Categories > TV > Stargate: Atlantis > We Find a New Beginning...
The Mainland Beckons
0 ReviewsHelping the Satedan's relocate onto the mainland, the Atlantis personnel enjoy and evening's celebration.
CHAPTER 7 – THE MAINLAND BECKONS
The next three days were filled with activity. John was kept busy discovering the dubious joys of trying to complete a mission report that seemed to include more holes than swiss cheese, and flying workers back and forward to the mainland in order to begin building structures ready to house the Satedan refugees. Rodney and Zelenka kept a very close eye on the encroaching wraith hive ship and in between constant bickering, worked to increase the power generated by the city so that the full city shield would be operational when the hive ship arrived. Ronan and John's friendship began to forge and he spent much time on the mainland, assisting the Atlantis crew in erecting housing for his people. Cassie was put to use by Carson in the infirmary, when he discovered that she was not squeamish and seemed to make people feel comfortable with little effort, and spent a lot of time with the children, in particular Keisha who had formed a very strong bond with her.
On the evening of the third day, Cassie arrived in the cafeteria and dropped heavily into one of the chairs at a table where both Teyla and Carson were sitting, enjoying a late supper. “OK lass?” Carson noticed the dark circles under her eyes and saw that she had lost some weight since arriving in Atlantis, something she could ill afford to do. “Why don't you get yourself something to eat, a good wind will blow you away!”
Smiling at him, and enjoying his fine Scottish brogue and gentlemanly mannerisms Cassie replied “I'm fine Carson, just tired, as we all are. And not very hungry. But coffee? Now, that's another story!” Moving over to the self serve area for drinks, Cassie called back over her shoulder. “Where's John? I've barely seen him these past few days...”
Missing the smile that passed between Teyla and Carson, she busied herself making a coffee. It was Teyla who answered. “I believe he is in the children's room, something about a bedtime story?” Humour flashed across Cassie's face. “Now, that I have to see!” Turning back and making a second cup of coffee, she flashed a goodbye smile at Teyla and Carson and lightly walked from the room.
Approaching the room where the children had been housed, Cassie slowed her footsteps as she heard children's delighted shrieks of laughter and John's deep pitched voice in the background. She paused at the doorway with a smile on her face in time to hear a little boy ask “and what does Chewbacca look like?”
She waited to hear John's answer and her smiled widened at his reply. “He looks just like Ronan, enormous and hairy!” John's eyes sparkled as he warmed to his story. The same little boy asked. “And what does Han Solo look like?”
Cassie pushed away from the wall and entered the room, and answered before John could. “Why Kalen, he looks just like Colonel Sheppard. Strong and brave like Colonel Sheppard. And just like Colonel Sheppard, he can fly any ship in the galaxy!” Kalen's eyes were wide as saucers and he looked serious as he pondered her reply, then opened his mouth to ask another question. “And what does Princess Leia look like?”
John spoke up, his eyes focused only on Cassie. “She's kind, she's more beautiful than any other woman in the galaxy, she is also a fierce warrior...”
“And she has a really bad hairdresser!” finished Cassie. “And no Kalen, she doesn't look like anything like me!” Laughing, she stopped in front of John and handed him the second cup of coffee. “Please continue, Han Solo... this is just getting good...” She settled down on a pillow on the floor at his feet and rested her head back against his knees, closing her eyes and sipping her own coffee as his story flowed over her. He touched a hand lightly to her head then, and feeling her stillness, deepened his touch and tangling his fingers in her soft curls. A natural storyteller, he wove his spell over the children, telling them tales of the Star Wars family, and Cassie smiled, recognising that they must have played an integral part in his own childhood.
Some time later, one of the Satedan adults came to shoo the children along to bed, and John and Cassie did the rounds, saying goodnight to each of the children, Cassie stopping last to sit with Keisha.
