New Fic - Mates
Title: Mates
Author: L.E McMurray
Rating: PG-13
Summary: A possible lead on the Felin'ee gives Laura hope. Sequel to Call of the Domestic.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, unfortunately.
Once again this has been split into two parts.
Author’s Notes:- Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.
There is at least one more story I have churning in my mind for this series at the moment. Hopefully I’ll get this written before next year.
Until then, enjoy.
*********************************************
Laura stretched on the balcony she shared with Rodney; she liked her early morning workout. It was her time so she could focus herself, free her mind and get ready for the day to come. She did a quick handstand, holding for a few seconds before she dropped to her feet and saw Rodney standing, waiting for her.
“Morning,” he greeted her with a grin, “Are you ready for the olfactory, sensitivity and recognition trials Carson’s got fixed?”
“They’re smell tests, Rodney,” Laura laughed at him, “Call them what they are.”
Rodney glared at her, his pout making her smile even more.
“Breakfast?” she brushed past him.
Rodney growled slightly but followed on behind her, watching her tail swing back and forth. Laura, feeling his eyes on her, turned and waited for him to catch up.
“Smile, Rodney,” Laura slipped her arm through his, “You have an experiment to do today that you and Carson have been planning for weeks.”
Rodney tilted his head thoughtfully for a second before he shrugged, “That’s a good point.”
-
Carson smiled as Laura and Rodney arrived in the small lab they’d set aside for this test. He and Rodney had spent several days working out ways to test her enhanced sense of smell so that Laura could then learn to use it.
“Carson,” Laura greeted him with a smile, “I’m ready. What’s the challenge?”
Carson chuckled slightly, turning to check if Rodney was ready before turning back to her.
“In front of you,” Carson started, motioning to the lab bench, “Are several sealed plastic bags. We spoke to several people in the city; all of whom you are well acquainted with, each donated a used piece of clothing and placed it in the bag themselves. All we want you to do is tell us whose it is.”
Laura nodded, “No problem,” she frowned suddenly, “What kind of piece of clothing.”
This earned her a snort of laughter from Rodney, “We made sure everyone donated a t-shirt.”
Carson rolled his eyes, “Whenever you’re ready, Laura.”
-
“How did I do?” Laura asked, after what seemed like hours of opening small bags.
“Not bad,” Rodney replied, glancing up from the table he was making, “You’re at about 95% right. How many are guesses?”
“Not that many,” Laura replied, smiling, “What’s next?”
Carson and Rodney glanced at one another, the slight smiles made Laura instantly suspicious and very worried.
“Guys,” she said, her voice tight, “What have you two planned?”
“I’ll let Rodney explain,” Carson told her, he squeezed her shoulder, “Good luck. Rodney, I’ll let you know when I get there.”
Laura watched him leave the small room before turning back to Rodney.
“Oh-kay,” she drawled,
Rodney grinned as he stepped forward, “Here,” he held out one final bag, “We’ve sent out a handkerchief with this scent on it. It’s been passed through the city by several different people. We want you to follow the trail, Carson and I will meet you at the destination.”
“Which is where he’s away to now,” Laura deduced. She sighed as he didn’t hand her the bag, “Are we starting anytime soon?”
Rodney frowned at her, “Once we know Carson is in position. He thinks you might get there before me.”
Laura stepped into him, looking up at him with a smirk, “You have no faith in me, Rodney.”
Rodney looked down at her, he hated that she wasn’t afraid of him but the fact she bantered and fought with him was an upside of their…relationship.
“Rodney,” Carson’s voice came over the radio, “Whenever you’re ready.”
“Giving her it now,” Rodney reported, “I’ll be there soon,” he looked down at the expectant woman, standing almost against him and took a step back, “Here,” he handed her the bag, “Follow the trail.”
*********************************************
“Good afternoon,” Elizabeth entered the briefing room, taking her seat.
“Elizabeth,” John greeted her from his usual chair where he sat slouching, Teyla and Ronon both sat in their seats waiting expectantly; “Rodney and Laura will be here soon. They’re finishing off the tests.”
“Good,” Elizabeth leaned forward, “Alright, I spoke with Dr Franks and he’s sure that the writing found on P76 8RR is connected to the Felin’ee.”
John nodded, “This is the first thing we’ve found, hopefully it’ll give us something on if they still exist or not.”
“Laura does seem to have her abilities under her control now,” Teyla noted.
“More than she did,” Ronon threw in; “But we haven’t had any sort of crisis for a few weeks.”
John chuckled, “Well, we go in, have a look around anyway and see what’s there.”
“See what’s where?” Rodney asked as he and Laura entered the briefing room.
“We believe that there may be a connection to the Felin’ee on P76 8RR,” Elizabeth explained, see Laura’s eyes fill with hope, “And that’s your next mission.”
-
Laura glanced over to Rodney as they waited for the Gate to dial. He gave her a quick nod before returning to his conversation with Zelenka. She was trying to keep herself calm, trying not to hope that this would be the way to return her to normal but she couldn’t get rid of the small flicker of hope.
Finally the wormhole burst open and Weir gave them a go. Sheppard turned to his team.
“Let’s go,” John called, starting forward.
Laura waited as Rodney gave Zelenka a quick nod and joined her. They walked through the Stargate together, Laura sighed, unable not to be disappointed seeing that the planet was pretty normal. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting but it wasn’t just another normal planet.
“Which way?” John called to Rodney.
Rodney pointed north and the team started walking. Laura fell into step with Rodney as usual; it was her normal protocol when on another planet. It was all too possible that something would happen and if they were separated too long…Laura shuddered at the thought of losing herself like that.
Rodney nudged her shoulder slightly with his to get her attention. Glancing up at him, Laura was surprised to see concern for her in his eyes.
“I’m okay,” she smiled, “I am.”
“I just don’t want you to get your hopes up,” he told her.
Laura reached out and squeezed his hand, “Thanks.”
-
The ruins were barely visible beneath the moss and bushes. In fact the term ‘ruins’ were generous, they were more like a few stones. Laura walked slowly around the once white stones and felt her stomach turn in disappointment. She glanced over to where the other members of her team were walking around, doing their jobs. She had hoped for so much more than this. She wanted to be normal again; she needed to be normal again. She sat down for a few seconds against the highest wall she could find, wincing as something sharp poked at her neck, she spun and batted away the branch that was annoying her and waited.
“This is the first thing we have found,” Teyla said, making Laura look round, “You must not get disheartened.”
Laura forced a smile onto her face, “I’m not.”
Teyla gently patted her shoulder, obviously not believing her. She headed back to where she had been keeping watch.
Laura finally gave in and walked over to the person who could give her some hope.
“Rodney,” she gently slid her tail across his neck, “Anything?”
It was the hesitation that worried her; if he’d shoved her tail away like he always did then things would have been normal.
“I’m sorry,” he sighed, standing up to face her, “Its nonsense.”
Laura sighed, dropping her head into her hands, surprised as Rodney stepped forward and hugged her.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered again, his hand gently rubbing her back. He let her go and stepped back, “We could keep looking.”
“Rodney,” she shook her head, “This is all there is. It’s a dead end so…let’s just go home.”
Rodney glanced up at Sheppard who nodded, “Let’s go home.”
*********************************************
Laura jumped when Rodney pushed a mug of tea into her hands as she sat against the wall on their balcony.
“Thanks,” she nodded, returning to stare at the star filled sky.
Rodney moved to sit at her side, “It was one planet,” he reminded her, “There will be more.”
Laura dropped her head against his shoulder, “I just…I just wanted…”
“Yeah,” Rodney replied, “Me too. Getting us unattached is one of my top priorities.”
Laura laughed softly, “I was pretty sure about that.”
Rodney grinned at her, standing up he stretched slightly, “Are you coming? Lorne’s got the Evil Dead trilogy showing tonight.”
Laura shook her head, “I’m going to go get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning, Rodney.”
He nodded and disappeared, leaving her alone again. Laura tiredly rubbed her eyes, she felt uncomfortable and all she wanted was to curl up into a ball. Shakily, she rose to her feet, her mug left forgotten on the ground as she staggered back into her room and dropped onto her bed, falling asleep instantly.
-
“Cadman!!!”
Laura winced as she could hear someone banging on the door. Groaning at being forced from her sleep, Laura fell out of bed and staggered to the door that separated her room with Rodney’s.
“What?” she snapped the moment the door slid open.
“Breakfast,” Rodney looked at her, a little surprised at the venom in her voice, “You’re usually the one who yells at me to hurry up.”
