Remember, Never to Forget--15
John watched as Hawk piloted the ship, skimming it over the treetops in an impressive display of skill. The man's powerful hands seemed to fly over the console, making John wish he could take control. He closed his eyes and felt the familiar sensation that often plagued him since waking up in Shazzia's palace. The freedom of flight, yet he could not remember if or when he'd ever piloted a ship.
"Would you like to try, John?"
"I don't know how."
"You have the Ancient Gene and this ship originated in Atlantis. Perhaps it will come naturally to you and if I'm wrong then I can simply take control and fly it manually as I am doing now," Hawk offered and saw a hint of hope in his 'slave's' eyes.
John turned his head slightly and took a deep breath as he placed his hands above the console, shocked when the lights changed from light green to dark green and several new items appeared on the view screen. He thought Hawk made a comment, but he didn't hear the words clearly as he piloted the ship using his hands and mind in a singular connection. His eyes watched the changing numbers, but he had no idea whether he was doing this right. John glanced sideways at Hawk and was shocked to see open admiration on his face.
"It appears that Kudrone was correct in his comments about you and the Atlantian Gene. That makes you worth far more than I first believed and it makes me wonder why Shazzia parted with you in the first place," Hawk told him.
"I don't…don't know," John said and continued to maneuver the craft with ease.
"Perhaps we shall see what other devices are in my storage facilities and see if you can activate them."
"And if I refuse?"
"You will be punished," Hawk answered easily but smiled when he returned his attention to John's hands. "Somehow I doubt you'll be able to stop yourself, John, because you seem to be a natural with this."
John could feel Hawk's eyes on him and knew the man was right. Flying a ship, even one he was unfamiliar with left him with a feeling of accomplishment. He loved the power at his fingertips and made the craft move at an incredible speed that should have left him dizzy. "Inertial Dampeners…"
"What was that, John?"
"Huh?"
"You said something about dampeners…what are they?"
"I'm not sure…something that keeps us from being splattered all over the screen I think," John answered, disappointed when Hawk retook control.
"I think you've shown me enough for now, John," Hawk told him, using his fingers to manipulate the controls even as he turned toward the man seated beside him. "You do realize that if you try anything with this ship or anything else I show you I will simply hunt you down and punish you beyond anything you've ever imagined possible. I am not a man to be crossed."
John closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat. He shifted slightly and winced when the rough material pulled at the wounds to his back. Hawk had cleaned the wound and given him a shot that took care of the pain, but that had been hours ago before they'd left the underground chambers. He could feel Hawk watching him, and refused to allow his discomfort to show, but he soon felt the change in the craft that told him they were landing. An idea formulated, one he knew would get him the punishment Hawk promised, but John did not like being a 'slave' and that meant he would fight for his freedom, and damn the consequences.
SGASGASGASGASGA
High Priestess Shazzia knew she'd made a mistake in selling the slave known only as John, but she swore she would get him back no matter what the cost. Her guests were the Genii and several other parties who'd shown great interest in obtaining her former 'slave'. It would mean new alliances and stronger military contacts and that meant she would have free rein to take more slaves from the outlying colonies.
"Shazzia, when will you be able to deliver the slave?" Commander Deakon Preut asked impatiently.
"Commander, I do not answer to you or anyone else. If and when I am ready to part with John I will contact all of you and give you the opportunity to make me an offer…"
"Something tells me you don't have him anymore," the Genii commander said and watched the woman's face closely.
"You would be wise to watch your tongue, Deakon…I have had men killed for less," Shazzia warned. She knew it was dangerous to have her would be allies here, but she wanted to know how far they were willing to go to get their hands on Colonel John Sheppard. It looked as if they were all had more than a passing interest.
"I have heard that before, Shazzia, but you should remember you need us more than we need you. The Genii and the Croanthians are amongst the strongest military organizations in the Pegasus Galaxy and as such we have more to offer you than you have to offer us," Preut said with a hint of a smile.
"There are others who would ally themselves with me for a prize such as the one I am offering," Shazzia told him, anger evident in her words.
"Then perhaps it is time you contacted them…I am sure they would join with you sight unseen, but are they the ones you want fighting at your side? I don't think so or they would also be represented here," Preut said, the smile broadening when he saw the truth in her eyes.
"Shazzia, as the leader of the Croanthian military I am also interested in seeing this slave you speak so highly of," R'bork said. He knew the Genii were stronger, but they'd been allies for several cycles now and it was this allegiance that had saved his world on several occasions.
"You see, Shazzia, we are all interested, but until you show us that he is indeed in your custody, we will have our doubts," Preut explained.
"John is off world now, but I will have him back before long…"
"Then contact us when he is here and we will gladly return," Preut said, standing and leaving the room without a backward glance as the other military commanders followed him out.
