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Title: Bloodlust
Author: Chaps1870
Pairing: McShep
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Vampire AU
Chapter Nine
Carson sat at the edge of Colonel Sheppard’s bed willing the man to wake up so he could tell them what happened. Elizabeth joined him and stood at the end of the bed. “How is he?”
“He lost a lot of blood. He’s on his second unit now.”
“You say he was shot?” asked Elizabeth, frowning as she looked John over for injuries.
Carson nodded, pointing to the red line that ran across John’s neck where it met his shoulder, “It’s almost healed.” As they stared at the healed wound, Carson added hesitantly, “The Colonel did say that Rodney saved him. I don’t think he’s dangerous.”
Elizabeth winced at the sudden turn in the conversation. “You know I only did what was best for everyone. At least until we know more.”
Rubbing his arm, Carson sighed wearily, “I’m not sure locking him up is the way to go.”
“You saw what he did, Carson. Ronon’s stunner, the sedatives and he still broke the restraints trying to get to John,” argued Elizabeth, looking around the infirmary where equipment now lay broken. She paused then asked, “Did something on the planet cause this?”
Carson hesitated and finally shook his head, “No. There’s nothing in his blood work.”
“So how did we miss something like this?” exclaimed Elizabeth. “Is there a chance it developed before he left on this mission? Something we missed. And how do we fix it?”
“He’s a vampire, Elizabeth. It isn’t some illness that can be cured,” scoffed Carson.
“How do we know that?” sighed Weir in exasperation. “I’m sorry. I’m having a hard time getting my head around this. I can’t say that I ever put much store in legends like vampires and the like. They were just stories.”
“Stories and myths often have some basis in the real world,” Carson said.
“But a vampire, Carson? Surely, he couldn’t hide that.” She added with a frown, “I thought vampires hated sunlight?”
Carson suppressed a smile, “Well, Rodney has always been rather outspoken about spending time outdoors.”
“Yes, he has,” countered Elizabeth, her mouth rising in a half smile. It was gone with her next question, “Don’t vampires need blood to survive?”
Shifting on his feet, Carson crossed his arms. “I doubt they’ve survived through the ages relying on a single food source. The fact that he hasn’t fed on anyone should be proof that he isn’t dangerous to anyone. He hasn’t actually hurt anyone.” Carson looked up and met her gaze, “Let me move him to his quarters. This is Rodney, Elizabeth, not some alien we have to fear. He was shot and needs better medical attention than I can give him in that bloody cage.”
Reaching out, she tried to comfort the distraught doctor. “I can’t risk it. You said yourself that sedation didn’t work and the restraints didn’t either. I know this goes against your sensibilities, Carson but it’s for his safety too.
They’d considered locking Rodney in his quarters but he knew too much about Ancient technology and the lock would only be a minor hindrance if he really wanted free. In the end, they’d decided on the Wraith cage for security reasons. As of yet, only senior staff and Rodney’s team were aware of his real condition. Everyone else that needed to know was told it was some noncontagious alien virus that merited observation.
“He was injured and out of his mind. I don’t think you can hold him accountable for his actions.” Carson wanted to point out that even an injured animal will lash out when cornered but Rodney was no animal. “He should be in the infirmary, not locked away in some cell. He’s not the enemy.”
“We don’t know that. At this point we can’t even say for sure he’s a vampire.”
“And if he is, what will you do? Send him back to Earth. What do you think they’d do to him there?” questioned Carson.
Elizabeth sighed, the weight of command heavy on her shoulders, “I’m more concerned with what they would do to him here if others were to find out. At least by locking him up we have some control until we have more information.” She nodded towards John’s bed, her expression softening. “How long?”
“Soon I hope,” sighed Carson.
“Call me when he wakes.” Elizabeth left as he turned to check the John’s vitals. They were improving but the blood loss would take time to recover from.
A quick note on the chart and Carson retreated to his office. Keying his radio, he called, “Radek?”
A few seconds passed before Dr. Zelenka answered “Yes?”
“If you have a moment, I need to speak with you,” said Carson, wearily.
Radek must have sensed it and responded in kind, “I am headed that way.”
“I’ll speak to you then.”
