Sodium Chloride by Sethoz
Mar. 26th, 2005 10:54 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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sga_flashficTitle: Sodium Chloride
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
sethoz
Rating: UK 15
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard
Category: Action/Adventure/Angst
Challenge: Swimming
Notes: This is a monster. It completely took over the small plot idea I had and made me write this longer fic instead. Slight Spoiler for 'Home'
Words: 4144
Summary: A swim gone wrong results in some strange behaviour from Rodney McKay...
Sodium Chloride
Karma.
Rodney McKay was pretty sure he had bad karma. Not that he believed in karma that is, but if he did believe in it, then he was sure he had bad karma. He wasn't sure just what he had done to piss off the world, but whatever it was, it had to be have been big.
Why else would he get stuck with one Major John Sheppard?
Wait, he should rephrase that. Why else would he get stuck with one Major John Sheppard, one half naked Major John Sheppard and know that this was the closest he was going to get to seeing the whole package?
A splash distracted him from his thoughts and he glanced to his left, where said John Sheppard was swimming gracefully back towards the shore, giving McKay a cheeky grin.
“Come on McKay, time for food.” He called out, before looking towards the shore and swimming strongly, with large, even strokes. McKay fumed, annoyed that everything the Major did was graceful. His hair didn't even look out of place for goodness sake!
Once again, McKay regretting agreeing to this. A fun day Sheppard had said, a day to relax, swim, eat, laugh. McKay had only agreed because the chance to see Sheppard bare chested out weighed the downsides. At least it had. Now, he wasn't so sure.
Sighing loudly, McKay struck out for the shore. It wasn't that he was having a bad time, far from it. He was actually having a good time... he just didn't know how he was going to admit that without sounding ungracious.
Something gave his ankle a tiny tug and he froze, his breathing increasing as he glanced down into the clear water. McKay couldn't actually see anything below him, even as he felt a harder, more demanding tug.
“Major.” McKay called, trying to keep the panic out of his voice. Sheppard carried on swimming, apparently not hearing him.
“MAJOR!” McKay screamed, even as – whatever it was – grabbed his leg tightly and pulled him down. Sheppard turned his head just in time to see McKay vanish under the water.
McKay struggled, trying to break the hold on his leg, his arms flailing wildly. He kicked out, even as a faint burning sensation covered his skin. A second later, Sheppard's hands were on his chest, pulling him up and the weird pressure that had been dragging him down vanished. McKay's head broke the surface of the water and he gasped, taking in huge lungfuls of air.
“Come on McKay, we're going back to Atlantis.” Sheppard said grimly, half dragging the scientist through the water. McKay let him, occasionally giving the odd little paddle, to show he was willing. It was just his limbs felt like they were covered in pins and needles.
“McKay? McKay you with me?” Sheppard said abruptly. McKay frowned, staring at Sheppard's face. The other man seemed worried. Which was silly, he had only been under the water for a second or two and anyway, it's not like anything happened.
“Of course, where else would I be?” McKay answered, lacking the energy to come up with a suitable sarcastic reply. Sheppard frowned but didn't say anything and then they were hitting the sand, Teyla and Ford running towards them.
The rest of the trip was a blur to McKay, the ride back to Atlantis being done in relative silence, Ford and Teyla casting him the odd, concerned glance. Sheppard sat at the controls, his eyes fixed firmly on the view in front of him. McKay, for his part, stared down at the floor, thinking mournfully about the food he had been promised.
The moment the puddle jumper landed in Atlantis, Carson and his crew of evil needle users were waiting. McKay blinked at that, not remembering anyone alerting Carson. But then, when Sheppard and his team went out anywhere, injuries tended to follow them, so it possible he was just waiting to be on the safe side.
Without giving McKay a chance to say anything, Carson had pushed him down on a gurney and was pushing him along to the infirmary, the rest of his team hurrying behind. They reached the infirmary, Carson asking what had happened.
