A.N. Thanks as always to all my reviewers and those of you who particularly encouraged me to continue writing.
Several days had passed since John Sheppard's return and the city was beginning to regain some semblance of normality. It is amazing how human beings fall back quickly into old routines. John was still in the infirmary, but Jennifer Keller had promised him that he could move back to his quarters within the next day, assuming there were no setbacks. Cat was passed fit and had already returned to her work, cataloguing happily in the Archives. There was a huge back log and it kept her mind off 'that woman' as she had taken to calling Charel. General Jack O'Neill would arrive within the next 24 hours to take temporary command, not of the day to day running of the city – that was John Sheppard's role and Jack had no intention of stepping on the younger man's toes, having great respect for his abilities - but of the interrogation of Charel and the investigation into the whereabouts of Laden Radeen and the current state of Genii politics.
The cafeteria was once again abuzz with noise and happy chatter: it had been strangely silent when Atlantis' inhabitants believed their military commander dead. Teyla had one last task to perform, now that John was on the mend, so she had asked Cat to have lunch with her.
'I found this on the floor when we rescued John,' she said simply as she passed the Athosian ring to Cat. 'I was going to give it back to him myself but I think it would be much better coming from you, do you not? He is probably not sure how to tell you it is lost and I feel certain that a little trip to the east pier might do the pair of you the world of good, once he has recovered a little more.' Teyla smiled at Cat broadly. Everyone in Atlantis knew that the east pier on a Saturday night was reserved for the couple and nobody asked too much about what went on there, although most had a pretty good idea. A few months ago a 'newbie' scientist decided it might be a 'laugh' to sneak onto the pier and take some candid pictures. Fortunately, Rodney had overheard him plotting and warned Lorne, who lay in wait for the young man and promptly arrested him on some spurious charge which kept him occupied for most of the evening. He got the message, although not without a certain amount of grumbling about the military throwing its weight around.
Cat smiled innocently, pocketed the ring and said archly, 'I don't know what you mean, Teyla!' This was just what she needed to take her mind off things and by the time she left the cafeteria she was already plotting the evening. Whether he would be fit enough for the coming Saturday she couldn't be sure. If he wasn't, it would simply give her more time to plan. And she was certain this was just what they both needed to take their minds off recent events. Oh yes, it was about time she indulged in a little bit of role play, and she already had a good idea of what part she would be playing.
***
Jack O'Neill couldn't have been happier about his return to Atlantis. When he set out from Earth, he was expecting to take temporary command of the city because of John Sheppard's death and, despite his casual reaction to the news that he was still alive, inwardly he was delighted. He had huge respect for the man who had more than justified the instinctual trust he had felt in his abilities. He didn't expect The Genii situation to be an easy one and Richard Woolsey had told him enough about Charel to make him realise that it wasn't going to be a walk in the park, but he was looking forward to the challenge: something that was missing in his semi-retired state. And, he had another happy task to perform when he arrived and, as far as he was concerned, it was about time too. It was this mission which was his absolute priority and he had quickly dismissed Richard Woolsey's overzealous and officious greeting, stopping his little greeting speech with a dismissive raise of his hand and the excuse of tiredness after a long journey.
Jack had long since learned not to have any expectations of anyone, especially the powers of recovery of a dedicated military man, so he was not really surprised to find John Sheppard sitting up in bed, playing with what looked like a Game Boy. Nor was he offended when the man raised his eyes in greeting and smiled, rather than the taught military salute that another officer might have given. Jack had never really been comfortable with that kind of formality and it was a pleasant relief to be in the company of a kindred spirit. He understood Sheppard absolutely, and knew that it was not from some lack of respect on his part.
'You've looked better,' was his greeting.
John smiled at his superior. The respect was mutual. Without Jack O'Neill he wouldn't be here today. 'Well, yes sir. Being beat up, dying and brought back to life again can do that.'
Jack shifted uncomfortably. He might be pleased to see the younger man recovering so well, let alone alive, but he was incapable of expressing his feelings, nor would John have known what to do if he had. Yet another way in which they were similar. There was a slightly awkward silence, before he cleared his throat, 'Look, it's like this. You know I've always had the greatest respect for what you've achieved here and now so does Richard Woolsey. God knows how you managed to win that one over. Anyway, I'm pleased to inform you that you have been promoted to full-blood Colonel as from now.' He stopped abruptly, smirking at the John's shocked reaction.