Laura sighed, pushing her hand through her hair, “Two seconds and I’ll be ready.”
She closed the door and quickly dressed, pulling her hair back into a ponytail, batting her tail out of her way. It very rarely ended up out of her control these days. Finally she headed out and found Rodney waiting for her.
“Are you okay?” he looked at her worriedly.
“I’m fine, Rodney,” she assured him, starting towards the mess, “I just slept in.”
Rodney shrugged and continued walking along, his mind already working on the project he was setting up with Zelenka that afternoon, much to Laura’s relief. She didn’t feel like listening to him.
“Hey,” Rodney tapped her shoulder as she started to wander to a table, “You not wanting anything?”
Laura shook her head, rubbing her eyes, “I’m not hungry, Rodney.”
Concern filled his eyes but Laura moved to the table, leaving him to get his own food.
Rodney grabbed breakfast, getting some toast and juice for Laura in case she wanted something after all.
“Hey,” he slipped into his seat beside her, “I’m going to go over the readings I got from yesterday during your workout with Ronon.”
Laura nodded tiredly; she nabbed a slice of toast and methodically chewed it as she leaned on her elbow, trying to stay awake. The rest of the team arrived and the usual breakfast chatter started. Laura tried to focus on what was going on but couldn’t and just let it wash over her.
-
“We can miss this today,” Ronon noted, he watched Laura rubbing her hand across her eyes.
“I’m fine,” Laura assured him, she rolled her shoulders to loosen them, glancing over to where Rodney was working.
“If you’re sure,” Ronon shrugged, he took up a defensive position.
Laura nodded and, after shaking herself, started her attack. Ronon frowned as he easily defended himself from every attack Laura made. After several minutes, Ronon called a halt to the exercise.
“Laura,” he asked softly, worried at the way she was swaying, “Laura?”
“I just need…” she gasped, “Little time…to…”
“Laura?” Rodney yelled suddenly. He and Ronon both jumped forward as she crumbled to the floor unconscious.
Ronon hit his radio, calling Carson for a medical team as Rodney knelt at Laura’s side, panic and fear in his eyes.
“Forget it,” Rodney snapped, as Ronon talked to Carson, “We’ll meet him there.”
Before Ronon could say anything, Rodney had lifted Laura into his arms; a feat Ronon was amazed at and although he staggered slightly at first, Rodney was quickly out of the door, Laura clasped firmly to him with her tail hanging limply.
-
John jogged into the infirmary, finding Teyla, Ronon, Elizabeth and Rodney sitting waiting.
“How is she?” he asked.
“Carson’s still working on that,” Elizabeth told him, “Hopefully, he’ll be out soon.”
John nodded; he took the seat beside Rodney and rested his hand on the other man’s shoulder, “Rodney?”
“I should have done something,” Rodney said, scrubbing a hand through his hair, “I knew she didn’t look good but she kept insisting she was fine.”
“This is not your fault,” Teyla soothed, “Laura is very stubborn.”
“And she’s seemed almost indestructible since she changed,” John reminded him.
Rodney didn’t reply; he just sat shaking his head slightly. When Carson arrived, Rodney was off his seat instantly.
“Well?” Rodney demanded.
Carson sighed, “She’s stable for the moment. She seems to have caught some kind of virus.”
“Isn’t that easy to clear up?” Rodney snapped.
“Listen to me,” Carson said, his voice soft but the authority in it was enough to make Rodney back off, “Whatever this is, it’s only attacking the ‘Cat’ side of her DNA. I’m doing everything I can but the difference in Laura’s genetics is making it difficult to find something that won’t make her sicker.”
“Can I sit with her?” Rodney asked after a few minutes, quickly explaining, “We’re getting close to that time.”
Carson nodded, “Of course, Rodney.”
-
Laura was pale; her long strawberry-blonde hair was spread across the pillow framing her ashen face. Rodney pulled a seat over to sit at her bed. Her tail was dangling off the bed, hanging totally still. Rodney gently lifted the long red-gold appendage, resting it under the covers so that no one would stare at it. He knew how much Laura hated being stared at because of her differences.
He nervously reached out and took her hand, gently rubbing his thumb against her skin.
“What the hell are you doing?” Rodney demanded sharply, while continuing to gently stroke her hand, “You’re supposed to be stronger now; you can beat the crap out of Ronon. Why are you like this?”
“Rodney,” Carson came up beside his friend, “She’s going to sleep for a while. You can go get some work done.”
Rodney shook his head, “No. I’d rather stay. I can work just as well here.”
Carson decided not to argue and motioned to the nearest nurse, sending her to Radek for Rodney’s laptop.
“Give me a yell if she wakes up,” Carson rested his hand on Rodney shoulder for a few seconds.
*********************************************
Rodney sat working on the readings he’d taken the day before on the supposedly Felin’ee planet. He’d wanted to find something, anything that could help them, anything that could help her.
Rodney glanced up at the woman in the bed next to him, just to make sure she was still asleep before he continued to work. He frowned as he looked over what had to be anomalous readings; he shook his head running through them again.
“Carson,” Rodney called, making the doctor appear from his office worried, “I need you to call my team, Elizabeth and Radek. I have something.”
Carson, looking annoyed at the order, but nodded and started calling the others over the radio as Rodney got ready what he was going to tell them.
He looked up the moment the others arrived, “I have something I missed yesterday. There are faint energy readings coming from the ruins. So faint that until I went through everything I didn’t notice. There are people there.”
“What?” John snapped, “But we were there and saw no sign.”
Rodney nodded, “I know, I think they’re using some sort of shielding.”
“Then we go there and talk to them,” Ronon stated, “Get them to help Cadman.”
“We’re assuming they will,” Teyla added, “They would have seen her yesterday.”
“That doesn’t mean they’ll want to have made themselves known,” Radek added, he let out a sigh, “But I believe with Rodney’s calculations I can find where their shield is and bring it down.”
“You?” John asked surprised.
Radek nodded, “Rodney will be staying with the Lieutenant and I will take his place. Surely you realised that before now?”
“Go and try to find something to help,” Elizabeth ordered.
-
John took the lead when they exited the Stargate, Radek and Teyla just behind him while Ronon brought up the rear. They walked in silence towards the ruins, all of them worried about the fifth member of their team who was still unconscious when they’d left.
“Radek,” John said the moment they reached the ruins, “Do your thing.”
Zelenka nodded, he pulled out the equipment he’d brought and started working. After several minutes he turned to John.
“I am about to bring down the shield,” he said.
“That will not be necessary,” a new voice said from nowhere.
The four of them moved to stand together as a figure appeared from nothing, directly in front of them.
The legends about the Felin’ee had not been exaggerated; the figure had all the facial features of an actual cat. The fur on her face and tail was white with black streaks, she wore a black, comfortable looking jumpsuit and two green eyes stared at them intently.
“I am Margee of the Felin’ee,” the figure introduced herself; “I am Matriarch of this colony. Who are you and why have you disturbed us?”
John stepped forward, “My name is Colonel John Sheppard. We came here to ask for your help.”
Margee tilted her head slightly, “Our help?”
“Yes,” John nodded, seeing the tail flick, “One of our team was recently abducted and her DNA was merged with Felin’ee DNA…”
“The stories are true?” Margee interrupted in astonishment, “We have heard many tales of a hybrid.”
“Yeah,” John nodded, “The thing is, we were here yesterday and now she’s sick.”
Margee frowned, “I am also a healer for this colony, if you wish I shall accompany you back to your home. If I can help, I shall.”
John frowned in thought, “You need to realise that like you, we wish to keep our location a secret.”
“Then, Colonel,” Margee replied dryly, “You must think of another solution.”
“John,” Teyla touched his arm drawing him to one side, “We bring a Jumper back and transport Margee to Atlantis that way.”
“We have an idea,” John turned back to Margee.
-
Margee stepped out of the Jumper, staring around in surprise, “So this is Atlantis. The children of the Ancestors finally came home.”
“This way,” John touched her arm, motioning her forward.
Carson met them at the entrance to the infirmary, relief in his eyes, “I’m Dr Carson Beckett,” he introduced himself to their guest, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Matriarch Margee,” the Felin’ee nodded gently at him, “How is your patient?”
Carson sighed, “Still unconscious. The test results show that her human side is protecting her slightly but I don’t know for how long.”
“I would like to see these results,” Margee told him, “If you do not object.”
“I’ll take all the help I can get,” Carson smiled at her. “Follow me.”
