendship, they could avoid the bigger issues, and simply, once again, enjoy each other without the complexities of a sexual relationship.
She should be pleased with this arrangement. This marriage allowed them to help their people and the galaxy at large, yet still be friends and enjoy each other's company. A compromise.
Her mind turned to Oneakka, as John had asked about him, but also in recalling his stubborn life-long refusal to be dictated to by his emotions. Even with Seeal, with whom he clearly had a strong affiliation, he denied any relationship except companionable colleagues.
"No," she confirmed to John, "Oneakka was not best pleased, but little slows him down."
"It wouldn't dare," John joked.
"...my honoured daughter?" Father's voice cut into their conversation. She looked away from John and smiled down the length of the table, falling back into the polite warrior that she had to be.
All faces down the table were looking at her and John.
"We were just discussing," Father explained without missing a beat, "arrangements for tomorrow and your time in Atlantis."
"Of course," Teyla agreed neutrally.
"As agreed," Father continued, looking to Colonel Carter, "we have ensured secrecy as to my Honoured Daughter's stay, as we always will when Major Sheppard stays with us."
"Thank you, Torren," Colonel Carter replied from her seat closest to him. "We are very much looking forward to your stay, Honoured Elite," the woman smiled kindly towards Teyla.
"I am looking forward to it as well," Teyla replied, hoping she sounded fully sincere. It was going to be fine, albeit yet more time spent smiling politely and being so acutely careful about the words she spoke. Life was far simpler as an Elite warrior. One did not have to choose careful words with Wraith, and Elite preferred direct honest speech in their work.
"We have prepared a schedule of meetings and discussions for your stay," Mr Woolsey put in from the right side of the table.
"More meetings, huh?" John commented from her left, his tone full of teasing awareness of how bored of such discussions she had become.
"Leader Torren was kind enough to allow us to upload the schedule for you to study before tomorrow," Mr Woolsey continued. "If there is anything you want to change, or matters you would like to discuss in more detail, please let me know."
"Thank you, Mr Woolsey," Teyla replied. She had not taken to Mr Woolsey at first, but over the last weeks, she had seen a newer side to him. He was clearly a very intelligent man who could consider all sides of an issue, and he had a kindness that showed through his eyes.
He dipped his head slightly and smiled at her, clearly pleased that she was pleased.
"And," Colonel Carter added, "Torren, perhaps soon you can also visit our city some day soon."
"I very much look forward to that day," Father replied. "Perhaps once all administrative matters from the conference are concluded, I could find some time."
"Feel free to drop by anytime," General O'Neill put in from his seat between Colonel Carter and Elkaska.
"Though we would need some time to prepare for your visit," Mr Woolsey added more practically.
"I do look forward to walking in the hallways of the Ancestors themselves," Father smiled wistfully, as he had each time Teyla had seen him consider visiting Atlantis.
"You'll love it there," General O'Neill replied informally.
"I understand that the ocean is so vast that finding land would take many days by boat?" Father asked.
General O'Neill frowned slightly at that. "We don't have any boats," the General seemed to realise and he looked round to Colonel Carter. "Why don't we have any boats?"
"We have the Ancient ships," John put in. "We found they can work just as efficiently as a submersible."
Father looked fascinated by the idea.
"But still not boats," General O'Neill commented. "Maybe we should get some boats," he said down the table to John.
"Maybe a speedboat," John suggested with sudden enthusiasm, and the General nodded excitedly.
"Thank you again, Torren, for your inspired ideas for the Conference," Colonel Carter returned the conversation back to its original topic. "Everyone involved from Atlantis has thoroughly enjoyed their time here."
"I am very pleased with its success," Father smiled.
"It's been a great shindig," General O'Neill remarked, which sounded like a compliment.
Father looked towards the General. "Shindig?" He queried the word that had not appeared to have translated.
"You know, a hoedown," General O'Neill started to explain. "Big get-together for a good party."
Teyla noticed that Colonel Carter was smiling down into her cup of tea as she lifted it to drink.
"Knees-up kind of thing-" The General continued with his explanation.
"Knees-up?" Father frowned.
