Trials of Faith – Chapter 18

A helping of Strike with a side order of Turkey

Elizabeth closed her mouth and raised an eyebrow.

'Lieutenant?' John said firmly, fixing him with a glare. He did not turn away. He did not say anything.

'The Lieutenant has not asked for your attention, Colonel, but we have asked for Doctor Weir's.' Hannah didn't look at him.

Weir stared at her. Hannah was a lovely, strong-minded person, smart and always willing to go the extra mile for an excellent finish. She had not pinned her for a ring leader.

'My office is a little small, Hannah. Shall we move to the meeting room?' She offered, nodding her head.

Hannah nodded, they all turned and surged forward to the oddly shaped room where Astra had told John's team earlier everything she knew. They filed in and stood around the tables, only a few sitting. One of them being Hannah who sat in the middle, not in any dominant position. She wasn't leading them, she wanted everyone to have a say, for those that could. The military all stood, almost guarding the scientists from the menace in Sheppard's eyes.

John and Elizabeth stopped at the front of the room.

'Lieutenant, what is going on?' John glared at him again.

'The Scientists wanted to express some concerns, sir. I'm merely…an escort.' He stated, folding his arms.

'An escort of ten?' Elizabeth said, perching on a table.

'Yes ma'am.'

'Lieutenant, if you have concerns as well, feel free to voice them.' She extended her hand to the room.

Holland was silent.

'He can't.' John stared at him in disbelief. 'None of the military in this room can, they run the risk of reprimands, even court marshal.' He caught the look from a jumpy Private. 'Oh yes, mutiny means court marshal.'

'I see.' Elizabeth said slowly. 'What seems to be the problem?'

A few heads turned to Hannah; she looked at Chamberlain who nodded. They would all say their piece, but for now, the floor was hers.

'Simply put Doctor Weir, we don't like being kept in the dark.' She stated. 'The situation with Astra has a lot of people in Atlantis worried, and all we have to quell such concerns are blind rumours.'

'We need to know more.' Chamberlain added. 'We're being asked to do things we don't understand, in a manner that quite frankly is unacceptable.'

'Mckay's gentle touch hasn't helped much.' Hannah stated, lacing her hands together. 'But it's more than that; we hear things that have happened off world, on the main land and even in Atlantis. And all we know is that everything leads back to Astra.'

'Don't get us wrong, she's a nice person, ran into her myself a few times-' A scientist with a receding hairline and glasses piped up. 'But, well, she seems a little…odd.'

'Dangerous.' Another added. 'Some say that she's worse than the Wraith.'

'I've heard she can control people's minds-'

'That's absurd! Mind you, I did hear that she burnt a Wraith alive just by blinking-'

Several people began to come in, even one or two of the military, telling tall tales and only a few were remotely close to the truth.

'Like I said!' Hannah shouted over the din, they quieted down. 'Rumours.'

'And you've come for answers?' Elizabeth asked.

'You can't pull a stunt like this and expect to get everything you want.' Sheppard told them, standing with an air of anger at their nerve.

'The military can't, one order from you and they're off to doing their jobs in the dark. The Scientists however…' Hannah looked to the desk.

'We can choose to stop working.' Chamberlain finished.

'And there are more where we came from.' Said a younger female.

'Well we can send your ungrateful asses back to Earth on the Dedalus.'

John growled, menace burning in his eyes.

'Unlikely.' Hannah stated.

'Oh?' John said, folding his arms.

'I don't want to go into Mckay mode here, but…we're the best. We're here because we are the elite.' Chamberlain explained.

'Really? Because you're looking like a bunch of whining children to me! Lieutenant, and the rest of you, get back to work and don't let me see you do anything like this ever again!' John ordered.

Holland cast Lily a 'knew that was going to happen' eyebrow. She nodded her thanks, and the military soldiers filed out of the room, leaving the Scientists to speak their piece for them.

'Hannah, you can't possibly stop working just because you're not getting your own way-' Elizabeth began.

