Chapter 28: David Sheppard.
All Ronon could do was stare at Landry. The gravity of the situation was not lost on him. Someone was trying to poison Sheppard, and his first question was, why? The second who?
They arrived at the SGC ten minutes ago and were immediately taken to the conference room—Teyla was sent to the infirmary. Landry and Woolsey were in the conference room, their shocked expressions clearly indicating the severity of the situation. Ronon's first question was, 'Why are we here and not in the infirmary?' That's when Landry had told him someone was trying to poison Sheppard. Now Ronon felt like he needed to go and hit someone until he found answers, and at that moment, he thought Stoodley would be that someone. His heart was pounding, and his fists were clenched, a mix of anger and worry clouding his mind.
"How is he? Rodney asked before Ronon could voice his concerns, and for some reason, Rodney seemed remarkably calm.
"Unfortunately, the doctors had to intubate, and he's slipped into a coma," Woolsey answered, his voice tinged with unmistakable worry.
"And why are we here?" Rodney asked in a high-pitched tone," And not in the infirmary with Sheppard?"
There it is, Ronon thought; now he's panicking.
"Because I need to ask you a few questions. I will take you to the infirmary to see John when you have answered them." Landry stated firmly, leaving them no room for disagreement.
"I want to know who's done this and why. Although I suspect this Stoodley had something to do with it." Ronon growled, his distaste for Stoodley evident.
"I share your suspicion, Ronon, but we can't make accusations without evidence," Woolsey declared, his eyes reflecting his determination to uncover the truth.
Woolsey's stance on the matter was clear, but Ronon couldn't shake off his distrust for Stoodly. He knew they couldn't act without proof on Earth, but he longed for the days in the Pegasus galaxy where he could mete out his own form of justice.
"What would you like to know, General?" Rodney asked in a remarkably calm voice, which was surprising considering that he was on the verge of panic a few minutes ago. For some reason, the scientist went between panic and calmness within a few seconds.
"The first thing I need to ask," Landry began leaning forward in his chair, "is there any way Sheppard could have accidentally ingested the white berries from CXZ-117?"
Ronon snorted at that suggestion, "Sheppard's not an idiot. He stopped trading for the berries when he knew he was allergic to them, and Sheppard hasn't been to CXZ-117 since the original trading mission where he got sick."
"But others have returned to the planet for trade?" Woolsey asked.
"Yes, we have an ongoing trade agreement with the planet's inhabitants," Rodney informed them. "Before you ask, we always go to CXZ-117; the inhabitants never come to Atlantis."
"Thank you for the information," Landry said, standing up."I'll get a list of people from Atlantis who have visited CXZ-117 recently. I will need to question them to see if anyone knows anything that can help. I suspect someone knows something, whether they are guilty or not."
Ronon wanted to see Sheppard but also to say a thing or two to Stoodly. "Where's Stoodly?" he growled.
"He's staying in town at the moment," Woolsey answered," but we have a couple of marines keeping an eye on him so he doesn't leave town."
"Good enough," Ronon muttered," now can we see Sheppard?"
Ronon would go into town to check on Stoodley the first chance he got, but for now, he needed to see his friend.
oOo
By the time she reached the infirmary, Teyla was beside herself with worry, and it only got worse when Carson grabbed her and pulled her into the office before she had a chance to see John. Carson's actions worried her because perhaps John was sicker than she initially thought.
After speaking with Lorne, Teyla's time passed in a whirlwind of worry and confusion. Within half an hour, she walked through the gate to the SGC, where Carson met her, and Woolsey met Rodney and Ronon.
"Carson, what's going on? I need to see John now," She insisted, her confusion turning into impatience.
"How much did Colone Lorne tell you?" Carson asked, his voice filled with warmth and compassion that Teyla could feel.
"They told me he was gravely ill, and I had to come here at once," she replied, her voice trembling with fear and concern, "Do you know what is wrong with him?"
"Unfortunately, he has somehow ingested the berries from CXZ-117, and his reaction is more severe than the last time he ate them. Do you have any idea where he might have eaten them?" Carson asked urgently, knowing that there was no way John would have eaten them on purpose.
