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TITLE: Pegasus Ascendant - Part Four
SUMMARY: When an offworld crisis requires her attention, Teyla throws a surprise into the city alliance.
CATEGORY: AU, gen, action-adventure, drama
RATING: PG-13
NOTES: Definitely the end of the calm. Section two will probably mostly be from Elizabeth's POV - she might have to share space with Ronon.
Pegasus Ascendant
Part One | Part Two | Part Three
Part Four
By the end of their shared meal the next morning, Teyla was sure of two things.
She was sure that she had made the correct decision in permitting the Earthers passage to the city. Perhaps the process would have differed, but the outcome would have been the same.
And she was certain that, among the Earthers, she had at least one wholehearted ally in John Sheppard.
Whether that ally was for his people's benefit or his own, Teyla could not tell. For the moment, it was enough to know that here, at least, was one who would throw his full weight into the fight, and would not give up short of absolute defeat. He was easy and comfortable as they broke the morn-bread and drank tea together, without the careful politeness that had been exhibited by so many other Earthers.
Teyla even suspected he was flirting with her in his own way.
It was nothing that she could determine clearly, only a mood created over the scented curl of tea and the fresh-crusted aroma of the buttered tavaloaf - an open and easy companionship, exchanging history, forgetting time.
Their conversation rambled like a meander across Genii farmlands - from the city to its people, to Earth's people and the millions upon millions who lived there in their many and varied cultures. Teyla asked the most pressing questions about the parts and pieces she had gleaned during conversations with the Earthers in the previous day. John answered with simple forthrightness. She was curious enough that she let John talk until his throat went dry.
"You know," he said as he poured out another cup of tea for them both, "you can tell me to shut up if I'm talking too much. Most women do."
Teyla caught the slightly apprehensive gaze that flicked up to her face. There was, she sensed, an old wound there, unlanced. Rather than comment on it and discomfort him, she merely smiled and accepted the cup he pushed towards her. "If I believe you to be talking too much, Major, I will let you know it."
Again, the easy half-smile emerged, and Teyla felt her cheeks flush and looked away. And she had warned Rakai to be wary of reacting to the Earthers!
"I find it quite amazing," she said, forcing herself to meet his eyes. "Your people have done much without the knowledge of the Ancestors to guide you. That argues for resourcefulness."
"Well, we've also been stuck on a single planet for the last ten thousand years. And it's not all ingenuity and invention." Something like a grimace crossed his face as he set down the pot of tea. "There's been a lot of war and death... Depressing stuff."
"War and death are a part of every culture. In truth, our own histories have not been entirely peaceful."
"Yeah?" John sat back in his chair, pushing a hand through his hair. "Look, we've been talking about me for," he checked his timepiece, "nearly forty minutes. I think it's time to talk about you a bit."
"Thousands of generations are difficult to chronicle over a meal," Teyla acknowledged, smiling at the tousled hairstyle resulting from his grooming attempt.
"Rome wasn't built in a day."
"A saying?"
"Uh, yeah. Rome was an empire that stretched over a good portion of the world - one of the biggest civilisations to ever occupy the Western world..." John made a face. "There's history behind that, too, but I'm not the person to explain it to you."
"Ah. I shall inquire of your historians, then."
"That's a good idea," he said. "There's a lot to tell you and most of what I know is American pop-culture and things that go faster than three hundred miles per hour." He sighed as she twitched a brow at his reference - clearly one of speed, but for which she had no corresponding measurement. "That's very fast on Earth."
Teyla couldn't help laughing at his expression - momentarily crestfallen. She reassured him. "I interpreted it as such."
"You know, I never got around to asking yesterday during the city induction - do you guys have flying machines--?"
"Teyla!"
The call came from the entranceway into the dining area, a snapping interruption to her meal. Teyla twisted in her chair and saw Ronon striding in. Rather than disburse his news to the entire hall, he came up to her table, crouched down, spoke low. "Halling just made contact - River City was attacked. No dead, but a lot of injuries."
Shock filled her throat, skipped her heart with sudden panic. The River City was the home of her own people. Athos held alliances with many cultures, but there were always roving rogues and troublemakers that occasionally came through and would take without bargaining or attempt at trade. "Attacked? By whom?"