'Not getting my own…Doctor Weir, I'm not the only one that feels this way, as you can see-' She indicated to the people sitting by her. 'But if you would like to use me as an example, please do. I represent many scientists on this base. Scientists who have been here since the beginning, who have lived through the Wraith, the Genii, a number of diseases and other troublesome experiences.' She looked at Weir with anger and resentment. 'We are always on watch for the next thing to come, to prepare. And when our usually very open and trustworthy Leader suddenly falls silent, it gives us reason for concern.' She said firmly. 'We came to Atlantis to explore, and none of us would have it any other way. But every person in the room has lost a friend to this city. Believe me when I say that all we want to know is if we're gonna lose any more.'

Elizabeth listened to her moving argument. It was all true. The Scientists and the military had been Trojans, scraping through every nasty incident that this galaxy would throw at them. It was entirely possible that it was starting to take its toll. They all needed a good holiday, but sadly, it was a luxury she could not offer them. She needed them to work. She needed to let them know that she was in charge and that what she commanded would happen.

'I understand that, I do. What you must understand is that I have done this on purpose.' Elizabeth explained. They all did a double take, including John.

'Why?' Chamberlain asked, confused, and looking quite hurt.

'Everything you have heard so far is false, what you need to know is that Astra is on our side and it is entirely possible that she can help us with the abilities she has. It is also entirely possible that by having her here that we are a main target for the Wraith.' Elizabeth stood, folding her arms.

'So you're not going to answer my question?' Chamberlain stated.

'You weren't told because you weren't told, Chamberlain.' Sheppard said sharply, backing Weir up even though he didn't understand why she had done this.

'That's not good enough.' He seethed at the Colonel.

'It's alright Jim, we've made our point.' Hannah put her hand on his arm. 'Now we'll leave them with the consequences.' Hannah rose.

'What consequences?' John snapped.

'We won't work in the dark Colonel, not until we know what we are risking our lives for, and the lives of apparently hundreds of thousands of others who know even less than we do. Or so rumour says.' She threw one last steely look at them before she glanced at Chamberlain. The Scientists left.

Elizabeth glanced at John who was frowning at her.

'Just out of interest, why aren't we telling them all of this and why haven't you told me that we're not telling them?' John asked. John raised an eyebrow.

'Astra is a powerful being; a lot of the scientists would be sceptical, just like Rodney was at first. Plus, a lot of people in Atlantis have grown close to the Athosians, and if they find out that so many of them were killed because the Wraith were looking for Astra – who is now in Atlantis…' Elizabeth shrugged. 'Emotions are high as it is.'

John shook his head about to say something.

'I didn't tell you because I knew that some details would get out, I thought rumours would be enough for them to cope. Apparently I was very wrong.'

John nodded emphatically and then stopped at her glare.

'Shouldn't we tell them, I man, we let Astra in Atlantis and if the Wraith come they're not gonna be overly happy campers-'

'I let Astra into the city.' Elizabeth stated. 'If the Wraith come, if people die, it will have been my decision which caused them to be unhappy campers.' She fixed him with a 'don't get into it' stare. 'It's a huge risk, especially when she is so unsure of herself. But I believe that it is worth it.'

John nodded about to leave.

'A lot of worlds were sacrificed, Colonel, I'll do my best to see that Atlantis doesn't get added to the list of casualties.'

John smiled grimly and left Weir to her own hopes and fears. The immediate question that came to mind was, would the Scientists work? Or would they sit back and watch the world unravel?

Teyla walked into the infirmary, seeing that Astra was awake, she hurried over to thank her.

'You are awake.' She smiled. Astra smiled in return.

She was sitting up in bed, Ronan at her side.

'I must thank you, for saving me from death. Carson said that my heart had stopped beating, and that you displayed great power at a great personal cost.' Teyla took her hand.

'There is no need to thank me. I was in your debt for saving me from the Wraith, you are a great warrior and we will need to you in the fight against the Wraith.' Her words were cold, but she didn't seem to notice. Teyla forced a smile and glanced at Ronan. He had the look on his face that she was feeling.

'How do you feel?' Teyla asked.