Margee placed the bag she had brought with her in the corner of the room before taking the seat Carson offered her, scanning his tests and the results.
“From what I see,” Margee noted, “She appears to be suffering from A’gro’tha. It is normally a childhood disease but we have had a recent outbreak within our adult population.”
“Do you have a cure?” Carson asked hopefully.
Margee frowned slightly, “I have the herbs we use for one afflicted with the disease but considering Lieutenant Cadman’s unique situation, they may not help.”
“I’d rather try,” Carson said tiredly.
Margee stood and retrieved her bag, “You will need water.”
-
Rodney was still sitting at Laura’s bedside; he’d given up working and was just sitting, holding her hand.
Carson smiled slightly to see Rodney was still there, a few months ago he would never have suspected the other man would have stuck around this long.
“Is that her mate?” Margee inquired; she stood at Carson’s side, interest in her eyes.
Carson shrugged, “That’s what we believe.”
“I’m sorry?” Margee frowned, confusion in her voice “It is a very simple situation.”
Carson shook his head, “You would think so,” he smiled at her perplexed expression, “When Laura was changed, the reason the people who did it stopped their experiment was because she had already telepathically connected with Rodney.”
“I do not see the confusion,” Margee replied, “Their love for one another must be strong.”
“They weren’t a couple,” Carson continued, “In fact, until this happened, Rodney and Laura avoided one another as much as possible.”
Margee gasped in confusion, “How did this happen then?”
“Not long after Laura arrived here, they were captured by a Wraith dart,” Carson told her, “We shot it down and when we tried to get them out, Rodney was released with Laura inside his head. We finally sorted it out but they had some issues after it.”
“A previous mental connection,” Margee mused softly; she tapped a finger against her cheek, “Very interesting.”
Carson nodded and headed over to his patient.
-
“Rodney.”
The call intruding in his musings made Rodney jump; he glanced over at Carson standing there.
“I think we have something,” Carson told him, resting his hand on his friend’s shoulder.
“We?” Rodney looked up completely, surprised to see what looked like a cat standing there.
“Meet Margee of the Felin’ee,” Carson introduced, unable to not smile at the stunned look on Rodney’s face, “She’s brought something that should help Laura.”
Rodney let go of Laura’s hand and stood back to allow Carson to give Laura the antidote.
“What?” Rodney demanded, frowning at how Margee was looking at Laura, “She doesn’t like to be stared at.”
Margee dipped her head, “I apologise, I did not mean to offend but she is not what I expected.”
“What did you expect?” Rodney demanded, he was tired and worried and had absolutely no patience to even try to be pleasant. Not that he normally would bother.
Margee tilted her head, “She looks human. There is nothing externally Felin’ee about her.”
Rodney glared at her, “Other than the tail.”
“Interesting,” Margee noted.
“Why?”
“Our tails are a very sensitive part of our bodies,” Margee explained, “They also tell what family group we belong to.”
Rodney was about to ask about that but Carson interrupted them.
“Her fever has broken,” the doctor informed them, “It appears to be working.”
Rodney let out a sigh of relief, moving to Laura’s side again just to make sure Carson was right.
“I thought you said he did not love her,” Margee smiled, amused as she watched Rodney take Laura’s hand again.
“Now, I’m sure I did’nae say that,” Carson replied, he motioned her forward; “We’ll have to wait and see if she responds to the treatment. Would you like to join me for lunch?”
Margee smiled, “Of course, Dr Beckett.”
-
Laura felt horrible. Her head was aching; her body felt like someone had shoved her in an oven and put it on max. Then there was the weirdest feeling of all. Her tail felt like a lump of lead that she could barely move. Forcing open her heavy eyes, Laura was surprised to see Rodney sitting there.
“Hey,” she forced past her dry, scratchy throat.
Rodney gave a small smile and Laura felt him rest his hand on her forehead, “Hey. I thought you were going to sleep for another week or so.”
Laura licked her lips, “How long?”
Rodney laughed slightly, his thumb gently rubbing the bridge of her nose, “About a day or so.”
Laura sighed, “Wha’ happened?”
“You got some sort of ‘Cat’ virus,” Rodney smirked, his finger still gently stroking her forehead, “But we made some new friends and they brought a cure.”
“Rodney, please,” Laura moaned softly, “Tell me what’s going on?”
“You’re ill,” he whispered, “And I found out that there were people on the planet. The Felin’ee, Laura, they were on the planet. One of them came here with a cure for you.”
“They’re there?” Laura gasped, tears filling her eyes, “You’re not playing with me?”
“No,” he replied, smiling as she tried to stay awake but was losing the battle, “Get some rest, Laura,” Rodney told her, “You’ll feel better soon.”
Laura sighed and closed her eyes; snuggling down into comfort, barely feeling the gentle kiss Rodney placed on her forehead.
-
“She’s getting better,” Carson assured the group, “Margee’s assistance has been invaluable.”
Elizabeth smiled at their visitor, “I want to extend our thanks. I’m sure Rodney would also but he’s still with Lieutenant Cadman.”
Margee smiled slightly, “I am happy that I was able to help. The presence of a hybrid has been whispered throughout our society for several months now.”
“Good thing or bad?” John asked; he didn’t want to have to start watching his teams back for people after Laura.
Margee shrugged, “It has only been a rumour up until now. However I wish to help Lieutenant Cadman learn about her new heritage. Once she is well then I hope that you and your team will come to our colony, Colonel and of course Dr Beckett.”
Elizabeth smiled, glancing over at John who nodded.
“I know she would be extremely interested in learning more,” Elizabeth told Margee, “Colonel Sheppard is ready to return you to your home.”
Margee bowed slightly to Elizabeth, “I hope to be allowed back here one day.”
“I do not think that will be a problem,” Elizabeth told her.
*********************************************
“Rodney, stop hovering,” Laura snapped, irritated the way Rodney was standing watching her.
“I’m simply waiting for the Gate to open,” Rodney replied, an air of hurt in his voice.
As she growled at him, Rodney smirked and turned to talk to Radek who had appeared wanting to check something before they left.
“Lieutenant,” Elizabeth walked over to Laura, “Are you sure you’re feeling up to this?”
It had only been about a week since she’d been released from the infirmary but she’d bounced back quickly.
“I’m fine, Ma’am,” Laura assured her, “And I want to go there, I want to meet them.”
Elizabeth smiled at Laura, understanding in her eyes, “Enjoy yourself and don’t let him annoy you, Rodney’s just worried about you.”
“I know,” Laura grinned at her.
Elizabeth nodded up at Chuck who started to dial the Gate. Elizabeth headed back up to the control room, patting Rodney on the shoulder on her way past.
“Right, gang,” John clapped his hands as he walked in, “Let’s go and meet the family.”
-
Laura licked her lips nervously as she stepped onto the planet. Carson moved to her side and placed his hand on her shoulder. Laura turned slightly and nodded to him, letting him know she was okay.
The rest of the team joined them and together they headed to the ruins again. As they moved closer, the air shimmered and the tree-lined horizon disappeared. In its place was a town.
“The technology looks pretty close to Atlantis,” Rodney noted as he scanned the place in front of them.
“Forget the tech,” John replied, “Look at the people.”
Laura was already ahead of him in that respect; in front of her were Felin’ee and lots of them.
“Welcome,” Margee stepped forward, a warm smile on her face, “It is wonderful to see you again and to see you looking much better, Lieutenant.”
Laura grinned, “It’s great to meet you. I didn’t get a chance to thank you for helping me.”
Margee nodded slightly at her, “It is my pleasure. Your existence has been whispered throughout our society for several months now. However, here is not the place to talk. Please, you are my guests. Follow me.”
Laura glanced at John quickly, who gave a soft nod, before she followed the colonies Matriarch, the rest of the team following on behind.
-
Margee led them through the streets of the town, pointing out the school, hospital and other buildings she believed were important. Laura could feel almost every one in the town watching her, staring at how she was neither one of them nor one of the people she was with.
Suddenly coming here didn’t seem like such a good idea.
Rodney rested his hand on Laura’s shoulder, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she told him, forcing a smile onto her face, “It’s just overwhelming.”
Rodney frowned, not believing her. He moved his hand from her shoulder and caught her tail, sliding his arm so that it was wrapped around his wrist. She smiled at the gesture.
“This is where you shall be staying while you are here,” Margee told them when they stopped in front of a large white building, “Is this suitable?”
“It is extremely generous of you,” Teyla spoke for them.