Really, McKay thought, they were all over reacting just a little bit. Aside from the pins and needles, he didn't feel bad. In fact he felt quite well.
“I'm fine!” He snapped, sitting up and glaring at everyone. Sheppard stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Doc, he was under the water for a least a minute and on the way back he kept... zoning out. Like he wasn't really awake. I had to call his name several times before he responded.” Sheppard told Carson. McKay blinked a little at the words. A minute? It had felt like mere seconds...
“I'm fine.” McKay protested. “I didn't loose conciousness or swallow any water. I'm fine.”
“I'm not sure Rodney.” Carson said doubtfully, looking at him. “The Major said you were pretty out of it on the trip back...”
“Look, it's me Carson. Don't you think if I felt even the slightest bit odd I would tell you?” McKay replied, squashing the guilt he was feeling at the tiny lie. The pins and needles hadn't gone away but Carson didn't need to know about them.
“That is true... okay Rodney, just let me take some blood and then you can go.” Carson said at last, after quickly giving McKay a once over. “But if you start to feel even the slightest bit funny, you tell me okay.”
“Sure, sure.” McKay said quickly, looking away as Carson took a blood sample.
“What happened out there McKay?” Sheppard asked. McKay looked at him in surprise, as if he had forgotten the other man was there.
“I guess I... got cramp or something.” McKay said at last, jumping to his feet as Carson finished taking the blood. Sheppard's hand slipped away from his shoulder as he flashed Carson a lopsided grin.
“Can I go now?” He asked. At Carson's nod he hurried out of the infirmary, intending to head back to his lab to see what the other scientists had been up to him his absence. He walked down a corridor, only realising after a moment that he was in fact heading away from his lab. Shaking his head in confusion, he turned and walked to his lab, ignoring the faint compulsion to return to the water, along with the pins and needles.
“So McKay's alright?” Sheppard asked. Carson stared at the blood sample for a moment then shrugged.
“Like he said, if there was anything wrong with him, he would tell us...”
“Still, you'll check his blood?” Sheppard pushed, not knowing why he was so worried. Maybe it had been the completely blank look on McKay's face when he had reached him under the water. Or maybe the way he had stared right through Sheppard as if was wasn't there when Sheppard had called his name.
“Of course Major.” Carson answered. Suddenly, Bates staggered in, clutching an arm that was hanging at an odd angle. He swayed on his feet before dropping to the ground as Carson rushed forward, barking orders.
The small vial of blood rested quietly on the counter, forgotten for the moment.
---
McKay grabbed the glass, quickly filling it with water, noting casually that the that the mess hall was empty at this time of day. By his side, Zelenka quickly chattered, filling him in on his most recent experiment. McKay nodded, but found his attention wandering as he raised the glass to his lips. He was thirsty... so very thirsty...
“Rodney! You just... that water!” Zelenka stammered. McKay looked down at the empty glass and then back up at Zelenka.
“What about it?”
“You... you put five spoonfuls of salt in it before you drank it! You should have thrown up...” Zelenka trailed off, sounding confused. McKay looked back at the glass, making a 'huh' noise. He looked at Zelenka, his eyes blank.
Dr. Zelenka backed away, as McKay stepped forward.
---
Carson peered down at the blood sample, frowning. This didn't make any sense... Sodium Chloride? In Rodney's blood? That couldn't be right... There was some noise behind him and he lifted his head, gasping at the sight in front of him.
“Dr. Beckett to Major Sheppard. I think we have a problem...”
---
McKay moved steadily through Atlantis, his eyes blank, his pace machinelike. He reached the transporter doors and slapped his hand against the wall, the doors swishing open. Sheppard stood inside, his eyes fixed on McKay. The scientist cocked his head slightly.
“Hey McKay... how about you and I pop down to the infirmary and see Carson?” Sheppard said carefully.
“No.” McKay answered simply, trying to step into the transporter. Sheppard blocked his way.
“McKay... Carson wants to see you.”
“We must return.” McKay answered blandly. “Do not try and stop us, like the other.” He stepped forward again, Sheppard still blocking his way.
