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Chapter 6 – Lingering Time
The weather over Tjaru had improved little over yesterday's long crying skies. The sun did occasionally break through the cloud cover, casting long bright shafts of sunlight through the grey day. A light rain had fallen early this morning when Teyla had dressed to attend her early sparring session with Vako. The drizzle had fallen constantly through the open space in the Training Courtyard as they had sparred, wetting everything down due more to persistence than weight.
She had enjoyed her session with Vako, desperately grateful for the opportunity of distraction through physical exertion. It was something that she missed away from the Sythus. She could always count on Si or Oneakka to be an opponent who held nothing back, who stepped over the line of cautiously pulling their punches, kicks and thrusts into the closest to true combat possible with a colleague. It was not quite as safe to spar that way with Vako, but it was as close as was possible outside the Elite. That fact spoke volumes as to Vako's skill. Yet again this morning she mentioned that he would be welcome to train among Elite ranks. He had laughed the comment aside, citing his age as too advanced. In truth she knew that his brilliance in the fighting skill of Bantos was borne from his determined attendance to mastery. He was a man of peace in his heart.
Regardless, she had still greatly valued his sparring this morning.
It had been something to focus on after having barely slept all night. For too many hours had she lain in her large empty bed as her mind had endlessly practised her explanation to John.
In the early hours of the morning, the sun just arriving through her curtains, she had come to the ugly conclusion that, as convinced as she was to put duty before her feelings for John, this confrontation was never going to go well. Her stomach had been unsettled since.
Yet, she was an Elite, and therefore determination and courage were as familiar to her as the call to duty.
A duty that she now had to put first.
Once she had finished her sparring session with Vako she had retreated to her quarters, the nausea in her belly turning her away from the interest in both first meal and the midday meal. Father had appeared an hour or so ago, taking a few minutes out of his very busy schedule to personally bring her a bowl of food. Someone had clearly been keeping track of the fact that she had not eaten today. She suspected that either Zabetha or Charin were behind it, most likely having their 'informants' in the complex's kitchen.
Father had behaved as if there was nothing unusual to his visit, saying only that he had a spare bowl of food and thought she may wish it. She had appreciated his need to pretend for her – for her pride. However, he had not been able to conceal the sympathy and concern in his eyes.
In some ways, she had been surprised at his continued agreement in moving forward with the Political Marriage. A part of her had thought he would have tried to talk her out of it. He had been cautious and unsure at first, but those concerns appeared to have been allayed by her determined insistence.
He trusted that she meant what she said.
And she did mean it – she was going to get married tomorrow.
Her stomach turned at the thought and she looked away from the bowl of food which remained untouched on the windowsill before her.
She had been stood here at her window since Father had left. The view of Tjaru normally soothed her, in whatever weather fell upon the Athosian landscape. Today however, the calm was not coming. She had watched the clouds slowly sliding overhead through the glass, had watched the glittering of The Gateway as an occasional shaft of sunlight passed over its rain wet height. Today the view seemed only gloomy and it perfectly reflected the sullen curdling emotions in her middle.
The waiting felt depressing and agonising.
She had spent many hours over her lifetime waiting, most often in the pause before a battle, but this waiting was unlike anything before.
But it would be over soon.
All things passed. Eventually.
Abruptly the communications screen bleeped, reporting a link coming in. The sound had cut through the silence like a knife through flesh and her heart had reacted dramatically.
It was not a call that John had arrived – it was too soon still for that – yet she had reacted like it was that call.
Working to calm her anxious nervous system, she finally turned away from the view of Tjaru and walked the length of the room to the screen set into the wall.
The call was from Halling and she triggered the link alive.
At least it was a distraction to draw her away from her silent long vigil.
"Greetings, Teyla," Halling stated as soon as he appeared on the screen, his smile wide and warm.
"Greetings, Halling," she replied. She was pleased to speak with him, but it felt a strain to force herself to smile in return.
"I do not have long this morning," he began, "there have been developments here."
"With the High Council?" She asked, eagerly latching onto the distraction.
"Yes. They held an emergency meeting yesterday eve and appropriately forwarded Esna Toshka's complaint to the Military Council."
"That is good," Teyla replied, honestly pleased. It would have been foolish for the High Council to try to counter their own laws by trying to deal with what was not their domain.