Margee smiled, obviously relieved they were pleased, “I shall leave you to get comfortable. Laura, I hope I can help you learn about the heritage you have gained.”
“I hope that too,” Laura replied.
Margee glanced at where Laura was holding Rodney’s wrist with her tail, “I am sure my Mate can teach yours some things also.”
Laura squeezed Rodney’s wrist to stop him making any sort of comment, “I’m sure Rodney is grateful also.”
Margee nodded, “There is rooms for you all and a central area. I shall return in a few hours so we can eat our evening meal together.”
-
John smiled as he looked around the house they had been shown to. It was sparse but clean, there were several rooms all furnished comfortably but obviously not used very often. Every member of the team claimed a room, dumping their gear before heading to the lounge area.
“Nice,” Ronon noted, he dropped onto the couch and stretched out.
“You have to admit,” Carson took a seat, “They know how to treat their guests.”
John laughed, “Anyone else thinking of opening up a hotel here?”
Rodney snorted in derision as he entered the room, “Nice,” he unknowingly echoed Ronon.
“Where’s Cadman?” John asked, noting the lack of the final member of the team and the reason they were here.
“She’s taking a moment,” Rodney shrugged, throwing himself into a seat, “I think this is overwhelming her a bit.”
“Is she…” Carson started.
“Carson, she’s fine,” Rodney cut off the worried doctor.
-
Laura sat on the bed in the room she had claimed, the room next to Rodney’s as always. Just walking from the Gate to the house had made her feel that coming here was a major mistake. She wasn’t one of them, anymore than she was human. Laura stood and walked to the mirror, she pulled her shirt up to look at the strange stripe that had appeared both sides of her body recently. She knew she should say to Carson but she didn’t want to poked and prodded anymore after her time in the infirmary. Laura fixed herself again, she’d leave it just now and once they got back to Atlantis she’d tell Carson about the newest change in her.
Taking a deep breath, Laura headed to join the others; Margee would be coming to get them for dinner soon.
*********************************************
“This is an abomination,” the voice echoed through the council chambers, “This creature should not exist and you brought it here. Along with...humans.”
Margee returned the accusing glare turned on her with a cool one of her own as she stood, “What happened to this woman was not her fault. She is now part of our race, whether you like it or not, Hal’dit and I asked her here so she can understand herself better.”
Hal’dit, slightly shorter than Margee with ginger fur and an almost permanent sneer, glared at the Matriarch of the colony, “And the humans?”
“They are the children of the Lanteans,” Margee reminded the entire council.
“They claim to be,” Hal’dit retorted.
Margee tilted her head slightly, all members of the council recognising that this would be the end of the meeting.
“I have been to Atlantis,” Margee pulled herself to her full height, “And I have invited Laura Cadman and her team here. They are my guests, Hal’dit and that is the end of this discussion. You are dismissed.”
Hal’dit snarled at Margee before marching out of the council chambers. Margee turned to the ten other members of the council, waiting for any one else to agree with Hal’dit.
Freon, the youngest member of the council, stood, she cleared her throat nervously; “You believe this is a good thing?”
Margee nodded, “Yes.”
“Then we have no objections,” Freon continued, “We only ask that whenever our visitors leave their accommodation, they are accompanied at all times.”
Margee smiled, it was an arrangement she had already planned.
-
Laura sensed Margee entering the house before any of the others knew she was there. Her stomach rolled and she wanted to run suddenly, this was the strangest feeling for her because Laura had never run away from anything. She looked up, surprised as Rodney’s hand touched her shoulder just as Margee arrived in the room.
“I hope everything is to your satisfaction,” the Felin’ee Matriarch said when she walked in.
“This place is great,” John spoke for them all, “More than we expect on a trip off world.”
Margee smiled, giving a slight nod of her head, “I wish you all to join me for the evening meal.”
“We’d be absolutely delighted,” John replied with a grin. “Lead the way.”
Margee nodded and motioned them to follow her. The team followed the Felin’ee out of the house. Laura wrapped her tail around Rodney’s wrist; he gave her a concerned look but didn’t say anything as they walked out with the team.
They were escorted to a large building and seated at a round table; John managed to get in at least three jokes before Rodney told him to shut up.
“This is used whenever we have a feast,” Margee explained before giving an amused smile, “The council do enjoy their feasts.”
“Is it just us?” John asked; noticing that Laura was squeezing Rodney’s wrist with her tail.
Margee shook her head, “My mate, Hirr’dron will also be joining us for the meal and later several members of the council were hoping to meet you.”
“Oh,” Laura stated, trying desperately not to show her dislike for that option.
“They are very excited to meet the new Lanteans,” Margee smiled, her tail gently rested on Laura’s shoulder, “You do not have to join the meeting.”
Laura looked at the Felin’ee surprised, “I’m fine. Thank you though.”
Margee smiled, “Now, please eat. You are our guests.”
It was about half an hour later when another Felin’ee arrived. He was about the same size of Ronon, with light brown fur and a white patch across one eye. Margee stood and gently flicked him with her tail.
“This is my mate, Hirr’dron,” Margee introduced them with a smile.
Hirr’dron nodded to them, his gaze focussing on Laura for a moment before he took his seat.
-
Laura stood, staring out of the window in her room at the stars. They had eaten their meal and afterwards Margee had taken her to one side as other council members arrived. Each Lantean ended up talking to a different representative, Rodney spending most of the night talking with Hirr’dron. He had smirked at her once or twice during the evening and she wondered what it was they were discussing.
She smiled very slightly when Rodney’s reflection appeared in the window and she turned to him.
“Hey,” she sighed.
“What’s with you?” Rodney demanded, straight to the point as always, “I thought you’d be happy to be here.”
Laura shook her head, “I’m still just a freak, Rodney. On Atlantis, I’m the human with a tail. Here, I’m the Felin’ee with a human face.”
“Please,” he waved away her comments, “You’re being pathetic.”
Laura folded her arms, glaring annoyed at him.
Rodney sat on the bed, “Look, they have scientists too. It’s possible that they’ll be able to fix you.” He leaned back and stared at the ceiling, “And then we won’t have to spend so much ‘quality time’ together.”
Laura rolled her eyes and moved onto the bed, crawling beside him so she was leaning over him. Rodney stared at her, watching as Laura looked down on him, her hair falling down around his face.
“What were you talking about with Hirr’dron all night?” she asked him.
Rodney smirked up at her, “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“Rodney,” Laura leaned closer into him, growling slightly.
He continued to smirk; bringing his hand up he drew it gently along her side. Laura gasped at the touch, arching her back and barely stopping herself from lying on top of him.
“What the hell was that?” she demanded.
Rodney grinned up at her, “According to Hirr’dron that is one of the erogenous zones of your body. Want to know the other things he told me about?”
Laura frowned at his amused smirk, pressing her hand onto his shoulder, “There are times, McKay...”
Rodney pushed her off him and rolled them so he was looking down on her, “Another time, Cadman,” he grinned, “Someone might hear.”
Laura pushed him off her, “You are such a...”
“Ah, ah, ah,” Rodney held up his finger, cutting off her tirade, “Goodnight, Cadman.”
Laura fumed as he sauntered out of her room, obviously very pleased with himself.
-
Rodney lay trying to get some sleep, thinking about his conversation with Hirr’dron. He’d been very interested in the fact their telepathic connection was different from a normal Felin’ee one. The conversation had entered some pretty interesting territory, though Rodney hadn’t expected the touch to her side to actually do anything. It brought up some interesting and worrying possibilities. He’d noticed it over the past few weeks that he didn’t mind having her around him as much as he used to, in fact he looked out for her. When she’d been ill, he’d been terrified she was going to die and he had kept thinking up excuses to stay at her side until he was sure she was completely well once again.
With a sigh, Rodney decided he wasn’t going to get any sleep and threw back his covers before getting up. He found his jacket where he tossed it on the seat in the corner, slipping it on and started to wander around the house. Ronon was taking this watch and Rodney slipped past where his teammate was sitting.
He found an empty room with a view of the city and stood looking out. Rodney chewed his lip as he thought about the possibility that they may find a way to change Laura back to her normal, human self. It was something he did want but there was this small part of him, a tiny voice inside that didn’t want her changed because then there wouldn’t be the need for him.
Part of him liked that they had to eat every meal together, that she was always there when he needed someone to talk to because no matter how bad a mood he was in she could make him smile, even if he tried to hide it. There was even part of him that liked when their minds wandered and she would end up cuddled against him with her tail wrapped around his arm.
It made him wonder what things would be like if they were separated.
