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Title: Unspoken
Author: Chaps1870
Pairing: Rodney/Carson
Rating: R for language
Summary: John finds out that Rodney is gay and it tests the bonds of friendship.
Disclaimer: They belong to someone else, I’ll return them when I’m done….maybe. No infringement of copyright is intended.
Chapter 16
“He no longer wishes to be on your team, Major. I can’t force him to go.”
Leaning over Doctor Weir’s desk, Sheppard implored, “But we need him, Elizabeth. According to Teyla there are Ancient ruins on this planet.”
Elizabeth looked up from her computer, “I’m sorry, John, but he was very adamant about not going on any more missions. You’ll just have to find another scientist you can work with.”
He ran a hand through his hair, “We’ve tried that. Muro and Dvorsky came back with their tail between their legs. Only Zelenka seems to have a clue and he’s not real thrilled about going back out again.”
“It would help if you and the others were a little more welcoming, Major,” quipped Elizabeth. “You haven’t exactly gone out of your way to make them a part of your team. Dr. Zelenka confided in me and stated quite emphatically that it is difficult to live up to your expectations, especially when you constantly remind him of how Doctor McKay would have reacted.”
Sheppard raised his voice, “They aren’t a part of my team. McKay is.”
“Was, John. He was a part of your team. That is no longer the case and you are going to have to deal with it. Have you tried speaking with him?”
Sinking into a chair, he sighed, “He refuses to talk to any of us. Even Teyla is running into a wall.”
“I was hoping that he would miss going off world,” said Elizabeth, hopeful that Rodney would find that the work alone wasn’t stimulating enough. As much as he loved to work in his lab, Elizabeth suspected that having tasted field work, it would no longer be enough to satisfy the curious scientist.
“I doubt it, Elizabeth. Nothing short of forcing him will make him return to the team,” sighed John, knowing how stubborn McKay could be. His pride had been hurt and his trust in the team lost.
“I can’t force him.” She changed the subject. “I’m thinking of sending a compliment of scientists to MX4-363. Sergeant Stackhouse reported it to be uninhabited and shows some promise as an alpha site. There are numerous ruins in addition to some interesting geological readings. He suggested it might be a good place for the scientists to do some follow up as well as get some off world experience. I’d like your team to provide backup.”
Sheppard crossed his arms and leaned further into his chair. “This is punishment for the Kavanaugh thing isn’t it, making me babysit while they look for ways to hurt themselves?”
“I was only thinking five or six. I know how difficult they can be sometimes and I’d like them all back in one piece,” said Weir, smiling as she said it.
“They seem to draw trouble to themselves. The smartest people in the galaxy and as soon as they find some new discovery they throw caution to the wind and forget common sense.” One look from Elizabeth and he gave a disgruntled response, “I promise not to hurt them. I can’t guarantee anything beyond that.”
Elizabeth laughed, “I’m going to hold you to that, John.”
*********
Hearing about the mission, Rodney called a meeting and detailed who would be going. Both Elizabeth and John were surprised when he insisted he would be going along to oversee the exploration. He claimed it was because of the extensive ruins and possible technology, but with Zelenka going, they knew it was more than that. Rodney was fairly humming with excitement as the meeting progressed and Sheppard wasn’t fooled. McKay had missed being out in the field. Maybe four days on another planet with scientists wouldn’t be so bad if he could get Rodney to give him the time of day.
Two days later, Stackhouse and his team, Sheppard and his, Rodney and a handful of scientists, left for MX4-363. They took two jumpers but only because it was easier to transport all the equipment the scientists insisted on taking. The ruins were about a mile from the gate through thick jungle so they’d still have to walk.
Rodney piloted one jumper with Zelenka, Simpson, Hayes, Borang, Muro and Dvorsky. The later two because McKay insisted they make up for their poor outing the first time and needed more experience if they were ever going to make it in the Pegasus Galaxy. That and they were in Kavanaugh’s camp and needed a reality check about what they were on this expedition for.
As they all sat aboard the jumper preparing to leave, Muro and Dvorsky mumbled to each other, neither man particularly concerned about being overheard. “Why is he even going? I heard he was afraid to go out any more.”
