Trials of Faith – Chapter 14

Men and their Science

John had gone to the lab and told Mckay to wait for Astra. He had been less than willing to be reasonable and John could see it in his movements that he was stirring for a fight. But she did not come, they waited for almost forty minutes and she didn't show up. Mckay began rambling on about 'reliability' while John knew it was more. The way she had looked at him when he had mentioned that Ronan was from Sateda. She had been deeply afraid.

He did not go looking for her. She would have shown up if she were able, apparently she needed to be alone. He headed for the infirmary, leaving Mckay to his speeches on how to be a better person by showing up when you make an appointment. He wanted to see Teyla, just to see her. To hear her voice and see her eyes, her smile. He needed to at the moment, he had an urge and he didn't know why.

He would take Teyla and Astra to the mainland tomorrow to see if any of the Athosian elders could help Astra in her search for, whatever it was she was looking for. Inner belief or something. John didn't mind as long as it proved useful.

He turned into the Infirmary, Carson behind his desk and Teyla sat up in her bed reading a book and frowning slightly.

'What?' He asked. She glanced up and smiled. He sat on her bed.

'I do not understand how an object so small with no scientific value can produce such power.' She looked to him for the answer. He glanced at the book she was reading.

'Well, it's a fantasy, made up – plus 'Lord of the Rings' doesn't get questioned so much. People just accept it because it's a great book. Where are you at?'

'The small men are running from the Cloaked Riders. It is very exciting.' She put the book on her bed side table, careful not to hurt her side.

'Are you sure you're up for this trip tomorrow?' He asked warily. She eyed him with determination.

'Yes. I will be fine.' She paused. 'In all honesty, I could not stay another day. I am afraid that I may hurt Carson if he does not stop asking me how I feel.' She smiled.

'It's his job.' He smiled back.

'Yes, I know, it is just frustrating sitting here and doing nothing, I feel very –' She paused, tensing, her eyes snapped to the doorway before studying John. She seemed anxious.

John turned.

Ronan stood there, leaning against the door way, expressionless. John got to his feet and stood by Teyla. Ronan noticed the dark look John gave him.

Carson had seen Ronan also and wandered over slowly to Teyla's other side.

'Doc, can I have a minute with Teyla and Sheppard.' It wasn't a question, not really. Carson raised an eyebrow and looked at his friends.

John kept his eyes on Ronan while Teyla nodded at Carson to leave. He did so, reluctantly.

Ronan walked forward to the end of Teyla's bed and John stepped forward also.

'John.' Teyla warned.

'What do you want?' He seethed, fists clenched. Ronan glanced at them.

'To talk.' He said simply.

John's expression didn't change. 'Oh. To talk.' He looked back at Teyla who was frowning.

Ronan said nothing. John said nothing. Teyla waited.

'Sit down, Ronan.' She said kindly.

'I think he's good standing.' John said slowly.

Ronan looked at them, his friends. John was being protective. He shouldn't have to be, he shouldn't have to protect her from him.

'Part of the whole talking thing involves actual speech.' John pushed; Teyla frowned at him, pleading with him silently to be calm.

Ronan looked away for a second, his jaw clenching.

John realised that what Ronan wanted to say was actually difficult for him, and he wasn't helping by being so hostile.

'Ronan.' He said softer.

Ronan glanced at him. He trusted Sheppard and Teyla, and he had hurt them. It was time to swallow the pride and to say his piece.

'Ronan, if you're going to say something-' John began, trying to help him.

'I lost everything…on Sateda.' He folded his arms, avoiding their eyes. 'I had a fiancé…she was a Nurse at the Hospital. She was killed in the initial attack.' He paused while John and Teyla listened, almost in awe, as their strong friend began to open up. 'I ran from the Wraith for years and swore to myself that I would never put myself in a position where they could take people from me again.' He looked at the floor. 'And then you found me, took me in, let me fight with you. Gave me something to fight for.' He looked at Sheppard and leant on the bed railings, the next part clearly killing him. 'I like her.'

Teyla smiled while John gawped slightly. It was the closest thing to an apology he would ever get.

'We noticed.' He said, smirking at him.

Ronan looked away again.

'Ronan, we want you to be happy. But there is a concern that your feelings are clouding your judgement.' Teyla said softly, not wanting to anger him after he finally opened up and talked to them.

'Maybe.' He said, shifting his weight.

'Yeah, we get that she's all different and everything, but we don't want you to forget…well…us.' He said lamely. Teyla smiled.

Ronan looked at him. 'I can't have it both ways?'

'Of course, we just have to find a way to get along. Teyla stated.

