Fic: Kindred Spirits
Title: Kindred Spirits
Author: lady_xan (Irish Eyes)
Rating / Word Count: G / 1815
Pairing: J/E relationship
Spoilers: Season 1
Summary: Elizabeth gets her happy ending
Disclaimer: Not mine. Are you kidding?
Feedback: Would be lovely
Author’s Note: This story was written for “Celebrate Elizabeth” on Gateworld. I suppose it’s a fairy tale of sorts, just not the usual kind. For me, what I’ll remember most about Atlantis is Elizabeth’s absolute devotion to the city and its people. So tonight, I give Elizabeth the happy ending she so richly deserves. And it’s really just the beginning…
“Daddy, will you read me a bed-time story?”
The little girl’s father looked up from his laptop and smiled.
“Well, how can I resist such a charming young lady?”
Giggling, she grabbed his hand and tugged him to his feet. Skipping ahead, she pulled him along with her until they reached her bedroom. There she broke free and took a running leap onto the bed. Grinning, he followed her and settled into the chair at her bedside.
“Which one shall it be tonight?”
She rolled her eyes. “You only know one.”
“Hey, that hurts,” he protested.
“But it’s okay Daddy,” she replied, “cause it’s my favorite.” Snuggled under her blanket, she listened as he began.
“Once upon a time…”
* * * * * *
A ghostly lady in a long white dress wandered the halls of Atlantis. As she walked, she surveyed the city which had been left in her care. It was empty, but her heart was full. The tiny seed of its existence had been planted long ago, and now it was blooming before her eyes. Love for the city grew in her heart with every step she took. Whispers echoed down the corridors. “Home...”
She paused in the control room to contemplate the Stargate. The most fortunate people in life find their dream somewhere along their journey’s path. Her dream may not be as imagined, but she recognized it none the less. It had started with that first step through the Stargate, and now it would continue as she became the protector of Atlantis.
At peace with her decision, she returned to the status chamber. There she slept for many years, awakening only to rotate the ZPM’s. The years passed in swift succession until one day she awoke again, finally at her destination. She saw herself, as she once was, and then she turned her head to behold the city as she had never seen it. Sunlight glinted off the tower visible through the window. Atlantis had risen, back to reclaim its rightful place. Her job was finished, but her dream lived on.
And she smiled…
Beloved faces surrounded her. Perhaps she hadn’t awakened at all. Had she passed on? Here she was with everything she had ever wanted. Atlantis was safe and the people she thought never to see again stood beside her. Could something so perfectly right exist?
She told them her story, one in which they all discovered how valiantly they had attempted to save the city and each other. She wished she could know them better; live with them; laugh with them. But time was running out. She could feel it with every breath she took. And then she took no more…
Until she awoke in her status chamber. She looked around in confusion, then stepped out into the lab.
“Elizabeth.”
She flinched at the sound of her name. What was going on?
The glow of a monitor screen in the dark room drew her attention. Approaching it she saw an old friend.
“Janus.”
He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling with good humor.
“Janus, what’s going on? I thought I woke up in Atlantis an old woman. I thought I died!”
“Yet here you are, young and beautiful again.”
She blushed slightly.
“Actually Elizabeth, the Ancients have a proposition for you.”
“Ascension?” she asked disbelievingly.
He slowly shook his head. “Not exactly. Something I think you’ll like much better actually. They want to offer you my job.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “And what exactly is your job?”
“Why, I guess you could call me the essence of Atlantis.”
“And that means?”
“I am one with the city. Whenever you think the city is anticipating what you need, that’s me.”
“And somehow you expect me to be able to do that?”
Janus smiled at her horrified tone.
“Trust me, Elizabeth, you’ll be a natural. Just take my hand.”
“How…” her voice trailed away as he reached his hand towards her. She watched as it slid through the monitor screen and appeared whole in front of her.
“Take it,” he urged.
Frowning, she grasped it and as she drew their hands back he slowly materialized in front of her. They stood smiling at one another until Elizabeth moved forward to embrace Janus.
“It’s so good to see you again.”
He leaned back until he could see her face.
“Likewise. Now, are you ready for this?”
She grimaced. “I don’t know Janus. I don’t know if I can handle it.”
He nodded. “I understand your fears, but believe me when I say you were born to do this.”
She watched him, considering his words.
“What will happen to you?”
He slowly raised his hand, palm up, then looked skyward.
“That’s wonderful Janus.”
Suddenly she frowned. “How long have you been here?”
Understanding her train of thought, he answered, “Only since the city rose this last time. All those years you slept, it was just you and Atlantis.”
“I just don’t know…”
“It’s really not that complicated. For the most part you can’t interfere with what happens in the city anyway. The people of Atlantis must live with the outcome of their decisions, be they mistakes or some grand revelation.”
