Rescue Me
Title: Rescue Me
Author: chiarahhue
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Since it’s AU there’s nothing episode specific but definitely pre-Sunday
Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate: Atlantis or any of the characters. They belong to MGM. I'm just borrowing them for a little while.
For: valeria_sg_1
Request: An AU where John is the civilian leader and Elizabeth his military commander
Summary: John is accidentally taken hostage during a trade negotiation and it’s up to Elizabeth to fight to get him back.
Characters: John Sheppard/Elizabeth Weir with Evan Lorne, Radek Zelenka, Miko Kusanagi, Carson Beckett, Teyla Emmagan, and Laura Carman
Notes: It was really a challenge to change their positions but still try to keep them in character! I hope it’s not too silly and fluffy for you, Vale!
Much thanks to my sis Ivy for a fantastic beta job - I couldn’t have done it without your help! {hug}
One
Major Evan Lorne was a dead man.
Even though he knew that he had done everything he could, it was still no consolation. Pushing away his untouched tray, he propped his elbows on the mess table, dropped his head into his hands, and wished for the hundredth time that he had been the one taken during the raid.
Sitting across from him, Miko sipped her tea, her dark eyes full of concern.
“Major Lorne does not appear to be well,” she commented in a low voice to her companion. “Is there nothing we can do?”
Radek lowered his sandwich, peered over his glasses at Lorne, and shook his head. “He’s a dead man.”
Frowning in exasperation, Miko looked from one man to the other. “Why do you both keep saying that?”
“Because it’s true,” Lorne muttered, his face still in his hands. “I screwed up.”
“But the attack was completely unexpected!” She set her cup down forcefully. “You did what you could - it’s not your fault that you were knocked unconscious. Surely, Colonel Weir will not find fault with your actions.”
Lorne raised his head long enough to exchange a meaningful look with Zelenka before he dropped it back into his hands and groaned.
“Miko, my dear,” Radek began, reaching over to pat her hand, “have you ever heard anyone mention the Shepometer?”
“Yes, but I never understood what it was,” she shrugged. “I just assumed it was an outside joke.”
“Inside,” Lorne corrected without raising his head. “Inside joke.”
“Inside joke,” she repeated. Looking toward Radek she raised her eyebrows. “So this device is real? Is it some type of thermometer?”
The smaller man cleared his throat self-consciously. “Well, not exactly. It’s just a way for us to alert each other as to the colonel’s mood.”
Miko gave him a disapproving look. “I hope this has nothing to do with the complaints Dr. Kavanagh made about her being too emotional to be an effective Second in Command!”
“Bah.” Radek made a rude noise and waved his hand dismissively. “That cabbage brain complains about everyone. Frankly, I think he is a little jealous that the Colonel worries about Sheppard when he is off-world.”
“But that is as it should be! Dr. Sheppard is leader of this expedition and his safety is her utmost concern.”
“That is true, but over the past year it has become obvious that her interest has taken an increasingly personal tone…which is where the Shepometer comes in,” Radek explained as he wagged a finger at her. “It gauges the intensity of the Colonel’s mood in direction correlation to her concern over Sheppard when he is off-world and out of her sight. The higher the readings, the further away we all stay from her.”
Lorne lifted his head and rolled his eyes. “And if you really want to see the Shepometer clear a room, just be there when the local hot alien chick decides to make a play for him.”
“I believe you may be right, Major. I heard about the toss down…”
“…throw down…”
“…on your last treaty talk when the chief’s daughter decided she wanted Dr. Sheppard as part of the deal.”
“And then there’s The Lecture…” Radek prompted with a smirk.
Lorne snorted indignantly. “Every time I take him off-world she puts me through the same damn lecture about the importance of protecting him since he refuses to carry a weapon.” Crossing his arms over his chest he glared at his two friends. “As if I don’t know my job!”
Suddenly understanding his predicament, Miko gave him a sympathetic look. “So when Colonel Weir returns to Atlantis and receives the news that Dr. Sheppard has been taken during the trade negotiations that you escorted him to…?”
Lorne slumped into his chair, leaned his head back, and closed his eyes.
“I’m a dead man.”
Two
John blinked groggily as he tried to raise his head.
“Careful Dr. Sheppard.” Gentle hands touched his forehead. “You hit your head quite hard when you fell.”
“Where are we?” he croaked, closing his eyes again.
The young man kneeling at John’s side, raised a cup to his lips. “Here, drink this, it will help.”
The drink was cool and tasted vaguely like spiced wine. John sighed and leaned his head back, only to jerk forward when he felt metal bars behind him.
“What the hell?” His eyes flew open and as he staggered to his feet, he bumped against another man.
“Dr. Sheppard! Please try to remain calm… you will injure yourself further and that will not be looked upon favorably!”
John turned, recognizing Marek, the Head Councilman from the Lathran village. But even more surprising was the man’s apparent lack of concern over their situation.
Smoothing his vestments, Marek nodded pleasantly in thanks as the young man moved from John to politely offer him a drink as well.
And he wasn’t the only one who appeared unconcerned. Glancing around the large jail cell, John was puzzled to see other men in Lathran garb, all chatting and sipping drinks as if they were at a cocktail party.
Giving himself a mental shake, John turned his attention back to the councilman. “Correct me if I’m wrong here, but weren’t we having a pleasant discussion about the grain you wished to trade when we were suddenly attacked by…”
Marek’s hands fluttered. “Attack is such a harsh word, Dr. Sheppard. As you can see,” he gestured around gracefully, “there were no casualties.” He paused and pursed his lips as his gaze came to rest on John’s forehead. “Except for you, of course.”
John raised his hand to his head, grimacing as he gingerly touched the large lump rapidly forming over his eyebrow. “Yeah, thanks for the concern.”
“Well,” the councilman huffed, “you would not be injured if your assistant had not panicked and thrown you to the ground.”
“That wasn’t my assistant and he didn’t panic!” John declared heatedly. “Major Lorne’s job is to protect me. He pushed me out of the way because he thought I was in danger.”
“Pushed you to the ground, is more like it!” Marek’s eyes traveled down John’s dirty uniform. “And what happened to the cloak I gave you?”
“The cloak?” John asked incredulously. “We’re attacked, kidnapped, and thrown in jail and all you’re worried about is your cloak? How about, why are we here? Or better yet,” his voice rose, “why the hell doesn’t anyone seem to care?!”
In the ensuing silence and with more than a few disapproving glares following them, Marek took John by the elbow and steered him to a quiet corner of the jail cell.
“Really, Dr. Sheppard,” he hissed. “I know you are an off-worlder but you assured us when we met that your people honor the customs of others!”
“Of course we do,” John declared.
“So when you took a pledge of kinship with me, did you understand you became as one with the men of Lathran?”
“Yes, but…”
“And when I put the mantel of my household upon your shoulders, did you understand that your acceptance of it made you a brother to me and my kin?”
“Yes, yes, but I don’t see what…”
His voice trailed off as realization struck him. In retrospect, the attack now seemed more like an overly energetic football rally between rival teams. And while weapons were brandished, none were used and as Marek pointed out, with the exception of John, no one was even injured.
“It was some kind of ceremonial display, wasn’t it,” he stated flatly.
Marek nodded serenely. “It is in acknowledgement of the old days when one village would storm another to gather up the best young women - or in this case, men.” He smirked and raised a hand to smooth his wavy blonde hair into place.
“Whoa, wait a minute!” John licked his lips nervously. “I don’t think I like where this is heading.”
“Being in this jail is just part of the tradition, although the kidnapping was quite exciting, was it not? And wait until the celebration tonight!” Marek continued, oblivious to John’s rising agitation. “It is well-known that the women of Kartika are not only wealthy but quite aggressive.” He leaned in and waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “I am sure the bidding will get very heated.”
As Marek wandered off, John slid slowly back down to the floor with a whimper.
It had taken all his powers of persuasion to get Elizabeth to let him go off-world again after that last incident with the chief’s daughter. And even though the incident itself had been resolved, it was just one more in a series of similar situations involving alien women that had put John in a less than favorable light with his military commander. And to make matters worse, it had given Rodney McKay the opportunity to gleefully dub him the Captain Kirk of the diplomatic corp.
John sighed at the unfairness of it all. He had never been a womanizer - he just happened to be the kind of man that attracted women.
With the exception of the one he really wanted…
“Dr. Sheppard?”
John looked up to find the young man with the drink jug.
“Would you care for more?”
“Sure, I’m not the designated driver tonight.” He raised his cup for a refill. “As a matter of fact, if I ever make it back home, I have a feeling I won’t be let off-world anytime in the near future.”
Three
Crossing through the Stargate, Elizabeth heaved a sigh of relief as they entered the gateroom. The mission to M3P-774 had taken longer than expected but at least it had ended well.
Looking over her exhausted team, she dismissed them with a nod and a satisfied smile. “Good work out there. Report to the infirmary and then get some rest. We’ll debrief in the morning.”
Stopping Rodney with a hand on his shoulder, she motioned two marines over to help him with the three ZPMs he clutched possessively to his chest.
“McKay,” she said warningly as he tried to fight off their assistance. “You’re so tired right now you can hardly stand on your feet. Now let them help you carry the ZPMs to the lab before you drop them all!”
“Even dead on my feet I’m more capable then those two grunts put together,” he grumbled under his breath. But he acknowledged her order, continuing to mutter in irritation as he stumbled off, trailing muddy footprints.