“Toma says we have to go live somewhere new tomorrow. At the mainland?” Keisha's timid voice touched Cassie, and she took her tiny hands and brought them up to her face and kissed them. “It's a new adventure for you sweetheart, and I'll be able to come and visit you whenever you want me to.” The little girl's eyes were troubled. “Can't I just stay here with you? I don't want to leave you Cassie.” Choosing not to answer, Cassie dropped a kiss onto the little girl's forehead and smiling goodnight to her, rose and left the room.
John waited for her outside. “You can't keep her Cass. She needs to be with her own people.” His voice was gentle and his hand reached out to hold her back when she turned to walk away. 'Cass, you know I'm right. Don't make this harder on yourself.”
'What, John. Don't form attachments? Is that what you mean? You may find that easy, but for some of us, it is not so easy, so don't judge!”
“For Christ's sake Cassie, you have to harden up a little. I need you with me on the mainland tomorrow, helping get these people relocated. You're good with them, with the children. I need you with me.” Cassie paused, pondering his comments, then chose to launch herself down another path.
“Teach me to fly. Tomorrow. Before we leave.”
Shaking his head at her abrupt change in subject, he replied “Are you nuts? I can't just teach you to fly.”
“I have the gene, and I know you can only fly the jumpers if you have the gene. You taught Carson to fly and he had never flown before.” A little sulky now, and feeling an irrational turmoil inside her at the companionship they had shared for this past hour, she started to walk away, then paused and look back. “If you won't teach me, I'll get one of the others to... I know that Evan has the gene and he's gone out of his way to help me – I'm willing to bet that he would be more than happy to...”
John ground his teeth in frustration, torn between putting her over his knee and giving her a very hard swift smack to the rear, or wiping that petulant expression from her lips in another more pleasurable way. “Fine! Be at the jumper bay 7am sharp. Don't be late.” He closed the distance between them, glared down at her, thought better of what he really wanted to do, and frustrated and knowing that yet again she had gotten her way, he stomped off down the hallway, leaving Cassie very much the winner, yet again.
John woke up the next morning, feel irritable and frustrated, and rolling over to look at the clock, groaned, remembering that he had been coerced into giving flying lessons this morning. “Crap!” he muttered as he stood under the cold shower. “What is it with that damn woman? How did I get myself into this one?”
Snagging a large cup of coffee, he was not surprised to find the cafeteria nearly empty at this hour, and enjoying the quiet he took his coffee out to the balcony. Grateful for the caffeine and the brisk breeze that came in off the sea, he let both work out his irritation, then made his way up to the jumper bay.
He heard her before he saw her, her voice rose high and strong belting out the lyrics to a song that he recognised and he paused a moment to let it wash over him and just like that, the last of his irritation melted away. She was already in one of the jumpers, standing in the cockpit area near the pilot's chair, looking down at the controls and the song that she sung, came as naturally to her as reaching for a weapon did for him. She stopped mid line when she heard him enter and saw that her eyes held a sparkle this morning, and thought a little sourly, that she had obviously slept better than he did.
“So, flyboy. Are you ready for this? I'm excited! I've always wanted to fly, but never found the time to take flying lessons... my own personal private instructor, how cool!” No, he mentally amended, not a sparkle, a whole damn series of fireworks. He suspected his already stretched nerves where she was concerned, were going to be a lot more strung out by the end of this day.
At her, he arched his eyebrow. “Flyboy, huh? You know, most woman find 'flyboys' irresistible... just saying...” Oh, there was serious heat there, he thought to himself as he saw it flare in her eyes, then quickly bank down. Fireworks be damned. Out loud he said “OK, I'm gonna give you a run down on how to control this thing...”
He let her take the pilot's seat, and showed her, his large tanned hands on top of her tiny ones, where to place them and how to work the natural mind interface. The jumper had immediately sensed and accepted her presence in the pilot's seat and she could feel it quiver beneath her hands, but curiously enough, she found her gaze drawn to the fine dark hairs on the back of John's hands, and how they felt warm and safe, covering hers. As he leaned over her, his mouth was too close to hear ear and she felt her concentration slip, just a little. He noticed her hesitation and saw the flare again in her eyes. Oh yeah, he thought again. Serious heat...
