Chapter 22: Back on Atlantis

A gentle whisper invaded Teyla's consciousness, and it was a voice she had missed terribly. The whispering continued, and she knew it was time to open his eyes.

Slowly, she opened her eyes and found Torren looking at her with his large brown eyes, a warm smile on his lips.

"Hey, Mom. How are you feeling?" His voice was filled with tenderness and concern. Her son was such a gentle soul, always compassionate toward others.

The room was filled with a peaceful silence; the others were still lost in the embrace of sleep. Halling, Ronon, and Amelia were all in their own worlds, and Charin was still asleep in Rodney's arms. Thankfully, everyone was still asleep because it gave her some time with her firstborn son.

Carson stirred, but thankfully, Halling stayed asleep in his arms. She addressed her son rather than worry about Carson or her sleeping baby.

"I have missed you, my son," Teyla told him, her voice filled with a tenderness that could only come from a mother's love while putting her arm around him.

"Can I hold my new baby brother?" Torren asked eagerly, his eyes shining with anticipation, his whole being radiating with excitement at the thought of finally meeting his new sibling.

You may hold him when Carson awakes, but Halling must be fed and changed soon."

"I'm awake, Luv," Carson announced, slowly opening his eyes.

She had no idea how much sleep Carson had managed over the last few days. The doctor would be exhausted if he'd had as little as she. Perhaps that's why he didn't offer to help with John's surgery.

She observed as Carson tenderly passed Halling to Torren, and she was captivated by the tranquil beauty of the scene. Halling, cradled in his brother's arms, was a sight that filled her heart with a comforting warmth. It was a moment that echoed the first meeting between Torren and his sister, Charin, when she was just a few hours old.

"He's beautiful, Mom, " Torren said with tears." he looks like you, except for the hair. He got that from Dad.

Teyla ran her hand through her youngest son's unruly hair and wondered what his personality would be as he grew. Would he be more like Charin, who was mischievous and always getting into trouble? She took after John In that respect, or more like Torren, who was quiet and thoughtful? For a child of almost six, Torren seemed quite mature.

The scene was peaceful, and the room was quiet. However, it didn't remain that way for long because the others started to awaken. Unfortunately, Rodney awoke first and was loud and annoying as usual.

"Hey, it's good to see you back, Carson and Teyla. Did you bring Dave's program back with you? I'm positive he could help Sheppard!" Rodney almost shouted. Unfortunately, the healing devices we found were destroyed when our supply ship was disintegrated.

Before Carson could reply, Charin woke up and squealed, "Momma!" Which awoke Halling, Ronon, and Amelia.

When Halling started to cry, Teyla let out an exhausted sigh, "I believe it is time to feed Halling."

"Amelia and I should go home and pick Sharnie up from daycare," Ronon suggested, standing to his feet."How about you head to your lab, McKay? Who knows what's happened while you've been away."

"But Carson still hasn't answered my question," Rodney replied stubbornly.

"How about you check on your minions, and I'll tell you all about it later," Carson soothed.

Rodney looked as if he would argue, but thankfully, he took the bait and kept talking loudly on his way out: " You're right. For all I know, Zelenka and his minions have destroyed some of my important work."

Finally, everyone except Carson left, giving Teyla a chance to feed Halling and spend time with her children.

Charin, her innocent eyes wide, climbed onto Carson's lap and watched her mother feed Halling. "Who's that, Momma?" She whispered a soft melody in her voice in the quiet room.

"That is your baby brother, and when I have fed him, you may hold him as long as you let Uncle Carson or Momma help."

The little girl nodded and continued to stare at her baby brother, the excitement and anticipation evident in her eyes.

The room was silent while Teyla fed and changed her son, and she wondered how long it had been since they'd been home.

"How long have we been back, Carson?" Teyla asked, her mind still foggy from the last vestiges of sleep.

"You've been asleep for almost two hours," Carson replied quietly, not wanting to disturb the feeding baby.

"I hope that means that Jennifer will be out soon with news of John," Teyla worriedly replied, her concern for John evident.

Charin started crying, and Teyla's heart went out to her daughter, "Daddy, hurt," Charin sobbed.

