CHAPTER 56 – ATTACHMENTS
Gina decided that she had had enough of base politics and knowing that Carlie needed a full medical workup before she would be allowed any sort of access to the city, she called Angel back to her, knowing that Carlie would immediately follow. Shooting a glance at the others, she ignored good manners that would dictate she excuse herself from this impromptu gathering, and simply left, taking Carlie and Angel with her.
John stared after her broodingly then turned his gaze to Sam. "Anything I need to know? You guys looked like you were getting into some deep and meaningful conversation when we rocked up."
"Just covering some history John, family connections – and other personal stuff. If you want to know more, I'm not the one to break a girl's confidence. I need to arrange a base meeting to do the official handover – most of the personnel here know who I am but I want a formal introduction done and I want to give people some clear idea as to what has been happening here – from the time that John stepped through that time portal. I know you have chosen Elizabeth, to leave much unsaid at this stage, and I understand your reasons for doing that. But I want to start this command on the right foot, and that is with all personnel completely in the loop as to what has been happening. It will also give me the chance to make sure that everyone is fully aware and watching out for anomalies."
"You're sure you won't promote mass panic Sam?" Elizabeth had a hint of reservation in her eyes, not fully on board with Sam's announcement.
"If something like this panics them, then they're not the sort of personnel we need in Atlantis. This is a frontier, and needs to be treated as such. It is the front line back to earth and we have the responsibility to make sure that nothing puts our world at risk. This can only happen if all personnel are aware of the risks – all of them."
John nodded. "I agree with you there Sam. Forewarned is certainly forearmed."
"I'd like you by my side when I make my announcement John."
"No problems Sam – I've got your back. Just as I had Elizabeth's." He turned then, intent of heading to the infirmary. He knew that Gina would have taken Carlie there – knew base protocol. Wanted also to talk to Carson about Gina's health situation. In the light of all that had happened – that little ommission now seemed glaringly obvious.
Gina had taken Carlie to the infirmary and the little girl had shyly given Carson a hug, remembering him from earlier that day. He had lifted her onto the bed and showed her all the instruments and machines that he would be using to make sure that she was in good health. She was unafraid, had instantly connected with his kind manner and funny accent and he in turn, was already under her spell.
Gina stood back and let him take the lead, wanting Carlie to look to him, not her. Carson found no health issues. He determined that she had been fed well with sufficient nutients and vitamins and was not lacking in any essential body requirements. While small, her growth still appeared normal for her age, bone density and white blood cells were all in the normal range, motor skills exceptional and some simple mental function tests showed that she had a good degree of intelligence. Scans showed nothing lurking inside her.
When he was finished Carson indicated with lifted eyebrows that he wanted her to approach the bed.
"She's a healthy wee lass Gina – at least as far as I can tell. I'm comfortable with her being on base and not spreading any contagions. Now lass, about your little condition..."
Gina threw a sharp look in his direction as John walked in. "What little conditon doc – in the excitement of finding Carlie here, I overlooked one of the reasons we had had to go back to the mainland – your stomach pains Gina? They're gone? That mess food finally get the better of someone, or is there something else Carson? What sort of tests did you do?"
"Calm down Colonel. I ran all the required tests and I doubt the food had any real effect – stress levels have been high and we still don't know the effect that the time travel has had on her. We'll wait and see – she's still got enough pain killer in her system to keep the worst of the pain away, but I'm thinking by the look on her face that it's starting to wear off...hmmm?"
Gina had begun to pale again and John was beside her in a second. "Why didn't you say something Gina? Talk to me – talk to Carson. Trying to handle this yourself is not the way to go. It looks like we have another to look out for now..." gently he rested his hand on Carlie's head and Gina had to hide a smile. Another.. and another... who would get the biggest shock.
She had decided not to say anything for now. Carlie needed their time and attention and she didn't want anything distracting them from being there for her. Until they worked out what was going to happen to her, Gina would keep her little secret to herself for now. And hoped that Sam or Carson would not inadvertantly give it away.
"John, leave Carlie here with me if you have business to attend to. We'll find a book to read and I'm thinking, this young lady could be ready for a little nap sometime soon. It's been quite a day, hasn't it sweetheart?"
John helped Carlie onto the bed where she snuggled in beside Gina, two dark matching heads side by side and John felt his breath hitch a little. Anybody could see they were mother and daughter - but in another dimension? Hell, in this dimension - she was here now and that is all that mattered. The other? Sam was right. He didn't want to think about it right now. Carson rummaged around in a box he kept in the infirmary for days when the Athosians brought children across for treatment and found a couple of childrens books which he gave to Gina.
"This way I can get you to rest, so Carlie - I need your help in keeping this lady in bed for a little while - ok?" Solemnly the little girl nodded at him and John, after giving the two girls a last look, and an even more telling glance at Carson, left the infirmary. With the distinct impression that he was being kept out of the loop about something.
