Chapter 6:
Elizabeth, Radek, Teyla and Aiden reached the door to the Meeting Hall the same time that Lorne and his men did. They greeted each other cheerfully and headed inside to meet up with Colonel Sheppard, Ronon and Carson. They all glanced at John's wrapped and elevated ankle then looked at Carson with curious expressions.
Carson looked at the group for a second before comprehending their confusion and responded, "It's a very bad sprain."
John, growing uncomfortable with the amount of attention his injury was drawing, changed the subject, "So, Major. Does this mean, with you and most of your team back, that it's time to eat?" he asked hopefully. He was starving and he was certain the rest of the group felt the same.
"According to the kitchen, yes." Lorne replied. Then turning to Aiden continued, "They would like to know if we will be taking the meal in the Dining Hall or in here." The Major informed him like he was relaying a message and waiting for an answer to relay back.
"Ah, I'll go and tell them that we'll be eating in here." Aiden replied with a glance toward John, knowing that he shouldn't have the Colonel move too much.
"No need." Lorne replied just before he tapped his ear piece and relayed the message to the remaining man still at the kitchen.
Aiden nodded, "I do miss being able to communicate like that." he told them chuckling slightly.
John chuckled back, "It does have it's advantages." He paused, then added, "Of course, it does have it's disadvantages too." He gave both Major Lorne and Aiden a look that said You know what I mean. They both nodded, smiling.
"And what do you mean by that?" Elizabeth inquired playfully.
"Oh, just that there are times, say when you have JUST gotten to sleep and it's 2am, when you don't want someone yapping on the radio saying they need you for something." He told her truthfully knowing her, and all the members of this group would understand fully what he meant.
Just then the group noticed the delicious scent of food and felt their stomachs growl in anticipation. They asked Aiden where they could wash their hands, explaining that they were dirty from trying to get down the hill safely, with many of them throwing playful glances at John while they said this.
Aiden laughed and showed them where the washroom was and patiently waited for them to take their turns in it. It took John almost twice as long as everyone else because, with Carson's insistence, he needed help getting to the washroom and back. When they were all settled and comfortable, they passed the plates of food around, each person grabbing their fair share and began to dig in.
John was the first to break the silence that filled the room while they ate. "So, Ford. Tell us how you came upon this village and became it's leader."
Aiden finished drinking his water before he began his tale. "Well for becoming the leader, that's fairly easy. I followed your example." He stated, surprising them all except for Elizabeth who had the world's biggest grin on her face.
John sat stunned. "I'm, I'm sorry?" He was lost on how ANYONE who followed his example could become the leader of an entire village.
"When I got here, I was pretty sick and needing help. These people were kind enough to take me in and help care for me." Aiden began. "After the enzyme had left and my body no longer depended on it I laid low, helping the townsfolk with planting, gathering water, making clothes and letting the people get to know me. After about 9 months, there was an attack on this village."
"Was it the Wraith?" Teyla asked.
"No, it was an enemy that was unknown to these people but they had an army that thought relatively close to ours. I managed to help the villagers counter their attacks and even strike back with what we had. As far as they knew, this village was easy pickings for whatever they wanted and weren't expecting much resistance so when they ran in to some, they high-tailed it back to the gate. The Adoran's were grateful for the help and wanted to know how I helped. I explained as vaguely as I could about our army back on Earth and how I was trained for things like that and when I had finished, the Village Elders asked me to train a select few of their own men." He paused, smiling at the memory. "It felt really good to be able to give back to the villagers that had done so much for me, so I readily agreed. They're pretty good too. I'll even bet they could take some of your guys on Sheppard."
John smiled at that, "We'll see Ford." He replied, readily accepting that challenge.
"Well, as I became a more permanent member of the community, the Adoran's began to wonder what else I knew and what more they could learn from me. The Village Elders are big fans of study, meditation and knowledge." Aiden explained.
Oh great, more of them John thought, but kept his opinions to himself, waiting for Ford to continue.
