Thank you to everyone who has reviewed it so far. I'm sorry for the delay in updating but I haven't found the time between real life and another story idea.
Thanks to everyone who's still reading. I appreciate your support.
Here's another chapter. I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 11: Help from Utopia.
John was irritated when he woke up outside the city. The last thing he expected when he passed out was to wake up outside. There was a lot of work to do, and he was the only one who could do it. He thought Carson and the others understood that. If they didn't, they didn't know him that well, which was surprising because they'd worked together for over five years. He shuddered when he realised how much he sounded like Rodney. Of course, others could help with the work, but no one else could sit in the control chair and commune with Utopia. So they'd get nothing done without him.
Again what's with the ego? He thought chastising himself.
He'd woken up when Ronon was carrying him up the stairs and immediately demanded that Ronon put him down. And Ronon definitely knew he hated being picked up so he squirmed and struggled until Ronon obliged. But that wasn't until they'd left the city - Utopia. The big Satedan was grinning when he put him down and even if Ronon and the others found it funny, John wasn't amused.
"Why did you bring me out here?!" John demanded, attempting to look at Carson from where he was lying, flat on his back. The fact that his vision was blurred didn't help, either. From what he could ascertain Carson didn't look too happy with him, and he was getting ready to receive a lecture from the doctor.
The ground under him was soft and prickly, so there was a good chance he was lying on the grass - the fact that he felt like sneezing was a giveaway away, too.
His legs were aching, and his head was pounding, but there was no way he was going to tell Carson that. His eyesight also seemed shot to pieces, but he wouldn't tell Carson that either. Because if he did Carson would go into mother hen mode and insist they return to the clearing where they were staying.
What annoyed him the most was he couldn't wear a decent pair of pants. For the last three days, he'd been getting around with the legs missing from his BDUs. And because he was laying on grass his legs were beginning to itch. However, the itching legs could have something to do with the bandages on his legs being dirty and the stitches beginning to irritate him. The ten stitches in his head were also starting to itch. Not to mention the patch of hair that had been shaved was growing back.
It took him a while to realise Carson was talking to him, and he had no idea what the man was saying. And what surprised him was Carson wasn't lecturing him.
"I'm sorry, Doc. Can you repeat that?"
"There was blood coming out of your nose and ears. Your eyes were bleeding as well. So, Colonel, tell me how your eyesight is?"
"It's fine, Carson, so can you please take me back to the Utopia."
"Where?" Rodney asked looking confused.
"That's what the city's called," John replied, feeling annoyed again.
"Really!" Rodney replied with excitement.
"Yes, now can we return to the matter at hand? John asked, feeling less than charitable towards Rodney. Or anyone else for that matter.
He managed to sit up, but when he tried to stand his feet, he quickly realised how weak his right leg was and fell immediately to the ground. His left leg was still broken and bent, so it was useless. His right leg wasn't feeling too hot either.
Gritting his teeth, he turned to look at Ronon, "Can someone please help me? I need to get to the city now!"
"I'm sorry, lad, but I can't allow you to sit in the chair for another day or two," Carson soothed.
He tried to grab Carson's wrist and missed, but when he tried again, he squeezed his friend's wrist tight, "Look, Carson, you know this is the only way we're going to get home, so I have to go."
"It's clear you can't see properly, and you're still recovering from other injuries. If I let you go, I wouldn't be a good doctor."
"Carson, just let him go. I want to go home."
John looked at Ronon, "Thanks for backing me up, Chewie."
"I'd hate to agree with Conon," Rodney began, "but we're not getting home unless Sheppard sits in that chair. And Changley told me where they found weapons like Ronon's, so that's worth a look."
"Really!? Cool." John stated before turning to stare at Carson. He hoped the doctor would come to the same conclusion as everyone else. They weren't getting home unless John sat in the chair. He only hoped they could get the stargate fixed.
"Can't Lorne or I sit in the chair?" Carson asked with ignorance, "Or I could try it. My gene is as strong as Lornes."
"No!" John growled, "I am the only one with a strong enough ATA gene. And even that is only just strong enough."
John was relieved when Carson finally relented, "Right, I'll help you, but I want to monitor you closely when you're in the chair."
"Whatever you say, doc. Can someone please help me so we can get this over with as soon as possible?"
Before John could thank Carson, Ronon picked him up and carried him towards the entrance. He thought about complaining but knew there was no other way for him to get to the chair room. He felt embarrassed at being carried like a baby, but he couldn't do anything about it because he had two bum legs and couldn't walk. On the plus side at least he'd be able to sit in the wheelchair when they got to the bottom.
oOo
Teyla was still staring at Todd, trying to understand what he'd said. She was angry and wanted to scream and shout at the big Wraith, but she knew shouting wouldn't change a thing.