"Meaning there is usually dancing," Colonel Carter explained quickly, anticipating a misunderstanding from the comment.
"Oh," Father smiled with understanding. "Though, I am not sure my knees could take any 'hoedown' dancing."
Teyla was a little surprised at the joking comment from Father.
"Mine too," General O'Neill agreed with feeling. "Do yours hurt more in the cold?"
"They do," Father agreed, nodding.
Teyla had seen Father and the General talking several times during the course of the Conference and it appeared the two got on very well. It was rather surprising since Teyla was well aware from her own interactions with General O'Neill, and from some of John's stories, that the General was excessively informal most of the time. Father, though a relaxed and calm man, was not usually that way inclined.
"Also on very rainy days," Father added.
"And don't get me started on cold rainy days," General O'Neill replied and Father chuckled.
John's shoulder touched against hers lightly as he leant forward to pick up the closest pot of tea to refill his cup, though his movement was clearly designed to draw her attention.
"They're getting on well," John commented quietly, his tone implying surprised suspicion, as he leant faintly closer as he picked up the teapot.
"Indeed," Teyla agreed with him, keeping her voice low as well. John held the teapot towards her neglected cup and she nodded at his silent offer. "Yes, thank you."
He poured the dark liquid into her cup and then added more to his own. "If we can get a speedboat out of the conversation though..." He smiled as he set the pot back down.
"I am assuming that the name describes the boat simply enough?" She asked, knowing of his love of vehicles and craft that could 'go fast'.
"It does," he grinned.
She picked up her refilled cup gratefully.
"If you want," he suggested as he settled back onto his cushion, his own refilled cup in his hand, "I could take you out on a Jumper while you're in the city; show you the mainland."
"I would like that," Teyla replied.
"We've got various science groups working there and I occasionally pilot them out; they're studying...something," he paused, clearly unaware of exactly what the scientific division on Atlantis were working on. "I should really start listening to what they go on about during the flights."
She had to control her smile – remembering the potential audience around them. "I am sure it is very important work," she suggested. "Your work here, and in Atlantis' military work, is just as important."
He seemed to like that. "Certainly done our bit these last couple of weeks.
"Yes," she agreed, letting out a long breath. Yet, another week was ahead for her. Still, it would be time with John, though she was not sure yet what her daily schedule would be in Atlantis, or how much of that time would be shared with John present, but it was also important work. She would not begrudge it. "I am looking forward to meeting those Mr Woolsey has scheduled me to meet."
One of John's eyebrows lifted, which told her that he had seen right through that statement. "Yeah, sounds a ball," he muttered. "But," he added with more enthusiasm, "there's the sparring sessions, Ketra's gonna be there, and the view really is good from our new quarters."
"And your threat to show me golfing," she pointed out.
"It's just called golf," he corrected her, and not for the first time. "And its' not a threat, it's gonna be fun."
"We shall see," she teased.
He gave her a look that suggested that, had they been alone, that he might have said something further. She smiled back at him. These moments when they could share laughter and be reasonably comfortable with each other felt like a heady relief.
"Yeah," John muttered. "Elite teaching Marines how to fight, a dragon in Atlantis, and you learning to swing a golf club...what could possibly go wrong?" he asked as he smiled that playful handsome grin of his.
Despite all that had happened, that sparkling grin still had the ability to flip her stomach and make the room feel instantly warmer.
Their first official time together in Atlantis as Political Husband and Wife; what could go wrong? Only the days ahead would reveal the answer.
00000
Kolya ran his eyes over the lists one last time, the electronic pads lined up across his desk. Everything was in order; the pieces of the game were all in place and all that was left was for the bait to step into its trap.
After so many long days and years living in these dank cold bunkers, the day was finally approaching. Cowen would be toppled from his foolish lofty heights, and Kolya would return to his home and take up the position he had been long denied.
And all of it would be achieved with one strike that would not only return him to Genii soil, but bring Atlantis under heel and also deal with a certain pesky Major. The people from Earth were growing their power with each passing day, expanding their reach and influence right into the very heart of the Alliance and it's Military. How Sheppard had managed to convince one of the most infamous Elite warriors to agree to a Political Marriage was unclear, but he had, and in doing so, he had, once again, struck a damaging blow to the Genii people.