"I know,' Carson soothed, "but Auntie Jennifer and Auntie Jasmine will have him better soon."

Charin's tear-streaked face turned to Carson, her trust in him unwavering.

"I wish you were in there, Carson," Torren said, "Dad trusts you."

Teyla knew what Torren was saying because John had confided in her on more than one occasion that he'd prefer to have Carson looking after him if he was sick or injured. Carson and John had developed a deep bond over the years, and John's trust in Carson was absolute.

"Auntie Jennifer and Auntie Jasmine are both excellent Doctors, so he's in the best possible hands," Teyla said, trying to comfort her son.

By this time, Halling was asleep again, so Teyla looked at her daughter, who was still sitting on Carson's lap. "Would you like to hold Halling now?"

"Yes, Momma."

With Carson's help, she positioned the baby in Charin's arms, and the little girl's smile lit up. " I luh you, Hally."

She didn't bother to correct Charin on her pronouncement of Halling's name because chances were that John would shorten it at some point anyway.

"What will you tell Rodney and John about the Holographic Doctor?" Teyla asked

"I don't know," Carson replied, "The truth, I guess."

The room fell silent again, the only sound the gentle breathing of the sleeping baby. Teyla's thoughts were consumed by John's long recovery ahead of him. The weight of it all was heavy on her shoulders. Perhaps it was time to take a break, to escape to Earth and visit John's brother, Dave. She knew that Dave and John weren't close, but given the events of the last few years, perhaps it was time for them to reconnect.

The silence was interrupted again when Lorne entered the room, "have you heard anything?"

"No, not yet," Carson replied quietly.

"I have someone here who wants to see you," Lorne said before entering the room.

Behind Lorne was Gia, her weathered face smiling and her blue eyes twinkling. However, the weariness in her features was unmistakable, a testament to the trials she had endured but also to her resilience.

Teyla was surprised to see her friend again so soon, "Gia, I thought you were going to spend some time on New Hilaring."

"I decided it was time to see Atlantis, and I will admit, I'm blown away so far." Gia's voice was gentle, but Teyla could sense the excitement in the woman's tired eyes.

"Who that?" Charin whispered in Teyla's ear.

Carson handed the sleeping baby off to Teyla and helped Charin sit in the seat beside him before helping the older lady to a seat, "This is our friend, Gia, "

"Hello. What is your name?" Gia said, her eyes twinkling at Charin.

"I, Charin."

"And I'm Torren."

"You have a beautiful family, "Gia said, looking at Teyla.

Teyla looked around the room and realised Lorne was still there. She wondered why. She knew he would be concerned for John, but usually, he wouldn't intrude on family time.

"Is there something else, Colonel?" She asked with as much patience as she could muster, given how tired she felt.

"General O'Neill will be here later tomorrow because he'd like an explanation of where you've been for the last two and a half weeks."

She nodded, "I will try to be there, depending on how John is."

"General O'Neill will be here for a few days, so I'm sure he'll be willing to wait," Lorne offered, his words a comforting reassurance amid uncertainty.

"Let me know how General Sheppard is," Lorne said with a small smile before leaving the infirmary.

What happened next took Teyla by surprise. Charin stood up and climbed on Gia's lap."

"Are you Momma's Momma?" Charin inquired.

Gia's eyes misted, "No, but I would be honoured if I was. I did have a daughter, and her name was Lalla."

Teyla was afraid Charin would start asking uncomfortable questions, but luckily, she just nodded and put her head on Gia's shoulder. Within a few minutes, Charin was asleep. Teyla looked at both her sons and realised they'd fallen asleep, Torren in the chair beside her and Halling in her arms. She didn't know how long it would be until Jennifer or Jasmine came out to give her news on John, so she closed her eyes, the room's dim light casting a warm glow.

It wasn't long before she heard someone enter the room, so she immediately opened her eyes to see Dr Jasmine Beckett - White enter the room, but she didn't look well.

"How is he?" Teyla asked with apprehension. The worry was evident in her voice.