"John would not eat them because he remembers how sick he was last time!" Teyla replied, her voice quivering with anger and fear, her eyes filled with tears. He also still feels guilt over the two marines who didn't make it. So someone must have given them to him."
"Ah, my thoughts exactly luv. Now, would you like to sit with John for a while?"
"Yes, Carson, I need to be with him, Teyla pleaded.
"I must warn you, Teyla, that we've had to intubate, and he's in a coma," Carson told her with utmost compassion, his voice filled with concern for her and John.
Teyla nodded, trying to understand what she had just been told. The two marines who died from the reactions to the berries had slipped into comas before they died. So, what did this mean for John? She hoped with all her heart that he'd make it because there was no way she could live without him.
When she walked into the area designated as ICU, she was shocked by what she saw. John, usually so full of life, now lay motionless on the hospital bed, his face pale and his breathing shallow. The only sound in the room was the ventilator as it breathed for John and the sound of machines as they monitored his heart rate, blood pressure and pulse.
A nurse at the end of his bed was writing something on a chart, which worried her because the nurse was someone she didn't know. John needed to be on Atlantis in the infirmary, being looked after—at least Carson was on hand if John needed him.
She pulled up a chair and wiped a stray lock of hair off John's forehead before sitting beside his bed.
"I am here, John. Please fight and get well because our children are eager to see you and for us to all go on vacation together." Teyla's voice trembled with emotion as she spoke to her husband, her eyes filled with tears.
The nurse smiled at Teyla. "I'll be just outside the room if you need me," she said before exiting the room, and Teyla was happy for some privacy.
Holding his hand, she was surprised to feel how cold it was, the chill of the hospital room seeming to seep into his skin. But perhaps that was a side effect of the coma. She would ask Carson when she saw him next.
She had just started singing John an Athosian lullaby, which always comforted him when Rodney and Ronon walked in. Suddenly, she felt embarrassed; even though Rodney and Ronon had heard her singing before, they'd never heard her singing to John in such a vulnerable moment.
"Don't stop on our account," Ronon said with amusement.
Rodney stood and stared at the still-pale form in the bed, "He looks almost dead. Has anyone bothered to tell his brother?"
Seeing how pale and shaky Rodney had become, Teyla suggested urgently, "Perhaps you should sit down? I do not know if the General's brother has been contacted."
"Nah, I need to see O'Neill because his brother deserves to know what's happening," Rodney declared, his determination and compassion shining through.
She watched as Rodney exited the room before turning her attention back to John.
"I'll sit with you for now," Ronon suggested, sitting beside her and putting his arm around his shoulder. "You can sing to Sheppard if you want," Ronon said with a playful smirk, his care for Teyla's emotional well-being evident in his attempt to lighten the heavy atmosphere.
She smiled at Ronon and began to sing the familiar lullaby she'd been singing when Ronon walked in, hoping that John could hear her and he would find it soothing.
oOo
Lorne was happy to have taken a break and gone to the mess hall after General Landry contacted him again.
It now appeared that General Sheppard was being poisoned, and General Landry wanted him to send reports on any of his marines that had had contact with CXZ-117. Lorne, fueled by his determination to get to the bottom of this, was positive that no teams had been there in the last few months, but he would have to search the records to make sure. He knew he'd have to interview the team leaders and his senior staff - or Sheppard's senior staff - to see if they had seen or heard anything suspicious.
After spending half an hour eating a sandwich and drinking his third coffee for the day, he returned to Sheppard's office and was surprised to see Torren sitting behind the desk, playing with one of his father's model planes. The boy, his worry and suspicion etched on his face, looked up at Lorne.
"What can I do for you, Torren?" Lorne asked, his patience evident, "Who's supposed to be looking after you?"
"I told Aunt Amelia I was going to come and look for you, and she gave me permission," Torren replied, his concern palpable.
Lorne nodded in understanding, "Okay then. What can I do for you?"
"Aunt Amelia said Daddy is very sick. Is this true?" Torren asked, his innocent eyes brimming with tears. His confusion was unmistakable," I guess that's why Momma went to Earth, but why did Uncle Rodney and Ronon go?"
