Chapter 14: Battle plans.
John's heart was racing as he hurried into the infirmary. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts; all focused on the crucial discussion he needed to have with Voth before they reached New Hilaring in a few hours. The last thing he needed was to deal with these scavengers—although he should stop calling them that—and their hero-worship of him.
He looked around and, as he entered, noticed Dave, the hologram, standing beside two beds with people in them. Another doctor he hadn't seen before stood beside Dave.
Carson rushed to greet him, "General Sheppard, Rulan awoke and became agitated, so Julian had to sedate him so Dave could heal his injuries." His voice filled with compassion, a warm blanket in the cold of John's worries. Clearly, Julian was the other doctor's name, so that was one question John didn't have to ask.
"What are his injuries, Carson?" John whispered, not wanting the others to hear their conversation.
"Multiple internal injuries, which Dave has fixed using the healing devices we brought up from the planet," Carson whispered.
"Can we wake them? Because I should probably talk to them and try to explain what's happening." John asked with deep compassion and concern for the men lying in the beds, his empathy for Rulan palpable.
"I believe it's safe to wake Rulan, but you should be the only person in the room when he awakes," Carson stated, Compassion evident in his voice.
"I want you here too, Doc," John replied, feeling nervous about dealing with the scavengers alone. "And we should stop calling them scavengers. Perhaps we should call them Hilarians because it seems they have as much claim to the original Hilarian planet as anyone else." He took a deep breath before he continued, "Not that I want to get involved with the politics of this galaxy." His reluctance was palpable, a heavy weight on his shoulders.
Carson walked over to Dave and Julian, and John followed, "The General and I would like to speak to Rulan and the other young man alone."
"Please deactivate me?" Dave asked with no emotion. Still, what could you expect from a medical hologram?
"Computer deactivate the medical hologram," John said before watching Dave disappear.
John turned to look at Rulan and found Julian staring at him.
"Is there something I can do for you, Doctor?" John asked, using his most charming smile—the one he used when he didn't feel like smiling.
"I have heard stories of you all my life, General Sheppard, and it is a pleasure to meet you finally." Julian's voice was tinged with a hint of awe, and his eyes were wide with admiration.
Rather than acknowledge Julian's words, John nodded and changed the subject, "Can you leave us alone for a few minutes?"
He watched Julian leave the room and turned to Carson, "Can you wake Rulan up so I can talk to him? Hopefully, I can help him see the truth so he stops worshipping me."
"Good luck with that, "Carson muttered, his concern for John and Rulan evident.
John watched as Carson injected something into Rulan's arm, and he was intrigued by the device he used. It looked like a hyperspray from Star Trek, and clearly, some of the ideas in Sci-Fi were a reality for the Ancients.
John watched closely as Rulan's eyes slowly opened. The first thing he noticed was confusion in the man's eyes. As Rulan became more cognizant, the look in his eyes turned to one of terror. His eyes finally settled on John, and then there was awe in Rulan's eyes.
"Mighty one, why have you brought me to your realm? Am I being punished in some way?" Rulan asked, his voice shaky and tinged with fear.
John sighed. He sensed this conversation wouldn't be as easy as he hoped. " What's the last thing you remember, Rulan?"
"Strange men came to our home. They were different to the others who live there. Jolan and I were trying to escape from them through secret tunnels when the roof collapsed. I remember nothing until I woke up here. "Rulan was quiet and appeared to be thinking, "Is that why you brought us here, to protect us from the strangers? If that is true, where are my friends? Do they not deserve your protection, too?"
"You were injured when the tunnel roof caved in, and the strangers brought you here to heal you," John answered kindly.
Rulan's eyes opened, and John wasn't sure he understood, "'So they are gods too?"
"No, they are just people like you. They simply have more advanced tools than you."
Rulan nodded, and John sensed he was getting through to him, "Are you their god too?"
"No, I come from a race of people with more advanced tools. I am as human as you, and my name is John Sheppard. I think I told you that the first time we met." What John really wanted to say was, ' I told you my name right before you threw me in a hole and broke my arm.' But he chose not to, hoping Rulan would understand he wasn't a god.
But you were glowing when you sat in the chair in our sacred temple," Rulan stated with confusion.
"Yeah, about that." Right now, John felt like killing Rodney for making these people believe he was a god, and he would have to have a long conversation with the scientist later.
Rulan stared at him, clearly waiting for an explanation.
"There is something in my blood that allows me to use some tools that others can't, and the chair in the ruins is one of them."
"So you are just like me?"