'I did!' John announced. 'I got along! I apologised.' He said proudly, preening at his achievement. 'Astra and I are becoming good friends.' He watched Teyla smile and turned to Ronan, the smile fading at Ronan's menacing glare. 'Not that sort of friends.' He said quickly. 'The kind where I don't insult her for things that are…not her fault.' He glanced at Teyla quickly and she looked to her knees, smiling.

'So we're good?' Ronan asked quietly, lowering his head and glancing between them.

Teyla and John looked at each other. Teyla smiled. 'We are…good.'

John grinned.

Carson wandered over to the smiling faces.

'What's happening here then?'

'We're all friends again with promises of no punches and no insulting of girlfriends.' John said chirpily. Ronan looked at him quickly. 'What? Not your girlfriend?'

Ronan shrugged, grinning.

'Brilliant.' Carson smiled, something about his comment not all that convincing.

'Sorry that I pushed you Doc.' Ronan nodded, Carson smiled and nodded back.

John stared. 'What? He gets an outright apology and we don't?'

Ronan nodded, smiling openly. Teyla laughed and John folded his arms in good humour.

'Well, now that we're all friendly, Ronan, would you mind fetching Rodney for me? He's asked that I run this simulation-' Carson paused at the looks from all three. 'You haven't seen Rodney yet, have you?' He asked sheepishly.

Ronan folded his arms and John smiled tiredly. Rodney would be very difficult.

'I think Mckay's expecting you to apologise.' John informed, watching the Satedan tense. 'Just a little one.'

Teyla nodded. 'Rodney must also apologise.'

Carson chuckled. 'I'd love to see that.'

John threw him a warning look.

'If Ronan apologises, then Rodney may feel obliged to.' Teyla said, knowing that would not be true.

'Rodney won't apologise unless we force him to.' John paused. 'We could hand him off the tower by his feet?'

Ronan smiled slightly. 'By his toes.'

John grinned wickedly.

They had all gone to see Rodney, Teyla being escorted by a pestering Carson. He had been his usual snooty self unwilling to give in. Ronan had apologised. Sort of. He came very close. But Rodney had been nasty, working through his own pain through the want of revenge. That want being thrown out the window when Sheppard yelled at him to apologise. He had mumbled an apology and both men shook hands. That was the best they were going to get.

Astra had been a little depressed since she had spoken with Ronan about being Satedan, but was delighted to hear that Ronan had apologised. She had not expected it and was pleasantly surprised, rewarding him time and time again for it. Ronan had not been without things to do.

The next morning, the whole team, with Astra, had taken a Jumper to the mainland. Teyla and Astra talking in the back while John drove. Rodney in the seat next to him and Ronan standing in between.

John had appreciated the apology, but wondered where in the hell it had come from. It had been sudden. He knew that it had something to do with Astra's little weird moment when she found out that he was Satedan, but he couldn't see how she had pushed him to it.

John glanced up at him for maybe the fifth time of the journey.

'What?' Ronan asked, not taking his eyes form the ocean below.

John grinned. His friend had the most annoying senses.

'When I was talking to Astra the other day and I let it slip that you were Satedan, she didn't seem too happy. I was just wondering why…?' He said carefully, he may have opened up for a short time but prying into his business was dangerous territory. The nervous look from Mckay added to that thought.

Ronan shifted. 'Borus was Satedan.' He stated.

'The guy that saved her from the Wraith?' John asked.

'And now she's seeing similarities and is afraid that she'll get you killed, how sweet.' Rodney commented, as though it were the furthest thing from being sweet. John glared at him.

'I suppose having a friend to protect is different to having someone you care about, in that way, to protect.' John said wisely, allowing his friend the room to confirm or ignore.

'Yeah.' He said gruffly. 'Especially when she's the one thing the Wraith are looking for.'

'Yeah.' John agreed. Rodney stayed silent.

Ronan glanced back at Astra who was talking with Teyla with a smile on her face. He grinned before turning back to the front.

'And so this quest ends well?' Astra asked.

'Yes, I believe so. I have not finished the book yet, but according to Mckay, they are able to vanquish the evil and return home.' Teyla informed.

She heard a sharp slap at the front and turned to see Rodney rubbing his arm looking highly offended.

'You told her the ending!' John growled.

'Well I thought she knew! I was talking about it in passing! I thought everyone knew how that story ends!' Rodney said defensively. 'And you didn't have to hit, it's just a book.'

'She's from an alien planet! She hasn't seen the movies let alone read the book!' John yelled.

'Really? Cuz the movies were amazing.' He asked, surprised.

John rolled his eyes and smiled at Teyla apologetically in the back.

Teyla smiled and turned to Astra who watched her with a knowing eye.

'What?' Teyla asked.

'Is there any romance in this story?' Astra leant back.

