Chapter 10: Utopia
Rodney stormed out of the hut to find Carson. They'd returned from the underground city two days ago and hadn't been back. Rodney needed to know why John wasn't allowed to accompany them yet. Sure, the man was injured, but John was bored out of his brain, driving everyone up the wall.
When they'd returned from the ancient city, Rodney was disturbed to find out how severe Sheppard's injuries were, so Carson stated in no uncertain terms that John wasn't going anywhere, no matter how much Rodney needed him in the underground city.
Sheppard's fever broke the afternoon they'd returned from the underground city, and for the last day and a half, the man kept moaning about how bored he was. It was clear to Rodney Sheppard was still in pain, but Carson had cut down John's morphine dose, so he was less sleepy and downright grumpy.
He hoped that Carson was on his own. He knew Ronon, Lorne, and Changley were off hunting, but he didn't know where Tarrellia, Rollo and Grantly were.
Once he arrived in the clearing, he looked around and was happy to see Carson was the only one there.
"Carson, you have got to do something about Sheppard. He's shouting at everyone and keeps trying to get out of bed."
Carson had Sheppard on his feet the day before using a pair of crutches that Ronon had made, but because he still had a wound in his right thigh, the activity caused John a lot of pain.
"I know he's not happy at the moment, but remember, he's still in a lot of pain."
"Yeah, but I swear I don't complain as much when I'm injured."
They both looked up when they heard a laugh from the hut, "Are you sure, McKay? You complain when you've got a splinter."
Rodney turned to see John standing by the hut on crutches, and he looked to be in agony.
He was furious at his friend for attempting to walk, "What the hell are you doing, Sheppard!?"
"Well, McKay, let's see. I have to get to the ancient city to help activate it, but someone hid the wheelchair, so the only way to get your attention was to walk out on crutches, which Ronon hid from a certain doctor, who I don't care to name. Ronon wants me to go to the underground city with him. I think he wants to return home and guess what? He's not the only one. What about you, Dr Beckett? I get the impression you don't want to go home."
Rodney was waiting for Beckett to explode, but as usual, the man spoke with compassion when he replied.
"I'm sorry, Lad, but you've just recovered from a nasty infection and fever and still need bed rest."
"When we return to Atlantis, I will spend as long as you like in the infirmary, but I want to do something right now. So, can you kindly get me the wheelchair so I can sit in it?"
Rodney didn't miss the glare Sheppard gave Carson, and he wondered if the doctor would acquiesce to Sheppard's demands.
Carson let out a deep sigh and walked behind the hut. He returned a minute later with the wheelchair, and he wasn't happy.
"Sit down, Colonel, and we will discuss an expedition to the underground city. But you will only be going when I say you're ready."
Rodney watched as John lowered himself into the wheelchair, and it was clear the man was still in agony.
"Geesh Carson, he's in agony. Can't you give him a shot of morphine or something?"
"I'm fine," John answered before Carson could speak.
"You are most certainly not fine, Colonel. That is why I won't allow you to go to the underground city for at least another day!" Carson ranted.
"Come on, Carson, I'm fine!" John shouted back.
By this time, Carson was red in the face, and it looked like he might explode, "You're an idiot, Colonel! Every time you are injured, you state you're fine when you're far from it. Then you try and escape from my care before you're ready. I have a medical degree, so when will you get it through that thick head that I only have your best interests at heart!"
With that, Carson stormed out of the clearing, leaving Sheppard open-mouthed.
Rodney had never seen Carson that angry before and wondered how often Sheppard had felt his Wrath. However, there were rumours about the Scott's temper. Apparently, the doctor had an extremely long fuse.
"Carson's really pissed," Rodney commented.
"He'll get over it," Sheppard replied with a shrug.
Rodney looked at John, and he knew his friend was in pain. It was also clear that Sheppard was used to Carson's temper.
"So, do you want to lie down or something?"
"Look, Rodney. I want to go to the ancient city. Then return to Atlantis and rest. Like I said to Carson, once we get back to Atlantis, I am happy to spend plenty of time in the infirmary healing."
"What do you want to do now?"
"I want to be left alone for a while," Sheppard replied.
Rather than argue with the man, Rodney nodded and walked away. Perhaps he'd go and look for Carson. Maybe he'd sit in the hut for a while. Just in case Sheppard needed him.
oOo
Carson was furious as he left the clearing. He'd known Sheppard for almost six years, and the man hadn't changed. He'd never known anyone place so little value on his own life. Sheppard's catch cry was to never leave a man behind, except when it came to him. He knew Sheppard was right, and he needed to explore the underground city if they were ever going to get home, but Carson was worried about his friend.
