Of Allies or Enemies

by stephaflea

After years of planning, many disappointments and many failures … At last he has finally succeeded. Acastus Kolya is now the leader of the Genii people and is in full control. What does this mean for Atlantis and how does John take the news?

6. Chapter 6 We're Face it Together

Title: Of Allies or Enemies
Author: Flea
Date 19th January 2007
Part: 6/?
Rating: M (just to be on the safe side)
Pairing: J/T
Characters: John, Teyla, Ronan, Elizabeth
Genre: Romance / Suspense /Angst /Action its got some of everything
Word Count: 3077
Archiving: only here and on fanfiction net
Warnings- angst, swearing
Spoilers: slight ones through out all the season, many from the episode which Kolya appears in. Nothing past 'The Ark' (season 3)

Disclaimers: No copyright infringement is intended. All characters belong to MGM I'm only borrowing them for my own personal enjoyment.

Summary: After years of planning, many disappointments and many failures … At last he has finally succeeded. Acastus Kolya is now the leader of the Genii people and is in full control. What does this mean for Atlantis and how does John take the news?

Chapter 6 - We're Face it Together

"Please take a seat … again." She gestured to the chair in front of her; the chair he'd only just departed.

Slowly and unsurely John walked further back into her office taking his seat once again. He had a terrible feeling that Elizabeth was about to ask him something he wasn't going to like.

"I spoke to Major Lorne earlier, asking him to head up the teams in the gate room and infirmary tomorrow."

John was so shocked he couldn't speak. She was asking him to step down … no; not asking she was telling him."

"Its not that I don't think your behave professional because I know you will."

"Elisabeth it's my job to see …

"Yes John I know." Interrupting him. "But as you said yourself there are two teams in the gate room one in the infirmary, everything is prepared. I'm asking you to let Major Lorne handle this one."

"Elizabeth I'm going to be there." He was beginning to loose his temper again.

"And I'm not telling you not to be! Just not there as a part of the military unit."

"Elizabeth …"

"John please, I need you to be calm and level headed for once negotiations begin. If you can promise me 100 that you will not loose your temper, provoke him or be provoked in anyway when he comes through that gate, then I will ask Lorne to step down."

"Elizabeth I'm not going to loose my temper!"

"Even if Kolya provokes you?" Elizabeth watched Johns face as he searched for the right answer. "Sit this one out John, just for the beginning."

"What if ..."

"Everything is sorted, you've planned, arrange and double checked it all yourself. Just give yourself some time once Kolya arrives."

John knew he'd already lost the argument. Elizabeth was right, he had no idea how he was going to react when Kolya step through that gate. It was probably best if he wasn't directly involved, and didn't have his side arm with him.

"Ok," He saw Elizabeth let out a small sigh of relief she was obviously expecting a bigger argument.

"But if I'm not there, Ronan is!"

Elizabeth smiled "Deal"

John wasn't exactly sure what he was feeling as he left Elizabeth's office and wandered down the corridor. He was unable to make up his mind whether or not he should be angry at her request; or relieved.

It was true he had no idea how he was going to react to seeing Kolya again and if he'd been in her position John would have probably suggested the same.

The last time he'd seem Kolya he'd been holding a gun to McKay using his friend's life just to get at him.

After leaving Elizabeth's office he'd done one final check just to make sure everything was ready for tomorrow. Now that was over John wasn't sure what to do … sleeping was the last thing on his mind.

John looked at this watch noting the late hour. He should probably talk to Ronan tonight instead of waiting till the morning, deciding he'd swing by the gyms on his way back to his quarters in case the satedan was still there.

It didn't take him long before he was rounding the last corner to the gyms, the obvious sound of 2 people sparring echoing off the walls.

John opened the door, surprised to see Ronan and Teyla circling each other. He watched as the Athosian went in for the attack pushing Ronan on to the defensive, neither one of them held anything back. It reminded John of the first time he'd seen them spar together, just after Ronan had joined them. He remembered Ronan throwing Teyla to the ground holding her by the throat; it had scared him to death. Though looking at them now John didn't have to worry, Teyla seemed to have the upper hand.

John hadn't really spoken to Teyla since that day on the pier, a day he still felt guilty about. He had been angry yes but there had been no reason to take it out on her, no reason to put all the blame on her shouldered. He had been out of line and he knew it.

With all the preparations going on the last few days John, Ronan and Teyla had hardly spent a moment apart; deciding plans, ideas, and tactics. But he had noticed a difference in her behaviour especially in the way she acted round him. The fact that Teyla only spoke to him when she had to, that she also stood that extra few centimetres further back; not much true but enough to make John notice. She had avoided eye contact with him something which Teyla never did and John had found himself missing those eyes.

He had missed her! He'd been next to her all day but to him it felt like they were a galaxy part. It had left him feeling cold and empty and lead to thoughts which he's told himself long ago were inappropriate.