'Yes, there is a man and an elf, I believe, but their love is forbidden – I am not sure why…' Teyla informed, enjoying the fact that she could be at ease with this person. Another female, finally.

'Does this love succeed in the end?' Astra asked, glancing at Sheppard.

'Yes, once the enemy has been defeated.' Teyla nodded.

Astra frowned. 'But that is too far away, the end may not be near. It would be a shame for them to waste such precious time…' Astra grinned, stealing another glance at Sheppard.

Teyla followed her looks to see Sheppard idly twitching some control up front, her head snapped back to Astra, and she blushed pink.

Astra smiled, looking up at Ronan who had been listening. He stole a small smile at Teyla. She was horrified.

What were they thinking? And did anyone else think it? She glared at Astra who held her hands up defensively.

'It sounds like a good story, it just needs some tweaking.' Astra looked at her hands while Teyla fiddled with her bandage, anything to keep from looking anyone on this ship in the face.

'Mainland ahead. Where do you want me to park it?' Sheppard called back, ignoring Ronan and Astra, Teyla went to the front.

'I believe that Ilea will be of use to Astra, she is very wise and kind, she believes greatly in the old ways. She is not far from the main settlement.' She put a hand on John's chair just as he leant back. His hair brushed her fingers and her hand shot up. Astra giggled while Ronan smirked. She threw him a death glare and he hung his head to hide the smirk.

'Okay, welcome to the Athosian Mainland. I would ask that all passengers do not exit the aircraft until it has stopped moving. I hope that you've enjoyed you're flight with Sheppard airways and that you have a pleasant day.' John chimed, unknowingly.

Teyla practically ran from the vehicle, Ronan and Astra leaving side by side, Mckay and Sheppard following.

'Ilea!' Teyla called as she approached the large hut. It was definitely roomy with many herbs and dead animals hanging outside. A small fire was burning a few metres from the front door. 'Ilea!'

A small woman emerged from the door, searching for the voice calling her name. She had short grey hair with whisps of brown, her face was round and jolly, her eyes a deep grey colour. 'Teyla?' She squinted. She smiled widely and hurried forward, Teyla did the same and they embraced. 'Sweet Teyla, it has been so long!' She paused when Teyla winced, her hand coming to her side. Sheppard stepped forward. 'You are injured child.' Ilea searched Teyla's face.

'The Wraith, it is nothing. Doctor Beckett has-'

'Oh Doctor Beckett nonsense!' She turned to go inside. 'There was a time when you would come to me for help! But no more, not now that your friends have arrived with their science-'

'What did she say about science?' Rodney asked as they entered the hut.

It was warm and clattered, a number of things were being heated, some with better smells than others.

'Tell me of your injury child, and I shall fetch something for the healing to truly begin – men and their science…' she growled. Teyla smiled at John who grinned back. He liked her.

'What does she have against science?' Rodney asked Teyla.

'Ilea, I have brought one who-'

'A moment child! Your injury…?' She sat in a large wooden chair as they gathered around her.

'The injury is from within, to breathe is…painful.' Teyla explained, allowing her friend to help her. Ilea hurried to a shelf and fished through various bowls until she came to a small brown bag tied with string.

'Mix it with hot water, twice a day. It tastes foul, but it will make the pain go away.' She handed it to Teyla. 'John Sheppard! So lovely to see you! As handsome as ever I see…' She smiled at John who smiled in return, awkwardly. Ilea glanced at Teyla who turned away quickly. Her eyes next fell on Astra and Ronan; they stood close and wound their arms. Ilea smiled, untying a small bottle hanging from the roof and handing it to Astra. 'For you and your lover my girl, it will prove very effective.' She said slowly. Astra blushed while Ronan raised his eyebrows. She turned next to Mckay. 'And you?'

'This is Rodney; he is a scientist on Atlantis.' Teyla informed.

'Had to tell her that, didn't you?' He whispered.

'Men and their science.' She repeated, narrowing her eyes at him. Rodney took a step back.

'Ilea.' Teyla prodded. The old woman turned. 'Ilea, this is Astra. She seeks your council.'

'And here I thought you wanted to see me Teyla!' She smiled kindly.

'I do, but this is urgent.' Teyla put a hand on the woman's arm and nodded.

Ilea flung her hands up. 'Very well, if I am to talk to her I must be alone! I cannot give true council with others listening…' She pottered to the other side of the room.

Teyla approached Astra. 'We will wait outside.'

Astra nodded, smiling.

They all turned to leave, Ronan kissing her on the forehead. Sheppard was the last from the room about to step into the chilly air.

'Oh Sheppard!' Ilea called, he turned as she threw him the same small bottle she had given to Astra. She waved.

Sheppard smiled awkwardly again, giving her a salute, bottle in hand.

