When in Rome
Captured by the possibilities, Kariesue, Kickstand75, firedew1 Mysra and Amycat8733 set out to bring our unique styles to this challenge. Each chapter is by one of us. We hope you enjoy it!
Category: fic
Title: When in Rome
Author: Kariesue, Kickstand75, firedew1, Mysra, Amycat8733
Rating: M
Warnings:
Disclaimer: Don’t own them, just borrowing them for a bit of fun
Size: 2709 (this chapter)
Comments: Team Sheppard travels to Belosia where they discover the origin of the Minotaur, but with everything the Ancients did, the truth is worse than the fiction.
Chapter 1 - Another Headache
by: Kariesue
A loud roar echoed through John Sheppard’s already pounding head causing his eyes to fly open, something they had been trying to avoid for a few moments. He shouldered himself to a sitting position and found Ronon Dex shaking his own head, the cause of the roar. Did he have that staccato disco beat driving him crazy too?
John glanced around to see Rodney still out cold on the dirt floor of what looked to be a stone enclosure. Hadn’t they just been walking over some pleasantly rolling hills? Their weapons were gone and even their tac vests and radios had been taken. John should feel lucky they’d left him his boots, t-shirt and pants. Just another typical day with the Pegasus Galaxy laughing at them.
“Is everyone alright?” John asked then panic set in. “Where’s Teyla? Ronon, where’s Teyla?”
Ronon turned his gaze to the small space and shook his head. His groan let John know the movement had caused the jackhammer to run at full speed. “I don’t know. Teyla!”
Ronon’s yell had John cringing but it finally woke McKay from his beauty rest.
“Oh, God, what did I have to drink last night?” McKay whined as he pushed himself to a sitting position. “Did Zelenka give me some of that Czech home brew again?”
John stood and swayed for a minute, reaching out to steady himself on the wall. Three of the walls were solid stone while the fourth had four small round windows, barely a foot in diameter, and the door. The door was made of thick wood and John moved to it, afraid it would be locked. He pushed against it and his fears were confirmed. It didn’t budge.
“Hey, Chewie, give me a hand trying to get this open.”
Ronon lunged to his feet and threw himself toward the door. John moved swiftly out of the way, knowing this wouldn’t end good. The door had seemed pretty solid to him.
When Ronon bounced back like a rubber ball and growled a Satedan obscenity, John just shook his head. “Yeah, didn’t think that would work.”
Ronon glowered at him. “Why didn’t you say so before I dislocated my shoulder?”
John merely smirked. “You wouldn’t have listened to me if I’d told you not to, so why bother? And your shoulder isn’t dislocated so let’s take a better look at this door and see if there’s an easier way to open it without bashing our brains in. McKay, maybe you could deign to help us. You know, use some of that brilliance you’re always touting to find a way to get it open.”
Rodney struggled to his feet and John tried to see out the small windows. He didn’t like the fact that Teyla wasn’t with them. Or that he couldn’t even remember how they’d gotten here. Maybe Teyla was just in another holding cell.
“Teyla? Can you hear me, Teyla?”
“Oh, please, Sheppard, must you yell?” McKay whined. “I’ve got a massive headache.”
“We all do, Rodney. Suck it up. Aren’t you even the tiniest bit concerned that Teyla isn’t here with us?”
“Of course I am,” McKay growled as he perused the mechanics of the door. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and she’ll be mistaken for some goddess and they’ll want her to rule their kingdom.”
John rolled his eyes, muttering, “Right.”
Sounds from outside echoed through the dark hallway, interrupting their examination of the door. They all moved back but stood ready to attack if need be. John threw a warning look at Ronon. “Let’s see what they want first before we start tackling anyone, okay, Big Guy?”
Ronon just grunted.
The door swung open and two large men stood in the doorway. They were dressed in short robes garnished with thick leather belts and chest plates. They wore sandals on their feet and carried lethal looking swords. The swords were pointed in the direction of the small stone room ... and the three men in it.
“Gentlemen,” John greeted amicably, giving them his best friendly smile. Ronon scowled and Rodney just looked petrified. “Seems we got off on the wrong foot. I’m not sure what exactly we did, but I’m sure we can work something out.”
“You must come with us,” the larger of the two stated emotionlessly. He moved out of the way and pointed down the hall with his sword.
John sighed and walked through. “That whole we-come-in-peace thing never works quite like it does in the movies.”