"Sky-Scavengers. The River City asked for you and medical assistance."
Teyla stood up from the table, then recalled her manners. "Major, I am sorry..."
"No, it's your people." Major Sheppard stood up, too, grabbing for the jacket he'd discarded on the chair beside him. "Mind if I tag along?"
"No." She did not mind as long as he did not expect her attention - her mind was occupied elsewhere, more concerned about her people. "Who called it in?"
"Kanayos was on duty when the Ring made passage. He took the contact, reported it in."
Along the corridor, people moved back, out of the way, and Teyla flashed an absent-minded smile at them, grateful for the courtesy. "What damage was done?"
"Kanayos didn't say. You'll be going?"
"Yes."
There could be no question of it. Although she had chosen to renounce leadership among them in favour of the city, they were still her people and she was still of the Council of Elders. At a time like this, they would need a helping hand and a calm head. Teyla intended to be both.
Kel met her on the stairs in the Hall of Greeting, Sora trailing behind as Teyla ascended to the control room. "I heard about the River City."
"Yes." Teyla met his gaze in challenge, noting that Ronon had stepped back, out of this conflict. "I am going to Athos, Kel."
"You'd leave now? With these newcomers in the city?"
Kel gestured at Major Sheppard, who had paused at her shoulder, glanced up the stairs where Dr. Weir and Colonel Sumner had paused in the act of descending the stairs. It seemed that whatever good face Kel had put on the unexpected alliance, it did not extend as far as trust - not yet.
Teyla hoped that the Earthers were capable of accepting a little distrust.
"They are my people, Kel. If it were Sateda, you would go to them."
"I'm not the leader of the city," he said, his deep voice clipped and crisp with criticism.
"And Sateda has many hands to help," Teyla said. "Athos has yet to recover from the plague. This circumstance is covered by the city's treatise."
"Perhaps," said Kel. "But to leave the city at a time like this!"
The implication was maddening. He might as well have proclaimed that the Earthers were untrustworthy across the city-wide announcement facility. From the expression on Dr Weir's face, she was aware of the intended insult, even if Colonel Sumner did not react.
"It will be one day out of the city, Kel," Teyla said, modulating her voice to express both her annoyance and her intention. "The welcome dinner for the Earthers is tonight. I'll be back before the evensong." She turned to Ronon. "Melena?"
"I'll get her."
"Thank you. Ask Greigri, too," Teyla added as she went into her office. The Aleksha physician was a calm head in a crisis and an excellent problem solver.
Pulling up her interface with the city systems, Teyla began composing a quick message out to the Athosians in the city. There were very few Athosians in the city, and most were loners, preferring solitude to community. If they wished, they were welcome to come with her; but she doubted they would.
Irrhena spoke of misfits and the propensity of those who were unable to assimilate into Athosian society to separate themselves from the community on Athos, escaping to the city or leaving to other cultures. It was certainly true enough when applied to the other Athosians living and working in the city. They were not people who fitted comfortably into Athosian society.
Teyla had never been comfortable with seeing herself as a misfit, too much of her mother's responsibility, she supposed, not just her father's blood in her.
As she finished the message, she was aware of Kel's entry into her office, but did not acknowledge him as he planted his feet and demanded, "Who will you be leaving in charge?"
Silence descended on her office and the Control outside.
Teyla tagged the message to the Athosians. Then she closed down the interface, leaving nothing to distract her or the crowd gathering at the entrance to her office.
The city alliance held no compunction about entering, and their members were arrayed around her desk, watching her with varying expressions. Beyond the door, the Earthers hovered - Dr. Weir and Colonel Sumner were prepared to watch the scene unfold between the city-dwellers, as though they had no stake in what was about to happen. Out in Control, the techs were making as little noise as possible so they could hear what was going on. Never let it be said that gossip in the city did not spread like wind-blown dust in the folds of clothing.
There was a little noise up the back, and Melena pushed through, Ronon close behind her. She glanced at the people around the room but spoke as though it was only she and Teyla. "I grabbed my things when I heard. Griegri is getting some supplies that your people might need. We will be leaving now?"
"Just the three of you?" Dr. Weir asked.
Teyla appreciated the concern in the question. "A small group can more easily travel through the woods to reach the city."
"Is that safe, given the attack?"