"Indeed. The Military Council have ordered Toshka's computer core decoded immediately. A number of the Military Council are currently here on the ship, personally overseeing the decoding."
That surprised Teyla somewhat. "How is it going?"
"The code is extremely complex, we have six technicians working on it, and Edfu is here from the Training Facility with one of his own top decoders."
Edfu was one of two Elite Security Leads who worked out of the Elite's Training Facility, overseeing all of the Elite's electronic and physical security across the Alliance. He was exceptional at his work.
"And how are things proceeding?" She asked again, aware that Halling had not directly answered her previous question.
"Not very well so far," Halling admitted with a sigh. "Though Oneakka was able to remove the computer core from Toshka's wall with a minimum of fuss." Teyla was not so sure removing something as large as a computer core out of a wall could be considered "minimal fuss", but she held back from making the point. "Just removing the sealed outer casing has been difficult, as it has several explosive devices within it set to detonate. They are struggling to deactivate all of them."
Teyla pursed her lips. Why would anyone wish to booby trap a computer core if there was not something to hide inside it?
"They have at least gotten around the initial boot up blocking code, but I am afraid that is where my understanding stops. It appears that Toshka wrote his own machine code into the computer, twisting the very basic standards of computer coding. It is like finding an entirely new language and no having no clues as to any of its meaning." Teyla could tell more from his frown than his words - Toshka's core was presenting quite a problem for the technicians.
"Where is Toshka?" Teyla asked, wondering if the man would have attempted to flee from Alliance space.
"He is gathering his supporters around him, crying out stories of Military corruption and that we, the Elite, are using him as a scapegoat following Karthig's revelation two days ago."
Karthig, one of the Sythus' own crew, had turned out to be a highly placed spy and who, upon his discovery, had threatened to destroy the Sythus. His plan had been thwarted, but the legacy remained; another traitor had been found in their midst.
"News of Karthig has become public?" She asked.
"It seems it reached the High Council quickly enough and Toshka has many friends there."
Teyla sighed. "He is being watched closely though?"
"Of course," Halling replied. "The Military Council have asked for his attendance in a hearing, described as an investigation into Oneakka's actions, but in truth it will allow us to present the core's data."
"As long as it implicates him and not others," Teyla considered.
"Toshka and his followers are calling for a limitation of Elite powers," Halling added.
"Are they?"
"It is not surprising. We know that many have seen our increased involvement with security on Alliance worlds as a threat."
"We knew some would fight against it," she considered. "Has Edfu heard back from those initially sent for the first work alongside planet securities?"
"He reports it is going well and the Elite sent have been very well received. In fact, their presence has caused something of a stir with many worlds, especially Rosenthal, putting on displays of military performance and sporting competitions for the visiting Elite."
"Any excuse for Rosenthal to show off," she smiled faintly.
"Indeed. The hope is that Toshka's computer core will be accessed, even if only partially, today or tomorrow, but I suspect it may be far longer judging by the level of tension and muttering among the technicians."
"I imagine having Military Councillors stood watching over their shoulders does not help," she considered.
"And Oneakka."
"I would have thought he would still be out rounding up the fifteen you mentioned yesterday."
"Fourteen have been arrested, two captured outside our borders, and unfortunately one has entirely vanished. Mostly like having successfully fled."
"It is fortunate to have captured so many."
"We are leaving it to Division to interrogate them," Halling reported. "It is best that way."
"Oneakka agreed to that?"
"I believe he had his own 'discussions' with the five he personally captured before he officially handed them over to Division," Halling smiled. "He seemed pleased with what he discovered and now seems very focused on the computer core's decoding."
Teyla nodded. She was missing quite dramatic events back on the Sythus.
"How do things progress on Athos?" Halling asked.
"Well enough," she replied simply.
Halling nodded.
She wondered if his question had been searching for information about John.
"I should return to overseeing the work on the core," Halling added, glancing aside. "Nalla is there, but with Ronon and Oneakka in the same room, I suspect the level of impatience is growing."
"Ronon struggles enough with being away from the Ballista, but being forced into rotation to work on the Military Council will not have pleased him further."
"I also suspect that his lack of sleep from his son's crying has not helped either."
Teyla smiled. "Wish him greetings from me, and my hope that I will see him tomorrow."
"I shall," Halling replied. "I hope your day goes well, Teyla."
