Okay, in part because I want some honest opinions on the demeanors here (and in part because I love treating you and in part because I like hearing 'cool! cool!') here is another segment of Return to Pegasus, Part I.
This is the first time we see Teyla, and the scene follows the conference room meeting with the IOA. What do you think of Teyla in it? Is it canon enough? I'm trying to keep it in character and yet give her an edge...
This is the first time we see Teyla, and the scene follows the conference room meeting with the IOA. What do you think of Teyla in it? Is it canon enough? I'm trying to keep it in character and yet give her an edge...
Spoiler:
The doors to the Atlantis conference room swung open slowly, revealing a group of dour appearing IOA representatives, followed by John, Richard Woolsey and Rodney, who looked no happier than the Earth diplomats.
Teyla glanced up at Ronon, who met her gaze with seeming disinterestedness, though she knew Ronon well enough to know he bore feelings similar to hers.
Richard slowed to halt as he neared them, an already downcast appearance growing into a deeper frown. “Teyla. Ronon.â€
Behind him, John bit his lip and Rodney’s expression immediately became sympathetic, signs from two men she knew quite well that they did not wish to tell her what decisions had been made in the last meeting. Though, even without their obvious hints as to the proceedings of the talks, she would have been able to tell the IOA had not changed their position on Atlantis.
She found it difficult to form words; thankfully Ronon took the initiative. “Nothing?â€
“I’m afraid not.†Woolsey’s gaze was upon her face, not Ronon’s, with good reason. Ronon had already dedicated himself to remaining on Atlantis, and, though he would have much preferred being engaged in direct battle with the Wraith, his loyalty to the Expedition had not shifted.
She, too, had been forewarned of the possibilities she might face when travelling to the Milky Way. Yet, she had not anticipated that the difficulty would come from bureaucracy rather than power fluctuations or damage to the City. To know that it was impossible to return to her people would have been one hardship to bear. But to know nothing barred her way beyond rules and discussion was of a different matter.
“There’s supposed to be a representative from Homeworld Security visiting Atlantis sometime later in the week,†John said cautiously. “Apparently he…â€
“She,†interrupted Rodney. “It’s a...a she. Her.â€
“She,†John returned, throwing Rodney a glance, “will be the one making the determination as to whether Atlantis will be returning anytime soon to Pegasus.â€
“Or any of its residents,†Woolsey was quick to add. “But that may be another matter entirely. No one has really brought up what the position of Pegasus native inhabitants will be.â€
“It would seem obvious in one regard what they would like it to be,†Teyla said, gesturing to the Expedition uniforms she and Ronon both wore. The requirements of wearing Expedition gear had been a measure passed a few weeks back by the IOA contingent, targeted at she, Kanaan and Ronon.
“That was more for your protection than anything,†said John. “If we’re discovered…â€
“There will be a great deal more to explain to those who discover the existence of Atlantis than our clothing, John,†Teyla finished edgily.
“Teyla,†Woolsey began softly, “it is not as though they are keeping you here arbitrarily.â€
“I understand the need for the people of Earth to protect their planet and their people, Mr. Woolsey. That is not what I question. What I do not understand is their need to control the choices of those who should not concern them. Neither Kanaan nor myself will endanger the position of Atlantis on Earth. Allowing us to return to our homeworld—or at least contact them—will pose no threat…â€
“I’m afraid that’s not true,†said Richard. “There is no telling what the Wraith would do to try and learn the location of Atlantis and of Earth right now. I know these precautions are frustrating, but in the end they are for both your benefit and ours.â€
“There is no benefit to my people by my remaining here. That is all that concerns me.â€
“What about Torren? And Kanaan? If the Wraith discover you’ve returned to Pegasus, what might they do to them to learn about the location of Earth? These are things the IOA is taking into consideration.â€
Teyla drew in a breath, narrowing her eyes at him. “I would hope the people of this base would know me well enough by now to know the costs I would bear to ensure their safety. If they do not, then they do not understand me as well as I hoped.â€
John’s nostrils flared a little, his eyes flickering towards Richard, whose frown deepened. Teyla felt her frustration growing at his inability to speak. For as long as she had known them all, they had been kind, caring people, but with one small failing—they had never chosen her people, or the Pegasus galaxy, over their own, even in matters where their people made unwise decisions.
“When we first encountered your Expedition people here took a chance of us,†Ronon said. “That’s all Teyla’s asking for now.â€
“That was back in the days when we called the shots, buddy,†John replied in a soft tone. “And if it was just us…â€
“But it is not,†Teyla interrupted edgily. “And it appears from the ongoing nature of these discussions, it perhaps shall never be again.â€
John’s gaze dropped from her face to the floor, while Rodney’s expression drooped further.
