Thunder Rolls chapter 3
Well, here is part 3. Thanks again to my awesome betas, Nacinom and Mysra.
Chapter 3 - Burning Bright
Noise was what intruded first. There were so many different sounds and it was making his head pound worse. His sense of touch returned next as he noticed that he was lying on the floor. Other sensations intruded next - strong smells and a heaviness of his body that he had never felt before. He twitched his arms and legs, noticing that they didn’t move quite right, but the sensations were familiar. A yawn escaped when he stretched in preparation to get off the floor. His jaws felt like they opened a lot wider than normal, but again the sensation felt natural.
With a bit of effort, he opened his eyes and found himself looking at a cratered surface. He frowned and moved his head back, blinking. His vision refocused to show that what he thought was a cratered surface was one of the walls to the lab. He turned his head. Three sets of eyes watched him - Rodney, Carson and Dr. Liang, one of the city’s two veterinarians. Dr. Liang’s presence bothered him and he wondered why she was here. That’s when it hit him why some of the odd sensations felt familiar. He looked at himself to confirm his suspicion. He had been transformed again, just this time, instead of a bug (ugh) or a dog, he was a tiger.
John stood and the trio of watchers grew still. His attention focused on Carson and Rodney, he stepped forward, letting out a string of heartfelt curses which emanated as a rumbling growl from deep in his chest. Suddenly, Dr. Liang scooted forward and bowed before him. “Honored Colonel, do not be mad at them. It was an accident. Do not stain your paws with their blood, oh great one. They will change you back.”
When Su Lin Liang placed herself in his path, John stopped. As she spoke, he listened to her and let his anger trickle away, although he would have to come up with a suitable revenge. Maybe he’d claw up Rodney’s favorite shirts and Carson’s as well or shed all over their quarters. He had time, he’d come up with something. He reached up and scrubbed his face with his hand - paw, then lay down to make himself comfortable.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
As John woke, Carson and Rodney stayed still. Dr. Liang was so still that she could have been a statue. They watched as John’s realization of his condition crossed his features. Carson had thought that, as a dog, Sheppard had been very expressive, but Sheppard the dog had nothing on Sheppard the tiger. Tail twitching, ears laid back, brows lowered and lips pulled back just a little, John focused on his two friends and growled, the deep growl expressing without a doubt his feelings on the situation.
Listening to Liang, Rodney almost burst out laughing. Sheppard’s temper in these situations was always dicey and he seemed to be responding to Liang’s words, although if she kept calling him ‘great one’ they’d probably have to deflate the Colonel’s ego to get him out of the room.
A beep sounded from the console - the database was finished downloading. Rodney scrambled up and dashed over, happy to escape being mauled, to pick up his tablet and John’s .45. Carson grabbed his bag and the remains of John’s clothes. The chain of Sheppard’s dog tags was busted so he stuffed them in his pocket. The foursome headed out the door.
As they moved back to the populated sections, Rodney said. “We need to call Lorne and Woolsey. We don’t want any trigger-happy Marines trying to bag Colonel Tiger here, and Woolsey needs to know.”
Carson sighed as John rumbled his agreement. “Aye, although I wouldn’t tell Woolsey over the open channel.” Carson reached up and tapped his radio. “Beckett to Major Lorne.”
Lorne’s drawl came back. “Lorne here, what did you two do to my CO now?”
Rodney tapped into the channel as well. “Who says we did anything?”
“He left here in your company.” Lorne’s reply was a bit acerbic. “That you’re calling me instead of him tells me something happened.”
At that moment, John chuffed softly and said, ‘That’s it, give ‘em hell, Lorne’. It came out as a soft growl that the sensitive radios picked up.
Silence followed the growl before Lorne responded. “Unless Atlantis now has a zoo, I’d say that Colonel Sheppard just ratted the two of you out.”
“Yes, yes and no, Atlantis doesn’t have a zoo. Sheppard is currently a Siberian tiger.” Rodney was getting frustrated. “Can you have a squad of Marines meet us as escort at Junction C5?”
“No, Doc.” Lorne sounded amused. “I’ll bring them myself after I make sure none are allergic to cats. Lorne out.”