Part Two
Author: L.E McMurray
Rating: PG-13
Summary: A possible lead on the Felin'ee gives Laura hope. Sequel to Call of the Domestic.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, unfortunately.
Once again this has been split into two parts.
Author’s Notes:- Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.
There is at least one more story I have churning in my mind for this series at the moment. Hopefully I’ll get this written before next year.
Until then, enjoy.
*********************************************
Laura stretched on the balcony she shared with Rodney; she liked her early morning workout. It was her time so she could focus herself, free her mind and get ready for the day to come. She did a quick handstand, holding for a few seconds before she dropped to her feet and saw Rodney standing, waiting for her.
“Morning,” he greeted her with a grin, “Are you ready for the olfactory, sensitivity and recognition trials Carson’s got fixed?”
“They’re smell tests, Rodney,” Laura laughed at him, “Call them what they are.”
Rodney glared at her, his pout making her smile even more.
“Breakfast?” she brushed past him.
Rodney growled slightly but followed on behind her, watching her tail swing back and forth. Laura, feeling his eyes on her, turned and waited for him to catch up.
“Smile, Rodney,” Laura slipped her arm through his, “You have an experiment to do today that you and Carson have been planning for weeks.”
Rodney tilted his head thoughtfully for a second before he shrugged, “That’s a good point.”
-
Carson smiled as Laura and Rodney arrived in the small lab they’d set aside for this test. He and Rodney had spent several days working out ways to test her enhanced sense of smell so that Laura could then learn to use it.
“Carson,” Laura greeted him with a smile, “I’m ready. What’s the challenge?”
Carson chuckled slightly, turning to check if Rodney was ready before turning back to her.
“In front of you,” Carson started, motioning to the lab bench, “Are several sealed plastic bags. We spoke to several people in the city; all of whom you are well acquainted with, each donated a used piece of clothing and placed it in the bag themselves. All we want you to do is tell us whose it is.”
Laura nodded, “No problem,” she frowned suddenly, “What kind of piece of clothing.”
This earned her a snort of laughter from Rodney, “We made sure everyone donated a t-shirt.”
Carson rolled his eyes, “Whenever you’re ready, Laura.”
-
“How did I do?” Laura asked, after what seemed like hours of opening small bags.
“Not bad,” Rodney replied, glancing up from the table he was making, “You’re at about 95% right. How many are guesses?”
“Not that many,” Laura replied, smiling, “What’s next?”
Carson and Rodney glanced at one another, the slight smiles made Laura instantly suspicious and very worried.
“Guys,” she said, her voice tight, “What have you two planned?”
“I’ll let Rodney explain,” Carson told her, he squeezed her shoulder, “Good luck. Rodney, I’ll let you know when I get there.”
Laura watched him leave the small room before turning back to Rodney.
“Oh-kay,” she drawled,
Rodney grinned as he stepped forward, “Here,” he held out one final bag, “We’ve sent out a handkerchief with this scent on it. It’s been passed through the city by several different people. We want you to follow the trail, Carson and I will meet you at the destination.”
“Which is where he’s away to now,” Laura deduced. She sighed as he didn’t hand her the bag, “Are we starting anytime soon?”
Rodney frowned at her, “Once we know Carson is in position. He thinks you might get there before me.”
Laura stepped into him, looking up at him with a smirk, “You have no faith in me, Rodney.”
Rodney looked down at her, he hated that she wasn’t afraid of him but the fact she bantered and fought with him was an upside of their…relationship.
“Rodney,” Carson’s voice came over the radio, “Whenever you’re ready.”
“Giving her it now,” Rodney reported, “I’ll be there soon,” he looked down at the expectant woman, standing almost against him and took a step back, “Here,” he handed her the bag, “Follow the trail.”
*********************************************
“Good afternoon,” Elizabeth entered the briefing room, taking her seat.
“Elizabeth,” John greeted her from his usual chair where he sat slouching, Teyla and Ronon both sat in their seats waiting expectantly; “Rodney and Laura will be here soon. They’re finishing off the tests.”
“Good,” Elizabeth leaned forward, “Alright, I spoke with Dr Franks and he’s sure that the writing found on P76 8RR is connected to the Felin’ee.”
John nodded, “This is the first thing we’ve found, hopefully it’ll give us something on if they still exist or not.”
“Laura does seem to have her abilities under her control now,” Teyla noted.
“More than she did,” Ronon threw in; “But we haven’t had any sort of crisis for a few weeks.”
John chuckled, “Well, we go in, have a look around anyway and see what’s there.”
“See what’s where?” Rodney asked as he and Laura entered the briefing room.
“We believe that there may be a connection to the Felin’ee on P76 8RR,” Elizabeth explained, see Laura’s eyes fill with hope, “And that’s your next mission.”
-
Laura glanced over to Rodney as they waited for the Gate to dial. He gave her a quick nod before returning to his conversation with Zelenka. She was trying to keep herself calm, trying not to hope that this would be the way to return her to normal but she couldn’t get rid of the small flicker of hope.
Finally the wormhole burst open and Weir gave them a go. Sheppard turned to his team.
“Let’s go,” John called, starting forward.
Laura waited as Rodney gave Zelenka a quick nod and joined her. They walked through the Stargate together, Laura sighed, unable not to be disappointed seeing that the planet was pretty normal. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting but it wasn’t just another normal planet.
“Which way?” John called to Rodney.
Rodney pointed north and the team started walking. Laura fell into step with Rodney as usual; it was her normal protocol when on another planet. It was all too possible that something would happen and if they were separated too long…Laura shuddered at the thought of losing herself like that.
Rodney nudged her shoulder slightly with his to get her attention. Glancing up at him, Laura was surprised to see concern for her in his eyes.
“I’m okay,” she smiled, “I am.”
“I just don’t want you to get your hopes up,” he told her.
Laura reached out and squeezed his hand, “Thanks.”
-
The ruins were barely visible beneath the moss and bushes. In fact the term ‘ruins’ were generous, they were more like a few stones. Laura walked slowly around the once white stones and felt her stomach turn in disappointment. She glanced over to where the other members of her team were walking around, doing their jobs. She had hoped for so much more than this. She wanted to be normal again; she needed to be normal again. She sat down for a few seconds against the highest wall she could find, wincing as something sharp poked at her neck, she spun and batted away the branch that was annoying her and waited.
“This is the first thing we have found,” Teyla said, making Laura look round, “You must not get disheartened.”
Laura forced a smile onto her face, “I’m not.”
Teyla gently patted her shoulder, obviously not believing her. She headed back to where she had been keeping watch.
Laura finally gave in and walked over to the person who could give her some hope.
“Rodney,” she gently slid her tail across his neck, “Anything?”
It was the hesitation that worried her; if he’d shoved her tail away like he always did then things would have been normal.
“I’m sorry,” he sighed, standing up to face her, “Its nonsense.”
Laura sighed, dropping her head into her hands, surprised as Rodney stepped forward and hugged her.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered again, his hand gently rubbing her back. He let her go and stepped back, “We could keep looking.”
“Rodney,” she shook her head, “This is all there is. It’s a dead end so…let’s just go home.”
Rodney glanced up at Sheppard who nodded, “Let’s go home.”
*********************************************
Laura jumped when Rodney pushed a mug of tea into her hands as she sat against the wall on their balcony.
“Thanks,” she nodded, returning to stare at the star filled sky.
Rodney moved to sit at her side, “It was one planet,” he reminded her, “There will be more.”
Laura dropped her head against his shoulder, “I just…I just wanted…”
“Yeah,” Rodney replied, “Me too. Getting us unattached is one of my top priorities.”
Laura laughed softly, “I was pretty sure about that.”
Rodney grinned at her, standing up he stretched slightly, “Are you coming? Lorne’s got the Evil Dead trilogy showing tonight.”
Laura shook her head, “I’m going to go get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning, Rodney.”
He nodded and disappeared, leaving her alone again. Laura tiredly rubbed her eyes, she felt uncomfortable and all she wanted was to curl up into a ball. Shakily, she rose to her feet, her mug left forgotten on the ground as she staggered back into her room and dropped onto her bed, falling asleep instantly.
-
“Cadman!!!”
Laura winced as she could hear someone banging on the door. Groaning at being forced from her sleep, Laura fell out of bed and staggered to the door that separated her room with Rodney’s.
“What?” she snapped the moment the door slid open.
“Breakfast,” Rodney looked at her, a little surprised at the venom in her voice, “You’re usually the one who yells at me to hurry up.”