"I'll go," said Sora, her voice clear and cool in the silence where she stood at Ronon's elbow.
Melena turned, her blue eyes narrow and suspicious. "They're not your people."
Sora dismissed her with barely a flick of her eyes. "They're not your people either, but you're going." The intense blue eyes looked directly at Teyla. "I have friends among the Athosians. I'd like to come."
"I'll come with," John Sheppard said lightly. He ducked his head slightly when heads turned towards him, surprised at this unexpected offer.
Kel's expression hardened. "You? You have even less reason to go than Sora."
"We're allies," he said, quiet and firm, with a stubborn set to his lips. "That's enough reason."
He looked to his commander where Colonel Sumner stood at the door, a slight frown on his face. Teyla wasn't sure if he agreed with Kel or with his own man, but after a moment he half-nodded, half-shrugged. "You're cleared to accompany Ms. Emmagan, Major."
"Were you planning to take the entire city with you?"
Teyla met Kel's icy sarcasm with a calm front, although privately she wished she might snap back at him. He was unhappy with her decision to let the Earthers into the city - that was his right, as was Teyla's right to think him overly-suspicious. However, this matter did not pertain to the city - it was personal, her own people.
She answered with level seriousness. "I will accept assistance on Athos' behalf, but we do not as yet know how much assistance is needed. Sora, Major Sheppard, your presence will be welcome on this trip, however, I wish to move quickly, so no more. If we require help, then we will let you know."
"Would you object if one more Earth officer came with you?" Dr. Weir asked. "This is the first time our people have had the opportunity to see a Pegasus culture on their native soil."
She hesitated. "Only one."
"Then I think Solen Sincha should go as well," Kel said, interrupting Ronon.
"Solen and one more Earth officer, but no more," Teyla said firmly. She met Ronon's disappointment with a quick shake of her head. It was better that Ronon stay here - she'd need someone who could make Kel see beyond his unreasonable dislike of the Earthers and she trusted Ronon to be fair. "Now, if you will clear my office for a minute..."
"You still haven't indicated who's going to be watching the mice while the cat's away."
Teyla nearly changed her mind purely for the lazy, mockery of Colonel Sumner's voice. But this was an opportunity not to be missed.
She threw the splatter-ball into their midst.
"Dr. Weir of Earth shall manage the city in my absence."
The uproar was more or less what she'd expected.
For a few seconds there was nothing but noise in the office, people talking at her, appealing to her, protesting her decision. Teyla met Elizabeth Weir's wide, astonished gaze and smiled briefly. After a moment, the woman nodded, acknowledging both the privilege and responsibility. And Teyla knew she'd chosen well.
"Have you left your sense on last night's pillow?" Kel was saying, his voice rough with outrage. "You're going to leave a woman who's been in the city one day - not even that? A stranger, unfamiliar with our ways--?"
"She will have the assistance and back-up of the peacemakers and the support and endorsement of the city's security," said Teyla. The delicacy of the path she walked was quite clear to her, she could feel its quiver in her stance, a thrilling challenge. She met Kel's anger squarely. "That will be sufficient for a day."
"And what better way to become familiar with the ways of the city than to have to deal with it as a leader?" Dr. Weir took a step into the room, effectively drawing eyes to her as she assumed the mantle of authority. Teyla bit back a smile.
"Familiarity with the ways of the city would be a better prerogative," said Zarin, his voice mild.
"However, if nothing else," Teyla said with a touch of dry humour for his disgruntled humour, "you will find out that of which the Earthers are made."
There was a challenge in her words, not only to Kel and Zarin, but to Dr. Weir and her people. Even though Teyla would not be gone longer than a day, this would be a test of compromise and co-operation. The Earthers must accustom themselves to the ways of the city, and the city-dwellers must accept that the Earthers were here to stay.
And if Dr. Weir had neither the wit nor the diplomacy to pick her way through the jungle, then Teyla would encourage her towards the city administrators instead of the peacekeepers.
"Dr. Weir, Irrhena, Zarin, if you have a moment, I would like to arrange for the handover of the city. Sora, take Major Sheppard and his fellow officer and prepare them for passage. Melena, please wait for Griegri, then meet us down in the Hall of Greeting. We will be leaving as soon as I have handed over to Dr. Weir."
