In Our Darkest Hour - Part I
Title: In Our Darkest Hour - Part I
Author: Mercy
Characters: Elizabeth/John (Stargate Atlantis)
Rating: NC-17
Wordcount: 11546 words
Disclaimer: Nothing of this, except the plot, belongs to me.
Summary: After a mission John is possed by an evil spirit who wants to take revenge. Elizabeth has to blend with a spirit as well to be able to fight him.
Spoilers: Not really cause this is my own version of 'The Long Goodbye'
Elizabeth sighed and leaned her head against the glass wall of her office. For a moment she forgot all her problems and watched the sunlight playing on the surface. 'So peaceful...', she thought. 'Unlike our current situation.'
Frustrated sigh No. 2 escaped her lips as she turned back to her desk and the mountain of paperwork. Staring at it for several heartbeats Elizabeth wished not for the first time that she was on a nice cozy island instead of being stuck with reports and a Colonel who wasn't acting like himself.
Ever since yesterday’s mission John was agressive, even the smallest things made him go off like a bomb. He literally rampaged through the hallways of Atlantis, was edgy and rude to everyone he encountered. And if you dared to ask him what was going on, you found yourself at the recieving end of a death glare that would have put a Wraith to flight.
In other words: John and his behaviour were getting on Elizabeth’s nerves. And she absolutely didn’t like it.
Another sigh echoed of the office walls as Elizabeth flopped not very lady-like down into her chair. Tiredly she run a hand through her hair, rubbed her temples and took a deep breath. ‘Ok, girl, focus and you will find a solution. You always have and this time won’t be different!‘ Feeling a little bit more optimstic than before Elizabeth took the report from the last mission and began to read it for the second time. In the back of her mind always hoping to find some clues. ‘There has to be something...‘
“Dr. Weir?”
Elizabeth looked up and found Colonel Caldwell standing outside of her office. Putting the report aside she gave him her full attention.
“Colonel,” she smiled at him and gestured to the chair infront of her desk. “Please, take a seat. What can I do for you?”
Caldwell moved into her office and took the offered seat.
“Dr. We... Elizabeth. I’m here to talk about Colonel Sheppard.” He looked Elizabeth straight in the eyes as he said these words.
For the fouth time in one hour Elizabeth sighed. “He’s still as agressive as yesterday, isn’t he?”
Caldwell nodded. “We thought it would be only for some hours but now...” She stood up and began pacing the lenght of her office.
“Elizabeth, this can’t go on. He’s threatening the whole population of Atlantis and even if we haven’t been exactly friends, I’m starting to worry.” Caldwell turned in his chair and watched Elizabeth.
She stopped infront of one of the team pictures, taken in the very first months of their new life, and traced thoughtfully the frame. For several minutes nothing was heard except the ticking of the clock and the usual noises that belonged to a busy day in Atlantis.
Finally Elizabeth turned around. “I want to speak with Alon, the leader of the village Sheppard’s team visited yesterday. Maybe he can bring light into this.”
Caldwell narrowed his eyes. “Is that wise? What if-” Elizabeth interrupted him. “Colonel, this is not arguable”, she said sternly. “I’m going.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Caldwell answered, a small smile jerking at the corners of his mouth. Elizabeth glared at him but couldn’t resist smiling back at him.
“Good, then it’s set-”
“Well, well. What do we have here?”
Elizabeth looked up and was taken back by the unusal picture John presented. Instead of the humour that was always hidden in the corner of his eyes, a cold twinkle had taken residence. His whole posture was different, like a hunter ready to strike.
John leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest and stared at Elizabeth. He smirked as his gaze wandered down her face, her chest and then slowly back to her eyes. Suddenly Elizabeth found her office way too small but she wasn’t about to give this new John the satisfaction of showing it.
Straigthening up she met his eyes with an icy glare. “Can I help you, Colonel?”
For the first time John acknowledged Colonel Caldwell, even if he wasn‘t looking at him. “I want to talk to Dr. Weir. Alone.”
Elizabeth nodded at Caldwell. “It will be alright. We will talk later.” Somehow she managed a tight smile.
Reluctant Caldwell stood up and moved to the door, only to stop infront of John. But his next words were still directed at Elizabeth.
“I’ll be near. In case something happens.”
He glanced one last time at John and then turned to exit the office but suddenly John’s arm shot out and blocked the doorway.
Elizabeth winced at the sound of John‘s hand hitting the doorframe. She watched nervously as John slowly bend his head and invaded Caldwell’s personal space. Her hands balled themselve to fists as she tried to keep her composure and not walk over to the two men because somehow she knew it would make John go off like a bomb if she saved Caldwell.
As if John felt her inner struggle, he slightly turned his head and just like the first time, his cold smile made Elizabeth’s soul freeze. God, how she wished to be anywhere but here...
“Being a gentleman can kill you sometimes, Caldwell. Remeber that.” Elizabeth gasped, her eyes widened, never in a million times she tought she would hear John utter such a... cold-blooded threat.
“Colonel Caldwell,” she took step forward and tried to look unconcerned by John’s words although she was very much aware of John’s eyes following every of her movements. “Didn’t Dr. McKay needed your help?”
‘I won‘t let you intimidate me.‘ she thought defiantely and locked her gaze with John‘s. Narrowing his eyes he straightened up and deliberately slowly pushed himself off of the doorframe.
“You heard her, Caldwell. Get out.” John nearly spat the words out and didn’t even turned to see if Caldwell followed his... request.
One last time glancing at Elizabeth, Caldwell left the office and Elizabeth asked herself if she made the right decision because the second John and she were alone, the glass windows darkened and the door slid shut. Slowly the light faded until it was dim and she could barely make out John. But it was not only the light that had faded. Elizabeth’s hope was just like a flame that became smaller and smaller until is was barely alive.
Carefully she extened her left hand in the presumedly direction of her desk, the only thing that would made her feel safe as soon as it was between herself and John but she wasn’t fast enough.
Instead of a metal surface her hand bumbed against a warm one. John had cornered her. Elizabeth stumbled back, startled at John’s fast and noiseless move. His presence was overwhelming and yet his coldness made her shiver.
“C-Colonel?” She hated herself for sounding like a frightnened animal even if she felt like one. Swallowing, she willed her voice to sound normal and even a little bored as if the whole situation was not worth all the effort. “What do you want?”
Instead of answering John took another step forward and now they were face to face. She was trapped. Elizabeth steadied her rapid breathing and looked up at John. His eyes were still mostely hidden by the shadows but for a moment she catched a glimpse of something that was defintely not John. Something... evil...
His hot breath hit her face. “What...” His voice was dangerously low as he moved his head a little closer to her ear. “What I...” His hands hovered a mere’s breath over hers. “What... I... want?” The last words were nothing more than a whisper.
Elizabeth stiffened as John lifted his hand and touched her cheek with his fingertips. He tilted his head and without a warning grasped her jaw forecfully. Elizabeth gasped and she started to panic, something she hadn’t done in years. She struggled but John had a steely grip on her.
“Joh-”
“NO!” He came so close that Elizabeth was able to see his stubbles. In a desperate attempt to keep John away, Elizabeth planted her hands against his chest and tried pushing him back, fought against him closing in on her but Elizabeth knew she had lost the fight the second her back met the wall.
With his free hand John braced himself on the wall, his cold eyes boring into hers.
“I want...” His lips brushed her ear, slowly wandering down. “... you to suffer.” And he bit down.
“Ahhhhh!” Elizabeth’s back arched, her mind was screaming for help, her hands were grasping John’s shirt and oh god, it hurt... hurt so much.
In a flash the door to her office was busted open, the shining light blinded her and she had to use her arm to block it.
“Dr. Weir!”
“Elizabeth!”
Slowly she slid down the wall, one hand pressed to her neck where John had bitten her. Her mind was a chaos, her heart beating a mile per hour and the leading Military Officer of Atlantis was gone. Like he never had been in her office.
