Thanks again for all the reviews, please keep them coming, I love to read each and every one! And a special thanks to my beta shepsgirl72. I really appreciate your help and suggestions, of course, any mistakes are mine.

Okay back to the story. So now Nessan is John Sheppard and visa versa…at least as far as the monks are concerned!

COLLABORATIONS

CHAPTER 4

The sickness had stopped days before, the dizziness shortly after, now only the headache lingered as Kolya sat sipping the sharp, tart curative given by his hosts.

Nessan flinched as he touched the small dressing on his temple, and could only imagine the pain Sheppard must be feeling. The Lantian looked a mess. Heavy bandages covered his head and torso with the exposed surrounding skin black and blue, making his pallid complexion seem almost luminous, a stark contrast against the livid bruises. Kolya knew the monks were surprised Sheppard survived, as was he, but it was just like the man to refuse to die, jeopardising his plans for a better life…his.

He despised the man with a vengeance, but, with reluctance, conceded Sheppard did have a way with people, drawing them to him with his flash smile and easy manner. But what was it about John Sheppard that made him who he was? Since learning the Lantian had survived his beating, he was determined to find out more about the man. What made him tick...why did he protect others at the expense of his own life? Nessan remembered back to that day in the field when he accused him of stealing, all Sheppard had to do was give up the boy, but no. Despite knowing what would happen, the self- righteous fool chose to take a vicious beating, instead of telling the truth. How noble of him, how selfless…how stupid.

Of course, he knew beforehand Sheppard would willingly fall into his carefully laid trap, and the man hadn't let him down. But what made someone sacrifice themselves like that? Although he was prepared to paid well for information, there was surprising little to be found about Atlantis military leader. His private life was just that…private. No one was willing to talk about the man, except to say how much he was admired…how brave he was. So what was it that motivated the Lantian, what drove the young child to become the man he was today? He could just imagine the young John, surrounding by a loving family, given every advantage a child could want. Not for him the constant disapproval of a father who didn't want him, being treated as an embarrassment…shunned as an outcast.

Men like Sheppard had no idea, no concept of they type of suffering he'd endured. So what was the mystery behind the man...and why did it matter so much to him anyway? Kolya watched as John flinched, still in pain even while asleep, and realised probably for the first time, how much he'd allowed Sheppard to get under his skin. Agitated, Nessan rose from his seat and walked over to the window. There, beyond the confines of the monastery, lay fields filled with golden corn, swaying in the breeze. It reminded him of home, the place where he grew up, and the people who turned against him.

Anger welled up within him, and his eyes filled with bitter tears as he remembered how, without even being present, the Lantian had humiliated him in his own village. His people turned against him…even his mother, all because of one small act of trickery. Whether or not Sheppard was guilty on that occasion shouldn't have mattered. He was a murderer and deserved to be punished, and it was his responsibility, his right to make the man pay with blood…for all the Genii blood he spilled. Even now, he still couldn't understand why his deception mattered so much to them. The Lantian had killed 55 of their kin, but instead of thanking him for punishing the man who caused them so much pain, they looked at him with disgust… loathing even…in the end choosing to help a murderer, instead of supporting the decision of their leader, another Genii…one of their own.

Part of him realised Sheppard wasn't responsible for what happened, but he would never forgive him all the same. However, despite everything, regardless of how he felt about the man lying on the bed, Nessan decided he would still take his name…his life. Because being Nessan Kolya, or Culast for that matter had brought him nothing but pain. So, perhaps changing his name, becoming John Sheppard…the hero... would finally bring him the happiness he strove for… and a last chance of having a better life.

ooooOoooo

The cool evening breeze wafting through the small window chilled his skin, making him shiver, and John groaned as the small movement reawakened all his aches in glorious Technicolor.

Opening his eyes, Sheppard sighed as he saw the malicious gaze of Nessan Kolya set firmly upon his face, and shuddered, remembering with sickening clarity what happened the day before.

"I was starting to think you would never awaken, Sheppard." Nessan noted the pain etched on John's pale face. "I do have to say, you really aren't looking any better."