Perplexed, she asked, “Then why am I needed here at all? If I can’t prevent a catastrophe, what’s the point?”
“The simple truth is, I don’t know.”
Elizabeth gave him an exasperated look.
“However, what I think is the city wants you back. You saved Atlantis, and Atlantis protected you while you did. That’s a very powerful bond. I think the city senses a kindred spirit in you.”
Janus went to Elizabeth and put his hands on her shoulders. Looking intently into her eyes he asked, “Do you remember when I said you had given me hope that Atlantis would live another 10,000 years after you found it again? Why not live those 10,000 years as part of Atlantis? If anyone deserves this chance, it’s you. It’s all there for the taking; just open your mind and heart.”
Finally convinced, Elizabeth asked, “What do I have to do?”
Janus lifted his hand, the palm facing her.
“We join hands…”
Elizabeth put her left hand against his right and they interlocked their fingers.
“Close your eyes…”
She did as he instructed.
“Now listen…”
Frowning, she strained to hear whatever she was supposed to hear.
“Not so hard!” Janus admonished softly. “Just let go…and listen.”
Relaxing, Elizabeth let her mind wander. She thought about her friends here and wondered what they were doing tonight. Maybe Carson was in the infirmary, caring for a sick child. Rodney, of course, would be in the lab, drinking yet another cup of coffee while he worked late into the night. John was a bit of a mystery to her, but after their talk during which he spilled the beans about her birthday, she felt she knew him better. Enough to picture him on the balcony outside the control room, staring into the dark Atlantis sky. Worrying.
Elizabeth’s eyes popped open. “I can see them!”
Janus shifted the grip he had on her hand, then pressed a kiss to the back of it.
“Yes, you can.”
She gave him an astonished look.
“And now it’s time for me to go.”
“But you can’t,” she protested. “There’s still too much for me to learn.”
“And learn you will, just not from me. Atlantis is all you need.”
He gave her a hug and she clung to him for a moment, then gave him a tremulous smile as they stepped back from each other. He began to glow and soon he burned so bright she could barely watch as he began to ascend.
“Remember to listen…”
The light faded and he was gone.
Elizabeth walked slowly around the room, thinking about all he had told her. She stopped in the middle, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes. Listened.
“Home…”
And she smiled…
* * * * * *
John Sheppard sat on the edge of his daughter’s bed. Reaching to brush the hair off her face he heard her ask sleepily, “And she lived happily ever after, right Daddy?”
He smiled at her, his eyes soft with love.
“Yes, she did.”
Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“Go to sleep now, baby.”
Snuggling deeper under her blanket she murmured, “Love you.”
“Love you too.”
A hand on his shoulder alerted him to the presence of his wife. Without taking his eyes off his daughter he placed his hand on Elizabeth’s and squeezed. Rising, he stood beside her, put his arm around her. In response she put both arms around his waist and leaned into him.
“I never get tired of watching her, Elizabeth.”
“I know the feeling.”
Pulling her closer, he pressed a kiss to her hair, then led her from the room. They settled on the couch in their living area.
“You know, John, every time you tell that story something gets added.”
“Does it?” Picking up her hand, he began playing with her fingers.
Frowning as he avoided the question, she focused on their hands. “John, there’s nothing you can’t tell me. You know that, right?”
“I know.”
Silence.
“John, where did you hear this story?”
He mumbled a response.
“What was that?”
No answer.
“John, look at me. Please.”
Reluctantly he met her eyes. Saw the question in them, along with the reflection of her love for him. He sighed.
“I’ve been hearing the story in my mind for a while now, but only when I’m in the control chair. When it first started, I didn’t know what to think. But over time I’ve come to realize I believe. I believe she’s here, watching over us.”
Elizabeth stared at him in amazement. “You’re serious.” She tightened her grip on his hand. “Really serious.” A beaming smile spread across her face. “Oh, John.”
He grinned at her.
“When did it start? Do you see her? What about…”
He stopped the flow of words simply by kissing her and didn’t stop until they were both breathless.
“Elizabeth, how would you like a bed-time story?”
Her delighted grin was his answer.
* * * * * *
Late that night a little girl slipped quietly from her room and tiptoed down the hall. Reaching her parents bedroom she paused, but it was silent. Continuing on she passed through the living area until she arrived at her destination. She opened the door to the balcony, but went no further. She had once, but daddy said it scared him so she didn’t go out there anymore.
Instead she stood in the doorway watching the full moon. A breeze softly rearranged her hair where it lay on her shoulders. Closing her eyes, she concentrated fiercely. Nothing. Sighing in frustration she went back to bed, quickly falling asleep and into her dreams.