The bay doors above had been opened, revealing the Lantian sky, blue and almost cloudless. “Take her up...” John's voice was a little husky, but he kept his hands firm on hers helping her work the mind interface and the jumper rose, wobbled just a little, then rose gracefully toward the waiting sky. She grinned and the air crackled with electricity and next minute she mentally 'floored' it and the jumper shot ahead, straight and true and John's grip slid from hers and he had to make himself grip her shoulders to avoid being shot backwards on his ass.
She had directed all that heat, all that fireworks into the mind interface and the jumper responded with it's own excitement. John leapt to his feet. “Woah! Hold it, slow things down a little, let's just go slowly in a straight line, until you get the hang of things...”
“Colonel Sheppard, I suggest you take the second seat and hold on...” giving him just time to do that, and one look at her face had all arguments on hold, then she put the jumper into a perfect, tight spin that had John grinning in spite of himself. “OK, now you're just showing off...” but he didn't stop her, just let her have her head, knowing as the ship itself did, that they were in no danger.
When they arrived back in the gate room there was some impromptu cheering from the technical staff that were on duty. Airman Boyle, a young engineer grinned at them. “That was some pretty fancy flying! We thought Colonel Sheppard had the controls, until you checked in! Woah Colonel, she certainly could give you a run for your money...” John gave a wry smile. “In more ways than you know, Airman”.
A little later, they began ferrying the refugees to the mainland. John denied Cassie's request to fly the jumper and was relieved when she settled comfortably into the second seat and seemed content to enjoy the view as they flew low over the ocean and watched the coastline emerge out of the blue.
“Look at those gorgeous beaches down there John. They rival anything we have on earth, and unspoilt by humans... so, I'm thinking maybe a picnic, an afternoon of surfing, maybe a little sunbathing...hmm?” John grinned in appreciation and the image of a tiny white bikini rose rather inappropriately in his mind. “Maybe someday... tonight I can give you a bonfire and cookout on the beach. The Athosians and Satedans are planning a celebration of their first night on the mainland and we've been invited to stay.”
A brilliant smile lit her face and he was reluctant to drag his graze away and back to the controls, thinking, men would promise her the moon, to see her smile at them like that.
The trip was short and John left the first group and Cassie behind, along with some of the equipment and provisions they had managed to fit onto the jumper, and departed to collect his next load. Cassie, understanding their loss worked hard alongside them throughout the day, moving family groups into completed dwellings, basic in structure but suffice to provide shelter from the elements. They would be improved and strengthened as time went on. Her permanent shadow, young Keisha, was ecstatic to spend a whole day with Cassie and she kept her busy with small simple tasks, designed to keep the young girl's mind off her parents.
The day, a beautiful one by any planet's standards, wound down to evening and the stars, so very different from those found in the earth night sky began their unearthly shimmer in the blackness of space and the smell of cooking food began to filter through the cooling evening air. John secured the jumper after completing his final run and wandered down to the beach, smelling the delicious smell of barbequeing meat.
“Colonel John!” A happy Keisha skipped up to him to hug him around his knees and feeling a natural affection for the newly orphaned girl, he picked her up and gave her a quick hug then lifted her high into the air, causing her to emit high pitched shrieks of laughter. From her position in front of a large cast iron pot, a gift to the Satedan people from the Athosians, Cassie busied herself stirring the thick game stew that had been simmering over the fire all day, made from the meat of an animal found on the mainland. She enjoyed the sight of John and Keisha together and smiled at Teyla as she came up beside her and laid a friendly hand on Cassie's arm. “Colonel Sheppard will make a wonderful father one day.”
Cassie's voice was thoughtful. “Yes Teyla... yes he will.” John placed Keisha high up on his shoulders and made his way over to the cooking area, stopping to drop a teasing kiss onto the top of Cassie's head. “Honey.. I”m home. What's for dinner?”