"If you cannot land your Hive on the moon, you will take us to the coordinates, and we will find another way."
Todd laughed, and it infuriated her further.
"Why are you laughing, Wraith!? I am your Queen, so you shall show me some respect!"
Todd bowed his head toward her, "I am sorry, my Queen, but I cannot help you. A rival Hive is circling the moon, and if I show up, they will fire on my ship and destroy it. And we both know that our alliance is useful to both of us."
"I would not call it an alliance," Teyla began, "I would call it…well, I do not know what to call it. But you never give information without expecting something in return."
She kept staring at Todd and was relieved when Woolsey spoke," We will find another way, Teyla."
Taking a deep breath, she nodded. She didn't know why she was angry, but she hadn't found the time to meditate recently. So maybe that was why the Wraith infuriated her.
A flash of light brought her out of her contemplations, and she realised that Todd was no longer in the office. Woolsey was sitting behind his desk with a worried look, and Jennifer looked just as concerned.
There was only one plan Teyla could formulate, "When is the Hammond due?"
"Not for another week, but If John and the others are still missing, I'll send Colonel Carter to investigate."
That was the last thing Teyla needed to hear. John was in trouble and she knew it.
"Could we send a jumper through the gate to see if there is any way we can land on the moon?" Jennifer asked.
"I asked Chuck to dial the gate earlier, and it wouldn't lock, so I assume what Todd is saying is true, and the Wraith are keeping the wormhole open," Woolsey replied.
"Well, what do we do now?" Jennifer asked.
There was only one thing left to do, and Teyla didn't like it, "Now we wait." She replied.
oOo
John was relieved to be sitting in the control chair again. He was in agony. His right leg felt as if it had a knife through it, and his left leg was numb - that probably wasn't a good thing. Although, it was better than the constant pain his broken leg was causing him before.
"Are you alright, John?" Carson asked softly from beside him. John sensed the Doctor was about to go into mother-hen mode, so he thought he'd better tell the doctor something.
"Yeah I'm fine, I guess I should get this over with. And then Rodney can show me where the guns are." That thought alone made him feel better.
He leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. This time Utopia's embrace was warm and comforting. There was a bright light ahead of him and a figure came towards him.
It was a tall thin woman with hazel eyes, dark hair and alabaster skin, and she looked the same as before she died when he was fourteen.
"Mom" John whispered.
"No John, I am the AI which is Utopia. I have chosen this image as this woman was important to you."
"Yeah, she was. She was my mother."
"I do not understand what that means. My creators never programmed me with that knowledge. However, I think there is much I can learn from you."
He was relieved Utopia was going easy on him this time, but he thought he'd remind her to take it easy anyway.
"Do you think you could go easy on me this time Utopia? The last time we talked you scrambled my brain, and I was bleeding from my nose, ears and eyes.
"Do not worry John Sheppard. I have rewired your brain so we can communicate more easily."
He didn't like the sound of that and suddenly felt afraid.
"Will it affect my ability to communicate with Atlantis? Or my ability to do anything else for that matter?"
"Do not worry. I have only activated part of your brain that was dormant before. Now, John Sheppard. How can I help you today."
"We still need to fix the great ring, to return home to Atlantis. We would also like to repair your shield so Ancient craft can pass through while keeping the Wraith out."
"I will send instructions through to your Dr McKay. I will also tell him where to find the components he needs to repair, my shield and the stargate."
The image of his mother looked hesitant, and he wondered if there was something else she wanted to tell him. She stood still and stared at him, so he waited to see if she would speak. When she didn't he prompted her.
"Is there something else Utopia?"
"Many years ago a Wraith vessel did manage to land on this planet and infiltrate this base, then they stole valuable information. It was research the ancients were doing before they left for Earth. I do not know how the Wraith managed to get through without crashing or how they took off again, but they did. This information is something the ancients weren't proud of and were in the process of destroying when they left for Earth."
"Can you give me an idea of what information they stole?"
"I will also send the file to Dr McKay. I believe it would interest your Dr Beckett."
John had a good idea of what Utopia wanted to tell him but didn't want to speculate.
"Okay send it through."
"I have one last thing to suggest before you rest, John."
"And what might that be Utopia?"
"I can help you destroy the Wraith ships in orbit."
That had to be the best thing he'd heard all day, and as always he was eager to destroy the Wraith."
"I take it you have an arsenal of drones in this research facility?"
"I do, but for now you must rest."
"Before I rest Utopia. Can I ask you to leave the lights on in the outpost?
"Certainly, John Sheppard," Utopia responded with his mother's smile.
He watched as the image of his mother walked away, and then he felt himself falling into darkness once more.
oOo
Carson watched as John relaxed into Utopia's embrace and was happy his friend wasn't in pain this time. John seemed to be in pain most of the time at the moment and Carson couldn't wait to get him back to the infirmary on Atlantis. However, if he could find the infirmary on Utopia, he might be able to check him out under the scanner here.