While Gina read to Carlie, John went to see Kate Heitmeyer. He wanted to get her advice on getting the little girl to talk about what had happened to her and felt that someone qualified should be the one to do it. He had run it past Sam and Elizabeth first and they had both been in agreement. Whatever had happened to her, be it in this dimension or in another, had had a traumatic effect on her, and the more they had to work with, the more they could get done from this end. John thought Gina may disagree about taking her to Kate, but he would get around that one when the time arose.
"Give me some background John. I sense you're keeping something back from me."
He sat across from Kate in her office and her eyes looked searchingly into his. "Gina and Sam both believe she has come through a dimensional portal of some sort. That while she is from this time, and that we can only guess as being correct - she is not from this dimension."
"I also sense John, that you disbelieve this?"
"Hey Kate... this is not my session... don't try and analyse me - ok?"
Kate smiled. "You fall into the trap too easily John, make yourself an easy target. Most of the relevant information I get, will be from that which you try not to tell me."
"And you wonder why I refuse to come and see you - professionally?"
"Aaah John... you need to learn to trust me. I'm on your side. Anyway - we're not talking about you - remember. And if you choose to withhold information about the girl, then how do you expect me to give you any sort of answers. Bring her in to see me, let me talk to her - I don't have that much experience working with children, particularly those that have internalised traumas, but I'll do my best. How does Gina feel about this? She's the one that seems to have the strongest connection with the child."
"Haven't exactly brought it up yet..."
"John! You walk a fine line - if you want Gina to trust you, you need to be open in how you deal with her. It seems that in the short time you have known her most of the relationship has been shrouded in some form of distrust or subterfuge. Trust – John!"
"And I thought this session wasn't about me.." his voice was sulky now and Kate couldn't resist a smile.
"Call it a freebie - take the advise I give you. If we were back on earth, this would be costing you a fortune."
"If we were back on earth I wouldn't have these damn issues!"
"Yeah... you have a point there... I have another patient waiting John, so I'm kicking you out of this unofficial session. Bring the girl to see me tomorrow, preferably with Gina so that she has someone she feels she can trust with her."
When John went back to the infirmary later that afternoon he found Carlie and Gina sound asleep, Carlie tucked tightly into her side with her small arms wrapped around Gina. They looked like they belonged together, and he knew that if anyone tried to separate Gina from this little girl, she would fight them tooth and nail. John hoped that he wouldn't have to be the one to do it. He might have questioned whether she belonged here in Atlantis and until they had ascertained that she was not a security threat, she would be treated with kid gloves - but seeing her alongside Gina now, he did not question their bond. Hell, in the short time he himself had spent with the girl, there was a definite pull of something... he didn't know what but the thought entered his head that if they had to send her back, Gina wouldn't be the only one to suffer.
Gina opened her eyes sensing his presence in the infirmary and John saw that her face was still pale and saw the pain that still clouded her eyes. He put a finger to his lips and she looked down at Carlie curled up beside her and smiled. He came around to the other side of the bed and pulled her head gently against the side of his body, bending his head to drop a kiss onto her forehead.
"You feeling any better?" he whispered.
"It'll pass John. The rest helped a little, and being off my feet - not something I'd normally admit. The pain meds are wearing off but I prefer not to have anymore. I want to get out of here - do you fancy springing us out?"
"That'll depend on whether Carson's on board. Feel up to eating yet?" He saw the grimace that crossed her face and smiled. "I'll take that as a no... but I'm sure young Carlie is, so how about I take her down to the mess and rustle up some food for the two of us and let you get a little more rest. We'll see about springing you after that. Hmm?" He looked down at Carlie who now gazed up at him with large solemn blue eyes.
"Hungry, sweetheart?"
She nodded and he held out his arms, smiling as she came into them naturally and giving Gina a wink, he carried her out of the infirmary. Gina watched them go with a frown on her face, one that Carson did not miss. "You haven't told him yet, have you?"
"Not the time Carson. We need to deal with Carlie first - she's our priority."
"You have another priority as well now Gina. One that is going to be hard to follow unless you get your Colonel on board. Taking care of yourself, not putting yourself into dangerous situations..."
"You really think that John will allow me to go into a dangerous situation, pregnant or otherwise? Not the best example Carson..." He smiled at that, she had him there.
She groaned suddenly as a pain shot through her stomach. "Ah crap Carson.. that was short lived..." She wrapped her arms around her stomach and hunched forward slightly and Carson laid a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Let me know if you change your mind about taking something for the pain. Most of the medications I can recommend are safe during pregnancy and you know I'd never risk your baby with something I wasn't sure of."
"I suspect this little person in here is a little confused as to what timeline it belongs to. Pulled in two directions. Poor wee thing - not a good start to life, eh?"
John came back to the infirmary later that evening. He had taken Carlie to feed her, and managed to find a not too violent DVD to watch with her, then after a shower he had put her down in his private quarters to sleep - unsure as to where else to put her. He had brought in a folding cot and arranged it not too far from his bed. He had sat with her and told her stories until she had fallen asleep and then leaving a light on in case she woke up while he was out, he went back to the infirmary after giving Teyla instruction to check on her as often as she was able.
