![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Title: Broken Trust
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
chaps1870
Pairing: McShep
Rating: R for violence
Summary: Rodney tries to regain the trust he's lost only it doesn't work out like he plans
Disclaimer: Not mine, too bad.
A/N If I don't start posting I'll never finish.
Chapter One
“But I saved you 'til last 'cause, um, honestly, I would ... I would hate to think that recent events might have permanently dimmed your faith in my abilities, or your trust. At the very least, I hope I can earn that back.”
“That may take a while.”
Rodney couldn’t get the conversation out of his head, even now, almost two weeks later. It wasn’t made any easier by those around him when he moved through the halls, worked in the lab or sat in the mess. Eyes dropped, refusing to make contact and the message was clear…no one really wanted much to do with Dr. Rodney McKay, self proclaimed genius and destroyer of solar systems. Not that he could blame them really and for the most part he could’ve care less what they thought of him. Well, not where it showed anyway. He went about his day, working as long as he could, eating when his body demanded it and fell into an exhausted sleep at the end of the day.
It was easier than dredging up painful memories of spending time with Colonel Sheppard. Prior to Arcturus, Rodney actually thought they had something between them, or at the very least a beginning. Now he was convinced it was just his imagination and there really was nothing between them. That was much easier than dealing with the Colonel’s complete and total avoidance since Arcturus. That hurt more than the combined shunning of the two hundred odd Atlantis personal. To hide the hurt he worked, immersing himself in what he knew best.
His colleagues left him alone, only deferring to him when absolutely necessary. Considering their whispered mutterings regarding his ego, it seemed rather hypocritical to actually ask him for help, but it didn’t seem to stop them. Everyone, it seemed, saw his eventual downfall and yet, even now, it was McKay they came to when they needed answers.
He was as fallible as anyone else. Unfortunately, it took something of a higher magnitude for his limits to show up. He wasn’t perfect, and in all honesty, he really thought he could fix the doomsday weapon. Yes, maybe it was ego, but it was also a confidence in his abilities that had been fostered not only by himself but everyone around him. They’d come to expect he could answer what they couldn’t and he did just that, at least until the mishap on Arcturus; a mishap that cost the life of Collins and the destruction of a solar system.
Now, they all felt justified in shunning him, afraid to even lift their eyes in the mess hall lest he think he was welcome at their table. After two weeks, he’d once again gotten used to working alone, eating alone and spending his free time…alone. He could take it. It was just a matter of building back up the wall that had slowly come down in the past year, the one that had always been a cold comfort. It was easier to ignore the hurt than admit he’d been hurt at all, especially by those he thought were his friends. Even they thought it was high time that Dr. McKay got his comeuppance and joined the masses in ignoring him. That was probably easier than offering meaningless platitudes that even they didn’t believe.
Rodney wasn’t stupid, he knew he’d fucked up, but was it any worse than Sheppard waking up the Wraith or Carson providing the Hoffans with a miracle drug that killed half their population. They were accidents and perhaps avoidable if things had worked out differently. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it does little good at the time. He was pretty sure that Colonel Sheppard would have insisted on some sort of rescue mission even had he known about the Wraith in advance. His ego was no less than McKay’s when it came to his men. Carson too was certain his skills as a geneticist would be invaluable to the Hoffans and that hadn’t worked out so well either. None of them were innocent when it came to trusting themselves about what they knew best.
Shifting from his thoughts, Rodney glanced at his watch and realized it was time for the mission briefing. He’d been surprised that he’d been included, figuring that after everything that happened he’d be forever delegated to lab work. Someplace safe where they could watch over him and keep him in line.
To have a place on Sheppard’s team meant more than he was willing to admit, but it still didn’t negate the apprehension he was feeling as he made his way to Weir’s office. This mission would be the first since Arcturus and Colonel Sheppard would have to acknowledge his presence. If not, it was going to be a very long mission, one that Rodney wasn’t looking forward to.