"I saw no harm in sharing what I knew. Not about Earth or Atlantis of course, but anything else, I had no problems sharing." He told them hastily when he saw a lot of their faces grow worried. "One night about a year ago, the main Village Elder, Sascha, got really sick. It was clear to the healers that he was dying and there was nothing they could do." Aiden's face grew sad at this news, clearly the hurt from this loss was still there. "While he prepared for his end he also was able to train his replacement. Everyone, including myself, was shocked to find out that it was me." He took a deep shuddering breath, holding back the tears that threatened to flow. "The night he died, he officially named me as his successor. No one had challenged it yet and I believe that I'm doing a good job here. At least, that's what the other Village Elders tell me." He finished dejectedly, doubt and grief clearly visible in his features.
Everyone grew silent, giving Ford a minute before they said anything. They hadn't seen this amount of emotion in the Lt. since before the incident with the Wraith and it shocked them to see it. For those that cared about the man, their hearts ached for him, knowing what grief that deep felt like.
John cleared his throat before he spoke, to draw everyone out of their own memories. "I still don't understand how you followed my example." He replied shyly, chewing on his lower lip.
Ford laughed a soft, sad laugh. "No, I don't suppose you would sir." He replied. Pausing to give himself time to think of how to explain it to his former CO. "When we first arrived on Atlantis, I watched you try to blend in with everyone else but ultimately blend in with those that we sought help from." He began, giving a glance to Teyla. "You set yourself apart from us because you noticed our way wasn't getting anything done and we would more than likely end up offending the Athosians. Then when Col. Sumner and everyone got taken, you emerged as a leader because that's what you had to do to keep the military community as one. You led with understanding, humor, patience and compassion. You were hard when you needed to but made it seem like you were everyone's friend instead of their boss." Aiden paused, taking a deep calming breath. He wasn't about to tell Sheppard what he thought of him and how much he admired him in front of everyone. "That's what I tried to do here. I tried to blend in with the villagers, to show that I wasn't a threat to them and when an attack came, I showed myself a capable leader when it came to military strategy." He finished, looking at Sheppard.
John sat thinking. He could see Ford's point but he couldn't bring himself to agree. John had merely done what he needed to at the time. Yes, he thought Col. Sumner was taking the wrong approach and therefore took his own but most saw that as being defiant, not a good example. Yes, they had rescued Teyla, and most of the group that was taken but they lost a good man doing it, by his hand none-the-less! John quickly snapped himself out of his thoughts and regrets and looked back at Ford.
"So, how'd you come upon this village?" he asked.
Aiden just shrugged, "It was merely chance. I was being chased by the Wraith and I misdialed when I dialed the gate. I ended up on this planet and, using the LSD that I took from the Jumper when I first ditched it, I found this village eventually. The first night, I camped out in the woods, knowing I wouldn't get far and needed rest. The next morning I followed the LSD and spotted the village and began to make my way slowly down to it." He replied matter-of-factly. His tone clearly stating Nothing extraordinary.
"I see." John replied not knowing what else to say.
A faint pink-purplish glow in the room brought their attention to the waning suns outside. Elizabeth then spoke up. "Well, I believe that," she began while pointing outside, "is our cue to leave."
"You're welcome to stay if you like." Aiden automatically responded, mentally kicking himself for sounding so eager. Idiot!
"As tempting an offer as that is, Aiden, we really should be going." Elizabeth replied wary of how quickly he offered for them to stay.
It was then that Carson spoke up, "Aye, I'd like to get the Colonel back to Atlantis and under a scanner." He replied, supporting Elizabeth's decision to go back and giving her a reason for it. "Before I go though, how about I draw some blood and perform a quick exam." He suggested, hoping it would give Major Lorne and his men time to get the Jumper closer to the village.
Aiden nodded his consent. Then sparing a look at John, he inquired. "How are you going to get Sheppard to the gate?" his voice curious but also slightly concerned. He looked around at the group and noticing some looks cross their faces he added, "Did you bring the Puddlejumper?"
Seeing no harm in admitting this, John replied. "Yeah, we did. It's parked a couple of miles away from here and cloaked just in case."
"Good. Why don't you bring it here?" Aiden suggested. They all looked at him confused. "Well, not in the village, obviously, but as close as you can so that Sheppard doesn't have to go that far." He continued.
"Actually, that's not a bad idea." Major Lorne said.
"Aye, that's the idea I had. I was about to ask you to do just that Major when the Lt. suggested it." Carson replied.