'Well, sir, I didn't expect that!' Once before John had cause to think about his family and how surprised they would have been to know he'd been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. His thoughts ran to his brother, Dave. Yes, it was about time he tried to make some kind of contact with him especially now he was about to be a father and had a beautiful wife. A little of him slightly revelled in the surprise both bits of news would engender from a man who had never really understood what his younger sibling was made of, but John was not a man who easily bore grudges and a larger part wanted to show off Cat and disprove the belief that he was unable to maintain any kind of relationship.
Jack coughed. 'Right, well, there'll be a little ceremony and all when you're up and running. Until then, I will inform Woolsey and I'll let you tell friends, family and even distant acquaintances. Now, the other business. Tell me everything you know about this woman Charel and fill me in on the Genii situation.'
It took John the good part of an hour and he was exhausted by the end, from a need to repress still raw emotions as much as from the physical exertion. He must have fallen asleep before The General left because when he opened his eyes again the lights were dimmer suggesting that the night staff had already started their shift. Turning to his right he saw Cat, curled up and fast asleep in the soft chair that Jennifer Keller had insisted be moved into the infirmary if she were determined to spend so much time there. He smiled and reached out to gently stroke her arm, needing still to feel her physical presence as reality.
She stirred at his touch. 'Hi,' she said blearily. 'How're you feeling? I hear you had a little visit from our favourite General.' Cat really liked Jack O'Neill. In some ways he reminded her of John, although he was more hardened and cynical than her husband. More important had been the part he played in bringing the couple back together again after the traumatic events when The Trust tried to infiltrate Atlantis. Under the ironic surface she knew there was a soft heart and she liked him enormously.
'Better. Doc says I can escape tomorrow and come home if I'm a good boy.' At this, he saucily moved his hand to her leg and began to let it drift upwards, to be met by another firm hand stopping his and a 'now, now, patience' from his wife which promised of things to come. The smirk she received in return told her all she needed to know about how well he was recovering. To tease him further she leant forward, allowing him to smell her perfume and catch a glimpse down her shirt, kissing him on the top of his head and whispering 'good night' and jumping back just out of reach of the hands that threatened to pull her towards him even closer. Then, with a deliberate wiggle of her backside she looked over her shoulder and blew him a kiss before heading back for what she hoped would be the most restful night's sleep for some time. In fact, she sincerely hoped that the next few nights would be considerably less restful!
***
Charel didn't seriously expect to survive the next few days. She suspected that, once the Atlantians realised that she wouldn't give up any information, she would be of no further use. That John Sheppard was still alive was an annoyance but one that she was certain would be remedied at some point in the future, though not by her. She was somewhat surprised that there had been no attempt on her life so far. If someone had attacked a member of her family, she would have had no hesitation in repaying the debt tenfold. Among The Genii, such revenge was accepted, no was demanded.
The tall man who entered the room was not what she expected. His dishevelled grey hair and slightly untidy uniform suggested a casualness which the respect in which he was clearly held by the guards seemed to belie and there was an air of authority and a suggestion of danger about him that her experienced eye could distinguish. He was a man who she would need to be careful of, she was certain. He sat easily at the chair placed to the other side of the new table which had just been brought into the room, slouching back into it as though he had not a care in the world.
'Hi there,' he drawled. 'Let's you and me have a little chat.' He beckoned to the large man with dreadlocks standing at the entrance who entered menacingly and strode to the rear of the cell, his stare burning into her back and she heard a weapon click: changed to kill she supposed. 'Shall we begin?'
***
Jennifer Keller was good to her word and John was duly released from the infirmary the following day, but under strict instructions to go straight to his quarters and stay there for most of the next 24 hours. Rodney and Teyla were present with Cat to gather him up and wheel him 'home' in his wheelchair, among much groaning and complaining from John who was quite sure he could walk the distance. In fact, he'd managed to walk as far as the infirmary door, before his legs gave out under him and the empty wheelchair being pushed by a grumpy Rodney was rapidly shoved under him, catching him just in time. By the time they reached Cat and John's quarters, Teyla and Rodney were more than happy to leave their friend to the ministrations of his loving wife, John truly proving his reputation of being a difficult patient: complaining all the way back; whining about going to the cafeteria or the gate room; trying to get out of the chair and walk. It was like trying to manage a difficult toddler, thought Rodney.