*********
They wandered in and out of several of the high rise structures, searching for the elusive power source. Kormok at first seemed like a dead civilization, but after a couple hours in the city they were approached by a rather ragtag group of citizens, who had obviously seen better days. The natives had little to offer in the way of information. Kormak had been a great and powerful city but cullings over the last thousand years had brought the once opulent metropolis to a standstill and the remaining descendents lacked the means to sustain it. The technology that somehow still managed to run was on its last leg and beyond the simple ways of the present inhabitants. They seemed thrilled by their visitor’s interest and followed McKay and Sheppard around like anxious puppies.
McKay had tried getting information regarding the equipment they found but all he received in return were happy smiles and blank stares. The natives were clueless and any technology that had once graced their planet had been lost to simple survival and quite possibly too much inbreeding. He wondered if any of the other cities that dotted the planet were as bad off as this one.
Sheppard stood behind Rodney as he crouched into yet another piece of machinery, asking with barely restrained boredom, “Anything?” Their conversations since arriving were kept to a minimum. This one was no exception.
Backing out, the scientist brushed his hands on his pants and stood up. Rodney snorted indignantly before answering, “At one time it might have exceeded our level of technology, but the residents must have had other priorities. So far I have yet to find anything close to working order and a good deal of the parts have been removed for whatever reason.” He glanced at the natives that stood watching them, and lowered his voice, “I don’t think asking them where they put the pieces would have the desired results. I think their gene pool has been corrupted.”
Shrugging at Rodney’s inference, Sheppard questioned with a note of annoyance, “Can you fix it?”
Hating to admit it, Rodney hesitated before answering, “No.”
John blinked and looked at him in disbelief. It wasn’t the answer he was expecting. McKay saw his stunned expression and felt the red creep into his face. Raising his chin defiantly, he said tersely, “I’m being honest, Colonel. Isn’t that what you want to hear?”
Ouch, thought John. He had that one coming, but it still hurt and he snapped back reflexively, “I want to hear that you can fix it. You’re the genius. I thought you could do it all.”
“As you well know, Colonel, even I have my limitations.” Rodney reached down and snatched his pack off the floor. He stopped and stared at the John before leaving the room. “I need to look for a power source. Are you coming?”
John grabbed his own pack and followed, mentally chastising himself for being unable to get past this thing between them. It seemed to be the way of things lately.
*******
The team sat in a pitch black pit deep within the city waiting for their captors to appear. It had been several hours since they’d been dropped here to await their fate. McKay was certain if he could see Colonel Sheppard’s eyes he would see a look that could kill. “I only told them what I told you, Colonel, I can’t fix it,” exclaimed Rodney, his own eyes glaring in Sheppard’s direction.
“Sure, McKay. Let’s bypass the buildup and get to the part where you come through for the big save, because I really don’t have the time to stroke your ego,” said Sheppard rather harshly.
It took Rodney only a few seconds to catch the Colonel’s reference and he was grateful for the darkness as his face fell. Obviously the Colonel found some truth in the prisoner Torrell’s estimation of the scientist about ego and such.
Rodney’s tone was sharp as he bit back at the hurtful comment, “What part of I can’t fix it don’t you understand, Colonel? These people are practically barbarians who have somehow managed to survive in the city of their ancestors without a clue as to how things work. No one here has the slightest hint about technology. Half of the machinery has been scrounged for god knows what and you want me to somehow put it back together for them. It’s not going to happen. There is just too much missing.”
“Well unless you have another option, I suggest you pretend you can fix it or they won’t have a reason to keep us around, will they?” Sheppard’s smirk could be heard even in the dark pit.
“Oh yes and that will work so well when I don’t make any progress towards that end. I’m sure they’ll be so overjoyed that they’ll throw a party in my honor.” His voice grew louder, more determined, “I can’t fix it, because there is nothing to fix it with. Unless these people know where they put the pieces, and I seriously doubt they can even remember what they had for breakfast, there is nothing I can do.”
The trapdoor above them suddenly opened, flooding the pit with a blinding light. A harsh, stern voice followed, “You fix now!”