Laura sighed, pushing her hand through her hair, “Two seconds and I’ll be ready.”
She closed the door and quickly dressed, pulling her hair back into a ponytail, batting her tail out of her way. It very rarely ended up out of her control these days. Finally she headed out and found Rodney waiting for her.
“Are you okay?” he looked at her worriedly.
“I’m fine, Rodney,” she assured him, starting towards the mess, “I just slept in.”
Rodney shrugged and continued walking along, his mind already working on the project he was setting up with Zelenka that afternoon, much to Laura’s relief. She didn’t feel like listening to him.
“Hey,” Rodney tapped her shoulder as she started to wander to a table, “You not wanting anything?”
Laura shook her head, rubbing her eyes, “I’m not hungry, Rodney.”
Concern filled his eyes but Laura moved to the table, leaving him to get his own food.
Rodney grabbed breakfast, getting some toast and juice for Laura in case she wanted something after all.
“Hey,” he slipped into his seat beside her, “I’m going to go over the readings I got from yesterday during your workout with Ronon.”
Laura nodded tiredly; she nabbed a slice of toast and methodically chewed it as she leaned on her elbow, trying to stay awake. The rest of the team arrived and the usual breakfast chatter started. Laura tried to focus on what was going on but couldn’t and just let it wash over her.
-
“We can miss this today,” Ronon noted, he watched Laura rubbing her hand across her eyes.
“I’m fine,” Laura assured him, she rolled her shoulders to loosen them, glancing over to where Rodney was working.
“If you’re sure,” Ronon shrugged, he took up a defensive position.
Laura nodded and, after shaking herself, started her attack. Ronon frowned as he easily defended himself from every attack Laura made. After several minutes, Ronon called a halt to the exercise.
“Laura,” he asked softly, worried at the way she was swaying, “Laura?”
“I just need…” she gasped, “Little time…to…”
“Laura?” Rodney yelled suddenly. He and Ronon both jumped forward as she crumbled to the floor unconscious.
Ronon hit his radio, calling Carson for a medical team as Rodney knelt at Laura’s side, panic and fear in his eyes.
“Forget it,” Rodney snapped, as Ronon talked to Carson, “We’ll meet him there.”
Before Ronon could say anything, Rodney had lifted Laura into his arms; a feat Ronon was amazed at and although he staggered slightly at first, Rodney was quickly out of the door, Laura clasped firmly to him with her tail hanging limply.
-
John jogged into the infirmary, finding Teyla, Ronon, Elizabeth and Rodney sitting waiting.
“How is she?” he asked.
“Carson’s still working on that,” Elizabeth told him, “Hopefully, he’ll be out soon.”
John nodded; he took the seat beside Rodney and rested his hand on the other man’s shoulder, “Rodney?”
“I should have done something,” Rodney said, scrubbing a hand through his hair, “I knew she didn’t look good but she kept insisting she was fine.”
“This is not your fault,” Teyla soothed, “Laura is very stubborn.”
“And she’s seemed almost indestructible since she changed,” John reminded him.
Rodney didn’t reply; he just sat shaking his head slightly. When Carson arrived, Rodney was off his seat instantly.
“Well?” Rodney demanded.
Carson sighed, “She’s stable for the moment. She seems to have caught some kind of virus.”
“Isn’t that easy to clear up?” Rodney snapped.
“Listen to me,” Carson said, his voice soft but the authority in it was enough to make Rodney back off, “Whatever this is, it’s only attacking the ‘Cat’ side of her DNA. I’m doing everything I can but the difference in Laura’s genetics is making it difficult to find something that won’t make her sicker.”
“Can I sit with her?” Rodney asked after a few minutes, quickly explaining, “We’re getting close to that time.”
Carson nodded, “Of course, Rodney.”
-
Laura was pale; her long strawberry-blonde hair was spread across the pillow framing her ashen face. Rodney pulled a seat over to sit at her bed. Her tail was dangling off the bed, hanging totally still. Rodney gently lifted the long red-gold appendage, resting it under the covers so that no one would stare at it. He knew how much Laura hated being stared at because of her differences.
He nervously reached out and took her hand, gently rubbing his thumb against her skin.
“What the hell are you doing?” Rodney demanded sharply, while continuing to gently stroke her hand, “You’re supposed to be stronger now; you can beat the crap out of Ronon. Why are you like this?”
“Rodney,” Carson came up beside his friend, “She’s going to sleep for a while. You can go get some work done.”
Rodney shook his head, “No. I’d rather stay. I can work just as well here.”
Carson decided not to argue and motioned to the nearest nurse, sending her to Radek for Rodney’s laptop.
“Give me a yell if she wakes up,” Carson rested his hand on Rodney shoulder for a few seconds.
*********************************************
Rodney sat working on the readings he’d taken the day before on the supposedly Felin’ee planet. He’d wanted to find something, anything that could help them, anything that could help her.
Rodney glanced up at the woman in the bed next to him, just to make sure she was still asleep before he continued to work. He frowned as he looked over what had to be anomalous readings; he shook his head running through them again.
“Carson,” Rodney called, making the doctor appear from his office worried, “I need you to call my team, Elizabeth and Radek. I have something.”
Carson, looking annoyed at the order, but nodded and started calling the others over the radio as Rodney got ready what he was going to tell them.
He looked up the moment the others arrived, “I have something I missed yesterday. There are faint energy readings coming from the ruins. So faint that until I went through everything I didn’t notice. There are people there.”
“What?” John snapped, “But we were there and saw no sign.”
Rodney nodded, “I know, I think they’re using some sort of shielding.”
“Then we go there and talk to them,” Ronon stated, “Get them to help Cadman.”
“We’re assuming they will,” Teyla added, “They would have seen her yesterday.”
“That doesn’t mean they’ll want to have made themselves known,” Radek added, he let out a sigh, “But I believe with Rodney’s calculations I can find where their shield is and bring it down.”
“You?” John asked surprised.
Radek nodded, “Rodney will be staying with the Lieutenant and I will take his place. Surely you realised that before now?”
“Go and try to find something to help,” Elizabeth ordered.
-
John took the lead when they exited the Stargate, Radek and Teyla just behind him while Ronon brought up the rear. They walked in silence towards the ruins, all of them worried about the fifth member of their team who was still unconscious when they’d left.
“Radek,” John said the moment they reached the ruins, “Do your thing.”
Zelenka nodded, he pulled out the equipment he’d brought and started working. After several minutes he turned to John.
“I am about to bring down the shield,” he said.
“That will not be necessary,” a new voice said from nowhere.
The four of them moved to stand together as a figure appeared from nothing, directly in front of them.
The legends about the Felin’ee had not been exaggerated; the figure had all the facial features of an actual cat. The fur on her face and tail was white with black streaks, she wore a black, comfortable looking jumpsuit and two green eyes stared at them intently.
“I am Margee of the Felin’ee,” the figure introduced herself; “I am Matriarch of this colony. Who are you and why have you disturbed us?”
John stepped forward, “My name is Colonel John Sheppard. We came here to ask for your help.”
Margee tilted her head slightly, “Our help?”
“Yes,” John nodded, seeing the tail flick, “One of our team was recently abducted and her DNA was merged with Felin’ee DNA…”
“The stories are true?” Margee interrupted in astonishment, “We have heard many tales of a hybrid.”
“Yeah,” John nodded, “The thing is, we were here yesterday and now she’s sick.”
Margee frowned, “I am also a healer for this colony, if you wish I shall accompany you back to your home. If I can help, I shall.”
John frowned in thought, “You need to realise that like you, we wish to keep our location a secret.”
“Then, Colonel,” Margee replied dryly, “You must think of another solution.”
“John,” Teyla touched his arm drawing him to one side, “We bring a Jumper back and transport Margee to Atlantis that way.”
“We have an idea,” John turned back to Margee.
-
Margee stepped out of the Jumper, staring around in surprise, “So this is Atlantis. The children of the Ancestors finally came home.”
“This way,” John touched her arm, motioning her forward.
Carson met them at the entrance to the infirmary, relief in his eyes, “I’m Dr Carson Beckett,” he introduced himself to their guest, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Matriarch Margee,” the Felin’ee nodded gently at him, “How is your patient?”
Carson sighed, “Still unconscious. The test results show that her human side is protecting her slightly but I don’t know for how long.”
“I would like to see these results,” Margee told him, “If you do not object.”
“I’ll take all the help I can get,” Carson smiled at her. “Follow me.”
