A/N: Hey Everyone! I'm so sorry for the looooong delay. I had some serious writers block with this story not to mention soe nasy computer viruses that put my laptop in the shop twice. I'm trying to get back on track with this story. Let me know what you think. As always Happy Reading!
General Sitarras was a man that usually tried to control his reactions to things. He was a military man. Born and bred for this life. He knew from a very young age that he would be going down this path and there wasn't day that went by that he wasn't thankful that the gods had put him on it. Yes, he was proud to be a soldier. Proud to wear the uniform and be apart of the heritage that came along with wearing it.
Nothing in life made him happier than bringing glory and honor to his people. He truly wished that he could show some of that happiness today, but there was no way that was going to happen after the message he just received from Miccar and the Council. Today, thanks to them his emotions were out there for all to see. All the lessons he learned throughout his career to keep his emotions in check were being thrown out the window thanks to Miccar and his foolish decision making.
"Hide my feelings? Hold my tongue? There's no chance in hell for that today." Sittaras said to himself.
Sometimes he wished his friend would see things for that they are. Black and White. No more, no less. That is how his world ran and he wished that the rest the world would just think the way he did.
Now because of Miccar he was forced to do something he disagreed with. It didn't though. No matter what his issues were with the order he would follow them because he was ordered to and that's what a good soldier does. He would just make some adjustments to that order to suit his needs and that of mission. No need for Miccar and the Council to know. What happens in the field, stays in the field.
Sittaras look at the watch on his arm and saw that it had been over thirty minutes since he received Miccar's message that the descendants were coming. They should have been here by now he thought.
"Are they here yet Corpsman?" Sittaras barked out.
Corpsman Nobari visibly shrank in his seat before he answered the General.
"Yes, sir. They just requested clearance. Both ships are landing now." Nobari said.
"Good. When is the next group of evacuees coming in?" Sittaras asked.
"Shortly sir. They just called in to advise they have a full load." Nobari said.
"As soon as they land make sure that the pilots of those Transports gets switched out immediately for a fresh ones. Then I want them to head over to rehab and get some rest. They've earned it. If you need anything, I will be greeting our guest." Sittaras said.
"Yes, General." Nobari said.
John landed his Transport at the coordinates Colar sent him. Teyla watched as John started to power down the ship and open the rear hatch. She was once again amazed at how John made flying look so easy. He told her once that he could fly anything that went in the air. She thought he was just joking but today he proved her wrong.
Teyla didn't like the way the Transports flew. The flight over was a bit too bumpy for her liking. She noticed that Transports did not fly as smooth or as gracefully as the Atlantis Jumpers. When Teyla told John about her observations he agreed with her. He told her that the controls on the Transports handled differently then the Jumpers back on Atlantis and that they were a bit sluggish to his responses because they weren't programmed to read his Ancient DNA like their Jumpers back home were. Even with those major difference Teyla could John still had fun flying the "Jumper Wanna-be's" as he called them. He smiled the whole time they were in the air. It was nice to see him smile about something since they arrived on Naharra. Teyla didn't know how much she missed John's smile until it had gone.
"All powered down." John said.
Teyla was already at the hatch door when John came up behind her.
"Just in time. The others are landing now." Teyla said pointing to the other Transport Colar was piloting.
"That's funny. They should have beat us here. They were a few minutes ahead of us." John said.
"I hope all is well with them." Teyla said.
"Let's go find out what's up." John said.
As soon as the other Transport landed the rear hatch opened and Ronon was the first out followed by Danielle.
"Where's Colar?" John asked.
"He's powering down the ship." Ronon said.
"So what took you guys so long?" John said.
"Flying lessons." Ronon said.
John and Teyla both looked at each other and knew that couldn't be good.
"Flying lesson?" John asked.
"For Major Campbell." Colar said walking towards John and the others.
"Major Campbell?" Teyla asked with a questioning eyebrow.
"Yes. She had questions about the Transport and the operation of it. When I tried to explain it to her it became very technical and she stated that she is... a.. what is the phrase? You are very..." Colar said.
"Hands on." Danielle said.
"Yes, hands on. That is it. She learns better by actually engaging in the activity. I must say she is very quick learner and a natural pilot." Colar said sounding just like a teacher who was proud of his student.
"Thank you Colar." Danielle said.