As Elizabeth turned to follow her team, she found her eyes involuntarily looking up toward the balcony above the gateroom. John would’ve been back from Lathran by now and while she knew he was probably busy with paperwork from the negotiation, she felt a twinge of disappoint that he hadn’t at least stepped out of his office to give her a wave. Over time it had become almost a ritual between them - he was always there to see her and her team off and the first to welcome them back.
Shrugging off her disappointment, she headed for the infirmary, chiding herself for placing so much importance on something so trivial that he probably thought nothing of it. As a matter of fact, she worried entirely too much about him. He was an experienced diplomat who…
She stopped in her tracks at the sight of Carson’s worried face greeting her at the doorway to the infirmary.
“Elizabeth, could you come with me? I need to speak with you in private.”
She followed him quickly, her eyes darting over her team as she passed them. They were all seated quietly on exam tables - too quietly, she realized, and a sense of dread filled her.
The door to Carson’s office hadn’t even closed before the words burst out of her mouth.
“Is there something wrong with my team?
“No, Elizabeth, it’s not them…”
She looked at the doctor in confusion. “Then who…”
Her voice broke off as she saw the concern in her friend’s blue eyes. “It’s John, isn’t it?”
Carson nodded. “There was a wee complication during the trade negations this morning but there’s no need to fret - they’re certain he’s naught come to harm.”
She took a deep breath and tried to keep her voice calm. “So you’re saying that they’re all missing?”
“No, just John.”
Carson darted forward as Elizabeth paled. “Sit, lass,” he murmured, guiding her to a chair.
She waved him off but took the offered seat. Looking through the window of his office she nodded toward her team, still sitting on the exam tables, their eyes focused on her. “Do they know?”
“Yes, I told them.”
“Is that why they’re so quiet - they’re worried about John?”
“They are, but they’re more worried about how you’re going to take the news.”
Elizabeth’s head snapped back and she glared at the doctor. “And just exactly what do you mean by that?”
“You know bloody well what I mean.” Carson crossed his arms over his chest, unfazed by her glare. “We all know you care for him a great deal.” As she started to protest, he held up a hand to cut her off. “Just let me have my say and I’ll not bring it up again.”
Elizabeth sat in silence for a moment and then gave him annoyed nod. “Go ahead.”
“You’re a dear friend, Elizabeth, and I tell you this for your own sake,” He pointed a finger at her. “You and John have been dancing around each other for over a year now and I think it’s high time you take a run at it.”
Seeing her blank expression he made an exasperated noise. “You know…stop the blasted flirting and get on with it!”
Elizabeth’s eyes went wide as a bright flush began to color her cheeks.
“Och!” He snorted. “You’ve faced the Wraith, the Genii, the Replicators and God knows what else…but you can’t tell John you fancy him?”
“I’m not his type.”
“And what type is that?”
Elizabeth shrugged. “Hot Alien Babe seems to be at the top of the list.” Rising she let out a sigh. “Well, at least this time I don’t have to worry about John getting involved with the local women since he was just trading for grain.”
Carson cleared his throat. “Actually Elizabeth, I think you should talk to Major Lorne and his team…”
Four
“What is this for?” John asked, skeptically eyeing the bundle of clothing that was being held out to him.
“To wear during the ceremony, since you are not appropriately dressed,” Marek explained. “Once we change, they will take us to the Receiving Room to greet our family members and then we will be escorted into the Great Hall for the ceremony.”
He had already changed and was now fussing as he contemplated how best to display the seal of office he wore around his neck. “What do you think?” he asked, turning toward John and adjusted the large jeweled pendant. “Is this too much?”
“Marek, I can’t wear this!”
The councilman paused and raised an eyebrow. “I most certainly agree!” He snatched the garment from John’s hand and shoved it back at the woman who had brought it. “That is an absolutely hideous color for him! Do you have something in a dark blue or a nice woodsy green?”
“No! Marek! You don’t understand…”
“And get someone to see if they can’t do something to minimize that horrible bruise on his forehead.”
“Marek…are you listening to me?”
“’I’ve also sent word to my older sister and she’s bringing another cloak. After all, you are representing the men of Lathran as well as my household!” He snapped his fingers at a passing server. “Young man - we need some drinks here!”
“Wait! How can I meet the woman in charge?” John asked, trying to keep the desperation from creeping into his voice. “Perhaps if I talked to her and explained my situation…”
Marek paused to look at him in wide-eyed surprise. “You wish to make a petition on your behalf?”
“Er…” John licked his lips and then shrugged. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”
“Dr. Sheppard! I did not suspect you to be a man of such ambition!” The councilman clapped his hands together excitedly. “Going straight to the top, eh?” He turned and signaled to a tall female soldier standing by the cell door. “Advise Mistress Nyala that this fine man, brother of Marek, Head Councilman of Lathran, wishes to petition to become part of her household!”
“Wait!” John grabbed the other man’s arm.
As the rest of the men cheered, drowning out John’s “Oh crap!” Marek slapped him on the back and then leaned in confidingly.
“I should warn you - she’s older than dirt and not much on looks but she rules the largest and richest province. And since she maintains mostly men in her household, I can only assume she knows how to keep them happy. And two of them not even half her age,” he added with a leer.
“Ah, our drinks!” He pressed one into John’s hand. “Well, I must excuse myself - I need to prepare my speech.”
“Speech?” John repeated feebly.
“Yes, as the highest ranking Lathran man here,” he said, puffing out his chest, “it is my duty and honor to represent your petition.”
“Yeah, about that petition…”
Marek held up his hand, cutting him off. “No need to thank me, my friend,” he said over his shoulder as he hurried away. “You will be out soon!”
“Right. As in out of the frying pan and into the fire,” John muttered under his breath.
Looking down at his drink he wondered how Elizabeth was taking the news of his capture.
Five
“A ritual mating raid?!”
Lorne swallowed and stood stiffly at attention, his eyes focused on a spot directly over the Colonel’s shoulder. “Yes ma’am, that’s what the Lathrans call it.”
“And how did Dr. Sheppard get involved in this?”
The tone of her voice was calm, but Lorne wasn’t fooled. Carson had radioed him that the Shepometer was in the Red Zone and that Lorne needed to do everything in his power to keep it from reaching critical.
“I’m not sure, ma’am. I immediately pushed Dr. Sheppard behind me and reached for my weapon, but before I could get it out, one of the soldiers knocked me down and when I came to, it was over.” He spared a quick look to his teammates flanking him. “It took us completely by surprise.”
“It is true, Colonel,” Radek nodded. “Marek had just finished his speech when suddenly a group of female soldiers stormed into the center of the square.” He threw his hands wide. “There was a big fight and much shouting and then Dr. Sheppard was gone along with a number of the other men.”
As Elizabeth and Teyla exchanged a skeptical look, he added, “You have no idea how large and fierce those women were! Like Klingons! When Dr. Sheppard fell, I saw one of them single-handedly scoop him up and…”
“He fell?” Elizabeth repeated.
Radek blinked nervously. “Eh…maybe not fell so much as tripped when the major pushed him.” His eyes darted to the side as Lorne made an oddly strangled noise. “Ne, ne…” he waved his hands frantically, “I mean to say, when the major stepped in front of him and…”
“Thank you, Dr. Zelenka, I believe I get the picture.” She pinched the bridge of her nose and groaned in frustration. Time was running out and leaving John behind was not an option.
“Excuse me, Colonel Weir?”
Elizabeth blinked and looked down to find Miko edging forward timidly.
“Yes, Dr. Kusanagi?” She smiled encouragingly at the shy scientist. “Is there something you wish to add? Anything, no matter how small it may seem, might be the clue we need.”
“Well,” the smaller woman began hesitantly, “from my observation, the elimination process seemed quite illogical.” She looked at her teammates and then back to Elizabeth. “I mean, if the purpose of this raid was to acquire mates, why did they discard Dr. Zelenka and Major Lorne?”
“Eh, discard?” Radek made a face. “Now I feel like an old turnip that was tossed aside.” Pursing his lips, he slanted a glance at Lorne. “But it does seem odd that they would pass over a fine specimen like the major.”
“Frankly, I see no reason why they would leave either of you behind,” Teyla added, bringing an embarrassed but pleased smile to the scientist’s face. “But Miko does raise a good point - who was taken and why?”
“Marek, the head councilman was taken,” Lorne offered. “That would make sense since he’s their leader.”
“Also, every well-dressed man standing with him and Dr. Sheppard,” Miko added. “They looked important.”
“Maybe that’s it,” Radek interjected. “The major and I were just in uniform - we didn’t look as important as the others.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “But John was in uniform too.”
“Well, except for the cloak Marek draped around his shoulders.”
“What cloak?” Elizabeth asked, quickly turning her attention back to Miko.
“Marek’s own cloak,” Miko replied. “It was at the end of his speech…something about it representing Marek’s household.” Her eyes flicked from Lorne to Radek. “Remember?”
Radek shook his head. “After standing for an hour, I was just glad the speech was over.”
“I remember it.” Lorne frowned in concentration. “It was a horrible purple color…I just caught a flash of it before all hell broke loose.”
“Do you think it is significant?” Teyla asked, looking over at Elizabeth.
“Maybe.” She turned to Lorne. “Were you able to make contact with John after he was taken?”
“I tried, ma’am but they wouldn’t let me in - only female family members are allowed to visit before the ceremony.
“I see. Thank you major.” Dismissing the team with a curt nod, she turned to Teyla. “Get Lt. Cadman, meet me in the ‘Jumper Bay.”