"Yes, I will live, and I will die one day, just like you," John said, his words carrying a comforting weight, his empathy for Rulan shining through, hoping he'd finally reached Rulan.
"And where am I? Am I a prisoner?" Rulan asked, his curiosity piqued, still not entirely understanding what was happening to him.
John had no idea how to explain this, so he opened his mouth and tried anyway: " You are in a skyship, and no, you are not a prisoner here."
Rulan nodded before he pleaded, "When are you going to take me home?"
"Soon," John replied, his voice filled with hope, hoping he could keep his promise.
"That's enough for now," Carson stated.
John hadn't realised the doctor was still in the room as he'd been so quiet.
Now that John had explained what was happening to Rulan, he knew he needed to return to the bridge and tell Voth to take these people home. In fact, he didn't want any civilians left on this ship when they approached New Hilaring because the hostiles inhabiting the Ancient city would likely destroy the ship. The urgency of the situation was palpable.
"John, what is happening? "Teyla asked as she came and stood beside him with Halling in her arms.
He smiled at Rulan and introduced her, "Rulan, this is my wife and our son Halling."
"I'm Pleased to meet you," Rulan replied with awe. Jolan was the last child born to our people, and I feel he will be the last of our kind."
John didn't know what to say, but perhaps the people from New Hilaring could help them with that. He turned to Carson and changed the subject, hoping to avoid an uncomfortable conversation, "Can you keep an eye on Rulan and Jolan?"
"I will stay, too," Teyla offered. "Halling will need to be fed and changed soon."
"I will keep an eye on Rulan and Jolan, "Carson said, "but let us know when we're approaching their home."
John nodded and left the infirmary; he knew that they needed to turn the ship around and return to the original Hilarian planet because there was no way he was putting these people in danger.
By the time John reached the bridge, he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders—figuratively speaking. His plan to retake the Ancient city on New Hilaring was clear, but the unexpected presence of civilians on the ship added a heavy burden to his already daunting task. The weight of responsibility for their safety was constantly in his mind.
Rather than announce his presence, John walked straight into Voth's office and started to talk. Luckily, Voth was alone and didn't seem worried about John's unannounced visit.
"How many civilians are aboard this ship?" John asked, his voice tinged with urgency, the weight of the mission pressing on his shoulders.
Voth stared blankly at John, and John wondered if the man understood what he was saying, so he repeated the question.
"How many non-military personnel are aboard this ship?"
This time, Voth answered, although it was a little slow for John's liking.
"Well, there's Minister Toth, the two scavengers we picked up from Old Hilaring, Doctors' Logo and Sheply and a few of my bridge crew. And there's some of your people as well."
"We need to return to old Hilaring," John stated urgently, the weight of his decision evident in his voice. "And can we stop calling these people scavengers? I believe they have as much claim to the planet as the other inhabitants, but I'm not a politician, so who am I to say?"
"It will take us two days to return to the original Hilarian planet and only a few hours to reach new Hilaring. So why do we have to return?" Voth asked, his confusion palpable.
For a military man, John thought Voth was an absolute idiot, but there was no way he would tell him that.
"Because chances are the people in the Ancient city will destroy this ship, and I don't want to risk the lives of civilians," John stated, his voice urgent and strained, trying to remain as calm as possible. His urgency contrasted with his outward composure, a testament to his tension.
Voth sighed and smiled at John, "Why don't you sit down and tell me what you're planning?"
John flopped in the chair and took a deep breath before he spoke. He was exhausted and wanted nothing better than to sleep, but the weight of the decisions they were about to make kept him alert. Once John and Voth had discussed his plans, he might find time to rest, depending on whether Halling would let him.
"Does this ship have auto-pilot?"
"Yeah. What are you thinking, General Sheppard?" Voth asked with interest.
"Does it have a shield?" Sheppard asked thoughtfully.
Voth nodded his head, permitting Sheppard to continue.
"The minute we enter the atmosphere, we'll drop the shields and be detected, so we need to put the ship on auto-pilot and let the Invaders shoot it down. We will transport to the tunnels under the Ancient city as soon as the shields drop."
"So that's why you don't want non-military personnel aboard the ship because you don't want to risk them being killed?" Voth surmised.
"Exactly," John replied with unwavering determination.
"We don't have a sizeable military contingent aboard this ship, but there are large numbers on New Hilaring. At the moment, our base of operations is in the secret tunnels leading into the Ancient city," Voth said, and John could sense his comprehensive understanding of the situation.
John was resolute and confident in his reply, "Okay, when we get to the tunnels, we'll regroup and devise a strategy for taking the invaders by surprise. Until then, we must return the civilians to the Original Hilaring planet."