“Sorry Rodney, you're not going anywhere.” Sheppard said, grabbing McKay's arm. The scientist dropped, dragging all of his weight down with him. Startled, Sheppard stumbled forward. This was all the chance McKay needed and still bent over, he pushed forward, ramming into Sheppard and sending both of them flying.
Sheppard's back slammed into the wall of the transporter and he groaned, feeling winded. Above him, McKay directed the transporter to his destination then bent down.
“We are sorry for that Major Sheppard. But we must return.” McKay said quietly, before standing back up. Sheppard could do nothing but groan. A second later and they were at McKay's chosen destination – whatever that was. McKay didn't leave the transporter though. He looked down at Sheppard, his hand leaning against the wall.
McKay was shaking slightly, a thin layer of sweat on his bow. He only managed two steps before the ground rushed up to meet him as the world faded away.
---
“Uhg... what happened?” McKay groaned, blinking. “Did someone get the name of the bus that ran me over?” He asked, raising a hand to his forehead... or at least he tried to.
“What the hell?” McKay muttered, forcing his eyes open to stare at the restraints his arms were in. He looked around, seeing Carson, Weir and Sheppard for the first time.
“What's going on?” McKay asked, tugging at his restraints in confusion. The three exchanged glances before Carson stepped forward.
“You went a wee bit crazy on us Rodney... you attacked Dr. Zelenka and the Major here.” Carson told him. McKay froze, his face draining of colour.
“Did... did I hurt them?” He whispered. Carson looked over at Sheppard for a moment then back down at McKay, a cheery smile on his face, so cheery that it was clearly fake.
“You winded the Major pretty badly but he's fine. You hurt his pride more than anything else.”
“And Radek?”
“You knocked him out... he'll be fine in a day or so...” Sheppard said, answering before Carson could. McKay nodded.
“Thanks John.” McKay said. Sheppard froze, his eyes going cold.
“Who are you?” He snapped. McKay frowned at the words.
“Did I hit your head or something?” McKay asked. Sheppard shook his head, the whole of his expression cold.
“You just called me John. Rodney has never called me John before.” Sheppard snapped. “Who are you?” The frown slipped from McKay's face and he stared at Sheppard with interest.
“Our mistake.” McKay said at last. “We used this one's memory and mind. He wishes to call you by your first name. We took that to mean he had.”
“Major Sheppard asked you a question.” Weir said, stepping forward to stare down at McKay. “Who are you and what are you doing in Dr. McKay?”
“We did not mean to become trapped. We had not seen one of you since the first ones went away. They always let us enter them. We were hungry for knowledge but we intended to simply watch and then return. But then you took us away and we were trapped.” McKay said, his eyes boring into Sheppard.
“The first ones?” Weir asked.
“He... it... they... probably mean the Ancients.” Carson said, looking uncomfortable.
“We tried to influence this one's thoughts, to encourage him to return us. When he did not, we had no choice but to take direct control. We only wish to return.” McKay finished.
“Let us speak to Rodney.” Sheppard demanded. McKay looked shocked as Weir nodded, her lips tight.
“We want to know he is fine before we do anything.” She said coldly.
“We... we would advise against that.” McKay said slowly. “While we were watching, he was unaware of our presence. However, now that we are in control...” He trailed off and frowned. “His mind is not made to house many. Our presence will hurt him if he is at the front.”
“Let us speak to Rodney!” Sheppard yelled, leaning into McKay's personal space. McKay closed his eyes, and his body began to tremble slightly, tiny, erratic little movements.
“Major...” He whispered, pain filled eyes opening to look at him. “Get them out, get them out, get them out, get them out, get them out.”
“Doctor?” Sheppard asked, his eyes never leaving McKay's face. Carson shook his head helplessly.
“I don't know Major. It could be him...”
“Rodney?” Weir said, moving closer and smiling faintly. McKay looked at her, short breaths coming out of his mouth.