Rodney stepped into the beam of light, squinting as he looked up, “I can’t…”
“Rodney!” hissed Sheppard sharply, offering a pointed look that left no room for argument.
Jerking his head towards the Colonel, Rodney glared at him before he sighed heavily, “Fine. Don’t yell at me when it comes back and bites us in the ass, Colonel.” He grabbed the rung of the ladder and began climbing, wishing he really had the means to make it all better. Then maybe he could gain back the trust he’d lost and remove the doubt the Colonel now had every time he looked at him. It hurt when Sheppard treated him and their prior friendship as if both were inconsequential, but to not have the Colonel’s trust was slowly eating away at Rodney and he would do anything to get that back.
He sat staring at the machinery, trying to fathom its original purpose and was no further enlightened than he had been two hours earlier. Several of the natives stood guard, watching him, occasionally flashing him a disgusted look. He sneered back, no happier than they were with the present situation. What he didn’t expect was the heavy blow to his back and the subsequent pain associated with it.
Thankful he was already on his knees, he only slammed forward onto his hands rather than his face and hissed through clenched teeth, “What the hell was that for?”
One of the natives, a short little fucker with a pock-marked face stepped closer, holding his club menacingly over Rodney, “You have done nothing but complain. Now you will work to fix.”
Rodney was beginning to hate the slow-witted inhabitants of this planet. He’d tried to explain that there was no way to fix their tech problems but it was like arguing with children. They had seen his interest in the machinery and had overheard his conversation with Colonel Sheppard explaining the advanced technology that might have once worked in the city.
Not more than an hour later, the entire team had been escorted to a meager dinner and regaled with tales about the previous inhabitants and the wonders of the city. An hour later they’d woken in the dark pit, having been drugged into submission. The Kormakans made it clear that no one was leaving until the city was up and running. They were obviously under the illusion that it was a simple task, rather like flipping a switch. It occurred to Rodney that his previous estimation of the native’s intelligence had been generous.
Lifting his head, Rodney glared at the natives, “Look, I’m doing the best I can considering how little I have to work with.” He muttered much lower, “Which is fucking nothing.” That comment got him another blow to his back and he rubbed the offended spot, wincing as his body twisted to accommodate his latest move. Rodney’s head snapped up to glower at his captors, “Beating me isn’t going to enamor me to your cause, you know.”
The nearest native raised his club, “Work!”
Rodney instinctively covered his head and ducked back into the machinery, adding a painful reply as he did so, “Okay, I’m working.” Safely inside, at least most of him, Rodney dared to speak, but it lacked his normal conviction, the pain in his back taking away some of his caustic edge, “Some food might be nice. I tend to get shaky without it and then there’s that nasty falling into a coma thing. I’m sure you can scrounge up some of that slop you call soup if you want me to be semi-productive. And in case you haven’t noticed there are four of us. I’m sure my team could use something to eat as well.”
As the pain in his back eased his voice grew stronger and sharper, “Oh and if you have any small appliances be sure and bring them along. I’m almost certain I’d have better luck fixing them than what I’m presently doing. I can get the lights flashing or something equally amazing that will impress upon your limited mental capabilities.”
Glancing at the stupefied looks on the faces in the room, Rodney had no doubt they only understood about half of what he was saying and he took a certain perverse pleasure in taunting them. Still, he was definitely feeling the effects of not eating in over twelve hours so he peeked around the edge of the machine and enunciated his words. “I need food or I will die. Do you get that? Food. Eat.” He motioned to his mouth hoping it would have some effect. One of the younger ones left, finally returning with a bowl of soup and a small slab of bread.
Taking it, Rodney sniffed it, then deeming it edible proceeded to eat, hardly tasting as he swallowed. Using the bread, he cleaned out the bowl and handed it back to his captors. “Did you take some to the others?”
The short one, whacked him on the back again, “We do not have food to spare on the useless ones.”