"Teyla--"
"Kel, my decision is made. Dr. Weir will speak for the city in my absence." She moved behind her desk and planted her hands on the desktop. The stance was neither submissive nor challenging; Teyla knew her authority in the city, knew the qualification by which she was given the authority in the city. Kel knew it, too; whether he would acknowledge it was something else. "Does Dr. Weir have the support of the city military?"
The hesitation was brief, but present nevertheless. "Yes."
Teyla was relieved. Kel had it in him to make the situation very uncomfortable if he chose. As it was, his agreement made it a little less likely that he might cause Dr. Weir trouble - although that could not be assured should any of the Earthers offend his pride. "Thank you, Kel."
He grimaced and stalked out in brisk strides, trailing Ronon. After a glance at Dr. Weir, Colonel Sumner followed.
As the room emptied, Teyla set up the city command codes for Dr. Weir, inputting the authorisations herself and briskly explaining to the Earther how they worked. The Earthers had been instructed in the basic safety protocols of the city as part of their introduction, there was no need to explain the Ring shield or the codes that were transmitted through to lower the shield.
"Given your own culture's familiarity with various technology," she said as she skimmed over the basics, "I do not think you will have much difficulty. And if you are stuck, then ask. The technicians in Control will help you if you have trouble with anything."
Dr. Weir nodded. "It seems easy enough. Thank you, Ms. Emmagan."
"Teyla," she corrected as she finished up the message out to the Athosians in the city. There weren't more than a dozen of them, but they would want to hear of their people when the chance came.
"Then I'm Elizabeth."
Teyla smiled briefly. "Irrhena and Zarin will assist you with any conflicts or disputes that emerge in my absence, but there should be relatively few."
"Should being the operative word," Irrhena said dryly. "I wouldn't put down on Kel taking this nicely, Teyla."
"And dealing with him, too, is something that must be learned," Teyla said and saw Elizabeth's grimace.
"Throw me in the deep end and watch me sink or swim." The humour was obvious enough, even if the Earther seemed rather more resigned than challenged at the thought. "All right. Do I need to do anything to help you get out of here now?"
A quick glance out the window at the Hall of Greeting showed people gathered in front of the Ring. As she watched, John Sheppard looked up, met her gaze and sketched a salute. Teyla turned back to the room. "I believe everything is ready. Good luck."
"You too." The Earth woman hesitated. "If you need help, send us word."
Someone had brought her coat and travelling bag to Control and Teyla slipped on the long, strip-sewn coat as the Ring passage was coded.
It was a motley set that waited for her at the bottom of the stairs.
Solen was large and intimidating behind the lean Earther men in their uniforms - Major Sheppard and a younger man with skin like rich choaca. Then there was Griegri with his bald, domed head and his soft round features, while Melena's slim, pretty face tilted up for Ronon's kiss, as Sora watched from the other side of the group, hard-eyed and slightly apart, the pride of the Genii in her carriage.
"Teyla, this is Lieutenant Aiden Ford," said the Major, waving at the dark-skinned man.
His grin was open and easy, although he held himself a little stiffly. "Ma'am."
"You are familiar with the process of making passage, Lieutenant?" Teyla asked him.
"Yes, ma'am. I've been through the Stargate several times." His teeth flashed white between his lips, a laughing glint in his eye. "More often than the Major here," he jerked a thumb at John as the Ring passage connected in a flare of light and the brilliant refractions of untold energy particles.
"Yes, Lieutenant, I'm the newbie," said Major Sheppard, rolling his eyes to indicate his exasperation. "I'm also the superior officer. Or, at least, the higher-ranking one. That means you get to show me respect!"
In spite of the apparent seriousness of the words, the Major's tone was easy and the glance he gave Teyla telling. Lieutenant Ford seemed to appreciate this, and Teyla bit back all but a twitch of her lips as he said, quite solemnly in tone but quite laughingly in voice, "Yes, sir."
Teyla looked around at the group - a mismatched alliance of representatives - and this time did not hide either her smile or her satisfaction. "Very well, then. Let us go."
Dr. Weir was waiting on the balcony, Teyla both acknowledged and bid her luck with her nod. The city of the Ancestors was in good hands for the moment; she could leave and see to the needs of her people.