Gina's pains had begun to ease and she was involved in a discussion with Sam when he entered, which fell ominously silent the moment he walked in. Suspicion blooming he looked from one to the other.
"You ladies make me nervous. And not in a good way. Give!"
"What ladies talk about when men aren't around - let's just say you are not going to be privy to those conversations." Sam said it lightly and got up to leave and John saw that Gina had been in the process of leaving also.
"So, am I springing you outta here?"
"Yep! Carson said I'm good to go. Things seem to have settled down and I think I'll go and try to eat something. Much as that mess food makes me want to throw up again... Major Lorne called in a little while ago and I'm scheduled for weapons training tomorrow. That should be a blast. I used to do target shooting with my brother a few years ago and haven't picked up a weapon in a while, and he promised to be gentle!" Flicking a smile in Carson's direction and a wave she turned to leave. "How's Carlie? You got her to sleep ok I take it?"
"Out like a light, poor thing was exhausted. I've set up an appointment with Kate Heitmeyer for tomorrow - she'd like you to be there with her."
John watched Gina's face harden slightly and felt himself tense up in response. He had been dreading this conversation but mindful of Kate's admonishment regarding honesty and being upfront, he decided to just put it out there. And likely suffer the consequences.
"Subjecting her to interogation is a little harsh, even for a military man John. Don't you think?"
John pulled on her arm gently to get her to stop. "It's not interogation Gina - we need to find out what happened to her, both for her own sake and ours. I am head of security on this base and until I know she is not a security risk, we need to take precautions. I need you to understand and respect that - even if you don't agree with it. This is my job and if I compromise this base safety in any way, then I am not doing that job."
She was silent after that and did not speak again until they got to the mess. She went for the coffee, figured her stomach would perhaps hold that one down at least and thought briefly about how she would have to cut down on her cafeine intake.. soon. The only other item that looked as though it would stay down at the moment was the jello and to John's amusement she took two of them.
"Ok, so a sweet tooth...hmmm?" He nudged her with his shoulder and looked down at her smiling, wanting to get her somewhere alone so that he could do some of the things to her that he had been longing to do all day. Then remembered guiltily that she had been, and was in all likelihood still, unwell. Hope flickered when she took his hand at the table and held it to her cheek, and hope continued to simmer when she agreed to go and watch a movie that was playing in the rec room after checking that Carlie was still asleep. And it built to a hot flame when she curled up beside him in one of the chairs and he felt her hand rest lightly on his inner thigh, likely in all innocence, but sending heat racing up to his groin. So much so that he barely registered what was playing on the screen. And was at bonfire level when her hand began a gentle stroking and looking down into her eyes saw immediately that innocence was not in question here.
"You're a witch..." he murmured quietly into her ear. "And right now? I want you so much that I don't know if I can make it to my room."
Feeling just a little bit naughty she kept up her gentle foreplay until the others watching the movie left, casting amused glances at the pair that remained. While Gina had been more than discreet in her attentions, John's somewhat hot and bothered look had not been. When they were alone, he was on her in seconds, had her laughing and breathless, his own hand now seeking retaliation for the torture she had put him through.
"Not here John..."
"Damn it - I don't think I'll make it to my room."
She pulled him up and led him quickly out of the rec room and into a supply closet in the same hallway. Feeling a little like a naughty school girl she allowed the door to shut automaticallly after them and in the darkness he heard her giggle and his hands did not need light to find their way. He had her shirt open in seconds and was taking a nipple into his mouth to suckle it hard, bringing a sharp groan to her lips,half pleasure, half pain - and she threaded her hands through his hair to hold him in place, feeling weak and boneless at the onslaught. He was moving down her stomach before she had time to recover and her pants pooled gently at her feet followed by her panties and he was sliding his fingers into her moist centre, then she felt the hot slather of his tongue as it stroked and excited her to a fast peak.
"Aaah hell John..."
"Like that...hmm?"
"Yeah..."
His hands now moved behind her to run lightly up her spine and she gripped him firmly, causing him to take a sharp breath. Her hands kneaded gently until he was so hard he thought that he would surely burst and he had to grip her wrist, but lightly, to still her touch for a moment. She laughed and fumbled at his waistband, soon freeing him so that she could slide her hand up and down his length and dropping to her knees she took him in her mouth, scraping her tongue lightly on the underside until she felt him tremble.
Impatient now, he lifted her until he could slide smoothly inside her and walked them forward towards the shelving full of … something that felt vaguely like linen. Laughing a little now, he rested her bottom against the shelf, then laughter turned to something more as he stroked in and out of her with a relentless rhythm that had her gasping and gripping his shoulders, falling off the cliff, moments before her did.
His head dropped onto her shoulder and kissed her soft skin, feeling the tremors still moving through her and she pulled him closer so that she could wrap her arms around him, holding him close inside and out. Listening to him breathing against her shoulder, she wished that she could draw this moment out for a long moment in time.. one that she could always come back to if things became too much. Here in this dark room, she felt safe in the arms of her Colonel, feeling his slick skin under her hands and his breath on her shoulder. Bonded.