Light. Dark. Light. Dark. Light. Dark. Light. Dark.

The same pattern kept happening over and over again.

Every time Teyla tried to open her eyes she would see light then everything would go dark again.

Her eyelids felt heavy like weights had been placed on them making it even more difficult to open them. The constant effort of trying to open her eyes was making her feel more tired.

Instead of trying to open her eyes she decided to just listen and see if she could hear anything that would give her some kind of clue as to what was happening or where she was.

She could hear sounds. They sounded muffled and far away. She could make out that it was people talking but not the words they were saying.

Her mind felt like it was crawling through mud. It was taking her way too long to process things.

Since trying to concentrating on everything around her was difficult, she decided to focus on one thing. It didn't take her mind long to latch on something. It was the one thing that always centered her, always made her feel safe, and loved.

It was John.

The more she focused on his voice the easier it became to pull herself out of the dense fog her mind was in.

When she finally able to open her eyes she looked for John. Once her eyes fell upon him she tried to call out to him.

"J...oh..n" was all she could get out due to her throat being dry.

He hadn't heard her so she tried once again.

"John." she croaked out louder.

That time she knew he heard her when he whipped his head around towards where she lay.

John immediately went to her side. He grabbed her hand and held it in his own. He kissed her forehead then placed a feather soft kiss to her lips.

Teyla closed eyes at the feeling and was once again glad that this man was in her life.

When she opened her eyes she was met with eyes that were filled with love and worry.

"Quit scaring me, ok." he said smiling down at her.

"No, promises but, I will try."

"That's all I ask for."

When Teyla tried to speak again she coughed from her throat being so dry. Before she could ask John had a glass of water ready for her. The cold liquid felt good going down her throat.

"Can you tell me what you remember?"

Teyla placed her water on the tray next to her then took a moment to answer.

"I do not really remember too much. It is all a blur. The last thing I can recall was Derayas raising his voice at me and then..."

John watched as Teyla stopped talking in mid sentence. She had this glazed look over her face. He called out to her twice. When she didn't answer him he started to worry. He reached out and touched her shoulder. As soon as his fingers grazed her skin she started to blink and come out of what ever trance she was in.

"You, ok? I lost you there for a second."

Teyla slightly smiled at him.

"Yes, I am fine. I do not know what happened just now."

"You blanked out for a second when I asked if you remembered what happened."

"All I can remember is Derayas and his anger towards me. I already was not feeling too well and he was not helping. I tried to get away from him but he kept following me and then I felt something."

"What did you feel?

"It felt like a nudge. Then a push. It was like something was trying to take over."

"Well we figured out what that something was."

"What was it?"

"Maihari. Ronan said she came when she felt Derayas' hostility towards you. The force you felt was her trying to take over. She just couldn't get through because those mental blocks you have are strong. She only got through because your body was so tired."

Teyla took in John's words and suddenly remembered the last time Maihari appeared.

"I did not hurt any one did I?"

"No, no. You didn't. Although I think she should have kicked Derayas's ass."

"Unnecessary violence solves nothing John." No matter how much they deserve it. Teyla saying the last part in her head.

"So, you don't think she should've kicked his ass?" John said with a smirk.

Teyla tilted her head to the side and smiled.

"What is it you say on your world? I plead the 5th."

John laughed at Teyla and she too joined in.

"I'll take that as a yes."

After the laughter died down and Teyla's head felt a little clearer it was then that she notice that it was just her and John in the room.

"The others are next door and Campbell's..."

"She's fine. I know." Teyla interrupted.

"How do you know? Is it that bond thingy you two share?"

"Yes, it is that bond thingy as you call it. For some reason I can use it without even thinking now. I can feel her just as much as I can feel you holding my hand. I know that she is awake and she now knows I am as well. Although, I do feel she is a bit agitated about something"

"Agitated?"

Just as Teyla was about to explain further the room door opened and the reason for Danielle's agitation became clear.

"I can walk on my own Ronan! I don't need to be in a wheel chair." Danielle said with her arms folded across her chest.

Teyla chuckled because in that moment Danielle looked more like an angry child than a Major in the military.

Ronon seemed unmoved by her crossed arms and now pouty face.

"Doctor said you need to be off your feet for a few. So, this counts as off your feet. When they clear you, you clear the chair."

Ronan could see that she was about to be defiant and get up anyway so, he decided to pull out the big guns.

"What would Lorne say if he saw you trying to get up out of this chair?"

Danielle turned around and glared at Ronon. He knew that once she heard Lorne's name that she would immediately cooperate.

"Just had to go there didn't you?"

"Lorne said to watch out for you. That's what I'm doing."

"Ronon, just keep driving Miss Daisy over here." John said with a chuckle.