Cassie rolled her eyes at Keisha and the smiling Satedan's that had already gathered. “If we had been on earth... 'honey'.. you would have gotten your ears boxed for that sexist comment!” John ducked as she came at him swinging, causing the adults to laugh, and Keisha who was far too young to understand the joke, smiled anyway, happy to see her new friends laughing together, instead of angry at each other as they often seemed to be.
Rodney, who had joined one of the last trips over at the prospect of good food, was fascinated with the large lighning bugs that ducked and darted amongst the people, never landing, just adding a wonderful ambience to a lovely evening of food and new friendships. Elizabeth leaned back against a rock and looked upward. “Somewhere out there is a wraith ship headed our way.”
Teyla was as philosophical as always. “Yes, but for tonight we celebrate a new beginning for these people. It will still be there tomorrow.” She called across the flickering fire to Cassie. “Would you honour us with your voice tonight? It would sound particularly pleasing on this blessed night.”
Cassie, pleasantly full after pilfering most of John's platter was leaning against John with Keisha curled into her lap and in response she began singing a low soft ballad called 'Astronaut', particularly appropriate at this time and John sighed softly and let his eyes drift shut as the magic that was her voice, wound it's fingers over his consciousness.
Can anybody hear me?
Or am I talking to myself?
My mind is running empty
In the search for someone else
Who doesn't look right through me.
It's all just static in my head
Can anybody tell me why I'm lonely like a satellite?
'Cause tonight I'm feeling like an astronaut
Sending SOS from this tiny box
And I lost all signal when I lifted up
Now I'm stuck out here and the world forgot
Can I please come down?
'Cause I'm tired of drifting around and round
Can I please come down?
I'm deafened by the silence
Is it something that I've done?
I know that there are millions
I can't be the only one who's so disconnected
It's so different in my head.
Can anybody tell me why I'm lonely like a satellite?
'Cause tonight I'm feeling like an astronaut
Sending SOS from this tiny box
And I lost all signal when I lifted up
Now I'm stuck out here and the world forgot
Can I please come down?
'Cause I'm tired of drifting around and round
Can I please come down?
Now I lie awake and scream in a zero gravity
And it's starting to weigh down on me.
Let's abort this mission now
Can I please come down?
So tonight I'm calling all astronauts
All the lonely people that the world forgot
If you hear my voice come pick me up
Are you out there?
'Cause you're all I've got!
Can I please come down?
'Cause I'm tired of drifting round and round.
Can I please come down?
As the last note ended, John opened his eyes to look down at her beautiful face glowing in the flickering firelight, and felt such an ache inside that had his stomach clenching, and unbidden, his hand bent down to stroke her cheek. She leaned into his hand for that small greedy touch, then as one of the Satedan's picked up an instrument that resembled a guitar and started a lively song, she carefully placed Keisha in the sand and got up to dance in the moonlight. Easily picking up his lively beat, she threw back her head in sheer enjoyment at being here, on this new world, with these new friends, dancing to music that found it's way unerringly into her soul. Skillfully, the Satedan musician mellowed the mood and began the introduction to a slow ballad and when she opened her eyes, John had silently risen to stand in front of her, invitation and yearning in his eyes.
“May I have this dance?” A formal bow at her acceptance and she glided into his arms and then they were just one person, of no thought, but that one moment in time.
Teyla found herself holding her breath as she watched them, so in tune, one person, yet so unaware. Just for that one moment in time.
Just like that, the mood was broken, as one of the lightning bugs, who had been their constant companions throughout the evening, landed on Cassie's arm and stung her causing a sudden sharp pain. “Ouch” Her eyes flew open and she slapped at the offending bug causing it to buzz angrily away and John picked up her arm to hold it closer, a little surprised at the size of the sting. “Damn bugs! Worse than mosquitos.” He stepped away from her, feeling his axis tilt slightly and began the task of getting his people back to Atlantis.