Six
“You are Dr. Sheppard’s sisters?” Marek asked dubiously, looking over the odd group of women. None of whom, to his eye, even faintly resembled the man, although they all were dressed in dark uniforms similar to his.
“Yes, we came as soon as we heard,” the tall one in front declared. “May we see him now?”
Marek arched an eyebrow. Her request, for all its politeness, was clearly an order. But despite his suspicions, he was honor bound to welcome the sisters of his newly pledged brother.
Nodding to the guard at the door, he ushered the women into the room.
“My name is Marek, Head Councilman Marek.” He sketched a small bow. “You might not be aware, but your brother is pledged to my household now.” He watched as the three women exchanged quick glances.
“Then we are especially honored to meet you, Head Councilman Marek. I’m Elizabeth, this is Teyla, and this is Laura.”
Marek nodded graciously to each in turn. “The honor is mine, Mistress Elizabeth.” He paused, sensing her confusion. “You have an air of authority about you, so I assumed that you were a leader of your people. As Mistress Nyala is leader of this province.”
“No, I’m not, but I do hold a position of authority as military commander to the leader of our people.”
“Ah, a warrior!” He looked at the other two women. “And you serve with her?”
“Yes…er, no!” Laura stuttered, as Elizabeth surreptitiously kicked her ankle. “No, we’re just Dr. Sheppard’s sisters.”
Marek pursed his lips. “I think not.”
Elizabeth caught her breath. “Sir, I assure you…”
Marek turned to face her. “What is the name of the leader of your people - the one whom you serve as military commander?”
There was a tense moment of silence and in that instant, Marek knew.
“It is Dr. Sheppard, is it not?”
She nodded mutely and as he looked into her eyes, he caught a glimpse of something else. “May we speak privately?” he asked, his eyes flicking toward the other two women and then back to her.
Elizabeth looked at Teyla and Laura and gave them a curt nod. “Wait outside for me.”
As the women turned to leave, Marek stepped closer.
“You have come to try to take Dr. Sheppard back with you, haven’t you?”
“He’s our leader,” Elizabeth replied. “He belongs with us.”
“He pledged himself in kinship to me this morning,” Marek explained. “His petition to Mistress Nyala will bring much honor to me and my household.”
“But his kinship is first with us…I,” she stumbled, “…we need him.”
Marek nodded his head slowly as he began to finally understand. “During our talks, Dr. Sheppard spoke warmly of his city and its people. But there was one person in particular he mentioned a number of times…a person who tempers his judgment and enables him to be a strong leader…someone who obviously means a great deal to him.”
Tilting his head, he studied her intently. “He was speaking of you, wasn’t he? You are Colonel Weir.”
“Yes. Yes I am,” she said, a surprised smile lighting her features.
He smiled in return. “Now I understand why Dr. Sheppard insisted that he could not go through with this petition. He could not belong to another when his heart and soul were already with yours.”
“Now,” he clasped his hands together, “what are we to do about tonight? Mistress Nyala has agreed to entertain Dr. Sheppard’s petition. If she is not challenged, he will become her property.”
“But this is all a misunderstanding!”
Marek shrugged regretfully. “Whether it is or not, is of no consequence at this point. The question is-what are you willing to do to get him back?”
“Name it.”
Seven
Of all the provinces, Kartika was the largest and richest, and Nyala had spared no expense for the evening. The room was lavishly decorated with candles and fresh greenery, tables were sumptuously laden with food and servers constantly circulated with trays of drinks. And as friends and more family members joined the celebration, the atmosphere in the main room became even more festive.
And Nyala’s entrance was no less impressive. Although old in years, she still walked tall and strong, her ceremonial armor gleaming like gold in the room’s light and her colorful robes trailing in her wake. Flanked by her guards, she moved through the crowd, looking over the gathering in satisfaction. Their raid on the Dotum village two years ago had met with pitiful results. The Lathrans, on the other hand, looked to be a handsome and healthy group of men.
“Mistress Nyala, if I may beg an audience?”
She turned to find one of the Lathrans - the Head Councilman, judging by his seal of office - bowing low before her.
“Marek, I believe?” She motioned for him to rise. “I was informed that you bring a petitioner.”
“Indeed I do.” He straightened up and gestured dramatically. “May I present, Dr. John Sheppard, newly bound to the Lathran people and pledged brother to my own household.”
Nyala raised an eyebrow as an obviously unwilling man in a bright purple cape was nudged forward. Her eyes traveled speculatively over him. He was tall but too slender for her taste, and he had the most bizarre spikes of hair standing straight up from his head. His features were pleasant, and she would have considered him handsome if it weren’t for the large bruise on his forehead and the sullen expression on his face.
“You are not of Lathran?” she queried.
“No, Mistress Nyala. I came from off-world to establish trade relations and while I wish to honor your customs, I can’t…”
Nyala raised a hand, effectively cutting him off. “Off-world or Lathran, you have only two choices open to you tonight. You may choose to be bid upon or petition for protection under my household.”
“Actually, Mistress,” Marek edged forward. “There is another option. A challenge.”
Nyala drew herself up to her full height. “A challenge?” she repeated incredulously.
Her words stunned the room into silence. Even to petition was rare - in living memory no one had ever issued a challenge!
“Who dares to challenge the Mistress of Kartika?”
“I do!” A voice rang out.
All eyes turned as a tall striking brunette in a dark uniform strode forward.
“Elizabeth!” John gasped. He started toward her, but was held back by Nyala’s guards.
“And who are you to challenge this petition?” Nyala demanded.
“Lt. Colonel Elizabeth Weir, Commander of my city’s military forces.” She dropped to one knee in front of the other woman but held her head high. “I come to publicly avow my prior claim to Dr. John Sheppard.”
Nyala’s eyes narrowed as she searched the other woman’s face.
“You will fight for him?”
“Always,” Elizabeth answered without hesitation.
A slow smile spread across Nyala’s weathered face. This one had fire in her!
“Give me your hand, Lt. Colonel Elizabeth Weir.” Reaching out, she clasped the other woman’s forearm and hauled her easily to her feet.
“Despite your young years, I see in you a worthy opponent,” she said, nodding in satisfaction as Elizabeth clasped her forearm firmly in return. “I accept your challenge.”
As the crowd cheered, Nyala’s guards stepped forward to help her out of her robes and armor, and John darted across the floor to Elizabeth.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he demanded.
Elizabeth blinked. “That doesn’t sound very diplomatic.”
“Elizabeth!”
“You want to know what I’m doing? I’m trying to save your ass. Again. Not that I’d ever bring that up…”
“You don’t have to do this,” he insisted stubbornly.
“Uh-huh.” She handed him her jacket. “Could you hold this for me?”
He took her jacket and folded it neatly over his arm. “I swear I didn’t know anything about…” He stopped abruptly as she stripped off her shirt and handed it to him as well. “Is that really necessary?” he asked, his eyes wide. He tried to push the shirt back into her hands. “You’re practically naked!”
“John, for heaven’s sake, it’s a sports bra - I wear one when I spar with Teyla.”
“Yeah, but that’s not in public,” he grumbled. Holding her shirt out to her, he made another attempt. “You could catch cold.”
“I’ll be fine.” She knelt down and began to unlace her boots. “So what’s really bothering you about this?”
“I don’t want you fighting for me. It’s embarrassing!”
Elizabeth raised her head and ran her eyes over the short dark blue tunic and the bright purple cape he wore. “And your outfit isn’t?”
“Don’t try and change the subject.” He dropped down beside her as she continued to strip off her boots and socks. “Seriously, you don’t have to do this.”
“I know.” She paused to slant a curious look at John. “So you think it’s embarrassing that I’m fighting for your honor?”
He tucked her socks into her boots, thinking about it for a moment, and then gave her a cheeky grin. “Actually, its kinda hot.”
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow at him as she rose. “Yes, I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve had women fight over you. Although it’s probably the first time it wasn’t in a bar.”
“Hey!” John protested. He tried to act wounded but ended up laughing with her at his own expense.
“Actually,” he said, suddenly serious, “you’re the first person to ever believe in me enough to fight for me. And I mean right from the beginning when the IOA wanted to call me back - I know you were the one who stood up for me, called in favors and did whatever you had to do so that I could stay. I also know that your support of me wasn’t popular with the military - Caldwell in particular - but you never backed down and eventually won them over.”
Elizabeth’s face softened and she gave him a small smile. “Never doubt for a second that you aren’t worth it, John Sheppard. I’ll always believe in you and I’ll always fight for you.”
Turning to go, she paused and looked back at him over her shoulder.
“And don’t wrinkle my clothes!”
Eight
One of the reasons Elizabeth had agreed to Marek’s plan was that from his description, the challenge sounded similar to the bantos stick fighting that Teyla had taught her. But seeing the protective gear two of Nyala’s guards brought her, she realized with a sinking feeling that she had been wrong.
She watched apprehensively as the guards strapped on an armor-like padding that covered her shoulders and chest, leaving her arms and back bare. Thick leather gauntlets were laced onto both her wrists and over her pants they fastened a skirt style garment made of layers of leather strips that hung down to her ankles. Lastly, with a slight bow one guard handed her a padded helmet and the other held out a long flexible wooden staff, then both backed away as Nyala approached.
“In times past, this challenge would have been fought with Long Swords,” Nyala, explained, holding her own staff in a raised position. “But even though we now strike only with these wooden telsu, their meaning is still honored.”