Teyla was gorgeous he couldn't denied that, but she was also kind, caring. She was independent and could kick his butt any day of the week. John watched as once again Teyla striked out at Ronan and for the first time ever he saw the Satedan falter. He watched as she moved around the gym, so gracefully that it seemed more like a dance than a fight. Each moved perfectly planned and executed.

His eyes travelled from her bared feet, up her perfectly toned legs. She wore her usually sparring clothes a long skirt with very high side splits, a small crop top which showed off her flat stomach and an ample amount of cleavage.

Teyla missed a step which brought John out of he daydream and back to real life. She'd stumble but over what John couldn't see; but this slight lapse in her judgment had allowed Ronan to take control.

John shook his head trying desperately to clear the images which now seem to have imprinted themselves on his brain. In fact if John was truthful with himself this woman had imprinted herself in his brain a long time ago and had refused to leave.

Teyla could feel his eyes on her, but this was not the look of an ordinary spectator this was something different. She felt his eyes travel up her body and at the same time a strange feeling seemed too developed in the pit of her stomach.

She had noticed John quietly enter the room that she and Ronan were sparring in; it was a feeling that seemed to wash over her every time he was near. He had not moved to sit; he had just stayed by the door watching her.

Teyla felt herself loose her footing, and straight away was forced on the defensive as Ronan didn't waste a second. It wasn't long before she was back in control, once again forcing Ronan to deflect her shots rather than make any of his own. When Ronan had suggested some sparring she had agreed immediately wanting to release some of the tension which had built up inside her over the last few days.

She was still hurt by John's words from that day on the pier, hurt that be could actually say those things, blame her for something which she had no control over. Yes Teyla had stopped John from killing Kolya, but she couldn't bear to watch John take that shot and turn into the kind of man that Kolya was. A cold hearted killer, she wouldn't allow that to happen.

Teyla trusted John with her life and the feelings she had for him ran deep, far deeper than she was willing to admit.

Teyla knew she couldn't continue the fight any longer, Johns presence was distracted her and if she didn't end it soon than Ronan surely would. She saw his mistake before he even made it, quickly stepping to the side and raising her stick hitting him on the fore arm; quickly followed by a number or very hard well place jabs causing Ronan to loose one of his weapons.

John watched as one of the sticks Ronan was holding shot from his hand landing on the floor by his feet. He watched as within a matter of seconds Teyla had the big Satedan on the ground breathing heavily.

"What ever happen to make you this angry ... I like it." Ronan teased from his position on the floor.

Teyla reached out a hand offering it to Ronan not even a slight smile appearing on her lips. John watched as he laid there for a few seconds before grabbing hold and hauling himself up.

Ronan could feel the change in the tension which filled the room looking around for the source. His eyes feel on John noticing him for first time, Ronan wondered how long his friend had been standing there.

"Sheppard" he nodded as a greeting "You here to spar? I'd watch it if I were you, she's in one hell of a mood!" Ronan teased turning to glance at Teyla but still she did not smile, this alone made Ronan wondered.

He had noticed Teyla had been acting unlike herself for a few days now he'd put down to Kolya's coming but know he wasn't so sure.

"No" his answer was short and Ronan notice his eyes kept moving towards the women which stood on the other side of the room. "Elizabeth doesn't want me in the security team that's greeting our guests tomorrow."

Ronan watched as John seemed to work on auto pilot explaining to him what Elizabeth had asked. He walked over towards Teyla handing her his fighting sticks he'd borrow, he noticed that Teyla's mind also seemed to be else where. The tension between her and Sheppard was so thick that Ronan felt like he was intruding on something just by standing there. Something obliviously had happened between the two to cause them to act this way.

"It just Elizabeth feels it would be in my best interest if I sat this one out." John finished and Ronan realised he'd heard very little of the conversation, luckily he understood what John was hinting at.

"You want me to keep an eye on him."

"It's not that I think Lorne and his men can't handle it, but I'd feel a lot better if I knew you were watching their backs."

"No problem!"

"Great ..." Ronan watched as John looked down at his feet unsure of his next move.

John didn't know what to do, he wanted to talk to Teyla but then at the same time he didn't. This thing between them was beginning to get on his nerves and he wanted to clear the air between them. He watched Teyla on the other side of the room slowly placing her fighting sticks into her bag. Her movements where slow almost painful to watch, her shoulders were tense and John could she the pain which shone in her eyes. Pain which he'd caused.

Ronan glanced between the two deciding it was time for him to leave, what ever had happen between the two, it was up to them to sort it out.

"Well I'm out of here," he announced "Thanks for the work out." he shot over his shoulder towards Teyla; she nodded her answer before continuing with what she was doing. Ronan watched her for a few seconds; Sheppard must have really screwed up to put the normally calm Athosian leader in this kind of mood.