The door swished closed behind them and Cat finally found herself alone with John. He sat slightly bad-temperedly in the chair, before raising up its arms as if to stand up, then looked up at her. All the last days disappeared in that moment as their eyes met and his glistened with the emerald that usually signified the fleeting movement of intense emotion across his expression. Smilingly he reached to her, like a little boy needing the comfort of his mother, but the look on his face was far from that of a child! Cat smiled back and slowly moved towards him, carefully manoeuvring onto his knee in a way which would not hurt his wounds and wrapping her arms around his neck. From the way he nuzzled her neck it soon became clear that a cuddle was not all that was going through his mind and his hand began to creep from her waist, inside her shirt and up her back, playfully twanging her bra strap before adeptly undoing it. Cat moved so that she was straddling his legs and facing him before she undid her buttons allowing him to gently push the shirt from her shoulders, taking her bra with it. She could see his breathing becoming more rapid as he gazed at her, already, swollen breasts with evident pleasure then his hands snaked around to them, fondling her as though he had never seen her before.
'Oh, God, Cat, you're so beautiful,' he whispered and she leant down to kiss him. In turn, she slowly slipped each one of his buttons from their holes, pulled his shirt from its rather perilous position in his jeans (John's shirts never stayed put for long and he was constantly fiddling and tucking them in), and then ran her hands down his firm belly towards his trouser belt, carefully skimming over the bandaged wound, before unfastening the buckle of the belt and undoing his button and zip in a seamless movement. He moaned into her mouth as she let her hand wander lower, his body clearly demonstrating how much he wanted her. For a moment, she pulled away and he looked disappointed as she shuffled backwards from his lap and stood in front of him but, instead of leaving him, she deliberately and slowly unpeeled her trousers, already made easier by reason of the failure of the top button to close now that her pregnancy was beginning to show. His look was one of sheer lust and appreciation and she moved closer again, allowing him to stroke his hand across her stomach, tracing the soft roundness that was now showing.
He smiled and huskily said, 'I've missed you so much. Come here.' Tenderly and carefully, she lowered herself on to him, intent on taking most of the strain so that he wouldn't pull at his stitches or jar his broken ribs as she moved. His breathing hitched and she knew that it wouldn't take long this time for them both to reach a climax of pleasure, but that didn't matter. Being with him again, the relief that he was here with her, making love to her, was enough. She could wait for the more dominant John to return when he was more physically fit. As one they moved, until together they lost all track of time or space in an amazing ecstasy of closeness. As her vision cleared, she looked down into his eyes and saw the trace of a tear, not from pain, but from the relief of being back with her and back home and she leant down to kiss it away before raising herself from him and standing back to admire her work. After sex, John always wore a debauched look which often made her want to jump him all over again, but given his present condition and hers, she thought that was probably not the best idea. Instead, she helped him stand from the chair and guided him to their bed, where they gently lay down together, falling into a peaceful sleep.
***
Jack O'Neill was exhausted. There was no way that damn woman would be broken by ordinary interrogation methods and the threat of Ronon's presence hadn't been enough to persuade her to speak. He'd even briefly considered letting the big man loose to take his much desired revenge on Charel, but had stopped just short of crossing than line. However, he had another trick up his sleeve and he really hoped that this one would get some results. It had taken a little persuading by Woolsey to attract their new visitor who had met the request with a 'what is in it for me?'. It was only when Todd had understood the full extent of Charel's crimes that he agreed to come to Atlantis. Jack couldn't begin to comprehend the peculiar bond that tied the fates of John Sheppard and The Wraith, but the look on Todd's face as he heard what she had done to the Colonel was enough to convince him that he could well be the one to finally 'persuade' her to speak.
It was hard to read the wraith's expression as he entered the cell, but her certainly looked angry, his fury almost radiating from him. It was less hard to read Charel's. She paled instantly, standing rapidly from her chair, it clattering to the ground, and backed towards the far wall in response to the merciless stare from his yellow eyes.
'I hear that you have treated a friend of mine rather badly,' he growled, 'and I take great exception to that. The General here was kind enough to contact me so that I can personally express my displeasure.' At this he raised his feeding hand and moved stealthily towards her.
'Stop, stop, someone stop him, please. I'll tell you what you want to know. Anything. Please???' and she screamed as he came with half a metre of her, vicious intent on his face. He stopped and looked towards Jack, who was smiling in amazement. This was his first encounter with any wraith, let alone the infamous Todd. and he was a little taken aback by the sideways grin which he was sure slipped across the wraith's face.