"Who's Miss Daisy?" Ronon said pushing Danielle towards Teyla.

"The Colonel's just trying to be funny. Emphasis on trying." Danielle said.

As Ronon was wheeling Danielle over, a chipper looking Rodney walked in behind them.

"Well look who finally decided to show up? John said.

"I got here as soon as I heard. I've been at the site all this time."

"With Mina?" John teased

"Yes, with Mi..I mean Dr. Sona." Rodney said

Before John could tease Rodney anymore Teyla asked if Rodney found anything.

"Well, we did find some information but not a lot. Our time was cut short."

"Why was it cut short? John asked

"Tollara." Rodney said while rolling his eyes

"Tollara? What did he do?" Danielle asked

"The ceremony which he said would be short to bless us before we entered took longer than it should according to Mi..Dr. Sona."

"How long did she say it usually last?" John asked

"She said it usually is less than five minutes since she and her teams have been going in on a daily basis. This time it took an hour. She said that they are only usually this formal when it has to do with a celebration. Once all the hoopla was done that left us with only thirty minutes before it became to dangerous for us to stay."

"I know the stay was short but did you find anything?" John asked

"Yeah, I did find some more information on the technology used to amplify the sisters power but there is still some information missing. A huge chunk of data is still missing. I'm hoping we can get to it tomorrow. Now, what's going on with you two?"

"Same thing that happened to Campbell happened to Teyla." John said

"Maihairi showed up? How did that happen? Where you two sparring again?"

"No. Teyla had a run in with not so friendly guy and Maihairi showed up to put the guy in his place." John said

"Did she say anything?" Rodney asked

"Only that the ceremony needed to be soon." Teyla said

"When is that by the way?" Rodney asked

"Your guess is as good as ours. I haven't seen anyone other than nurse's or doctors. Have you?" Danielle asked Teyla

"No. I have not. Perhaps we should.."

Before Teyla could finish her thought the chimes on the door went off. A few moments later Tollara walked in and it took everything John had including biting his tongue to keep from groaning out loud. Right behind him was Collar who waived at everyone and said hello, unlike Tollara who walked in more like he owned the place.

"Teyla, Major Campbell, it does my heart good to see you both well again. The doctors tell me that both of you can be discharged as soon as you are ready to leave."

"That would be now. I'm ready to leave the comfort of this chair." Danielle said

"As I am ready to leave this bed." Teyla said

"Well, before you leave we have things to discuss and I have visitors that have been quite eager to see you."

"Can they wait until we have these two ready to go?" John asked not wanting to stay in this room with Tollara one minute longer than he had to.

"Normally I would said yes but, they were quite insistent on coming here. Rudely insistent." Tollara bristled at the thought of how rude one of the visitors was to him. He had a good mind to keep that person away but he had to remain in Teyla and Campbell's good graces if his plan was to work.

"I like them already." John whispered to Teyla which earned him a quiet giggle from Teyla.

"It will be worth it, Colonel." Collar said then exited the room to get the mystery guests.

A moment later the door open and in walked a smiling Carson.

"Carson! Good to see you, buddy." John said walking over and giving him a pat on the back.

"Good to see you too, Colonel. I couldn't stay away once I found out my favorite patients were in need of assistance."

"I assure you doctor they had the finest care." Tollara said

"I'm sure they did but, we'll just let the Doc have a look see just to make sure."

Everyone turned to the door and there stood Lorne.

Once Evan made eye contact with Danielle who would have hopped out of her wheel chair if she wasn't being held down by Ronan's strong arms he headed straight for her.

He kneeled down in front of her and pulled her into his embrace. He had no idea how upside down his world was without her until he felt her in his arms and everything was right again.

Evan reluctantly pulled back and took a good look at his girl.

"I leave you alone for less then a day and you fall apart with out me?" Evan joked

"You're my glue." Danielle said looking at Evan

God, she loved this man and was so happy that he was here and by her side.

"Glad you made it to the party, Lorne." John said to his second in command.

"Good to be here, sir." Lorne said nodding his head at John

"Well, now that you all have been reunited, why don't we discuss what really has brought us here." Tollara said

"The ceremony." Teyla said

"Yes, the ceremony." Tollara said with smile that made both Teyla and Danielle shiver.

"I was hoping to have the ceremony after the dinner that Councilman Micca wanted but this latest incident has forced our timetable forward. We will hold the ceremony with in the hour."

"That soon?" Danielle asked

"I'm afraid so, Major. The doctors don't believe your bodies can handle another visit from the sisters. You both were very weak when you came in and it took longer to heal you. Therefore, it has become necessary to begin preparations for the ceremony."

"You still haven't told us what the ceremony involves?" John asked

"No, I have not because it is none of your concern." Tollara sneered.