Sitting at his desk, head heavy in his hands, Carson sighed. Of all the possible outcomes of a month long absence, Rodney being a vampire wouldn’t have made the list. He had a lot of questions but with Sheppard unconscious and Rodney locked up, not quite himself, there were no answers forthcoming.
On cue, a knock came at his door and Carson lifted his head, his voice weary as he answered, “Come in.”
Radek entered and sat down in the chair beside the desk. “How is Rodney?”
Carson shook his head solemnly, “You could probably answer that better than I can.”
“You are not making sense, milenec,” said Radek, looking concerned.
Slumping back in his chair, Carson explained, “Rodney is a vampire.”
Radek stared open mouthed, his face pale as he cursed, “Proboha!” He looked at Carson and asked quietly, stunned, “Where is he?”
Closing his eyes, Carson sadly shook his head, “They’ve locked him up.”
Lurching to his feet, Radek asked as he moved to the door, “Where?”
Carson bolted from his chair, grabbing Radek before he could leave. His voice was on the verge of panic, but he forced himself to remain calm, “I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone. There is nothing you can do.”
Radek turned sharply, angry. “I cannot let them lock him up like an animal.”
“Listen to me, luv,” insisted Carson, holding Radek in place with a light touch. “I know you want to help and we’ll do what we can, but we have to be careful.”
“I am only concerned for Rodney at the moment. He does not deserve this,” spit Radek, his anger unabated.
Carson sighed, “I don’t think it’s just Rodney we should be worried about.”
“I am not worried about others,” said Radek defiantly, standing straighter.
Nudging Radek towards the chair, Carson made him sit. Radek fumed but Carson persisted, “When we found them, Rodney was wild. The Colonel had been hit in the neck, bleeding out and Rodney did the only thing he could. Ronon had to stun him to get him to let go. Even then he came to a short time later and grabbed him again. Rodney had been shot in the leg and he ignored it. We tried restraining him, but he broke through like they were nothing. I tried sedating him, but it didn’t keep him down either. He was going to get to the Colonel or die trying.”
Radek let out the breath he was holding. “Bloodlust.”
Nodding, Carson answered, “Aye, at least that would be my guess.” He rested a hand on Radek’s. “If that is the case than explaining it could make things very difficult for both of them, especially the Colonel. You cannot explain the bloodlust without outing them.”
Nodding in resignation, Radek hesitated, “How are they doing now?”
“The Colonel will be fine.” The look on Carson’s face darkened, his irritation reflected in his voice. “I haven’t seen Rodney since they hauled him off.”
“You should go see him. Talk to him.” Radek stood, squeezing Carson’s hand. “I will speak with Elizabeth.” As Carson started to protest, Radek cut him off. “I will be careful what I say.”
***************
His memory was starting to return and with it a headache to rival his worst Siberian hangover. Through the haze of pain, Rodney vaguely remembered John being shot.
The look on his face when he’d fallen to his knees, his hand reaching up to where the blood poured from the severed artery was something Rodney wasn’t likely to forget anytime soon. There was no conscious thought after that, he’d reacted instantly, sucking and licking at the wound even as he’d tried to drag Sheppard clear of the approaching guards.
There’d been so much blood, more than Rodney had ever had in a single feeding and it had surged in his veins like the good drugs Carson hoarded. As he’d worked to heal the damage to John’s neck, the blood had coated his tongue, poured down his throat, overloading his senses and taking away his humanity.
His blood surged and ignoring the pain that lanced through his leg, Rodney jerked to his feet. Panting from pain, his eyes darted to his surroundings and finding himself caged, he paced anxiously. He needed to get out. Get to John.
Spying Ronon near the door, he limped to the edge of the cage. His voice was rough, deep, as he pleaded, “Let me out.”
“Can’t,” answered Ronon, moving closer.
Heart racing, Rodney twitched nervously as he paced behind the bars. “I need to out.”
“Can’t.”
Rodney stopped and turned sharply to face Ronon and ground out, “Can’t or won’t?”
“Don’t matter,” said Ronon, shrugging. “You’re stuck here ‘til Weir says otherwise.”
Enraged, Rodney threw himself at the bars only to be thrown back when the containment shield surged. He shook it off and advanced again, his eyes glowing as he snarled at Ronon, “Let me out of here.”