Carson rushed to her side and attended to her wound.
“Shh, it’s ok, Elizabeth. It’s ok.”
“No, nothing is ok.” Her head thudded against the wall and she stared at the ceiling. Finally coming to a decision she stood up.
“Colonel Caldwell, I’m going to speak with Alon now. In the meantime you and your team try to catch Colonel Sheppard. Imprison him and keep an eye on him until I’m back!”
Caldwell nodded and barked the nessesary orders while Elizabeth left the control room. ‘We will see who’s going to suffer, Colonel.‘ she thought grimly. ‘We will see...‘
XXX
“What. The. Hell. Happened. To. My. Military Officer?” Elizabeth’s eyes flashed a dark green as she glared at the leaders of the small village near the Stargate.
The worried looks they exchanged was not lost on her and for a second her heart stopped. What if it was too late? What if he-, no, what if Atlantis’ John, was never coming back? What if-
“Doctore Weir? I’m sorry for what happened but-”
She was on her feet in a flash and she would have laughed at the shocked expression of the old man if not John’s life had been in danger.
“Don’t you dare tell me, there’s no chance of getting him back!”
“Ehm, Elizabeth, I thi-”
She whirled around. “Rodney, what?”
He pointed at something behind her. Shooting him one of these ‘I’m-so-not-in-the-mood’ looks before turning back to the council and faking a tense smile, she focused on the person Rodney was pointing at and that stood a little aloof from the others. It was an elderly woman who stepped forward and bowed before Elizabeth.
“As Alon was about to explain: Maybe I can bring light into your... problem.” Elizabeth raised her eyebrow at that term. “I’m the holy priestess of our people. I’m quite sure that I know what happened.”
She gestured for Elizabeth to follow her and Elizabeth cast one last glance over her shoulder at Rodney and Teyla.
“We will wait here, Dr. Weir.” Teyla gave an encouraged smile while Rodney muttered something along the line of “It’s not like I want to go back to that Sheppard-whatever”
Elizabeth pushed the curtain aside through which the priestess had disappeared and found herself in a small room, light by candles. A heavy scent of different spices was in the air, reminding Elizabeth of old stories about gypsy women who foretold one’s future.
Not knowing what was expected of her, Elizabeth stopped at the entrance. She watched closely as the woman took a seat on a bed made of cushions and started to brew what was obviously their version of tea. As she looked up, Elizabeth felt like a child who was caught with a hand in the cookie jar.
“Sorry, I didn't... I don’t...” Noting her discomfort the woman smiled warmly at her.
“No need for that, my dear. Come, sit and I will tell you what might have happened to your Colonel.”
“He is not my Colonel, he’s important to all of us, without him we...” Elizabeth started to deny vehemently but trailed off as she saw the knowing smile of the woman that her made her flush guiltily and she sighed.
“Right, my Colonel.” Elizabeth sat down and crossed her legs and looked full of expectation at the woman who hande her a cup.
She took the offered cup of tea and sipped carefully. A warm, calming feeling settled deep inside Elizabeth and for the first time since she had been here, a small smile light up her face which pleased the woman immensely.
“My name is Kesed. I was the one who told your Colonel about our... mahpeketh...“ She gestured with her hand as if she was tying a rope around her wrists. Elizabeth looked confused for several seconds until she understood what Kesed meant.
“Mah... peketh... place... prison! Is that what you mean? A place were criminals are held? I‘ve read in the mission report about your way of dealing with them. A very... unique way.”
“Exactly. Your Colonel was just as fascinated as you are now and was very desperate to see it with his own eyes.” She sighed. “I told him to be careful but obviously...”
Kesed put her own cup down and reached over to Elizabeth who looked a little startled as the other woman grasped her free hand.
“Elizabeth, your Colonel has been possesed, by one of the criminal spirits. And I fear it is the most dangerous one. He killed his Commanding Officer.”
Elizabeth’s hand tightened around her cup as if this little cup was her saviour, the one that would protect her, help her. Help John.
“But how...? And can I... we...?” she feared and yet desperately wanted to hear the answer.
“It appears as if this spirit escaped its guards and took your Colonel as his host. He was not be able to take full control of the mind but he was able to intensify certain feelings, emotions. He cannot manipulate him, Elizabeth. He and your Colonel have probably found something that was common ground.”
Elizabeth’s mind flashed back to the encounter this morning. If anything was commmon ground, it was the hate against a Commanding Ofiicer but killing...?
Kesed continued. “And with time they will become nearly one. I do not know if it’s not already too late to separate them. We never had such a case, my dear.”
A trembling Elizabeth stared wide eyed at Kesed, not believing what she just heard, not wanting to believe but at the same time...
“I know this sounds... unbelievable but it’s the only possibility.” Suddenly the fear Elizabeth felt gave way to anger.
“And I thought your prison was safe!” Elizabeth snapped. Forcefully she put her cup down and leaned towards Kesed. “I want to know now if there’s any chance of helping John. And there better be one or else...” Her eyes flashed furious. She would do anything to get her- ‘Stop that!’ the Colonel back.
As if she had known it, Kesed nodded. “Yes, there is a way. But there will be a price you have to pay...”
XXX
“I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.” Rodney was all but displeased. He eyed the blue orbs with such a distaste that Elizabeth couldn’t suppress a small smile.
“Would you like to be the one?” She asked with all the sweetness she could muster and this time even Teyla had to cough to hide her laughter as Rodney blanched.
“No, no. You, you will do fine. Even great. I’m sure. Yep, surer as sure.” Hastily he stepped back until he was partly hidden by Teyla.
Both woman rolled their eyes. Men. At least something will always be the same.
Turning back to the task at her hands, Elizabeth inhaled deeply. She felt as if a rock was lying on her heart and tried to loosen up her tense muscles before she looked up at the orbs. Infront of her Kesed pushed different buttons and suddenly one orb drifted down until it was at eye level with Elizabeth.
‘This has to work. For John‘s sake...‘ was Elizabeth’s last thought before she was engulfed by a blending light. It didn’t hurt, no, it rather... lulled her into a trance-like state. As if everything was just... perfect. And yet she felt something alien moving in her subconsciouness, slowly merging with her but not enslaving her.
And then just as fast as it had begun it was over. Elizabeth blinked several times until the white dots left her vision and she was able to see clearly again.
“Elizabeth?” Rodney asked carefully.
“No, Samantha, Rodney.”
“Ha, ha. Very funny. Are you sure you didn’t get the humour orb?”
Elizabeth glared at Rodney who just shrugged and turned then her attention to Kesed.
“The spirit you are carrying is called Shamira. She wanted to be the one who blends with you because she is, forgive me, was, the guard of Roi.” Elizabeth’s eyebrow shot up.
“Roi is the name of the spirit that posessed your Colonel. Soon you will feel Shamira stronger and it’s possible that she will speak to you.”
“Speak?”
Kesed nodded. “Yes. Afterall she was human before she became a spirit and in a way she still is. Just like Roi. She feels responsible for what has happened. Please, try to not resist her.” adjured Kesed Elizabeth. “All she wants is to help you.”
Elizabeth smiled and opened her mouth to tell Kesed that she would try but suddenly her radio crackled. “Dr. Weir. Here’s Colonel Caldwell. Can you read me?”
Shooting a apologized look at Kesed Elizabeth answered. “Yes, Colonel, I can. What’s wrong?” The last sentences made her cringe. Too much wrongness was certainly not good for her mood. Maybe John should wear a big red sign: Caution! Do not let him move around all alone! He is a walking talking trouble maker.
“Dr. Weir, you have to come back at once. We are having... major problems here.” Caldwell’s voice pulled her out of her train of thoughts.
“We are on our way. Weir out.”
She was quite sure that whatever had happened in Atlantis while she had been away, would not be solved without the assistence of her new companion.
XXX
As soon as they stepped out of the wormhole, Elizabeth and her companions wanted to turn back.
