Chapter 13: The Aftermath
Carson sat in the jumper staring out of the window at the planet Hilaring, from what he could see large parts of the once magnificent city had been destroyed. Lorne was piloting the jumper and sat beside him, Sophia sat in the back with Sharnie and Lalla, who were both fast asleep.
At the moment they were still in space, while Lorne tried to pick out a place to land. It was daytime in the city, but had it been dark he was sure that the fires that were still burning would light up the city. The fires must still be burning out of control for them to be able to see them from space and his heart went out to the people still trapped in the city.
He didn't want to be here, but when Sophia had announced that it was time for her and the girls to be heading home, Jennifer had insisted that he go with them to deliver much-needed medical supplies to the city. When he'd tried to argue that he needed to stay on Atlantis in case of an emergency, Jennifer had insisted that they had several capable doctors who could help if needed.
When he'd asked Rodney to come, the scientist had stated that he had too much work to do and although Zeleka could probably manage his other minions would stuff it up. Although Rodney had offered whatever power generators he could spare to send down to the planet.
He'd asked Ronon as well, but Ronon said he needed to stay and help Amelia look after Torren and Charin. Plus Amelia wasn't feeling too well at the moment. He couldn't argue with that sentiment since Torren's parents were both critically ill at the moment, so the child needed someone to care for him and his sister. He also knew that Amelia was pregnant and needed her husband's support.
In the end, it was just him and Lorne who came on the supply mission.
Sophia had assured him that she would deliver the medical supplies along with the power generators, so he wouldn't have to enter the city again. That was probably a good thing since last time they barely made it out of there alive.
They had arrived back on Atlantis four days ago and in that time General Sheppard's vitals had steadily improved. The fact that Torren spent a great deal of time lying next to his father could have had something to do with it. Amelia had also brought Charin in once or twice to lie next to him.
He was planning on bringing John out of the medically induced coma in a few days and then he could begin to assess the effects that the damage to his brain would have on him long-term.
They still hadn't found a cure for Teyla yet and he wondered how the news that his wife was still in stasis would affect John. As usual, they'd put as much time as they could into research for a cure, but it was like taking one step forward and two steps back. He wondered if they were just kidding themselves and if they should just give up. But then that would mean that he would have to watch one of his closest friends die and he wasn't ready for that yet.
A concerned voice and a hand on his shoulder, interrupted his thoughts, "Are you ready to go Carson?"
He looked up to see Sophia standing next to him and smiling. It was then he realised that they had landed on the planet during his contemplations and Lorne had opened the back hatch.
Once he'd finally managed to step outside he realised that they were outside a small cabin and it was clear that someone lived there by the extensive gardens.
A tug on his hand caught his attention and he looked down to find that Lalla was smiling at him, "Come on Carson, you haven't met my dad yet."
He looked down and nodded at the girl as her piercing blue eyes shone with excitement.
Before they'd had a chance to take a step a tall blonde-haired man came running towards them, "Lalla Sophia!" The man shouted in excitement.
Carson took in the man and he was convinced that he was over eight feet tall - not uncommon for a Hilarian. His eyes were the same blue as Lalla's and they both had the same colour hair.
"Carson I would like you to meet my husband, Jonan and my son Hannan," Sophia announced coming up alongside him.
He looked behind Jonan and was surprised to see a teenage boy, who looked the same as his father although a few inches shorter.
Carson took the man's hand and shook it, "I am pleased to meet you Jonan."
"Please come inside, " Jonan suggested before taking Lorne's hand and shaking it, "Colonel Lorne, it is good to see you again."
Lalla pulled on his hand and it wasn't long before he felt himself being led towards the cabin.
He was eager to hear what was happening in the city because from space it looked as if it had been destroyed. That led him to wonder how many people had been killed - especially the innocents. It was difficult to contemplate because he and his friends had barely made it out alive. Poor John would never be the same again because of what had happened in that city.
oOo
Ronon had spent the last four days sitting next to Sheppard's bed - on and off. Every time Torren had wanted to see his Dad Ronon had offered to take him to visit. Other than Carson and Jennifer the only other person to spend as much time with John was Rodney.
Jennifer and Carson had assured him that Sheppard was stable and his vitals were improving, but when Ronon had asked if John was brain damaged or not, they had stated that they were fairly convinced that he was. He chose to believe that they were wrong and that Sheppard would be restored to perfect health - as would Teyla.
A startled cry caught his attention, "Uncle Ronon Daddy's moving!"
Ronon looked down to see John moving around in the bed before Torren squealed again, "he just squeezed my hand!"
A moan from the bed caught his attention and when he looked at John, he saw his eyes wide open and they were filled with pain and confusion as he looked around the room. As quickly as they opened they closed.