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
As Lorne got off the radio, he stepped out of the watch office and looked out across the ready room, scanning faces. “Rodriguez, Brenner, Johnston, Walker, I need the four of you.” The four Marines quickly presented themselves. Corporals Brenner and Rodriguez were devoted to the Colonel as was Sergeant Johnston, while Gunny Walker had a steady head and had grown up on a farm. “Are any of you allergic to cats?”
The four were confused by Lorne’s unusual question. Cats? In Atlantis? They all shook their heads ‘no’.
Johnston asked the question on their minds. “Sir, has something happened to the Colonel again?”
Lorne let out a deep sigh and nodded. “They found another Ancient transformation lab. The Colonel is currently a Siberian tiger.”
Rodriguez whistled softly as he nudged Brenner. “Hey, Broki, did you know that the Siberian tiger is the third largest land predator, behind the Polar bear and Brown bear?”
The others, including Lorne shook their heads. Lorne smiled. “At least this time the Colonel won’t have to worry about gawkers in the Gateroom.” At the questioning looks from the Marines, he told them of the incident where Sheppard had been transformed into a Cairn terrier.
The Marines smiled as they imagined the Colonel then and the Colonel now. Nope, no gawkers this time.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
John was getting impatient. Rodney and Carson had both insisted that he wait for an escort. He didn’t feel it was necessary, but gave in. As they had walked back, he could feel the power and grace in the tiger body. He couldn’t wait to go for a run, especially in the catwalk area. When they reached the junction, Rodney and Carson sat down to wait. John paced over and patted Carson’s bag then looked at the Scottish doctor.
Carson looked at John. “Do you need somethin’ lad?”
John nodded and patted the bag again, brushing a paw over his face. He distinctly remembered hearing Dr. Liang tell Carson that he could have Codeine for his headache.
Carson sighed. “I’m sorry, John. I’m no good at reading cats.”
John turned to Rodney and repeated the movements.
Rodney watched John’s movements. “He wants something for his headache, Carson.” He turned to John. “Right?”
John nodded. He knew Rodney would understand. Man, he’d be glad when Teyla got back so she could relay for him.
Carson quickly dug out the Codeine bottle and shook two pills out in his hand. John had no intention of licking Carson’s hand so he stuck his tongue out, cupping it to catch the tablets. Carson dropped the pills onto John’s tongue, which was quickly withdrawn and the pills swallowed. Rodney pulled out a water bottle and uncapped it, John tilting his head back so Rodney could pour the cool water into John’s mouth. After Rodney put the bottle away, John butted him softly with his nose ‘Thanks’.
Rodney laughed softly. “You’re welcome.” He hesitated then reached for the area between John’s ears. John guessed what Rodney had in mind and allowed the touch. Rodney cautiously dug his fingers into the thick fur, reveling in the softness. As Rodney scratched, John laid down, head between him and Carson. As Rodney moved to the area behind the ears, John closed his eyes and gave a rumbling purr; the caresses were helping to ease his headache. Seeing John let Rodney touch, Carson gingerly reached out and started stroking the dark furred back.
They sat like that for several minutes until John raised his head then suddenly jumped up, spinning to face the corridor ahead. Rodney and Carson figured that they should get up as well. It was an interesting trio that met Lorne and the Marines. Sheppard was sitting in the middle of the corridor, poised and regal looking. Carson and Rodney stood to either side of the Colonel.
As they came upon the trio, Lorne and the Marines stared at the two doctors flanking the magnificent tiger. They all knew that the Colonel had been changed into a tiger. What they hadn’t known was that he was a black tiger. After a heartbeat’s hesitation, Lorne stepped forward to speak to his CO.
“Colonel, you ok?”
John nodded. It was at times like this that he was glad for Lorne - very little disturbed the man. John looked at Lorne then the Marines, tilting his head in an obvious question.
Lorne understood the question. His mom had cats when he was growing up. “They’re here as escort so someone doesn’t shoot you.”
John grumbled. ‘They better not’ was understood.
Lorne nodded. “I know, but it doesn’t hurt to be careful.”
Rodney blinked, his jaw dropping in surprise. “You understand him?”
Lorne turned slightly to face Rodney. “You sound surprised. Did you think you were the only cat person in the city? My Mom had cats, plus I’ve been his XO for four years. I’d like to think I’ve learned a bit about how his mind works in all that time.” Shifting again to include Carson in his field of vision, he asked a pertinent question. “So what did you tell Woolsey?”