Hell was nothing against the current state of Atlantis. Soldiers were keeping watch, teams were searching the hallways, the floors, the docks, the...
“Do I really want to know what’s going on here?” Elizabeth asked Colonel Caldwell who was standing in the middle of the chaos with his arms crossed. He scowled at two soldiers who obviously came back empty-handed.
“Still nothing?”
“No, sir. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”
Elizabeth needed no futher explanation of what was that nothing. And it was not good at all. John was still roaming the hallways of Atlantis with a criminal spirit giving him the excuse to behave like a badass.
‘That’s one way of describing it.‘
Elizabeth started. The voice had not come from one of the people surrounding her, no, it came from her, it was in her, her head.
“Rodney, I will be in my office. I need a little time to myself.” He shoot her concerned look but she waved it of. “I’m alright. It’s just that Shamira has decided to speak up.”
Ignoring Caldwell’s confused expression, Elizabeth walked to her office.
“Please, tell you the others what happened.” She tossed over her shoulder before the doors slid close behind her. “Oh and inform me at once if something happens!”
Finally having a little room for breathing, she made her way over to her couch and sat down. The whole process of the blending has made her even more tired and tense. Closing her eyes and relaxing against the back of her couch she felt Shamira coming to the surface.
It was a weird feeling. As if an ice cube was sliding down her spine, the iciness tickling her. She squirmed.
‘Shamira?’ she asked mentally, her tone just a little bit hesitant but yet demanding.
‘Yes, Elizabeth? I’m here.’ She could swear she felt her smiling. ‘Just let me, and you, get a little more comfortable with this situation before we get to the important topic. It won’t take long. You’re not the only one who has to deal with this.’
Elizabeth slapped herself mentally on the forehead.
‘I’m sorry. I completely forget that.’ She rubbed her eyes. ‘It’s just...’ She shrugged helplessly.
‘I understand you, Elizabeth. You want to help John, you are impatient, you feel helpless because you cannot find a solution. I promise you, we will save him. Roi will not harm him. I won’t let him.’
Shamira embraced mentally Elizabeth. ’You are strong. When I was still human, I was just like you. Together we will stop Roi.’ she assured her.
The blending was tiring and Elizabeth turned on the couch until her legs laid upon it while her head rested on one of the armrest. She felt Shamira slowly settling down, felt her examing her and their surroundings.
Elizabeth smiled as their gaze fell upon the present John had given her several weeks ago. He had come to her office, a big red something hidden behind his back, although it was more like trying to hide it because the big red bow bobbed up and down with every step he took, making him look like a present himself. Elizabeth smile widened as she imagined John in nothing but a bow, a blue bow. Very-
Her mind came to abrupt halt. She didn‘t like blue, it wasn‘t her favourite color but why did she... unless of course...
‘You don’t. But I do.’
‘Oh...?’ The penny dropped. ‘OH... do you think this is what Kesed meant with mixing up memories, emotions, feelings and, you know, everything else?’ Elizabeth asked curiously.
Shamira aggreed. ‘Looks like it.’
Elizabeth hesitated some seconds before she asked her next question. ‘May I ask what happened between you and Roi?’
‘You may. But in return I want to know some things about you and your Colonel.’ Elizabeth would have bet Atlantis that Shamira looked smug. She gave an exasperated groan.
‘He is not-’
Shamira giggled.
‘Oh for the love of him. Why am I even trying? You all seem so certain that he’s mine.’
‘It is the way you care for him. And don’t forget. I’m in you. I know your feelings.’
‘How could I?’ came the sarcastic reply but Elizabeth couldn’t help smiling herself. ‘But you have a deal.’
Getting comfortable and closing her eyes she followed Shamira the path of her memories.
‘Do not be surprised but it’s been a long time since I’ve had a human body. Over a thousand years and I cannot remember what it looked like. Whenever I visited my memories, I saw myself only in shades. Far more important were the feelings and emotions. That‘s why it could happen that in my memories you will see yourself and John as me and Roi. Ok?’
Elizabeth nodded. She knew Shamira wouldn’t hurt her. Slowly images started to flash before her mind’s eye. She saw herself, only younger. And a not so much younger version of John...
‘Roi and I know eachother since we have been teenagers. I was 14, he 18 when I met him for the first time. My father was instructor of our soldiers but especially of the Night Fighter. They were the most distinguished men in our country. Since I had been ten my father had trained me like he trained this men. With 14 I was allowed to join them. From the first day on, Roi and I were like cat and dog. He was always challenging me, always trying to beat me, trying to break me.
One day, I just had turned 18, I was in one of training rooms, improving my moves. The day before Roi and his Commanding Officer had been in a fight. Only later I found out that I had been the reason for their argument. Suddenly Roi turned up.‘
Neither Elizabeth nor Sharima were prepared for the very detailed memory that followed. With Elizabeth and John as the leading actors...
>>“What were you thinking?“
Elizabeth whirled around, the sticks in her hands raised defensively. She eyed the disheveled figure of John with a raised eyebrow. He stared defiantly back.
“A lot of things.“
She turned around but in the next second she felt John‘s body pressed aginst her, his left arm caught her around her waist while the right one tried to wrench the sticks from her hands.
“Hey! Let go!” They struggled for several heartbeats, each trying to get the upper hand. “What is wrong with you, John? Get the hell-”
With a thud they landed on the mats, a tangled mess of limbs, sticks and anger. Cursing him and his stupid attitude Elizabeth struck out but John was faster and catched her fist in a steel hard grip.
“Na, na, little wildcat. You are forgettting with whom you are playing.” From his position on the floor John smirked at Elizabeth. Gritting her teeth she tried to yank her hand back but John didn’t move an inch. Like a rock he lay there, his head resting on his bend arm and that son of a bitch dared to look smug.
“I will say it only once: Let go. NOW!” Elizabeth fumed. “John, I said-”
She yelped as John hauled her against his chest, his face only inches from hers. Elizabeth grew stiff and tried to move away. In an instant Joh had turned them around. For a second Elizabeth was too stunned to move but then she threw all cautions in the wind and arched her back, trying to throw John off.
“Ouch, Elizabeth, sto-” Somehow she had managed to knee him, giving her the chance to leap off the floor but John had been in too many battles and was used to far more brutal moves.
“Feisty, my dear, aren’t we?”
Elizabeth scowled and relaxed a little bit. She couldn’t win this fight anyway.
“What do you want?”
John leaned down until their noses touched. His eyes were dark fire and suddenly Elizabeth noticed their close proximity.
“John...”
“Why did you say yes?”
“Huh?”
“You know exactly what I mean. Why did you say yes to Keleb?”
“Oh, that...” Elizabeth flushed and started to nibble on her lip. Casting her eyes down, away from John’s prying ones, she stammered with her words. She completely missed the look in John’s eyes as he watched her.
“Well, you know... he wanted... and I...” She gave a frustrated sigh and squirmed. She hated being in-
She froze. Her eyes flew up to John’s and the hot, burning desire in them took her breath away.
“That is why I didn’t want you to say yes...” She gasped as John pressed his lower half into hers. “I want you, Lizzy... want you so much... want you now...” He spoke in a husky voice.
His words tore a strangled moan from Eliazbeth’s lips and she arched her back again. But this time she wanted to get closer to John. Much closer. He lowered his head to the offered neck and fasted his lips on Elizabeth sensitive skin. Biting her playfully, arousing her, making her want him even more. He released her hands.
“Oh my god, John...” Her breath came in short gasps, her now free hands roamed his perfect body, trying to reach as much skin as she could and suddenly their clothes were too much.
“My Beloved One... Mine...” John murmered as one hand found its way under her top, ghosting over her hot skin until it reached her breasts. His hand and mouth teased her with feather-like touches until she trembled with lust, until she was so lost in his scent, touch, in him that she begged him to finally touch her.
His thumb stroked over a nipple and at the same time he rocked into her. He groaned at the delicious friction, she moaned as she felt the hardness of him. They were a prefect match.