Danielle couldn't help but smile. She loved flying and had always wished that she could fly fighter jets on Earth or the Jumpers back on Atlantis but her career path and having no Ancient DNA prevented her from doing so. It was a real treat for her to behind the controls of the Transport. It was a dream come true.
"So Ronon, was Danielle a natural?" Teyla asked.
"She did pretty good. We almost crashed once but pulled up just in time." Ronon nonchalantly said.
Danielle poked Ronon in the side.
"Didn't I say ixna on the almost ashcray?"Danielle said.
"Yeah, I heard you say that but I still don't know what you mean by it. What the hell kinda language is that?" Ronon said.
"It's pig latin and she was telling you not to tell me about the almost crash. Knowing that I would not be happy." John said.
"Oh. Oops." Ronon said.
"How about you keep your hands off the controls for now Major until you get more lessons under your belt. " John said.
Danielle sighed slighted and frowned when she answered. "Yes sir." She felt like a small child that just got scolded by her father.
"We got company." Ronon said tilting his head towards the man coming towards them.
John and the others turned towards the man approaching them.
"That is General Sittaras." Colar said.
John watched the General as he walked over to them and started sizing him up.
The first thing John noticed was that the General was a very tall man. He could already feel his neck starting to hurt at the prospect of looking up at the giant man. Even from far away John could see that from the way the General walked that he was someone that commanded respect and demanded it in return. The General's stride covered two steps as opposed to a normal persons one so he reached the group very quickly.
The next thing was the man's uniform. It was black but looked similar to the black field uniforms he had back on Atlantis. On the uniform was the same markings and insignia's that were on Niya's uniform. There was only one difference and that was on the lapels. Instead of them being red like Niya's they were gold and he had five of them.
John stepped forward and was about to introduce himself and the members of his team when the General raised a hand stopping him.
John didn't like the feeling of being silently shushed by any one but the man was a General so John respected the rank and kept quiet but never moved from his spot. He wanted to let the General know that he was not a man who was easily intimidated by rank or size.
General Sittaras quietly observed the people standing in front of him. He passed by each one taking mental notes on them. He paused just twice to look at both descendants then continued his assessment.
Once he was done he was stepped in front of John who didn't visible shrink in front of him like most of his men did. That made him inwardly smile. He liked a man who stood his ground.
"I am General Sittaras, Commander of the Legions of Naharra. Before you all introduce yourselves there are somethings I wish to make clear. First, let me say that I'm very honored to be in the presence of both descendants. I have never dreamed that such thing could be possible in my life time. To see you here does let me know that there is hope for all of us to survive these dark times. Now with that being said I wish to ask your forgiveness for what I am about to say."
General Sittaras let out a loud sigh wondering if he should even continue his thoughts. After all these were his people's saviors standing in front of him and he truly did not wish to offend them. Taking a deep breath he continued on and hoped for the best.
"My superiors believe that your being here is a sign of good things to come. That just seeing you will inspire hope in the people of this region that so desperately need it." Sittaras said.
"But you do not believe this?" Teyla asked.
The General turned to Teyla and let a hint of a smile appear on his lips.
"No. I believe there is a time and place for such things. This is not one of them. Your presence here will only hinder our efforts to keep this evacuation orderly because people will focus their attention on the both of you and not on getting to safety. Thus making this harder for my men to get the job done. And that is what bothers me the most about this whole thing is that my superiors care less for my men and the mission and more on how they can use this... you.. to their advantage. It just is not very sound decision making in my eyes but.. orders are orders. And although I strongly disagree with them, I will follow them because that is what a good soldier does." Sittaras said.
General Sittaras looked at the people standing in front of him especially the descendants to see what their reaction would be to what was said.
John looked at his team and was glad that they all had their poker faces on. Not one of them showed what they were truly thinking. He thought this might be a good time to speak up.
"General, Lt. Colonel John Sheppard. I think I can speak for my team when I say we appreciate the concern you have for us and that we will try our best to make sure this operation goes as smoothly as possible for you and your people." John said holding out his hand.
General Sittaras looked at John's out stretch hand and shook it.
"That was a very diplomatic answer Colonel. Well done. Now, please introduce your team to me." Sittaras said.
"Gladly." John said.
After a short round of introductions they followed the General towards the tent where Operations was located.