Swinging his jacket over his shoulder Ronan made for the door, tapping Johns should as he passed. "Don't say I never do anything for you!" He whispered wishing him luck as he left.

Ronan wandered down the corridor heading towards his quarters deciding he'd take the long way round. It had been a busy few days and with the tough work out Teyla just put him through he had to admit he was slightly tired, though he'd deny it if anyone asked.

As he rounded the corner Ronan wondered what could have possible happened between his two friends to cause such tension. Even he had noticed the close relationship which had formed between them, during his first few months on Atlantis that closeness had made him extremely jealous. But as time went on Ronan realised that the relationship between him and Teyla was that of a brother and sister not that of a lover. He valued her friendship and would give his life in a instant for her just has he would for John and even Rodney.

He'd been alone for so long, running from the wraith that Ronan thought he would never find a place which he could call home. But Atlantis had proved him wrong; he now not only had a home but also a family.

Ronan knew that when he looked upon Teyla as a sister, Sheppard saw her as something more; even if he refused to admit to himself. He had feelings for her which ran a lot deeper than those for a team member or a friend. Ronan had believed for sometime that these feelings for her where one way, that Teyla saw the colonel as nothing more than a close friend. Over the last few months Ronan had come to realise that wasn't true.

Both cared greatly for each other though neither would admit their feeling or act upon them.

He could understand John and Teyla's denial but it seem no one else had noticed the bond which had formed between them either. Rodney was as blind as a bat when it came to people, but Carson and Weir surely they had seen the change. Though neither commented or even made any acknowledgment of the two, maybe that was the way it was done on earth.

Ronan reach his quarters once again believing that people from earth were crazy!

John was shocked that Ronan had noticed the tension between him and Teyla but as he thought about it, Ronan always did seem to pick up of things that others missed. Teyla had finished packing away her fighting sticks and was now sitting on the window seat facing him, though John could see that her eyes focused pass him not on him. Once again he felt guilty for making her feel like this.

"Is there something you wished to talk to me about Colonel Sheppard?"

John winced at the tone of her voice noticing how she used his rank rather than name. Over the pass few months Teyla had started calling him John when ever they weren't working. John had let himself enjoy the feeling a little too much.

"Colonel?" John must have taken too long to answer; Teyla was looking at him a hint of annoyance showing in her face. John wasn't completely sure how to start he was never any good at this kind of stuff.

"Some nice moves you did there!" mental slapping himself for being such a coward, this was Teyla she would understand.

"The last couple of days have been very stressful." She stated "It was a chance to relieve some of the tension."

"Yeah Teyla about that ..."

"It does not matter Colonel." Teyla pick up her bag starting to leave.

"Yes it does" John grabbed hold her arm just hard enough to make her stop and turn. "What ever happen to 'John'?" he asked trying to relieve some of the tension between them, it did not work!

"As I said it does not matter ... John!" He could only wince at her tone.

"Look Teyla I was out of line ..." he spoke quickly "I was angry and I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said those things; you were only trying to help." His eyes pleaded with her to understand. John noticed that the anger which had shown in her eyes only seconds ago was slowly disappearing once again revealing the Teyla he knew and loved.

Loved ... Did John just think that? He cared for Teyla deeply yes but did he love her.

"John" Teyla voice was soft, gently pulling John from his thoughts. "It is a difficult time, with everything that is happening; you had every right to be angry."

"Yes ... but I had no right to place that anger on you." John watched a small smile appeared across her lips. "And I definitely had no right to blame you for all of this, it isn't your fault." he watched as relief flooded her face. John hadn't realised until that minute how much his words had hurt her; how much pain they had really caused. Looking down he saw that his hand still held on tightly to Teyla upper arm, John released it quickly shoving his hands into his pockets.

Teyla could not describe the amount of joy she felt at John's confessing. It was true when John said those things he was angry but Teyla had believed they were true, believed that was how he honestly felt. Now she couldn't stop the smile from appearing on her lips.

"It isn't your fault Teyla if any one is to blame it should be me." His words suddenly bringing her crashing down from the small moment of happiness. John looked down at the floor refusing to meet her eyes, how could he blame himself for something which had always been out of his control. John had only been doing his job looking out for his team; for all the people on Atlantis. He was not to blame if Kolya had taken it personally.

"John look at me!" Teyla tried "John please ..." She moved until her body was inches away from his. Gently cupping his face in both her hand Teyla lifted Johns head until their eyes locked. "You are not to blame for this!"

"If I had just taken that shot Teyla!"

"You are a good man John Sheppard."

"Teyla" She ached at the lost look which showed in Johns face.

Teyla felt Johns hands covers hers pulling them away from his face to rest in between them. She was surprise but welcomed the fact that John didn't release his hold, but seemed to increase it.

"His up to something Teyla ... I know he is!"

"Then we will face it together."

For the first time since the news of Kolya had arrived on Atlantis John felt himself relax.