"There's no need for that." John told them all, annoyed that they were talking about him like he wasn't there. "I can get to the Jumper just fine."
"No Colonel, you can't." Carson reprimanded at once. "You're not to be putting any weight on that ankle until I tell you otherwise, you got it?" he scolded.
"Yeah, and I'm not carrying you the entire time." Ronon added, his voice reflecting the smile in his eyes.
"No one is carrying me, I can walk just fine." John growled getting more annoyed by the second because he was being treated like an invalid. He wasn't actually all that sure that he could get far on his own but he sure as hell wasn't going to admit that.
"Oh really?" Carson challenged, "Go on then, let's see you." He finished with his arms folded across his chest. He knew John wouldn't be able to put weight on his ankle and hoped that the Colonel would not respond to the challenge.
John, however, did try. He stood up and tried taking one hobbling step and almost fell down when his ankle buckled and rolled beneath him, sending fiery hot spikes of throbbing pain shooting from his ankle up his leg. John let out a gasp of pain before growling out a "Damn it!"
He was glad that no one was laughing but that feeling quickly left when he looked up to see faces of soft concern looking back at him. All except Carson that is, who simply glared at him before saying "Ye daft bugger! Sit back down on that chair NOW before you do any more damage to yourself." He clearly wasn't impressed by his attempt but John just shrugged off the anger, knowing he probably deserved it for trying and also knowing that it wouldn't last long, he hoped.
He quickly did as he was told, knowing fully well that it was for his benefit to follow the doctor's orders before Carson's head exploded. Carson then came up to him and forcefully put John's leg on the chair. Carson paused, his face softening from pure fury to SLIGHTLY apologetic. "Sorry Colonel." He apologized, sounding like he almost meant it, when John let out a manly yelp of pain at the rough treatment.
"Carson, maybe you should examine Aiden before it gets too dark." Elizabeth suggested a little bothered by his attitude toward and the slightly rough treatment of his patient. Though, if she had to admit it, John did have it coming. Well, the anger at least, the rough treatment not so much.
Carson began walking over to Aiden, regret and shock written on his face. He couldn't believe his behavior! Ach, I've got to stop treating a patient when I'm furious with them! He scolded himself. He stopped going over to Lt. Ford, remembering that he left his med back by John and quickly walked over to get it. He looked at John and gave him a look that he hoped conveyed how sorry he was. When John smiled and nodded, he let out a small, inaudible sigh of relief, then went back over to Aiden and began his examination.
Elizabeth then turned to Major Lorne. "Major, why don't you and a couple of your men go to the Jumper and try to bring it as close as you can get." She suggested, trying to get everyone going. She didn't want to try walking up that hill in the dark, knowing how hard it was to get down in the daylight she figured it would be twice as hard getting back up, especially with an injured man. Oh that will be fun! She thought. Trying to get an injured and grumpy John Sheppard up that hill while he's having to lean on two others… Oh yeah, NOT fun. She inwardly shuddered at the thought knowing it wasn't going to be a picnic for anyone, especially John.
"Yes Ma'am." Major Lorne responded and then promptly left with Sgt. Lee and Lt. Morgan to go get the Jumper.
The rest of the group began to leave, thanking everyone in the Meeting Hall from Adora abundantly for their hospitality. Carson finished his exam and quickly drew a couple of vials of Aiden's blood, then packed up his equipment and moved over to John's right side while Ronon went to move over to his left.
"Why don't I help Colonel Sheppard?" Teyla suggested, swiftly moving to John's left before Ronon got there. "I believe it may be better if two people of similar height are assisting him." She explained to him. Ronon nodded and grabbed Carson's bag for him and took up the 6 o'clock position while Sgt. Jackson led with Elizabeth and Radek in between.
They all thanked Aiden again before they began their slow accent up the hill. Thankfully the suns held on a little longer for the group, making it easier to spot the holes and help the injured Colonel avoid them. Every once in awhile, John's foot would come in contact with the uneven ground causing his ankle to roll slightly and him to hiss in pain. Carson and Teyla winced at John's pain but said nothing as they helped him up the hill.