“I can hear them... so many minds... pulling... get them out, get them out, get them out!” McKay yelled, his eyes darting around the room. The movements in McKay's body stilled, the eyes drifting slowly back to Sheppard.
“We could keep his mind in place no longer.” The voice didn't even sound like McKay's any more, it was lacking his usual tones, the sarcastic edge.
“What the hell were you doing to him!?” Sheppard snarled, hating the fact that he had to either watch his friend in pain or watch some stranger talk through his friend.
“Our minds can work together as one, but ultimately we are separate brings, separate thoughts. We tried to think as one, while you friend was in control, but even then, we were thinking differently, pulling in different directions. To your friend, it would have felt as if his mind was being pulled apart.”
“Why didn't he feel like that when you first entered him?” Carson asked, typing away at a computer. McKay's head turned slightly to look at the doctor.
“He did not recognise our presence, he just felt... slightly uncomfortable. We influenced his actions, to prevent him for telling you of this. Return us to the sea and we will willingly leave your friend.”
“Are your... kind all over the sea?” Weir asked in alarm. McKay shook his head.
“We live only in the area you found us. However, you need only return us to the sea around this city and we will find our own way back to our home.”
“How would we return you?” Sheppard asked, suspicious. He didn't like all this talk of 'returning'.
“This body must be placed in the water.” McKay told them. There was a short silence.
“No way! Absolutely no way!” Sheppard yelled.
“What if we were to place you in a bath of salt water? Then, once you leave our friend, we will pour the water into the sea.” Weir suggested.
“We would like to trust you.” McKay said slowly. “But how can we? If we were to leave this body, how can we know that you will return us as you promise? There are scientists among your people, scientists who would wish to study us.”
“If... if you can truly see into Rodney's mind, then you would know once we have given a promise, we keep it.” Weir said, remembering a similar situation she and her flag team had been faced with a month or so previously.
“This one resits our attempts to look into his memories. He uses all the energy he has to keep parts of himself hidden from us.” There was bewilderment in the voice, as if the beings couldn't understand why McKay was fighting them. Sheppard forced himself to remain calm, even though he wanted nothing more than to kill the things in McKay.
“We have the power to look though them by force but if we were to fully search his memories, it would hurt him. We will not hurt his mind like that... we do not think he would recover if we did. We are sorry Dr. Weir, but we cannot give up the only advantage we have. Your friend will be returned to you once we have been returned.” McKay finished. The eyes closed for a moment.
“Do you have a name?” Weir asked softly.
“Call us McKay. It is easier that way.” McKay replied. “Can we have some salt water? We need the salt to keep us alive...”
“So why should we give you it then?” Sheppard asked harshly.
“Because if we die in this body, then your friend will die with us.” McKay answered coldly.
“Major. My office now.” Weir ordered Sheppard, using her most commanding voice. “We will think about what we should do... McKay.”
---
“You can't seriously be thinking of letting those things loose in the water with McKay as their hostage!” Sheppard yelled, pacing the small room that was Dr. Weir's office. From her seat, she watched him, rubbing at her temples before letting out a small sigh.
“What else can we do? Those things won't leave him unless we do and if they die, then so will Rodney.”
“We call their bluff.” Sheppard answered at once. “How do we know that when they die, so will McKay?”
“If you called their bluff Major, you'll lose. Dr. Beckett tells me that there is a large amount of salt in Rodney's blood, he thinks this is either the food of the water... things, or possibly them. At the moment, Rodney's body can cope with salt in his blood stream, but if there things in his body were to die, he would be left with the salt... and his body wouldn't be able to cope.” Weir said softly, dropping her hands from her temples.
“Dr. Beckett to Dr. Weir! We have a problem!” Beckett's panic filled voice sounded jarringly loud in their ears.
“Weir here, what's happened?”
“It's Rodney... or those wee beasties in him. They have escaped.”