"If it concerns my people then it does concerns me." John countered.

Sensing an argument about to start between his mentor and the Colonel, Collar jumped in.

"I know that the ceremony takes time to prepare so if the Colonel and the others don't mind I can go over everything that is going to happen. If it is alright with you Colonel and the Councilman?"

"I think my people and I are good with that." John said

"I am in agreement as well but, Collar I'd like a word outside. I shall take my leave of you then and see you all in an hour. Glory and honor to you all." Tollara said with a fake smile and a bow then exited the room.

"Excuse me, for one moment." Collar said as he followed Tollara out the door.

"I'd like to tell that guy where he can stick his glory and honor." John said

"I'm right there with you, sir." Lorne said

"I understand your feelings John, but it seems for now that we have to trust him and go through the ceremony." Teyla said

"How do we even know what he is saying is true? I mean I know Maihairi said the ceremony needs to be done soon but this soon? Carson, was he right about the doctors?" John asked

"Unfortunately, he's right about that. I spoke to your doctors and looked at the charts myself. Your bodies definitely can't sustain another visit from the sisters and since we are on that topic there is another thing you both need to know..." Carson was about to continue when Collar came back inside.

"I am sorry for the delay. The Councilman wanted to make sure that I was very thorough on my explanation of what the ceremony is to detail. If you are all ready I can begin." Collar stated.

"We're ready when you are Collar." John said.

"Very well, Colonel. Ladies, you will be escorted back to your room where you will change and be bathed..."

"Bathed?!" Teyla and Danielle both question in unison.

"Yes, it is a part of the ceremony and tradition. I assure you there will be no men in the room."

"There better not be." John said.

"There will not be, Colonel. No man, is allowed to enter the chambers of either sister until they have been fully bathed and clothed. Once that is done I will escort them to the la'skoo."

"What is a la la.."Evan started to ask

"La'skoo. It means place of chamber of change. Once inside Tollara will begin the ceremony. The stones of each sister will placed on your heads and then you will be put into a deep meditation. Once you are fully under you will make your sa'a'dun to the sisters."

"Our what?" Danielle asked

"It pronounced sa-ah-dune. It means journey." Rodney said

"What will this sa'a'dun be like?" Teyla asked

"I do not know because each journey is different for each person. What you see will be different from what Major Campbell sees. I can tell you that the experience will leave you changed and fulfilled." Collar said

"Will we be able to see them before they go in that la la thing?" John asked

"Of course. I am sure they both wish for you to accompany them."

"I would very much like for John to be there." Teyla said

"I want Evan there as well. I think all of our team should be there."

"I will make the necessary preparations. I believe the doctors have cleared you both so when you are ready please let the doctor know and you both will be taken straight to your quarters. If there is nothing further, I will take my leave and return once the transports are here."

Just as Collar made it to the door John spoke up.

"I have a question."

Collar felt his heart drop when he heard John say he had a question. He hoped it was something he didn't have to lie about. He truly liked all the people in this room and wished them no harm but he had a duty to perform and as Tollara kept telling him, two lives meant nothing when a whole world was at stake. The more he thought about those words the worse they sounded to him. He took a deep breath and turned to face his new friends and hoped that the lies he might possible tell not show through.

"I will try my best to answer any questions you have, Colonel."

"Will this ceremony change either Teyla or Campbell in anyway?"

"No. It will not. Their bodies will not be harmed in anyway. Did you have any further concerns?" Collar said quickly. Which did not go unnoticed by the others in the room.

"No, Collar. Thank you. Would you please tell the doctors Danielle and I are ready to leave." Teyla said

"I will be more than happy too."

As soon as Collar left the room he quickly let the doctors know that Teyla and Danielle were ready to leave. He then moved as fast as his legs could carry him outside. He needed the fresh air to fill his lungs and relieve the burn from the lies he just breathed out.

Back in the room the other were discussing what Collar wasn't saying.

"He's definitely hiding something."Lorne said

"Yeah, he is. The real question is why is he hiding it? Rodney asked.

"I don't even know if it matters anymore. I mean say if we do find out they are lying about something it seems like it won't matter because this farce of a show must go on." Danielle said.

"Aye. We may not be able to stop it but perhaps we can slow it down." Carson said.

"What do you mean?" John asked.

"I was hoping to discuss this at a better time. Truth is that's the one thing we are in short supply of." Carson said

"I'll keep it as short and as simple as possible. The blood test I ran on both of you before you left showed a significant change in your DNA structure. It showed that you're both slowly becoming more Naharran."

"More Naharran?! How the hell did we miss this?!"John practically yelled

"John, please let Carson finish." Teyla said then slipped her hand inside John's. She was angry at what she heard too but she needed him to be calm so they could all think of a plan.