“Jana…”
And she smiled…
Author: lady_xan (Irish Eyes)
Rating / Word Count: G / 1815
Pairing: J/E relationship
Spoilers: Season 1
Summary: Elizabeth gets her happy ending
Disclaimer: Not mine. Are you kidding?
Feedback: Would be lovely
Author’s Note: This story was written for “Celebrate Elizabeth” on Gateworld. I suppose it’s a fairy tale of sorts, just not the usual kind. For me, what I’ll remember most about Atlantis is Elizabeth’s absolute devotion to the city and its people. So tonight, I give Elizabeth the happy ending she so richly deserves. And it’s really just the beginning…
“Daddy, will you read me a bed-time story?”
The little girl’s father looked up from his laptop and smiled.
“Well, how can I resist such a charming young lady?”
Giggling, she grabbed his hand and tugged him to his feet. Skipping ahead, she pulled him along with her until they reached her bedroom. There she broke free and took a running leap onto the bed. Grinning, he followed her and settled into the chair at her bedside.
“Which one shall it be tonight?”
She rolled her eyes. “You only know one.”
“Hey, that hurts,” he protested.
“But it’s okay Daddy,” she replied, “cause it’s my favorite.” Snuggled under her blanket, she listened as he began.
“Once upon a time…”
* * * * * *
A ghostly lady in a long white dress wandered the halls of Atlantis. As she walked, she surveyed the city which had been left in her care. It was empty, but her heart was full. The tiny seed of its existence had been planted long ago, and now it was blooming before her eyes. Love for the city grew in her heart with every step she took. Whispers echoed down the corridors. “Home...”
She paused in the control room to contemplate the Stargate. The most fortunate people in life find their dream somewhere along their journey’s path. Her dream may not be as imagined, but she recognized it none the less. It had started with that first step through the Stargate, and now it would continue as she became the protector of Atlantis.
At peace with her decision, she returned to the status chamber. There she slept for many years, awakening only to rotate the ZPM’s. The years passed in swift succession until one day she awoke again, finally at her destination. She saw herself, as she once was, and then she turned her head to behold the city as she had never seen it. Sunlight glinted off the tower visible through the window. Atlantis had risen, back to reclaim its rightful place. Her job was finished, but her dream lived on.
And she smiled…
Beloved faces surrounded her. Perhaps she hadn’t awakened at all. Had she passed on? Here she was with everything she had ever wanted. Atlantis was safe and the people she thought never to see again stood beside her. Could something so perfectly right exist?
She told them her story, one in which they all discovered how valiantly they had attempted to save the city and each other. She wished she could know them better; live with them; laugh with them. But time was running out. She could feel it with every breath she took. And then she took no more…
Until she awoke in her status chamber. She looked around in confusion, then stepped out into the lab.
“Elizabeth.”
She flinched at the sound of her name. What was going on?
The glow of a monitor screen in the dark room drew her attention. Approaching it she saw an old friend.
“Janus.”
He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling with good humor.
“Janus, what’s going on? I thought I woke up in Atlantis an old woman. I thought I died!”
“Yet here you are, young and beautiful again.”
She blushed slightly.
“Actually Elizabeth, the Ancients have a proposition for you.”
“Ascension?” she asked disbelievingly.
He slowly shook his head. “Not exactly. Something I think you’ll like much better actually. They want to offer you my job.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “And what exactly is your job?”
“Why, I guess you could call me the essence of Atlantis.”
“And that means?”
“I am one with the city. Whenever you think the city is anticipating what you need, that’s me.”
“And somehow you expect me to be able to do that?”
Janus smiled at her horrified tone.
“Trust me, Elizabeth, you’ll be a natural. Just take my hand.”
“How…” her voice trailed away as he reached his hand towards her. She watched as it slid through the monitor screen and appeared whole in front of her.
“Take it,” he urged.
Frowning, she grasped it and as she drew their hands back he slowly materialized in front of her. They stood smiling at one another until Elizabeth moved forward to embrace Janus.
“It’s so good to see you again.”
He leaned back until he could see her face.
“Likewise. Now, are you ready for this?”
She grimaced. “I don’t know Janus. I don’t know if I can handle it.”
He nodded. “I understand your fears, but believe me when I say you were born to do this.”
She watched him, considering his words.
“What will happen to you?”
He slowly raised his hand, palm up, then looked skyward.
“That’s wonderful Janus.”
Suddenly she frowned. “How long have you been here?”
Understanding her train of thought, he answered, “Only since the city rose this last time. All those years you slept, it was just you and Atlantis.”
“I just don’t know…”
“It’s really not that complicated. For the most part you can’t interfere with what happens in the city anyway. The people of Atlantis must live with the outcome of their decisions, be they mistakes or some grand revelation.”