Jasmine sighed, and Teyla could see how tired she was, "Luckily, the Doctor on New Hilaring removed the bullet before stitching his leg up. The problem was he didn't set the shattered Tibia. We managed to fix it with Rods and screws. There's also extensive damage to the ligaments and muscles surrounding the bone. His temperature is high, he has a fever, and the wound is inflamed. We are giving him the most potent antibiotics, so hopefully, that will clear up within a few days.

"May I see him?" Teyla asked, her voice steady despite the uncertainty. She had no idea what state John would be in but knew she had to be by his side.

"Jennifer is settling him in the ICU, so if you want to head back there, you can sit with him for a while," Jasmine replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"How about I look after your children for a while?" Carson suggested, his voice filled with genuine concern, "I'll also arrange for someone to find Gia some quarters."

Jasmine nodded at Carson's suggestion, "I need to talk to you, Carson, but it can wait until the children are in bed."

"I will need to feed Halling in a few hours, so I will pick him up from your quarters," Teyla said, strained with exhaustion, a testament to the emotional and physical toll of the situation and what she'd endured over the last few weeks.

She passed, Halling off to Carson and kissed her children on the top of their heads before making her way to the area of the infirmary designated the ICU.

When she arrived in the ICU, Jennifer was taking John's vitals, so she pulled up a seat beside his bed and looked at her husband. No matter how many times she saw John sick or injured, it never failed to stir a deep sense of fear and helplessness in her to see him in such a vulnerable state.

There was a nasal cannula under his nose and an IV in his arm. His leg was heavily bandaged and placed on a large pillow. But what truly shook her was his ashen complexion and the sweat beading on his brow. It was a sight that pierced her heart with worry and fear.

"How is he, Jennifer?" she asked, her voice betraying her need for reassurance.

"I've put a cooling blanket on him, and his temperature is steady now."

"May I sit with him for a while, Jennifer?"

"Go ahead, Teyla. I'll be in my office if you need me."

Once Jennifer had left, Teyla sat by her husband's bed and held his hand. She started to sing an Athosian lullaby to him just as he began to mumble and thrash about, his vulnerability stark in the dimly lit room.

She struggled between her desire to respect his privacy and her need to understand his distress, torn between the two.

"No, Dad! Please don't rip my Air Force poster. Whether you like it or not, I will be an Air Force pilot."

She listened for a while longer, and he was quiet. So she continued to sing to him, hoping it would soothe his troubled sleep.

oOo

Carson was troubled as he watched Teyla leave. John was injured again and wondered how long Sheppard could keep up the pace. Perhaps he'd order Sheppard and Teyla to return to Earth for his recovery because he felt the man needed to distance himself from Atlantis for a while. Maybe they all did. He even thought about returning to Scotland to visit his mother. In the past, he'd always refused because his family thought he was dead, and he believed it was cruel to turn up at their door. But as time passed, he thought it would be nice for his family to see him again, and he was sure they'd love Jasmine.

He looked at the Sleeping Children; Charin was asleep in Gia's arms, and Halling was asleep in his. Torren was slumped in a chair beside Gia, and Jasmine sat beside him on the verge of sleep. Perhaps it was time to get everyone, including his wife, to bed.

Gia seemed to be enjoying Charin's closeness, so he didn't have the heart to disturb them, but he knew that Charin needed to be asleep in her bed. Otherwise, she'd be tired and cranky in the morning.

"Do not worry, Dr Beckett; I understand the need for the child to go to bed. I did have a daughter, and she was this age once."

"Thank you for understanding, Gia, but I'm just trying to work out how to wake Charin without her screaming the place down."

"Don't worry, Uncle Carson. I know how to wake Charin without her crying," Torren offered with a tired yawn. Carson hadn't realised Torren was awake.

Carson watched as Torren stroked his sister's hair before whispering reassuring words in her ear. Slowly, the child opened her eyes and a smile spread across her face.

"Come on, Charin, it's time to go to bed, "Torren said gently.

While Torren spoke quietly to Charin, Gia whispered in Carson's ear, "I need to talk to you privately. Do you think your wife can put the children to bed?"

He looked at his wife and realised she didn't look well, but it could be because she was tired from working.

"Jas, do you think you put the kids to bed in the Sheppards' apartment? Gia wants to talk to me for a while."