Ronon remained calm as he watched McKay. The man was pacing furiously, dragging his injured leg, ignoring the blood that now seeped through the bandage. Ronon keyed his radio, “Beckett?”
“What is it, Ronon?”
“He’s awake. His leg’s bleeding,” answered Ronon, his eyes never leaving McKay. He tried calming him down but his teammate was no longer listening--- listening instead to some inner demon. The man reminded Ronon too much of his time on the enzyme, strung out and needy. McKay’s body was trying to sweat out the worst of it, his face red with either pain or anger, maybe both and his movements jittery.
Every few minutes he’d yell for Sheppard and rush the shield only to fall back, each time weaker than before until finally he just lay on the floor, curled up and hugging himself tightly. He was soaked to the skin, hair matted to his head, sweat dripping off his face as his chest heaved for air.
That was how Carson found him when he entered about ten minutes later. The doctor was livid seeing Rodney huddled on the floor, his pant leg bloodstained. Carson glared at Ronon. “Open it.”
Ronon considered refusing but something in the doctor’s eyes made him falter. Unholstering his weapon, Ronon opened the door. Beckett eyed the gun in his hand suspiciously. “You won’t be needin’ that.” He waved at Rodney. “Look at him. He’s no threat.”
Ronon shrugged, easing beside Carson, his gun at ready as he spoke. “Ain’t himself.”
Carson huffed, “No, I don’t suppose he is.” Approaching cautiously, Carson called out softly, “Rodney, how are you doin’, lad?”
Rodney sniffled, his voice weak as he rasped, “John?”
“He’s doin’ fine, Rodney.” Carson reached out and patted his friend’s shoulder. “I’m sure we’ll have a time keepin’ him away when he wakes. Will you let me take care of your leg? You’re bleedin’ you bloody fool.”
Rodney gave him a barely discernable nod, but said nothing. Carson moved carefully, mindful of Rodney’s state of mind.
Ronon moved into McKay’s field of view, making sure he was aware of his presence.
Curled on the floor, sweat trickling into his eyes, Rodney squinted up at Ronon. “You shot me.”
Ronon shrugged, “Didn’t want to.” Carson smiled, nodding at Ronon to continue. It was distracting Rodney enough so that he could work.
“You shot me more than once,” Rodney pointed out indignantly.
“Tougher than you look,” snorted Ronon, with a hint of respect. McKay seemed more lucid. Maybe the aggression had helped purge his system. Still cautious, Ronon stepped back, allowing Beckett more room to work. Uncovered, the wound didn’t look as bad as it could have. Only a few stitches in the entry site were torn and Carson repaired it with minimal fuss.
Rodney eyes were glazed with pain and he was uncharacteristically quiet. Carson finished bandaging his thigh and looked up at Ronon. “I’m goin’ to stay with him for a bit. Why don’t you see about a mattress and some blankets? If he has to stay here at least he can be comfortable.”
“Ain’t leaving,” insisted Ronon.
Carson snorted in frustration then leaned over Rodney, his brogue soft as he spoke to his friend, “You’re not going to hurt me if Ronon leaves are you?”
Rodney shook his head, his voice full of despair as he mumbled, “No.”
Looking up at Ronon, Carson stated, “See, he’s not goin’ to hurt me. You can lock me in if you like.”
“Can’t chance it, Doc.”
“Aye, but I know Rodney and I don’t think he wants to hurt anyone.” Beckett seemed to take it as a done deal and added, “Stop by the infirmary and pick up an extra set of scrubs if you would. I don’t want him catching a chill having to wear wet clothes.”
Ronon noticed McKay shivering on the floor and without a second thought he removed his heavy overcoat and draped it over him. He hesitated to leave, taking his job to protect seriously. All his instincts told him that McKay was no longer a threat, but there were too many unknowns. He couldn’t make himself leave and shook his head at Beckett. “Nope, can’t leave you alone. I’ll call Teyla.”