Elizabeth threw her head back as John became more demanding, his touch rougher, and my god, it was too much, she couldn’t think clear anymore, her mind was a maze of hot red lust and John...
His hands moved to the small of her back and pressed her to him, determined to make her cry out his name.
The temperature of the room rose drastically as they both neared paradise. Pants, moans, strangled gasps filled the air, Elizabeth tighened her grip on his forearms, her nails bit into his skin but John didn’t even notice it.
“Oh, god... JOHN!”<<
Elzabeth shot up from her postion on the couch and pressed a hand to her fast beating heart, trying to calm her rapid breathing. If her body had been tired before, it sang now with arousal.
‘Oh my...’ Embarrassed didn’t even begin to describe how she and Shamira felt. Fanning herself she tried to cool her tingling skin and slowly sank back down on the couch.
‘I am so sorry.’
‘It is ok. I... we will never mention it again and- Damn. What was that, Shamira???’
Shamira chuckled at Elizabeth’s outburst but then got serious again. ‘This was the day before Roi was arrested.’
‘Oh. In the... beginning, Joh- Roi mentioned a Keleb. Who was that?’
Shamira’s voice was quiet as she answered. ‘Keleb was Roi’s Commanding Officer.‘ Elizabeth tensed. ‘What no one knew, except Roi, Keleb and myself, was that Keleb had asked for my hand in marrige. I had no other choice but to say yes, otherwise he would have destroyed Roi. Somehow Roi must have heard of it. Just before he came to me, he had... had killed... Keleb.’ Her voice broke.
‘Oh Sharima. I’m so sorry.’
‘I’m not weeping for Keleb. He was a monster. No, I’m shedding my tears over Roi. And what we never had. What you just saw, was the first and only encounter of this kind. Four days later, Roi was convicted of murder and sentenced to eternal mahpeketh. The worst punishment one can recieve.
I talked one more time to Roi but he didn‘t want to listen. Said I wanted to make him suffer, that‘s why I agreed to marry Keleb.“ Elizabeth flashed back at John‘s words this morning ‘I want you to suffer...‘
“My explanation of what had really happened fell on deaf ears. We parted as enemies and the fact that I decided to become his guard, didn‘t help our relationship either.
For over a thousand years now, I have been his guard. And now that he is free, he wants revenge. I bet he knew that you would come and blend with me. For him it‘s the perfect opportunity.‘
Elizabeth pinched her nose. Despite her inner turmoil she tried to keep a level head.
‘You said, he never knew the real reason for you agreeing to marry Keleb. Do you think, that maybe now we could find a way to make him listen?’ she wanted to know.
‘When we find him, be prepared for a fight, Elizabeth. He doesn’t like to be ordered around. The only good thing is that your John is there as well.’
Elizabeth swallowed hard. ‘Uhm, about that...‘ Shamira furrowed mentally her brows as she felt Elizabeth’ hesitance.
‘What?’
‘Maybe I should mention that John and I had a similar argument some days ago. Colonel Caldwell had asked me to have dinner with him and John, well, he didn’t like it and reacted rather violently as he heard about it.‘
‘That could become a problem...’
Both women considered for a moment their option until Elizabeth came up with a suggestion. ‘What if we use the time that’s left to share our knowledge of fighting and negotiating? We should try to make a plan. You said, Roi won‘t go down without a fight. That means you have to show me how to fight. I had only a few lessons,’ she said. ‘As soon as we have him where we want him, I will use my diplomatic skills and try to make him listen. What do you think?’
‘You read my mind.’
Despite the serious situation both women were in, they had to laugh. Maybe there was a chance for a 'happy ever after' after all.
XXX
It was nearly an hour, several discussions and sharing of memories later when Elizabeth’s radio crackled. The blending process had ended and now they were truely one. It was difficulty to say where Elizabeth ended and Shamira began.
“Dr. Weir? We have located Sheppard. At least we think it’s him because seconds later the person disappeared again.”
Elizabeth stood up and took a deep breath. “Where?”
“Level 14, Section 6.”
She moved to the door just as Rodney came running in. “Elizabeth, it’s him. The scanner doesn’t lie.”
“I know.”
Rodney started. “You know? But how... ah, ah yeah, the orb thingy. Ok. And? Any plans?” he gestured rather impatiently.
Raising one eyebrow at him, Elizabeth walked out of the office. “Yes. Many. One of them has to work.”
“Now that makes me feel much better.” was his sarcastic reply.
“You’re welcome, Rodney.”
Moving down the strairs Elizabeth saw Colonel Caldwell speaking with Teyla and Ronon. Or more arguing with them. And for a moment she wished their argument would be about a new mission or something else but from their stance and the tense atmosphere surrounding them she knew that John was the reason for their dispute about.
Ronon scowled at something Caldwell had said and Teyla put a hand on his arm, trying to calm him down. Elizabeth crossed the last meters to them and effectively cut off the next argument.
Smiling at Teyla she tilted her head. “Lady, Gentlemen, I‘m ready. And, no, Colonel,” she said as Caldwell opened his mouth to protest. “I will not stay here. I’m the only one who is able to stand up against Colonel Sheppard. I will track him down and try to convince him to give up.”
The determined look in her eyes let the protest on the lips of the others die instantly. Only Teyla eyed Elizabeth for a moment and then handed her a blade.
“You may not use it but one can never know.”
Nodding, Elizabeth took the offered weapon and strapped it to her leg. Then she gave Teyla her radio, ignoring Caldwell’s disapproving look.
“Do not, under any circumstances, follow me! This is something I have to do alone.” Elizabeth looks at every single member of the team. “Is that clear?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Yes, Dr. Weir.”
Ronon just grunted but Elizabeth decided it sounded like a yes.
“Good.” and she walked out of the room, down the different levels, towards her destination.
XXX
It was nearly an hour, several discussions and sharing of memories later when Elizabeth’s radio crackled. The blending process had ended and now they were truely one. It was difficulty to say where Elizabeth ended and Shamira began.
“Dr. Weir? We have located Sheppard. At least we think it’s him because seconds later the person disappeared again.”
Elizabeth stood up and took a deep breath. “Where?”
“Level 14, Section 6.”
She moved to the door just as Rodney came running in. “Elizabeth, it’s him. The scanner doesn’t lie.”
“I know.”
Rodney started. “You know? But how... ah, ah yeah, the orb thingy. Ok. And? Any plans?” he gestured rather impatiently.
Raising one eyebrow at him, Elizabeth walked out of the office. “Yes. Many. One of them has to work.”
“Now that makes me feel much better.” was his sarcastic reply.
“You’re welcome, Rodney.”
Moving down the strairs Elizabeth saw Colonel Caldwell speaking with Teyla and Ronon. Or more arguing with them. And for a moment she wished their argument would be about a new mission or something else but from their stance and the tense atmosphere surrounding them she knew that John was the reason for their dispute about.
Ronon scowled at something Caldwell had said and Teyla put a hand on his arm, trying to calm him down. Elizabeth crossed the last meters to them and effectively cut off the next argument.
Smiling at Teyla she tilted her head. “Lady, Gentlemen, I‘m ready. And, no, Colonel,” she said as Caldwell opened his mouth to protest. “I will not stay here. I’m the only one who is able to stand up against Colonel Sheppard. I will track him down and try to convince him to give up.”
The determined look in her eyes let the protest on the lips of the others die instantly. Only Teyla eyed Elizabeth for a moment and then handed her a blade.
“You may not use it but one can never know.”
Nodding, Elizabeth took the offered weapon and strapped it to her leg. Then she gave Teyla her radio, ignoring Caldwell’s disapproving look.
“Do not, under any circumstances, follow me! This is something I have to do alone.” Elizabeth looks at every single member of the team. “Is that clear?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Yes, Dr. Weir.”
Ronon just grunted but Elizabeth decided it sounded like a yes.
“Good.” and she walked out of the room, down the different levels, towards her destination.