“So, uh, Spartacus,” John addressed the brute closest to him, “We had another friend with us when we got here, to your planet I mean. Pretty girl, dressed like us. You wouldn’t happen to know where she is, would you?”
“You will be presented to the council and the magistrate will let you know your new role here.”
“New role? No, no, no, no, no,” Rodney whined. “Uh, we’ve already got roles where we come from. We’re not looking for a new job, just to become friends if possible, share knowledge.”
“But it’s okay if you don’t want to share,” John added. “We’re happy to just collect our things and leave you fine folks alone. No harm done.”
The two guards remained silent, one in front and the other behind. John thought of rushing the one near him, knowing Ronon would catch on quick and take care of the one in the rear. But they still had no idea where Teyla was or what the situation was. There could be a whole platoon waiting up ahead for them, all armed with the lethal swords. He couldn’t risk it. And he’d never put Teyla in danger like that.
The dark corridor opened up to a large area that led to a variety of archways. Guards stood at each opening. Yup, good decision to wait it out.
The first guard indicated they should follow him through the largest door in the middle. John looked around, noting each of the doorways and tried to see what lay behind. Ronon was doing the exact same thing, only he seemed to be sizing up the man at each door as well.
They walked through the archway and John’s eyes widened at the size of the room. It was enormous. A dozen men and women sat on a raised section against one wall, all on elegantly carved and upholstered chairs. A dozen long benches with cushions lined the other walls and had hanging fabric draped artfully so the curtains could be lowered to provide the inhabitant privacy. A little daytime nap perhaps or did some people live in this room?
As they were herded over to the group of people, one of the older men stood up.
“Hi,” John greeted trying again for his most solicitous smile.
He was immediately pushed to the floor as the guard near him shouted, “Kneel before the magistrate! And do not speak until you are spoken to.”
John glanced over seeing Rodney comply right away but it took three guards to get Ronon down. John nodded at the big guy and he settled slightly.
John kept his head lowered in case staring was considered bad manners but lifted his eyes a tiny bit to see what was going on. The man who had stood was dressed in long purple robes with elaborate drapes across his shoulders and chest. He gazed scrupulously at the three of them then walked over to John.
“You are the leader of this group.”
It didn’t sound like a question but John nodded anyway. “Yeah, and I’d like to know the whereabouts of our other friend who was with us.” He needed to know Teyla was okay.
“Is she your personal slave?”
“Slave?” John looked up quickly and gritted his teeth. He hated when people believed in slavery. But he knew he needed to be careful what he said around them. Things could go FUBAR way too quickly if he said the wrong thing. “No, she’s not a slave. But she does belong with us and we have great respect for her. We also want to know that she’s all right.”
“She has not been touched by another, if that is your concern.” The man turned and motioned to someone else then turned back to John. “I am Dux Ducis, the magistrate here. And you are...?”
“Colonel John Sheppard. I’m the military commander of my people.” John didn’t know why he added that but he had a feeling this man respected authority and it might make things easier for them. “This is Ronon Dex and Dr. Rodney McKay.”
“Doctor ... I had wondered why one so ... soft... would be travelling with warriors. That answers my question.”
“Um, you still haven’t answered my question. Where is our friend?”
“She is on her way. One of her beauty must be properly prepared to be seen in the house of the council. It is not right to dress her as you have, though I assume it was for her safety, so she would not be claimed by others.”
John narrowed his eyes and gave a half nod. “Right.”
Several women entered the doorway across from the one they’d come in by. John stared and sure enough, Teyla was with them. She didn’t look happy but she didn’t seem hurt either. Relief surged through him.
“Teyla, you okay?” John called out and her eyes lit up when she saw him. He loved how she looked at him that way, like he was her hero. Hopefully in this case it would be true. He still hadn’t found out what these people wanted with them. The comment about roles earlier hadn’t made John feel all that comfortable.
Teyla smiled and nodded at him. “Yes, John, I am fine.”
John had to admit she looked more than fine. She looked amazing. She’d been changed into robes similar to the locals. Hers were a soft color that made her copper skin glow and John’s palms itched at the urge to touch it. The fabric draped across one shoulder leaving the other bare and it flowed down to the floor. A gold cord was wrapped under her breasts and wound around her waist almost to her hips. It showcased her figure almost more than her sparring outfit did, even though it contained much more fabric.
“I appreciate you decking her out so nice, but we really need to leave. Our people will be wondering where we are about now. If you’ll just return our things ...”