Margee placed the bag she had brought with her in the corner of the room before taking the seat Carson offered her, scanning his tests and the results.
“From what I see,” Margee noted, “She appears to be suffering from A’gro’tha. It is normally a childhood disease but we have had a recent outbreak within our adult population.”
“Do you have a cure?” Carson asked hopefully.
Margee frowned slightly, “I have the herbs we use for one afflicted with the disease but considering Lieutenant Cadman’s unique situation, they may not help.”
“I’d rather try,” Carson said tiredly.
Margee stood and retrieved her bag, “You will need water.”
-
Rodney was still sitting at Laura’s bedside; he’d given up working and was just sitting, holding her hand.
Carson smiled slightly to see Rodney was still there, a few months ago he would never have suspected the other man would have stuck around this long.
“Is that her mate?” Margee inquired; she stood at Carson’s side, interest in her eyes.
Carson shrugged, “That’s what we believe.”
“I’m sorry?” Margee frowned, confusion in her voice “It is a very simple situation.”
Carson shook his head, “You would think so,” he smiled at her perplexed expression, “When Laura was changed, the reason the people who did it stopped their experiment was because she had already telepathically connected with Rodney.”
“I do not see the confusion,” Margee replied, “Their love for one another must be strong.”
“They weren’t a couple,” Carson continued, “In fact, until this happened, Rodney and Laura avoided one another as much as possible.”
Margee gasped in confusion, “How did this happen then?”
“Not long after Laura arrived here, they were captured by a Wraith dart,” Carson told her, “We shot it down and when we tried to get them out, Rodney was released with Laura inside his head. We finally sorted it out but they had some issues after it.”
“A previous mental connection,” Margee mused softly; she tapped a finger against her cheek, “Very interesting.”
Carson nodded and headed over to his patient.
-
“Rodney.”
The call intruding in his musings made Rodney jump; he glanced over at Carson standing there.
“I think we have something,” Carson told him, resting his hand on his friend’s shoulder.
“We?” Rodney looked up completely, surprised to see what looked like a cat standing there.
“Meet Margee of the Felin’ee,” Carson introduced, unable to not smile at the stunned look on Rodney’s face, “She’s brought something that should help Laura.”
Rodney let go of Laura’s hand and stood back to allow Carson to give Laura the antidote.
“What?” Rodney demanded, frowning at how Margee was looking at Laura, “She doesn’t like to be stared at.”
Margee dipped her head, “I apologise, I did not mean to offend but she is not what I expected.”
“What did you expect?” Rodney demanded, he was tired and worried and had absolutely no patience to even try to be pleasant. Not that he normally would bother.
Margee tilted her head, “She looks human. There is nothing externally Felin’ee about her.”
Rodney glared at her, “Other than the tail.”
“Interesting,” Margee noted.
“Why?”
“Our tails are a very sensitive part of our bodies,” Margee explained, “They also tell what family group we belong to.”
Rodney was about to ask about that but Carson interrupted them.
“Her fever has broken,” the doctor informed them, “It appears to be working.”
Rodney let out a sigh of relief, moving to Laura’s side again just to make sure Carson was right.
“I thought you said he did not love her,” Margee smiled, amused as she watched Rodney take Laura’s hand again.
“Now, I’m sure I did’nae say that,” Carson replied, he motioned her forward; “We’ll have to wait and see if she responds to the treatment. Would you like to join me for lunch?”
Margee smiled, “Of course, Dr Beckett.”
-
Laura felt horrible. Her head was aching; her body felt like someone had shoved her in an oven and put it on max. Then there was the weirdest feeling of all. Her tail felt like a lump of lead that she could barely move. Forcing open her heavy eyes, Laura was surprised to see Rodney sitting there.
“Hey,” she forced past her dry, scratchy throat.
Rodney gave a small smile and Laura felt him rest his hand on her forehead, “Hey. I thought you were going to sleep for another week or so.”
Laura licked her lips, “How long?”
Rodney laughed slightly, his thumb gently rubbing the bridge of her nose, “About a day or so.”
Laura sighed, “Wha’ happened?”
“You got some sort of ‘Cat’ virus,” Rodney smirked, his finger still gently stroking her forehead, “But we made some new friends and they brought a cure.”
“Rodney, please,” Laura moaned softly, “Tell me what’s going on?”
“You’re ill,” he whispered, “And I found out that there were people on the planet. The Felin’ee, Laura, they were on the planet. One of them came here with a cure for you.”
“They’re there?” Laura gasped, tears filling her eyes, “You’re not playing with me?”
“No,” he replied, smiling as she tried to stay awake but was losing the battle, “Get some rest, Laura,” Rodney told her, “You’ll feel better soon.”
Laura sighed and closed her eyes; snuggling down into comfort, barely feeling the gentle kiss Rodney placed on her forehead.
-
“She’s getting better,” Carson assured the group, “Margee’s assistance has been invaluable.”
Elizabeth smiled at their visitor, “I want to extend our thanks. I’m sure Rodney would also but he’s still with Lieutenant Cadman.”
Margee smiled slightly, “I am happy that I was able to help. The presence of a hybrid has been whispered throughout our society for several months now.”
“Good thing or bad?” John asked; he didn’t want to have to start watching his teams back for people after Laura.
Margee shrugged, “It has only been a rumour up until now. However I wish to help Lieutenant Cadman learn about her new heritage. Once she is well then I hope that you and your team will come to our colony, Colonel and of course Dr Beckett.”
Elizabeth smiled, glancing over at John who nodded.
“I know she would be extremely interested in learning more,” Elizabeth told Margee, “Colonel Sheppard is ready to return you to your home.”
Margee bowed slightly to Elizabeth, “I hope to be allowed back here one day.”
“I do not think that will be a problem,” Elizabeth told her.
*********************************************
“Rodney, stop hovering,” Laura snapped, irritated the way Rodney was standing watching her.
“I’m simply waiting for the Gate to open,” Rodney replied, an air of hurt in his voice.
As she growled at him, Rodney smirked and turned to talk to Radek who had appeared wanting to check something before they left.
“Lieutenant,” Elizabeth walked over to Laura, “Are you sure you’re feeling up to this?”
It had only been about a week since she’d been released from the infirmary but she’d bounced back quickly.
“I’m fine, Ma’am,” Laura assured her, “And I want to go there, I want to meet them.”
Elizabeth smiled at Laura, understanding in her eyes, “Enjoy yourself and don’t let him annoy you, Rodney’s just worried about you.”
“I know,” Laura grinned at her.
Elizabeth nodded up at Chuck who started to dial the Gate. Elizabeth headed back up to the control room, patting Rodney on the shoulder on her way past.
“Right, gang,” John clapped his hands as he walked in, “Let’s go and meet the family.”
-
Laura licked her lips nervously as she stepped onto the planet. Carson moved to her side and placed his hand on her shoulder. Laura turned slightly and nodded to him, letting him know she was okay.
The rest of the team joined them and together they headed to the ruins again. As they moved closer, the air shimmered and the tree-lined horizon disappeared. In its place was a town.
“The technology looks pretty close to Atlantis,” Rodney noted as he scanned the place in front of them.
“Forget the tech,” John replied, “Look at the people.”
Laura was already ahead of him in that respect; in front of her were Felin’ee and lots of them.
“Welcome,” Margee stepped forward, a warm smile on her face, “It is wonderful to see you again and to see you looking much better, Lieutenant.”
Laura grinned, “It’s great to meet you. I didn’t get a chance to thank you for helping me.”
Margee nodded slightly at her, “It is my pleasure. Your existence has been whispered throughout our society for several months now. However, here is not the place to talk. Please, you are my guests. Follow me.”
Laura glanced at John quickly, who gave a soft nod, before she followed the colonies Matriarch, the rest of the team following on behind.
-
Margee led them through the streets of the town, pointing out the school, hospital and other buildings she believed were important. Laura could feel almost every one in the town watching her, staring at how she was neither one of them nor one of the people she was with.
Suddenly coming here didn’t seem like such a good idea.
Rodney rested his hand on Laura’s shoulder, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she told him, forcing a smile onto her face, “It’s just overwhelming.”
Rodney frowned, not believing her. He moved his hand from her shoulder and caught her tail, sliding his arm so that it was wrapped around his wrist. She smiled at the gesture.
“This is where you shall be staying while you are here,” Margee told them when they stopped in front of a large white building, “Is this suitable?”
“It is extremely generous of you,” Teyla spoke for them.