They had just made it when they spotted the Jumper hatch lowering with Major Lorne in the Pilot's seat and his other two men coming out to offer assistance. With the 2 marines taking over Teyla and Carson's positions, who were out of breath from helping John up the hill, everyone got into the Jumper with relative ease. Sgt. Jackson took the Co-Pilot's seat while Elizabeth and Radek took the seats behind the Pilot and Co-Pilot.
The marines helped ease John down onto the bench and Carson got him situated to where his now painfully throbbing ankle was elevated on Carson's med bag on the bench. He had to admit that it helped enough for him to be able to push the pain to the back of his mind. The two marines, Teyla and Carson were squished onto the other bench while Ronon sat at the end of his. He automatically felt guilty for taking up so much room and began to move his leg off the bench when Carson stopped him.
"Just leave it be Colonel." He told John gently but firmly. Then he turned to Major Lorne and asked for him to radio for a gurney to be waiting for them when they landed.
John had to admit that he was tired. The slow, painful walk up the hill had taken it's toll on him, not to mention the delicious meal that had already began to make him feel tired. They were in Atlantis before he knew it and he was helped onto the awaiting gurney. He felt Atlantis' soft, inquiring hum. She could sense his pain and wanted to make sure that he was alright. I'm fine, he assured her, just a bad sprain. He told her, showing her in his mind what he meant and how it felt. She then began an even softer, comforting hum to soothe and relax him into a gentle sleep.
When Carson looked down and noticed John asleep, he couldn't help the smile that crept onto his face. Though, his gene wasn't as strong as John's (and therefore his connection to Atlantis wasn't either), it was still strong enough to be able to feel the hum of Atlantis. He had to focus harder but it was there. The only reason he tried to feel it was when John Sheppard was his patient. Often times, John thought that Carson was a mind reader or that Carson knew him well enough to know when he was lying, which Carson would admit was mostly true. When it was actually Atlantis reaching out to him, letting him know what John needed.
Carson felt the hum of Atlantis change from excited, to concern, to understanding, to comfort within minutes of being there. When it changed to comfort, he looked down at John sleeping and knew that Atlantis was comforting him. Thanks young lady, you always know how to make him feel better he told her quickly, genuinely thankful for her help. She responded with a soft but equally as happy You're Welcome Carson and he felt a slight hug, then nothing.
When his team got John to the infirmary, they quickly and quietly put him under the scanner before briefly checking his vitals and inserting an IV. He didn't stir the entire time which made them all happy. Every member of the medical staff loved Colonel Sheppard, except when he was a patient. They still loved him but the Colonel did know how to test their patience and he did it often.
Carson got the results of John's scan. Good, nothing's broken and no surgery is needed, not that he thought it would be but it was still a concern when it came to active military men. He decided to heavily bandage John's ankle in a soft cast then elevate and ice it. The pain medication they gave John wasn't too strong but strong enough to mute it when they bandaged his ankle as he continued to sleep right through it.
Carson decided to leave the Colonel there for the night. He was about to update Elizabeth and Colonel Sheppard's team when he noticed that it was almost 2200 hours and he decided not to. It hadn't mattered as 5 minutes later both Elizabeth and his team (minus Rodney) had checked in with Carson before they themselves went to bed.
It had been a long day and Carson was exhausted. He briefly checked on John again before retiring to his own quarters. Will you let me know if he needs anything? He asked Atlantis before he fell asleep. Of course, Carson, came the reply, Get some rest. She told him. Less than 5 minutes later he was fast asleep, knowing that Atlantis had his and the Colonel's back.
John hadn't even noticed he fell asleep until he woke to the familiar sound of the heart rate monitor and the smell of disinfectant. Why am I in the infirmary? Was his first thought. Then he remembered and sank back into the pillows. He checked his watch, curious as to what time it was. 0700, it read. Oh good, I didn't sleep too late.
He felt his body demand his attention and looked around for any sign of a nurse to help him, knowing Carson would kill him if he attempted to get to the restroom by himself. He spotted Marie coming over to him with a smile on her face.
"Good morning Colonel." She greeted. "Do you need something?" she asked, apparently noticing that he was trying to get her attention.
"Yeah, could I get some crutches or something? I need to, you know." He told her rather shyly.