Moving to stand directly in front of Elizabeth, she extended her telsu and tapped each of her wrists, then each shoulder.
“These strikes maim but will not kill. If you are struck here, you are allowed to continue fighting, but you cannot use the arm or hand that is struck.”
Raising the telsu again, she touched each side of Elizabeth’s neck and then tapped the top of her head.
”These are killing blows. If you are struck thus, you must forfeit and concede defeat.”
Elizabeth nodded her understanding. “And the other parts of the body?”
“Arms and legs do not count. Although,” she added with a smirk, “that is not to say the blows will not hurt.”
“Anywhere else?”
Nyala scowled darkly. “It should go without saying that any strike to the back would be dishonorable!”
Elizabeth straightened and met her gaze with an equally affronted expression. “As it would also be among my people!” she declared.
Nyala grunted in satisfaction, a sense of respect growing for this off-worlder. Turning her head, she nodded at Marek.
“Councilman Marek, as this is your petition, it rests upon you to start this challenge.”
Marek stepped forward on trembling legs. Having his brother’s petition accepted by Nyala, would have brought prestige to his household, but it was nothing in comparison to this.
His name would now be forever associated with this momentous event in the Great Hall of Kartika and his chest swelled with pride. Songs would be sung! Poems would be written! He would be remembered long after…
“Ahem. Head Councilman Marek?”
He jumped as Nyala’s Prime Minister poked him sharply from behind. “Is there a problem?” she asked pointedly.
“No, no,” he said hastily. Smoothing his robes he took a deep breath. “On behalf of the household of Lathran, I call this challenge to the petition of my brother, Dr. John Sheppard.”
Clasping his hands, he bowed low to both women then straightening up he threw his hands wide and declared, “Let the challenge begin!”
The women advanced, then began to circle around each other. Occasionally, one would strike and the other would deflect it but the moves seemed tentative - as if they were both testing their telsu as well as each other.
Suddenly, Nyala thrust as she moved forward. Elizabeth countered, but as Nyala swept past her, she swung the staff around and delivered a resounding whack to the side of Elizabeth’s thigh in the process.
The crowd cheered and as Elizabeth shook off the sting, she gave thanks for the thick leather strips of her skirt that had tangled around Nyala’s telsu and deflected the full force of the blow.
Nyala advanced again, but this time Elizabeth sidestepped, engaged their telsu then lunged as Nyala passed, raising a groan of dismay from the crowd as she hit the older woman sharply on her upper arm.
The tension in the air grew as the challenge continued. And the voices of the crowd became more vocal as the women began to push each other…gaining ground and then losing it… attacking, deflecting strikes, counterattacking…lunging, spinning and attacking again.
Although she was older, Nyala was strong and fit, and Elizabeth was finding herself hard pressed to match her stamina. Realizing she might not be able to keep up with her for long, Elizabeth took a deep breath and began to attack aggressively; lunging, feinting, and lunging again as she circled the other woman.
But Nyala easily deflected each attack, moving agilely and countering with a quick series of strikes that caught Elizabeth by surprise. Stumbling, Elizabeth tried to regain her balance but before she could, Nyala darted forward and delivered a sharp blow to her left wrist as the crowd gasped.
John gasped as well. He had been standing to the side with Marek, Teyla and Laura, watching every move with his heart in his throat. He’d often watched Elizabeth and Teyla spar with bantos sticks, but he never noticed Elizabeth's strength and grace before. Perhaps it was the candlelight in the room that played off her sweat slicked skin but John had found his eyes involuntarily drawn to the play of muscles across her bare back and midriff every time she swung her telsu.
It was then that John realized that despite his years of diplomatic experience, his stand on weapons, and all the higher intellectual ground that implied, there was some primal part of him that found this challenge exhilarating. Whether it was watching the physical competition itself or knowing that she was fighting for him…
The sound of clapping caught John’s attention and he was surprised to see that it was for Elizabeth. Although she was now fighting single-handed, her courage and tenacity were winning her respect among the crowd. But as his eyes followed her across the floor, he could tell she beginning to tremble with exhaustion and he prayed that she could find the strength she needed to finish the challenge.
Nine
The crack of their telsu resounded sharply through the Great Hall again and again. But Elizabeth wasn't the only one beginning to tire. And as the two women spun past each other one more time, Nyala stumbled slightly as a blow from Elizabeth caught her across the chest. It caused only a momentary loss of balance, but Elizabeth saw a split second of apprehension flash in the other woman’s eyes and knew the opening for what it was.
Quickly, Elizabeth swung her good arm around and over her head and in one smooth movement, pivoted and jumped - twisting her body in the air to add momentum to her strike as she brought her telsu down cleanly to the side of Nyala’s neck. The blow was as strong as it was unexpected, and the older woman gasped in shock as she dropped and fell in a heap at Elizabeth’s feet.
The room was deathly silent and for a moment the only sound was the harsh breathing of the two women in the center of the floor.
Pushing herself shakily up to sit in a kneeling position, Nyala pulled off her helmet and then held out her hand as she looked up at Elizabeth. She opened her mouth to concede defeat, but before she could utter a word, Elizabeth had pulled off her own helmet and dropped to one knee in front of her.
“Nyala, Mistress of Kartika,” she said respectfully, reaching out to grasp her forearm. “Let us not define ourselves tonight in terms of defeat or victory, or even as worthy opponents.”
Rising, she pulled the older woman gently to her feet. “Let us instead, define ourselves as equals...perhaps even potential allies.”
Nyala took a deep breath and stood tall; her grasp firm on Elizabeth’s arm and her eyes bright with emotion. “You have proven yourself worthy of much more, my friend.”
Releasing Elizabeth’s arm, Nyala turned to face the crowd. Raising her hands high she declared, “As of this day, I welcome and honor my sister Elizabeth, Defender of Kartika!”
The Great Hall erupted in a roar of approval, and as the crowd cheered, Marek looked on in amusement as John, Teyla and Laura sprinted across the floor and surrounded Elizabeth in a fierce hug.
Ten
The night sky of Atlantis was just starting to turn from purple to the blue of early morning as John walked out onto the balcony. A cool breeze greeted him, and he yawned involuntarily as the days events suddenly caught up with him. Leaning heavily against the railing, he looked out over the water and sighed.
“That was some party, wasn’t it?”
He smiled, not needing to turn around to know who had joined him.
“I can honestly say I’ve never been to one like it.” He slanted a glance at Elizabeth as she settled herself against the railing next to him. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m a little sore but no worse than when Teyla decides not to pull any punches with those bantos sticks,” she admitted with a shrug. “How’s the head?” She looked pointedly at the large bruise on his forehead.
“The swelling’s gone down but Doc says the bruise will take a while to go away.” He chuckled. “Frankly, I think Lorne feels worse than I do about it. Every time I see him, he tries to apologize.”
They stood for a few minutes in comfortable silence, looking out over the glistening water.
“I hear your trade talks with the Prime Minister went well,” she ventured, quirking a smile up at him.
“Well, it’s a bit of an advantage to be bargaining on behalf of the Defender of Kartika.” He smiled when she laughed, taking inordinate pleasure in the sound of her voice.
“I think it’s safe to say that anything we can trade for will be well received in the mess. Especially,” she added wistfully “if you can get us some of those little pink cakes they had at the reception tonight.”
“Liked those, did you?”
“Oh yes! And the little blue ones too!”
“I have a feeling that whatever you want, won’t be hard to get.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Is there any chance that the Kartikans have a version of chocolate?” she asked hopefully.
“Sorry.” John shook his head. “I’m afraid we’ll still have to rely on the Daedalus for that. Beer too,” he added regretfully.
“Which reminds me,” she turned to face him, her hip resting against the railing. “I won a six pack of beer from Caldwell in the last poker game.”
John turned and eyed her suspiciously. “And you’re telling me this because…?”
“Well,” Elizabeth began, nervously crossing her arms over her chest. “I was just wondering if you’d like to share it with me.” She took a deep breath and let it out in a rush as she blurted, ”Atmovienight.”
John blinked in disbelief. “Did you just offer me a bribe to go to movie night with you?”
Elizabeth looked away in embarrassment. “Um, I guess it might have sounded that way.”
“So is this a date?” he pressed.
She was on the verge of backing off and denying it when she happened to glance up to see his face and the blatantly hopeful expression on it.
“Yes.” She nodded decisively. “It would be a date.”
“Good.” John let out sigh of relief and grinned happily. After a moment, he drifted closer to her. Reaching up he lightly stroked her cheek and then slid his hand into her hair as he slowly leaned in toward her. His mouth hovered warmly over hers for a second, giving her a chance to change her mind. Instead, her arms snaked around him, pulling him flush against her body.
Their first kiss was hesitant and a little awkward. And as she pulled away, she could hear John chuckle.
“What’s so funny?”
“That felt like a first pancake.”
He smiled as she leaned back and stared quizzically at him. “A first pancake?”
“Yeah.” He began stroking a hand up and down her back.” You know how when you make pancakes, the first one is always just a little wonky? But the rest turn out perfectly?”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “So now that we have that first pancake out of the way…” Sliding her hands up his chest, she curled one around the back of his neck and pulled his head down to hers.
And with the second kiss, everything clicked into place. The way their bodies fit together just right…the newly familiar comfort of each other’s arms…and most of all, the ease with which the kiss turned slow and sweet.
As if kissing each other this way was something they’d been doing all their lives.