Perplexed, she asked, “Then why am I needed here at all? If I can’t prevent a catastrophe, what’s the point?”
“The simple truth is, I don’t know.”
Elizabeth gave him an exasperated look.
“However, what I think is the city wants you back. You saved Atlantis, and Atlantis protected you while you did. That’s a very powerful bond. I think the city senses a kindred spirit in you.”
Janus went to Elizabeth and put his hands on her shoulders. Looking intently into her eyes he asked, “Do you remember when I said you had given me hope that Atlantis would live another 10,000 years after you found it again? Why not live those 10,000 years as part of Atlantis? If anyone deserves this chance, it’s you. It’s all there for the taking; just open your mind and heart.”
Finally convinced, Elizabeth asked, “What do I have to do?”
Janus lifted his hand, the palm facing her.
“We join hands…”
Elizabeth put her left hand against his right and they interlocked their fingers.
“Close your eyes…”
She did as he instructed.
“Now listen…”
Frowning, she strained to hear whatever she was supposed to hear.
“Not so hard!” Janus admonished softly. “Just let go…and listen.”
Relaxing, Elizabeth let her mind wander. She thought about her friends here and wondered what they were doing tonight. Maybe Carson was in the infirmary, caring for a sick child. Rodney, of course, would be in the lab, drinking yet another cup of coffee while he worked late into the night. John was a bit of a mystery to her, but after their talk during which he spilled the beans about her birthday, she felt she knew him better. Enough to picture him on the balcony outside the control room, staring into the dark Atlantis sky. Worrying.
Elizabeth’s eyes popped open. “I can see them!”
Janus shifted the grip he had on her hand, then pressed a kiss to the back of it.
“Yes, you can.”
She gave him an astonished look.
“And now it’s time for me to go.”
“But you can’t,” she protested. “There’s still too much for me to learn.”
“And learn you will, just not from me. Atlantis is all you need.”
He gave her a hug and she clung to him for a moment, then gave him a tremulous smile as they stepped back from each other. He began to glow and soon he burned so bright she could barely watch as he began to ascend.
“Remember to listen…”
The light faded and he was gone.
Elizabeth walked slowly around the room, thinking about all he had told her. She stopped in the middle, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes. Listened.
“Home…”
And she smiled…
* * * * * *
John Sheppard sat on the edge of his daughter’s bed. Reaching to brush the hair off her face he heard her ask sleepily, “And she lived happily ever after, right Daddy?”
He smiled at her, his eyes soft with love.
“Yes, she did.”
Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“Go to sleep now, baby.”
Snuggling deeper under her blanket she murmured, “Love you.”
“Love you too.”
A hand on his shoulder alerted him to the presence of his wife. Without taking his eyes off his daughter he placed his hand on Elizabeth’s and squeezed. Rising, he stood beside her, put his arm around her. In response she put both arms around his waist and leaned into him.
“I never get tired of watching her, Elizabeth.”
“I know the feeling.”
Pulling her closer, he pressed a kiss to her hair, then led her from the room. They settled on the couch in their living area.
“You know, John, every time you tell that story something gets added.”
“Does it?” Picking up her hand, he began playing with her fingers.
Frowning as he avoided the question, she focused on their hands. “John, there’s nothing you can’t tell me. You know that, right?”
“I know.”
Silence.
“John, where did you hear this story?”
He mumbled a response.
“What was that?”
No answer.
“John, look at me. Please.”
Reluctantly he met her eyes. Saw the question in them, along with the reflection of her love for him. He sighed.
“I’ve been hearing the story in my mind for a while now, but only when I’m in the control chair. When it first started, I didn’t know what to think. But over time I’ve come to realize I believe. I believe she’s here, watching over us.”
Elizabeth stared at him in amazement. “You’re serious.” She tightened her grip on his hand. “Really serious.” A beaming smile spread across her face. “Oh, John.”
He grinned at her.
“When did it start? Do you see her? What about…”
He stopped the flow of words simply by kissing her and didn’t stop until they were both breathless.
“Elizabeth, how would you like a bed-time story?”
Her delighted grin was his answer.
* * * * * *
Late that night a little girl slipped quietly from her room and tiptoed down the hall. Reaching her parents bedroom she paused, but it was silent. Continuing on she passed through the living area until she arrived at her destination. She opened the door to the balcony, but went no further. She had once, but daddy said it scared him so she didn’t go out there anymore.
Instead she stood in the doorway watching the full moon. A breeze softly rearranged her hair where it lay on her shoulders. Closing her eyes, she concentrated fiercely. Nothing. Sighing in frustration she went back to bed, quickly falling asleep and into her dreams.
“Jana…”
And she smiled…