In Our Darkest Hour - Part II
Author: Mercy
Characters: Elizabeth/John (Stargate Atlantis)
Rating: NC-17
Wordcount: 11546 words
Disclaimer: Nothing of this, except the plot, belongs to me.
Summary: After a mission John is possed by an evil spirit who wants to take revenge. Elizabeth has to blend with a spirit as well to be able to fight him.
Spoilers: Not really cause this is my own version of 'The Long Goodbye'
Elizabeth sighed and leaned her head against the glass wall of her office. For a moment she forgot all her problems and watched the sunlight playing on the surface. 'So peaceful...', she thought. 'Unlike our current situation.'
Frustrated sigh No. 2 escaped her lips as she turned back to her desk and the mountain of paperwork. Staring at it for several heartbeats Elizabeth wished not for the first time that she was on a nice cozy island instead of being stuck with reports and a Colonel who wasn't acting like himself.
Ever since yesterday’s mission John was agressive, even the smallest things made him go off like a bomb. He literally rampaged through the hallways of Atlantis, was edgy and rude to everyone he encountered. And if you dared to ask him what was going on, you found yourself at the recieving end of a death glare that would have put a Wraith to flight.
In other words: John and his behaviour were getting on Elizabeth’s nerves. And she absolutely didn’t like it.
Another sigh echoed of the office walls as Elizabeth flopped not very lady-like down into her chair. Tiredly she run a hand through her hair, rubbed her temples and took a deep breath. ‘Ok, girl, focus and you will find a solution. You always have and this time won’t be different!‘ Feeling a little bit more optimstic than before Elizabeth took the report from the last mission and began to read it for the second time. In the back of her mind always hoping to find some clues. ‘There has to be something...‘
“Dr. Weir?”
Elizabeth looked up and found Colonel Caldwell standing outside of her office. Putting the report aside she gave him her full attention.
“Colonel,” she smiled at him and gestured to the chair infront of her desk. “Please, take a seat. What can I do for you?”
Caldwell moved into her office and took the offered seat.
“Dr. We... Elizabeth. I’m here to talk about Colonel Sheppard.” He looked Elizabeth straight in the eyes as he said these words.
For the fouth time in one hour Elizabeth sighed. “He’s still as agressive as yesterday, isn’t he?”
Caldwell nodded. “We thought it would be only for some hours but now...” She stood up and began pacing the lenght of her office.
“Elizabeth, this can’t go on. He’s threatening the whole population of Atlantis and even if we haven’t been exactly friends, I’m starting to worry.” Caldwell turned in his chair and watched Elizabeth.
She stopped infront of one of the team pictures, taken in the very first months of their new life, and traced thoughtfully the frame. For several minutes nothing was heard except the ticking of the clock and the usual noises that belonged to a busy day in Atlantis.
Finally Elizabeth turned around. “I want to speak with Alon, the leader of the village Sheppard’s team visited yesterday. Maybe he can bring light into this.”
Caldwell narrowed his eyes. “Is that wise? What if-” Elizabeth interrupted him. “Colonel, this is not arguable”, she said sternly. “I’m going.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Caldwell answered, a small smile jerking at the corners of his mouth. Elizabeth glared at him but couldn’t resist smiling back at him.
“Good, then it’s set-”
“Well, well. What do we have here?”
Elizabeth looked up and was taken back by the unusal picture John presented. Instead of the humour that was always hidden in the corner of his eyes, a cold twinkle had taken residence. His whole posture was different, like a hunter ready to strike.
John leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest and stared at Elizabeth. He smirked as his gaze wandered down her face, her chest and then slowly back to her eyes. Suddenly Elizabeth found her office way too small but she wasn’t about to give this new John the satisfaction of showing it.
Straigthening up she met his eyes with an icy glare. “Can I help you, Colonel?”
For the first time John acknowledged Colonel Caldwell, even if he wasn‘t looking at him. “I want to talk to Dr. Weir. Alone.”
Elizabeth nodded at Caldwell. “It will be alright. We will talk later.” Somehow she managed a tight smile.
Reluctant Caldwell stood up and moved to the door, only to stop infront of John. But his next words were still directed at Elizabeth.
“I’ll be near. In case something happens.”
He glanced one last time at John and then turned to exit the office but suddenly John’s arm shot out and blocked the doorway.
Elizabeth winced at the sound of John‘s hand hitting the doorframe. She watched nervously as John slowly bend his head and invaded Caldwell’s personal space. Her hands balled themselve to fists as she tried to keep her composure and not walk over to the two men because somehow she knew it would make John go off like a bomb if she saved Caldwell.
As if John felt her inner struggle, he slightly turned his head and just like the first time, his cold smile made Elizabeth’s soul freeze. God, how she wished to be anywhere but here...
“Being a gentleman can kill you sometimes, Caldwell. Remeber that.” Elizabeth gasped, her eyes widened, never in a million times she tought she would hear John utter such a... cold-blooded threat.
“Colonel Caldwell,” she took step forward and tried to look unconcerned by John’s words although she was very much aware of John’s eyes following every of her movements. “Didn’t Dr. McKay needed your help?”
‘I won‘t let you intimidate me.‘ she thought defiantely and locked her gaze with John‘s. Narrowing his eyes he straightened up and deliberately slowly pushed himself off of the doorframe.
“You heard her, Caldwell. Get out.” John nearly spat the words out and didn’t even turned to see if Caldwell followed his... request.
One last time glancing at Elizabeth, Caldwell left the office and Elizabeth asked herself if she made the right decision because the second John and she were alone, the glass windows darkened and the door slid shut. Slowly the light faded until it was dim and she could barely make out John. But it was not only the light that had faded. Elizabeth’s hope was just like a flame that became smaller and smaller until is was barely alive.
Carefully she extened her left hand in the presumedly direction of her desk, the only thing that would made her feel safe as soon as it was between herself and John but she wasn’t fast enough.
Instead of a metal surface her hand bumbed against a warm one. John had cornered her. Elizabeth stumbled back, startled at John’s fast and noiseless move. His presence was overwhelming and yet his coldness made her shiver.
“C-Colonel?” She hated herself for sounding like a frightnened animal even if she felt like one. Swallowing, she willed her voice to sound normal and even a little bored as if the whole situation was not worth all the effort. “What do you want?”
Instead of answering John took another step forward and now they were face to face. She was trapped. Elizabeth steadied her rapid breathing and looked up at John. His eyes were still mostely hidden by the shadows but for a moment she catched a glimpse of something that was defintely not John. Something... evil...
His hot breath hit her face. “What...” His voice was dangerously low as he moved his head a little closer to her ear. “What I...” His hands hovered a mere’s breath over hers. “What... I... want?” The last words were nothing more than a whisper.
Elizabeth stiffened as John lifted his hand and touched her cheek with his fingertips. He tilted his head and without a warning grasped her jaw forecfully. Elizabeth gasped and she started to panic, something she hadn’t done in years. She struggled but John had a steely grip on her.
“Joh-”
“NO!” He came so close that Elizabeth was able to see his stubbles. In a desperate attempt to keep John away, Elizabeth planted her hands against his chest and tried pushing him back, fought against him closing in on her but Elizabeth knew she had lost the fight the second her back met the wall.
With his free hand John braced himself on the wall, his cold eyes boring into hers.
“I want...” His lips brushed her ear, slowly wandering down. “... you to suffer.” And he bit down.
“Ahhhhh!” Elizabeth’s back arched, her mind was screaming for help, her hands were grasping John’s shirt and oh god, it hurt... hurt so much.
In a flash the door to her office was busted open, the shining light blinded her and she had to use her arm to block it.
“Dr. Weir!”
“Elizabeth!”
Slowly she slid down the wall, one hand pressed to her neck where John had bitten her. Her mind was a chaos, her heart beating a mile per hour and the leading Military Officer of Atlantis was gone. Like he never had been in her office.
Carson rushed to her side and attended to her wound.