Jasmine nodded, much to his relief.

"Charin, can you hold my hand? While Aunti Jasmine carries Halling," Torren asked his sleepy sister.

Carson was struck by Charin's nod and her willingness to hold her brother's hand. At the tender age of six, Torren already displayed remarkable responsibility and compassion. His maturity, a result of the hardships he had endured in the past few years, was truly admirable.

As Jasmine left with the children, Carson's anticipation for a private conversation with Gia grew. He was eager to spend time with his wife but sensed that Gia had something important to share, something he might not like.

Once he was sure Jasmine and the children were out of earshot, Carson turned to Gia, his eyes filled with deep concern. He was taken aback by the lacklustre appearance of her once vibrant blue eyes. "Gia, are you truly alright?"

She took a deep breath before answering him, "I have had dizzy spells for many cycles, but recently, they have happened with more frequency. But until I arrived on New Hilaring, I never collapsed. I have sensed there has been something wrong with me for many years, but recently, I have begun to sense I may be dying."

Carson's heart broke for the woman, and although she looked old and had a deformed face, he suspected she wasn't anywhere near as old as she looked.

"How about you come to the infirmary in the morning, and I'll run some tests to see if we can do anything to help you?"

"Thank you, Carson. I know you will do everything in your power to aid me, for the people of Atlantis are kind and generous. But if it is my time to join my ancestors, then so be it." Gia's acceptance of her potential fate hung heavily in the air.

Carson was struck by Gia's unwavering composure in the face of adversity. Her bravery was a beacon of inspiration. He knew that when Gia was no longer with them, her people would feel a profound loss. He could only hope that Rulan would be able to guide his people as capably as Gia had.

Gia hadn't gone yet, but Carson suspected she was right and may not have much time left.

"How about I show you to some guest quarters? Then Jasmine and I will meet you for breakfast before I conduct those tests," Carson suggested kindly.

"That sounds lovely, young man," Gia said, her blue eyes twinkling.

He smiled at the older woman, "Flattery won't get you anywhere."

Gia took his hand, and they left the infirmary waiting room together. Carson had no idea what tomorrow would hold for Gia, but he sensed it wouldn't be good.

oOo

Rodney left the infirmary and went straight to his lab. Although Radek had done a brilliant job while he was away from Atlantis, Rodney was still afraid that something may have gone wrong, and of course, he would spend the next few weeks fixing it.

Had it not been for the code Radek had cleverly concealed in the gate's lock, Rodney would have been lost in a maze of decryption for weeks. Radek's brilliance was a beacon of hope when they needed it, his intellect rivalling even his own - not that he'd tell the little scientist that.

When he arrived in the lab a few minutes later, he wasn't surprised that the little scientist was pouring over the database looking for something—he didn't care what.

The vibrant bruises adorning Radek's face caught Rodney off guard, starkly contrasting with Zelenka's usual demeanour. Rodney had always perceived Radek as averse to physical confrontation, so seeing these bruises puzzled him.

"What happened to you?" Rodney asked, not sure whether he cared or not.

"One of the hostiles refused to drink my tea, so I had to persuade him a little," Zeleka replied with a grin.

Rodney looked at the man and thought he was mad. Why was he offering the enemy tea?

"And why were you offering them tea?" Rodney asked, feeling more than a little confused.

"Because I put sleeping pills in it to help Lorne retake the gateroom."

"You're a genius, Radek," Rodney blurted out in an uncharacteristic display of kindness.

"Thank you, Rodney. It is good to have you home safely. I take it you found my code embedded in the gate lock and were able to crack it."

"Yes, thank you, Radek," Rodney replied kindly. "It would have taken longer to break the gate lock without it."

"Why are you here, Rodney?" Zelenka asked, and Rodney could sense the man's impatience. You should eat and rest, Rodney. You look utterly drained," Radek advised his concern for Rodney's well-being evident.

He considered refuting what the man had said but knew he was right. He hadn't slept in who knows how long. The only problem was that Jennifer would have to look after Sheppard all night, so he would have to go to bed alone.

"I guess I'll see you in the morning then, Radek."