“You cannot leave us yet,” Ducis announced. “We have not spoken of how we may assist each other. Is that not the reason you came?”
John hesitated. So far it had seemed like they’d been taken prisoner and now the man wanted to talk trade. He wasn’t sure what to believe.
“Sure,” John answered skeptically gazing at his team, one by one. Rodney was still wearing the petrified look. Ronon’s scowl hadn’t disappeared at all and Teyla seemed nervous but her diplomatic smile appeared solidly in place.
Ducis stepped down from the raised section and motioned to a gathering of seats across the room. John paused and tilted his head at Ronon and Rodney. “I need my team with me.”
“We are not going far but I will allow you your entourage. Men of our standing demand the service of others. The large one is your bodyguard, I assume.”
John hated to relegate Ronon to that but wasn’t certain how Ducis would take it so he replied, “That’s one of his many talents. And I need McKay ...”
“Your advisor,” Ducis said. “I see that he is an academic. He may come too.”
“And Teyla,” John insisted. At the frown on the magistrate’s face, John continued, “She keeps me diplomatic. It’s best if she’s nearby.”
Ducis nodded to the women near Teyla and they moved to allow her to follow the men across the room. John noticed the swish of the fabric around her curves and his hands clenched searching for control. He needed all his faculties right now and having Teyla sit near him with this delicious outfit on might not be advantageous. He’d always been aware of her presence but he was even more so now with what she was wearing.
John and Ducis sat in the primary seats with Ronon and Rodney sitting to the sides. When Teyla approached Ducis nodded at the space on the small bench near John. Teyla nodded graciously and sat.
John didn’t like the way Ducis’ eyes travelled down Teyla’s figure. The smirk that grew on his face just made him boil. He needed to keep his head about him or this could all go south very quickly.
“You are a lucky man, Colonel John Sheppard, to own something of such exquisite beauty.” John felt Teyla stiffen beside him. He knew she would hate being thought of as property.
“I told you, she’s not ...”
“Your slave,” Ducis cut in. “Yes, I understand. But all women must be controlled by a guardian and so she belongs to you in this fashion. If she did not, I would find it very tempting to claim her for my own. My wife recently passed and I am searching for a new wife to service my needs.”
John looked down at Teyla who slipped her hand through his arm and squeezed it against her chest. She gazed up at him sweetly and John’s heart skipped a few beats. What was she doing? She squeezed his arm again and looked at Ducis.
“I wish you luck in your search, magistrate,” Teyla said demurely while clinging onto John’s arm tightly.
What was going on? There must be some reason she’d gone all submissive on him. Of course she’d been in the back room with the other ladies for a while. Maybe she’d learned something during that time that told her she needed to act this way. He’d just enjoy it for now. Usually she was beating the crap out of him.
“So,” John began, “Magistrate, what should we discuss? Maybe how we ended up here without remembering anything?”
“Please call me Ducis. And you shall be called ...?”
“Sheppard is fine. I’m wondering about our gear?”
“All in good time, Sheppard. For now we must partake of our midday meal. After that, you and your consort will be assigned one of the cubiles to use for the afternoon. We will begin discussion during evening meal.”
John turned his head in the direction the magistrate had pointed and saw he was indicating the small bed-like benches with the curtains. Great! They were expected to nap while in the middle of negotiations.
“I think we’re ...”
“Nonsense, you must be given the accoutrements of your status. Now for our meal.” Ducis clapped his hands and a dozen servants arrived with small tables and trays of food. Rodney looked eager finally but Ronon still grumbled. Teyla sat back allowing John to put some items on a plate.
“Aren’t you getting anything?” John asked, worried about her behavior.
“I must defer to you and eat only when you allow it,” Teyla whispered near his ear. “And we must keep up this pretense or I will be in grave danger. Please, John, I cannot protect myself from this and you cannot either.”
John picked up a piece of bread and dipped it in the wine sauce then moved it to Teyla’s lips. As she took a bite, John lowered his voice. “I’ll do whatever I need to, Teyla. Maybe when we have our little ... nap...” he cocked his head in the direction of the curtained benches, “you can fill me in a little more on what’s going on here.”
Teyla nodded her head and took another bite from the food in John’s hand. John continued to take a few bites and give Teyla some as well. Ducis watched them like a hawk, his eyes very interested in their movements.
As he held a piece of fruit for her to bite, he leaned over, blocking Ducis’ view. “You don’t need to worry, Teyla. I won’t let anybody hurt you. I promise.”