“Well look at him, he’s all geared up like he’s the man. Seems kind of overkill for an uninhabited planet.”
Sitting in the copilot seat, Zelenka looked over at Rodney. He stared out the window, his hands gripping the controls tightly as he concentrated on maneuvering the jumper out of the bay, pretending he didn’t hear the conversation behind him. Zelenka saw the redness in his face and wasn’t fooled. Turning in his seat, Radek berated the two men, “This is alien world. It is wise to take precaution.”
“Oh that’s right, Radek, you took Rodney’s place on Sheppard’s team. How’s that working out? How long before you come running home too? I have to admit, you lasted longer than most,” said Dvorsky, sneering as he laughed with Muro.
Hayes finally spoke up, tired of the sniping, “Oh you can talk, Dvorsky. You lasted what…one day?”
Zelenka smiled, “Yes, that is right. You come crying and begging not to go back.” Glancing at Rodney, Radek saw a thin smile and continued, this time to Rodney so they might overhear, “Do not pay them any mind. They are young and easily impressed by others, sad that they picked such a poor excuse for role model.” Concerned for his friend, Radek shook his head and lowered his voice, “I do not want your place, Rodney. I only carry gun because I have been out there. I now have bad dreams of evil Amish when I sleep.”
Rodney snorted knowingly, “It goes hand in hand with ‘friendly natives’. They might as well put up a flashing neon sign at the gate. Warning…friendly natives…lock and load.” He turned to Radek as they settled the jumper in front of the gate, “And I no longer belong on the Major’s team so it’s moot. Besides, it’s not like I trust anyone else to go out with them.”
Surprised by Rodney’s admission, Radek tried to answer but his voice was cut off by their passage into the event horizon.
********
It was late in the day and things had gone well. They had mapped out the ruins and made a preliminary trip inside what appeared to be one of the main rooms. The walls had Ancient writing that Simpson was working on translating. As the sun began to set they gathered their gear into the makeshift camp that Sheppard and his men set up. With little else to do, they fixed supper of MRE’s and began discussing the day’s findings.
Dvorsky was just about to explain his geologic findings when everything erupted into chaos. After the initial standoff, they found themselves surrounded by a couple dozen angry natives. Vastly outnumbered and outgunned, they lowered their weapons and waited. Major Sheppard stepped forward, speaking to what appeared to be the leader. “We don’t want any trouble. We come in peace.”
Rodney muttered under his breath, “We come in peace? What kind of shit is that?”
Sheppard’s head snapped in his direction, silencing him with a glare. He turned back to the natives and took in their appearance. Their white hair and very pale skin was a sharp contrast to the darkness around them and they looked like something out of cheap horror flick, right down to the creepy red eyes. In addition to that they all wore the same dull expressions that didn’t speak highly of their evolutionary status. “Look, we’re just here to check out things. If it’s a problem we’ll just leave.”
Zelenka whispered to Rodney, “Was it not an uninhabited planet?”
Whispering back, Rodney shrugged, “Judging from their lack of color they must not come out much from whatever rock they live under. Sensors must have missed them.”
Any further response was cut off by a none too gentle whack to his head. He whorled on his attacker but was stopped by a firm hand on his arm. Seeing Sheppard holding him back, he shrugged from his grasp but kept his tongue after the Major shot him a ‘shut the fuck up look’. He crossed his arms indignantly while Sheppard bid for their freedom. Turns out it was a pointless conversation.
It didn’t help that the natives didn’t seem to be the brightest pennies in the pile. They lived in an underground city, away from the sunlight…no surprise there. The only time they ventured above ground was for ceremonial purposes or threatening visitors. That would account for the uninhabited status Stackhouse had given the planet. Apparently they’d crossed over into sacred territory when entering the ruins. The natives had waited until nightfall to avenge their gods and now someone was going to suffer for their indiscretion onto holy ground.
They were all led a short distance from the ruins to a small building. It had two rooms with heavy doors and they were split up. They were stripped of all their equipment and weapons and thrown into the rooms. Seems their coat color was the determining factor in who went where. Sheppard and McKay were picked from the group and held at gunpoint while the others were locked up.