Rodney winced at Ronon’s reluctance to leave. And yet there was no reason Ronon should trust him. He hadn’t made the best first impression. He recalled the terror in Teyla’s eyes when she’d seen him at his worst. Rodney couldn’t really blame her or Ronon’s reaction. Vampires were too much like Wraith to denizens of the Pegasus Galaxy. They at least could rationalize their fear. The same couldn’t be said of his own people. Their fears were based on myths and misconceptions.
More than their fears were Rodney’s own. The high was dissipating and rational thought came easier. Along with the rising apprehension of what they were going to do with him. To wake and find himself caged like a Wraith was not very reassuring. Realizing it was those he considered friends who instigated it, even less so.
As if reading his mind, Carson said reassuringly, “No ones goin’ to hurt you, Rodney. This is just until they decide if it’s safe to release you.”
To Rodney’s ears it didn’t sound reassuring and he huddled further into the coat, wanting to hide away from it all. He was so tired and he just wanted to sleep, hoping he would wake and it would all be a dream. Sleep wouldn’t come, fear and anxiety keeping him from drifting off.
He was shaking, his body fighting the last of the blood high. All he could think of was how much John probably hated him now but wanting him near. It was bad enough John had avoided him those last few days on the planet, but now Rodney had just made things worse. At least during the bloodlust feeding and the time after, he could sense John, sense what he wanted, even if it was confusing at times. In the jumper, there’d been too much blood, drowning out everything but his need to protect.
Even now, he was only beginning to get a sense of John. It was vague but growing stronger. It took a few minutes and realizing what it was, Rodney curled tighter around himself under the heavy coat, thankful for the shield against the emotions welling inside. John was pissed and it was getting closer.
**********
Radek caught up with Dr. Weir as she was leaving her office. He hesitated, “I was wondering if you had a moment.”
“I was on my way to speak with Rodney.”
“Hmm, yes. He is reason I wish to see you.”
Mistaking the purpose of his visit, Elizabeth apologized, “I’m sorry but he isn’t ready to resume his duties. He’d want you in charge in his absence.”
Radek nodded nervously, “Yes, yes, but that is not what I wish to speak of.”
Elizabeth motioned down the hall as they walked. “Join me. We can talk along the way.
Self-conscious, Radek swallowed and took a deep breath before beginning. “I know of vampires.”
Stopping, Elizabeth looked at him with wide eyes. “They exist?”
Sighing, Radek nodded, “Yes, yes. They are not so uncommon where I come from.” He paused, “There are stories and I have known those that have had a close encounter with one.”
Elizabeth paled and continued to walk, “I really didn’t think they were real.” She added thoughtfully, “Although, considering all I’ve seen I suppose anything is possible.”
Radek walked beside her, lost in thought. Elizabeth pulled him back. “Radek?”
“Ah, yes, I am sorry,” said Radek, pushing his glasses up. “As I was saying, vampires are not uncommon. What Rodney is suffering with is. It only happens when a vampire takes in too much blood. During a feeding, a vampire only takes what is necessary for survival. Never enough to harm the...” he winced as he spoke, “the victim. Do not get me wrong, some do of course, but they are rare. Most only feed to survive. I am assuming since no such occurrences have been reported on Atlantis that he has found other means to survive. What Rodney did for Colonel Sheppard was not a feeding. He had to drink a lot of blood to save him. More than he should have.”
Elizabeth raised a curious brow. “I don’t understand. Don’t vampires need blood to survive?” She shrugged, embarrassed at her presumption. “At least that’s what they say.”
Radek snorted, “No, although it is most preferred. Food serves same purpose but is less efficient.” He raised a finger, a thought crossing his mind and finally said, “Yes, yes, of course. I never made the connection. This is why Rodney needs to eat so much.” He rolled his eyes at his own blindness. “If he were feeding here on Atlantis then he would not need to eat so much.”
“This all very informative, but it doesn’t explain why Rodney is acting as he is,” insisted Elizabeth, impatiently.
Answering with a tinge of exasperation, Radek explained, “He ingested too much blood. His body could not handle it, much like enzyme overdose.”
Elizabeth looked dubious and said tentatively, “I don’t mean to question your credibility, but this is all still speculation. You say he isn’t dangerous and yet he practically destroyed the infirmary trying to reach Colonel Sheppard?”
Sweat gathered on his brow and Radek sidestepped the question, stuttering a response, “I do not know.”