Lorne was at a loss. He didn't want to tell Torren the harsh truth but knew he had to share some version of it. His internal conflict was evident in his furrowed brow and hesitant voice.
"Do you remember the white berries from CXZ-117 that made your Dad sick a few years ago?"
Torren nodded in understanding, his innocent eyes wide with concern, "Momma says Atlantis doesn't trade for those berries anymore, so how could Daddy eat them and get sick?"
Lorne took a deep breath before answering, "I don't know, but I think someone has been feeding them to him and making him sick."
Torren's eyes widened in shock," Someone's doing this to my Dad on purpose?"
Lorne knew it was a lot to ask a six-year-old, but he needed Torren's help. "Yes, and that's why I will ask you the same thing I'm asking the senior staff. You need to let me know if you see or hear anything that may help us find out who is making your dad sick. You're an important part of this investigation, Torren."
There was no way he wanted to put the kid in danger, but surely, no one would suspect a six-year-old child of eavesdropping. Torren's bravery in this risky situation was truly admirable.
Lorne watched as Torren wiped his eyes, and a look of grim determination came over the child's face.
"I saw Lt Davis speaking with Dr Symmons near one of the science rooms and thought it was strange."
Anyone who knew the two men knew they didn't get along, so it was strange they would be talking about anything - usually, they'd be arguing. Lt. Davis was the head of a gate team, and Dr Symmons was one of McKay's lead scientists. Their frequent clashes were well-known among the staff.
"What were you doing near the science labs, Torren?"
"Charin ran away from Aunt Jasmine. She was looking for Uncle Rodney to ask him about Daddy."
Lorne nodded, knowing that Charin tended to run away from her caregivers. She had her father's ATA gene and his love of mischief and adventure.
"Do you know what Symmon and Davis were discussing, Torren?" He asked in anticipation.
"Davis was bragging about how he managed to get some of the white berries, and I think he wanted to know if Symmons could make it into a serum."
It was clear Torren was intelligent, and his speech was well-formed for a six-year-old, but until now, he had no idea how advanced. His intellect was truly remarkable.
"Thank you for your help, Torren. Please keep your eyes and ears open, but do not put yourself in danger. If you see or hear anything, please come to me. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Colonel. Can I go now?" He asked, sounding like a child again. His innocence starkly contrasted the dangerous situation, evoking a protective instinct in the Colonel.
He smiled at Torren as he stood up, waved and exited the room. Now was an excellent time to get the senior staff together. He knew he had to question Lt. Davis and Dr Symmons. Still, the urgency of the situation was clear-he needed concrete proof that they were connected to Sheppard's poisoning, the incident that had left Sheppard in a critical condition, fighting for his life at the SGC.
oOo
Rodney dashed through the resounding Halls of the SGC, his heart racing with the urgency of his mission. He was desperate to speak to O'Neill about bringing Sheppard's brother to the SGC. He was convinced the brother needed to know what was happening with his sibling.
Sheppard had always kept his troubled past with his brother and his family a closely guarded secret. However, a recent change had seen John opening up about his desire to make amends, a change that was evident in the Sheppard family's plans to vacation on Earth.
When he reached O'Neill's office a few minutes later, he was surprised to see Landry sitting at the desk.
"Where's O'Neill?" He asked, his voice full of urgency.
"He's not here. How Can I help you, Dr McKay?" Landry asked, his voice less than patient.
"Does Sheppard's brother know what's happening to him? Because I'm sure he was expecting John and his family a few days ago."
"O'Neill's off to tell his brother now, and if David Sheppard signs the confidentiality agreements, he will be transported to the SGC to see his brother."
Rodney was momentarily stunned by the implications of what he'd just heard. In his frantic rush to bring Sheppard's brother to the SGC, he had overlooked the gravity of the situation. Now, the direness of Sheppard's condition hit him like a ton of bricks, the realisation of how close he was to losing his friend sinking in.
"Is Sheppard really that sick?" Rodney asked with hesitation.
Landry looked worried. " According to Dr Beckett, he's not getting any better, but the good news is he's not getting any worse either. But you'll be happy to know the investigation has turned up a few leads regarding who has done this to Sheppard."