“Oh that is just…” Rodney wasn’t allowed to finish as another blow landed on his back. Gritting his teeth as they glared at them, he got up slowly and returned to work. He wasn’t so stupid that he couldn’t take the hint to shut up.
He spent the rest of the afternoon pretending to work on the worthless piece of junk in front of him. The guards made sure his attention stayed focused on the task at hand and several new bruises later, Rodney was escorted back to the pit for the night.
It had been a long day and it was well after dark, not that in mattered in their small confinement. As soon as the heavy trapdoor closed, the cell was cast in pitch blackness and the only way to navigate was by touch. Rodney stumbled a few times before finding a solitary stretch of wall where he slid down to the floor with a muffled grunt of pain.
“You okay, McKay?” asked Sheppard, his voice moving closer as he spoke.
“Fine, just a little sore from working all day,” sighed Rodney. There was really no point in whining about his injuries. He doubted very much if the Colonel would even care. It seemed to be the way of things lately and Rodney had accepted it, unable to do much else. All his efforts to apologize had little effect on John’s attitude and rather than attempt resolution through pity, Rodney let his sore and aching muscles go unmentioned.
Sheppard moved closer and sat beside him in the dark. “How did it go up there?”
“Besides spending the day in meaningless labor? They don’t have anything even remotely close to workable. I’m delegated to making things buzz or flash to appease their tiny minds.”
“Is there any way to get free, make it back to the Stargate?” Sheppard asked hopefully.
Rodney snorted, “No. I have my own personal entourage and they really don’t have a sense of humor. I doubt they would take me wandering off as a sign of good prisoner relations.” He winced at the pain in his side as he shifted, leaving little doubt as to how his captors would take an escape attempt. They watched him like a hawk and he’d never been left alone, not even to take a piss. How embarrassing was that? No, they were stuck here until reinforcements arrived.
“It was worth a shot,” said Sheppard. “You got any food on you?”
“Why?” asked Rodney, suspiciously, never one to volunteer his hoarded food.
“They didn’t feed us today and I’m afraid Ronon will resort to cannibalism soon.”
Reaching into his vest, Rodney pulled out several powerbars and handed them to Sheppard, “Make them last, Colonel. It’s all there is. Although if all of you saw fit to come on a mission prepared I wouldn’t have to resort to sharing what I had the good sense to pack.”
“A few less calories won’t kill you.” Sheppard gave Teyla and Ronon each one, handing McKay back a single bar. “Here.”
Rodney pushed it back at the Colonel. “They actually fed me.”
“What about the sugar thing, I don’t want you passing out,” sniped Sheppard, hiding his concern.
“I’ll live.” Leaning sideways, Rodney lowered himself to the floor, biting back the grunt of pain that threatened. “Right now I just want to sleep. It’s been a long day.”
“Get some sleep,” offered Sheppard. Rodney figured he would move away, but he stayed beside him, surprising him. He gave a mental shrug and fell asleep.
Part Two
Author:
chaps1870Pairing: McShep
Rating: R for violence
Summary: Rodney tries to regain the trust he's lost only it doesn't work out like he plans
Disclaimer: Not mine, too bad.
A/N If I don't start posting I'll never finish.
Chapter One
“But I saved you 'til last 'cause, um, honestly, I would ... I would hate to think that recent events might have permanently dimmed your faith in my abilities, or your trust. At the very least, I hope I can earn that back.”
“That may take a while.”
Rodney couldn’t get the conversation out of his head, even now, almost two weeks later. It wasn’t made any easier by those around him when he moved through the halls, worked in the lab or sat in the mess. Eyes dropped, refusing to make contact and the message was clear…no one really wanted much to do with Dr. Rodney McKay, self proclaimed genius and destroyer of solar systems. Not that he could blame them really and for the most part he could’ve care less what they thought of him. Well, not where it showed anyway. He went about his day, working as long as he could, eating when his body demanded it and fell into an exhausted sleep at the end of the day.