Rodney was being his usual annoying self and gave them a running commentary on the files coming up on the computer screen. Ronon was pacing and driving him insane, so he decided it was a good idea to send the ex-runner off to do something else.
"Rodney, why don't you tell Ronon where the armoury is? That way he'll stop driving me insane."
"That sounds like a great idea, Doc?" Ronon replied and Carson could see the excitement in the man's face. Although he was positive John would be more excited because Ronon already had a laser gun, John didn't. Carson didn't know what else Ronon may find in the armoury, but he didn't care right now, his major concern was for Colonel Sheppard.
Rodney looked up from what he was doing and mumbled, "Sure, come here Conan? I'll show you on the map."
Ronon stood next to Rodney and his eyes widened as he was shown where to find the laser guns.
"Sheppard's going to love this!" Ronon exclaimed before leaving the room
Once Ronon left the room, Carson was happy to sit and watch John in the chair. For the moment Sheppard seemed content and even had a smile on his face. Clearly whatever was happening relaxed John, and eased his pain.
"Carson, guess what?!" Rodney asked with excitement.
"What?"
"Utopia has given us instructions on how to fix the gate. The city has also given me a file on the research the ancients were conducting here."
"That's great Rodney, but when can you fix the gate?" Carson asked not taking his eyes off Sheppard.
"Wow!" Rodney exclaimed, "apparently the Wraith managed to land and steal top-secret research."
"The gate Rodney," Carson said, as calmly as possible, "and while you're at it find the infirmary so Colonel Sheppard can rest."
"Yeah, I have the schematics for the outpost, if you come here I can give you directions to the infirmary."
A moan from the control chair caught his attention, and Carson turned around just in time to see John fall forward. He managed to push him back in the chair to stop him falling flat on his face.
John opened his eyes and Carson didn't miss his pain, "hey Carson, did Rodeny get the information Utopia sent."
"Yes, Colonel, Rodney has the information and he's extremely excited about it."
"That's great, Doc," John said before closing his eyes.
Carson watched as his friend's breathing evened out, and he knew the instant John fell asleep.
"Rodney, how long will it take to fix the gate?"
"I don't know Carson. First I have to find the components to repair it. Maybe when Ronon returns he can go with me to look for them."
"That sounds like a great idea. I will stay with Colonel Sheppard until he wakes up."
Rodney nodded and turned back to look at his console.
Carson sighed and sat beside his friend, determined to watch over him until he awoke.
oOo
When Teyla finally arrived in the mess hall for a hot meal she realised she wasn't hungry. The pain in her ankle was notching up and she was exhausted after her trip to New Athos. The meeting that followed didn't help either.
After choosing a plate of stew and some crusty bread, she sat at her favourite table on the balcony and looked at the dark gloomy ocean. It was night and the stars were out, but there was no light from the moons to see by. The dark ocean reflected her mood. John went missing a week ago and they still had no way of getting to him. She was also worried about her friends but for different reasons.
She rested her broken ankle on the chair beside her and longed to head to her quarters to take some pain medication. She had even considered getting something to help her sleep, but she was so exhausted that she was sure she'd fall asleep without too many problems tonight.
A chair being pulled out caused her to look up, and Jennifer sat down beside her.
"Are you going to eat that?" Jennifer asked with concern.
"I am not hungry, but I will try because it will not do me or John any good if I do not look after myself."
Jennifer sighed and Teyla sensed the doctor wanted to ask her something personal.
"What is it you would like to know Dr Keller?"
"When John returns home, will you tell him your feelings towards him?"
Teyla was surprised, it seemed as if everyone knew of her feelings for John. Everyone but her.
"I believe I will?" She commented before changing the subject. "So how are things with you and Dr Mckay?"
Now it was Jennifer's turn to blush and it made Teyla smile. She was happy her friend had found love with the prickly scientist.
"Things are going well," Jennifer replied.
Suddenly she realised the doctor must be worried sick about Rodney.
"I am positive they will be returned to us," Teyla replied, hoping to reassure her friend.
"I know," Jennifer replied with a faraway look in her eyes.
They sat in silence and enjoyed the view for the next ten minutes. Once Teyla finished her meal she stood up and said goodbye to Jennifer.
She couldn't wait to return to her quarters and fall into bed, the only question was, how long would it take? She was sick of the cast on her foot and using crutches. The only problem was she still had another five weeks before the cast came off.
oOo
Ronon was surprised that lights were coming on as he walked through the corridors of Utopia. He knew it had nothing to do with him, so he assumed Utopia was doing it for him. Not that he was complaining as it was extremely dark in the city.