“We told him that we found an interesting lab and that we needed to talk to him.” Rodney was fidgeting.
Lorne calmly looked at McKay. “So Mr. Woolsey doesn’t know that the two of you turned our military commander into a tiger?”
Carson shook his head. “No.”
“Well, this ought to be interesting.” Lorne looked at the mixed group, lips curling in a small smile. Sheppard hadn’t moved. “With your permission, sir?” At Sheppard’s nod, Lorne turned to his squad. “Johnston, Walker, take the front; Corporals, on our six. Let’s go.”
The group headed out with Lorne and Rodney walking to either side of Sheppard, Carson behind Rodney.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Richard Woolsey was in the conference room waiting for Colonel Sheppard and Doctors McKay and Beckett, when he started sneezing. He heard a commotion in the Gateroom and turned. Just as he faced the doors, he sneezed several more times in a row. As he wiped his nose, he looked up. Standing in between the louvered doors were four Marines, Major Lorne, Dr. Beckett, Dr. McKay and a … black tiger.
“Major, what is the … ah, ah, achoo… meaning of this?” Woolsey wiped his nose with a handkerchief. “Where is Colonel Sheppard and …achoo… why is there a cat in my conference room?”
Lorne grimaced. “That’s what we need to talk about.”
Woolsey motioned them to chairs. Lorne, Beckett and McKay took their usual seats. The four Marines took up station outside the louvers as the doors closed. He was surprised when the tiger hopped up and sat in Sheppard’s usual chair.
“Now, would someone… achoo …tell me… achoo …where the Colonel is?”
McKay gestured at the tiger. “He’s right there.”
“This is a joke, right?” Woolsey looked around as if suspecting Sheppard to spring out and yell ‘boo’.
“Mr. Woolsey, I assure ye that this is no joke. Both Rodney and I were present. This,” and Carson pointed at John the tiger, “is Colonel Sheppard.” Carson then reached over and pulled John’s dog tags out of his pocket for Woolsey to see, laying them on the table in front of him. Lorne reached over and retrieved John’s dog tags; removed his own and used the combined chains to fashion one long enough to fit around the Colonel’s neck. The two doctors then proceeded to explain what had happened.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
John was bored. Sitting in the conference room listening to Carson and Rodney explain to Woolsey what happened was no more fun than it had been the first time around. Thankfully, at least Lorne had needed no convincing. His head still hurt, he was hungry and he wanted to go take a nap.
Just as he was about to yawn in Woolsey’s face and show off his impressive set of teeth, he heard the Gate activate.
*”Lantis, where is that Gate from?”*
*“It is from MP-3455 - Proxima.”*
Proxima - that was where Teyla and Ronon had gated to a few days ago on a trading mission with Major Waters.
John was up and through the doors in a flash of black fur. Pausing behind a column, he noticed that Teyla had just stepped through the event horizon, Ronon a step behind, Waters and his team bringing up the rear. *“Teyla!”*
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Teyla was glad to be heading home. Dealing with the Proximans was always trying. They were very formal when it came to trading. After their first trading mission with them, John had described them as OCD. After he had explained the term, Teyla had most definitely agreed with his assessment. The Proximans also feared anyone with the Ancient gene; they had discovered and cultivated a flower that produced pollen that the Ancients were highly allergic to, which meant that neither John nor Evan could safely go there. Those with the gene therapy could go because the plants did not react to the artificial gene. The first time they went, John had ended up in the infirmary for a week with a severe allergic reaction. Teyla hated being separated from him for any long length of time, but at least they only had to travel to Proxima four times a year.
After she stepped through the Gate in Atlantis, Teyla paused, looking for John. Whenever they were separated, he usually tried to meet her in the Gateroom if he was in the city and not in the infirmary. She heard the splut behind her as Ronon passed through, followed a moment later by Major Waters and his team. She had just turned to hand her P90 to the armory sergeant when she heard John call her name.
*”Teyla!”*
She turned her head and caught sight of a black flash headed towards her. Just as she turned to meet the fast moving blur, Ronon’s pistol flashed and dropped the creature in its tracks. At the same time, a shout rang out from the upper gallery.