Woolsey took a step closer, looking at her so intently she turned her face away. “All matters like these take time, Teyla. We haven’t forgotten you, or what this is costing you as leader of your people. Believe me. We are doing what we can to get you back to them. I promise.â€
“It has been nine months since I have seen them. If it takes any more time, I fear it will matter little how much is done. If there is anything left to return to.â€
She turned from them, unable to look upon John, Rodney or Richard at that moment. What she needed was the comfort of her family and what remained of her home.
Teyla glanced up at Ronon, who met her gaze with seeming disinterestedness, though she knew Ronon well enough to know he bore feelings similar to hers.
Richard slowed to halt as he neared them, an already downcast appearance growing into a deeper frown. “Teyla. Ronon.â€
Behind him, John bit his lip and Rodney’s expression immediately became sympathetic, signs from two men she knew quite well that they did not wish to tell her what decisions had been made in the last meeting. Though, even without their obvious hints as to the proceedings of the talks, she would have been able to tell the IOA had not changed their position on Atlantis.
She found it difficult to form words; thankfully Ronon took the initiative. “Nothing?â€
“I’m afraid not.†Woolsey’s gaze was upon her face, not Ronon’s, with good reason. Ronon had already dedicated himself to remaining on Atlantis, and, though he would have much preferred being engaged in direct battle with the Wraith, his loyalty to the Expedition had not shifted.
She, too, had been forewarned of the possibilities she might face when travelling to the Milky Way. Yet, she had not anticipated that the difficulty would come from bureaucracy rather than power fluctuations or damage to the City. To know that it was impossible to return to her people would have been one hardship to bear. But to know nothing barred her way beyond rules and discussion was of a different matter.
“There’s supposed to be a representative from Homeworld Security visiting Atlantis sometime later in the week,†John said cautiously. “Apparently he…â€
“She,†interrupted Rodney. “It’s a...a she. Her.â€
“She,†John returned, throwing Rodney a glance, “will be the one making the determination as to whether Atlantis will be returning anytime soon to Pegasus.â€
“Or any of its residents,†Woolsey was quick to add. “But that may be another matter entirely. No one has really brought up what the position of Pegasus native inhabitants will be.â€
“It would seem obvious in one regard what they would like it to be,†Teyla said, gesturing to the Expedition uniforms she and Ronon both wore. The requirements of wearing Expedition gear had been a measure passed a few weeks back by the IOA contingent, targeted at she, Kanaan and Ronon.
“That was more for your protection than anything,†said John. “If we’re discovered…â€
“There will be a great deal more to explain to those who discover the existence of Atlantis than our clothing, John,†Teyla finished edgily.
“Teyla,†Woolsey began softly, “it is not as though they are keeping you here arbitrarily.â€
“I understand the need for the people of Earth to protect their planet and their people, Mr. Woolsey. That is not what I question. What I do not understand is their need to control the choices of those who should not concern them. Neither Kanaan nor myself will endanger the position of Atlantis on Earth. Allowing us to return to our homeworld—or at least contact them—will pose no threat…â€
“I’m afraid that’s not true,†said Richard. “There is no telling what the Wraith would do to try and learn the location of Atlantis and of Earth right now. I know these precautions are frustrating, but in the end they are for both your benefit and ours.â€
“There is no benefit to my people by my remaining here. That is all that concerns me.â€
“What about Torren? And Kanaan? If the Wraith discover you’ve returned to Pegasus, what might they do to them to learn about the location of Earth? These are things the IOA is taking into consideration.â€
Teyla drew in a breath, narrowing her eyes at him. “I would hope the people of this base would know me well enough by now to know the costs I would bear to ensure their safety. If they do not, then they do not understand me as well as I hoped.â€
John’s nostrils flared a little, his eyes flickering towards Richard, whose frown deepened. Teyla felt her frustration growing at his inability to speak. For as long as she had known them all, they had been kind, caring people, but with one small failing—they had never chosen her people, or the Pegasus galaxy, over their own, even in matters where their people made unwise decisions.
“When we first encountered your Expedition people here took a chance of us,†Ronon said. “That’s all Teyla’s asking for now.â€
“That was back in the days when we called the shots, buddy,†John replied in a soft tone. “And if it was just us…â€
“But it is not,†Teyla interrupted edgily. “And it appears from the ongoing nature of these discussions, it perhaps shall never be again.â€
John’s gaze dropped from her face to the floor, while Rodney’s expression drooped further.
Woolsey took a step closer, looking at her so intently she turned her face away. “All matters like these take time, Teyla. We haven’t forgotten you, or what this is costing you as leader of your people. Believe me. We are doing what we can to get you back to them. I promise.â€
“It has been nine months since I have seen them. If it takes any more time, I fear it will matter little how much is done. If there is anything left to return to.â€
She turned from them, unable to look upon John, Rodney or Richard at that moment. What she needed was the comfort of her family and what remained of her home.
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