Ronon had no idea what was going on and it was clear that Torren was confused as well, so he pressed the call button wanting to get a doctor or nurse in the room as quickly as possible.
There had been a nurse in the room a few minutes before, but she'd just stepped out for a minute or two to get some supplies.
It seemed like forever, but it was only a minute or two before Jennifer came running into the room, "what's going on, is General Sheppard alright?"
Ronon watched as Jennifer started to take John's vitals before he spoke up, "Sheppard opened his eyes for a few seconds and then he closed them again."
"It's true, he squeezed my hand," Torren added with a huge grin on his small face.
Ronon wanted more information, "Is he coming out of his coma Doc?"
"Yes, he seems to want to wake up despite the sedation we've been giving him to try and keep him in a coma So I think that I'll start to top up his pain medication and let him begin to wake up."
Ronon longed to see Sheppard restored to health and he was positive that Torren wanted to see his Dad well again, so he asked the obvious question, "So when will he wake up and stay awake Doc?"
"I don't know Ronon, but it won't be for at least another twelve hours, so how about you take Torren to the mess hall for a meal and then put him to bed."
"Why what's the time Doc?"
"It's after 8 pm, so it's time Torren had something to eat and went to bed."
"But Aunt Jennifer, I want to stay with Daddy, "Torren stated crossing his arms.
"And if you want to be here when he wakes up, you need to get a decent night's sleep, "Jennifer said equally as forcefully.
Ronon knew that she was right, Torren needed to be well-rested when Sheppard woke up because John needed his family with him and right now Torren was the closest thing to Teyla he was going to get. Although he along with Rodney had become like brothers to Sheppard over the years, Teyla was John's wife and Torren was his son, so he needed at least one of them by his side.
"Come on Torren, let's go and get some Pizza and a milkshake, then we can help Amelia with Charin before going to bed ourselves."
Torren looked up at him with tears in his eyes," But what if Daddy needs me?"
"I'll stay with him," Jennifer told the boy with a smile.
"Please look after him, Aunt Jenn?"
"I promise I will Torren," Jennifer replied as she took John's hand.
Ronon took Torren's hand, took one last look at his friend and left the infirmary.
He hadn't asked Jennifer again if John had brain damage, but he didn't want to know because he was going to believe that John would be back to his old self in no time.
oOo
The softness of the pillows and the smell of antiseptic was the first thing John noticed the next time he became aware. Next came a murmur of voices and then the feeling of someone lying next to him. Whoever it was, was incredibly small and his first thought was has Teyla shrunk?
Someone squeezed his right hand and he attempted to squeeze back, but he couldn't apply much pressure because he felt incredibly weak on his right side.
He tried to say something, but all he could manage was a moan, so he tried opening his eyes and when he did he instantly regretted it because he felt as if his head was going to explode. He tried to look around but everything was one big blur, so as quickly as he'd opened his eyes he let them close again and he was quite happy to fall into the darkness once more.
oOo
Carson looked around the tiny cabin he was seated in and was surprised at how primitive it seemed considering the technology the city had to offer. Perhaps these people chose to live like this, or maybe they were forced to. Given the political climate and instability in the city when they'd arrived on the planet, it was a good bet that they were being forced to.
As he continued to look around, Lorne caught his eye, "It's a long story and I will try and explain everything when we get back to Atlantis."
Lorne must have read his mind, or perhaps they'd been working together for far too long.
"Would anyone like something to eat," Jonan, offered, "Hannan and I have just finished our lunch and we have leftovers, so I'll send Hannan to get everyone something to eat."
"That would be great thanks, Jonan," Lorne replied before sitting down at the table.
The table was constructed of the same wood the cabin had been built with and Carson wondered whether Hannan and Johan had constructed it themselves.
This time it must have been Jonan who read his mind, "In answer to your question Dr Beckett, we did not construct the cabin, we merely fixed it up when we found it."
Before he had a chance to say anything else, Sharine and Lalla came running into the room with Sophia following.
"Where is Logo," Sharnie asked looking around the room.
"He's in the city at the moment, "Jonan explained, "but how about I tell you all about it while we have some lunch."
The little girl nodded and sat down next to Lorne, pulling Lalla down in the seat next to her.
"Logo is the closest thing I have to a father, "Sharnie explained, "I would hate for something bad to happen to him."
Carson was fairly convinced that Logo was Sharnie's father, but without a DNA test or access to extensive records from the city's breeding program, there was no way to know for sure.
His thoughts were interrupted when a large plate of stew was put in front of him and it looked and smelt wonderful. He carefully took a spoonful of the steaming hot food and he was happy that it tasted as good as it looked.