Margee smiled, obviously relieved they were pleased, “I shall leave you to get comfortable. Laura, I hope I can help you learn about the heritage you have gained.”
“I hope that too,” Laura replied.
Margee glanced at where Laura was holding Rodney’s wrist with her tail, “I am sure my Mate can teach yours some things also.”
Laura squeezed Rodney’s wrist to stop him making any sort of comment, “I’m sure Rodney is grateful also.”
Margee nodded, “There is rooms for you all and a central area. I shall return in a few hours so we can eat our evening meal together.”
-
John smiled as he looked around the house they had been shown to. It was sparse but clean, there were several rooms all furnished comfortably but obviously not used very often. Every member of the team claimed a room, dumping their gear before heading to the lounge area.
“Nice,” Ronon noted, he dropped onto the couch and stretched out.
“You have to admit,” Carson took a seat, “They know how to treat their guests.”
John laughed, “Anyone else thinking of opening up a hotel here?”
Rodney snorted in derision as he entered the room, “Nice,” he unknowingly echoed Ronon.
“Where’s Cadman?” John asked, noting the lack of the final member of the team and the reason they were here.
“She’s taking a moment,” Rodney shrugged, throwing himself into a seat, “I think this is overwhelming her a bit.”
“Is she…” Carson started.
“Carson, she’s fine,” Rodney cut off the worried doctor.
-
Laura sat on the bed in the room she had claimed, the room next to Rodney’s as always. Just walking from the Gate to the house had made her feel that coming here was a major mistake. She wasn’t one of them, anymore than she was human. Laura stood and walked to the mirror, she pulled her shirt up to look at the strange stripe that had appeared both sides of her body recently. She knew she should say to Carson but she didn’t want to poked and prodded anymore after her time in the infirmary. Laura fixed herself again, she’d leave it just now and once they got back to Atlantis she’d tell Carson about the newest change in her.
Taking a deep breath, Laura headed to join the others; Margee would be coming to get them for dinner soon.
*********************************************
“This is an abomination,” the voice echoed through the council chambers, “This creature should not exist and you brought it here. Along with...humans.”
Margee returned the accusing glare turned on her with a cool one of her own as she stood, “What happened to this woman was not her fault. She is now part of our race, whether you like it or not, Hal’dit and I asked her here so she can understand herself better.”
Hal’dit, slightly shorter than Margee with ginger fur and an almost permanent sneer, glared at the Matriarch of the colony, “And the humans?”
“They are the children of the Lanteans,” Margee reminded the entire council.
“They claim to be,” Hal’dit retorted.
Margee tilted her head slightly, all members of the council recognising that this would be the end of the meeting.
“I have been to Atlantis,” Margee pulled herself to her full height, “And I have invited Laura Cadman and her team here. They are my guests, Hal’dit and that is the end of this discussion. You are dismissed.”
Hal’dit snarled at Margee before marching out of the council chambers. Margee turned to the ten other members of the council, waiting for any one else to agree with Hal’dit.
Freon, the youngest member of the council, stood, she cleared her throat nervously; “You believe this is a good thing?”
Margee nodded, “Yes.”
“Then we have no objections,” Freon continued, “We only ask that whenever our visitors leave their accommodation, they are accompanied at all times.”
Margee smiled, it was an arrangement she had already planned.
-
Laura sensed Margee entering the house before any of the others knew she was there. Her stomach rolled and she wanted to run suddenly, this was the strangest feeling for her because Laura had never run away from anything. She looked up, surprised as Rodney’s hand touched her shoulder just as Margee arrived in the room.
“I hope everything is to your satisfaction,” the Felin’ee Matriarch said when she walked in.
“This place is great,” John spoke for them all, “More than we expect on a trip off world.”
Margee smiled, giving a slight nod of her head, “I wish you all to join me for the evening meal.”
“We’d be absolutely delighted,” John replied with a grin. “Lead the way.”
Margee nodded and motioned them to follow her. The team followed the Felin’ee out of the house. Laura wrapped her tail around Rodney’s wrist; he gave her a concerned look but didn’t say anything as they walked out with the team.
They were escorted to a large building and seated at a round table; John managed to get in at least three jokes before Rodney told him to shut up.
“This is used whenever we have a feast,” Margee explained before giving an amused smile, “The council do enjoy their feasts.”
“Is it just us?” John asked; noticing that Laura was squeezing Rodney’s wrist with her tail.
Margee shook her head, “My mate, Hirr’dron will also be joining us for the meal and later several members of the council were hoping to meet you.”
“Oh,” Laura stated, trying desperately not to show her dislike for that option.
“They are very excited to meet the new Lanteans,” Margee smiled, her tail gently rested on Laura’s shoulder, “You do not have to join the meeting.”
Laura looked at the Felin’ee surprised, “I’m fine. Thank you though.”
Margee smiled, “Now, please eat. You are our guests.”
It was about half an hour later when another Felin’ee arrived. He was about the same size of Ronon, with light brown fur and a white patch across one eye. Margee stood and gently flicked him with her tail.
“This is my mate, Hirr’dron,” Margee introduced them with a smile.
Hirr’dron nodded to them, his gaze focussing on Laura for a moment before he took his seat.
-
Laura stood, staring out of the window in her room at the stars. They had eaten their meal and afterwards Margee had taken her to one side as other council members arrived. Each Lantean ended up talking to a different representative, Rodney spending most of the night talking with Hirr’dron. He had smirked at her once or twice during the evening and she wondered what it was they were discussing.
She smiled very slightly when Rodney’s reflection appeared in the window and she turned to him.
“Hey,” she sighed.
“What’s with you?” Rodney demanded, straight to the point as always, “I thought you’d be happy to be here.”
Laura shook her head, “I’m still just a freak, Rodney. On Atlantis, I’m the human with a tail. Here, I’m the Felin’ee with a human face.”
“Please,” he waved away her comments, “You’re being pathetic.”
Laura folded her arms, glaring annoyed at him.
Rodney sat on the bed, “Look, they have scientists too. It’s possible that they’ll be able to fix you.” He leaned back and stared at the ceiling, “And then we won’t have to spend so much ‘quality time’ together.”
Laura rolled her eyes and moved onto the bed, crawling beside him so she was leaning over him. Rodney stared at her, watching as Laura looked down on him, her hair falling down around his face.
“What were you talking about with Hirr’dron all night?” she asked him.
Rodney smirked up at her, “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“Rodney,” Laura leaned closer into him, growling slightly.
He continued to smirk; bringing his hand up he drew it gently along her side. Laura gasped at the touch, arching her back and barely stopping herself from lying on top of him.
“What the hell was that?” she demanded.
Rodney grinned up at her, “According to Hirr’dron that is one of the erogenous zones of your body. Want to know the other things he told me about?”
Laura frowned at his amused smirk, pressing her hand onto his shoulder, “There are times, McKay...”
Rodney pushed her off him and rolled them so he was looking down on her, “Another time, Cadman,” he grinned, “Someone might hear.”
Laura pushed him off her, “You are such a...”
“Ah, ah, ah,” Rodney held up his finger, cutting off her tirade, “Goodnight, Cadman.”
Laura fumed as he sauntered out of her room, obviously very pleased with himself.
-
Rodney lay trying to get some sleep, thinking about his conversation with Hirr’dron. He’d been very interested in the fact their telepathic connection was different from a normal Felin’ee one. The conversation had entered some pretty interesting territory, though Rodney hadn’t expected the touch to her side to actually do anything. It brought up some interesting and worrying possibilities. He’d noticed it over the past few weeks that he didn’t mind having her around him as much as he used to, in fact he looked out for her. When she’d been ill, he’d been terrified she was going to die and he had kept thinking up excuses to stay at her side until he was sure she was completely well once again.
With a sigh, Rodney decided he wasn’t going to get any sleep and threw back his covers before getting up. He found his jacket where he tossed it on the seat in the corner, slipping it on and started to wander around the house. Ronon was taking this watch and Rodney slipped past where his teammate was sitting.
He found an empty room with a view of the city and stood looking out. Rodney chewed his lip as he thought about the possibility that they may find a way to change Laura back to her normal, human self. It was something he did want but there was this small part of him, a tiny voice inside that didn’t want her changed because then there wouldn’t be the need for him.
Part of him liked that they had to eat every meal together, that she was always there when he needed someone to talk to because no matter how bad a mood he was in she could make him smile, even if he tried to hide it. There was even part of him that liked when their minds wandered and she would end up cuddled against him with her tail wrapped around his arm.
It made him wonder what things would be like if they were separated.
Part Two