Chapter 17: Tensions rise
Teyla sat staring at the man opposite her, her frustration mounting with each passing moment. His arrogance was palpable, and maintaining her composure was becoming increasingly difficult. They'd been at the negotiating table all morning, but the deadlock seemed unbreakable. Loth had consistently stated that he didn't want Teyla at the negotiating table because her people had stunned and tied up Loth's friends. On the other hand, Rulan insisted that Teyla and her people were kind and compassionate and wouldn't have harmed them if they hadn't felt threatened first. The glare Loth gave Rulan after that comment made Teyla's skin crawl.
Rulan had managed to ask about the ancient city, and Loth had claimed it belonged to the Hilarians, who were the city's original inhabitants. No one else could claim it, especially Rulan and his people, because they had invaded the planet three thousand years ago. Teyla didn't want to mention that Loth's ancestors had crashed on the planet twenty thousand years ago and displaced the original inhabitants of the planet. She didn't want to bring up what his ancestors had done to the city's original inhabitants or their descendants for countless generations either. Because these meetings were about the future of the people living on the planet now, they needed to find a way to coexist and help each other. And the way things looked, it would be a difficult task.
Despite the morning's challenges, Teyla was unwavering in her commitment to seeing the negotiations through. She sensed that Halling would need to be fed and changed soon, but she was undeterred. The afternoon session held the promise of progress, and although tired, she was ready to face it head-on.
"I believe it is time for lunch," Teyla sighed. She was ready for a break and hoped Loth and Rulan felt the same.
"You are welcome to join us for the midday meal, Loth," Rulan kindly offered.
Once again, Teyla was taken aback by the Coreans' unexpected generosity. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for doubting them, especially since Loth had spent most of the morning disparaging Rulan and his people as savages.
"No, I think I will return home for the midday meal, but I am open to continuing negotiations this afternoon, "Loth replied, standing and walking away.
"That went well. Don't you think?" Rulan asked, but Teyla wasn't sure whether he was being sarcastic.
"Really?" She asked with bewilderment.
Rulan chuckled in reply, "Well, at least he wants to continue negotiations this afternoon. That was something I didn't see coming."
"Perhaps," Teyla replied with nonchalance.
Carson came rushing out of the largest Cavern and handed her a crying Halling, "Teyla. I believe it's time for Halling to be fed and changed. Gia has also prepared a meal for us, and she would like to know if you would like to eat it out here?"
The day was warm, the sun was out, and the sky was an incredible shade of blue, so Teyla could think of nothing nicer than eating out in the open with her new friends.
"I believe I will stay here and feed Halling. Then I would like to eat my meal at the conference table."
"I will leave you alone and return in half an hour," Rulan offered, walking away.
Teyla had no idea why Rulan wanted to leave because she certainly didn't feel embarrassed feeding her child in front of others, but she did know that others felt uncomfortable.
"How are you feeling Luv?" Carson asked, sitting beside her and handing her a screaming Halling.
Before she bothered to reply, she set about feeding her son so he'd be quiet.
"I do not know. I thought that this morning's proceedings were a disaster. Still, Loth agreed to return this afternoon." She closed her eyes briefly before continuing, "I am wondering if we should bring others into these negotiations. Perhaps Minister Toth should be involved. Gia would also be a valuable asset because she holds her peoples' history in her head." Her contemplation was a testament to her strategic thinking and her ability as a negotiator.
She had negotiated on behalf of her people and the Lanteans numerous times. Still, she had never had to deal with two such different groups of people as the Coreans and Hilarians, and she still wondered if she could ever get them to agree on anything. Still, they had both agreed to continue negotiations, so at least that was a start.
Carson was thoughtful before replying, "I believe you must discuss it with Rulan and Loth. If they agree to bring others into the negotiations, Loth must have a say in who those people are."
She felt agitated by her friend's words but tried to remain calm as she replied, "I had every intention of including Loth in these decisions."
"I should have known you would," Carson replied sheepishly, pulling something out of his pocket.
"What do you have there, Dr Becket?" Teyla asked while she held Halling over her shoulder and patted his back.