Shazzia's eyes burned with anger as she watched the others follow the Genii out of the spacious chamber. She had not given them permission to leave and viewed this as an insult, one that she would repay many times over once she sent word to her long time allies. They were a warrior race, far stronger than the Genii and quite capable of destroying worlds without remorse. She reached for the bottle of Denubian Wine and pulled the cork from it before drinking half the bottle and wiping her lips. She would make Preut and the others kneel before her when the time came, but she would not offer them Colonel John Sheppard no matter what they promised in return. They'd insulted and disgraced her and for that they would be enemies for a lifetime.
"High Priestess," Bekha said and bowed slightly as he waited for permission to speak. He knew her guests were gone and could tell things had not gone well because his mistress rarely hit the bottle like she was doing now.
"What is it, Bekha?" Shazzia snapped.
"We received word that the solar storms over Hawk's world are over and that he has returned to his fortress," Bekha explained.
"Good…we need to see Hawk," Shazzia told him.
"Hawk won't see anyone without an appointment," Bekha said.
"I know, but perhaps if we made it interesting he would make an exception."
"Interesting…how?"
"There are men staying with Suduko and I believe either one of them would capture Hawk's interest. I want you to take a small contingent and kidnap one of them."
"Which one?"
"I don't give a damn which one…just get him and bring him here!" Shazzia snapped.
"There is a female with them," Bekha told her.
"A female?"
"Yes…Teyla Emmagan and she is an Athosian," Bekha answered.
"She is of no interest to me. Bring me one of the Male Atlantians," Shazzia ordered.
"Yes, High Priestess," Bekha said, bowing before he left her alone.
A thin smile formed on Shazzia's face as she thought about the man known to her as John. She was certain he was indeed Colonel John Sheppard, but she no longer wanted to trade him to the Genii or anyone else for that matter. It appeared that John could be an asset if she kept him at her side, perhaps he could even gain her a new alliance with the people who now inhabited Atlantis. Reaching for the bottle of Denubian wine she dropped onto the lounge and wondered if perhaps fate was perhaps a new ally and would bring her 'slave' back to her.
SGASGASGASGASGA
The darkness was absolute when Rodney stepped out through the door and cast his eyes skyward. As he watched the obsidian depths he began to distinguish the twinkling lights that peaked out from behind the clouds. He loved this time of night, when the stars were slowly dimming and dawn began to shimmer on the horizon.
McKay sighed tiredly and rubbed at the back of his neck in an effort to loosen the tense muscles that had become more than a little uncomfortable. It felt like ages since he'd actually slept for more than a couple of hours and he knew it would be a long time before that changed. The scientist in him knew he couldn't keep this up, but the friend in him vowed to keep going until he found John Sheppard.
McKay turned to find Suduko sitting on the top step, watching his every move. The big man had an uncanny ability to be present without anyone even knowing he was there. "Sorry, I didn't think anyone else was awake."
"I'm a light sleeper, Dr. McKay," Suduko said and handed the Canadian a cup of dark liquid that smelled like a cross between coffee and a sweet mint liquor.
"Thank you," McKay said, sipping the hot drink appreciatively.
"You're welcome…so what has you awake so early?"
"Couldn't sleep," the scientist answered simply.
"This man…John Sheppard must be special to have so many people worry about him," Suduko observed.
"He's a friend, Suduko…one of the best I've ever had and he…he…"
"Understands you?"
"Yes…he's the only one who does," McKay answered softly.
"Are you sure about that, Dr. McKay?" Suduko asked. "I have seen you with your friends and I believe they know you better than you know yourself. Even I can see beneath that 'brilliant mind' scenario. You think people won't like you because you're smarter than they are, yet they look to you for the knowledge they know you have. Don't sell your friends short…they deserve better and so do you."
"I don't…" McKay said, letting the guilt of 'John's' death wash over him. He knew no one else blamed him for what happened, but he blamed himself and sometimes that was the guilt that ate away at a man.
"I would find it easier to believe you if you could look me in the eyes when you speak," Suduko told him.
"Sometimes I wonder if what we're doing really makes a difference…people like John Sheppard are few and far between. They're the ones who make a difference. People look to them for help," the Canadian told him.
"The same could be said of you, Dr. McKay…I've seen how the others look at you and I know they expect you to find the answers and so far I don't think you've let them down so don't start now when your friend needs you," Suduko said and watched the other man's face. He'd always had the ability to read others and there were plenty of emotions and nuances to Rodney McKay. There was no doubt in his mind that the scientist would be a good man to have at your side in a fight, whether it be for his intelligence or his ability to handle himself during a power struggle.
"I'm trying, Suduko, but there comes a time when a man has to look at himself and find out if there's anything worthwhile about him," McKay said.
"I repeat…don't sell your friends short…they know you and chose to stick with you." Suduko sipped at the hot drink and hoped his words got through to his guest. McKay was holding a ship load of guilt and until Sheppard was found he would continue to do so. He hoped the missing man was worthy of McKay's friendship and wondered if he'd ever get the chance to find out.
"Thank you, Suduko," McKay said and returned his attention to the brightening sky, wondering what John Sheppard was doing right now.
TBC