“Shh, it’s ok, Elizabeth. It’s ok.”
“No, nothing is ok.” Her head thudded against the wall and she stared at the ceiling. Finally coming to a decision she stood up.
“Colonel Caldwell, I’m going to speak with Alon now. In the meantime you and your team try to catch Colonel Sheppard. Imprison him and keep an eye on him until I’m back!”
Caldwell nodded and barked the nessesary orders while Elizabeth left the control room. ‘We will see who’s going to suffer, Colonel.‘ she thought grimly. ‘We will see...‘
XXX
“What. The. Hell. Happened. To. My. Military Officer?” Elizabeth’s eyes flashed a dark green as she glared at the leaders of the small village near the Stargate.
The worried looks they exchanged was not lost on her and for a second her heart stopped. What if it was too late? What if he-, no, what if Atlantis’ John, was never coming back? What if-
“Doctore Weir? I’m sorry for what happened but-”
She was on her feet in a flash and she would have laughed at the shocked expression of the old man if not John’s life had been in danger.
“Don’t you dare tell me, there’s no chance of getting him back!”
“Ehm, Elizabeth, I thi-”
She whirled around. “Rodney, what?”
He pointed at something behind her. Shooting him one of these ‘I’m-so-not-in-the-mood’ looks before turning back to the council and faking a tense smile, she focused on the person Rodney was pointing at and that stood a little aloof from the others. It was an elderly woman who stepped forward and bowed before Elizabeth.
“As Alon was about to explain: Maybe I can bring light into your... problem.” Elizabeth raised her eyebrow at that term. “I’m the holy priestess of our people. I’m quite sure that I know what happened.”
She gestured for Elizabeth to follow her and Elizabeth cast one last glance over her shoulder at Rodney and Teyla.
“We will wait here, Dr. Weir.” Teyla gave an encouraged smile while Rodney muttered something along the line of “It’s not like I want to go back to that Sheppard-whatever”
Elizabeth pushed the curtain aside through which the priestess had disappeared and found herself in a small room, light by candles. A heavy scent of different spices was in the air, reminding Elizabeth of old stories about gypsy women who foretold one’s future.
Not knowing what was expected of her, Elizabeth stopped at the entrance. She watched closely as the woman took a seat on a bed made of cushions and started to brew what was obviously their version of tea. As she looked up, Elizabeth felt like a child who was caught with a hand in the cookie jar.
“Sorry, I didn't... I don’t...” Noting her discomfort the woman smiled warmly at her.
“No need for that, my dear. Come, sit and I will tell you what might have happened to your Colonel.”
“He is not my Colonel, he’s important to all of us, without him we...” Elizabeth started to deny vehemently but trailed off as she saw the knowing smile of the woman that her made her flush guiltily and she sighed.
“Right, my Colonel.” Elizabeth sat down and crossed her legs and looked full of expectation at the woman who hande her a cup.
She took the offered cup of tea and sipped carefully. A warm, calming feeling settled deep inside Elizabeth and for the first time since she had been here, a small smile light up her face which pleased the woman immensely.
“My name is Kesed. I was the one who told your Colonel about our... mahpeketh...“ She gestured with her hand as if she was tying a rope around her wrists. Elizabeth looked confused for several seconds until she understood what Kesed meant.
“Mah... peketh... place... prison! Is that what you mean? A place were criminals are held? I‘ve read in the mission report about your way of dealing with them. A very... unique way.”
“Exactly. Your Colonel was just as fascinated as you are now and was very desperate to see it with his own eyes.” She sighed. “I told him to be careful but obviously...”
Kesed put her own cup down and reached over to Elizabeth who looked a little startled as the other woman grasped her free hand.
“Elizabeth, your Colonel has been possesed, by one of the criminal spirits. And I fear it is the most dangerous one. He killed his Commanding Officer.”
Elizabeth’s hand tightened around her cup as if this little cup was her saviour, the one that would protect her, help her. Help John.
“But how...? And can I... we...?” she feared and yet desperately wanted to hear the answer.
“It appears as if this spirit escaped its guards and took your Colonel as his host. He was not be able to take full control of the mind but he was able to intensify certain feelings, emotions. He cannot manipulate him, Elizabeth. He and your Colonel have probably found something that was common ground.”
Elizabeth’s mind flashed back to the encounter this morning. If anything was commmon ground, it was the hate against a Commanding Ofiicer but killing...?
Kesed continued. “And with time they will become nearly one. I do not know if it’s not already too late to separate them. We never had such a case, my dear.”
A trembling Elizabeth stared wide eyed at Kesed, not believing what she just heard, not wanting to believe but at the same time...
“I know this sounds... unbelievable but it’s the only possibility.” Suddenly the fear Elizabeth felt gave way to anger.
“And I thought your prison was safe!” Elizabeth snapped. Forcefully she put her cup down and leaned towards Kesed. “I want to know now if there’s any chance of helping John. And there better be one or else...” Her eyes flashed furious. She would do anything to get her- ‘Stop that!’ the Colonel back.
As if she had known it, Kesed nodded. “Yes, there is a way. But there will be a price you have to pay...”
XXX
“I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.” Rodney was all but displeased. He eyed the blue orbs with such a distaste that Elizabeth couldn’t suppress a small smile.
“Would you like to be the one?” She asked with all the sweetness she could muster and this time even Teyla had to cough to hide her laughter as Rodney blanched.
“No, no. You, you will do fine. Even great. I’m sure. Yep, surer as sure.” Hastily he stepped back until he was partly hidden by Teyla.
Both woman rolled their eyes. Men. At least something will always be the same.
Turning back to the task at her hands, Elizabeth inhaled deeply. She felt as if a rock was lying on her heart and tried to loosen up her tense muscles before she looked up at the orbs. Infront of her Kesed pushed different buttons and suddenly one orb drifted down until it was at eye level with Elizabeth.
‘This has to work. For John‘s sake...‘ was Elizabeth’s last thought before she was engulfed by a blending light. It didn’t hurt, no, it rather... lulled her into a trance-like state. As if everything was just... perfect. And yet she felt something alien moving in her subconsciouness, slowly merging with her but not enslaving her.
And then just as fast as it had begun it was over. Elizabeth blinked several times until the white dots left her vision and she was able to see clearly again.
“Elizabeth?” Rodney asked carefully.
“No, Samantha, Rodney.”
“Ha, ha. Very funny. Are you sure you didn’t get the humour orb?”
Elizabeth glared at Rodney who just shrugged and turned then her attention to Kesed.
“The spirit you are carrying is called Shamira. She wanted to be the one who blends with you because she is, forgive me, was, the guard of Roi.” Elizabeth’s eyebrow shot up.
“Roi is the name of the spirit that posessed your Colonel. Soon you will feel Shamira stronger and it’s possible that she will speak to you.”
“Speak?”
Kesed nodded. “Yes. Afterall she was human before she became a spirit and in a way she still is. Just like Roi. She feels responsible for what has happened. Please, try to not resist her.” adjured Kesed Elizabeth. “All she wants is to help you.”
Elizabeth smiled and opened her mouth to tell Kesed that she would try but suddenly her radio crackled. “Dr. Weir. Here’s Colonel Caldwell. Can you read me?”
Shooting a apologized look at Kesed Elizabeth answered. “Yes, Colonel, I can. What’s wrong?” The last sentences made her cringe. Too much wrongness was certainly not good for her mood. Maybe John should wear a big red sign: Caution! Do not let him move around all alone! He is a walking talking trouble maker.
“Dr. Weir, you have to come back at once. We are having... major problems here.” Caldwell’s voice pulled her out of her train of thoughts.
“We are on our way. Weir out.”
She was quite sure that whatever had happened in Atlantis while she had been away, would not be solved without the assistence of her new companion.
XXX
As soon as they stepped out of the wormhole, Elizabeth and her companions wanted to turn back.
Hell was nothing against the current state of Atlantis. Soldiers were keeping watch, teams were searching the hallways, the floors, the docks, the...