She stepped out of the city and into passage.
--
SUMMARY: When an offworld crisis requires her attention, Teyla throws a surprise into the city alliance.
CATEGORY: AU, gen, action-adventure, drama
RATING: PG-13
NOTES: Definitely the end of the calm. Section two will probably mostly be from Elizabeth's POV - she might have to share space with Ronon.
Part One | Part Two | Part Three
Part Four
By the end of their shared meal the next morning, Teyla was sure of two things.
She was sure that she had made the correct decision in permitting the Earthers passage to the city. Perhaps the process would have differed, but the outcome would have been the same.
And she was certain that, among the Earthers, she had at least one wholehearted ally in John Sheppard.
Whether that ally was for his people's benefit or his own, Teyla could not tell. For the moment, it was enough to know that here, at least, was one who would throw his full weight into the fight, and would not give up short of absolute defeat. He was easy and comfortable as they broke the morn-bread and drank tea together, without the careful politeness that had been exhibited by so many other Earthers.
Teyla even suspected he was flirting with her in his own way.
It was nothing that she could determine clearly, only a mood created over the scented curl of tea and the fresh-crusted aroma of the buttered tavaloaf - an open and easy companionship, exchanging history, forgetting time.
Their conversation rambled like a meander across Genii farmlands - from the city to its people, to Earth's people and the millions upon millions who lived there in their many and varied cultures. Teyla asked the most pressing questions about the parts and pieces she had gleaned during conversations with the Earthers in the previous day. John answered with simple forthrightness. She was curious enough that she let John talk until his throat went dry.
"You know," he said as he poured out another cup of tea for them both, "you can tell me to shut up if I'm talking too much. Most women do."
Teyla caught the slightly apprehensive gaze that flicked up to her face. There was, she sensed, an old wound there, unlanced. Rather than comment on it and discomfort him, she merely smiled and accepted the cup he pushed towards her. "If I believe you to be talking too much, Major, I will let you know it."
Again, the easy half-smile emerged, and Teyla felt her cheeks flush and looked away. And she had warned Rakai to be wary of reacting to the Earthers!
"I find it quite amazing," she said, forcing herself to meet his eyes. "Your people have done much without the knowledge of the Ancestors to guide you. That argues for resourcefulness."
"Well, we've also been stuck on a single planet for the last ten thousand years. And it's not all ingenuity and invention." Something like a grimace crossed his face as he set down the pot of tea. "There's been a lot of war and death... Depressing stuff."
"War and death are a part of every culture. In truth, our own histories have not been entirely peaceful."
"Yeah?" John sat back in his chair, pushing a hand through his hair. "Look, we've been talking about me for," he checked his timepiece, "nearly forty minutes. I think it's time to talk about you a bit."
"Thousands of generations are difficult to chronicle over a meal," Teyla acknowledged, smiling at the tousled hairstyle resulting from his grooming attempt.
"Rome wasn't built in a day."
"A saying?"
"Uh, yeah. Rome was an empire that stretched over a good portion of the world - one of the biggest civilisations to ever occupy the Western world..." John made a face. "There's history behind that, too, but I'm not the person to explain it to you."
"Ah. I shall inquire of your historians, then."
"That's a good idea," he said. "There's a lot to tell you and most of what I know is American pop-culture and things that go faster than three hundred miles per hour." He sighed as she twitched a brow at his reference - clearly one of speed, but for which she had no corresponding measurement. "That's very fast on Earth."
Teyla couldn't help laughing at his expression - momentarily crestfallen. She reassured him. "I interpreted it as such."
"You know, I never got around to asking yesterday during the city induction - do you guys have flying machines--?"
"Teyla!"
The call came from the entranceway into the dining area, a snapping interruption to her meal. Teyla twisted in her chair and saw Ronon striding in. Rather than disburse his news to the entire hall, he came up to her table, crouched down, spoke low. "Halling just made contact - River City was attacked. No dead, but a lot of injuries."
Shock filled her throat, skipped her heart with sudden panic. The River City was the home of her own people. Athos held alliances with many cultures, but there were always roving rogues and troublemakers that occasionally came through and would take without bargaining or attempt at trade. "Attacked? By whom?"
"Sky-Scavengers. The River City asked for you and medical assistance."