Author's note: The song “Astronaut” is a Simple Plan song, and all credit is given to this wonderful band – thank you boys for the use of this beautiful song.
The next three days were filled with activity. John was kept busy discovering the dubious joys of trying to complete a mission report that seemed to include more holes than swiss cheese, and flying workers back and forward to the mainland in order to begin building structures ready to house the Satedan refugees. Rodney and Zelenka kept a very close eye on the encroaching wraith hive ship and in between constant bickering, worked to increase the power generated by the city so that the full city shield would be operational when the hive ship arrived. Ronan and John's friendship began to forge and he spent much time on the mainland, assisting the Atlantis crew in erecting housing for his people. Cassie was put to use by Carson in the infirmary, when he discovered that she was not squeamish and seemed to make people feel comfortable with little effort, and spent a lot of time with the children, in particular Keisha who had formed a very strong bond with her.
On the evening of the third day, Cassie arrived in the cafeteria and dropped heavily into one of the chairs at a table where both Teyla and Carson were sitting, enjoying a late supper. “OK lass?” Carson noticed the dark circles under her eyes and saw that she had lost some weight since arriving in Atlantis, something she could ill afford to do. “Why don't you get yourself something to eat, a good wind will blow you away!”
Smiling at him, and enjoying his fine Scottish brogue and gentlemanly mannerisms Cassie replied “I'm fine Carson, just tired, as we all are. And not very hungry. But coffee? Now, that's another story!” Moving over to the self serve area for drinks, Cassie called back over her shoulder. “Where's John? I've barely seen him these past few days...”
Missing the smile that passed between Teyla and Carson, she busied herself making a coffee. It was Teyla who answered. “I believe he is in the children's room, something about a bedtime story?” Humour flashed across Cassie's face. “Now, that I have to see!” Turning back and making a second cup of coffee, she flashed a goodbye smile at Teyla and Carson and lightly walked from the room.
Approaching the room where the children had been housed, Cassie slowed her footsteps as she heard children's delighted shrieks of laughter and John's deep pitched voice in the background. She paused at the doorway with a smile on her face in time to hear a little boy ask “and what does Chewbacca look like?”
She waited to hear John's answer and her smiled widened at his reply. “He looks just like Ronan, enormous and hairy!” John's eyes sparkled as he warmed to his story. The same little boy asked. “And what does Han Solo look like?”
Cassie pushed away from the wall and entered the room, and answered before John could. “Why Kalen, he looks just like Colonel Sheppard. Strong and brave like Colonel Sheppard. And just like Colonel Sheppard, he can fly any ship in the galaxy!” Kalen's eyes were wide as saucers and he looked serious as he pondered her reply, then opened his mouth to ask another question. “And what does Princess Leia look like?”
John spoke up, his eyes focused only on Cassie. “She's kind, she's more beautiful than any other woman in the galaxy, she is also a fierce warrior...”
“And she has a really bad hairdresser!” finished Cassie. “And no Kalen, she doesn't look like anything like me!” Laughing, she stopped in front of John and handed him the second cup of coffee. “Please continue, Han Solo... this is just getting good...” She settled down on a pillow on the floor at his feet and rested her head back against his knees, closing her eyes and sipping her own coffee as his story flowed over her. He touched a hand lightly to her head then, and feeling her stillness, deepened his touch and tangling his fingers in her soft curls. A natural storyteller, he wove his spell over the children, telling them tales of the Star Wars family, and Cassie smiled, recognising that they must have played an integral part in his own childhood.
Some time later, one of the Satedan adults came to shoo the children along to bed, and John and Cassie did the rounds, saying goodnight to each of the children, Cassie stopping last to sit with Keisha.
“Toma says we have to go live somewhere new tomorrow. At the mainland?” Keisha's timid voice touched Cassie, and she took her tiny hands and brought them up to her face and kissed them. “It's a new adventure for you sweetheart, and I'll be able to come and visit you whenever you want me to.” The little girl's eyes were troubled. “Can't I just stay here with you? I don't want to leave you Cassie.” Choosing not to answer, Cassie dropped a kiss onto the little girl's forehead and smiling goodnight to her, rose and left the room.
