"Secrets and Challenges"

Ch. 10

(Weir's Office)

"How often does this happen, Major?" Weir asked John when he reported what had happened down in the Gym.

"It started happening every six months. But, lately it's been happening more and more frequently," John answered.

"Where is she now?"

"In Steve's old cell," he said

"Steve?" she asked.

"The Wraith we had in custody, ma'am," he explained.

"Okay," she paused. "But Steve, John?"

"Well, I liked it a lot better than 'I Am Your Death'" John shrugged.

Weir closed her eyes and shook her head. She veered back on topic.

"How long does this normally take before she's back to her old self again?" Weir asked.

"It all depends on how much anger she's got bottled up inside her," John told her. "That's why she needs to meditate regularly. Since she hasn't had time too, because of the virus, it's gonna take her quiet a while to get back to normal again."

"I need a solid number, Major," she said. "How long?"

"I'd say from 4 days to an entire week," he said. "It all depends on Stacey."

"Okay," she sighed. "I suspect you will want to be with her during this time."

"Yup," he said.

"Alright, I'll put your team out of rotation for a week. So that you can be with Stacey," Weir said. "You guys could use a break and Teyla's wanted to go to the Mainland to visit with her people anyway."

"Thank you, Elizabeth," John said, as he began to leave slowly.

"You're welcome," she said. "Oh, and Major." John stopped and turned around. "If we ever capture a Wraith again, I get to name it."

"Yes, ma'am," he smiled and left.

(Holding Room, Cell 1)

When John entered the holding room and made his way to Stacey's cell. She thrashed at the bars. She bounced off the Ancient force field and landed hard on the floor with a loud thud. She stood up and faced John. The cut that was on her forehead from the fall had healed instantly.

Her eyes were catty again. Stacey's naturally curly, blonde hair was a mess. Sweat dripped down her face and neck. Her clothes were torn and stained with blood.

John glanced over to Bates.

"How long has she been like this?" John asked him.

"A few hours, sir," Bates said. "The sedative Dr. Beckett gave her wore off quickly.

"Damn!" he swore. "The sedative Carson gave her was enough to knock out a Rhino!"

There was a sudden growl from Stacey. Sheppard turned to her. The only thing that separated them was the Shield. She punched at the shield in frustration. Stacey flew back again, landing awkwardly on her leg. The leg was broken for only a few seconds before it healed itself. She got up again and faced him. Stacey stared at him through the metal, growling.

"It's your fault I'm like this," Stacey commented suddenly.

"Okay, what'd I do this time, Stace?" Sheppard asked. "You know, every time you go through this, you're always blaming me. Why don't you just say what your feeling? That always helps."

"I want to rip you into a million pieces," she said.

John raised an eyebrow "Oki-doki,"

Dr. Weir suddenly appeared beside him.

"How is she?" Weir asked.

"She's the same. Apparently she wants to rip me into a million pieces," John answered almost calmly. He added at the horrified look on her face, "She always says that when she like this."

Weir glanced over at Stacey.

"What usually helps her get control back?" she asked.

"It's different every time," John said, not taking his eyes off his wife. He looked over to Bates, "Let me in,"

To be continued . . .