During the walk over many people, mostly civilians, stopped what they were doing to stare at Teyla and Danielle. Even some of the soldiers had to do a double take. It wasn't until they heard the General's booming voice telling them to move on that they were able to focus on whatever task they were doing.
"Only the first of many." Sittaras said.
"So we have been told." Teyla said.
Walking inside the Operations tent was like walking in to a beehive. It was full of activity with people everywhere moving about in a ordered chaos. Most of the soldiers didn't even notice the new visitors walking in. The few that did notice took a quick look then went back to what ever they were just doing.
"General, we..." Nobari was about to make his report when he caught sight of Teyla and Danielle.
Before the General could stop him Nobari dropped to his knees and started singing praises to very a embarrassed Teyla and Danielle.
"Please, you don't have to do that." Danielle said trying desperately to get the man to stop before others joined him.
When Danielle's pleading didn't work the General walked over grabbing Nobari off the ground.
"Show some self control for gods sake and get up off the ground. You're embarrassing not only yourself but our guest."
"Sorry Sir. It is just that...it...well" Nobari couldn't finish his sentence. He was just too awe struck by Teyla and Danielle that he couldn't contain the joy he was feeling at seeing them both.
"Nobari! I need you to focus on the job we came to do. If you can not then I will relieve you of your duty and find someone who can! Do I have you attention now!" Sittaras said getting right in the face Nobari.
Nobari nodded his head several times then straightened his uniform and regained his composure.
"Yes sir. It won't happen again." Nobari said
"Good. Now I believe you have something for me?"Sittaras asked.
"Yes sir. We have two transport ship that are ready to leave but the pilots are still in rehab and we have received word that the next groups are ready and more than a little anxious to leave." Nobari said.
"Where are the two groups located?"Sittaras asked.
"Joruda and Deja."Nobari said.
Sittaras looked over to John and his team and was silent for a second then spoke.
"Colonel, Colar, I know you both just arrived but I need you in the air now. Are you both able to fly?"
"Of course General." Colar said.
"Just point the way." John said with a fake enthusiasm.
Crap. John said to himself. Two destination meant that he might have to break his team up even smaller. He tried his best not roll his eyes at the situation. It wasn't working. Just before his eyes started to roll on their own he felt Teyla's eyes on him. Teyla gave him a look and then slightly shook her head while grabbing the bride of her nose in mild annoyance with him. Not wanting to anger her John flashed his trademark smile towards Teyla.
Teyla tried to not but she could never resist John and his smile. She returned his smile with one of her own then mouthed to John to "Behave" and he mouthed back "Yes dear".
"Excellent. Nobari, send a message letting them know we will have Transports leaving shortly and to prepare for their arrival." Sittaras said.
"Yes sir." Nobari said.
"Colonel, I know you may not want to but I think it will be best if you split these two up." Sittaras said pointing to Teyla and Danielle.
"I was hoping to keep my people with me. We work best when we're together." John said.
"I understand and if I were in your situation I would not like the prospect of making my team even smaller but in this case it is warranted. You saw how Nobari was with seeing them. Can you imagine what a whole village will be like when they see them walking off a transport? It will be utter chaos for you. Having them separate will be beneficial to you. I will leave the decision to you." Sittaras said.
John was about to say they will make do when Teyla spoke up.
"John, I think the General is right. I think it will be best for us to split up." Teyla said.
John looked at Teyla like she had lost her mind.
"Excuse us for a second. I need to talk to my team outside." John said.
"Of course. Sittaras said.
Once outside and out of earshot John turned to Teyla.
"What the hell was that? Why would you suggest that? I'm trying to keep up together not split us up even more." John said
"John, this is not the first mission where we have had to slit up."Teyla said.
"I know that Teyla but I don't trust these people and it seems like that since we have arrived here that everything including this blasted planet has been trying to split us up." John said.
"I realize that John and I am sure that I can speak for the rest of saying that we do not trust them either. None of that changes the fact that the General has a point. Having the both of us there would be a nightmare. We would never get anything accomplished. I think that maybe seeing one of us may lessen the shock for these people. All I am trying to say John, is that we came to help, not cause another problem." Teyla said.
"I don't like it either Shepard but Teyla's right." Ronon said.
"Not you too Ronon. I thought you'd be on my side on this one." John said.