“Don’t shoot!”
Chapter 3 - Burning Bright
Noise was what intruded first. There were so many different sounds and it was making his head pound worse. His sense of touch returned next as he noticed that he was lying on the floor. Other sensations intruded next - strong smells and a heaviness of his body that he had never felt before. He twitched his arms and legs, noticing that they didn’t move quite right, but the sensations were familiar. A yawn escaped when he stretched in preparation to get off the floor. His jaws felt like they opened a lot wider than normal, but again the sensation felt natural.
With a bit of effort, he opened his eyes and found himself looking at a cratered surface. He frowned and moved his head back, blinking. His vision refocused to show that what he thought was a cratered surface was one of the walls to the lab. He turned his head. Three sets of eyes watched him - Rodney, Carson and Dr. Liang, one of the city’s two veterinarians. Dr. Liang’s presence bothered him and he wondered why she was here. That’s when it hit him why some of the odd sensations felt familiar. He looked at himself to confirm his suspicion. He had been transformed again, just this time, instead of a bug (ugh) or a dog, he was a tiger.
John stood and the trio of watchers grew still. His attention focused on Carson and Rodney, he stepped forward, letting out a string of heartfelt curses which emanated as a rumbling growl from deep in his chest. Suddenly, Dr. Liang scooted forward and bowed before him. “Honored Colonel, do not be mad at them. It was an accident. Do not stain your paws with their blood, oh great one. They will change you back.”
When Su Lin Liang placed herself in his path, John stopped. As she spoke, he listened to her and let his anger trickle away, although he would have to come up with a suitable revenge. Maybe he’d claw up Rodney’s favorite shirts and Carson’s as well or shed all over their quarters. He had time, he’d come up with something. He reached up and scrubbed his face with his hand - paw, then lay down to make himself comfortable.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
As John woke, Carson and Rodney stayed still. Dr. Liang was so still that she could have been a statue. They watched as John’s realization of his condition crossed his features. Carson had thought that, as a dog, Sheppard had been very expressive, but Sheppard the dog had nothing on Sheppard the tiger. Tail twitching, ears laid back, brows lowered and lips pulled back just a little, John focused on his two friends and growled, the deep growl expressing without a doubt his feelings on the situation.
Listening to Liang, Rodney almost burst out laughing. Sheppard’s temper in these situations was always dicey and he seemed to be responding to Liang’s words, although if she kept calling him ‘great one’ they’d probably have to deflate the Colonel’s ego to get him out of the room.
A beep sounded from the console - the database was finished downloading. Rodney scrambled up and dashed over, happy to escape being mauled, to pick up his tablet and John’s .45. Carson grabbed his bag and the remains of John’s clothes. The chain of Sheppard’s dog tags was busted so he stuffed them in his pocket. The foursome headed out the door.
As they moved back to the populated sections, Rodney said. “We need to call Lorne and Woolsey. We don’t want any trigger-happy Marines trying to bag Colonel Tiger here, and Woolsey needs to know.”
Carson sighed as John rumbled his agreement. “Aye, although I wouldn’t tell Woolsey over the open channel.” Carson reached up and tapped his radio. “Beckett to Major Lorne.”
Lorne’s drawl came back. “Lorne here, what did you two do to my CO now?”
Rodney tapped into the channel as well. “Who says we did anything?”
“He left here in your company.” Lorne’s reply was a bit acerbic. “That you’re calling me instead of him tells me something happened.”
At that moment, John chuffed softly and said, ‘That’s it, give ‘em hell, Lorne’. It came out as a soft growl that the sensitive radios picked up.
Silence followed the growl before Lorne responded. “Unless Atlantis now has a zoo, I’d say that Colonel Sheppard just ratted the two of you out.”
“Yes, yes and no, Atlantis doesn’t have a zoo. Sheppard is currently a Siberian tiger.” Rodney was getting frustrated. “Can you have a squad of Marines meet us as escort at Junction C5?”
“No, Doc.” Lorne sounded amused. “I’ll bring them myself after I make sure none are allergic to cats. Lorne out.”