She nodded, and she thought she saw a very similar expression around his eyes as she had seen on Father. "Good day to you, Halling," she replied with confidence, forcing that strained smile again.
She cut the link and the screen obediently displayed her electronic messages. She had been ignoring the gentle tones reporting their arrivals all morning. However, dealing with them now would be another distraction and a way to lose some time.
She triggered up the list. She saw instantly that the uppermost message displayed the official seal of the Genii. She triggered open the message to find that it was a greeting from General Maloo – her likely future husband as of tomorrow.
It was very formally worded, thanking her ahead of time for considering his offering tomorrow and sending her greetings from the Genii's supreme leader, Cowen.
She had forgotten to ask Halling if he had learnt anything further about Maloo, but perhaps he had not had time what with the Toshka and Council events gathering momentum. Or perhaps there was nothing to report on the matter.
She had already personally done an extensive background search into Maloo via the Elite's network. He, as with all Genii, had joined the planet's military in his youth. He had fought in many significant battles against the Wraith and had been a leading figure in the strengthening of the Genii's Confederation. He had worked in the Alliance's Military Fleet, commanding the Genii's flagship for several years, before being recalled to sit on the Genii Government as one of its many military advisers. He held his own large estate on the Genii homeworld, both under the planet's surface among the densely populated underground cities, and a large building on the surface in the First City. He invested considerably in the local community, and applied his skills in fighting to assisting in the training of new young recruits and in overseeing battalion drills.
He was a perfect example of Genii military success and honour.
There had been nothing concerning. She had even called up the specific details of the Fleet's engagements during his tours to study how Maloo had won his victories, hoping to gain some insight into the man's mind through studying his strategies. All his actions had been direct and decisive, which was again profoundly Genii.
Nothing seemed out of place in all her checks. He was almost a picture perfect representative of his people. Just as was expected for a Political Marriage candidate.
A gentle knock at Teyla's quarters' door drew her attention away from the message from her future husband. From the sound of the knock and that she had not used the bell, Teyla knew it was Zabetha.
"Come in, Zabetha," Teyla called to her sister as she padded quickly back across the room to pick up the forgotten bowl of food Father had brought her earlier. Zabetha no doubt would know about it and might even be here to check on the food's progress.
The door opened slowly and gently, everything her sister did being gentle and polite. "Greetings, Teyla," Zabetha began as she entered, the reference perhaps to the fact that Teyla had not socialised with any of the family so far today.
Ketra let out a happy bubbling sound as she sleepily rose from the rug to greet Zabetha.
"Do not get up, my friend," Zabetha smiled down to Ketra as she closed Teyla's door and crossed to meet Ketra in the middle of the room. Ketra's skin shifted to the bright silver colour of happiness as Zabetha stroked over Ketra's head and softly around her ears.
Teyla smiled as she made herself eat a spoonful of the cold food.
"Are you well, Teyla?" Zabetha asked looking up from Ketra.
"Well enough," Teyla replied honestly as she crossed back to the display of Maloo's message. "I have received a message from General Maloo," Teyla informed her.
"It is to be expected," Zabetha replied with a smile in her voice. Teyla glanced round to see her sister settling down on the rug with Ketra. Ketra nestled her head on Zabetha's lap and closed her eyes. "I imagine that he mentioned Cowen?"
"Yes, he did," Teyla confirmed.
"He is making it clear that he has the official agreement of his people behind his offer," Zabetha replied.
Teyla turned and sighed around another mouthful of unwanted food. "Am I expected to send some official reply?"
"It would be polite," Zabetha replied up at her. "But is not required. Some prefer not to communicate with those making offerings until the Offering Ceremony itself."
"Which clearly you did not do with Rhakshar," Teyla commented, glad to turn the focus away from herself.
Zabetha smiled as she glanced down at Ketra. She had been cautious around Ketra initially, but now seemed overly caring for the dragon. Teyla wondered if it was a way for her to express the love she wished to give to a child of her own, but was unable to ever have. Not that there were not plenty of orphaned or unwanted children out among the stars whom Zabetha and Rhakshar could bring up as their own, but for the moment Zabetha was focused on her work, and clearly enjoying her own new husband's company.
It was known in the complex that though tradition required a politically married couple to have adjoining rooms, Zabetha and Rhakshar had only shared one bedroom and they used the adjoining quarters as a living space.
"You could take the opportunity to communicate with Maloo to learn more about him," Zabetha suggested.