The End
Author: chiarahhue
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Since it’s AU there’s nothing episode specific but definitely pre-Sunday
Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate: Atlantis or any of the characters. They belong to MGM. I'm just borrowing them for a little while.
For: valeria_sg_1
Request: An AU where John is the civilian leader and Elizabeth his military commander
Summary: John is accidentally taken hostage during a trade negotiation and it’s up to Elizabeth to fight to get him back.
Characters: John Sheppard/Elizabeth Weir with Evan Lorne, Radek Zelenka, Miko Kusanagi, Carson Beckett, Teyla Emmagan, and Laura Carman
Notes: It was really a challenge to change their positions but still try to keep them in character! I hope it’s not too silly and fluffy for you, Vale!
Much thanks to my sis Ivy for a fantastic beta job - I couldn’t have done it without your help! {hug}
One
Major Evan Lorne was a dead man.
Even though he knew that he had done everything he could, it was still no consolation. Pushing away his untouched tray, he propped his elbows on the mess table, dropped his head into his hands, and wished for the hundredth time that he had been the one taken during the raid.
Sitting across from him, Miko sipped her tea, her dark eyes full of concern.
“Major Lorne does not appear to be well,” she commented in a low voice to her companion. “Is there nothing we can do?”
Radek lowered his sandwich, peered over his glasses at Lorne, and shook his head. “He’s a dead man.”
Frowning in exasperation, Miko looked from one man to the other. “Why do you both keep saying that?”
“Because it’s true,” Lorne muttered, his face still in his hands. “I screwed up.”
“But the attack was completely unexpected!” She set her cup down forcefully. “You did what you could - it’s not your fault that you were knocked unconscious. Surely, Colonel Weir will not find fault with your actions.”
Lorne raised his head long enough to exchange a meaningful look with Zelenka before he dropped it back into his hands and groaned.
“Miko, my dear,” Radek began, reaching over to pat her hand, “have you ever heard anyone mention the Shepometer?”
“Yes, but I never understood what it was,” she shrugged. “I just assumed it was an outside joke.”
“Inside,” Lorne corrected without raising his head. “Inside joke.”
“Inside joke,” she repeated. Looking toward Radek she raised her eyebrows. “So this device is real? Is it some type of thermometer?”
The smaller man cleared his throat self-consciously. “Well, not exactly. It’s just a way for us to alert each other as to the colonel’s mood.”
Miko gave him a disapproving look. “I hope this has nothing to do with the complaints Dr. Kavanagh made about her being too emotional to be an effective Second in Command!”
“Bah.” Radek made a rude noise and waved his hand dismissively. “That cabbage brain complains about everyone. Frankly, I think he is a little jealous that the Colonel worries about Sheppard when he is off-world.”
“But that is as it should be! Dr. Sheppard is leader of this expedition and his safety is her utmost concern.”
“That is true, but over the past year it has become obvious that her interest has taken an increasingly personal tone…which is where the Shepometer comes in,” Radek explained as he wagged a finger at her. “It gauges the intensity of the Colonel’s mood in direction correlation to her concern over Sheppard when he is off-world and out of her sight. The higher the readings, the further away we all stay from her.”
Lorne lifted his head and rolled his eyes. “And if you really want to see the Shepometer clear a room, just be there when the local hot alien chick decides to make a play for him.”
“I believe you may be right, Major. I heard about the toss down…”
“…throw down…”
“…on your last treaty talk when the chief’s daughter decided she wanted Dr. Sheppard as part of the deal.”
“And then there’s The Lecture…” Radek prompted with a smirk.
Lorne snorted indignantly. “Every time I take him off-world she puts me through the same damn lecture about the importance of protecting him since he refuses to carry a weapon.” Crossing his arms over his chest he glared at his two friends. “As if I don’t know my job!”
Suddenly understanding his predicament, Miko gave him a sympathetic look. “So when Colonel Weir returns to Atlantis and receives the news that Dr. Sheppard has been taken during the trade negotiations that you escorted him to…?”
Lorne slumped into his chair, leaned his head back, and closed his eyes.
“I’m a dead man.”
Two
John blinked groggily as he tried to raise his head.
“Careful Dr. Sheppard.” Gentle hands touched his forehead. “You hit your head quite hard when you fell.”
“Where are we?” he croaked, closing his eyes again.
The young man kneeling at John’s side, raised a cup to his lips. “Here, drink this, it will help.”
The drink was cool and tasted vaguely like spiced wine. John sighed and leaned his head back, only to jerk forward when he felt metal bars behind him.
“What the hell?” His eyes flew open and as he staggered to his feet, he bumped against another man.
“Dr. Sheppard! Please try to remain calm… you will injure yourself further and that will not be looked upon favorably!”
John turned, recognizing Marek, the Head Councilman from the Lathran village. But even more surprising was the man’s apparent lack of concern over their situation.
Smoothing his vestments, Marek nodded pleasantly in thanks as the young man moved from John to politely offer him a drink as well.
And he wasn’t the only one who appeared unconcerned. Glancing around the large jail cell, John was puzzled to see other men in Lathran garb, all chatting and sipping drinks as if they were at a cocktail party.
Giving himself a mental shake, John turned his attention back to the councilman. “Correct me if I’m wrong here, but weren’t we having a pleasant discussion about the grain you wished to trade when we were suddenly attacked by…”
Marek’s hands fluttered. “Attack is such a harsh word, Dr. Sheppard. As you can see,” he gestured around gracefully, “there were no casualties.” He paused and pursed his lips as his gaze came to rest on John’s forehead. “Except for you, of course.”
John raised his hand to his head, grimacing as he gingerly touched the large lump rapidly forming over his eyebrow. “Yeah, thanks for the concern.”
“Well,” the councilman huffed, “you would not be injured if your assistant had not panicked and thrown you to the ground.”
“That wasn’t my assistant and he didn’t panic!” John declared heatedly. “Major Lorne’s job is to protect me. He pushed me out of the way because he thought I was in danger.”
“Pushed you to the ground, is more like it!” Marek’s eyes traveled down John’s dirty uniform. “And what happened to the cloak I gave you?”
“The cloak?” John asked incredulously. “We’re attacked, kidnapped, and thrown in jail and all you’re worried about is your cloak? How about, why are we here? Or better yet,” his voice rose, “why the hell doesn’t anyone seem to care?!”
In the ensuing silence and with more than a few disapproving glares following them, Marek took John by the elbow and steered him to a quiet corner of the jail cell.
“Really, Dr. Sheppard,” he hissed. “I know you are an off-worlder but you assured us when we met that your people honor the customs of others!”
“Of course we do,” John declared.
“So when you took a pledge of kinship with me, did you understand you became as one with the men of Lathran?”
“Yes, but…”
“And when I put the mantel of my household upon your shoulders, did you understand that your acceptance of it made you a brother to me and my kin?”
“Yes, yes, but I don’t see what…”
His voice trailed off as realization struck him. In retrospect, the attack now seemed more like an overly energetic football rally between rival teams. And while weapons were brandished, none were used and as Marek pointed out, with the exception of John, no one was even injured.
“It was some kind of ceremonial display, wasn’t it,” he stated flatly.
Marek nodded serenely. “It is in acknowledgement of the old days when one village would storm another to gather up the best young women - or in this case, men.” He smirked and raised a hand to smooth his wavy blonde hair into place.
“Whoa, wait a minute!” John licked his lips nervously. “I don’t think I like where this is heading.”
“Being in this jail is just part of the tradition, although the kidnapping was quite exciting, was it not? And wait until the celebration tonight!” Marek continued, oblivious to John’s rising agitation. “It is well-known that the women of Kartika are not only wealthy but quite aggressive.” He leaned in and waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “I am sure the bidding will get very heated.”
As Marek wandered off, John slid slowly back down to the floor with a whimper.
It had taken all his powers of persuasion to get Elizabeth to let him go off-world again after that last incident with the chief’s daughter. And even though the incident itself had been resolved, it was just one more in a series of similar situations involving alien women that had put John in a less than favorable light with his military commander. And to make matters worse, it had given Rodney McKay the opportunity to gleefully dub him the Captain Kirk of the diplomatic corp.
John sighed at the unfairness of it all. He had never been a womanizer - he just happened to be the kind of man that attracted women.
With the exception of the one he really wanted…
“Dr. Sheppard?”
John looked up to find the young man with the drink jug.
“Would you care for more?”
“Sure, I’m not the designated driver tonight.” He raised his cup for a refill. “As a matter of fact, if I ever make it back home, I have a feeling I won’t be let off-world anytime in the near future.”
Three
Crossing through the Stargate, Elizabeth heaved a sigh of relief as they entered the gateroom. The mission to M3P-774 had taken longer than expected but at least it had ended well.
Looking over her exhausted team, she dismissed them with a nod and a satisfied smile. “Good work out there. Report to the infirmary and then get some rest. We’ll debrief in the morning.”
Stopping Rodney with a hand on his shoulder, she motioned two marines over to help him with the three ZPMs he clutched possessively to his chest.
“McKay,” she said warningly as he tried to fight off their assistance. “You’re so tired right now you can hardly stand on your feet. Now let them help you carry the ZPMs to the lab before you drop them all!”
“Even dead on my feet I’m more capable then those two grunts put together,” he grumbled under his breath. But he acknowledged her order, continuing to mutter in irritation as he stumbled off, trailing muddy footprints.