Teyla stood up from the table, then recalled her manners. "Major, I am sorry..."
"No, it's your people." Major Sheppard stood up, too, grabbing for the jacket he'd discarded on the chair beside him. "Mind if I tag along?"
"No." She did not mind as long as he did not expect her attention - her mind was occupied elsewhere, more concerned about her people. "Who called it in?"
"Kanayos was on duty when the Ring made passage. He took the contact, reported it in."
Along the corridor, people moved back, out of the way, and Teyla flashed an absent-minded smile at them, grateful for the courtesy. "What damage was done?"
"Kanayos didn't say. You'll be going?"
"Yes."
There could be no question of it. Although she had chosen to renounce leadership among them in favour of the city, they were still her people and she was still of the Council of Elders. At a time like this, they would need a helping hand and a calm head. Teyla intended to be both.
Kel met her on the stairs in the Hall of Greeting, Sora trailing behind as Teyla ascended to the control room. "I heard about the River City."
"Yes." Teyla met his gaze in challenge, noting that Ronon had stepped back, out of this conflict. "I am going to Athos, Kel."
"You'd leave now? With these newcomers in the city?"
Kel gestured at Major Sheppard, who had paused at her shoulder, glanced up the stairs where Dr. Weir and Colonel Sumner had paused in the act of descending the stairs. It seemed that whatever good face Kel had put on the unexpected alliance, it did not extend as far as trust - not yet.
Teyla hoped that the Earthers were capable of accepting a little distrust.
"They are my people, Kel. If it were Sateda, you would go to them."
"I'm not the leader of the city," he said, his deep voice clipped and crisp with criticism.
"And Sateda has many hands to help," Teyla said. "Athos has yet to recover from the plague. This circumstance is covered by the city's treatise."
"Perhaps," said Kel. "But to leave the city at a time like this!"
The implication was maddening. He might as well have proclaimed that the Earthers were untrustworthy across the city-wide announcement facility. From the expression on Dr Weir's face, she was aware of the intended insult, even if Colonel Sumner did not react.
"It will be one day out of the city, Kel," Teyla said, modulating her voice to express both her annoyance and her intention. "The welcome dinner for the Earthers is tonight. I'll be back before the evensong." She turned to Ronon. "Melena?"
"I'll get her."
"Thank you. Ask Greigri, too," Teyla added as she went into her office. The Aleksha physician was a calm head in a crisis and an excellent problem solver.
Pulling up her interface with the city systems, Teyla began composing a quick message out to the Athosians in the city. There were very few Athosians in the city, and most were loners, preferring solitude to community. If they wished, they were welcome to come with her; but she doubted they would.
Irrhena spoke of misfits and the propensity of those who were unable to assimilate into Athosian society to separate themselves from the community on Athos, escaping to the city or leaving to other cultures. It was certainly true enough when applied to the other Athosians living and working in the city. They were not people who fitted comfortably into Athosian society.
Teyla had never been comfortable with seeing herself as a misfit, too much of her mother's responsibility, she supposed, not just her father's blood in her.
As she finished the message, she was aware of Kel's entry into her office, but did not acknowledge him as he planted his feet and demanded, "Who will you be leaving in charge?"
Silence descended on her office and the Control outside.
Teyla tagged the message to the Athosians. Then she closed down the interface, leaving nothing to distract her or the crowd gathering at the entrance to her office.
The city alliance held no compunction about entering, and their members were arrayed around her desk, watching her with varying expressions. Beyond the door, the Earthers hovered - Dr. Weir and Colonel Sumner were prepared to watch the scene unfold between the city-dwellers, as though they had no stake in what was about to happen. Out in Control, the techs were making as little noise as possible so they could hear what was going on. Never let it be said that gossip in the city did not spread like wind-blown dust in the folds of clothing.
There was a little noise up the back, and Melena pushed through, Ronon close behind her. She glanced at the people around the room but spoke as though it was only she and Teyla. "I grabbed my things when I heard. Griegri is getting some supplies that your people might need. We will be leaving now?"
"Just the three of you?" Dr. Weir asked.
Teyla appreciated the concern in the question. "A small group can more easily travel through the woods to reach the city."
"Is that safe, given the attack?"