It was easier than dredging up painful memories of spending time with Colonel Sheppard. Prior to Arcturus, Rodney actually thought they had something between them, or at the very least a beginning. Now he was convinced it was just his imagination and there really was nothing between them. That was much easier than dealing with the Colonel’s complete and total avoidance since Arcturus. That hurt more than the combined shunning of the two hundred odd Atlantis personal. To hide the hurt he worked, immersing himself in what he knew best.
His colleagues left him alone, only deferring to him when absolutely necessary. Considering their whispered mutterings regarding his ego, it seemed rather hypocritical to actually ask him for help, but it didn’t seem to stop them. Everyone, it seemed, saw his eventual downfall and yet, even now, it was McKay they came to when they needed answers.
He was as fallible as anyone else. Unfortunately, it took something of a higher magnitude for his limits to show up. He wasn’t perfect, and in all honesty, he really thought he could fix the doomsday weapon. Yes, maybe it was ego, but it was also a confidence in his abilities that had been fostered not only by himself but everyone around him. They’d come to expect he could answer what they couldn’t and he did just that, at least until the mishap on Arcturus; a mishap that cost the life of Collins and the destruction of a solar system.
Now, they all felt justified in shunning him, afraid to even lift their eyes in the mess hall lest he think he was welcome at their table. After two weeks, he’d once again gotten used to working alone, eating alone and spending his free time…alone. He could take it. It was just a matter of building back up the wall that had slowly come down in the past year, the one that had always been a cold comfort. It was easier to ignore the hurt than admit he’d been hurt at all, especially by those he thought were his friends. Even they thought it was high time that Dr. McKay got his comeuppance and joined the masses in ignoring him. That was probably easier than offering meaningless platitudes that even they didn’t believe.
Rodney wasn’t stupid, he knew he’d fucked up, but was it any worse than Sheppard waking up the Wraith or Carson providing the Hoffans with a miracle drug that killed half their population. They were accidents and perhaps avoidable if things had worked out differently. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it does little good at the time. He was pretty sure that Colonel Sheppard would have insisted on some sort of rescue mission even had he known about the Wraith in advance. His ego was no less than McKay’s when it came to his men. Carson too was certain his skills as a geneticist would be invaluable to the Hoffans and that hadn’t worked out so well either. None of them were innocent when it came to trusting themselves about what they knew best.
Shifting from his thoughts, Rodney glanced at his watch and realized it was time for the mission briefing. He’d been surprised that he’d been included, figuring that after everything that happened he’d be forever delegated to lab work. Someplace safe where they could watch over him and keep him in line.
To have a place on Sheppard’s team meant more than he was willing to admit, but it still didn’t negate the apprehension he was feeling as he made his way to Weir’s office. This mission would be the first since Arcturus and Colonel Sheppard would have to acknowledge his presence. If not, it was going to be a very long mission, one that Rodney wasn’t looking forward to.
*********
They wandered in and out of several of the high rise structures, searching for the elusive power source. Kormok at first seemed like a dead civilization, but after a couple hours in the city they were approached by a rather ragtag group of citizens, who had obviously seen better days. The natives had little to offer in the way of information. Kormak had been a great and powerful city but cullings over the last thousand years had brought the once opulent metropolis to a standstill and the remaining descendents lacked the means to sustain it. The technology that somehow still managed to run was on its last leg and beyond the simple ways of the present inhabitants. They seemed thrilled by their visitor’s interest and followed McKay and Sheppard around like anxious puppies.
McKay had tried getting information regarding the equipment they found but all he received in return were happy smiles and blank stares. The natives were clueless and any technology that had once graced their planet had been lost to simple survival and quite possibly too much inbreeding. He wondered if any of the other cities that dotted the planet were as bad off as this one.
Sheppard stood behind Rodney as he crouched into yet another piece of machinery, asking with barely restrained boredom, “Anything?” Their conversations since arriving were kept to a minimum. This one was no exception.