After walking for a few minutes, he found a fallen log and decided to sit down and think. Perhaps it was time to let Sheppard go to the city, but there was no way he was walking down the steep steps Rodney had described. Ronon would have to carry John down, and when he was at the bottom, he would be in a wheelchair. Those were his conditions. If John didn't like it, he wouldn't let him go. The only problem, how could he tell Sheppard without the man shouting at him again?
Colonel Sheppard was a charming man, but when he couldn't get his own way, he shouted at everyone or used his ubiquitous puppy dog eyes.
Perhaps he'd sit longer and think about what he might say.
A loud voice brought him out of his contemplations, "Hey, Doc, what are you doing here?"
He looked up to find Ronon standing in front of him.
"Where have Lorne and Changley gone?"
"I've sent them back to the hut to start fixing lunch because I figured you'd want to talk."
Carson looked at Ronon in disbelief. Ronon was asking him if he wanted to talk. Everyone knew Ronon wasn't good at expressing any emotions.
If Ronon wanted to talk, he'd tell him precisely what was happening, "Colonel Sheppard's an idiot."
Ronon chuckled, "Why do you say that, Doc?"
"His injuries are still severe, and all he can think about is going to the underground city and getting home. I have never seen anyone with so little regard for their health and life."
"You were in stasis when we rescued Teyla from Micheal. Sheppard was severely injured then, but there was no way he was going to lie in a hospital bed while Teyla was in danger. In the end, Keller let him go, and he even told Carter he'd surrender for court Marshall when we returned from the mission. That's who Sheppard is, and you can't change him. His job is to protect others, and he takes it extremely seriously. All soldiers do."
That was probably the longest speech he'd ever heard from Ronon, and he knew the man was right. However, he suspected rescuing Teyla had more to do with John's feelings toward her.
"You're right, Ronon, but if I let Colonel Sheppard go, you'll need to carry him down the stairs."
Ronon chuckled, "I'm not sure he'll agree to that, but if it's the only way, he'll have no choice. So, who's going to tell him, you or me?"
Carson sighed, "I guess I'll tell him."
He knew he would regret it and face the Colonel's Wrath again, but the man was incorrigible and had no regard for his health.
"Come on, Doc, let's go break the news to Sheppard," Ronon suggested, slapping him on the back before walking down the path.
Carson quickly followed his friend and shuddered at the thought of dealing with the prickly Colonel again.
oOo
"Halling, it is good to see you again," Teyla greeted as she hobbled into the Athosian settlement.
Jennifer had pushed her in a wheelchair to the outskirts of the village, but when they approached the settlement, she insisted on standing on her feet - or one foot.
She and Jennifer were delivering some medical supplies to the people, and she also wanted to ask if someone would be willing to look after Jallell and Rollo. She hoped Rollo would return to them along with John, but as time went by, it seemed less likely.
The last time they'd heard from Ronon and the others was almost four days ago, and the spacegate they communicated through was still open. They hadn't heard from Ronon or the others since, so Teyla assumed the Wraith had kept the gate open.
Woolsey tried to contact Todd two days ago to see if the Wraith had any information on her friend's whereabouts, but there was no response. As time went on, Teyla was becoming worried about her friends, but that was nothing to the depression that Jallell was displaying. If they had a counsellor, she would try and have the child talk to them, but Kate died over a year ago, and the SGC hadn't sent another councillor.
"I take it this is Jallell?" Halling asked, kneeling before the girl beside Teyla.
Torren stood on her other side, and as usual, the boy seemed excited to see Halling.
"Halling!" Torren squealed before running to greet him.
"Hello, Torren," Halling replied, hugging the child.
Jallel looked at Halling with wide eyes and hid behind Teyla.
"Yes Halling, this is Jallell. Would there be an Athosian family who would be willing to take care of her Long term? She also has a brother, but he is currently missing."
"I am sure someone will be willing to care for these children, but for now, how about Torren take Jallell to meet Jinto?"
"I will go with them," Jennifer suggested, speaking for the first time since they'd arrived.
Teyla was grateful the doctor was willing to look after the children for a while, "Thank you, Jennifer."
Teyla watched as Jennifer left with the children before turning to Halling, "Have you got time to speak, old friend?"
"Come and sit by the fire, and I will make us some tea."
Teyla nodded and sat on a log beside the fire. The day was fine, but there was a chill in the air, so she was glad of the warmth emanating from the fire.
Halling put a pot of water over the fire before turning to look at her, and she didn't miss the compassion in his eyes.
"What is wrong, Teyla? I have known you far too long to realise when you are troubled."
"I am worried about John, but John was injured the last time I saw him. The Wraith captured him as well."
There was a twinkle in Halling's eye as he replied, "And you are not worried about the others?"
Her cheeks flushed red as she answered, "Of course I am."
"Look, Teyla, it is clear your feelings for Colonel Sheppard run deeper than friendship, so it is understandable you are concerned. I will pray to the ancestors that the Colonel will return to us. When he is, we will have a wondrous celebration. Right here on New Athos."