John scrubbed his face weakly with his hand and flinched." What's the deal, Kolya? First, you hate me so much you want me dead…now you want to be me? Forgive me if I'm a mite confused."

Nessan laughed. "Well, I can understand why it might appear that way. Let's just say, when I woke up lying next to you, I had an epiphany. It dawned on me here was the chance I needed to change my life. Nessan Kolya, the criminal, a wanted man loathed by many, would breathe his last. Then I, by taking your identity, could become Lt Colonel John Sheppard… a hero, someone loved by his people, respected throughout the galaxy…even by my own family."

"But then I recovered and spoiled your plan…sorry about that." John smirked. "Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't appreciate the compliment, but I should tell you, being John Sheppard isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sure…I'll admit there are parts of my life I like, but some of it pretty much sucks, too. For one thing, you're not the only bad guy who hates my guts, so if you continue with this charade…watch your back."

"You'll make me cry in a minute, Sheppard. Next thing I know, you'll be telling me what a rough childhood you had…how no one loved you." Nessan mocked.

Sheppard tried to rise out of bed, only to fall back against the pillows, his face etched with pain and anger.

"My life, past or present, is none of your business, Kolya. You can try and keep up this pretence if you want…I don't suppose these folks would believe me if I told them otherwise. But just remember, this scam of yours will only last as long as it takes for someone to recognise me…or you, and in the meantime, be careful what you wish for."

Nessan rose from the chair. "I'll leave you to your pain, Sheppard…and one last thing. I do still intend to kill you the first chance I get…"

The wooden door creaked open, and a monk, someone they hadn't yet met, appeared. He was tall, extremely thin, with thick dark hair streaked with grey. Unlike the other brothers, he wore a tan habit, almost golden, instead of the usual dark brown garb, with a long, thick gold chain draped around his neck. "Good evening, gentlemen. My name is Father Malen, I am the spiritual head of this order, and it gives me pleasure to welcome you to our community.

Nessan came forward and spoke. "Well, Brother Malen, I'm just checking on my prisoner. When do you think he will be fit to travel?"

The monk went to sit by John and started checking his wounds. "As I have just said, it is Father Malen, as I am an ordained priest. However, regarding Mr Kolya, while he is making good progress, he is still far from recovered. In any case, both of you will remain with us, as our guests, until your case can be heard by the Father Confessor the leader of this monastery."

"This is outrageous." Nessan protested, "I am an important man who has duties to return to, including bringing this man to justice. I demand to have an audience with the Father immediately!"

Unperturbed, the monk answered. "He is not here at present, nor is he expected back for several weeks. I should also tell you neither your job, nor your title has any bearing here, Mr Sheppard,as in this community all are equal. Therefore, I would suggest you respect the rules of this order until our leader returns, and I am sure, in the meantime, you will wish to help our faithful followers bring in the harvest, in return for your food and lodging."

The barely concealed rage made its way, full blown into Nessan's furious face. "Very well...You leave me no choice. Show me the way to the Ancestral Ring and I will make my own way back…without the prisoner."

Producing a very large shiny gun from under his habit, the monk pointed it at Kolya.

"Perhaps I didn't make myself clear the first time. Neither of you will leave until the Father Confessor has decided your fate… So I suggest you accept the hospitality of this order, as I'm sure you will agree none of us wants any unpleasantness."

For the first time since meeting, John and Nessan shared a joint look of concern, before Kolya glared at the monk one last time, then turned sharply on his heels to leave the room.

ooooOoooo

Beckett signed with frustration, when he saw the pale, sweat slicked face of Ronon Dex as he struggled to walk down the ward unaided.

"And where exactly do you think you're going, son?"

"Where do you think?"

Going over to the Satedan, Carson heard Ronon grunt with pain, as he took his arm to help him the rest of the way to the little boy's room. "You can lose the attitude right now, and next time, Ronon, you ask for help like I told you…or the catheter goes back in…understand, Laddie?"

Ronon gave a low growl. "Yeah, right…How about you just let me out of here? Sheppard is out there…and I'm no good to him stuck here like some freaking invalid…"

Carson started to let him go, only to catch him, just as he began to fall.