Her anxious eyes raised to his. “Thank you, John. That means everything to me. But you may not have a choice.”
Category: fic
Title: When in Rome
Author: Kariesue, Kickstand75, firedew1, Mysra, Amycat8733
Rating: M
Warnings:
Disclaimer: Don’t own them, just borrowing them for a bit of fun
Size: 2709 (this chapter)
Comments: Team Sheppard travels to Belosia where they discover the origin of the Minotaur, but with everything the Ancients did, the truth is worse than the fiction.
Chapter 1 - Another Headache
by: Kariesue
A loud roar echoed through John Sheppard’s already pounding head causing his eyes to fly open, something they had been trying to avoid for a few moments. He shouldered himself to a sitting position and found Ronon Dex shaking his own head, the cause of the roar. Did he have that staccato disco beat driving him crazy too?
John glanced around to see Rodney still out cold on the dirt floor of what looked to be a stone enclosure. Hadn’t they just been walking over some pleasantly rolling hills? Their weapons were gone and even their tac vests and radios had been taken. John should feel lucky they’d left him his boots, t-shirt and pants. Just another typical day with the Pegasus Galaxy laughing at them.
“Is everyone alright?” John asked then panic set in. “Where’s Teyla? Ronon, where’s Teyla?”
Ronon turned his gaze to the small space and shook his head. His groan let John know the movement had caused the jackhammer to run at full speed. “I don’t know. Teyla!”
Ronon’s yell had John cringing but it finally woke McKay from his beauty rest.
“Oh, God, what did I have to drink last night?” McKay whined as he pushed himself to a sitting position. “Did Zelenka give me some of that Czech home brew again?”
John stood and swayed for a minute, reaching out to steady himself on the wall. Three of the walls were solid stone while the fourth had four small round windows, barely a foot in diameter, and the door. The door was made of thick wood and John moved to it, afraid it would be locked. He pushed against it and his fears were confirmed. It didn’t budge.
“Hey, Chewie, give me a hand trying to get this open.”
Ronon lunged to his feet and threw himself toward the door. John moved swiftly out of the way, knowing this wouldn’t end good. The door had seemed pretty solid to him.
When Ronon bounced back like a rubber ball and growled a Satedan obscenity, John just shook his head. “Yeah, didn’t think that would work.”
Ronon glowered at him. “Why didn’t you say so before I dislocated my shoulder?”
John merely smirked. “You wouldn’t have listened to me if I’d told you not to, so why bother? And your shoulder isn’t dislocated so let’s take a better look at this door and see if there’s an easier way to open it without bashing our brains in. McKay, maybe you could deign to help us. You know, use some of that brilliance you’re always touting to find a way to get it open.”
Rodney struggled to his feet and John tried to see out the small windows. He didn’t like the fact that Teyla wasn’t with them. Or that he couldn’t even remember how they’d gotten here. Maybe Teyla was just in another holding cell.
“Teyla? Can you hear me, Teyla?”
“Oh, please, Sheppard, must you yell?” McKay whined. “I’ve got a massive headache.”
“We all do, Rodney. Suck it up. Aren’t you even the tiniest bit concerned that Teyla isn’t here with us?”
“Of course I am,” McKay growled as he perused the mechanics of the door. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and she’ll be mistaken for some goddess and they’ll want her to rule their kingdom.”
John rolled his eyes, muttering, “Right.”
Sounds from outside echoed through the dark hallway, interrupting their examination of the door. They all moved back but stood ready to attack if need be. John threw a warning look at Ronon. “Let’s see what they want first before we start tackling anyone, okay, Big Guy?”
Ronon just grunted.
The door swung open and two large men stood in the doorway. They were dressed in short robes garnished with thick leather belts and chest plates. They wore sandals on their feet and carried lethal looking swords. The swords were pointed in the direction of the small stone room ... and the three men in it.
“Gentlemen,” John greeted amicably, giving them his best friendly smile. Ronon scowled and Rodney just looked petrified. “Seems we got off on the wrong foot. I’m not sure what exactly we did, but I’m sure we can work something out.”
“You must come with us,” the larger of the two stated emotionlessly. He moved out of the way and pointed down the hall with his sword.
John sighed and walked through. “That whole we-come-in-peace thing never works quite like it does in the movies.”
“So, uh, Spartacus,” John addressed the brute closest to him, “We had another friend with us when we got here, to your planet I mean. Pretty girl, dressed like us. You wouldn’t happen to know where she is, would you?”