"This is Dave's program," Carson replied, showing her the storage device he had in his hand.
"What do you intend to do with it?"
"I'm not sure. I don't know why Rodney gave it to me in the first place." Carson sighed, and Teyla could sense his confusion.
"I believe that Rodney thought Dave would be able to help these people," Teyla replied, smiling and hoping to encourage her friend.
"I know, but I think I should give the data module to the Hilarians who have come to help the local inhabitants. Perhaps they'll be able to put Dave to good use."
"Perhaps," Teyla replied, rocking her son.
They fell silent until Gia came out and handed Teyla and Carson a bowl of stew. Rulan returned to the table, and Halling fell asleep. Gia took Halling off Teyla so she could enjoy a meal without dealing with Halling.
The stew wasn't much but warm and tasty, just another example of these people's generosity. She wondered if the Hilarians would be smart enough to exploit these peoples' generosity. However, the minute they did anything to take advantage of Rulan and his people, she would stop it immediately.
For now, she needed to forget about the negotiations and enjoy quality time with her new friends.
oOo
Lorne took a deep breath and approached the control room with Fillian, Sillian, and O'Neill beside him. The deadline for contacting Lannar was looming, the seconds ticking away like a bomb about to explode. Rollonk's betrayal still stung his refusal to help a bitter pill to swallow. But there was no time to dwell on it. They had a mission to complete, and the clock was ticking. Sheppard needed as much help as possible from Atlatnis, and Lorne felt it was up to him. However, he was happy O'Neill was with him, and things weren't entirely up to him.
"It's time," Lorne stated apprehensively. This was their last chance. If Lannar wouldn't listen to Fillian, Sheppard would be alone. That's if he was trying to infiltrate the ancient city on New Hilaring. Knowing Sheppard, he was.
"Amelia, can you please dial the gate to New Hilaring?" Lorne said, holding his breath. From experience, Lorne knew that anything that could go wrong probably would.
Once the wormhole was established, Lannar's voice came through loud and clear," I trust Bannar or Jannar are on Atlantis to talk with me, Sillian?"
"No, the others are still on the mainland and unable to talk to you at the moment, but I have Fillian here, and he would like to say a few words," Sillian replied, and the tension in the air was palpable.
Fillian took a deep breath before speaking, "I can assure you Jannar and Bannar are well but are still on the mainland and have given me permission to speak with you."
There was a pregnant pause on the other end of the connection, the silence stretching like a taut wire. Lorne held his breath, hoping against hope that Lannar was considering their proposal. But when the reply finally came, it was like a bucket of cold water over his head.
"No!" was Lannar's forceful reply. "If you can't get Bannar or Jannar here in three hours, we will send a strike force through the gate, and this time, we will leave no survivors on Atlantis. And don't think we can't break through the lockdown of the gate because we already have."
The connection was cut, and Lorne asked Fillian, "Do you think they can break through Radek's program and get through the gate, or is he just bluffing?"
"We have some gifted scientists and engineers in our military, so yes."
"So what happens now?" Radek asked, looking worried.
"We have three hours to come up with another plan," O'Neill responded with a steely determination, his eyes reflecting the same fire that burned in Sheppard's. "And we will. We always do."
"Yeah, what he said," Lorne responded before turning and walking to Sheppard's office.
Lorne had no idea if the others were following him, but he didn't care right now. He never thought he'd be the type of person to want a pity party, but that's how he felt, so he'd give himself a few moments for pity, and then he'd compose himself and get on with the job, Sheppard and the SGC had given him to do. He was the military leader of Atlantis, and he needed to act like it. Even though O'Neill was here to help, he still wished Sheppard were here.
oOo
Two hours had passed since John regained consciousness, and he was restless in the infirmary, his gaze wandering over the strange cave walls. He'd pleaded to leave several times, but Shilo insisted he rest before the battle. He had slept for an hour and had some kind of strange chicken to eat, but now he was impatient and eager to get on with things, to be reunited with his wife and family.