'Handsome man.' She said to herself. 'So! What is your name and purpose my child?'

Astra jumped, amused by this woman's character. 'I am Astra, I come from afar.'

'Yes, this I can see in your eyes, such beautiful eyes.' She put a hand under Astra's chin, lifting it side to side to inspect her blue eyes.

'I must learn to find what my people have lost, but I do not know how. For many generations they have turned from their gifts.'

'Your gift, someone else's pain.' Ilea sat in her chair.

'The Wraith's pain.' Astra stated. Ilea studied her with a steely eye.

'A girl on a mission, admirable. Much like my Teyla.' She paused. 'Yeda returned, not so long ago. He told me of your skills. He knew you would come to me.' She did not seem surprised, or in awe. She sat there, watching.

'Yeda is well?' Astra asked, shuffling.

'As well as any Athosian in this time of grief.' Ilea replied. Astra hung her head. 'Do not worry, child, the Wraith will one day see their end. Whether or not that end will be set in motion by you is unknown. But we can hope.' She smiled kindly. Astra relaxed slightly. 'I have power through my herbs, from what I have heard, you have power of another means.' She stood and reached for Astra's hands. 'Such power can only be controlled by the person, from your mind. You have not yet found it.' She walked away. Astra watched her. 'You must find the trigger to unleash such power before you can learn to wield it. This is my advice.' She walked to the door and held up the curtain indicating for her to leave. 'Would you mind, before you leave this planet, to go to the cave over the hill? There is a special herb which grows in the darkness that I will need to heal a sick child among our camp. Poor girl will never eat wild mushrooms again!' She smiled.

Astra gaped. 'That is all?'

'Yes! What did you expect? For the answer to be as clear as day? You must find the path and no one else!' She paused as Astra drew close. 'It will come to you.' She smiled. 'Now, will you to that cave and fetch me the herb? My old age slows me down, and my eyesight is ever so poor…'

Astra nodded. 'Of course, and thank you.'

She turned to leave when Ilea put a hand on her arm passing her the bottle she had offered earlier. 'Once, just before bed.' She smiled.

Astra took it and smiled in the same awkward manner Sheppard had. She left the tent. Ilea grinned, continuing with her daily chores.

'That was fast.' John frowned at Teyla.

'Astra?' Teyla came forward with the team behind.

'She has given me council, I do not know of what use it will be.' She looked disappointed.

'There's always the Ancient Database – and science!' He said loudly, watching the hut. There was no movement.

'Ilea has requested that I get a herb from a cave over the hill, apparently there is a sick child who must be healed by it.'

'Sure, let's swing by, grab it and get home. Zalenka wants me to turn on some Ancienty thing he thinks will be of use in the future.' Sheppard explained, starting the walk up the hill.

'What Ancienty thing?' Rodney asked, jogging to catch up with him.

'I didn't ask.' Sheppard continued on.

'Well why not?' Rodney said petulantly.

'Because then he would have explained it to me.'

Rodney threw him an exasperated look and Teyla grinned at their backs.

The cave was shrouded by trees, when it finally came into view they all paused.

'It does not look safe.' Teyla stated.

'No kidding.' Sheppard said, gawking at the structure.

It was just higher than Ronan with numerous rocks littering the ground; some were boulders of enormous size. Dust fell every so often through the cracks in the roof. It was not a safe place.

'We are so not going in there, are we?' Rodney squeaked.

'If we are careful, there is a child who needs the herb.' Astra informed.

John nodded and they began forward, Rodney lingering at the back.

Ronan had taken to going first, Astra at his side, John and Teyla were behind. Rodney was at the back, closest to the exit should anything happen.

It was dark, footing was uneven. Flashlights went on and hands shielded their faces from falling dust.

'This is so not safe…how badly is that child injured?' Mckay asked.

'Ilea said that she was ill, something about mushrooms…' She replied.

'Great, so the kid couldn't wait till tea time and now we're going to pay for it.' He yelled.

'Cool it Mckay.' John whispered, not liking how his voice reverberated off the walls. Dust was shaken loose.

'Do not tell a claustrophobic man to cool it okay! This is a very small space! Is anyone getting warm?' He paused. 'Do you hear that?'

They all paused. 'Hear what?' Sheppard asked.

'It's like a…a…what is that?'

They could all hear it now.

'Flapping?' Sheppard finished.

Suddenly they were rushed by dark flying creatures from the back of the cave, they sped down on their heads, scratching – rushing out of the cave. The team screamed and shouted, someone got a shot off – the cave rumbled.

'Out! Now!' Sheppard yelled. They all got a few steps before the ceiling collapsed on their heads. Sheppard pulled Teyla back and saw Astra and Ronan dive. He did not know what happened to Mckay as the cave went black.