“You are leaders, yes?” asked the head ghoul, eyeing them both with way too much glee. The way they were glaring at him, McKay was starting to sweat.
McKay looked sharply at Sheppard, “You told them I was a leader?”
Sheppard said sheepishly as their hands were bound. “Not in so many words. I simply mentioned you were in charge of the scientists. You’re the one that is always spouting how you’re in charge because of your superior intellect.”
“Oh that’s just great. Thank you very much, Major. They don’t seem so upset that the military was traipsing around the ruins, so naturally you are less of a target. What is the method of torture here I wonder? Beheading, burned alive, flaying…”
“Shut up, McKay. You’re not helping with the visuals.”
“I was just pointing out that…” Another whack to his head and he fell forward, barely getting his tied hands out to brace himself. “Fuck.”
The major hissed at him, “Quiet.” There was concern in his voice as he added, “Just be quiet.”
Rodney nodded, his head still throbbing as Sheppard helped him to his feet. They stood waiting for the natives to make the next move.
They were manhandled away from the others, the darkness making it difficult to see their destination as they were forced to keep up with their captors. They been walking for more than an hour through thick jungle when Rodney asked nervously, “Where are you taking us?”
Sheppard tried to hush him, his ribs still aching from his earlier attempts for information. The warning came too late and he watched helplessly as McKay was hit from behind. One of the closest natives had used his staff to silence their captive with a quick blow to the back of his head. Rodney cried out and stumbled forward as the stick made contact and barely managed to keep his feet under him.
“Silence!”
“Rodney!” John lurched towards him, but was stopped with an angry blow to his ribs. His hands tied, he instinctively pulled his arms to his side, protecting himself as he tried to catch his breath. Their captors gave neither man the chance to dwell on their injuries, nudging them forward without regard to their pain.
Ahead of him, Rodney was struggling to stay upright as the natives forced them to keep moving. With only moonlight drifting down through the trees it was hard to make out McKay’s expression as he turned towards their captors, but John had no doubt he was glaring angrily at them. Thankfully he held his tongue and only received another tap on his back as encouragement to keep moving.
It was hard to know how long they walked before they were suddenly led to a small enclosure against a large rock face. They all piled inside and in the next instant they were somewhere else, being led down a dimly lit hallway. Eyes wide with fear and face sweating, Rodney glanced over his shoulder for some kind of reassure but John could only shrug, he had no more information than the scientist did. Suddenly they were thrown into a small room with even less light, the door closing before they could get to their feet.
Sitting on the floor holding his head, despite his hands being tied, Rodney sighed wearily, “This sucks.”
“How’s your head?” asked Sheppard, scooting closer as Mckay moved his hands to reach for the back of his head.
“Still there, unfortunately,” said McKay, wincing when his fingers touched the bump at the back of his head.
There was no blood on his hands when he pulled them away and John let out a breath. Tied as they were there would have been little he could have done if it had been more serious. As it was, Rodney’s eyes didn’t seem to be tracking as well as they could have.
Rodney turned to the Major, “How are you doing?”
“Oh you know, a bruise here a bruise there.”
“We are so screwed.”
“Teyla and Ford will find us,” said Sheppard, trying to sound convincing. The look Rodney gave him said he wasn’t falling for it. He shrugged, “It was worth a shot.”
“Well this has been fun. I knew there was a reason I should have stayed in the lab.”
Sheppard shifted uncomfortably, both from the pain in his ribs and McKay’s reference. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you came.”
“Oh sure, I’ll scream and holler to distract them and you can play the hero. Just like old times,” said Rodney sarcastically.
About to snap back an answer, Sheppard’s response was interrupted when the door opened and four of the natives entered followed by a man that had a look of authority. “You have violated our temple, you will be punished.”
Turning on his heels, the leader barked an order to the others and left. They wasted no time dragging the two men to their feet, answering their questions with punishing blows. They got the hint and kept any further questions to themselves. Taken to a new room, they were chained to the wall with their arms high over their heads.