---
Sheppard ran through the city, heading for the balcony's. Everyone had been put on alert, and now they were combing all the possible exits that led to water. Once again, Sheppard cursed Beckett, even though he knew in his heart that it wasn't the doctor's fault. How was he supposed to know that the water beasts had been strong enough to pull one of the restraints free?
He rushed past McKay's closed door before suddenly stopping and turning to face them. McKay's room had a balcony... slowly he stepped forward, the door opening silently. The door leading out to the balcony was open and Sheppard just knew this was where McKay was... or had been. Shaking his head to lose that though, he moved further into the room, spotting McKay hanging off the balcony, his back to the sea. His hands were gripping the railing, his eyes watching Sheppard.
“Sheppard to anybody... I've found McKay, he's in his quarters. Hurry.” Sheppard said quietly into his ear piece.
“Major Sheppard. Remove your earpiece before you step out here or we shall jump.” McKay said coldly, his eyes showing it was no idle threat. Slowly, Sheppard did just that, hoping to buy as much time as possible.
“Come here.” McKay said quietly and Sheppard stepped forward until he was standing right in front of McKay.
“We wish to give you something.” McKay breathed, his hands tightly bunched in Sheppard t-shirt. Sheppard reached out to steady McKay, his hands tightening on McKay, holding him place. Sheppard opened his mouth as McKay leaned forward, his hot breath on Sheppard's face. He brought his lips to Sheppard's his tongue gently applying pressure to Sheppard's closed mouth. Without thinking about it, Sheppard opened his mouth, the tongue entering.
Tiny tremors vibrated down John's mouth and he realised with a jolt that it was Rodney kissing him, not those things in him, but Rodney himself. The tremors became slightly more noticeable and John moaned, sucking on Rodney's bottom lip. And then there was nothing but John and Rodney, Rodney and John. He kissed until there was no breath in his body and even then he would have carried on kissing, if Rodney hadn't pulled back, his hands still tightly entwined in John's black t-shirt. John blinked at him, his mind in shock, his hands slipping from Rodney's body.
“That was our gift to you. He would never have gained the courage on his own.” The thing's in Rodney said, a smile on his face. Then the hands had let go of John and Rodney fell backwards, his body vanishing from the balcony. John's hands shot out, his fingers desperately reaching out for Rodney – only to meet air.
“Rodney!” John screamed, as Rodney's body plummeted towards the water. He yanked his jacket off, his boots next, cursing as the laces refused to untie. He ripped them from his boots, then pulled his boots from his feet as he clambered up on the railing. Behind him he heard the door opened and as he balanced on the top of the railing he thought he heard someone call his name... but all his attention was fixed on the splash that had been caused by Rodney.
John dived forward, hurtling towards the water.
It was cold. That was John's first thought as he hit the water, the sheer icy cold taking his breath away. He looked around wildly, searching for his friend in the hope that Rodney had some how managed to surface.
By some amazing twist of fate, Rodney was floating a few feet away, his face turned to the sky. Shivering slightly, his teeth chattering together, John swam towards Rodney, his fingers grasping the arm Rodney.
“Come on Rodney, bit of an odd time for a swim.” Sheppard muttered, giving his friend a quick once over, relived at the steady way his chest was raising and falling. The strong current pulled at them, threatening to dash them against the side of Atlantis. John could feel his body being pulled and knew that there was no way he could keep both himself and Rodney safe... but that didn't mean he was just going to give up.
As the current pulled at them both, he felt a second current, pushing against them and keeping them in place.
“What?” John said aloud, knowing that the second current wasn't natural, it couldn't be. Before he could form a proper theory, a wave rose up over them and then tumbled down, sending his world into darkness.
---
“Well, there you are Major! I thought you were going to be sleeping all day.” Carson Beckett's voice broke into the peace and quite in John's mind and his eyes snapped open, the recent events swamping back into his his mind. Beckett must have seen the panic in his eyes because he smiled, leaning forward slightly.
“Easy Major, it's ok. We got both you and Rodney out of the water unharmed. I'm not sure how you did it, but when we found you both, you were floating face up, somehow against the current.” Beckett told him.