John waited for her outside. “You can't keep her Cass. She needs to be with her own people.” His voice was gentle and his hand reached out to hold her back when she turned to walk away. 'Cass, you know I'm right. Don't make this harder on yourself.”
'What, John. Don't form attachments? Is that what you mean? You may find that easy, but for some of us, it is not so easy, so don't judge!”
“For Christ's sake Cassie, you have to harden up a little. I need you with me on the mainland tomorrow, helping get these people relocated. You're good with them, with the children. I need you with me.” Cassie paused, pondering his comments, then chose to launch herself down another path.
“Teach me to fly. Tomorrow. Before we leave.”
Shaking his head at her abrupt change in subject, he replied “Are you nuts? I can't just teach you to fly.”
“I have the gene, and I know you can only fly the jumpers if you have the gene. You taught Carson to fly and he had never flown before.” A little sulky now, and feeling an irrational turmoil inside her at the companionship they had shared for this past hour, she started to walk away, then paused and look back. “If you won't teach me, I'll get one of the others to... I know that Evan has the gene and he's gone out of his way to help me – I'm willing to bet that he would be more than happy to...”
John ground his teeth in frustration, torn between putting her over his knee and giving her a very hard swift smack to the rear, or wiping that petulant expression from her lips in another more pleasurable way. “Fine! Be at the jumper bay 7am sharp. Don't be late.” He closed the distance between them, glared down at her, thought better of what he really wanted to do, and frustrated and knowing that yet again she had gotten her way, he stomped off down the hallway, leaving Cassie very much the winner, yet again.
John woke up the next morning, feel irritable and frustrated, and rolling over to look at the clock, groaned, remembering that he had been coerced into giving flying lessons this morning. “Crap!” he muttered as he stood under the cold shower. “What is it with that damn woman? How did I get myself into this one?”
Snagging a large cup of coffee, he was not surprised to find the cafeteria nearly empty at this hour, and enjoying the quiet he took his coffee out to the balcony. Grateful for the caffeine and the brisk breeze that came in off the sea, he let both work out his irritation, then made his way up to the jumper bay.
He heard her before he saw her, her voice rose high and strong belting out the lyrics to a song that he recognised and he paused a moment to let it wash over him and just like that, the last of his irritation melted away. She was already in one of the jumpers, standing in the cockpit area near the pilot's chair, looking down at the controls and the song that she sung, came as naturally to her as reaching for a weapon did for him. She stopped mid line when she heard him enter and saw that her eyes held a sparkle this morning, and thought a little sourly, that she had obviously slept better than he did.
“So, flyboy. Are you ready for this? I'm excited! I've always wanted to fly, but never found the time to take flying lessons... my own personal private instructor, how cool!” No, he mentally amended, not a sparkle, a whole damn series of fireworks. He suspected his already stretched nerves where she was concerned, were going to be a lot more strung out by the end of this day.
At her, he arched his eyebrow. “Flyboy, huh? You know, most woman find 'flyboys' irresistible... just saying...” Oh, there was serious heat there, he thought to himself as he saw it flare in her eyes, then quickly bank down. Fireworks be damned. Out loud he said “OK, I'm gonna give you a run down on how to control this thing...”
He let her take the pilot's seat, and showed her, his large tanned hands on top of her tiny ones, where to place them and how to work the natural mind interface. The jumper had immediately sensed and accepted her presence in the pilot's seat and she could feel it quiver beneath her hands, but curiously enough, she found her gaze drawn to the fine dark hairs on the back of John's hands, and how they felt warm and safe, covering hers. As he leaned over her, his mouth was too close to hear ear and she felt her concentration slip, just a little. He noticed her hesitation and saw the flare again in her eyes. Oh yeah, he thought again. Serious heat...