"Who will you send to the Original Hilaring planet, and who will you use in the attack force?" Voth asked, and it was a fair question.
"Ronon will come with us because he's a soldier. Rodney, because he's had experience in military situations, and we may need a brilliant scientist. Finally, Carson also has experience in the field, and we may need a brilliant doctor. I want Teyla and baby Halling safe, so I will send them to Old Hilaring. Teyla is also an incredible diplomat, and if anyone can get the two races talking on that planet, she can." John paused, his tone serious, "Please, Voth, this plan must remain between us. I will meet with my team and tell them the plan, especially Teyla."
'I will tell my people then." Voth said before standing up, "if there isn't anything else to be discussed, I will tell my crew to turn this ship around."
John nodded and sat back in his chair. He had no idea what he would tell Teyla, and John suspected she wouldn't like it when he did.
oOo
Lorne rushed into the infirmary, O'Neill at his heels. Jennifer's urgent message had come just ten minutes ago. Three more of the Corans had awakened and were seeking answers. Sadly, the rest of the hostiles had not survived.
Approaching the beds where the surviving Corans lay, Lorne could sense their confusion when one of them spoke; his words puzzled: " Why am I still alive, and where are Sillian and the others?"
"Sillian is in guest quarters; other than you and two others, no one else survived."
The man's eyes widened, and Lorne detected a hint of fear in them, "Why am I still alive then, and why is Sillian in guest quarters and not in your brig?"
General O'Neill spoke for the first time since they'd entered the infirmary, "It appears as Sillian and several others have infiltrated your ranks to try and take back their home."
"Okay…" the man replied, his confusion palpable. "But that still doesn't explain while I'm alive."
Before O'Neill could answer, Lorne replied, "It seems one of the Doctors who supplied the poison for your back molars was a Hilarian, and he only delivered half the dose."
The man lying in the bed looked defeated, and Lorne sensed he would help them.
"What happens to me now?"
"You will be given a choice. Help us retake the Ancient city on Hilaring, or you'll be returned to the brig and handed over to the Hilarian authorities when this is all over."
The man nodded, "My name is Kanaar, and I would be willing to help you. However, I do not know what Fillian and Rollonk will do. I will speak with them when they wake."
"Until then, a guard will be posted outside the infirmary door, and if you need anything, Dr White will be on duty," Lorne replied, his relief barely concealed.
Lorne nodded at Kannar and quietly left the room with O'Neill following. When they reached Jennifer and Carson's office, he was surprised to see Jennifer sitting there.
"I thought Dr White was on duty, and you were supposed to be looking after Charin and Torren?"
"Jasmine's still not well. So Amelia is looking after the kids, Teldy's in the control room, and I'm on duty."
"Well, in that case, we need to get Carson home as soon as possible, "O'Neill replied with a twinkle in his eye.
Lorne had a fair idea of what was happening with Jasmine, and when Jennifer nodded her head, she confirmed his thoughts.
"I'm returning to the control room, Dr Keller. If you need anything, you can contact me there."
"I'm going with Lorne," O'Neill said before exiting the infirmary.
"I'll see you later, Doc," Lorne commented before following.
Once Lorne left the infirmary, his thoughts turned to his friends in KK203, and he hoped they were coming up with a plan to retake the Ancient city from their end because Lorne and Atlantis needed all the help they could get.
oOo
Two hours had swiftly passed since John's meeting with Voth, and at last, he'd gathered his team for a crucial meeting in Voth's office. As promised, Voth had left him to brief his friends on the urgent situation, so Rodney, Ronon, Carson, and Teyla were now seated at the conference table, ready for the discussion.
In the last two hours, he'd spent some time helping Teyla with Halling and finally managed to get an hour's sleep, so he felt a little less exhausted than he had two hours ago.
However, Teyla looked exhausted, and he was more convinced that he was doing the right thing by sending her to the original Hilarian planet. As much as a warrior she was, he didn't need exhausted people when he mounted an attack. Even if she weren't looking after Halling, he wouldn't have wanted her on his team, given her level of exhaustion.
Despite their struggles, the team remained united, each member ready to support the others. Ronon appeared as prepared as ever, Rodney was buzzing with caffeine, and Carson was as tense as he usually was when away from Atlantis. The only member of the team not at their peak was Teyla - a fact that John couldn't ignore, given his own state of exhaustion.
As they all focused on him, John took a deep breath to begin. But before he could speak, Rodney burst out, "Why are we heading away from New Hilaring? All I want is to return home and see Jenn. No one is telling me what's going on…!"