As Elizabeth turned to follow her team, she found her eyes involuntarily looking up toward the balcony above the gateroom. John would’ve been back from Lathran by now and while she knew he was probably busy with paperwork from the negotiation, she felt a twinge of disappoint that he hadn’t at least stepped out of his office to give her a wave. Over time it had become almost a ritual between them - he was always there to see her and her team off and the first to welcome them back.
Shrugging off her disappointment, she headed for the infirmary, chiding herself for placing so much importance on something so trivial that he probably thought nothing of it. As a matter of fact, she worried entirely too much about him. He was an experienced diplomat who…
She stopped in her tracks at the sight of Carson’s worried face greeting her at the doorway to the infirmary.
“Elizabeth, could you come with me? I need to speak with you in private.”
She followed him quickly, her eyes darting over her team as she passed them. They were all seated quietly on exam tables - too quietly, she realized, and a sense of dread filled her.
The door to Carson’s office hadn’t even closed before the words burst out of her mouth.
“Is there something wrong with my team?
“No, Elizabeth, it’s not them…”
She looked at the doctor in confusion. “Then who…”
Her voice broke off as she saw the concern in her friend’s blue eyes. “It’s John, isn’t it?”
Carson nodded. “There was a wee complication during the trade negations this morning but there’s no need to fret - they’re certain he’s naught come to harm.”
She took a deep breath and tried to keep her voice calm. “So you’re saying that they’re all missing?”
“No, just John.”
Carson darted forward as Elizabeth paled. “Sit, lass,” he murmured, guiding her to a chair.
She waved him off but took the offered seat. Looking through the window of his office she nodded toward her team, still sitting on the exam tables, their eyes focused on her. “Do they know?”
“Yes, I told them.”
“Is that why they’re so quiet - they’re worried about John?”
“They are, but they’re more worried about how you’re going to take the news.”
Elizabeth’s head snapped back and she glared at the doctor. “And just exactly what do you mean by that?”
“You know bloody well what I mean.” Carson crossed his arms over his chest, unfazed by her glare. “We all know you care for him a great deal.” As she started to protest, he held up a hand to cut her off. “Just let me have my say and I’ll not bring it up again.”
Elizabeth sat in silence for a moment and then gave him annoyed nod. “Go ahead.”
“You’re a dear friend, Elizabeth, and I tell you this for your own sake,” He pointed a finger at her. “You and John have been dancing around each other for over a year now and I think it’s high time you take a run at it.”
Seeing her blank expression he made an exasperated noise. “You know…stop the blasted flirting and get on with it!”
Elizabeth’s eyes went wide as a bright flush began to color her cheeks.
“Och!” He snorted. “You’ve faced the Wraith, the Genii, the Replicators and God knows what else…but you can’t tell John you fancy him?”
“I’m not his type.”
“And what type is that?”
Elizabeth shrugged. “Hot Alien Babe seems to be at the top of the list.” Rising she let out a sigh. “Well, at least this time I don’t have to worry about John getting involved with the local women since he was just trading for grain.”
Carson cleared his throat. “Actually Elizabeth, I think you should talk to Major Lorne and his team…”
Four
“What is this for?” John asked, skeptically eyeing the bundle of clothing that was being held out to him.
“To wear during the ceremony, since you are not appropriately dressed,” Marek explained. “Once we change, they will take us to the Receiving Room to greet our family members and then we will be escorted into the Great Hall for the ceremony.”
He had already changed and was now fussing as he contemplated how best to display the seal of office he wore around his neck. “What do you think?” he asked, turning toward John and adjusted the large jeweled pendant. “Is this too much?”
“Marek, I can’t wear this!”
The councilman paused and raised an eyebrow. “I most certainly agree!” He snatched the garment from John’s hand and shoved it back at the woman who had brought it. “That is an absolutely hideous color for him! Do you have something in a dark blue or a nice woodsy green?”
“No! Marek! You don’t understand…”
“And get someone to see if they can’t do something to minimize that horrible bruise on his forehead.”
“Marek…are you listening to me?”
“’I’ve also sent word to my older sister and she’s bringing another cloak. After all, you are representing the men of Lathran as well as my household!” He snapped his fingers at a passing server. “Young man - we need some drinks here!”
“Wait! How can I meet the woman in charge?” John asked, trying to keep the desperation from creeping into his voice. “Perhaps if I talked to her and explained my situation…”
Marek paused to look at him in wide-eyed surprise. “You wish to make a petition on your behalf?”
“Er…” John licked his lips and then shrugged. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”
“Dr. Sheppard! I did not suspect you to be a man of such ambition!” The councilman clapped his hands together excitedly. “Going straight to the top, eh?” He turned and signaled to a tall female soldier standing by the cell door. “Advise Mistress Nyala that this fine man, brother of Marek, Head Councilman of Lathran, wishes to petition to become part of her household!”
“Wait!” John grabbed the other man’s arm.
As the rest of the men cheered, drowning out John’s “Oh crap!” Marek slapped him on the back and then leaned in confidingly.
“I should warn you - she’s older than dirt and not much on looks but she rules the largest and richest province. And since she maintains mostly men in her household, I can only assume she knows how to keep them happy. And two of them not even half her age,” he added with a leer.
“Ah, our drinks!” He pressed one into John’s hand. “Well, I must excuse myself - I need to prepare my speech.”
“Speech?” John repeated feebly.
“Yes, as the highest ranking Lathran man here,” he said, puffing out his chest, “it is my duty and honor to represent your petition.”
“Yeah, about that petition…”
Marek held up his hand, cutting him off. “No need to thank me, my friend,” he said over his shoulder as he hurried away. “You will be out soon!”
“Right. As in out of the frying pan and into the fire,” John muttered under his breath.
Looking down at his drink he wondered how Elizabeth was taking the news of his capture.
Five
“A ritual mating raid?!”
Lorne swallowed and stood stiffly at attention, his eyes focused on a spot directly over the Colonel’s shoulder. “Yes ma’am, that’s what the Lathrans call it.”
“And how did Dr. Sheppard get involved in this?”
The tone of her voice was calm, but Lorne wasn’t fooled. Carson had radioed him that the Shepometer was in the Red Zone and that Lorne needed to do everything in his power to keep it from reaching critical.
“I’m not sure, ma’am. I immediately pushed Dr. Sheppard behind me and reached for my weapon, but before I could get it out, one of the soldiers knocked me down and when I came to, it was over.” He spared a quick look to his teammates flanking him. “It took us completely by surprise.”
“It is true, Colonel,” Radek nodded. “Marek had just finished his speech when suddenly a group of female soldiers stormed into the center of the square.” He threw his hands wide. “There was a big fight and much shouting and then Dr. Sheppard was gone along with a number of the other men.”
As Elizabeth and Teyla exchanged a skeptical look, he added, “You have no idea how large and fierce those women were! Like Klingons! When Dr. Sheppard fell, I saw one of them single-handedly scoop him up and…”
“He fell?” Elizabeth repeated.
Radek blinked nervously. “Eh…maybe not fell so much as tripped when the major pushed him.” His eyes darted to the side as Lorne made an oddly strangled noise. “Ne, ne…” he waved his hands frantically, “I mean to say, when the major stepped in front of him and…”
“Thank you, Dr. Zelenka, I believe I get the picture.” She pinched the bridge of her nose and groaned in frustration. Time was running out and leaving John behind was not an option.
“Excuse me, Colonel Weir?”
Elizabeth blinked and looked down to find Miko edging forward timidly.
“Yes, Dr. Kusanagi?” She smiled encouragingly at the shy scientist. “Is there something you wish to add? Anything, no matter how small it may seem, might be the clue we need.”
“Well,” the smaller woman began hesitantly, “from my observation, the elimination process seemed quite illogical.” She looked at her teammates and then back to Elizabeth. “I mean, if the purpose of this raid was to acquire mates, why did they discard Dr. Zelenka and Major Lorne?”
“Eh, discard?” Radek made a face. “Now I feel like an old turnip that was tossed aside.” Pursing his lips, he slanted a glance at Lorne. “But it does seem odd that they would pass over a fine specimen like the major.”
“Frankly, I see no reason why they would leave either of you behind,” Teyla added, bringing an embarrassed but pleased smile to the scientist’s face. “But Miko does raise a good point - who was taken and why?”
“Marek, the head councilman was taken,” Lorne offered. “That would make sense since he’s their leader.”
“Also, every well-dressed man standing with him and Dr. Sheppard,” Miko added. “They looked important.”
“Maybe that’s it,” Radek interjected. “The major and I were just in uniform - we didn’t look as important as the others.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “But John was in uniform too.”
“Well, except for the cloak Marek draped around his shoulders.”
“What cloak?” Elizabeth asked, quickly turning her attention back to Miko.
“Marek’s own cloak,” Miko replied. “It was at the end of his speech…something about it representing Marek’s household.” Her eyes flicked from Lorne to Radek. “Remember?”
Radek shook his head. “After standing for an hour, I was just glad the speech was over.”
“I remember it.” Lorne frowned in concentration. “It was a horrible purple color…I just caught a flash of it before all hell broke loose.”
“Do you think it is significant?” Teyla asked, looking over at Elizabeth.
“Maybe.” She turned to Lorne. “Were you able to make contact with John after he was taken?”
“I tried, ma’am but they wouldn’t let me in - only female family members are allowed to visit before the ceremony.
“I see. Thank you major.” Dismissing the team with a curt nod, she turned to Teyla. “Get Lt. Cadman, meet me in the ‘Jumper Bay.”