The bay doors above had been opened, revealing the Lantian sky, blue and almost cloudless. “Take her up...” John's voice was a little husky, but he kept his hands firm on hers helping her work the mind interface and the jumper rose, wobbled just a little, then rose gracefully toward the waiting sky. She grinned and the air crackled with electricity and next minute she mentally 'floored' it and the jumper shot ahead, straight and true and John's grip slid from hers and he had to make himself grip her shoulders to avoid being shot backwards on his ass.
She had directed all that heat, all that fireworks into the mind interface and the jumper responded with it's own excitement. John leapt to his feet. “Woah! Hold it, slow things down a little, let's just go slowly in a straight line, until you get the hang of things...”
“Colonel Sheppard, I suggest you take the second seat and hold on...” giving him just time to do that, and one look at her face had all arguments on hold, then she put the jumper into a perfect, tight spin that had John grinning in spite of himself. “OK, now you're just showing off...” but he didn't stop her, just let her have her head, knowing as the ship itself did, that they were in no danger.
When they arrived back in the gate room there was some impromptu cheering from the technical staff that were on duty. Airman Boyle, a young engineer grinned at them. “That was some pretty fancy flying! We thought Colonel Sheppard had the controls, until you checked in! Woah Colonel, she certainly could give you a run for your money...” John gave a wry smile. “In more ways than you know, Airman”.
A little later, they began ferrying the refugees to the mainland. John denied Cassie's request to fly the jumper and was relieved when she settled comfortably into the second seat and seemed content to enjoy the view as they flew low over the ocean and watched the coastline emerge out of the blue.
“Look at those gorgeous beaches down there John. They rival anything we have on earth, and unspoilt by humans... so, I'm thinking maybe a picnic, an afternoon of surfing, maybe a little sunbathing...hmm?” John grinned in appreciation and the image of a tiny white bikini rose rather inappropriately in his mind. “Maybe someday... tonight I can give you a bonfire and cookout on the beach. The Athosians and Satedans are planning a celebration of their first night on the mainland and we've been invited to stay.”
A brilliant smile lit her face and he was reluctant to drag his graze away and back to the controls, thinking, men would promise her the moon, to see her smile at them like that.
The trip was short and John left the first group and Cassie behind, along with some of the equipment and provisions they had managed to fit onto the jumper, and departed to collect his next load. Cassie, understanding their loss worked hard alongside them throughout the day, moving family groups into completed dwellings, basic in structure but suffice to provide shelter from the elements. They would be improved and strengthened as time went on. Her permanent shadow, young Keisha, was ecstatic to spend a whole day with Cassie and she kept her busy with small simple tasks, designed to keep the young girl's mind off her parents.
The day, a beautiful one by any planet's standards, wound down to evening and the stars, so very different from those found in the earth night sky began their unearthly shimmer in the blackness of space and the smell of cooking food began to filter through the cooling evening air. John secured the jumper after completing his final run and wandered down to the beach, smelling the delicious smell of barbequeing meat.
“Colonel John!” A happy Keisha skipped up to him to hug him around his knees and feeling a natural affection for the newly orphaned girl, he picked her up and gave her a quick hug then lifted her high into the air, causing her to emit high pitched shrieks of laughter. From her position in front of a large cast iron pot, a gift to the Satedan people from the Athosians, Cassie busied herself stirring the thick game stew that had been simmering over the fire all day, made from the meat of an animal found on the mainland. She enjoyed the sight of John and Keisha together and smiled at Teyla as she came up beside her and laid a friendly hand on Cassie's arm. “Colonel Sheppard will make a wonderful father one day.”
Cassie's voice was thoughtful. “Yes Teyla... yes he will.” John placed Keisha high up on his shoulders and made his way over to the cooking area, stopping to drop a teasing kiss onto the top of Cassie's head. “Honey.. I”m home. What's for dinner?”