"I know enough about him," Teyla replied as she tried another mouthful of food. She deactivated the screen and moved across to sit down on the end of the sofa closest to where Zabetha sat with Ketra.
"You know him as a General," Zabetha responded looking up at her. "Through his reports, his career, and his military skills. Why not try to get to know the man behind that?"
"I will have plenty of time to get to know him," Teyla replied. She set the bowl of food aside. "That is if he will be the final offer."
"The Genii are very determined, which is something you two will have in common."
Teyla sat back on the sofa and turned her gaze up to the ceiling above her.
"From what I have heard, Genii can make enthusiastic lovers," Zabetha added.
Teyla frowned down from the ceiling to glare at her sister. "Where have you heard that?"
"I have friends," Zabetha replied with a smile. "They tell me of their exploits off world."
"Really?" Teyla asked.
Zabetha glanced down and then back to Teyla from under her brow. "None have had a lover from another galaxy though."
"There are many in Atlantis, perhaps they can find one there," Teyla replied with narrowed eyes.
Zabetha grinned. "I assume they are as human throughout as they appear? Everything is in the same place?"
Teyla opened her mouth in surprise at her usually very polite and discreet sister.
Zabetha grinned back at her.
"I think being a married woman has had some negative effects on you," Teyla teased her sister.
Zabetha chuckled lightly as she continued to stroke Ketra's back, the dragon appearing fast asleep once again. "I very much enjoy being a married woman."
"I can see that you do," Teyla said pointedly, amused at the flush to Zabetha's face.
"I had not imagined a day when you would marry," Zabetha added, the amusement gone, but the open honesty still in place.
Teyla glanced away as she nodded. "Neither did I, but this is a way to assist Athos, the Alliance, and the Elite."
"But will it bring you happiness, Teyla?" Zabetha asked softly.
Teyla looked round, her eyes stopping briefly on the blossom plant in the corner of her room. She focused on Zabetha instead. "Helping Athos makes me happy."
Zabetha nodded almost sadly. "Is there not a place for Major Sheppard in your life?"
"Not anymore," Teyla replied honestly. "It is best for us both that it is that way."
"Why?" The simple question seemed naively sad, but also profoundly significant in its directness.
Teyla glanced away towards the window, though she was unable to see the view of Tjaru from this angle. She could only see the grey clouds above it.
She considered her sister's simple question and how to answer it honestly – for Zabetha, but also to herself.
"Because he is dangerous," she found herself saying softly.
"To Athos?" Zabetha asked, clearly surprised at Teyla's answer.
"No," Teyla replied quietly as she shook her head, watching a soft drizzle of rain begin to fall against the window outside. "Because he distracts me."
"Is not a little distraction enjoyable and healthy?"
"Not when you are an Elite," Teyla replied immediately. "Not when others' lives hang in the balance of your actions. Not when you make the wrong choice and someone dies."
Zabetha had no answer to that.
It felt good to speak out loud to her sister what had been plaguing her alone. Zabetha's silence, her lack of any strong argument, gave credence to Teyla's own thoughts on the matter. She wished that confirmation did not make her feel quite so sad.
Silence fell over the room, except for Ketra's snoring.
Zabetha let out an amused breath eventually. "She makes so much noise while she sleeps; does she not keep you awake some nights?"
Teyla looked down at Ketra with as close to a smile as she could honestly find. John had snored slightly sometimes.
"I am used to it," she said as she watched Ketra peacefully sleeping, her cheek and neck curled up against Zabetha.
"Rhakshar sometimes snores," Zabetha reported. "However, I find a nudge to his middle usually is enough to encourage him to turn over."
Teyla smiled. "You would be amazed what a good nudge with an elbow can achieve in many circumstances."
Zabetha grinned, but truthfully she could not know how true that statement was.
Not for the first time did Teyla find herself comparing her and her sister's lives, and how she might have grown up more like her polite and gentle sister if she had not joined the Elite. Would she be as elegant in stance and as kind of heart as Zabetha?
She found it hard to think of herself as anything other than a warrior.
At times, especially with regard to the current political arrangements, she wished she had Father and Zabetha's gift with words. To say the right thing in such a way as to convince, disarm, and negotiate. They always seemed to know what to say.
Today, more than on any other day in her life, did Teyla wish she had that same skill.
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TBC