Six
“You are Dr. Sheppard’s sisters?” Marek asked dubiously, looking over the odd group of women. None of whom, to his eye, even faintly resembled the man, although they all were dressed in dark uniforms similar to his.
“Yes, we came as soon as we heard,” the tall one in front declared. “May we see him now?”
Marek arched an eyebrow. Her request, for all its politeness, was clearly an order. But despite his suspicions, he was honor bound to welcome the sisters of his newly pledged brother.
Nodding to the guard at the door, he ushered the women into the room.
“My name is Marek, Head Councilman Marek.” He sketched a small bow. “You might not be aware, but your brother is pledged to my household now.” He watched as the three women exchanged quick glances.
“Then we are especially honored to meet you, Head Councilman Marek. I’m Elizabeth, this is Teyla, and this is Laura.”
Marek nodded graciously to each in turn. “The honor is mine, Mistress Elizabeth.” He paused, sensing her confusion. “You have an air of authority about you, so I assumed that you were a leader of your people. As Mistress Nyala is leader of this province.”
“No, I’m not, but I do hold a position of authority as military commander to the leader of our people.”
“Ah, a warrior!” He looked at the other two women. “And you serve with her?”
“Yes…er, no!” Laura stuttered, as Elizabeth surreptitiously kicked her ankle. “No, we’re just Dr. Sheppard’s sisters.”
Marek pursed his lips. “I think not.”
Elizabeth caught her breath. “Sir, I assure you…”
Marek turned to face her. “What is the name of the leader of your people - the one whom you serve as military commander?”
There was a tense moment of silence and in that instant, Marek knew.
“It is Dr. Sheppard, is it not?”
She nodded mutely and as he looked into her eyes, he caught a glimpse of something else. “May we speak privately?” he asked, his eyes flicking toward the other two women and then back to her.
Elizabeth looked at Teyla and Laura and gave them a curt nod. “Wait outside for me.”
As the women turned to leave, Marek stepped closer.
“You have come to try to take Dr. Sheppard back with you, haven’t you?”
“He’s our leader,” Elizabeth replied. “He belongs with us.”
“He pledged himself in kinship to me this morning,” Marek explained. “His petition to Mistress Nyala will bring much honor to me and my household.”
“But his kinship is first with us…I,” she stumbled, “…we need him.”
Marek nodded his head slowly as he began to finally understand. “During our talks, Dr. Sheppard spoke warmly of his city and its people. But there was one person in particular he mentioned a number of times…a person who tempers his judgment and enables him to be a strong leader…someone who obviously means a great deal to him.”
Tilting his head, he studied her intently. “He was speaking of you, wasn’t he? You are Colonel Weir.”
“Yes. Yes I am,” she said, a surprised smile lighting her features.
He smiled in return. “Now I understand why Dr. Sheppard insisted that he could not go through with this petition. He could not belong to another when his heart and soul were already with yours.”
“Now,” he clasped his hands together, “what are we to do about tonight? Mistress Nyala has agreed to entertain Dr. Sheppard’s petition. If she is not challenged, he will become her property.”
“But this is all a misunderstanding!”
Marek shrugged regretfully. “Whether it is or not, is of no consequence at this point. The question is-what are you willing to do to get him back?”
“Name it.”
Seven
Of all the provinces, Kartika was the largest and richest, and Nyala had spared no expense for the evening. The room was lavishly decorated with candles and fresh greenery, tables were sumptuously laden with food and servers constantly circulated with trays of drinks. And as friends and more family members joined the celebration, the atmosphere in the main room became even more festive.
And Nyala’s entrance was no less impressive. Although old in years, she still walked tall and strong, her ceremonial armor gleaming like gold in the room’s light and her colorful robes trailing in her wake. Flanked by her guards, she moved through the crowd, looking over the gathering in satisfaction. Their raid on the Dotum village two years ago had met with pitiful results. The Lathrans, on the other hand, looked to be a handsome and healthy group of men.
“Mistress Nyala, if I may beg an audience?”
She turned to find one of the Lathrans - the Head Councilman, judging by his seal of office - bowing low before her.
“Marek, I believe?” She motioned for him to rise. “I was informed that you bring a petitioner.”
“Indeed I do.” He straightened up and gestured dramatically. “May I present, Dr. John Sheppard, newly bound to the Lathran people and pledged brother to my own household.”
Nyala raised an eyebrow as an obviously unwilling man in a bright purple cape was nudged forward. Her eyes traveled speculatively over him. He was tall but too slender for her taste, and he had the most bizarre spikes of hair standing straight up from his head. His features were pleasant, and she would have considered him handsome if it weren’t for the large bruise on his forehead and the sullen expression on his face.
“You are not of Lathran?” she queried.
“No, Mistress Nyala. I came from off-world to establish trade relations and while I wish to honor your customs, I can’t…”
Nyala raised a hand, effectively cutting him off. “Off-world or Lathran, you have only two choices open to you tonight. You may choose to be bid upon or petition for protection under my household.”
“Actually, Mistress,” Marek edged forward. “There is another option. A challenge.”
Nyala drew herself up to her full height. “A challenge?” she repeated incredulously.
Her words stunned the room into silence. Even to petition was rare - in living memory no one had ever issued a challenge!
“Who dares to challenge the Mistress of Kartika?”
“I do!” A voice rang out.
All eyes turned as a tall striking brunette in a dark uniform strode forward.
“Elizabeth!” John gasped. He started toward her, but was held back by Nyala’s guards.
“And who are you to challenge this petition?” Nyala demanded.
“Lt. Colonel Elizabeth Weir, Commander of my city’s military forces.” She dropped to one knee in front of the other woman but held her head high. “I come to publicly avow my prior claim to Dr. John Sheppard.”
Nyala’s eyes narrowed as she searched the other woman’s face.
“You will fight for him?”
“Always,” Elizabeth answered without hesitation.
A slow smile spread across Nyala’s weathered face. This one had fire in her!
“Give me your hand, Lt. Colonel Elizabeth Weir.” Reaching out, she clasped the other woman’s forearm and hauled her easily to her feet.
“Despite your young years, I see in you a worthy opponent,” she said, nodding in satisfaction as Elizabeth clasped her forearm firmly in return. “I accept your challenge.”
As the crowd cheered, Nyala’s guards stepped forward to help her out of her robes and armor, and John darted across the floor to Elizabeth.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he demanded.
Elizabeth blinked. “That doesn’t sound very diplomatic.”
“Elizabeth!”
“You want to know what I’m doing? I’m trying to save your ass. Again. Not that I’d ever bring that up…”
“You don’t have to do this,” he insisted stubbornly.
“Uh-huh.” She handed him her jacket. “Could you hold this for me?”
He took her jacket and folded it neatly over his arm. “I swear I didn’t know anything about…” He stopped abruptly as she stripped off her shirt and handed it to him as well. “Is that really necessary?” he asked, his eyes wide. He tried to push the shirt back into her hands. “You’re practically naked!”
“John, for heaven’s sake, it’s a sports bra - I wear one when I spar with Teyla.”
“Yeah, but that’s not in public,” he grumbled. Holding her shirt out to her, he made another attempt. “You could catch cold.”
“I’ll be fine.” She knelt down and began to unlace her boots. “So what’s really bothering you about this?”
“I don’t want you fighting for me. It’s embarrassing!”
Elizabeth raised her head and ran her eyes over the short dark blue tunic and the bright purple cape he wore. “And your outfit isn’t?”
“Don’t try and change the subject.” He dropped down beside her as she continued to strip off her boots and socks. “Seriously, you don’t have to do this.”
“I know.” She paused to slant a curious look at John. “So you think it’s embarrassing that I’m fighting for your honor?”
He tucked her socks into her boots, thinking about it for a moment, and then gave her a cheeky grin. “Actually, its kinda hot.”
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow at him as she rose. “Yes, I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve had women fight over you. Although it’s probably the first time it wasn’t in a bar.”
“Hey!” John protested. He tried to act wounded but ended up laughing with her at his own expense.
“Actually,” he said, suddenly serious, “you’re the first person to ever believe in me enough to fight for me. And I mean right from the beginning when the IOA wanted to call me back - I know you were the one who stood up for me, called in favors and did whatever you had to do so that I could stay. I also know that your support of me wasn’t popular with the military - Caldwell in particular - but you never backed down and eventually won them over.”
Elizabeth’s face softened and she gave him a small smile. “Never doubt for a second that you aren’t worth it, John Sheppard. I’ll always believe in you and I’ll always fight for you.”
Turning to go, she paused and looked back at him over her shoulder.
“And don’t wrinkle my clothes!”
Eight
One of the reasons Elizabeth had agreed to Marek’s plan was that from his description, the challenge sounded similar to the bantos stick fighting that Teyla had taught her. But seeing the protective gear two of Nyala’s guards brought her, she realized with a sinking feeling that she had been wrong.
She watched apprehensively as the guards strapped on an armor-like padding that covered her shoulders and chest, leaving her arms and back bare. Thick leather gauntlets were laced onto both her wrists and over her pants they fastened a skirt style garment made of layers of leather strips that hung down to her ankles. Lastly, with a slight bow one guard handed her a padded helmet and the other held out a long flexible wooden staff, then both backed away as Nyala approached.
“In times past, this challenge would have been fought with Long Swords,” Nyala, explained, holding her own staff in a raised position. “But even though we now strike only with these wooden telsu, their meaning is still honored.”