“Do I really want to know what’s going on here?” Elizabeth asked Colonel Caldwell who was standing in the middle of the chaos with his arms crossed. He scowled at two soldiers who obviously came back empty-handed.
“Still nothing?”
“No, sir. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”
Elizabeth needed no futher explanation of what was that nothing. And it was not good at all. John was still roaming the hallways of Atlantis with a criminal spirit giving him the excuse to behave like a badass.
‘That’s one way of describing it.‘
Elizabeth started. The voice had not come from one of the people surrounding her, no, it came from her, it was in her, her head.
“Rodney, I will be in my office. I need a little time to myself.” He shoot her concerned look but she waved it of. “I’m alright. It’s just that Shamira has decided to speak up.”
Ignoring Caldwell’s confused expression, Elizabeth walked to her office.
“Please, tell you the others what happened.” She tossed over her shoulder before the doors slid close behind her. “Oh and inform me at once if something happens!”
Finally having a little room for breathing, she made her way over to her couch and sat down. The whole process of the blending has made her even more tired and tense. Closing her eyes and relaxing against the back of her couch she felt Shamira coming to the surface.
It was a weird feeling. As if an ice cube was sliding down her spine, the iciness tickling her. She squirmed.
‘Shamira?’ she asked mentally, her tone just a little bit hesitant but yet demanding.
‘Yes, Elizabeth? I’m here.’ She could swear she felt her smiling. ‘Just let me, and you, get a little more comfortable with this situation before we get to the important topic. It won’t take long. You’re not the only one who has to deal with this.’
Elizabeth slapped herself mentally on the forehead.
‘I’m sorry. I completely forget that.’ She rubbed her eyes. ‘It’s just...’ She shrugged helplessly.
‘I understand you, Elizabeth. You want to help John, you are impatient, you feel helpless because you cannot find a solution. I promise you, we will save him. Roi will not harm him. I won’t let him.’
Shamira embraced mentally Elizabeth. ’You are strong. When I was still human, I was just like you. Together we will stop Roi.’ she assured her.
The blending was tiring and Elizabeth turned on the couch until her legs laid upon it while her head rested on one of the armrest. She felt Shamira slowly settling down, felt her examing her and their surroundings.
Elizabeth smiled as their gaze fell upon the present John had given her several weeks ago. He had come to her office, a big red something hidden behind his back, although it was more like trying to hide it because the big red bow bobbed up and down with every step he took, making him look like a present himself. Elizabeth smile widened as she imagined John in nothing but a bow, a blue bow. Very-
Her mind came to abrupt halt. She didn‘t like blue, it wasn‘t her favourite color but why did she... unless of course...
‘You don’t. But I do.’
‘Oh...?’ The penny dropped. ‘OH... do you think this is what Kesed meant with mixing up memories, emotions, feelings and, you know, everything else?’ Elizabeth asked curiously.
Shamira aggreed. ‘Looks like it.’
Elizabeth hesitated some seconds before she asked her next question. ‘May I ask what happened between you and Roi?’
‘You may. But in return I want to know some things about you and your Colonel.’ Elizabeth would have bet Atlantis that Shamira looked smug. She gave an exasperated groan.
‘He is not-’
Shamira giggled.
‘Oh for the love of him. Why am I even trying? You all seem so certain that he’s mine.’
‘It is the way you care for him. And don’t forget. I’m in you. I know your feelings.’
‘How could I?’ came the sarcastic reply but Elizabeth couldn’t help smiling herself. ‘But you have a deal.’
Getting comfortable and closing her eyes she followed Shamira the path of her memories.
‘Do not be surprised but it’s been a long time since I’ve had a human body. Over a thousand years and I cannot remember what it looked like. Whenever I visited my memories, I saw myself only in shades. Far more important were the feelings and emotions. That‘s why it could happen that in my memories you will see yourself and John as me and Roi. Ok?’
Elizabeth nodded. She knew Shamira wouldn’t hurt her. Slowly images started to flash before her mind’s eye. She saw herself, only younger. And a not so much younger version of John...
‘Roi and I know eachother since we have been teenagers. I was 14, he 18 when I met him for the first time. My father was instructor of our soldiers but especially of the Night Fighter. They were the most distinguished men in our country. Since I had been ten my father had trained me like he trained this men. With 14 I was allowed to join them. From the first day on, Roi and I were like cat and dog. He was always challenging me, always trying to beat me, trying to break me.
One day, I just had turned 18, I was in one of training rooms, improving my moves. The day before Roi and his Commanding Officer had been in a fight. Only later I found out that I had been the reason for their argument. Suddenly Roi turned up.‘
Neither Elizabeth nor Sharima were prepared for the very detailed memory that followed. With Elizabeth and John as the leading actors...
>>“What were you thinking?“
Elizabeth whirled around, the sticks in her hands raised defensively. She eyed the disheveled figure of John with a raised eyebrow. He stared defiantly back.
“A lot of things.“
She turned around but in the next second she felt John‘s body pressed aginst her, his left arm caught her around her waist while the right one tried to wrench the sticks from her hands.
“Hey! Let go!” They struggled for several heartbeats, each trying to get the upper hand. “What is wrong with you, John? Get the hell-”
With a thud they landed on the mats, a tangled mess of limbs, sticks and anger. Cursing him and his stupid attitude Elizabeth struck out but John was faster and catched her fist in a steel hard grip.
“Na, na, little wildcat. You are forgettting with whom you are playing.” From his position on the floor John smirked at Elizabeth. Gritting her teeth she tried to yank her hand back but John didn’t move an inch. Like a rock he lay there, his head resting on his bend arm and that son of a bitch dared to look smug.
“I will say it only once: Let go. NOW!” Elizabeth fumed. “John, I said-”
She yelped as John hauled her against his chest, his face only inches from hers. Elizabeth grew stiff and tried to move away. In an instant Joh had turned them around. For a second Elizabeth was too stunned to move but then she threw all cautions in the wind and arched her back, trying to throw John off.
“Ouch, Elizabeth, sto-” Somehow she had managed to knee him, giving her the chance to leap off the floor but John had been in too many battles and was used to far more brutal moves.
“Feisty, my dear, aren’t we?”
Elizabeth scowled and relaxed a little bit. She couldn’t win this fight anyway.
“What do you want?”
John leaned down until their noses touched. His eyes were dark fire and suddenly Elizabeth noticed their close proximity.
“John...”
“Why did you say yes?”
“Huh?”
“You know exactly what I mean. Why did you say yes to Keleb?”
“Oh, that...” Elizabeth flushed and started to nibble on her lip. Casting her eyes down, away from John’s prying ones, she stammered with her words. She completely missed the look in John’s eyes as he watched her.
“Well, you know... he wanted... and I...” She gave a frustrated sigh and squirmed. She hated being in-
She froze. Her eyes flew up to John’s and the hot, burning desire in them took her breath away.
“That is why I didn’t want you to say yes...” She gasped as John pressed his lower half into hers. “I want you, Lizzy... want you so much... want you now...” He spoke in a husky voice.
His words tore a strangled moan from Eliazbeth’s lips and she arched her back again. But this time she wanted to get closer to John. Much closer. He lowered his head to the offered neck and fasted his lips on Elizabeth sensitive skin. Biting her playfully, arousing her, making her want him even more. He released her hands.
“Oh my god, John...” Her breath came in short gasps, her now free hands roamed his perfect body, trying to reach as much skin as she could and suddenly their clothes were too much.
“My Beloved One... Mine...” John murmered as one hand found its way under her top, ghosting over her hot skin until it reached her breasts. His hand and mouth teased her with feather-like touches until she trembled with lust, until she was so lost in his scent, touch, in him that she begged him to finally touch her.
His thumb stroked over a nipple and at the same time he rocked into her. He groaned at the delicious friction, she moaned as she felt the hardness of him. They were a prefect match.