Part Ten
Author: Chaps1870
Pairing: McShep
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Vampire AU
Chapter Nine
Carson sat at the edge of Colonel Sheppard’s bed willing the man to wake up so he could tell them what happened. Elizabeth joined him and stood at the end of the bed. “How is he?”
“He lost a lot of blood. He’s on his second unit now.”
“You say he was shot?” asked Elizabeth, frowning as she looked John over for injuries.
Carson nodded, pointing to the red line that ran across John’s neck where it met his shoulder, “It’s almost healed.” As they stared at the healed wound, Carson added hesitantly, “The Colonel did say that Rodney saved him. I don’t think he’s dangerous.”
Elizabeth winced at the sudden turn in the conversation. “You know I only did what was best for everyone. At least until we know more.”
Rubbing his arm, Carson sighed wearily, “I’m not sure locking him up is the way to go.”
“You saw what he did, Carson. Ronon’s stunner, the sedatives and he still broke the restraints trying to get to John,” argued Elizabeth, looking around the infirmary where equipment now lay broken. She paused then asked, “Did something on the planet cause this?”
Carson hesitated and finally shook his head, “No. There’s nothing in his blood work.”
“So how did we miss something like this?” exclaimed Elizabeth. “Is there a chance it developed before he left on this mission? Something we missed. And how do we fix it?”
“He’s a vampire, Elizabeth. It isn’t some illness that can be cured,” scoffed Carson.
“How do we know that?” sighed Weir in exasperation. “I’m sorry. I’m having a hard time getting my head around this. I can’t say that I ever put much store in legends like vampires and the like. They were just stories.”
“Stories and myths often have some basis in the real world,” Carson said.
“But a vampire, Carson? Surely, he couldn’t hide that.” She added with a frown, “I thought vampires hated sunlight?”
Carson suppressed a smile, “Well, Rodney has always been rather outspoken about spending time outdoors.”
“Yes, he has,” countered Elizabeth, her mouth rising in a half smile. It was gone with her next question, “Don’t vampires need blood to survive?”
Shifting on his feet, Carson crossed his arms. “I doubt they’ve survived through the ages relying on a single food source. The fact that he hasn’t fed on anyone should be proof that he isn’t dangerous to anyone. He hasn’t actually hurt anyone.” Carson looked up and met her gaze, “Let me move him to his quarters. This is Rodney, Elizabeth, not some alien we have to fear. He was shot and needs better medical attention than I can give him in that bloody cage.”
Reaching out, she tried to comfort the distraught doctor. “I can’t risk it. You said yourself that sedation didn’t work and the restraints didn’t either. I know this goes against your sensibilities, Carson but it’s for his safety too.
They’d considered locking Rodney in his quarters but he knew too much about Ancient technology and the lock would only be a minor hindrance if he really wanted free. In the end, they’d decided on the Wraith cage for security reasons. As of yet, only senior staff and Rodney’s team were aware of his real condition. Everyone else that needed to know was told it was some noncontagious alien virus that merited observation.
“He was injured and out of his mind. I don’t think you can hold him accountable for his actions.” Carson wanted to point out that even an injured animal will lash out when cornered but Rodney was no animal. “He should be in the infirmary, not locked away in some cell. He’s not the enemy.”
“We don’t know that. At this point we can’t even say for sure he’s a vampire.”
“And if he is, what will you do? Send him back to Earth. What do you think they’d do to him there?” questioned Carson.
Elizabeth sighed, the weight of command heavy on her shoulders, “I’m more concerned with what they would do to him here if others were to find out. At least by locking him up we have some control until we have more information.” She nodded towards John’s bed, her expression softening. “How long?”
“Soon I hope,” sighed Carson.
“Call me when he wakes.” Elizabeth left as he turned to check the John’s vitals. They were improving but the blood loss would take time to recover from.
A quick note on the chart and Carson retreated to his office. Keying his radio, he called, “Radek?”
A few seconds passed before Dr. Zelenka answered “Yes?”
“If you have a moment, I need to speak with you,” said Carson, wearily.
Radek must have sensed it and responded in kind, “I am headed that way.”
“I’ll speak to you then.”