Moving to stand directly in front of Elizabeth, she extended her telsu and tapped each of her wrists, then each shoulder.
“These strikes maim but will not kill. If you are struck here, you are allowed to continue fighting, but you cannot use the arm or hand that is struck.”
Raising the telsu again, she touched each side of Elizabeth’s neck and then tapped the top of her head.
”These are killing blows. If you are struck thus, you must forfeit and concede defeat.”
Elizabeth nodded her understanding. “And the other parts of the body?”
“Arms and legs do not count. Although,” she added with a smirk, “that is not to say the blows will not hurt.”
“Anywhere else?”
Nyala scowled darkly. “It should go without saying that any strike to the back would be dishonorable!”
Elizabeth straightened and met her gaze with an equally affronted expression. “As it would also be among my people!” she declared.
Nyala grunted in satisfaction, a sense of respect growing for this off-worlder. Turning her head, she nodded at Marek.
“Councilman Marek, as this is your petition, it rests upon you to start this challenge.”
Marek stepped forward on trembling legs. Having his brother’s petition accepted by Nyala, would have brought prestige to his household, but it was nothing in comparison to this.
His name would now be forever associated with this momentous event in the Great Hall of Kartika and his chest swelled with pride. Songs would be sung! Poems would be written! He would be remembered long after…
“Ahem. Head Councilman Marek?”
He jumped as Nyala’s Prime Minister poked him sharply from behind. “Is there a problem?” she asked pointedly.
“No, no,” he said hastily. Smoothing his robes he took a deep breath. “On behalf of the household of Lathran, I call this challenge to the petition of my brother, Dr. John Sheppard.”
Clasping his hands, he bowed low to both women then straightening up he threw his hands wide and declared, “Let the challenge begin!”
The women advanced, then began to circle around each other. Occasionally, one would strike and the other would deflect it but the moves seemed tentative - as if they were both testing their telsu as well as each other.
Suddenly, Nyala thrust as she moved forward. Elizabeth countered, but as Nyala swept past her, she swung the staff around and delivered a resounding whack to the side of Elizabeth’s thigh in the process.
The crowd cheered and as Elizabeth shook off the sting, she gave thanks for the thick leather strips of her skirt that had tangled around Nyala’s telsu and deflected the full force of the blow.
Nyala advanced again, but this time Elizabeth sidestepped, engaged their telsu then lunged as Nyala passed, raising a groan of dismay from the crowd as she hit the older woman sharply on her upper arm.
The tension in the air grew as the challenge continued. And the voices of the crowd became more vocal as the women began to push each other…gaining ground and then losing it… attacking, deflecting strikes, counterattacking…lunging, spinning and attacking again.
Although she was older, Nyala was strong and fit, and Elizabeth was finding herself hard pressed to match her stamina. Realizing she might not be able to keep up with her for long, Elizabeth took a deep breath and began to attack aggressively; lunging, feinting, and lunging again as she circled the other woman.
But Nyala easily deflected each attack, moving agilely and countering with a quick series of strikes that caught Elizabeth by surprise. Stumbling, Elizabeth tried to regain her balance but before she could, Nyala darted forward and delivered a sharp blow to her left wrist as the crowd gasped.
John gasped as well. He had been standing to the side with Marek, Teyla and Laura, watching every move with his heart in his throat. He’d often watched Elizabeth and Teyla spar with bantos sticks, but he never noticed Elizabeth's strength and grace before. Perhaps it was the candlelight in the room that played off her sweat slicked skin but John had found his eyes involuntarily drawn to the play of muscles across her bare back and midriff every time she swung her telsu.
It was then that John realized that despite his years of diplomatic experience, his stand on weapons, and all the higher intellectual ground that implied, there was some primal part of him that found this challenge exhilarating. Whether it was watching the physical competition itself or knowing that she was fighting for him…
The sound of clapping caught John’s attention and he was surprised to see that it was for Elizabeth. Although she was now fighting single-handed, her courage and tenacity were winning her respect among the crowd. But as his eyes followed her across the floor, he could tell she beginning to tremble with exhaustion and he prayed that she could find the strength she needed to finish the challenge.
Nine
The crack of their telsu resounded sharply through the Great Hall again and again. But Elizabeth wasn't the only one beginning to tire. And as the two women spun past each other one more time, Nyala stumbled slightly as a blow from Elizabeth caught her across the chest. It caused only a momentary loss of balance, but Elizabeth saw a split second of apprehension flash in the other woman’s eyes and knew the opening for what it was.
Quickly, Elizabeth swung her good arm around and over her head and in one smooth movement, pivoted and jumped - twisting her body in the air to add momentum to her strike as she brought her telsu down cleanly to the side of Nyala’s neck. The blow was as strong as it was unexpected, and the older woman gasped in shock as she dropped and fell in a heap at Elizabeth’s feet.
The room was deathly silent and for a moment the only sound was the harsh breathing of the two women in the center of the floor.
Pushing herself shakily up to sit in a kneeling position, Nyala pulled off her helmet and then held out her hand as she looked up at Elizabeth. She opened her mouth to concede defeat, but before she could utter a word, Elizabeth had pulled off her own helmet and dropped to one knee in front of her.
“Nyala, Mistress of Kartika,” she said respectfully, reaching out to grasp her forearm. “Let us not define ourselves tonight in terms of defeat or victory, or even as worthy opponents.”
Rising, she pulled the older woman gently to her feet. “Let us instead, define ourselves as equals...perhaps even potential allies.”
Nyala took a deep breath and stood tall; her grasp firm on Elizabeth’s arm and her eyes bright with emotion. “You have proven yourself worthy of much more, my friend.”
Releasing Elizabeth’s arm, Nyala turned to face the crowd. Raising her hands high she declared, “As of this day, I welcome and honor my sister Elizabeth, Defender of Kartika!”
The Great Hall erupted in a roar of approval, and as the crowd cheered, Marek looked on in amusement as John, Teyla and Laura sprinted across the floor and surrounded Elizabeth in a fierce hug.
Ten
The night sky of Atlantis was just starting to turn from purple to the blue of early morning as John walked out onto the balcony. A cool breeze greeted him, and he yawned involuntarily as the days events suddenly caught up with him. Leaning heavily against the railing, he looked out over the water and sighed.
“That was some party, wasn’t it?”
He smiled, not needing to turn around to know who had joined him.
“I can honestly say I’ve never been to one like it.” He slanted a glance at Elizabeth as she settled herself against the railing next to him. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m a little sore but no worse than when Teyla decides not to pull any punches with those bantos sticks,” she admitted with a shrug. “How’s the head?” She looked pointedly at the large bruise on his forehead.
“The swelling’s gone down but Doc says the bruise will take a while to go away.” He chuckled. “Frankly, I think Lorne feels worse than I do about it. Every time I see him, he tries to apologize.”
They stood for a few minutes in comfortable silence, looking out over the glistening water.
“I hear your trade talks with the Prime Minister went well,” she ventured, quirking a smile up at him.
“Well, it’s a bit of an advantage to be bargaining on behalf of the Defender of Kartika.” He smiled when she laughed, taking inordinate pleasure in the sound of her voice.
“I think it’s safe to say that anything we can trade for will be well received in the mess. Especially,” she added wistfully “if you can get us some of those little pink cakes they had at the reception tonight.”
“Liked those, did you?”
“Oh yes! And the little blue ones too!”
“I have a feeling that whatever you want, won’t be hard to get.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Is there any chance that the Kartikans have a version of chocolate?” she asked hopefully.
“Sorry.” John shook his head. “I’m afraid we’ll still have to rely on the Daedalus for that. Beer too,” he added regretfully.
“Which reminds me,” she turned to face him, her hip resting against the railing. “I won a six pack of beer from Caldwell in the last poker game.”
John turned and eyed her suspiciously. “And you’re telling me this because…?”
“Well,” Elizabeth began, nervously crossing her arms over her chest. “I was just wondering if you’d like to share it with me.” She took a deep breath and let it out in a rush as she blurted, ”Atmovienight.”
John blinked in disbelief. “Did you just offer me a bribe to go to movie night with you?”
Elizabeth looked away in embarrassment. “Um, I guess it might have sounded that way.”
“So is this a date?” he pressed.
She was on the verge of backing off and denying it when she happened to glance up to see his face and the blatantly hopeful expression on it.
“Yes.” She nodded decisively. “It would be a date.”
“Good.” John let out sigh of relief and grinned happily. After a moment, he drifted closer to her. Reaching up he lightly stroked her cheek and then slid his hand into her hair as he slowly leaned in toward her. His mouth hovered warmly over hers for a second, giving her a chance to change her mind. Instead, her arms snaked around him, pulling him flush against her body.
Their first kiss was hesitant and a little awkward. And as she pulled away, she could hear John chuckle.
“What’s so funny?”
“That felt like a first pancake.”
He smiled as she leaned back and stared quizzically at him. “A first pancake?”
“Yeah.” He began stroking a hand up and down her back.” You know how when you make pancakes, the first one is always just a little wonky? But the rest turn out perfectly?”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “So now that we have that first pancake out of the way…” Sliding her hands up his chest, she curled one around the back of his neck and pulled his head down to hers.
And with the second kiss, everything clicked into place. The way their bodies fit together just right…the newly familiar comfort of each other’s arms…and most of all, the ease with which the kiss turned slow and sweet.
As if kissing each other this way was something they’d been doing all their lives.
The End