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
As Lorne got off the radio, he stepped out of the watch office and looked out across the ready room, scanning faces. “Rodriguez, Brenner, Johnston, Walker, I need the four of you.” The four Marines quickly presented themselves. Corporals Brenner and Rodriguez were devoted to the Colonel as was Sergeant Johnston, while Gunny Walker had a steady head and had grown up on a farm. “Are any of you allergic to cats?”
The four were confused by Lorne’s unusual question. Cats? In Atlantis? They all shook their heads ‘no’.
Johnston asked the question on their minds. “Sir, has something happened to the Colonel again?”
Lorne let out a deep sigh and nodded. “They found another Ancient transformation lab. The Colonel is currently a Siberian tiger.”
Rodriguez whistled softly as he nudged Brenner. “Hey, Broki, did you know that the Siberian tiger is the third largest land predator, behind the Polar bear and Brown bear?”
The others, including Lorne shook their heads. Lorne smiled. “At least this time the Colonel won’t have to worry about gawkers in the Gateroom.” At the questioning looks from the Marines, he told them of the incident where Sheppard had been transformed into a Cairn terrier.
The Marines smiled as they imagined the Colonel then and the Colonel now. Nope, no gawkers this time.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
John was getting impatient. Rodney and Carson had both insisted that he wait for an escort. He didn’t feel it was necessary, but gave in. As they had walked back, he could feel the power and grace in the tiger body. He couldn’t wait to go for a run, especially in the catwalk area. When they reached the junction, Rodney and Carson sat down to wait. John paced over and patted Carson’s bag then looked at the Scottish doctor.
Carson looked at John. “Do you need somethin’ lad?”
John nodded and patted the bag again, brushing a paw over his face. He distinctly remembered hearing Dr. Liang tell Carson that he could have Codeine for his headache.
Carson sighed. “I’m sorry, John. I’m no good at reading cats.”
John turned to Rodney and repeated the movements.
Rodney watched John’s movements. “He wants something for his headache, Carson.” He turned to John. “Right?”
John nodded. He knew Rodney would understand. Man, he’d be glad when Teyla got back so she could relay for him.
Carson quickly dug out the Codeine bottle and shook two pills out in his hand. John had no intention of licking Carson’s hand so he stuck his tongue out, cupping it to catch the tablets. Carson dropped the pills onto John’s tongue, which was quickly withdrawn and the pills swallowed. Rodney pulled out a water bottle and uncapped it, John tilting his head back so Rodney could pour the cool water into John’s mouth. After Rodney put the bottle away, John butted him softly with his nose ‘Thanks’.
Rodney laughed softly. “You’re welcome.” He hesitated then reached for the area between John’s ears. John guessed what Rodney had in mind and allowed the touch. Rodney cautiously dug his fingers into the thick fur, reveling in the softness. As Rodney scratched, John laid down, head between him and Carson. As Rodney moved to the area behind the ears, John closed his eyes and gave a rumbling purr; the caresses were helping to ease his headache. Seeing John let Rodney touch, Carson gingerly reached out and started stroking the dark furred back.
They sat like that for several minutes until John raised his head then suddenly jumped up, spinning to face the corridor ahead. Rodney and Carson figured that they should get up as well. It was an interesting trio that met Lorne and the Marines. Sheppard was sitting in the middle of the corridor, poised and regal looking. Carson and Rodney stood to either side of the Colonel.
As they came upon the trio, Lorne and the Marines stared at the two doctors flanking the magnificent tiger. They all knew that the Colonel had been changed into a tiger. What they hadn’t known was that he was a black tiger. After a heartbeat’s hesitation, Lorne stepped forward to speak to his CO.
“Colonel, you ok?”
John nodded. It was at times like this that he was glad for Lorne - very little disturbed the man. John looked at Lorne then the Marines, tilting his head in an obvious question.
Lorne understood the question. His mom had cats when he was growing up. “They’re here as escort so someone doesn’t shoot you.”
John grumbled. ‘They better not’ was understood.
Lorne nodded. “I know, but it doesn’t hurt to be careful.”
Rodney blinked, his jaw dropping in surprise. “You understand him?”
Lorne turned slightly to face Rodney. “You sound surprised. Did you think you were the only cat person in the city? My Mom had cats, plus I’ve been his XO for four years. I’d like to think I’ve learned a bit about how his mind works in all that time.” Shifting again to include Carson in his field of vision, he asked a pertinent question. “So what did you tell Woolsey?”