Author: Chaps1870
Pairing: Rodney/Carson
Rating: R for language
Summary: John finds out that Rodney is gay and it tests the bonds of friendship.
Disclaimer: They belong to someone else, I’ll return them when I’m done….maybe. No infringement of copyright is intended.
Chapter 16
“He no longer wishes to be on your team, Major. I can’t force him to go.”
Leaning over Doctor Weir’s desk, Sheppard implored, “But we need him, Elizabeth. According to Teyla there are Ancient ruins on this planet.”
Elizabeth looked up from her computer, “I’m sorry, John, but he was very adamant about not going on any more missions. You’ll just have to find another scientist you can work with.”
He ran a hand through his hair, “We’ve tried that. Muro and Dvorsky came back with their tail between their legs. Only Zelenka seems to have a clue and he’s not real thrilled about going back out again.”
“It would help if you and the others were a little more welcoming, Major,” quipped Elizabeth. “You haven’t exactly gone out of your way to make them a part of your team. Dr. Zelenka confided in me and stated quite emphatically that it is difficult to live up to your expectations, especially when you constantly remind him of how Doctor McKay would have reacted.”
Sheppard raised his voice, “They aren’t a part of my team. McKay is.”
“Was, John. He was a part of your team. That is no longer the case and you are going to have to deal with it. Have you tried speaking with him?”
Sinking into a chair, he sighed, “He refuses to talk to any of us. Even Teyla is running into a wall.”
“I was hoping that he would miss going off world,” said Elizabeth, hopeful that Rodney would find that the work alone wasn’t stimulating enough. As much as he loved to work in his lab, Elizabeth suspected that having tasted field work, it would no longer be enough to satisfy the curious scientist.
“I doubt it, Elizabeth. Nothing short of forcing him will make him return to the team,” sighed John, knowing how stubborn McKay could be. His pride had been hurt and his trust in the team lost.
“I can’t force him.” She changed the subject. “I’m thinking of sending a compliment of scientists to MX4-363. Sergeant Stackhouse reported it to be uninhabited and shows some promise as an alpha site. There are numerous ruins in addition to some interesting geological readings. He suggested it might be a good place for the scientists to do some follow up as well as get some off world experience. I’d like your team to provide backup.”
Sheppard crossed his arms and leaned further into his chair. “This is punishment for the Kavanaugh thing isn’t it, making me babysit while they look for ways to hurt themselves?”
“I was only thinking five or six. I know how difficult they can be sometimes and I’d like them all back in one piece,” said Weir, smiling as she said it.
“They seem to draw trouble to themselves. The smartest people in the galaxy and as soon as they find some new discovery they throw caution to the wind and forget common sense.” One look from Elizabeth and he gave a disgruntled response, “I promise not to hurt them. I can’t guarantee anything beyond that.”
Elizabeth laughed, “I’m going to hold you to that, John.”
*********
Hearing about the mission, Rodney called a meeting and detailed who would be going. Both Elizabeth and John were surprised when he insisted he would be going along to oversee the exploration. He claimed it was because of the extensive ruins and possible technology, but with Zelenka going, they knew it was more than that. Rodney was fairly humming with excitement as the meeting progressed and Sheppard wasn’t fooled. McKay had missed being out in the field. Maybe four days on another planet with scientists wouldn’t be so bad if he could get Rodney to give him the time of day.
Two days later, Stackhouse and his team, Sheppard and his, Rodney and a handful of scientists, left for MX4-363. They took two jumpers but only because it was easier to transport all the equipment the scientists insisted on taking. The ruins were about a mile from the gate through thick jungle so they’d still have to walk.
Rodney piloted one jumper with Zelenka, Simpson, Hayes, Borang, Muro and Dvorsky. The later two because McKay insisted they make up for their poor outing the first time and needed more experience if they were ever going to make it in the Pegasus Galaxy. That and they were in Kavanaugh’s camp and needed a reality check about what they were on this expedition for.
As they all sat aboard the jumper preparing to leave, Muro and Dvorsky mumbled to each other, neither man particularly concerned about being overheard. “Why is he even going? I heard he was afraid to go out any more.”