'Well, but Carson insists that I remain here.'

'He will have his reasons, he is a good Doctor.' Teyla told her.

'He is, he has gone to see what is happening.'

Teyla frowned. 'Happening?'

'I was woken by a large force within the city, such feelings of confusion and betrayal. It disturbed me.' She paused looking to the end of her bed. 'This feeling has not yet dissipated, if anything, I believe that it is growing.'

Teyla shook her head. 'I do not understand-'

'Well, you were right.' Carson walked in with John at his side. 'We've got a major problem.'

'Can you believe it! It's unreal! It's like the chain of command means absolutely nothing to these people.' Rodney stormed into the room, hands in the air.

'I still do not understand.' Teyla repeated as Ronan stood.

'The Scientists, all of them, have gone on strike.' Carson explained.

Teyla raised her eyebrows.

'Yeah!' Rodney exclaimed.

'What do they want?' Ronan asked.

'Information!' Rodney shouted. 'Information that we don't have that they were supposed to finding out!'

'It's more than that; they're pissed at Weir for not telling them what we do know about Astra. Elizabeth thinks its better they don't know.' John informed, avoiding eye contact with Teyla who was doing exactly the same thing.

'Well that's fabulous! We can all sit around doing nothing and wait for the Wraith to finally figure out where Astra has gone! Maybe then, the scientists would actually get back to work to save their big, fat, lazy butts!' He paced the room, yelling for all he was worth. No one stopped him. His own guys had betrayed him, gone against him and now he was left with no minions to command.

'How did this happen?' Teyla asked.

'They wanted info and Weir didn't budge, so they sat on their hands whining that they weren't told enough and didn't even think about how this would affect me!' He paused at their expressions. 'Us! I meant us! Even though they are supposed to be my minions – my scientists.' He folded his arms and sat on an empty bed, beginning his sulking period.

'Yeah, okay, what happened was Hannah Clarke rounded up a huge number of people who felt the same way, including far too many of my guys.' He folded his arms. 'They went to Weir, had a chat, and when they didn't get what they were after, she spread the news that Weir was unwilling to cooperate. All the scientists stopped what they were doing and are now milling about Atlantis, complaining.' John informed, forcing himself to look at Teyla, desperately trying to stop his cheeks from burning.

'Like a flame to gasoline, it happened almost immediately, I think that they all knew a group were going to see Elizabeth and were waiting for the outcome. Damn sneaky, if you ask me. Two of my medical staff has joined 'em!' Carson commented.

'Aren't the military under your control?' Ronan stated more than asked.

'They'll do as their told, but they're not happy, they agree with the scientists.' John glanced at Rodney.

'This is because of me.' Astra stated. They turned to her.

'Indirectly, yes.' John said, ignoring the glare from Ronan. 'But they should all know better, I don't get why all of a sudden they've just stopped.'

'Because their idiots.' Rodney snapped.

'Because they are confused.' Teyla frowned at the scientist. 'They are angry and confused, they trust Doctor Weir, but they must sense that this is something very big. They do not understand why they have not been told.' She looked back at John. 'Doctor Weir had been secretive to protect them, but in this galaxy, I am afraid there is little she can protect them from.' Teyla spoke wisely, as always.

'This is all very interesting, the why and the how, but shall we move on to the who cares? What in the heck are we gonna do now!' Rodney snarled, standing and pacing once more.

'Rodney, you're going to wear a bloody hole in the floor.' Carson said, irritated by his constant complaining.

'Well, Astra's awake.' John stated.

'How observant of you.' Rodney snapped.

'What I mean is that we can saddle up and check out this Ancient Facility. You can't research the database on your own, maybe we'll find something there.' John encouraged. 'A little exploration will take your mind off of the blatant mutiny.'

Rodney scowled at him.

It was the middle of the day and there was only one scientist at the controls instead of the usual ten. A single military officer stood by his side.

John and his team had geared up; Astra included, and were waiting for the Gate to activate to the planet with the Ancient Facility.