"Thank you, Halling."
"How about a cup of tea before you return to Atlantis," Halling suggested.
"I would like that. It may be a while before Jennifer is ready to return to Atlantis, as she has many medical supplies to unload."
"And don't worry about Jallell and Torren. I will take care of them for a few days," Halling assured her.
She nodded, closed her eyes and savoured the hot cup of tea Halling had given her. There was a lot on her mind, but for now, she tried to empty her mind of all negative thoughts. There would be plenty of time to worry later.
oOo
The hum of the ancient city soothed John as Ronon wheeled him into the chair room.
When Carson told him he could go to the ancient city, provided he was carried down the stairs by Ronon and used a wheelchair to explore the city, he was horrified and started to object. But Carson had told him in no uncertain terms that he wouldn't be going if he didn't follow his commands. John even thought about refusing to go, but In the end, John had reluctantly agreed to Carson's demands. And right now, he would have to admit the doctor was right - not that he'd tell Carson about it.
The trip down the stairs was painful and embarrassing for John, but he had remained quiet the whole time because he didn't want Carson to call off the mission.
Ronon, Carson, and Rodney had accompanied him to the city, while Changley, Grantley, Lorne and Tarrellia had opted to stay with Rollo. Rollo was upset initially, but when John promised to give him a tour of Atlantis, the boy's eyes lit up, and he was quiet.
Carson's urgent voice interrupted his contemplations, "Do you need anything for the pain, Lad?"
He considered accepting Carson's offer but knew he needed to remain clear-headed to connect with the city. He was sick of the groggy feeling that morphine gave him anyway.
"No, I'm good," he replied.
"Well, in that case, why don't you get in the chair and try and find out what's wrong with the city?" Rodney demanded.
Rather than answer the annoying scientist, John tried to stand up and take a few steps to the control chair. Before he had a chance, Ronon picked him up and placed him in the chair.
"Thanks, Chewie," John replied indignantly.
He knew there was no way he would have made it on his own because he had a broken left leg, and his right leg was still injured, but it didn't make it any less embarrassing.
He leaned back in the chair and tried to connect with the city. Initially, nothing happened, but then a sudden spike of pain shot through his head. This is new, he thought, as the pain intensified. Suddenly, he felt his muscles begin to twitch, his body began to tremble, and he felt the darkness encroaching. Just when he thought he would lose consciousness, the pain disappeared, and a bright light appeared.
Someone spoke from within the light, "Welcome to the city of Utopia, Ancient. I have not connected with you before. Are you new here?"
He didn't know what to say, but she must have read his mind.
"You come from the city of Atlantis, John Sheppard. What are you doing here?"
"Our craft crashed on this moon, and we are trying to find a way home."
"That is strange. The shield protecting this research outpost should allow Ancient crafts through. Only Wrath vessels should crash."
"I think it may be malfunctioning along with other parts of the outpost. Will you allow my friends and I to fix the problems? The great ring is off-line. If we fix it, we can return to Atlantis. Perhaps we can bring others to help repair the outpost then.
"I will allow you to correct the malfunctions, but I only wish to communicate with you. One of you're friends tried to connect with me, but he is not an Ancient one. Neither are you, but you are closer to the ancient ones than the other. How is that possible? Where are my designers, and why aren't they here? Perhaps if you allow me to draw it from your mind?"
John let out a sigh. He knew this wouldn't be pleasant, but he didn't have time to go into a long-winded explanation.
"Go ahead, Utopia."
Suddenly, an excruciating pain shot through his head, and his muscles began to tremble, and right before he lost consciousness, he felt himself falling forward.
oOo
Carson watched as John leant back in the chair and was surprised when nothing happened. A minute later, the chair lit up, and John's body began to tremble and convulse, and he was afraid his friend would injure himself further.
"Do something, Rodney? Can you disconnect him from the chair?"
"I'll do it!" Ronon shouted, lunging for the chair.
"Don't do it, Conon!" Rodney shouted forcefully, "It could cause brain damage if he is forcefully disconnected."
Carson was worried when he noticed blood coming from John's nose and ears, "What are we going to do then?"
"I don't know. Just keep quiet, and I'll think of something!" Rodney suggested in a high-pitched, panicked tone.
While Rodney worked, Carson watched John, and within another minute, the trembling and convulsing settled down.
"Rodney, the convulsing has stopped. However, he's clearly still in pain. I think I'll try and wipe the blood from his nose and ears."
"Okay, you do that, Carson. I will hook my computer to the system and see if the city's sending me any data." Rodney said while getting his laptop out of his computer bag.
"How long will he be connected to the city, Doc?" Ronon asked, and Carson didn't miss the worry in the big man's eyes.
"I don't know. I guess John will disconnect when he's ready."