"Can't argue when she's right. I don't even know why you're trying. She's always right." Ronon said.
"Campbell? What do you say? Speak up. This is just as much about you as it is Teyla." John said.
"I agree. Splitting up may suck but it's our only option at this point." Danielle said.
John didn't like it but Teyla and the others made sense. Thank god she was there to help him see things that he refused to.
"Fine. I think Campbell said it best. Splitting up may suck but it's our only option. Especially if we are going to make this work. God, I hate this." John said.
John let out a loud groan and wished he could hit something. Yeah, it wouldn't solve anything but it would feel pretty damn good right about now.
"Ok, now that we got that settled let's go see what's behind curtain number two." John said
"Everything settled Colonel?" Sittaras asked as John and the others walked back in the tent.
"We're just peachy. I talked it over with my team and we feel that it is in ours and the missions best interest if we split up." John said.
"I know it was not an easy choice Colonel, but you will see that in the end it was the right one." Sittaras said.
"General I have the coordinates and the map ready. If you will all follow me I will show you the fastest route to take." Nobari said.
John looked at the map on display that Nobari had up. It was a three-d model of the Naharran world. He watched as Nobari touched the land masses on the map bring them closer to view until the finally the camp came into view. It was like Google Earth, only cooler.
Once the camp was in view Nobari touched another area on the map and it brought the two villages into view side by side.
John noticed right away that one of the villages was pretty far away while the other was in a very isolated area. Not good. His mind was already working on contingency plans just in case something went wrong at either village.
"How far away is that village on the left screen?" John asked.
"Joruda is about three hours flight time from our location while Deja on the right is only one. But don't let the distance fool you Colonel. Although Deja is closer, the winds in that area make the flying very difficult. That's why the inhabitants chose that area. They like the isolation. An experienced pilot will be needed for that run." Nobari said.
"Colonel Sheppard is an experience pilot." Colar said coming John's defense.
"It's ok Colar, I appreciate the vote of confidence from you but I understood what Nobari is saying. If this mission is going to succeed then we'll need a experienced pilot for that region. Have you flown in that area before?" John said.
"Yes, I have. I was there before I went on my journey to find the descendants." Colar said.
"Well then, I think we found our experienced pilot. Jobs yours. That means I will be heading to Joruda." John said.
"You both leave in the next ten minutes and will have a five man extraction team waiting for you when arrive. The villagers have been told to bring only what they can carry and nothing more. Here are your maps and if you any problems along the way just contact the base." Nobari said.
"Alright let's get ready to move out. We leave in ten." John said.
"May the Ancients watch over you and your team Colonel. Glory and Honor to you all." Sittaras said.
"Thank you General. I think we're gonna need it." John said.
As John started towards his Transport with Teyla right behind him he stopped suddenly causing Teyla to almost bump into him.
"John, is everything alright?" Teyla asked.
John sighed and hoped he was about to do the right thing.
"Yeah, everything's fine Teyla. Look, I need you to do something for me?" John said.
"Anything. You know that." Teyla said.
"I need you to go with Colar and Ronon and let Campbell come with me." John said.
Teyla was a little surprised and nervous about John's request.
"John, I do not think it is wise to leave you two alone in such a... confined space."Teyla said.
John smiled then kissed Teyla's forehead.
"Teyla, you don't have to worry. Campbell and I will be fine. I was going to talk to her after the ceremony but I figured why wait. A three hour flight will give us plenty of time to clear the air between us." John said.
Teyla was still a little apprehensive about what John was asking. She knew John's temper all to well and that it could sometimes get the best of him like it did with them being separated. Teyla also knew that John would never do something like this unless he was really ready to talk and clear the air like he said with Danielle. This talk needed to happen and if John was willing to take this step then she should would trust in his judgment.
"Alright John. I will go with Colar and inform Danielle that she will be accompanying you. Just promise me something?" Teyla said.
"Anything." John said with smile.
"That you will listen,have an open mind, and that you will not throw her out of the Transport." Teyla said.
John laughed.
"Yes dear. I promise to listen and have an open mind. Not sure I can live up to the not throwing her off the Transport part."
John quickly kissed Teyla then started walking away towards his Transport.
"John! That is not funny. Promise me!" Teyla said.