Elizabeth gave Zalenka a warm smile, thankful that he had seen sense unlike the others, and had continued working.

'They are just upset Elizabeth, it is possible that they will see how dangerous it is to do nothing and return to work as normal.' He comforted.

'I hope your right; otherwise, we have a problem.' She watched the team, John giving Teyla some strange looks. Something had happened there, she noted. A question she would ask later. 'Colonel Sheppard?'

John turned and gave her the thumbs up.

'Dial the gate.' She said to Zalenka. He nodded and began to punch in the address.

Elizabeth walked down the stairs as the Gate began to spin. 'John, the Wraith have been on that planet before so I want you to be careful. Any sign of them at all and you come home. We can't risk them getting their hands on any of you, least of all Astra.'

John nodded. Astra looked to the floor. She was armed with a staff and nothing more. Colonel Sheppard had not had any time to train her with a hand gun. The Gate opened, gushing a wave of water before settling.

John nodded at Weir and led the team through.

The planet was a disaster area. There was once a great city in the hills reduced to nothing more than rubble many years ago. The sky was an oranges and red mist where thunder and lightening burst. The dusty landscape was desolate of all life.

'Nice.' Rodney said, frowning at the scene.

'Come! It is not far!' Astra walked on, remembering her time here with Borus. She walked straight ahead and not toward the city. Sheppard looked at where she was aiming and saw a small stone building only a five minute walk from the Gate.

As ever, walking to places as a team resulted in the odd pair coming together to chat and some others on their own, in this case, Ronan had gone ahead to scout the area, leaving Astra to Rodney.

'So, how are you?' He said lamely.

'Well.' She replied. He was unconvinced.

'Yeah, because that was the reply of a "well" person.' He said.

'My health is good, my abilities are not.' She stated, emotionless.

'What does that mean?' He asked in frustrated.

'In means Doctor Mckay that while I am advancing in my understanding of my capabilities, I am fairly confident of informing you that I will be of little help in defeating the Wraith.'

Rodney paused. 'Well, you don't know that, how could you?' He breathed.

'I feel it.'

'Well you had better feel a damn site more because if Teyla finds out that her people died for nothing, she is going to kill you! Or, at least, die trying.' He snapped, giving her the extremely nasty hairy eyeball.

Astra looked to the ground in sorrow. 'I know that so many have died in the hope that I would be something more, and I will do all I can to battle the Wraith-'

'Well there you go, problem solved.' He said snippily.

'- but I cannot defeat them.' She finished.

Rodney rolled his eyes.

'My people were capable of so much more; the foe they faced must have been one of true menace that they could not focus their powers enough to destroy them.' She looked up. 'But this body cannot house such power, thousands of years of human interaction has done this.'

Rodney listened, feeling the usual sinking sensation in his stomach. He had truly hoped that she would defeat them once and for all. If she said she couldn't, then he had no reason not to believe her. At least she was a good start.

'Well, some of the things we've seen are pretty impressive, levitation, healing abilities far beyond the Ancients, and apparently empathic abilities as well.' Rodney glanced at her with an air of reluctant praise.

She smiled. 'Thank you for your words Rodney, but none of those will help fight the Wraith.

'Of course they will!' He groaned. 'The empathic thing can tell us when the Wraith are near, and the healing thing could help people who are wounded in the field, and the levitation? You can lift a cave; redirecting a few darts into the ground shouldn't be too difficult.'

Astra smiled at his belief in her, but like most it was fuelled by hope. He would not hear her. She would tire after each and every one; she would grow weak, and become nothing but a burden. Everything thousands had hoped for would never come.

She continued walking, listening to Mckay rave about the nerve of his scientists and their behaviour. Meanwhile, the Colonel and Teyla had formed an awkward pair, walking in silence toward the Facility. Teyla broke the silence first.

'What do we hope to find?' She asked, not looking at him.

John paused. 'Well, Rodney wants new technology and Astra wants information about where she came from and if there's anything to help amplify her powers.' He said slowly, thinking it through.