"Rodney!" John interrupted, his patience wearing thin, and the meeting barely began.
"John, can you please explain what is happening?" Teyla asked in her usual serene tone.
"Voth and I have devised a plan to retake the ancient city on New Hilaring, but first, we need to drop off any civilians because I don't want to put their lives at risk."
"Let's hear it then?" Ronon said gruffly.
"We are returning to the original Hilarin planet to drop off any civilians currently on this ship because I believe this ship will be destroyed as we approach New Hilaring; in fact, I'm counting on it.
Carson sat forward, expressing his interest in John's plan: " Tell us what you're planning, General."
"We will keep the shields raised as we approach the planet. When we are in range, I plan on dropping the shield and firing a couple of shots to draw attention. I will then put the ship on auto-pilot, and we'll transport to the tunnels under the Ancient city, where we will meet up with Voth's strike force. While this happens, I hope Toth can help negotiate a truce between the two groups living on the original Hilarian planet."
"I believe Halling and I should transport down to Hilaring. I can help with negotiations, and I know Halling will be safe." Teyla offered, and John couldn't be happier she'd suggested it herself. At least now he knew they'd be safe.
"I will go to Hilaring as well, "Carson suggested, "I may be able to help some of the locals."
John immediately shook his head, "No, Carson, there are plenty of doctors on Hilaring. I need a doctor trained in military matters with us."
Carson nodded, but John could sense his fear. Although Carson had always gone on missions, the likeable doctor hated stepping through the stargate.
"Is there anything else, Sheppard? Because if we've finished, I'm going for a run." Ronon said gruffly.
"No, I think that's all. Ronon, Carson and Rodney, you can go because I'd like to talk to Teyla alone."
Rodney looked like he would complain, but Carson grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the office.
Once the others had left, he turned and looked at Teyla, "I am glad you're going to Hilaring because I need you and Halling to be safe."
"I am going to help with negotiations and nothing more, John. The fact that Halling will be safer has nothing to do with my decision." Teyla replied forcefully.
Rather than argue with her, he nodded and took her hand, leading her out of the room. They had quarters assigned to them aboard the ship, so if Halling was asleep, they could nap.
oOo
Lorne sat and looked at Kannar across the table. He was undoubtedly shorter than the Hilarians by at least a foot. His hair was dark brown, and his eyes were green. He looked a lot like Bannar and Jannar; perhaps they were brothers.
Fillion and Rollnok had decided not to help the Atlantians, so they were now confined to the brig under heavy guard.
At the moment, only Lorne and Kannar were in the office, but Lorne would later call Sillian and O'Neill in to devise a plan to retake the Ancient city on New Hilaring.
"What happened to my brothers Jannar and Bannar?" Kannar asked earnestly," They weren't among my friends in the infirmary, and Sillian didn't tell me anything about them."
"Unfortunately, they passed away on the mainland, "Lorne said compassionately. Rather than tell Kannar what happened, he thought he'd be gentle with his explanation at this time. Perhaps if Kannar asked for the truth later, he would tell him.
Thankfully, Kannar nodded and didn't ask any more questions. " Shall we call in the others?" Kannar suggested," And then maybe I can help Sillian reclaim his home. Then perhaps I can help you bring your friends home."
Kannar's words sounded genuine, but Lorne's trust was cautious and guarded. He knew he would always have to keep an eye on Kannar, never fully letting his guard down.
Lorne keyed his coms to call the others into Sheppard's office. Even though Lorne spent plenty of time in Sheppard's office, he didn't feel comfortable calling it his own.
"Lorne to O'Neill, come in, please."
"Go ahead, Colonel."
Kannar is willing to help us, so please bring Sillian to General Sheppard's office?"
"Be there in a moment, O'Neill out."
The conversation barely finished when O'Neill walked in with Sillian.
"Okay, Lorne," O'Neill began, "Tell me what the plan is?"
Before Lorne could answer, Kannar said, "It's simple. I will contact New Hilaring and tell my people to send more people through. You can arrest them when they arrive and put up your shield to prevent others from coming through."
O'Neill nodded, "that could work. The more Coreans on this side of the gate, the more chance Sheppard and the others have of retaking the city from KK203. Because if I know Sheppard, he's planning to retake the city."
Lorne's agreement was cautious, his optimism about the plan's success tempered by his lingering doubt about Kannar's true intentions. He knew that Kannar's potential betrayal was a risk they couldn't ignore, but for now, the plan was all they had.
TBC…