He didn't want to know about the investigation right now; all he cared about was returning to the infirmary to sit with Sheppard during what could be his final hours. Ronon would want to know about the investigation, so he might send the Satedan to see Landry.
"Okay," Rodney stammered, his voice betraying his inner turmoil, "I must return to the infirmary now."
He stood up, exited Landry's office, and took off running. All sorts of thoughts were going through his mind, and none were positive. The main one was, what if Sheppard didn't make it?
oOo
After a taxing day at Sheppard Industries, David Sheppard found solace in his favourite recliner. The company was not faring as well as he had hoped, and in moments like these, he deeply missed his father. He would have given anything for his father's guidance or even for his brother John to step in, but John's commitment to the military remained unwavering.
His wife was at the back of the house looking after the children, and he was enjoying a few minutes of peace. The housekeeper, Ellie, had gone home hours ago, so he had yet to learn if a meal was in the fridge. Despite his fatigue, David's hunger warred with his lethargy, but ultimately, he decided he wasn't hungry and couldn't be bothered to get up and check.
Two days ago, John was expected to arrive for a long-awaited visit with his family, but as usual, he had been irresponsible and had to delay the visit. Disappointed and concerned, David had no idea what his brother had done this time, but he'd received a call from General O'Neill to say that John would be delayed.
With a heavy sigh, David rose and went to the bar, pouring himself a much-needed whiskey. The day had been relentless, and he craved a moment of respite before helping Jane with the children's bedtime routine. But as he sat back in his chair, he realised he didn't even have the energy for a drink. He closed his eyes, the idea of a nap suddenly appealing.
Dave was on the verge of sleep when the doorbell rang. He didn't want to get up and see who it was, but he assumed Jane would be putting the children to bed, so he should probably answer it.
With a sigh, he went down the long corridor, his mind racing with possibilities. Who could it be at this hour? He swung the door open, expecting to find a friend of Jane's or a late-night delivery, but was instead met with the sight of an Air Force Officer.
"Mr David Sheppard?" The silver-haired man asked.
"What's John done this time? How much money will it take to get him out of trouble?" Dave wearily asked.
The man's expression turned grave. "I am General Jack O'Neill. Your brother is not in trouble but is in a serious situation. He is very ill, and I need you to come with me."
Dave stared at the General open-mouthed. Sure, he and John had issues, but they were brothers and had been close once before John's military service drove a wedge between them. Despite their differences, Dave still cared for his brother and hoped they could be close again.
"Umm…sure. I assume you have transport. Otherwise, I'll get my pilot to prepare my private plane," Dave said, his disbelief evident.
"No, I have transport. But before you come, I need to let you know what John has been doing for the last ten years is highly confidential, and you will need to sign a confidentiality agreement."
"Of course it is," Dave muttered more to himself than O'Neill. "I must let Jane know what's happening before I leave."
A short, petite woman with alabaster skin, long dark hair, and green eyes joined them at the door. " What is happening, Dave?" she asked worriedly.
Dave looked at his wife and knew she would give him the support he needed. He knew she'd tell the children something, "Jane, this is General Jack O'Neill and John's ill. I need to go with him and see John. Will you be okay for a few days?" His concern for his family was overwhelming.
"I will go and get your bag," Jane, Dave's wife, offered, kissing him on the cheek.
"Grab the one in the spare room that I have packed for emergencies," Dave suggested to Jane.
Once she had left, he turned to O'Neill and asked, "Can I sign the appropriate forms along the way?"
O'Neill's tone was deadly serious, "Sure, but you have to sign them along the way because if you don't and find out too much, you'll spend the rest of your life in jail."
A few minutes later, Jane arrived with his bag, and when she handed it to him, she pulled him in for a hug.
"Be safe, Dave, and tell John he has to get well. The children and I can't wait to meet him finally."
He nodded and exited the house, closing the door behind him. Once outside, he looked around for a car and was surprised he couldn't find one.
"Where's your car? How are we going to get to your plane?" He asked with confusion.
O'Neill smiled and spoke into a hand-held radio," Two to beam up, Carter."
Dave was shocked when a bright light instantly enveloped him, and for a moment, he was afraid. Once the beam had evaporated, he found himself on a sleek, metallic ship, its walls adorned with blinking control panels and a hum of energy filling the air. A woman in a military uniform was walking towards him.