“We told him that we found an interesting lab and that we needed to talk to him.” Rodney was fidgeting.
Lorne calmly looked at McKay. “So Mr. Woolsey doesn’t know that the two of you turned our military commander into a tiger?”
Carson shook his head. “No.”
“Well, this ought to be interesting.” Lorne looked at the mixed group, lips curling in a small smile. Sheppard hadn’t moved. “With your permission, sir?” At Sheppard’s nod, Lorne turned to his squad. “Johnston, Walker, take the front; Corporals, on our six. Let’s go.”
The group headed out with Lorne and Rodney walking to either side of Sheppard, Carson behind Rodney.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Richard Woolsey was in the conference room waiting for Colonel Sheppard and Doctors McKay and Beckett, when he started sneezing. He heard a commotion in the Gateroom and turned. Just as he faced the doors, he sneezed several more times in a row. As he wiped his nose, he looked up. Standing in between the louvered doors were four Marines, Major Lorne, Dr. Beckett, Dr. McKay and a … black tiger.
“Major, what is the … ah, ah, achoo… meaning of this?” Woolsey wiped his nose with a handkerchief. “Where is Colonel Sheppard and …achoo… why is there a cat in my conference room?”
Lorne grimaced. “That’s what we need to talk about.”
Woolsey motioned them to chairs. Lorne, Beckett and McKay took their usual seats. The four Marines took up station outside the louvers as the doors closed. He was surprised when the tiger hopped up and sat in Sheppard’s usual chair.
“Now, would someone… achoo …tell me… achoo …where the Colonel is?”
McKay gestured at the tiger. “He’s right there.”
“This is a joke, right?” Woolsey looked around as if suspecting Sheppard to spring out and yell ‘boo’.
“Mr. Woolsey, I assure ye that this is no joke. Both Rodney and I were present. This,” and Carson pointed at John the tiger, “is Colonel Sheppard.” Carson then reached over and pulled John’s dog tags out of his pocket for Woolsey to see, laying them on the table in front of him. Lorne reached over and retrieved John’s dog tags; removed his own and used the combined chains to fashion one long enough to fit around the Colonel’s neck. The two doctors then proceeded to explain what had happened.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
John was bored. Sitting in the conference room listening to Carson and Rodney explain to Woolsey what happened was no more fun than it had been the first time around. Thankfully, at least Lorne had needed no convincing. His head still hurt, he was hungry and he wanted to go take a nap.
Just as he was about to yawn in Woolsey’s face and show off his impressive set of teeth, he heard the Gate activate.
*”Lantis, where is that Gate from?”*
*“It is from MP-3455 - Proxima.”*
Proxima - that was where Teyla and Ronon had gated to a few days ago on a trading mission with Major Waters.
John was up and through the doors in a flash of black fur. Pausing behind a column, he noticed that Teyla had just stepped through the event horizon, Ronon a step behind, Waters and his team bringing up the rear. *“Teyla!”*
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Teyla was glad to be heading home. Dealing with the Proximans was always trying. They were very formal when it came to trading. After their first trading mission with them, John had described them as OCD. After he had explained the term, Teyla had most definitely agreed with his assessment. The Proximans also feared anyone with the Ancient gene; they had discovered and cultivated a flower that produced pollen that the Ancients were highly allergic to, which meant that neither John nor Evan could safely go there. Those with the gene therapy could go because the plants did not react to the artificial gene. The first time they went, John had ended up in the infirmary for a week with a severe allergic reaction. Teyla hated being separated from him for any long length of time, but at least they only had to travel to Proxima four times a year.
After she stepped through the Gate in Atlantis, Teyla paused, looking for John. Whenever they were separated, he usually tried to meet her in the Gateroom if he was in the city and not in the infirmary. She heard the splut behind her as Ronon passed through, followed a moment later by Major Waters and his team. She had just turned to hand her P90 to the armory sergeant when she heard John call her name.
*”Teyla!”*
She turned her head and caught sight of a black flash headed towards her. Just as she turned to meet the fast moving blur, Ronon’s pistol flashed and dropped the creature in its tracks. At the same time, a shout rang out from the upper gallery.
“Don’t shoot!”