Cassie rolled her eyes at Keisha and the smiling Satedan's that had already gathered. “If we had been on earth... 'honey'.. you would have gotten your ears boxed for that sexist comment!” John ducked as she came at him swinging, causing the adults to laugh, and Keisha who was far too young to understand the joke, smiled anyway, happy to see her new friends laughing together, instead of angry at each other as they often seemed to be.
Rodney, who had joined one of the last trips over at the prospect of good food, was fascinated with the large lighning bugs that ducked and darted amongst the people, never landing, just adding a wonderful ambience to a lovely evening of food and new friendships. Elizabeth leaned back against a rock and looked upward. “Somewhere out there is a wraith ship headed our way.”
Teyla was as philosophical as always. “Yes, but for tonight we celebrate a new beginning for these people. It will still be there tomorrow.” She called across the flickering fire to Cassie. “Would you honour us with your voice tonight? It would sound particularly pleasing on this blessed night.”
Cassie, pleasantly full after pilfering most of John's platter was leaning against John with Keisha curled into her lap and in response she began singing a low soft ballad called 'Astronaut', particularly appropriate at this time and John sighed softly and let his eyes drift shut as the magic that was her voice, wound it's fingers over his consciousness.
Can anybody hear me?
Or am I talking to myself?
My mind is running empty
In the search for someone else
Who doesn't look right through me.
It's all just static in my head
Can anybody tell me why I'm lonely like a satellite?
'Cause tonight I'm feeling like an astronaut
Sending SOS from this tiny box
And I lost all signal when I lifted up
Now I'm stuck out here and the world forgot
Can I please come down?
'Cause I'm tired of drifting around and round
Can I please come down?
I'm deafened by the silence
Is it something that I've done?
I know that there are millions
I can't be the only one who's so disconnected
It's so different in my head.
Can anybody tell me why I'm lonely like a satellite?
'Cause tonight I'm feeling like an astronaut
Sending SOS from this tiny box
And I lost all signal when I lifted up
Now I'm stuck out here and the world forgot
Can I please come down?
'Cause I'm tired of drifting around and round
Can I please come down?
Now I lie awake and scream in a zero gravity
And it's starting to weigh down on me.
Let's abort this mission now
Can I please come down?
So tonight I'm calling all astronauts
All the lonely people that the world forgot
If you hear my voice come pick me up
Are you out there?
'Cause you're all I've got!
Can I please come down?
'Cause I'm tired of drifting round and round.
Can I please come down?
As the last note ended, John opened his eyes to look down at her beautiful face glowing in the flickering firelight, and felt such an ache inside that had his stomach clenching, and unbidden, his hand bent down to stroke her cheek. She leaned into his hand for that small greedy touch, then as one of the Satedan's picked up an instrument that resembled a guitar and started a lively song, she carefully placed Keisha in the sand and got up to dance in the moonlight. Easily picking up his lively beat, she threw back her head in sheer enjoyment at being here, on this new world, with these new friends, dancing to music that found it's way unerringly into her soul. Skillfully, the Satedan musician mellowed the mood and began the introduction to a slow ballad and when she opened her eyes, John had silently risen to stand in front of her, invitation and yearning in his eyes.
“May I have this dance?” A formal bow at her acceptance and she glided into his arms and then they were just one person, of no thought, but that one moment in time.
Teyla found herself holding her breath as she watched them, so in tune, one person, yet so unaware. Just for that one moment in time.
Just like that, the mood was broken, as one of the lightning bugs, who had been their constant companions throughout the evening, landed on Cassie's arm and stung her causing a sudden sharp pain. “Ouch” Her eyes flew open and she slapped at the offending bug causing it to buzz angrily away and John picked up her arm to hold it closer, a little surprised at the size of the sting. “Damn bugs! Worse than mosquitos.” He stepped away from her, feeling his axis tilt slightly and began the task of getting his people back to Atlantis.
Author's note: The song “Astronaut” is a Simple Plan song, and all credit is given to this wonderful band – thank you boys for the use of this beautiful song.
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