“Well look at him, he’s all geared up like he’s the man. Seems kind of overkill for an uninhabited planet.”
Sitting in the copilot seat, Zelenka looked over at Rodney. He stared out the window, his hands gripping the controls tightly as he concentrated on maneuvering the jumper out of the bay, pretending he didn’t hear the conversation behind him. Zelenka saw the redness in his face and wasn’t fooled. Turning in his seat, Radek berated the two men, “This is alien world. It is wise to take precaution.”
“Oh that’s right, Radek, you took Rodney’s place on Sheppard’s team. How’s that working out? How long before you come running home too? I have to admit, you lasted longer than most,” said Dvorsky, sneering as he laughed with Muro.
Hayes finally spoke up, tired of the sniping, “Oh you can talk, Dvorsky. You lasted what…one day?”
Zelenka smiled, “Yes, that is right. You come crying and begging not to go back.” Glancing at Rodney, Radek saw a thin smile and continued, this time to Rodney so they might overhear, “Do not pay them any mind. They are young and easily impressed by others, sad that they picked such a poor excuse for role model.” Concerned for his friend, Radek shook his head and lowered his voice, “I do not want your place, Rodney. I only carry gun because I have been out there. I now have bad dreams of evil Amish when I sleep.”
Rodney snorted knowingly, “It goes hand in hand with ‘friendly natives’. They might as well put up a flashing neon sign at the gate. Warning…friendly natives…lock and load.” He turned to Radek as they settled the jumper in front of the gate, “And I no longer belong on the Major’s team so it’s moot. Besides, it’s not like I trust anyone else to go out with them.”
Surprised by Rodney’s admission, Radek tried to answer but his voice was cut off by their passage into the event horizon.
********
It was late in the day and things had gone well. They had mapped out the ruins and made a preliminary trip inside what appeared to be one of the main rooms. The walls had Ancient writing that Simpson was working on translating. As the sun began to set they gathered their gear into the makeshift camp that Sheppard and his men set up. With little else to do, they fixed supper of MRE’s and began discussing the day’s findings.
Dvorsky was just about to explain his geologic findings when everything erupted into chaos. After the initial standoff, they found themselves surrounded by a couple dozen angry natives. Vastly outnumbered and outgunned, they lowered their weapons and waited. Major Sheppard stepped forward, speaking to what appeared to be the leader. “We don’t want any trouble. We come in peace.”
Rodney muttered under his breath, “We come in peace? What kind of shit is that?”
Sheppard’s head snapped in his direction, silencing him with a glare. He turned back to the natives and took in their appearance. Their white hair and very pale skin was a sharp contrast to the darkness around them and they looked like something out of cheap horror flick, right down to the creepy red eyes. In addition to that they all wore the same dull expressions that didn’t speak highly of their evolutionary status. “Look, we’re just here to check out things. If it’s a problem we’ll just leave.”
Zelenka whispered to Rodney, “Was it not an uninhabited planet?”
Whispering back, Rodney shrugged, “Judging from their lack of color they must not come out much from whatever rock they live under. Sensors must have missed them.”
Any further response was cut off by a none too gentle whack to his head. He whorled on his attacker but was stopped by a firm hand on his arm. Seeing Sheppard holding him back, he shrugged from his grasp but kept his tongue after the Major shot him a ‘shut the fuck up look’. He crossed his arms indignantly while Sheppard bid for their freedom. Turns out it was a pointless conversation.
It didn’t help that the natives didn’t seem to be the brightest pennies in the pile. They lived in an underground city, away from the sunlight…no surprise there. The only time they ventured above ground was for ceremonial purposes or threatening visitors. That would account for the uninhabited status Stackhouse had given the planet. Apparently they’d crossed over into sacred territory when entering the ruins. The natives had waited until nightfall to avenge their gods and now someone was going to suffer for their indiscretion onto holy ground.
They were all led a short distance from the ruins to a small building. It had two rooms with heavy doors and they were split up. They were stripped of all their equipment and weapons and thrown into the rooms. Seems their coat color was the determining factor in who went where. Sheppard and McKay were picked from the group and held at gunpoint while the others were locked up.