“You will be presented to the council and the magistrate will let you know your new role here.”
“New role? No, no, no, no, no,” Rodney whined. “Uh, we’ve already got roles where we come from. We’re not looking for a new job, just to become friends if possible, share knowledge.”
“But it’s okay if you don’t want to share,” John added. “We’re happy to just collect our things and leave you fine folks alone. No harm done.”
The two guards remained silent, one in front and the other behind. John thought of rushing the one near him, knowing Ronon would catch on quick and take care of the one in the rear. But they still had no idea where Teyla was or what the situation was. There could be a whole platoon waiting up ahead for them, all armed with the lethal swords. He couldn’t risk it. And he’d never put Teyla in danger like that.
The dark corridor opened up to a large area that led to a variety of archways. Guards stood at each opening. Yup, good decision to wait it out.
The first guard indicated they should follow him through the largest door in the middle. John looked around, noting each of the doorways and tried to see what lay behind. Ronon was doing the exact same thing, only he seemed to be sizing up the man at each door as well.
They walked through the archway and John’s eyes widened at the size of the room. It was enormous. A dozen men and women sat on a raised section against one wall, all on elegantly carved and upholstered chairs. A dozen long benches with cushions lined the other walls and had hanging fabric draped artfully so the curtains could be lowered to provide the inhabitant privacy. A little daytime nap perhaps or did some people live in this room?
As they were herded over to the group of people, one of the older men stood up.
“Hi,” John greeted trying again for his most solicitous smile.
He was immediately pushed to the floor as the guard near him shouted, “Kneel before the magistrate! And do not speak until you are spoken to.”
John glanced over seeing Rodney comply right away but it took three guards to get Ronon down. John nodded at the big guy and he settled slightly.
John kept his head lowered in case staring was considered bad manners but lifted his eyes a tiny bit to see what was going on. The man who had stood was dressed in long purple robes with elaborate drapes across his shoulders and chest. He gazed scrupulously at the three of them then walked over to John.
“You are the leader of this group.”
It didn’t sound like a question but John nodded anyway. “Yeah, and I’d like to know the whereabouts of our other friend who was with us.” He needed to know Teyla was okay.
“Is she your personal slave?”
“Slave?” John looked up quickly and gritted his teeth. He hated when people believed in slavery. But he knew he needed to be careful what he said around them. Things could go FUBAR way too quickly if he said the wrong thing. “No, she’s not a slave. But she does belong with us and we have great respect for her. We also want to know that she’s all right.”
“She has not been touched by another, if that is your concern.” The man turned and motioned to someone else then turned back to John. “I am Dux Ducis, the magistrate here. And you are...?”
“Colonel John Sheppard. I’m the military commander of my people.” John didn’t know why he added that but he had a feeling this man respected authority and it might make things easier for them. “This is Ronon Dex and Dr. Rodney McKay.”
“Doctor ... I had wondered why one so ... soft... would be travelling with warriors. That answers my question.”
“Um, you still haven’t answered my question. Where is our friend?”
“She is on her way. One of her beauty must be properly prepared to be seen in the house of the council. It is not right to dress her as you have, though I assume it was for her safety, so she would not be claimed by others.”
John narrowed his eyes and gave a half nod. “Right.”
Several women entered the doorway across from the one they’d come in by. John stared and sure enough, Teyla was with them. She didn’t look happy but she didn’t seem hurt either. Relief surged through him.
“Teyla, you okay?” John called out and her eyes lit up when she saw him. He loved how she looked at him that way, like he was her hero. Hopefully in this case it would be true. He still hadn’t found out what these people wanted with them. The comment about roles earlier hadn’t made John feel all that comfortable.
Teyla smiled and nodded at him. “Yes, John, I am fine.”
John had to admit she looked more than fine. She looked amazing. She’d been changed into robes similar to the locals. Hers were a soft color that made her copper skin glow and John’s palms itched at the urge to touch it. The fabric draped across one shoulder leaving the other bare and it flowed down to the floor. A gold cord was wrapped under her breasts and wound around her waist almost to her hips. It showcased her figure almost more than her sparring outfit did, even though it contained much more fabric.
“I appreciate you decking her out so nice, but we really need to leave. Our people will be wondering where we are about now. If you’ll just return our things ...”
“You cannot leave us yet,” Ducis announced. “We have not spoken of how we may assist each other. Is that not the reason you came?”