John still had the headache to end all headaches - although not as bad as the headaches he used to get after he'd been shot in the head - and his arms hurt like crazy despite the pain medication he was on.
Shilo had shown John his arms when he checked on them. It looked like he had a bad sunburn, which was lucky because, if he remembered rightly, the fire burning in front of him on the supply ship was hot and intense, and John feared he might be burnt alive; luckily, he lost consciousness and was transported before the ship exploded.
John was about to count the strange spots - maybe mould - on the cave's roof when Voth, followed by Rodney and Ronon, came running into the room.
"Hey, guys, what's up?" He asked suspiciously.
"We have just received a message from our undercover contact in the ancient city," Voth replied breathlessly.
"And?" John asked with a raised eyebrow. He sensed it wasn't good news but needed Voth to tell him what was happening.
"Atlantis still won't let Jannar or Bannar speak with him, so Lannar has given Atlantis another three hours, and if he hasn't heard from them by then, he will attack Atlantis."
"Can they do that?" Rodney asked, his worry evident.
"Yeah, if they can infiltrate Atlantis in the first place, I'm fairly sure they can find a way to break Radek's lock on the gate, and we all know there's no way Lannar can speak with Jannar or Bannar because they're both deceased. So we need to take back the ancient city as soon as possible," John replied with a steely determination, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on his words.
"I will assemble the troops in the meeting Cave, ready for the mission briefing, "Voth replied, and John sensed that Voth wanted him to brief his people.
"How long will you need?" Ronon asked in a gruff voice, and John could sense his frustration.
"Give me twenty minutes," Voth replied, leaving the infirmary.
John sighed," Well, I guess I've got less than twenty minutes to leave here."
"I'll go and get Shilo," Rodney offered.
"I'm going to make sure Voth hurries," Ronon stated.
John watched as his friends left and tried to prepare himself for the coming battle - not that he could ever be totally prepared to walk into a fight because anything could happen at any time. He'd fought to save Atlantis and many worlds over the last ten years and wondered how many more he would have to defend before he was done. It was probably something not worth thinking about, so he tucked it in the back of his mind to think about at some other time.
oOo
After an hour of lunch with Gia, Carson, and Rulan, Loth returned to resume negotiations. Gia took Halling into her sleeping Cave and decided to spend some time with her daughter Lila, and Carson decided he'd go for a walk.
A few hours ago, Lila wasn't well, but when Gia checked on her after lunch, she appeared to be much better - that's what Gia told Teyla.
From what Teyla could ascertain, Lila had always been a sickly child, but as she grew up, her health had improved, although it was still not one hundred percent. Carson had promised to give Lila an examination before they left the planet to see if there was anything he could do to help. Teyla had asked Carson if he knew what was wrong with her, but Carson said he couldn't tell without a thorough examination and knowing her medical history.
Now, she was sitting in front of Loth with Rulan beside her, and she knew the first thing she needed to ask.
"Loth, would it be alright if we brought others into these negotiations?"
"Who did you have in mind?" Loth asked, and Teyla couldn't tell what he thought of the idea.
"I would like to ask Gia because she holds the historical records of her people. I am also willing to let you ask someone of your choosing from your people."
"The old woman?" Loth asked disrespectfully.
"Yes, I believe she has a wealth of knowledge to help her people and yours," Teyla replied indignantly.
"I will consider your offer," Loth replied, with a blank expression, "but I would also like our historian at the negotiations."
"That is acceptable," Teyla replied, looking at Rulan for consent, and he nodded.
Loth was thoughtful before he continued, "I still do not trust you, Teyla. Do you have to be present at these negotiations?"
"Teyla is here as a neutral party; her only aim is to facilitate a fair and just negotiation for both our peoples," Rulan said in her defence, his voice filled with unwavering trust and confidence, "so I am happy for her to be here."
Teyla was acutely aware that any disagreement from Loth could potentially disrupt the delicate balance of the negotiation, but he nodded and stood up.
"I think I will go and get Simion, our historian. You may find Gia if you insist on her being present."
"I think I will go home," Rulan announced, standing up and leaving the area.