Backing out, the scientist brushed his hands on his pants and stood up. Rodney snorted indignantly before answering, “At one time it might have exceeded our level of technology, but the residents must have had other priorities. So far I have yet to find anything close to working order and a good deal of the parts have been removed for whatever reason.” He glanced at the natives that stood watching them, and lowered his voice, “I don’t think asking them where they put the pieces would have the desired results. I think their gene pool has been corrupted.”
Shrugging at Rodney’s inference, Sheppard questioned with a note of annoyance, “Can you fix it?”
Hating to admit it, Rodney hesitated before answering, “No.”
John blinked and looked at him in disbelief. It wasn’t the answer he was expecting. McKay saw his stunned expression and felt the red creep into his face. Raising his chin defiantly, he said tersely, “I’m being honest, Colonel. Isn’t that what you want to hear?”
Ouch, thought John. He had that one coming, but it still hurt and he snapped back reflexively, “I want to hear that you can fix it. You’re the genius. I thought you could do it all.”
“As you well know, Colonel, even I have my limitations.” Rodney reached down and snatched his pack off the floor. He stopped and stared at the John before leaving the room. “I need to look for a power source. Are you coming?”
John grabbed his own pack and followed, mentally chastising himself for being unable to get past this thing between them. It seemed to be the way of things lately.
*******
The team sat in a pitch black pit deep within the city waiting for their captors to appear. It had been several hours since they’d been dropped here to await their fate. McKay was certain if he could see Colonel Sheppard’s eyes he would see a look that could kill. “I only told them what I told you, Colonel, I can’t fix it,” exclaimed Rodney, his own eyes glaring in Sheppard’s direction.
“Sure, McKay. Let’s bypass the buildup and get to the part where you come through for the big save, because I really don’t have the time to stroke your ego,” said Sheppard rather harshly.
It took Rodney only a few seconds to catch the Colonel’s reference and he was grateful for the darkness as his face fell. Obviously the Colonel found some truth in the prisoner Torrell’s estimation of the scientist about ego and such.
Rodney’s tone was sharp as he bit back at the hurtful comment, “What part of I can’t fix it don’t you understand, Colonel? These people are practically barbarians who have somehow managed to survive in the city of their ancestors without a clue as to how things work. No one here has the slightest hint about technology. Half of the machinery has been scrounged for god knows what and you want me to somehow put it back together for them. It’s not going to happen. There is just too much missing.”
“Well unless you have another option, I suggest you pretend you can fix it or they won’t have a reason to keep us around, will they?” Sheppard’s smirk could be heard even in the dark pit.
“Oh yes and that will work so well when I don’t make any progress towards that end. I’m sure they’ll be so overjoyed that they’ll throw a party in my honor.” His voice grew louder, more determined, “I can’t fix it, because there is nothing to fix it with. Unless these people know where they put the pieces, and I seriously doubt they can even remember what they had for breakfast, there is nothing I can do.”
The trapdoor above them suddenly opened, flooding the pit with a blinding light. A harsh, stern voice followed, “You fix now!”
Rodney stepped into the beam of light, squinting as he looked up, “I can’t…”
“Rodney!” hissed Sheppard sharply, offering a pointed look that left no room for argument.
Jerking his head towards the Colonel, Rodney glared at him before he sighed heavily, “Fine. Don’t yell at me when it comes back and bites us in the ass, Colonel.” He grabbed the rung of the ladder and began climbing, wishing he really had the means to make it all better. Then maybe he could gain back the trust he’d lost and remove the doubt the Colonel now had every time he looked at him. It hurt when Sheppard treated him and their prior friendship as if both were inconsequential, but to not have the Colonel’s trust was slowly eating away at Rodney and he would do anything to get that back.
He sat staring at the machinery, trying to fathom its original purpose and was no further enlightened than he had been two hours earlier. Several of the natives stood guard, watching him, occasionally flashing him a disgusted look. He sneered back, no happier than they were with the present situation. What he didn’t expect was the heavy blow to his back and the subsequent pain associated with it.