The water things... they helped... John though, though he couldn't quite bring himself to say it. He didn't want to admit that the things that had nearly taken Rodney away from him had also helped... just like the kiss.
“Rodney?” John asked instead.
“Those water beasties are gone as far as I can tell. His blood work is normal, without a trace of salt in it. He is still sleeping.” Beckett answered, nodding to John's left. He tilted his head, seeing Rodney lying in the bed next to him, a monitor showing the steady beats of his heart. Beckett smiled and left. John reached out, using most of his energy to reach Rodney's hand and slowly clasp it in his own. He felt so dammed tired.
“... John?” The whisper was quiet, but John heard it as clearly as if someone had been yelling at him. He smiled at Rodney.
“Hey there Rodney... and you just called me John.” John answered softly.
“I figured... after that kiss... I had the right to.” Rodney answered, a faint smirk on his face as his eyes drifted shut again. John smiled, his grip tightening on Rodney's hand. Lightly he rubbed at Rodney's skin with his thumb. Before he knew it, he too was sleeping again.
Safe.
::fin::
Author:
sethozRating: UK 15
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard
Category: Action/Adventure/Angst
Challenge: Swimming
Notes: This is a monster. It completely took over the small plot idea I had and made me write this longer fic instead. Slight Spoiler for 'Home'
Words: 4144
Summary: A swim gone wrong results in some strange behaviour from Rodney McKay...
Karma.
Rodney McKay was pretty sure he had bad karma. Not that he believed in karma that is, but if he did believe in it, then he was sure he had bad karma. He wasn't sure just what he had done to piss off the world, but whatever it was, it had to be have been big.
Why else would he get stuck with one Major John Sheppard?
Wait, he should rephrase that. Why else would he get stuck with one Major John Sheppard, one half naked Major John Sheppard and know that this was the closest he was going to get to seeing the whole package?
A splash distracted him from his thoughts and he glanced to his left, where said John Sheppard was swimming gracefully back towards the shore, giving McKay a cheeky grin.
“Come on McKay, time for food.” He called out, before looking towards the shore and swimming strongly, with large, even strokes. McKay fumed, annoyed that everything the Major did was graceful. His hair didn't even look out of place for goodness sake!
Once again, McKay regretting agreeing to this. A fun day Sheppard had said, a day to relax, swim, eat, laugh. McKay had only agreed because the chance to see Sheppard bare chested out weighed the downsides. At least it had. Now, he wasn't so sure.
Sighing loudly, McKay struck out for the shore. It wasn't that he was having a bad time, far from it. He was actually having a good time... he just didn't know how he was going to admit that without sounding ungracious.
Something gave his ankle a tiny tug and he froze, his breathing increasing as he glanced down into the clear water. McKay couldn't actually see anything below him, even as he felt a harder, more demanding tug.
“Major.” McKay called, trying to keep the panic out of his voice. Sheppard carried on swimming, apparently not hearing him.
“MAJOR!” McKay screamed, even as – whatever it was – grabbed his leg tightly and pulled him down. Sheppard turned his head just in time to see McKay vanish under the water.
McKay struggled, trying to break the hold on his leg, his arms flailing wildly. He kicked out, even as a faint burning sensation covered his skin. A second later, Sheppard's hands were on his chest, pulling him up and the weird pressure that had been dragging him down vanished. McKay's head broke the surface of the water and he gasped, taking in huge lungfuls of air.
“Come on McKay, we're going back to Atlantis.” Sheppard said grimly, half dragging the scientist through the water. McKay let him, occasionally giving the odd little paddle, to show he was willing. It was just his limbs felt like they were covered in pins and needles.
“McKay? McKay you with me?” Sheppard said abruptly. McKay frowned, staring at Sheppard's face. The other man seemed worried. Which was silly, he had only been under the water for a second or two and anyway, it's not like anything happened.
“Of course, where else would I be?” McKay answered, lacking the energy to come up with a suitable sarcastic reply. Sheppard frowned but didn't say anything and then they were hitting the sand, Teyla and Ford running towards them.