Once they all had their food in front of them Sophia asked the question, he'd been longing to ask, "So Jonan, do you know what's happening in the city?"
Jonan nodded as he replied, "Logo was back here this morning and apparently things are beginning to settle down in the city."
That was probably a good thing, but Carson had no idea what that meant, "Settle down how?"
Voth and his men have rounded up a lot of Toth's supporters and most of the city's inhabitants seem to accept Voth as their new leader."
"Things are moving incredibly fast, don't you think?" Lorne asked, "Who knows how many others are out there willing to fight for Toth's cause."
"Toth and his leaders have been sentenced to death. Voth feels that it will set an example to others who wish to follow him."
Carson shuddered at the thought. He knew that it was none of his business what happened on this world, but surely execution was not the answer.
Lorne looked and sounded frustrated as he spoke, "But won't that risk creating a martyr, out of Toth? Perhaps many others would be willing to die for his cause."
"It has been decided and according to Logo, many others in the city agree that it is the right thing to do."
Lorne nodded and was silent and Carson watched as the military man continued to eat his meal. He suddenly felt enormous compassion for Lorne, because with General Sheppard critically injured, the weight of command had fallen to him. And if John never recovered fully Lorne may find himself forced into the position permanently.
Sighing he looked over to Jonan and asked the question that had been on his mind since they'd sat down, "How many are estimated dead? First, tell me how many gene carriers did not survive being disconnected from the chambers."
"Luckily there were only ten carriers, that did not survive, several more are still in critical condition, but the rest will make a full recovery. Although some of them will be blind. And in answer to your other question, there are at least three hundred dead."
"And how are the hospitals coping, Jonan?"
"I'm sorry Dr Beckett, but the hospitals are full and there aren't enough doctors, Logo says that they are stretched to their limits and medical supplies are short. They could certainly use some more power as well."
Carson sighed, as much as he'd like to stay and help out in the city, he knew that Atlantis needed him. He knew that Rodney and his team would find a way for them to get back to their time and Lorne and his team would keep the city safe. But General Sheppard would need as much help as he could give him over the weeks and months to come - emotional and physical.
Another thought that struck him as he was lost in thought was; did the city have a name? They kept on calling it the city, but he wondered what the Hilarians called it.
"What do you call the city?" He blurted out, changing the topic of the conversation.
"We've always called it the city of Hilaring," Hannan replied, "we have no idea what the original inhabitants of the planet called it. I guess there would be a record somewhere in our history books, but until now we haven't been able to find it."
Perhaps that was one of the many questions that Carson would never know the answer to because he knew that there was no way they could stay on this planet any longer than they had to.
He was about to tell them about the medical supplies and power generators when Lalla started to complain, "Mom this conversation is boring, can we go out and play? We've finished our dinner."
Sophia sighed as she replied, "Sure go ahead, but don't go too far."
Carson watched as the children ran out to play and he wondered what would become of them. Sharine was a gene carrier and if Logo were her father, she would have a strong gene. Would this civilization thrive and move on, or would Sharnie end up in the chambers powering the city as her mother had?
Shaking his head of all negative thoughts, he got back to the matter at hand and he realised that Lorne was telling the Hilarians about the supplies they had brought with them.
"Jonan, we have brought as many medical supplies and power generators as we could spare. I only hope it is enough."
"Thank you, Colonel Lorne, you're people have done more than enough and in return, we offer you a gift. Voth sent this over with Logo this morning and he wanted me to tell you that he is very sorry about what happened to General Sheppard and he hopes that this can help."
Jonan handed over a case and if Carson's suspicions were correct, Rodney would be very excited when he saw what was in it.
"Is that a….?" Carson asked not able to complete the sentence.
He watched as Lorne opened the case and he got the shock of his life when he saw not one, but two fully charged ZPMs
"Where did you get these and how do you know what they do?" Lorne asked with a surprised look on his face.
"Logo came across an entry in the ancestors' database; after he'd finished reading the entry he knew that he'd seen them somewhere in the city. And given Atlantis is a city of the ancestors we assumed that you may need some."
Lorne had a huge grin on his face by this time and who could blame him, "thankyou Jonan, we certainly need the extra power, but what about you surely you could use some to power your city."
"We have more than enough, besides it's going to take us time to research the ancestors' city and be able to use it effectively. But maybe with the gene carriers we have in the city, we'll be able to work it out."
"Well I think that it's time we were leaving, " Lorne announced standing to his feet before shaking Jonan's hand.
Carson had no idea how long they'd taken over lunch, but he was eager to get back to his patient, so now was as good a time as any.
He looked at Sophia and smiled, "Thank you for all your help with General Sheppard."
It only took a split second before her arms were around him, "no thank you, Carson, you and your people have given me back my life and given us hope for a better future. I'm only sorry that General Sheppard is critically injured because of the events that took place."