And each day the Genii were crushed further, as Cowen took every opportunity Kolya created for him to suppress them further. Few would mourn the loss of Cowen once he was finally removed from this life.
Kolya picked up a pad, checking through a list once again, looking for any flaws in the complicated mission ahead. Beyond the open door to his office, he heard the clip of boots fast approaching down the stone-lined corridor outside.
"Commander," Pranos stated as soon as he strode into the chamber, pausing to bow his head.
Kolya lifted his eyes from the list, but did not lower the electronic pad. "News?" He asked of his most trusted man.
"The Athosian Conference has concluded, the guests through the Portal and the Genii representatives have returned to the homeworld," Pranos reported.
"Good," Kolya acknowledged and indicated the chair across the table from him. "Sit, Pranos. The hour is almost at hand."
"Indeed it is," Pranos smiled as he sat. He had been most loyal, and would play a vital part in the plan ahead.
"The latest from the Portal overseer?" Kolya asked.
"Portal transport remains at alert status as Cowen continues to restrict our people's freedom."
Koyla set the pad and its list down into its place on his desk. "He tightens his own noose. The latest from the Governing team?"
Pranos settled back in his seat. "Sora was the one to report the latest status. They believe Cowen is watching them more closely than before."
"Let them continue to believe as much."
"Otherwise all appears to be ready."
Kolya nodded, glancing at the pad that listed his precise calculations as to how long it would take for the Governing members to move through the underground corridors under the First City. It was foolishness to live above ground as they all did. Cowen at least was sensible in keeping his main office and bedchamber below ground under his 'Palace'.
"Sora expressed her personal doubts that Cowen will leave the homeworld," Pranos added.
"Did she?" Kolya considered. Sora had always been a loyal solider to the Genii Confederation, but her heart was easily swayed by those closest to her. Ladon seemed to have considerable influence over her thoughts of late, but sometimes it was best to allow such distractions to do just that – distract the players in the game.
"With the Conference over, presumably Major Sheppard will return to his Atlantis missions off world shortly," Pranos stated with clear eagerness for the mission.
"Presumably," Kolya agreed. "Though, as we know, Major Sheppard doesn't always do as predicted. Make sure to reinforce the order to our informants that they are not to approach him, but simply inform us immediately of his arrival."
"Yes, Commander."
"Make sure to stress that if anyone frightens the Major off, I will personally see to their painful end."
"Yes, Commander, it will be done."
"Good," Kolya nodded. "And the transport?"
"Everything is ready to move him," Pranos responded instantly. "We can move him at a moment's notice."
Kolya nodded again, shifting against the high-backed chair to find a more comfortable position. He was growing tired of the old and basic furniture in these bunkers.
"Does it still pain you?" Pranos asked, one of the only ones who would dare reference the old bullet wound.
"Only the memory of defeat," Kolya replied, though, truthfully, his aging body was starting to feel the echoes of old injuries. It was the damp in these bunkers, he was sure of it. "Sheppard will pay for all he has done."
To him, the Genii people, and to Iketani.
Thanks to a traded piece of information from Pyaban, Kolya had learnt that it had been the Elite who had finally struck down the delightfully fiendish creature that had been Iketani; but that Major Sheppard had also been present. Considering the Major's apparent desire to win the favours of the Elite, Kolya had to wonder if he had been the one to lead them to Iketani.
"Soon we will be home again, Commander," Pranos promised.
"As long as all the pieces land as we need them," Kolya responded logically. "We must be ready to adapt at any moment."
"I have checked the necessary escape routes once again."
"Good," Kolya nodded. "Then, soon, we will take our rightful place with our people."
Pranos, his back straight and true, nodded with his immutable confidence.
Kolya could not feel quite the same yet. He had lived through too many battles and setbacks to believe in a guaranteed outcome. However, with all the planning, the co-conspirators in place on the homeworld, and all contingences covered, everything was in place for him to succeed.
They just needed Sheppard to show his face on a known planet and trigger the plan into action.
00000
TBC