Sitting at his desk, head heavy in his hands, Carson sighed. Of all the possible outcomes of a month long absence, Rodney being a vampire wouldn’t have made the list. He had a lot of questions but with Sheppard unconscious and Rodney locked up, not quite himself, there were no answers forthcoming.
On cue, a knock came at his door and Carson lifted his head, his voice weary as he answered, “Come in.”
Radek entered and sat down in the chair beside the desk. “How is Rodney?”
Carson shook his head solemnly, “You could probably answer that better than I can.”
“You are not making sense, milenec,” said Radek, looking concerned.
Slumping back in his chair, Carson explained, “Rodney is a vampire.”
Radek stared open mouthed, his face pale as he cursed, “Proboha!” He looked at Carson and asked quietly, stunned, “Where is he?”
Closing his eyes, Carson sadly shook his head, “They’ve locked him up.”
Lurching to his feet, Radek asked as he moved to the door, “Where?”
Carson bolted from his chair, grabbing Radek before he could leave. His voice was on the verge of panic, but he forced himself to remain calm, “I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone. There is nothing you can do.”
Radek turned sharply, angry. “I cannot let them lock him up like an animal.”
“Listen to me, luv,” insisted Carson, holding Radek in place with a light touch. “I know you want to help and we’ll do what we can, but we have to be careful.”
“I am only concerned for Rodney at the moment. He does not deserve this,” spit Radek, his anger unabated.
Carson sighed, “I don’t think it’s just Rodney we should be worried about.”
“I am not worried about others,” said Radek defiantly, standing straighter.
Nudging Radek towards the chair, Carson made him sit. Radek fumed but Carson persisted, “When we found them, Rodney was wild. The Colonel had been hit in the neck, bleeding out and Rodney did the only thing he could. Ronon had to stun him to get him to let go. Even then he came to a short time later and grabbed him again. Rodney had been shot in the leg and he ignored it. We tried restraining him, but he broke through like they were nothing. I tried sedating him, but it didn’t keep him down either. He was going to get to the Colonel or die trying.”
Radek let out the breath he was holding. “Bloodlust.”
Nodding, Carson answered, “Aye, at least that would be my guess.” He rested a hand on Radek’s. “If that is the case than explaining it could make things very difficult for both of them, especially the Colonel. You cannot explain the bloodlust without outing them.”
Nodding in resignation, Radek hesitated, “How are they doing now?”
“The Colonel will be fine.” The look on Carson’s face darkened, his irritation reflected in his voice. “I haven’t seen Rodney since they hauled him off.”
“You should go see him. Talk to him.” Radek stood, squeezing Carson’s hand. “I will speak with Elizabeth.” As Carson started to protest, Radek cut him off. “I will be careful what I say.”
***************
His memory was starting to return and with it a headache to rival his worst Siberian hangover. Through the haze of pain, Rodney vaguely remembered John being shot.
The look on his face when he’d fallen to his knees, his hand reaching up to where the blood poured from the severed artery was something Rodney wasn’t likely to forget anytime soon. There was no conscious thought after that, he’d reacted instantly, sucking and licking at the wound even as he’d tried to drag Sheppard clear of the approaching guards.
There’d been so much blood, more than Rodney had ever had in a single feeding and it had surged in his veins like the good drugs Carson hoarded. As he’d worked to heal the damage to John’s neck, the blood had coated his tongue, poured down his throat, overloading his senses and taking away his humanity.
His blood surged and ignoring the pain that lanced through his leg, Rodney jerked to his feet. Panting from pain, his eyes darted to his surroundings and finding himself caged, he paced anxiously. He needed to get out. Get to John.
Spying Ronon near the door, he limped to the edge of the cage. His voice was rough, deep, as he pleaded, “Let me out.”
“Can’t,” answered Ronon, moving closer.
Heart racing, Rodney twitched nervously as he paced behind the bars. “I need to out.”
“Can’t.”
Rodney stopped and turned sharply to face Ronon and ground out, “Can’t or won’t?”
“Don’t matter,” said Ronon, shrugging. “You’re stuck here ‘til Weir says otherwise.”
Enraged, Rodney threw himself at the bars only to be thrown back when the containment shield surged. He shook it off and advanced again, his eyes glowing as he snarled at Ronon, “Let me out of here.”