"Goodnight, Rodney," Radek replied while looking at his computer.

He silently left his lab and decided to address his minions another day because he was positive that one of them would have made a monumental mistake while he was away and would have to fix it at some point.

oOo

Teyla was jolted out of her slumber by someone shouting, and it didn't take her long to realise it was John, who was in a delirious state.

He was once again in the grip of his inner demons, his body contorting with the weight of his painful memories.

"Well, Dad, you don't need to worry. I have been accepted into the Air Force and will work to pay for my tuition. And don't worry, Dad. I will never return to this house," John declared with unwavering determination.

John's voice echoed with a mix of determination and pain. Teyla wondered if it reflected his relationship with his late father.

She wiped his forehead and the stray tear that was making a path down his cheek, her heart aching with the weight of his suffering. Thankfully, he settled down and was quiet, but her memory of his distress lingered.

Jennifer ran into the room, worried, "I thought I heard the General shouting." Her concern was evident in her furrowed brow and how she started taking his vitals.

"I think he is reliving some painful memories. Is his fever getting worse?" She asked with palpable concern for her husband.

Teyla watched as Jennifer performed health checks on John, and she was relieved when Jennifer told her his temperature was stable for now.

"I think I should go home now," Teyla said, "it is time to feed and change Halling again, and I am the only person who can feed him at the moment.

"Don't worry, I will keep an eye on him," Jennifer offered kindly.

While Jennifer pulled up a chair next to John's bed, Teyla brushed a stray lock of hair off her husband's forehead and whispered. Do not worry, my love; I will return soon."

Teyla took one last look at her sleeping husband and left the infirmary, determined to return as soon as possible.

oOo

Carson was utterly exhausted when he arrived at the Sheppards' apartment. All he wanted was to collapse into his bed, but he knew Jasmine had taken Teyla and John's kids home to put them to bed.

He knew Jasmine had something significant to discuss, and the anticipation drove him mad. What could it be? He hoped it wasn't a severe health issue or other distressing news.

When he entered the apartment, he found Jasmine sitting on the couch. She looked almost asleep, and he was surprised she wasn't holding Halling.

"Where's Halling?" He asked quietly, not wanting to startle her.

Jasmine opened her eyes and blearily looked at him, and it took her a few moments to answer, "he's fast asleep in his crib in the nursery the General and Teyla set up before they became lost in KK203."

He nodded at his wife and sat beside her, wondering whether he should ask what she wanted to share with him or should he wait until the morning.

By this time, Jasmine was wide awake and didn't leave him waiting any longer. She took his hand and took a deep breath, "Carson, I am pregnant?" The joy in her voice was palpable, and Carson's heart swelled with anticipation.

He couldn't believe what he was hearing. The woman he loved was going to have his child. Then he started to panic because he was a clone and how would that affect their baby.

Jasmine must have read his mind because a smile lit up her face, and her blue eyes were joyful, "Don't worry, Carson. I spoke with Jennifer, and she says the baby is developing normally." Carson felt relief wash over him at her words, a sense of comfort and security settling in.

"How far along are you?" Carson asked, still trying to accept that he was going to be a father.

"Around ten weeks," Jasmine replied, the smile on her face growing wider.

Before either of them could say anything else, Halling started to scream, and Teyla entered the apartment.

"Right on time, Teyla. Halling had just started to cry," Carson said while trying to hide his excitement at the beautiful news Jasmine had shared with him.

"Thank you for putting the children to bed, but I can manage from here."

"I'll just get Halling for you, "Jasmine offered, getting off the couch.

Carson got off the couch and guided Teyla to the chair. She looked exhausted, and he hoped she would go to bed after feeding Halling.

"Do you need anything else?" Carson asked when Halling was happily feeding.

"No, I am fine, Carson. Again, thank you both for your help."

Carson took Jasmine's hand and left the room, and he couldn't be happier; in six months, he would be a father.

He'd recently been wondering whether he should take Jasmine to meet his family back in Scotland, but now that he and Jasmine were having a baby, he knew he had to. His sense of responsibility and commitment to his family and Jasmine's place in it was clear.

TBC…