Charel spilled everything she knew – the whereabouts of Laden Radeen, various locations of Genii outposts, names of two significant commanders – encouraged by the proximity of Todd who stood at that same distance, his right hand twitching at any sign of her stopping. As she finished, she looked fearfully towards the wraith and then back to Jack O'Neill, pleading for her life. With a nod from Jack, Todd took a further step towards her and raised his hand yet again, close enough for her to feel his hot breath on her face, before he pulled back and chuckled, turning on his heels and leaving the cell.
'It's not over for you yet,' Jack said with ill-restrained glee. 'Don't imagine that you will be let off that easily.' Then he followed the wraith, leaving Charel to contemplate her future and how she had betrayed her friends and colleagues. As he left, he pondered on the nature of the playground bully remembering some of his own, less pleasant, childhood experiences and some of his military ones too. Yes, cowardice was simply the other side of the bully's coin.
***
The buzz on their door woke them both and it was a rather hazy Cat who answered the door to her friend.
'Good morning,' said Teyla smiling. 'I am sorry to disturb you, but there is a visitor in Atlantis who would very much like to see Colonel Sheppard and I have some good news for you both as well.'
Behind her, Cat could hear the struggle of her husband to get up and look even vaguely decent, but since they'd both fallen asleep with their clothes on, that was almost an impossibility. From behind her he said, 'it's alright, Teyla. You can come in,' as he sat stiffly on the edge of the bed, rubbing the back of his neck. 'What visitor and what news?'
Teyla entered the room and sat on the edge of the large sofa: it had been the first thing Cat had demanded for their room after they married. Somehow sofas went hand-in-hand with couples, romance and comfort in her mind and it seemed to be the perfect symbol of their happiness, as well as a very nice place to 'make-out'. 'The visitor is Todd and the news is that Charel has finally told us all we need to know about where Laden is and much, much more about the Genii operations.'
John's eyebrows showed his astonishment. 'Todd is here? How? Why? What did he do?' Here he looked rather uncomfortable, memories of his torture at the wraith's hand (literally at his hand) always close to the surface. He wished many things on that woman, but even he couldn't wish that.
Teyla smiled. 'Well, Richard Woolsey managed to persuade him to come. He was a little angry about what happened to you!'
John looked amazed. 'Well, I suppose he feels he owns the rights to torturing me.' It was an attempt at a joke, but even he couldn't make it seem funny.
Teyla continued, 'He did not have to really do anything, just walk into the cell and threaten to feed on her. She gave up the information within minutes. You will be pleased to hear that he played the part well and she was absolutely terrified, but he did not feed on her. She will still have to go through all the correct channels and will probably be taken back to Earth for further questioning, according to General O'Neill. He said something about 'that bitch never seeing the light of day' which I understand to mean that she will be incarcerated for a very long time.'
He turned to Cat, sensing her need for reassurance and comfort. 'It's alright. I will see Todd before he leaves. He and I have quite a history and I should thank him. Don't worry. I'll be fine.' He turned back to Teyla. 'Give me an hour to shower and dress and I'll meet him in the visitor's lounge.'
It was an odd meeting between the two old allies. Todd greeted him with a half-smile and an 'it's good to see you alive, John Sheppard.' John stood his distance, but smiled back and thanked the wraith for coming to Atlantis and helping them. Both would always be wary, respecting each other for their intelligence and strength and aware of the peculiar tie that held them in such a strange 'friendship'. By the end of the day, Todd had once again left the city, back to his hive and his own political shenanigans.
The departure of Todd and Charel's confession felt like the end of something that both John and Cat would now rather forget. John couldn't wait to get on with his 'normal' life and was looking forward to becoming a father. Cat, on the other hand, had two pressing matters on her mind, neither of which would go away. The first was the still burning desire for retribution now that she knew 'that woman' was still alive and still in the city (for the moment on both counts) and the second more pleasant one was the planning of their Saturday night which she would now focus upon entirely. That afternoon, she wrote the invitation (one of their little habits) and contacted Amelia (still running the amateur dramatics club) to check out the availability of the costume she wanted.
She was quite determined that it would be a night to remember.
TBC
Please R & R if you want to find out what Cat has planned. It felt comfortable heading back to familiar waters between these two after all their troubles. But, it's not over quite yet! And remember, there is the ring to give back and the news of John's promotion to reveal. Constructive criticism is always welcome!