Ronon remained calm as he watched McKay. The man was pacing furiously, dragging his injured leg, ignoring the blood that now seeped through the bandage. Ronon keyed his radio, “Beckett?”
“What is it, Ronon?”
“He’s awake. His leg’s bleeding,” answered Ronon, his eyes never leaving McKay. He tried calming him down but his teammate was no longer listening--- listening instead to some inner demon. The man reminded Ronon too much of his time on the enzyme, strung out and needy. McKay’s body was trying to sweat out the worst of it, his face red with either pain or anger, maybe both and his movements jittery.
Every few minutes he’d yell for Sheppard and rush the shield only to fall back, each time weaker than before until finally he just lay on the floor, curled up and hugging himself tightly. He was soaked to the skin, hair matted to his head, sweat dripping off his face as his chest heaved for air.
That was how Carson found him when he entered about ten minutes later. The doctor was livid seeing Rodney huddled on the floor, his pant leg bloodstained. Carson glared at Ronon. “Open it.”
Ronon considered refusing but something in the doctor’s eyes made him falter. Unholstering his weapon, Ronon opened the door. Beckett eyed the gun in his hand suspiciously. “You won’t be needin’ that.” He waved at Rodney. “Look at him. He’s no threat.”
Ronon shrugged, easing beside Carson, his gun at ready as he spoke. “Ain’t himself.”
Carson huffed, “No, I don’t suppose he is.” Approaching cautiously, Carson called out softly, “Rodney, how are you doin’, lad?”
Rodney sniffled, his voice weak as he rasped, “John?”
“He’s doin’ fine, Rodney.” Carson reached out and patted his friend’s shoulder. “I’m sure we’ll have a time keepin’ him away when he wakes. Will you let me take care of your leg? You’re bleedin’ you bloody fool.”
Rodney gave him a barely discernable nod, but said nothing. Carson moved carefully, mindful of Rodney’s state of mind.
Ronon moved into McKay’s field of view, making sure he was aware of his presence.
Curled on the floor, sweat trickling into his eyes, Rodney squinted up at Ronon. “You shot me.”
Ronon shrugged, “Didn’t want to.” Carson smiled, nodding at Ronon to continue. It was distracting Rodney enough so that he could work.
“You shot me more than once,” Rodney pointed out indignantly.
“Tougher than you look,” snorted Ronon, with a hint of respect. McKay seemed more lucid. Maybe the aggression had helped purge his system. Still cautious, Ronon stepped back, allowing Beckett more room to work. Uncovered, the wound didn’t look as bad as it could have. Only a few stitches in the entry site were torn and Carson repaired it with minimal fuss.
Rodney eyes were glazed with pain and he was uncharacteristically quiet. Carson finished bandaging his thigh and looked up at Ronon. “I’m goin’ to stay with him for a bit. Why don’t you see about a mattress and some blankets? If he has to stay here at least he can be comfortable.”
“Ain’t leaving,” insisted Ronon.
Carson snorted in frustration then leaned over Rodney, his brogue soft as he spoke to his friend, “You’re not going to hurt me if Ronon leaves are you?”
Rodney shook his head, his voice full of despair as he mumbled, “No.”
Looking up at Ronon, Carson stated, “See, he’s not goin’ to hurt me. You can lock me in if you like.”
“Can’t chance it, Doc.”
“Aye, but I know Rodney and I don’t think he wants to hurt anyone.” Beckett seemed to take it as a done deal and added, “Stop by the infirmary and pick up an extra set of scrubs if you would. I don’t want him catching a chill having to wear wet clothes.”
Ronon noticed McKay shivering on the floor and without a second thought he removed his heavy overcoat and draped it over him. He hesitated to leave, taking his job to protect seriously. All his instincts told him that McKay was no longer a threat, but there were too many unknowns. He couldn’t make himself leave and shook his head at Beckett. “Nope, can’t leave you alone. I’ll call Teyla.”
Rodney winced at Ronon’s reluctance to leave. And yet there was no reason Ronon should trust him. He hadn’t made the best first impression. He recalled the terror in Teyla’s eyes when she’d seen him at his worst. Rodney couldn’t really blame her or Ronon’s reaction. Vampires were too much like Wraith to denizens of the Pegasus Galaxy. They at least could rationalize their fear. The same couldn’t be said of his own people. Their fears were based on myths and misconceptions.