Once Loth and Rulan had left the conference table, Teyla took a deep breath. She had no idea when Loth would return with Simion, so perhaps it was time to check on Halling.
She was about to get up when Carson returned from his walk, "What's happening, Luv?"
"Loth has decided he wants Simion, his peoples' historian, to sit in on the negotiations, and Rulan wants Gia to sit in, so Loth has gone to get Simion. Basically, negotiations are on hold again." Teyla replied, feeling frustrated.
Before Carson could reply, Gia ran out of the cave in tears. " Please come, Doctor Beckett. Something is wrong with Lila."
"Where is Halling?" Teyla asked, feeling panicked.
"Do not worry; he is safe, but something is wrong with Lila. So please come, Dr. Beckett," Gia begged before returning to the cave.
Carson ran off after Gia, and Teyla followed; when they arrived in Gia's cave, Teyla found Halling lying on Gia's sleeping mat, screaming.
"Shhh..Halling," Teyla soothed, picking up her son.
Halling immediately settled down and closed his eyes, much to Teyla's relief. When Halling was quiet, she watched Carson examine Lila. When Carson gently shook his head, Teyla immediately knew what had happened.
"I am so sorry, Gia," Carson said with compassion.
The woman sat on her sleeping mat, stunned, tears streaming down her cheeks. Feeling a deep connection with Gia, Teyla handed Halling to Carson, sat beside her, and put her arm around her. She could feel the weight of Gia's grief, and it was a heavy burden to bear.
Gia buried her face in Teyla's shoulder, and Teyla, feeling an unbreakable bond with her, stroked Gia's hair while she wept for her child. She had no idea how many children her friend had lost, but death was part of life for these people, and every life lost meant that Gia's people would slowly die out.
Teyla had no idea what she would do if she ever lost one of her children, and she didn't care what age they were. Her love for her children was deep and unwavering, and she deeply empathised with Gia's loss.
Gia finally pulled away from Teyla, and her voice was soft and pained as she spoke, "I always suspected that Lila would die young because she was always sickly as a child."
"I may be able to find out why she died," Carson offered, speaking with a soft voice.
Gia answered through her tears," I would like to know."
"Come on, Gia, I will make you some tea," Teyla offered before taking Halling off Carson and leaving Gia's cave.
"You will do no such thing," Gia chastised, her tears drying up. "I will make you tea, and you will feed your child."
"Thank you, Gia, I would appreciate that," Teyla said, bowing towards the older woman.
Teyla sat down and started to feed her son. She couldn't imagine what Gia was going through, but she was determined to help her new friend in whatever way she could.
oOo
By the time John reached the command centre, he was ready for the briefing. He knew exactly how they would re-take the ancient city with minimal casualties, and he hoped Voth saw it the same way. Over the last half an hour, he and Voth had argued about the best way to approach the city, their conflicting views creating a palpable tension. John still thought the man spent too much time behind a desk making the decisions and not enough time in the field. Ultimately, Voth let him make the decisions and command the troops. Voth also stated that he would back up John's decisions so that the soldiers would respect his leadership.
Ronon stared at Voth during the previous confrontation between John and Voth in the infirmary, but thankfully, Ronon hadn't thrown any punches because, at one point, John was convinced he would have.
Before he entered the control centre, John straightened his grey tunic and smoothed his grey pants. He longed to wear his BDUs, but they were long since destroyed.
His arms and head still hurt, but the medication Shilo had given him before he left the infirmary had muted the pain for now. He knew he would have to work through the pain because there was no place for pain and weakness in the battle to come.
"Are you ready?" Ronon asked gruffly from beside him.
Suddenly, he felt nervous and had to chastise himself quietly; he'd never felt this way before. His mind was a battlefield, torn between the responsibility of leading Voth's troops and the fear of making a wrong decision. "Yeah, I guess so," he managed to say, his voice betraying none of his inner turmoil.
Rodney had stayed in another area of the underground tunnels, and John would brief him later about the meeting outcome. Rodney was essential to the mission, and John was positive he would need his scientific expertise; although John was brilliant and had a PhD of his own, he still valued Rodney's expertise so that he could focus on military issues.