John turned around and crossed his heart with his fingers. That should have made Teyla feel better but it did not. Suddenly feeling a tension headache coming on, Teyla started to head towards the other Transport to get Danielle.
"How long until we head out?" Ronon asked Colar.
"Not too long. I'm almost done with my pre-flight check and the coordinates have been downloaded into the computer. Major, would you like to sit up front again? I promise no hands on training." Colar said with a smile.
"Sounds great. I always like the window seat." Danielle said.
Danielle was just about to take her seat when felt her head start to hurt.
"You ok?" Ronon asked when he noticed her rubbing her temples.
"Yeah. It feels like I got a headache coming on. I'll take something for it it doesn't go away." Danielle said.
Ronon heard someone coming up the ramp into the Transport. He turned around was surprised to see Teyla standing there.
"What are you doing here? John decided to fly solo?" Ronon asked.
Danielle looked at Teyla and before Teyla even spoke she could feel the tension radiating off of her and knew that's where her headache was coming from.
"Somethings wrong." Danielle said.
"No Ronon, John is not flying solo and as far as something being wrong, it depends how you look at it." Teyla said.
"What's up then?" Ronon asked.
"There is a change in plans. I will be going with Ronon and Colar while Danielle...will be going with John." Teyla said.
Teyla watched as Ronon and Danielle stood there in a stunned silence. Now it was Teyla's turn to feel the tension coming off of Danielle. It was slamming into Teyla so hard she had to sit down.
"Danielle, you must relax. For both our sakes." Teyla said while rubbing her temples.
"Easy for you to say. You don't have to sit with someone who dislikes you for three hours." Danielle said.
"He does not dislike you." Teyla said.
"Yes he does." Ronon said.
"Ronon, you are not helping." Teyla said.
"It's true. Sheppard and Campbell alone is just not a good idea. I think I should go with them." Ronon said.
"No. John and Danielle have much to discuss and they need this time to settle their differences. They are both adults and will be fine." Teyla said.
Danielle sighed.
"She's right Ronon. I need to go. I know the Colonel wanted to wait to talk but if he wants to take this step then so will I." Danielle said.
"I still say I should go with you just in case." Ronon said.
"I'll be fine. I better get going before..." Danielle was interrupted by John's voice coming over her earpiece.
"Campbell what's the hold up? We should have been gone two minutes ago. Move your ass." John said.
"Sorry sir. My ass is already down the ramp and I'm booking to catch it now." Danielle said grabbing her gear.
"Copy that." John said.
"You sure?" Ronon asked.
"Really Ronon, I'll be fine. Thanks though. I better get going. See you guys when we get back. Be careful and stay in touch." Danielle said.
"You too and we will." Teyla said.
Ronon watched as Danielle ran down the ramp towards John's Transport. Teyla looked over to him and saw worry etched on his strong face.
"She will be fine Ronon." Teyla said.
"He's gonna throw out of that transport you know that right?" Ronon said taking his seat next to Teyla.
"He will not do that." Teyla said.
"Uh huh." Ronon said.
"He will not. I made him promise. They will be fine." Teyla said.
"I promised Major Lorne I would watch out for her. Make sure she and Sheppard didn't kill each other. I kinda feel like I'm breaking my word." Ronon said.
"You are not. I believe the Major would understand Ronon. Have faith. They will be alright together." Teyla said.
"If you say so." Ronon said.
"You are the one that pointed out I am always right. This time will be no different." Teyla joked.
Ronon nodded his head and smiled at Teyla's joke.
"We are ready to leave."Colar said.
He looked around and was puzzled to see Teyla and not Danielle on board.
"Did I miss something? Where is Major Campbell?" Colar asked.
"She will be traveling with Colonel Sheppard." Teyla said.
"Oh. I am sorry she had to go. I am sure that she will benefit from her time with Colonel Sheppard." Colar said.
"I believe she will too." Teyla said.
"If you both are ready we have clearance to leave." Colar said.
"We are ready." Teyla said.
Colar tapped some buttons on his console and before Teyla knew it they were off.
John looked at console and saw that he was given clearance to leave.
"All set Campbell?" John asked.
"Yes sir." Danielle said.
John sent a signal that he was ready to leave then pulled up his map. Once he put in the coordinates he tapped the controls and they were off towards Juruda.