More than their fears were Rodney’s own. The high was dissipating and rational thought came easier. Along with the rising apprehension of what they were going to do with him. To wake and find himself caged like a Wraith was not very reassuring. Realizing it was those he considered friends who instigated it, even less so.
As if reading his mind, Carson said reassuringly, “No ones goin’ to hurt you, Rodney. This is just until they decide if it’s safe to release you.”
To Rodney’s ears it didn’t sound reassuring and he huddled further into the coat, wanting to hide away from it all. He was so tired and he just wanted to sleep, hoping he would wake and it would all be a dream. Sleep wouldn’t come, fear and anxiety keeping him from drifting off.
He was shaking, his body fighting the last of the blood high. All he could think of was how much John probably hated him now but wanting him near. It was bad enough John had avoided him those last few days on the planet, but now Rodney had just made things worse. At least during the bloodlust feeding and the time after, he could sense John, sense what he wanted, even if it was confusing at times. In the jumper, there’d been too much blood, drowning out everything but his need to protect.
Even now, he was only beginning to get a sense of John. It was vague but growing stronger. It took a few minutes and realizing what it was, Rodney curled tighter around himself under the heavy coat, thankful for the shield against the emotions welling inside. John was pissed and it was getting closer.
**********
Radek caught up with Dr. Weir as she was leaving her office. He hesitated, “I was wondering if you had a moment.”
“I was on my way to speak with Rodney.”
“Hmm, yes. He is reason I wish to see you.”
Mistaking the purpose of his visit, Elizabeth apologized, “I’m sorry but he isn’t ready to resume his duties. He’d want you in charge in his absence.”
Radek nodded nervously, “Yes, yes, but that is not what I wish to speak of.”
Elizabeth motioned down the hall as they walked. “Join me. We can talk along the way.
Self-conscious, Radek swallowed and took a deep breath before beginning. “I know of vampires.”
Stopping, Elizabeth looked at him with wide eyes. “They exist?”
Sighing, Radek nodded, “Yes, yes. They are not so uncommon where I come from.” He paused, “There are stories and I have known those that have had a close encounter with one.”
Elizabeth paled and continued to walk, “I really didn’t think they were real.” She added thoughtfully, “Although, considering all I’ve seen I suppose anything is possible.”
Radek walked beside her, lost in thought. Elizabeth pulled him back. “Radek?”
“Ah, yes, I am sorry,” said Radek, pushing his glasses up. “As I was saying, vampires are not uncommon. What Rodney is suffering with is. It only happens when a vampire takes in too much blood. During a feeding, a vampire only takes what is necessary for survival. Never enough to harm the...” he winced as he spoke, “the victim. Do not get me wrong, some do of course, but they are rare. Most only feed to survive. I am assuming since no such occurrences have been reported on Atlantis that he has found other means to survive. What Rodney did for Colonel Sheppard was not a feeding. He had to drink a lot of blood to save him. More than he should have.”
Elizabeth raised a curious brow. “I don’t understand. Don’t vampires need blood to survive?” She shrugged, embarrassed at her presumption. “At least that’s what they say.”
Radek snorted, “No, although it is most preferred. Food serves same purpose but is less efficient.” He raised a finger, a thought crossing his mind and finally said, “Yes, yes, of course. I never made the connection. This is why Rodney needs to eat so much.” He rolled his eyes at his own blindness. “If he were feeding here on Atlantis then he would not need to eat so much.”
“This all very informative, but it doesn’t explain why Rodney is acting as he is,” insisted Elizabeth, impatiently.
Answering with a tinge of exasperation, Radek explained, “He ingested too much blood. His body could not handle it, much like enzyme overdose.”
Elizabeth looked dubious and said tentatively, “I don’t mean to question your credibility, but this is all still speculation. You say he isn’t dangerous and yet he practically destroyed the infirmary trying to reach Colonel Sheppard?”
Sweat gathered on his brow and Radek sidestepped the question, stuttering a response, “I do not know.”
Part Ten
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