"I'll go," said Sora, her voice clear and cool in the silence where she stood at Ronon's elbow.
Melena turned, her blue eyes narrow and suspicious. "They're not your people."
Sora dismissed her with barely a flick of her eyes. "They're not your people either, but you're going." The intense blue eyes looked directly at Teyla. "I have friends among the Athosians. I'd like to come."
"I'll come with," John Sheppard said lightly. He ducked his head slightly when heads turned towards him, surprised at this unexpected offer.
Kel's expression hardened. "You? You have even less reason to go than Sora."
"We're allies," he said, quiet and firm, with a stubborn set to his lips. "That's enough reason."
He looked to his commander where Colonel Sumner stood at the door, a slight frown on his face. Teyla wasn't sure if he agreed with Kel or with his own man, but after a moment he half-nodded, half-shrugged. "You're cleared to accompany Ms. Emmagan, Major."
"Were you planning to take the entire city with you?"
Teyla met Kel's icy sarcasm with a calm front, although privately she wished she might snap back at him. He was unhappy with her decision to let the Earthers into the city - that was his right, as was Teyla's right to think him overly-suspicious. However, this matter did not pertain to the city - it was personal, her own people.
She answered with level seriousness. "I will accept assistance on Athos' behalf, but we do not as yet know how much assistance is needed. Sora, Major Sheppard, your presence will be welcome on this trip, however, I wish to move quickly, so no more. If we require help, then we will let you know."
"Would you object if one more Earth officer came with you?" Dr. Weir asked. "This is the first time our people have had the opportunity to see a Pegasus culture on their native soil."
She hesitated. "Only one."
"Then I think Solen Sincha should go as well," Kel said, interrupting Ronon.
"Solen and one more Earth officer, but no more," Teyla said firmly. She met Ronon's disappointment with a quick shake of her head. It was better that Ronon stay here - she'd need someone who could make Kel see beyond his unreasonable dislike of the Earthers and she trusted Ronon to be fair. "Now, if you will clear my office for a minute..."
"You still haven't indicated who's going to be watching the mice while the cat's away."
Teyla nearly changed her mind purely for the lazy, mockery of Colonel Sumner's voice. But this was an opportunity not to be missed.
She threw the splatter-ball into their midst.
"Dr. Weir of Earth shall manage the city in my absence."
The uproar was more or less what she'd expected.
For a few seconds there was nothing but noise in the office, people talking at her, appealing to her, protesting her decision. Teyla met Elizabeth Weir's wide, astonished gaze and smiled briefly. After a moment, the woman nodded, acknowledging both the privilege and responsibility. And Teyla knew she'd chosen well.
"Have you left your sense on last night's pillow?" Kel was saying, his voice rough with outrage. "You're going to leave a woman who's been in the city one day - not even that? A stranger, unfamiliar with our ways--?"
"She will have the assistance and back-up of the peacemakers and the support and endorsement of the city's security," said Teyla. The delicacy of the path she walked was quite clear to her, she could feel its quiver in her stance, a thrilling challenge. She met Kel's anger squarely. "That will be sufficient for a day."
"And what better way to become familiar with the ways of the city than to have to deal with it as a leader?" Dr. Weir took a step into the room, effectively drawing eyes to her as she assumed the mantle of authority. Teyla bit back a smile.
"Familiarity with the ways of the city would be a better prerogative," said Zarin, his voice mild.
"However, if nothing else," Teyla said with a touch of dry humour for his disgruntled humour, "you will find out that of which the Earthers are made."
There was a challenge in her words, not only to Kel and Zarin, but to Dr. Weir and her people. Even though Teyla would not be gone longer than a day, this would be a test of compromise and co-operation. The Earthers must accustom themselves to the ways of the city, and the city-dwellers must accept that the Earthers were here to stay.
And if Dr. Weir had neither the wit nor the diplomacy to pick her way through the jungle, then Teyla would encourage her towards the city administrators instead of the peacekeepers.
"Dr. Weir, Irrhena, Zarin, if you have a moment, I would like to arrange for the handover of the city. Sora, take Major Sheppard and his fellow officer and prepare them for passage. Melena, please wait for Griegri, then meet us down in the Hall of Greeting. We will be leaving as soon as I have handed over to Dr. Weir."