"Oh…I can see you're raring to go, Ronon. But just how far do you think you'd get even out this infirmary…never mind the base in your condition. Don't be a bloody fool, man. You're no use to John like this, please… just let us help you, and I promise we won't keep you here any longer than necessary."

Ronon shook his head and smiled. "You're one scary guy sometimes, Beckett…But to tell you the truth, I'm more afraid of Keller."

"Aye, your right enough there, son." Carson laughed. "A great doctor she is, but there's a woman you don't want to get on the wrong side of. All smiles one minute and the next she's still grinning as she sticks you where it hurts. I should know…Jennifer does my physical."

Dex laughed as he shuffled back towards his bed, holding his side. "Where's McKay? He usually comes around about now."

"Rodney's in at a meeting with Mr Woolsey. From what I understand, his early alarm system was set off yesterday…it looks like the Wraith are on the way." Seeing Ronon's concerned look, he added, "A long way from us at the moment I'm glad to say…but Atlantis is helping in the evacuation of the planets affected. Right… let's get you back into bed, and some pain relief I think. Don't give me that look either, it's necessary…being in pain will only hold back your recovery, something neither of us wants." Preparing the syringe, Beckett pushed it into the IV and saw the pinched look leave Ronon's face. "Now rest easy and I'll send Rodney to see you once he's done."

As Beckett walked away, Keller approached. "What was Ronon doing out of bed, Carson?"

"The usual…thought he could kid me into thinking he was going to the bathroom. Anyway, I've spoken to him and hopefully I got through…but he's worried about Colonel Sheppard, so how long we can keep him here…I don't know."

"You did well, Carson…I heard you from the office." Beckett paled, wondering just how much Jennifer did hear. "Well most of it anyway. Do you think we need to up the sedatives to keep him calm?"

"No, that would only lose his trust. I'll have a word with Teyla and Rodney and hopefully they'll come up with something to keep the big guy occupied for a few more days."

Jennifer nodded. "Okay, sounds good to me. Oh, by the way, Carson, I see your physical's due…I have time to do it now if you want?" Keller suppressed a smile as all the remaining colour left Carson's face. "Oh, come now, Doctor, I promise not to stick you too much…"

ooooOoooo

Mr Woolsey saw his concern mirrored on the faces of all the people seated around the conference table. When Dr McKay first proposed the early warning system, he had thought it to be a good idea at the time. However, its successful application exceeded even the IOA's widest expectations. The problem now was two-fold, they knew there was a Wraith threat on the horizon…but how many ships were coming was still unknown. In addition they had become a victim of their own success, because providing a safe haven for the people under threat was going to be a huge drain on Atlantis', limited resources.

Richard addressed the meeting. "I've contacted Stargate Command and they tell me the Daedalus will arrive in two or three days. In the meantime, Teyla, can I rely on you to act as liaison with our allies? Some of them are most reluctant to leave…despite the fact the Wraith are practically on their doorstep."

"As you wish, Mr Woolsey. Except I would like to be called if any word comes in about Colonel Sheppard's whereabouts."

Woolsey felt all eyes upon him, and felt uncomfortable. "Certainly, Teyla. However, while we are all concerned about the colonel, I think it's fair to say he wouldn't want us to put innocent lives at risk…to search for one man."

Rodney's face went puce with anger. "Excuse me? This isn't just one man we're talking about here…it's John Sheppard. Colonel Courageous. The guy who puts his life on the line for each and every one of us on a daily basis!"

"I apologise, Dr McKay, if you thought I didn't put any importance in finding Colonel Sheppard. I am just as concerned as you are. In fact, I have just received information from Ladon Radim that may help in the search, a list of known visitors to the Genii home world on the day of his disappearance."

Rolling his eyes, Rodney looked at Woolsey in disbelief. "Why didn't you say so? This is great news. I've already been able to narrow down the 'gate addresses taken from the DHD to forty-seven, and this will narrow it further. Erm…are we finished here, Mr Woolsey?"

Woolsey could almost have laughed at the agitated scientist who was itching to leave. Never the less, while he also hoped they could locate Sheppard soon, the fact remained while he was in charge of this base, the needs of the many must outweigh the rescue of one man, regardless of who it was…

TBC

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