She nodded while taking out his IV, knowing it wasn't necessary now. "Of course, I'll be right back." She told him and then left, quickly returning with the requested crutches.
"Thanks." He said as she laid them against the wall by his bed, waiting to help if he needed it. He was thankful they had left him in his uniform, minus his shoes and socks. He hated sleeping in shoes and socks!
He slowly sat up, gingerly shifting his now heavily bandaged ankle (When the heck had that happened?) off the small stack of pillows and lowered it over the side of the bed while he swiftly swung his other leg up and over the pillows and over the side of the bed as well. His ankle began to throb with the change of position and blood flow but he ignored it for now as he gently and slowly stood up, waiting to regain his equilibrium before he began to move.
Marie chuckled softly, "You're learning quickly Colonel" she told him. She had always thought of him as a younger brother and teased him often. He didn't mind as he gave it right back to her in true brother form.
He chuckled back, "Yeah, all it took was 3 falls for me to get the hang of it." He told her as he headed for the restroom. When he finished, he came out to find Dr. Carson Beckett waiting for him, looking bright eyed and bushy tailed.
"Good Morning Colonel." Carson greeted him happily.
"Morning Carson. How are you?" He asked, wondering why the doctor was in such a good mood.
"I'm good Colonel, and yourself?" Carson countered.
"Doc, how many times do I have to ask you to call me John?" John queried.
"Sorry," Carson told him, "I'm just not used to it yet."
John nodded, "Fair enough".
"You still didn't answer my question." Carson reminded him while he helped John to sit back down on the bed.
"I'm fine." John responded, then adding when Carson gave him a disbelieving look "Ok, my ankle hurts but that's expected." He answered truthfully, shrugging off his injury.
"Aye, it is I suppose." Carson responded. "I reviewed your scans last night. I was right that nothing is broken but you do have a very bad sprain. It doesn't need surgical repair, thankfully but it will take awhile to heal." He advised while he handed John some IB Profen.
"How long do you figure?" John asked, clearly anxious to get back on duty.
"I'm not sure Col – John. Normally these types of sprains take as long to heal as a break, sometimes longer. We'll perform another scan around 4 weeks to see how it's healed." Carson told him.
"Sounds good, can I go now?" he asked, eager to get back to his quarters and into a fresh change of clothes before breakfast.
Carson smiled at him, "Ach, yes, you can go." He laughed. "You know, it's not like you're a prisoner here." Carson reminded him.
"Sometimes it sure feels like it." John quipped giving the doctor as wide smile. Carson just rolled his eyes and walked away.
John slowly got up off the bed, wincing slightly when the throbbing increased once again at the change of blood flow and slight movement. He grabbed his crutches a walked out of the infirmary as fast as he could while on crutches.
It wasn't even 5 minutes later when his radio burst to life with Carson's voice, "I trust I don't have to lecture you about keeping your ankle elevated as much as possible, resting it and keeping me informed if something doesn't feel right?"
"No you don't doc. Thanks for checking up on me." He replied, panting slightly at keeping his pace and talking at the same time. He reached his quarters in good time, went inside and freshened himself up a bit before he headed back out and to breakfast.
When he got there he didn't see his team so he went up to grab some food, contemplating on how he'd get it back to the table. Figuring he could use his pockets he grabbed some fruit, milk, juice and a bowl of cereal. He was just trying to figure out how he'd carry the bowl of cereal to a table when he heard an unfamiliar voice.
"Do you need any help?" it asked genuinely.
He turned around to stare into the face of a rather beautiful young lady. She was about 5'3, weighing in around a slender but sturdy 130. If he had to guess her age, he would guess it at barely over 21. Her dark chestnut brown hair and gentle honey brown eyes standing out against her creamy alabaster skin. Her facial features were soft but distinguished. Her hands gentle and slim when she moved to grab the bowl from him.
He chuckled a little embarrassed to be admitting this, "Yeah, I guess I do." She waited for him to unload his pockets then set the items on a tray. "I'm John Sheppard by the way." He prompted hoping to get her name in return.
"I know who you are Colonel Sheppard." She told him as she waited for him to lead the way to a table. "I highly doubt there's anyone on this base who doesn't know who you are." She continued smiling warmly as she grabbed a chair for him to place his injured leg on. He looked at it skeptically, then looked at her, "You might as well, Dr. Beckett has spies everywhere." She told him smiling mischievously.