Thankful he was already on his knees, he only slammed forward onto his hands rather than his face and hissed through clenched teeth, “What the hell was that for?”
One of the natives, a short little fucker with a pock-marked face stepped closer, holding his club menacingly over Rodney, “You have done nothing but complain. Now you will work to fix.”
Rodney was beginning to hate the slow-witted inhabitants of this planet. He’d tried to explain that there was no way to fix their tech problems but it was like arguing with children. They had seen his interest in the machinery and had overheard his conversation with Colonel Sheppard explaining the advanced technology that might have once worked in the city.
Not more than an hour later, the entire team had been escorted to a meager dinner and regaled with tales about the previous inhabitants and the wonders of the city. An hour later they’d woken in the dark pit, having been drugged into submission. The Kormakans made it clear that no one was leaving until the city was up and running. They were obviously under the illusion that it was a simple task, rather like flipping a switch. It occurred to Rodney that his previous estimation of the native’s intelligence had been generous.
Lifting his head, Rodney glared at the natives, “Look, I’m doing the best I can considering how little I have to work with.” He muttered much lower, “Which is fucking nothing.” That comment got him another blow to his back and he rubbed the offended spot, wincing as his body twisted to accommodate his latest move. Rodney’s head snapped up to glower at his captors, “Beating me isn’t going to enamor me to your cause, you know.”
The nearest native raised his club, “Work!”
Rodney instinctively covered his head and ducked back into the machinery, adding a painful reply as he did so, “Okay, I’m working.” Safely inside, at least most of him, Rodney dared to speak, but it lacked his normal conviction, the pain in his back taking away some of his caustic edge, “Some food might be nice. I tend to get shaky without it and then there’s that nasty falling into a coma thing. I’m sure you can scrounge up some of that slop you call soup if you want me to be semi-productive. And in case you haven’t noticed there are four of us. I’m sure my team could use something to eat as well.”
As the pain in his back eased his voice grew stronger and sharper, “Oh and if you have any small appliances be sure and bring them along. I’m almost certain I’d have better luck fixing them than what I’m presently doing. I can get the lights flashing or something equally amazing that will impress upon your limited mental capabilities.”
Glancing at the stupefied looks on the faces in the room, Rodney had no doubt they only understood about half of what he was saying and he took a certain perverse pleasure in taunting them. Still, he was definitely feeling the effects of not eating in over twelve hours so he peeked around the edge of the machine and enunciated his words. “I need food or I will die. Do you get that? Food. Eat.” He motioned to his mouth hoping it would have some effect. One of the younger ones left, finally returning with a bowl of soup and a small slab of bread.
Taking it, Rodney sniffed it, then deeming it edible proceeded to eat, hardly tasting as he swallowed. Using the bread, he cleaned out the bowl and handed it back to his captors. “Did you take some to the others?”
The short one, whacked him on the back again, “We do not have food to spare on the useless ones.”
“Oh that is just…” Rodney wasn’t allowed to finish as another blow landed on his back. Gritting his teeth as they glared at them, he got up slowly and returned to work. He wasn’t so stupid that he couldn’t take the hint to shut up.
He spent the rest of the afternoon pretending to work on the worthless piece of junk in front of him. The guards made sure his attention stayed focused on the task at hand and several new bruises later, Rodney was escorted back to the pit for the night.
It had been a long day and it was well after dark, not that in mattered in their small confinement. As soon as the heavy trapdoor closed, the cell was cast in pitch blackness and the only way to navigate was by touch. Rodney stumbled a few times before finding a solitary stretch of wall where he slid down to the floor with a muffled grunt of pain.
“You okay, McKay?” asked Sheppard, his voice moving closer as he spoke.
“Fine, just a little sore from working all day,” sighed Rodney. There was really no point in whining about his injuries. He doubted very much if the Colonel would even care. It seemed to be the way of things lately and Rodney had accepted it, unable to do much else. All his efforts to apologize had little effect on John’s attitude and rather than attempt resolution through pity, Rodney let his sore and aching muscles go unmentioned.