The rest of the trip was a blur to McKay, the ride back to Atlantis being done in relative silence, Ford and Teyla casting him the odd, concerned glance. Sheppard sat at the controls, his eyes fixed firmly on the view in front of him. McKay, for his part, stared down at the floor, thinking mournfully about the food he had been promised.
The moment the puddle jumper landed in Atlantis, Carson and his crew of evil needle users were waiting. McKay blinked at that, not remembering anyone alerting Carson. But then, when Sheppard and his team went out anywhere, injuries tended to follow them, so it possible he was just waiting to be on the safe side.
Without giving McKay a chance to say anything, Carson had pushed him down on a gurney and was pushing him along to the infirmary, the rest of his team hurrying behind. They reached the infirmary, Carson asking what had happened.
Really, McKay thought, they were all over reacting just a little bit. Aside from the pins and needles, he didn't feel bad. In fact he felt quite well.
“I'm fine!” He snapped, sitting up and glaring at everyone. Sheppard stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Doc, he was under the water for a least a minute and on the way back he kept... zoning out. Like he wasn't really awake. I had to call his name several times before he responded.” Sheppard told Carson. McKay blinked a little at the words. A minute? It had felt like mere seconds...
“I'm fine.” McKay protested. “I didn't loose conciousness or swallow any water. I'm fine.”
“I'm not sure Rodney.” Carson said doubtfully, looking at him. “The Major said you were pretty out of it on the trip back...”
“Look, it's me Carson. Don't you think if I felt even the slightest bit odd I would tell you?” McKay replied, squashing the guilt he was feeling at the tiny lie. The pins and needles hadn't gone away but Carson didn't need to know about them.
“That is true... okay Rodney, just let me take some blood and then you can go.” Carson said at last, after quickly giving McKay a once over. “But if you start to feel even the slightest bit funny, you tell me okay.”
“Sure, sure.” McKay said quickly, looking away as Carson took a blood sample.
“What happened out there McKay?” Sheppard asked. McKay looked at him in surprise, as if he had forgotten the other man was there.
“I guess I... got cramp or something.” McKay said at last, jumping to his feet as Carson finished taking the blood. Sheppard's hand slipped away from his shoulder as he flashed Carson a lopsided grin.
“Can I go now?” He asked. At Carson's nod he hurried out of the infirmary, intending to head back to his lab to see what the other scientists had been up to him his absence. He walked down a corridor, only realising after a moment that he was in fact heading away from his lab. Shaking his head in confusion, he turned and walked to his lab, ignoring the faint compulsion to return to the water, along with the pins and needles.
“So McKay's alright?” Sheppard asked. Carson stared at the blood sample for a moment then shrugged.
“Like he said, if there was anything wrong with him, he would tell us...”
“Still, you'll check his blood?” Sheppard pushed, not knowing why he was so worried. Maybe it had been the completely blank look on McKay's face when he had reached him under the water. Or maybe the way he had stared right through Sheppard as if was wasn't there when Sheppard had called his name.
“Of course Major.” Carson answered. Suddenly, Bates staggered in, clutching an arm that was hanging at an odd angle. He swayed on his feet before dropping to the ground as Carson rushed forward, barking orders.
The small vial of blood rested quietly on the counter, forgotten for the moment.
McKay grabbed the glass, quickly filling it with water, noting casually that the that the mess hall was empty at this time of day. By his side, Zelenka quickly chattered, filling him in on his most recent experiment. McKay nodded, but found his attention wandering as he raised the glass to his lips. He was thirsty... so very thirsty...
“Rodney! You just... that water!” Zelenka stammered. McKay looked down at the empty glass and then back up at Zelenka.
“What about it?”
“You... you put five spoonfuls of salt in it before you drank it! You should have thrown up...” Zelenka trailed off, sounding confused. McKay looked back at the glass, making a 'huh' noise. He looked at Zelenka, his eyes blank.