John hesitated. So far it had seemed like they’d been taken prisoner and now the man wanted to talk trade. He wasn’t sure what to believe.
“Sure,” John answered skeptically gazing at his team, one by one. Rodney was still wearing the petrified look. Ronon’s scowl hadn’t disappeared at all and Teyla seemed nervous but her diplomatic smile appeared solidly in place.
Ducis stepped down from the raised section and motioned to a gathering of seats across the room. John paused and tilted his head at Ronon and Rodney. “I need my team with me.”
“We are not going far but I will allow you your entourage. Men of our standing demand the service of others. The large one is your bodyguard, I assume.”
John hated to relegate Ronon to that but wasn’t certain how Ducis would take it so he replied, “That’s one of his many talents. And I need McKay ...”
“Your advisor,” Ducis said. “I see that he is an academic. He may come too.”
“And Teyla,” John insisted. At the frown on the magistrate’s face, John continued, “She keeps me diplomatic. It’s best if she’s nearby.”
Ducis nodded to the women near Teyla and they moved to allow her to follow the men across the room. John noticed the swish of the fabric around her curves and his hands clenched searching for control. He needed all his faculties right now and having Teyla sit near him with this delicious outfit on might not be advantageous. He’d always been aware of her presence but he was even more so now with what she was wearing.
John and Ducis sat in the primary seats with Ronon and Rodney sitting to the sides. When Teyla approached Ducis nodded at the space on the small bench near John. Teyla nodded graciously and sat.
John didn’t like the way Ducis’ eyes travelled down Teyla’s figure. The smirk that grew on his face just made him boil. He needed to keep his head about him or this could all go south very quickly.
“You are a lucky man, Colonel John Sheppard, to own something of such exquisite beauty.” John felt Teyla stiffen beside him. He knew she would hate being thought of as property.
“I told you, she’s not ...”
“Your slave,” Ducis cut in. “Yes, I understand. But all women must be controlled by a guardian and so she belongs to you in this fashion. If she did not, I would find it very tempting to claim her for my own. My wife recently passed and I am searching for a new wife to service my needs.”
John looked down at Teyla who slipped her hand through his arm and squeezed it against her chest. She gazed up at him sweetly and John’s heart skipped a few beats. What was she doing? She squeezed his arm again and looked at Ducis.
“I wish you luck in your search, magistrate,” Teyla said demurely while clinging onto John’s arm tightly.
What was going on? There must be some reason she’d gone all submissive on him. Of course she’d been in the back room with the other ladies for a while. Maybe she’d learned something during that time that told her she needed to act this way. He’d just enjoy it for now. Usually she was beating the crap out of him.
“So,” John began, “Magistrate, what should we discuss? Maybe how we ended up here without remembering anything?”
“Please call me Ducis. And you shall be called ...?”
“Sheppard is fine. I’m wondering about our gear?”
“All in good time, Sheppard. For now we must partake of our midday meal. After that, you and your consort will be assigned one of the cubiles to use for the afternoon. We will begin discussion during evening meal.”
John turned his head in the direction the magistrate had pointed and saw he was indicating the small bed-like benches with the curtains. Great! They were expected to nap while in the middle of negotiations.
“I think we’re ...”
“Nonsense, you must be given the accoutrements of your status. Now for our meal.” Ducis clapped his hands and a dozen servants arrived with small tables and trays of food. Rodney looked eager finally but Ronon still grumbled. Teyla sat back allowing John to put some items on a plate.
“Aren’t you getting anything?” John asked, worried about her behavior.
“I must defer to you and eat only when you allow it,” Teyla whispered near his ear. “And we must keep up this pretense or I will be in grave danger. Please, John, I cannot protect myself from this and you cannot either.”
John picked up a piece of bread and dipped it in the wine sauce then moved it to Teyla’s lips. As she took a bite, John lowered his voice. “I’ll do whatever I need to, Teyla. Maybe when we have our little ... nap...” he cocked his head in the direction of the curtained benches, “you can fill me in a little more on what’s going on here.”
Teyla nodded her head and took another bite from the food in John’s hand. John continued to take a few bites and give Teyla some as well. Ducis watched them like a hawk, his eyes very interested in their movements.
As he held a piece of fruit for her to bite, he leaned over, blocking Ducis’ view. “You don’t need to worry, Teyla. I won’t let anybody hurt you. I promise.”
Her anxious eyes raised to his. “Thank you, John. That means everything to me. But you may not have a choice.”