John took a deep breath and opened the command centre door. The cave was dimly lit, with a large table in the centre. Several people sat around the table, their faces mixed with anticipation and concern. Their eyes were fixed on John and Ronon, who had just entered. More men and women stood at the podium, their expressions mirroring those at the table. Clearly, the weight of the situation was not lost on them.
John stood behind the podium, and the people around it turned to look at him.
Taking a deep breath, he began his speech: "A few weeks ago, I found myself stranded in your galaxy, and after a visit to Old Hilaring, we set out to find your planet. Along the way, we were rescued from the inhabitants of Old Hilaring by an ancient warship that belonged to your people. That warship was then invaded by the Coreans, who transported me and my friends to an inhospitable planet. To cut a long story short, the Coreans who took over your ancient city have now invaded my home on Atlantis using the great ring in your city, and I intend to help you take back your city so I can return to my home."
There were cheers from around the room, so John felt encouraged as he continued, "I believe the best way to do this is to split into three groups and enter from three different directions. Ronon and I will lead the first group, which will enter through the middle tunnel leading into the city. Voth will lead the second group to the left and choose the person he feels most capable of entering on the right. We will meet here in twenty minutes for the final briefing before we mount our attack."
John sighed, the tension in the room dissipating. The battle was imminent, and he could feel it. He hoped it would be swift and decisive, but he knew better than to expect things to be that simple. As the tension left his body, his thoughts drifted to his wife and son, and he wondered how they were faring in his absence.
oOo
Carson activated the storage module Rodney had given him before leaving the Hilarian supply ship. The theory was that the holographic doctor could be projected anywhere but only have a limited range. The hologram had an automatic scanning mode, and Carson hoped he could scan Lila's body to find out how she'd died.
Carson suspected that loss was common among these people, but that didn't stop him from worrying about Gia. Her people were in a dire situation, dying out and could all be gone within a generation. That is why it was vital for them to ally with the people on this planet and for the people of New Hilaring to help them.
Taking a deep breath, he switched the storage device on, and Dave's hologram was projected into the tiny cave.
"Welcome to sickbay; how may I help you today?"
Dave looked around the cave, stunned, "this isn't an infirmary. Where am I?"
"That doesn't matter right now. I need you to scan Lila and tell me how she died," Carson's voice was firm, his determination palpable.
Dave looked at Lila, and a laser beam came out of his eyes, scanning the body. Cool, Carson thought, waiting patiently for an answer.
"I believe this woman had a hole in her heart which compromised the blood flow, leading to her heart working harder, which ultimately caused a heart attack. Her heart was quite large by the time she died," Dave answered matter-of-factly.
"Aye, I suspected something like that," Carson answered with sadness.
Before the conversation could progress, voices from the other cave were raised, and the tranquillity of the cave was shattered. Loth burst into the room, his presence a jarring interruption.
He stared at Dave with a confused look before taking action. Loth pointed a weapon at Dave and asked, "Who is this man? Why is he here?"
"Dave is here to help," Carson replied softly, trying to ease the tension.
Loth didn't seem interested, so he fired his weapon, going straight through Dave and hitting the wall at the back of the cave, sending a shower of rubble across the cave.
This action enraged Loth, "What kind of magic is this?!"
Before Carson had a chance to answer, Loth fired his weapon again. This time, he hit the module, projecting Dave into the room. Dave immediately disappeared, which shocked everyone.
Carson winced, and Loth prepared to fire the weapon again, but a stunner beam hit Loth before he had that chance.
He looked up to find Rulan standing at the entrance with Teyla's stun gun. Teyla stood behind him with Halling in her arms—lucky for him, the baby was still asleep.
All Carson could do was stare at the shattered pieces of the data module containing Dave's program, his shock and disbelief evident.
"What have you done?" Carson whispered, looking at Loth's prone form.
The holographic program could have helped Loth's people and Gia's, but now Carson sensed that the negotiations were about to take an ugly turn.
TBC…