Sophia let go just as the girls walked through the door and the first thing that Lalla did was put her arms around him and hugged him.
"Goodbye, Dr Beckett."
He carefully placed his arms around the child, "Goodbye Lalla, make sure you look after your family okay."
A sob from behind him, had Carson turning around to look at Sharnie, "Dr Beckett can I come back to Atlantis and live with you?" She asked through her tears.
He had no idea what to say to that question, so he was relieved when Sophia answered for him, "You can stay here and live with us for now. And when it is safe to go back to the city, you can choose to live with us or Logo."
A smile crossed the child's face and she immediately threw her arms around Sofia, "Thank you, Sophia."
The rest of the goodbyes were brief and Carson was happy to leave the tiny cabin and head back to the jumper. Now all he had to endure was another four-hour jumper trip before he could check on General Sheppard again.
If there was one thing he knew for sure though it was that, he would be glad to never set foot on this particular planet again.
oOo
Ronon was relieved when he had finally gotten Torren to bed.
After leaving the infirmary Torren insisted on visiting Teyla which took around half an hour. Then they went to the mess hall for a meal where they stayed for another half an hour before heading back to the apartment for bed. When Torren climbed into bed the boy had insisted that he read him three stories, but luckily by the end of the first one the child was fast asleep.
While he'd been putting Torren to bed, Amelia had been dealing with Charin, who had been fussing more than usual. Finally, the little girl had settled down and Amelia was able to come and sit in the lounge room with him.
He took a good look at his wife before putting his arm around her. It had been a few days since they'd spent any time together and she looked exhausted.
"Are you alright Melia?"
"I'm just thinking of Torren and Charin and what will happen to them if General Sheppard and Teyla never recover."
"Torren wants to come and live with us. That's if we choose to stay on Atlantis."
"You know what Ronon, I think I would like to live on Atlantis again. Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed my time on New Sateda, but Atlantis was my home for a lot of years. The people here are my family and I missed them. Besides I'd love to raise our daughter here."
"Daughter, how can they tell you're only about eight weeks pregnant aren't you?"
"Turns out my estimate was wrong, it's closer to eleven weeks and because of the ancient technology on Atlantis, Jennifer was able to tell me it's a girl. I hope you don't mind, but I really wanted to know."
"No, I don't mind at all Melia, in fact, I was hoping for a little girl, so that we could name her Sharnie."
Amelia just laughed at him and he had no idea whether she liked the name or not, "so what do you think?"
"I'd say let me think about it because I'm going to bed." She said kissing him on the cheek.
He watched her as she left the room and he had to wonder how had he gotten so lucky.
Thinking about how lucky he was made him feel a little guilty at this point because his two best friends weren't so lucky. Again he resolved to look after John and Teyla's children until they were well enough to do it themselves.
oOo
It had been almost twenty-four hours since Rodney had been to see John and in that time he'd barely slept. The data chip that Voth had given him held some useful information, but nothing he could use and certainly nothing that would help them get home.
In the end, he'd given up and decided that he needed to see John, so now after a quick trip to the mess hall he was approaching the ICU.
As he got closer, he could hear Jennifer whispering to someone and he couldn't quite make out what she was saying. Was there someone else in the room with her, or had Sheppard woken up?
He felt bad about eavesdropping because she was probably having a private moment with John, but he wanted to see his friend as well.
Taking a deep breath he walked into the room and found that Jennifer was holding John's hand and whispering comforting words in his ear.
"How is he, Jenn?" He asked as he pulled up a chair beside her.
"He's doing well, if fact he's out of a coma and opened his eyes for a few seconds earlier today."
He didn't miss the sorrow in her eyes and he wondered why she would be so sad about Sheppard waking up.
"That's a good thing isn't it Jenn?"
She sighed and answered him, "Although his vitals are stable he was in a lot of pain, so he won't be able to stay awake for long periods at this point."
He nodded his head and stared at her, to him she was the most beautiful woman in the world. She was a brilliant Doctor and a gifted scientist and at that moment he decided that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her - maybe even have children with her.
Perhaps it wasn't the most appropriate place to ask her the question, but to hell with it, there was no time like the present.
"Jenn I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, so will you marry me?"
The look on her face was one of complete shock and he was almost afraid that she was going to say no, given the silence that followed.
Taking a breath he took her hand and waited for an answer.
It seemed like forever before she answered him, "Yes Rodney I would love to be your wife, but how about we wait until Carson gets back and then we can discuss it over dinner in my quarters?"
All he could do was smile at his fiancee. They had been together on and off for more than five years, but finally, he felt like he was getting his act together and he couldn't be happier.
TBC…