"Wow!" Rodney exclaimed, "You should see all the data I have access to now."
Carson wasn't impressed. How could the scientist be excited when Sheppard was clearly in pain?
"Please be quiet, Rodney, while I monitor Colonel Sheppard?"
Luckily, the scientist was quiet so Carson could focus on Colonel Sheppard. After wiping the blood from his friend's face, he looked at his other injuries to make sure he hadn't damaged his legs any further. He was relieved to see John's injuries remained the same.
"Now we wait," he muttered to Ronon, standing beside him.
Suddenly, John's body began to tremble and convulse again, and he let out a long moan, and as suddenly as it started, it stopped, and he pitched forward.
Carson lunged forward and grabbed him so he didn't fall flat on his face. Ronon did the same on John's other side.
Carson lay John on the floor and was shocked to see blood running from his friend's nose and ears. However, the most disturbing thing was the blood in John's eyes when he opened them.
"Carson," John whispered," why can't I see?"
Before Carson could answer him, John lost consciousness again.
He immediately went into doctor mode. He needed to assess his friend's condition, and then he needed to get him out of there and back to the hut.
"I need Sheppard back in the chair," Rodney announced from the computer terminal, "I haven't received enough data to fix the gate."
"We need to leave now, Rodney. John is injured, and I can't treat him down here. Ronon, can you carry the Colonel?"
Carson was relieved when Rodney nodded and packed up his computer. Although, for a second, he thought the scientist would argue.
It took them another ten minutes to leave the chair room, and the Colonel didn't move a muscle in that time. The bleeding in his nose, ears and eyes had stopped, but the man was still unconscious, which had Carson worried.
The only problem now was, If Colonel Sheppard couldn't connect with the city. How would they fix the stargate and get home?
oOo
Teyla was summoned to Woolsey's office the minute she returned from New Athos, and she could see that Woolsey wasn't happy. Her trip had tired her, and she was looking forward to a hot meal and a shower, but as usual, things didn't go to plan. Jennifer was also there, and the doctor wasn't any happier than she was."
"What is this about, Mr Woolsey?"
"Todd has contacted me, and he may have a location on Colonel Sheppard, but he wants something from us before he gives us anything."
"Typical," Teyla muttered, "What have we got to give him?"
"That's why I have called Dr Keller here. How is the research on the retrovirus going? Do we have anything new to give him?" Woolsey asked, and his tone was serious.
"We only have the information we offered to give him the last time he contacted us."
"Well, we'll have to give him that information then. I'll contact him right away." Woolsey suggested.
Teyla was relieved the meeting was over, "Can I go now?"
"Todd's hive is nearby, and he's waiting to hear from us, so I'll get Chuck to try and contact him now," Woolsey said before leaving his office.
"Of course he is," Jennifer muttered loud enough for Teyla to hear.
Teyla sighed and leaned back in the wheelchair, trying to get comfortable.
"How are you doing Teyla?" Jennifer asked with compassion.
"I am tired and frustrated. I want to sleep but am so worried about John that I can't. At least Halling is looking after Jallel and Torren, so I do not have to worry about them."
"How about you come by the infirmary later, and I can give you something to help you sleep."
"I might take you up on that offer tonight, Dr Keller. Perhaps I will have a different perspective when I wake up."
"When's the last time you ate?" Keller asked.
She smiled at the doctor, "I am well aware that I need to eat, and when I finish here, I have every intention of having a hot meal."
"Make sure you do," Jennifer replied.
They sat in companionable silence for the next five minutes. Woolsey was still in the control room, speaking with Chuck.
A flash of light filled Woolsey's office just as Teyla was about to leave. When she'd recovered from the shock, she realised that Todd was standing in the room.
"Teyla, my queen. Dr Keller, how are you both?" Todd asked with the usual sadistic grin on his face.
"Where is Colonel Sheppard?" Woolsey asked, entering the room.
"Well, I'm not sure," Todd replied," but I have suspicions. How about you give me the rest of the retrovirus research, and I'll tell you what I know?"
"Dr Keller will give you that information once you tell us what you know," Woolsey replied, and Teyla could see the man wasn't impressed at having to deal with Todd again.
"My contacts inform me your friends are not on the Wraith worshipper planet near the spacegate."
"Well, where are they then?" Teyla asked impatiently.
"There is a moon near the planet, and my contacts believe they have crashed there."
"You will take us to the moon. I do not care how you get us there, but I want to save our friends." Teyla demanded in a cold, angry voice.
"Well, that may not be possible, my Queen," Todd replied.
"You won't get anything from us until our people are safely back on Atlantis!" Woolsey responded forcefully.
"You don't seem to understand. No one has ever landed on the moon. Every ship that goes near it crashes."
Teyla stared at the Wraith in disbelief, as they were no closer to finding her friends than before they'd spoken to Todd.
TBC…