"Hello, Mr Sheppard; I am General Samantha Carter, commander of the Earth ship Hammond."
Dave was utterly speechless. He slowly turned 180 degrees, his eyes widening in disbelief as he realised he was on a ship in space. The sight of the entire continent of North America below him, with its distinct grasslands and deserts, was awe-inspiring and terrifying.
"What has John been involved in for the last ten years?" Dave asked General O'Neill, his voice trembling with shock and anticipation.
"Well, if you come to Carter's office, you can read about it. Then, you can sign the confidentiality agreements." O'Neill chuckled before continuing, "That's if you don't want to back out. But unfortunately, you now know too much."
Dave straightened his suit and ran his hand through his meticulously combed hair, "lead the way."
He took one last look at the breathtaking view out the window, his heart pounding with anticipation. He followed O'Neill to a room in the corner of what was the bridge, knowing that the next few days were going to be intense, filled with secrets, revelations, and perhaps even danger. He could only hope that John would make it so he could finally share in John's life.
oOo
Lorne couldn't believe what was happening in front of him. The office, usually a place of order and discipline, was now chaotic. Five minutes ago, he'd called Symmons and Davis to his office, and the minute they arrived, Symmons immediately confessed to everything - although he was saying that Davis had coerced him into it. Davis had rolled his eyes and blamed Symmons for everything.
Both men looked ridiculous, waving their arms and yelling at each other. Davis was a six-foot-tall, well-muscled marine with dark hair and dark eyes. Symmons was the dead opposite. He was about five feet five inches round in the middle with blonde hair and blue eyes. They were both about thirty years old.
It was almost comical how many times Davis's flailing arms nearly connected with Symmons' face. Yet, beneath the surface of their antics, the situation was grave.
"Gentlemen!" Lorne roared, his voice echoing off the walls," Please sit down and tell me what happened from the beginning." His mind was racing, trying to make sense of the situation.
Both men immediately sat down and looked at him Sheepishly, "Lt Davis, why don't you start."
"When I was on Earth a few months ago, General Stoodly contacted me and asked me about the berries we'd found on CXZ-117."
"What did you tell him?" Lorne asked suspiciously.
"I told him that we don't trade for them because some of our team members had an allergic reaction to them," Davis answered truthfully."But he wanted to try some and asked me if I could get some. He offered my family a large amount of money if I did it for him, and considering my mother is ill, I couldn't refuse the money."
Now, he had a good idea of where Stoodly got the berries, but did Davis and Symmons know what he would do with them?
"And how did you come into this, Dr Symmons?" Lorne asked, trying to remain calm.
"Apparently, General Stoodly wanted it in a serum to put in his coffee as a sweetener." Symons answered him, clearly oblivious to why.
By this point, Lorne was utterly floored by these men's stupidity, "And you believed him!?"
"Why wouldn't I believe him?" Davis asked. "My family has known General Stoodly for years. Why else would he want the berries in such a concentrated form?"
Rather than tell them the truth, he asked Symmons, "And what did you get out of the deal?"
"Money for my aged mother."
A look of horror crossed Davis' face, "Why, what was it used for?"
"It was given to General Sheppard, and now he's very sick," Lorne told him truthfully.
Both men were visibly shaken, their hands covering their faces in a gesture of disbelief. The weight of their actions was finally sinking in, and the room was filled with a heavy silence.
"What happens now?" Symmons's voice was tinged with regret, and Lorne could feel the gravity of his words. The full impact of their actions was beginning to dawn on them, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their future.
"You'll be placed in the brig until I can contact the SGC and tell them what Stoodly asked you to do. What happens next will be up to General O'Neill and Sheppard."
Both men stood to attention and saluted, their voices firm and resolute, "Yes, sir", they said in unison, accepting the consequences of their actions.
He called a couple of the Marines who were guarding the gateroom and instructed them to take the two men to the brig. Thankfully, they went without a struggle.
Now, all he had to do was contact the SGC and explain what was happening, and hopefully, the two men in the brig wouldn't be charged with accessory to murder.
TBC…