Sheppard moved closer and sat beside him in the dark. “How did it go up there?”
“Besides spending the day in meaningless labor? They don’t have anything even remotely close to workable. I’m delegated to making things buzz or flash to appease their tiny minds.”
“Is there any way to get free, make it back to the Stargate?” Sheppard asked hopefully.
Rodney snorted, “No. I have my own personal entourage and they really don’t have a sense of humor. I doubt they would take me wandering off as a sign of good prisoner relations.” He winced at the pain in his side as he shifted, leaving little doubt as to how his captors would take an escape attempt. They watched him like a hawk and he’d never been left alone, not even to take a piss. How embarrassing was that? No, they were stuck here until reinforcements arrived.
“It was worth a shot,” said Sheppard. “You got any food on you?”
“Why?” asked Rodney, suspiciously, never one to volunteer his hoarded food.
“They didn’t feed us today and I’m afraid Ronon will resort to cannibalism soon.”
Reaching into his vest, Rodney pulled out several powerbars and handed them to Sheppard, “Make them last, Colonel. It’s all there is. Although if all of you saw fit to come on a mission prepared I wouldn’t have to resort to sharing what I had the good sense to pack.”
“A few less calories won’t kill you.” Sheppard gave Teyla and Ronon each one, handing McKay back a single bar. “Here.”
Rodney pushed it back at the Colonel. “They actually fed me.”
“What about the sugar thing, I don’t want you passing out,” sniped Sheppard, hiding his concern.
“I’ll live.” Leaning sideways, Rodney lowered himself to the floor, biting back the grunt of pain that threatened. “Right now I just want to sleep. It’s been a long day.”
“Get some sleep,” offered Sheppard. Rodney figured he would move away, but he stayed beside him, surprising him. He gave a mental shrug and fell asleep.
Part Two
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waking up the Wraith or Carson providing the Hoffans with a miracle drug that
killed half their population.
That is such a good point...it always seems that Rodney is held responsible for his actions/mistakes while the others are not...or at least not grudgingly and forever. :( I am glad to see, though that John is not unaffected by the difficulty repairing his relationship with Rodney...he's not cold, just...confused, possibly? Unsure as to how to get back the friendship?
Good start to an interesting story...on to read the rest of what's up.
Thanks...
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Becket, Sheppard, and McKay
Sheppard never seemed to feel remorse or apologetic for waking the Wraith. It happened; It's done; Get over it; Deal.
Becket wanted to help the Hoffans; in turn the Hoffans used him and Becket felt devastated at the outcome. All the denizens of Atlantis kept telling him not to feel guilty, that what happen was not his fault.
When Mckay made his mistake, prior to that Sheppard promised Elizabeth that he would "save him from himself" if things got out of hand. Well, he should have brought Ronon's stunner, or concealed a Wraith stunner, huh.
When it came down to the wire, people kept asking Mckay, 'Are you sure?' Can you do this?' 'Will it work?' And with Zalenka contradicting him, and Elizabeth and Sheppard bombarding him, you could tell McKay was afraid. He was backed into a corner, he had to be right. There was no other escape in his neural pathways: everything else was too crowded.
Sheppard didn't save him from himself; he practically helped drive him to it with his negative attitude of 'you are so wrong'. If they could have just chilled ten minutes to let McKay have some quiet, sheesh, and have Sheppard back off, the outcome may have been different.
But in the end, McKay never deserved the treatment he received post Arcturus. Heck, Sam Carter blew up a sun, killing how MANY JAFFA? I don't remember if any of the planets in the system were inhabited by any kinds of life...she did it on purpose though, because she was helping fight a war.
Caldwell pushed for McKay to be allowed his research because they were fighting a war, one, truthfully, that Elizabeth is very protected from save on few occasions.
My two cents on the Rodney cold shoulder situation. And, good into to your story too. I loved it when Rodney told the Col. he couldn't fix something!
~Inn
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Re: Becket, Sheppard, and McKay