"From what I can tell at least 10% of your DNA is now Naharran." Carson said

"How did this happen?" Teyla asked

"I don't know. My theory is that each time the sisters visited you and your powers awakened, it also activated the dormant cells inside of you that are Naharran. Once activated they began to slowly rewrite your DNA."

"So, the ceremony will do what? Speed up the process and make us 100% Naharran? Danielle asked

"I wish I could give a more definitive answer. The test I ran so far indicate that there is a good chance that your DNA could change to at least 50% Naharran by the end of the week if things stay the same."

"Please tell there is some good news buried in all of this doom and gloom." Danielle said

"Yes, I think I've come up with a way suppress the change for now."

"You came up with an inhibitor? Like the one Sheppard had for the Iratis bug and Micheal." Rodney said.

"Yes, exactly." Carson said

"I see only one problem with this whole scenario and that is with the inhibitor itself. We don't know what suppressing that change may do. We've already seen what waiting can do. Their power increases and becomes uncontrollable. How do we know we won't be making them a ticking time bomb that could go off at any moment and take out whatever or whoever is around them?" Rodney said

"So, what are you saying? That we let them go through the ceremony and risk the chance that they become 100% Naharran?! Who the hell side are you on Rodney?" John asked angrily.

"Awe c'mon Shepard. You know exactly who's side I'm on. I don't want to see either of my friends be changed against their will but if we are going to go through with this plan than we have to look at all the variables!"

"Screw variables!" John bellowed

"ENOUGH!" Teyla boomed

"This bickering is getting us know no where. Now, John I know you are upset but Rodney was right to bring up the problems that he did. They need to be factored into any decision Danielle and I make."

"Look, I already think we are being screwed over here. We came to help and have been lied to ever since we arrived. Rodney raised some valuable points that can't be ignored. I don't know if the inhibitor will help or make the problem worse. What I do know is that if there is anyway to slow down the process and finally feel like I have a say in what is going on in my life than I'm taking it." Danielle said

Evan looked at Danielle and could see she was scared. He grabbed her band ad kissed the back of it letting her know he was there for and any decision she made.

John turned to Teyla and silently asked her with his eyes what her decision was. She smiled at him and he knew her answer was the same as Campbells.

"You sure about this?" he asked

"Yes, John. I am. Like Danielle, I feel like this is the best course of action. Carson, how soon can you have the inhibitor ready?"

"I have two ready to go now. If...all goes well then I can return to Atlantis and have more made. It should only take a few hours to prepare."

"Then let us begin before Collar returns." Teyla said

"Now, I will warn you both. You're going to feel a little tired because of the dosage. You both recovering won't alert the others that anything is wrong with you."

Carson then gave Teyla and Danielle their injections and waited to see how they felt.

Danielle immediately felt light headed could see Teyla was feeling the same. It was then that Collar walked back in to the room with a nurse.

He looked at Teyla and Danielle and noticed both woman looked different from when left them.

"Are you both alright?"

Teyla quickly answered.

"We are fine, Collar. Just a bit tired. I think we require additional rest and some fresh air."

"I understand. A change in scenery I suspect would be nice and where you will be staying will have all the fresh air you will ever want. The nurse has brought transportation for Teyla."

"Are our friends allowed to stay with us while we rest?" Danielle asked

Collar smiled. He knew they would ask that.

"Of course. I have already made preparations for everyone's stay. It is only during the beginning and end of the ceremony that they will not be allowed to be with you."

The nurse then came in the room with a wheelchair for Teyla.

John and Evan quickly took over for Ronon and the nurse who were about to wheel the two woman out. The nurse was about to protest about rules of her taking her patient out to the transport until she saw the look on John's face that clearly said "I don't do rules."

The nurse smiled and quickly scurried out of John's way.

"Well, now that you both are settled I will see you to your rooms where you can rest until the ceremony." Collar said

"I'm going to head back to the lab with Dr. Sona and continue trying to find the missing piece of the chamber puzzle." Rodney said

"You won't be late to the ceremony right?" Danielle asked.

Rodney was about to make a snarky remark about Danielle always being the late one when he saw the look on her face. She was trying not to let the others see it but she was scared. So, he bit his tongue and gave the answer his friend needed.

"Not even blue jello day would stop me from coming."

His effort was rewarded with a huge smile.

"Thank you, Rodney. I never thought I would say that I'm proud to mean more then blue jello."

"Someone better write down the day that Rodney put someone ahead of blue jello." John joked

"First time for everything." Rodney said.

"If you are all ready to go, the transport is ready." Collar said.

After seeing Rodney off to his transport the others boarded their own and were off towards their quarters to rest.

A/N: I know! I'm horrible with updating. It's been like a 1,000 years since the last chapter. More to come. Happy Reading.