He laughed a little at that and asked, "Yes he does, but are you one of them?"
She laughed out loud, the sound filling him with a sense of warmth that he hadn't felt before. "Maybe." She added with a sense of teasing. "I'm Jocelynne Cole. I work in the kitchen." She told him finally.
"Are you new? I don't think I've seen you before." He replied curious as to how he could have missed her.
She smiled sadly, "I've been here from the beginning and have seen you many times, and you have seen me. Well, you acknowledged I existed at least." She said chuckling a little like it didn't bother her. "Though, I suppose next to Teyla Emmagen, who COULD compare?" she asked him, her eyes bright with laughter and understanding.
"I'm sorry?" he queried.
"I have been sparring with Teyla. Most of my sessions are right before yours and since you like to come early, you are usually watching us spar." She explained, "I have noticed the way you look at her and so it doesn't surprise me that you've never noticed me. Don't worry your secret's safe with me." She finished with a wink.
Just then, Teyla, Rodney and Ronon came up to the table.
"What the hell happened to you?" Rodney asked. "You go off world once and you're back on crutches?"
"I'm fine Rodney, it's just a bad sprain." John replied annoyed, watching Teyla walk right up to Jocelynne and bow her head in the traditional Athosian greeting.
"Hello Jocelynne. How are you?" Teyla asked in a clearly friendly tone.
"I am well Teyla, just helping Colonel Sheppard get his breakfast to the table." She replied.
"Figures you'd get the hot chick to help you!" Rodney complained while Ronon just stared.
Jocelynne's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment but otherwise said nothing. Teyla rolled her eyes at Rodney before turning back to Jocelynne. "Would you like to join us?" she offered.
Jocelynne turned to look at the group, her expression clearly showing her desire to join but instead she declined. "No, thank you. I feel I would be intruding-"
"I wouldn't mind." Ronon countered causing her to blush even more.
"-and I have some work to do in the kitchen before I go off duty." She finished.
"Off duty, what time did you get there?" John asked with sarcasm and surprise in his voice.
"I've been here since 4am Colonel. Who do you think prepares all this for the early birds?" she asked laughing a bit more.
John looked at his watch, "You've already been here for 5 hours?" he asked again.
She nodded, "Yes." She replied simply. "I hope you feel better soon Colonel." She told him, sincerity in her voice and compassion in her eyes. She turned to Teyla and bowed the Athosian greeting again, "Thanks for the offer Teyla. I will see you later, yes?"
Teyla bowed her head, "Of course." She replied with a smile before coming to sit beside John.
John spared a quick look at Jocelynne and noticed a huge grin on her face. For a brief moment he thought he heard a female voice in his head saying Yes, she likes you too, do not worry. But in the next instant it was gone. I'm going to have to try to find her again! He thought before turning back to his group.
John noticed Ronon following Jocelynne's every move until she was out of sight. A familiar glint came to the Satedan's eyes, one John had only seen once before when it was used on Jennifer Keller.
"There's something odd about that girl." Rodney said, bringing all their attention to him.
Teyla sighed, "There's nothing wrong with her at all Rodney, she is a very lovely and sweet young lady."
John quirked an intrigued eyebrow at Teyla. "Maybe we should all try to get to know her more then." He replied waiting to see her reaction.
"I think that sounds like a good idea." Ronon replied first while Rodney still looked hesitant.
Teyla looked at him surprised, "You are welcome to come and watch us spar later if you like. She's actually really good. I believe she may even give you a challenge Ronon."
"Sounds interesting." Ronon replied, clearly curious.
"I think I might do that actually, since I won't be allowed to do much else today." He told her, slightly grumbling about the fact. He looked at Ronon who nodded his head, "We'll be there. What time?"
Teyla looked at a clock then turned to them, smiling and said, "Now actually." Before she got up and headed for the gym.
John and Ronon followed her example, leaving Rodney sputtering over his food. Even though he didn't want to admit it, Rodney was curious about the girl so he went to the food bar and grabbed some snacks and headed to the gym as well. This ought to be good! He grumbled to himself.