“You are leaders, yes?” asked the head ghoul, eyeing them both with way too much glee. The way they were glaring at him, McKay was starting to sweat.
McKay looked sharply at Sheppard, “You told them I was a leader?”
Sheppard said sheepishly as their hands were bound. “Not in so many words. I simply mentioned you were in charge of the scientists. You’re the one that is always spouting how you’re in charge because of your superior intellect.”
“Oh that’s just great. Thank you very much, Major. They don’t seem so upset that the military was traipsing around the ruins, so naturally you are less of a target. What is the method of torture here I wonder? Beheading, burned alive, flaying…”
“Shut up, McKay. You’re not helping with the visuals.”
“I was just pointing out that…” Another whack to his head and he fell forward, barely getting his tied hands out to brace himself. “Fuck.”
The major hissed at him, “Quiet.” There was concern in his voice as he added, “Just be quiet.”
Rodney nodded, his head still throbbing as Sheppard helped him to his feet. They stood waiting for the natives to make the next move.
They were manhandled away from the others, the darkness making it difficult to see their destination as they were forced to keep up with their captors. They been walking for more than an hour through thick jungle when Rodney asked nervously, “Where are you taking us?”
Sheppard tried to hush him, his ribs still aching from his earlier attempts for information. The warning came too late and he watched helplessly as McKay was hit from behind. One of the closest natives had used his staff to silence their captive with a quick blow to the back of his head. Rodney cried out and stumbled forward as the stick made contact and barely managed to keep his feet under him.
“Silence!”
“Rodney!” John lurched towards him, but was stopped with an angry blow to his ribs. His hands tied, he instinctively pulled his arms to his side, protecting himself as he tried to catch his breath. Their captors gave neither man the chance to dwell on their injuries, nudging them forward without regard to their pain.
Ahead of him, Rodney was struggling to stay upright as the natives forced them to keep moving. With only moonlight drifting down through the trees it was hard to make out McKay’s expression as he turned towards their captors, but John had no doubt he was glaring angrily at them. Thankfully he held his tongue and only received another tap on his back as encouragement to keep moving.
It was hard to know how long they walked before they were suddenly led to a small enclosure against a large rock face. They all piled inside and in the next instant they were somewhere else, being led down a dimly lit hallway. Eyes wide with fear and face sweating, Rodney glanced over his shoulder for some kind of reassure but John could only shrug, he had no more information than the scientist did. Suddenly they were thrown into a small room with even less light, the door closing before they could get to their feet.
Sitting on the floor holding his head, despite his hands being tied, Rodney sighed wearily, “This sucks.”
“How’s your head?” asked Sheppard, scooting closer as Mckay moved his hands to reach for the back of his head.
“Still there, unfortunately,” said McKay, wincing when his fingers touched the bump at the back of his head.
There was no blood on his hands when he pulled them away and John let out a breath. Tied as they were there would have been little he could have done if it had been more serious. As it was, Rodney’s eyes didn’t seem to be tracking as well as they could have.
Rodney turned to the Major, “How are you doing?”
“Oh you know, a bruise here a bruise there.”
“We are so screwed.”
“Teyla and Ford will find us,” said Sheppard, trying to sound convincing. The look Rodney gave him said he wasn’t falling for it. He shrugged, “It was worth a shot.”
“Well this has been fun. I knew there was a reason I should have stayed in the lab.”
Sheppard shifted uncomfortably, both from the pain in his ribs and McKay’s reference. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you came.”
“Oh sure, I’ll scream and holler to distract them and you can play the hero. Just like old times,” said Rodney sarcastically.
About to snap back an answer, Sheppard’s response was interrupted when the door opened and four of the natives entered followed by a man that had a look of authority. “You have violated our temple, you will be punished.”
Turning on his heels, the leader barked an order to the others and left. They wasted no time dragging the two men to their feet, answering their questions with punishing blows. They got the hint and kept any further questions to themselves. Taken to a new room, they were chained to the wall with their arms high over their heads.
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