Elizabeth threw her head back as John became more demanding, his touch rougher, and my god, it was too much, she couldn’t think clear anymore, her mind was a maze of hot red lust and John...
His hands moved to the small of her back and pressed her to him, determined to make her cry out his name.
The temperature of the room rose drastically as they both neared paradise. Pants, moans, strangled gasps filled the air, Elizabeth tighened her grip on his forearms, her nails bit into his skin but John didn’t even notice it.
“Oh, god... JOHN!”<<
Elzabeth shot up from her postion on the couch and pressed a hand to her fast beating heart, trying to calm her rapid breathing. If her body had been tired before, it sang now with arousal.
‘Oh my...’ Embarrassed didn’t even begin to describe how she and Shamira felt. Fanning herself she tried to cool her tingling skin and slowly sank back down on the couch.
‘I am so sorry.’
‘It is ok. I... we will never mention it again and- Damn. What was that, Shamira???’
Shamira chuckled at Elizabeth’s outburst but then got serious again. ‘This was the day before Roi was arrested.’
‘Oh. In the... beginning, Joh- Roi mentioned a Keleb. Who was that?’
Shamira’s voice was quiet as she answered. ‘Keleb was Roi’s Commanding Officer.‘ Elizabeth tensed. ‘What no one knew, except Roi, Keleb and myself, was that Keleb had asked for my hand in marrige. I had no other choice but to say yes, otherwise he would have destroyed Roi. Somehow Roi must have heard of it. Just before he came to me, he had... had killed... Keleb.’ Her voice broke.
‘Oh Sharima. I’m so sorry.’
‘I’m not weeping for Keleb. He was a monster. No, I’m shedding my tears over Roi. And what we never had. What you just saw, was the first and only encounter of this kind. Four days later, Roi was convicted of murder and sentenced to eternal mahpeketh. The worst punishment one can recieve.
I talked one more time to Roi but he didn‘t want to listen. Said I wanted to make him suffer, that‘s why I agreed to marry Keleb.“ Elizabeth flashed back at John‘s words this morning ‘I want you to suffer...‘
“My explanation of what had really happened fell on deaf ears. We parted as enemies and the fact that I decided to become his guard, didn‘t help our relationship either.
For over a thousand years now, I have been his guard. And now that he is free, he wants revenge. I bet he knew that you would come and blend with me. For him it‘s the perfect opportunity.‘
Elizabeth pinched her nose. Despite her inner turmoil she tried to keep a level head.
‘You said, he never knew the real reason for you agreeing to marry Keleb. Do you think, that maybe now we could find a way to make him listen?’ she wanted to know.
‘When we find him, be prepared for a fight, Elizabeth. He doesn’t like to be ordered around. The only good thing is that your John is there as well.’
Elizabeth swallowed hard. ‘Uhm, about that...‘ Shamira furrowed mentally her brows as she felt Elizabeth’ hesitance.
‘What?’
‘Maybe I should mention that John and I had a similar argument some days ago. Colonel Caldwell had asked me to have dinner with him and John, well, he didn’t like it and reacted rather violently as he heard about it.‘
‘That could become a problem...’
Both women considered for a moment their option until Elizabeth came up with a suggestion. ‘What if we use the time that’s left to share our knowledge of fighting and negotiating? We should try to make a plan. You said, Roi won‘t go down without a fight. That means you have to show me how to fight. I had only a few lessons,’ she said. ‘As soon as we have him where we want him, I will use my diplomatic skills and try to make him listen. What do you think?’
‘You read my mind.’
Despite the serious situation both women were in, they had to laugh. Maybe there was a chance for a 'happy ever after' after all.
XXX
It was nearly an hour, several discussions and sharing of memories later when Elizabeth’s radio crackled. The blending process had ended and now they were truely one. It was difficulty to say where Elizabeth ended and Shamira began.
“Dr. Weir? We have located Sheppard. At least we think it’s him because seconds later the person disappeared again.”
Elizabeth stood up and took a deep breath. “Where?”
“Level 14, Section 6.”
She moved to the door just as Rodney came running in. “Elizabeth, it’s him. The scanner doesn’t lie.”
“I know.”
Rodney started. “You know? But how... ah, ah yeah, the orb thingy. Ok. And? Any plans?” he gestured rather impatiently.
Raising one eyebrow at him, Elizabeth walked out of the office. “Yes. Many. One of them has to work.”
“Now that makes me feel much better.” was his sarcastic reply.
“You’re welcome, Rodney.”
Moving down the strairs Elizabeth saw Colonel Caldwell speaking with Teyla and Ronon. Or more arguing with them. And for a moment she wished their argument would be about a new mission or something else but from their stance and the tense atmosphere surrounding them she knew that John was the reason for their dispute about.
Ronon scowled at something Caldwell had said and Teyla put a hand on his arm, trying to calm him down. Elizabeth crossed the last meters to them and effectively cut off the next argument.
Smiling at Teyla she tilted her head. “Lady, Gentlemen, I‘m ready. And, no, Colonel,” she said as Caldwell opened his mouth to protest. “I will not stay here. I’m the only one who is able to stand up against Colonel Sheppard. I will track him down and try to convince him to give up.”
The determined look in her eyes let the protest on the lips of the others die instantly. Only Teyla eyed Elizabeth for a moment and then handed her a blade.
“You may not use it but one can never know.”
Nodding, Elizabeth took the offered weapon and strapped it to her leg. Then she gave Teyla her radio, ignoring Caldwell’s disapproving look.
“Do not, under any circumstances, follow me! This is something I have to do alone.” Elizabeth looks at every single member of the team. “Is that clear?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Yes, Dr. Weir.”
Ronon just grunted but Elizabeth decided it sounded like a yes.
“Good.” and she walked out of the room, down the different levels, towards her destination.
XXX
It was nearly an hour, several discussions and sharing of memories later when Elizabeth’s radio crackled. The blending process had ended and now they were truely one. It was difficulty to say where Elizabeth ended and Shamira began.
“Dr. Weir? We have located Sheppard. At least we think it’s him because seconds later the person disappeared again.”
Elizabeth stood up and took a deep breath. “Where?”
“Level 14, Section 6.”
She moved to the door just as Rodney came running in. “Elizabeth, it’s him. The scanner doesn’t lie.”
“I know.”
Rodney started. “You know? But how... ah, ah yeah, the orb thingy. Ok. And? Any plans?” he gestured rather impatiently.
Raising one eyebrow at him, Elizabeth walked out of the office. “Yes. Many. One of them has to work.”
“Now that makes me feel much better.” was his sarcastic reply.
“You’re welcome, Rodney.”
Moving down the strairs Elizabeth saw Colonel Caldwell speaking with Teyla and Ronon. Or more arguing with them. And for a moment she wished their argument would be about a new mission or something else but from their stance and the tense atmosphere surrounding them she knew that John was the reason for their dispute about.
Ronon scowled at something Caldwell had said and Teyla put a hand on his arm, trying to calm him down. Elizabeth crossed the last meters to them and effectively cut off the next argument.
Smiling at Teyla she tilted her head. “Lady, Gentlemen, I‘m ready. And, no, Colonel,” she said as Caldwell opened his mouth to protest. “I will not stay here. I’m the only one who is able to stand up against Colonel Sheppard. I will track him down and try to convince him to give up.”
The determined look in her eyes let the protest on the lips of the others die instantly. Only Teyla eyed Elizabeth for a moment and then handed her a blade.
“You may not use it but one can never know.”
Nodding, Elizabeth took the offered weapon and strapped it to her leg. Then she gave Teyla her radio, ignoring Caldwell’s disapproving look.
“Do not, under any circumstances, follow me! This is something I have to do alone.” Elizabeth looks at every single member of the team. “Is that clear?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Yes, Dr. Weir.”
Ronon just grunted but Elizabeth decided it sounded like a yes.
“Good.” and she walked out of the room, down the different levels, towards her destination.
In Our Darkest Hour - Part II