"Teyla--"
"Kel, my decision is made. Dr. Weir will speak for the city in my absence." She moved behind her desk and planted her hands on the desktop. The stance was neither submissive nor challenging; Teyla knew her authority in the city, knew the qualification by which she was given the authority in the city. Kel knew it, too; whether he would acknowledge it was something else. "Does Dr. Weir have the support of the city military?"
The hesitation was brief, but present nevertheless. "Yes."
Teyla was relieved. Kel had it in him to make the situation very uncomfortable if he chose. As it was, his agreement made it a little less likely that he might cause Dr. Weir trouble - although that could not be assured should any of the Earthers offend his pride. "Thank you, Kel."
He grimaced and stalked out in brisk strides, trailing Ronon. After a glance at Dr. Weir, Colonel Sumner followed.
As the room emptied, Teyla set up the city command codes for Dr. Weir, inputting the authorisations herself and briskly explaining to the Earther how they worked. The Earthers had been instructed in the basic safety protocols of the city as part of their introduction, there was no need to explain the Ring shield or the codes that were transmitted through to lower the shield.
"Given your own culture's familiarity with various technology," she said as she skimmed over the basics, "I do not think you will have much difficulty. And if you are stuck, then ask. The technicians in Control will help you if you have trouble with anything."
Dr. Weir nodded. "It seems easy enough. Thank you, Ms. Emmagan."
"Teyla," she corrected as she finished up the message out to the Athosians in the city. There weren't more than a dozen of them, but they would want to hear of their people when the chance came.
"Then I'm Elizabeth."
Teyla smiled briefly. "Irrhena and Zarin will assist you with any conflicts or disputes that emerge in my absence, but there should be relatively few."
"Should being the operative word," Irrhena said dryly. "I wouldn't put down on Kel taking this nicely, Teyla."
"And dealing with him, too, is something that must be learned," Teyla said and saw Elizabeth's grimace.
"Throw me in the deep end and watch me sink or swim." The humour was obvious enough, even if the Earther seemed rather more resigned than challenged at the thought. "All right. Do I need to do anything to help you get out of here now?"
A quick glance out the window at the Hall of Greeting showed people gathered in front of the Ring. As she watched, John Sheppard looked up, met her gaze and sketched a salute. Teyla turned back to the room. "I believe everything is ready. Good luck."
"You too." The Earth woman hesitated. "If you need help, send us word."
Someone had brought her coat and travelling bag to Control and Teyla slipped on the long, strip-sewn coat as the Ring passage was coded.
It was a motley set that waited for her at the bottom of the stairs.
Solen was large and intimidating behind the lean Earther men in their uniforms - Major Sheppard and a younger man with skin like rich choaca. Then there was Griegri with his bald, domed head and his soft round features, while Melena's slim, pretty face tilted up for Ronon's kiss, as Sora watched from the other side of the group, hard-eyed and slightly apart, the pride of the Genii in her carriage.
"Teyla, this is Lieutenant Aiden Ford," said the Major, waving at the dark-skinned man.
His grin was open and easy, although he held himself a little stiffly. "Ma'am."
"You are familiar with the process of making passage, Lieutenant?" Teyla asked him.
"Yes, ma'am. I've been through the Stargate several times." His teeth flashed white between his lips, a laughing glint in his eye. "More often than the Major here," he jerked a thumb at John as the Ring passage connected in a flare of light and the brilliant refractions of untold energy particles.
"Yes, Lieutenant, I'm the newbie," said Major Sheppard, rolling his eyes to indicate his exasperation. "I'm also the superior officer. Or, at least, the higher-ranking one. That means you get to show me respect!"
In spite of the apparent seriousness of the words, the Major's tone was easy and the glance he gave Teyla telling. Lieutenant Ford seemed to appreciate this, and Teyla bit back all but a twitch of her lips as he said, quite solemnly in tone but quite laughingly in voice, "Yes, sir."
Teyla looked around at the group - a mismatched alliance of representatives - and this time did not hide either her smile or her satisfaction. "Very well, then. Let us go."
Dr. Weir was waiting on the balcony, Teyla both acknowledged and bid her luck with her nod. The city of the Ancestors was in good hands for the moment; she could leave and see to the needs of her people.
She stepped out of the city and into passage.
--
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