When he finally reached his destination, he was surprised to see open doors. Clearly, that was Utopia's doing - with a little help from John
He stepped inside cautiously and was shocked by the array of weapons in the room. There were rows of shelves some with guns similar to his, some of the shelves had guns like the people from Earth and some had things that looked like grenades. Along one wall there were holes housing drones. He knew Sheppard would be excited to see those.
He often wondered where his people came across the weapon he used. To his knowledge, not many satedens owned them. His was a family heirloom passed down to him from his father when he was accepted into the Satedan military. Perhaps, the Satedans had visited an outpost like this at some point in their history.
One question came to mind before he left. Did Atlantis have an armoury like this?
Picking up a few of the laser guns, he decided to take them back for Sheppard to look at. Sheppard could come and look at the rest of the room later.
oOo
Loud voices pulled John out of his slumber. One was excited, one was agitated, and one was soft but insistent. It didn't take his addled brain long to realise, that Ronon, Rodney and Carson were in the room. Carson was the soft insistent one, Ronon was the excited one and Rodney was definitely the agitated one.
For some reason, his head was pounding and John was relieved when Carson suggested Rodney and Ronon should be quiet or leave the room.
"Can you take Rodney to look for the components to fix the gate? The quicker he can fix it the faster we can get come." Carson suggested quietly.
No! I want to show Sheppard what I've found," Ronon responded loudly.
"Why's he still sleeping anyway, Carson?" Rodney said with agitation.
Sighing he opened his eyes because there was no way he could sleep any longer. And he was certainly interested in what Ronon had found.
Opening his eyes, he turned to look at his friends, "Hey guys what's happening?" John asked and was surprised at how weak his voice sounded. He was also surprised that his vision was still blurry - not as bad as before, though. Not that he'd tell Carson that.
"Hey, Sheppard!" Ronon said with excitement, "Look what I found."
Ronon tossed something at him, and it confused him, "why are you throwing your gun at me?"
"I found that gun in this city. In fact, when you feel up to it, I want to take you to see the armoury. You have no idea what I found there."
"Cool!" John exclaimed "Why don't you tell me chewie? Or better still let's go."
John tried to stand up and get into his wheelchair, only to be disappointed when Ronon and Carson pushed him back into the chair again.
"The only place you're going is to the infirmary, Laddie," Carson told him, and John didn't miss the stern glare the doctor gave him.
"Really? You found the infirmary here?" John asked, "And what will you do for me there, perform surgery? Because no offence doc I don't think I have the time for that."
"No, John. All I want is for you to lay down and rest. If I can find the scanner, I should also look at your broken leg."
John suddenly felt tired again, between his injuries and communicating with Utopia, he was exhausted, so perhaps it wouldn't hurt him to have another rest.
"Okay Doc, you win. I'll have an hour's rest and then I'll look at the armoury."
"You've got yourself a deal Colonel, now let Ronon help you into the wheelchair, and then you can go."
Sighing he allowed Ronon to lift him into the wheelchair, but when Carson started to fuss over him, he pushed the doctor away.
"Let's just get this over with doc."
"Okay, see you later then Sheppard, Ronon and I are going to look for the components to fix the stargate.'
"Catch ya later McKay."
John watched as his friends left the chair room, and closed his eyes, as Carson began to wheel him towards the infirmary. His vision was still blurry and he had a headache, so deep down his body was crying out for a rest. Whether his brain agreed or not didn't matter, so he decided to go with it.
oOo
Rodney was amazed as he walked through the outpost. The layout was similar to Atlantis and the decor was the same. What amazed him the most though was the lights were on. He knew the lights weren't reacting to his stupid fake gene, so it was clear that Utopia left the lights on for them. Probably, at Sheppard's request.
Sometimes he was still jealous of Sheppard's ATA gene. But when he thought about all the trouble Sheppard's gene got him into he shuddered and changed his mind.
He walked along in silence with Ronon beside him. As usual, Ronon was on high alert, although he didn't know what could attack them in the outpost. They certainly hadn't seen any of the monsters from the Nafari homeworld. In fact, the last few times Rodney visited the outpost with Changley and Lorne it was quiet.
It took them ten minutes to get from the chair room to the storage room, and when they arrived he was surprised to see the doors were open.
A feeling of excitement overcame him as he stepped through the door, but his mood soon changed when he realised the room had been ransacked.
The lights in the room were flickering, control consoles were smashed, and burnt, melted wires littered the floor. Shattered crystals lay on the floor and there were scorch marks on the floor and walls. What worried him the most was the damage looked like it was caused by Wraith weapons fire.
Rodney turned to look at Ronon and shrugged, "We are so totally screwed."
TBC…
I don't think the show explained where Ronon got his weapon, so I have made a backstory. If anyone knows anything different please let me know.