Silence fell. It drove him crazy. It shouldn't be so awkward. He hadn't made a mistake! Unless he had. Maybe Teyla didn't see him that way, he had read her wrong in the way that she had looked at him in the cave. They were only friends and he had crossed a line. Unless he hadn't. He frowned. There was only one way of finding out, and he really didn't want to do it. He glanced at her, breathing in slow.

'Teyla,' He began. 'I need to ask you about some personal stuff related to past events which may, or may not, have made you feel…uncomfortable.' He hated the way he was saying it – so formal. Why couldn't he just say "Hey, I like you. Fancy dinner?"

Teyla frowned. 'Yes?'

'Okay.' He stopped. What in the heck was he supposed to say after that?

'John?' Teyla prodded.

'Yeah?'

'You wanted to ask me something?'

He looked at her. 'Yes, yes I did.' He paused. 'It's just that I'm not so good with words when it comes to…' He did not finish.

'When it comes to…?' She prodded.

'Stuff.' He said slowly.

She smiled slightly. He was trying, and she wasn't responding. The problem was, she didn't really know what to say. She was in the same place as John.

'Yes.' She said, frowning at her own lameness.

'Stuff about…well, us.' He finished, casting her a nervous glance.

'What about us, John?' She asked softly, apparently repeating his words were all she could do right now.

'About how we are…and what I did…we did. How it affects the now…if I crossed a sort of – line that I wasn't supposed to…' He was so uncomfortable; he would love nothing more than to fight a Wraith armada alone in a Jumper.

Teyla nodded. John drooped. 'I did cross a line.' He stated.

'No! I was nodding to the fact that we should speak about the things you listed.' She rushed.

'So I didn't cross a line?'

'No, well, yes, I don't think so, I'm not sure…' She quickened her pace making him jog to catch up.

'You don't know?' He said firmly.

'Yes.' She replied, not slowing. At this rate she would catch up with Rodney and Astra in a good ten seconds.

'Well, can you be sure?' He asked, frowning. 'Because I can't take much more of the weird avoidey thing we've been doing ever since we-'

She stopped abruptly, he did not finish.

'I don't know. It is not just about personal feelings, there are more concerns.' She continued on.

'Well, all I can think of are the personal things.' He caught up with her again.

'Then I must think of how others will be affected.' Teyla snapped, she did not want to talk about this now. They were almost there, and soon the rest of the team would be able to hear them.

'Affected?' He repeated angrily. 'How can we possibly effect anyone else by pursuing a relation-'

'Doctor Weir will be against it because we are on the same team; emotions would cloud judgement in circumstances where we will need to think clearly for the greater good.' She had stopped and was up in his face, snapping. 'I am also the leader of the Athosians, you are a leader of Atlantis – it would not be right!' She continued on. John was hurt and supremely pissed.

He ran to her back and swung her arm around. 'I would treat you no differently than I have always treated you, you are, and always will be a member of my team, and I would do anything to get any one of you back' He stared down at her, his voice sharp and determined. 'And as for the leader thing, Elizabeth commands Atlantis; I am a military advisor to her and command only military personnel.' He paused, his voice dropping down an anger octave into one of wonderment. 'What is this really about? There's something you're not saying.'

Teyla looked down at his hands on her arms, holding her in place. He gently let go, watching her.

'I have nothing to say. It was a mistake.' She stormed off.

John cocked his head. 'Afraid.' He called. She paused and turned.

'What?'

'I said you're afraid.' He smiled slightly, trying to keep his anger to a bare minimum.

'And what would I have to fear?' She folded her arms.

'I don't know Teyla, you tell me.' He walked forward. 'Closeness? Of having someone to depend on like no other guy you know of? You've always been a strong leader, but you've never been in a position to actually experience a relationship where you don't have to be all big, bad and closed off. It's alien to you.' He stopped in front of her. Teyla glaring defiantly, breathing fast. Maybe he was hitting home. Maybe he was hitting a nerve.

'Uh, hello? Can we please get this over with? I completely forgot to get lunch in all the excitement and I think they're serving Turkey today.' Rodney called.

Teyla and John glared at him.