Dr. Zelenka backed away, as McKay stepped forward.
Carson peered down at the blood sample, frowning. This didn't make any sense... Sodium Chloride? In Rodney's blood? That couldn't be right... There was some noise behind him and he lifted his head, gasping at the sight in front of him.
“Dr. Beckett to Major Sheppard. I think we have a problem...”
McKay moved steadily through Atlantis, his eyes blank, his pace machinelike. He reached the transporter doors and slapped his hand against the wall, the doors swishing open. Sheppard stood inside, his eyes fixed on McKay. The scientist cocked his head slightly.
“Hey McKay... how about you and I pop down to the infirmary and see Carson?” Sheppard said carefully.
“No.” McKay answered simply, trying to step into the transporter. Sheppard blocked his way.
“McKay... Carson wants to see you.”
“We must return.” McKay answered blandly. “Do not try and stop us, like the other.” He stepped forward again, Sheppard still blocking his way.
“Sorry Rodney, you're not going anywhere.” Sheppard said, grabbing McKay's arm. The scientist dropped, dragging all of his weight down with him. Startled, Sheppard stumbled forward. This was all the chance McKay needed and still bent over, he pushed forward, ramming into Sheppard and sending both of them flying.
Sheppard's back slammed into the wall of the transporter and he groaned, feeling winded. Above him, McKay directed the transporter to his destination then bent down.
“We are sorry for that Major Sheppard. But we must return.” McKay said quietly, before standing back up. Sheppard could do nothing but groan. A second later and they were at McKay's chosen destination – whatever that was. McKay didn't leave the transporter though. He looked down at Sheppard, his hand leaning against the wall.
McKay was shaking slightly, a thin layer of sweat on his bow. He only managed two steps before the ground rushed up to meet him as the world faded away.
“Uhg... what happened?” McKay groaned, blinking. “Did someone get the name of the bus that ran me over?” He asked, raising a hand to his forehead... or at least he tried to.
“What the hell?” McKay muttered, forcing his eyes open to stare at the restraints his arms were in. He looked around, seeing Carson, Weir and Sheppard for the first time.
“What's going on?” McKay asked, tugging at his restraints in confusion. The three exchanged glances before Carson stepped forward.
“You went a wee bit crazy on us Rodney... you attacked Dr. Zelenka and the Major here.” Carson told him. McKay froze, his face draining of colour.
“Did... did I hurt them?” He whispered. Carson looked over at Sheppard for a moment then back down at McKay, a cheery smile on his face, so cheery that it was clearly fake.
“You winded the Major pretty badly but he's fine. You hurt his pride more than anything else.”
“And Radek?”
“You knocked him out... he'll be fine in a day or so...” Sheppard said, answering before Carson could. McKay nodded.
“Thanks John.” McKay said. Sheppard froze, his eyes going cold.
“Who are you?” He snapped. McKay frowned at the words.
“Did I hit your head or something?” McKay asked. Sheppard shook his head, the whole of his expression cold.
“You just called me John. Rodney has never called me John before.” Sheppard snapped. “Who are you?” The frown slipped from McKay's face and he stared at Sheppard with interest.
“Our mistake.” McKay said at last. “We used this one's memory and mind. He wishes to call you by your first name. We took that to mean he had.”
“Major Sheppard asked you a question.” Weir said, stepping forward to stare down at McKay. “Who are you and what are you doing in Dr. McKay?”
“We did not mean to become trapped. We had not seen one of you since the first ones went away. They always let us enter them. We were hungry for knowledge but we intended to simply watch and then return. But then you took us away and we were trapped.” McKay said, his eyes boring into Sheppard.
“The first ones?” Weir asked.
“He... it... they... probably mean the Ancients.” Carson said, looking uncomfortable.
“We tried to influence this one's thoughts, to encourage him to return us. When he did not, we had no choice but to take direct control. We only wish to return.” McKay finished.
“Let us speak to Rodney.” Sheppard demanded. McKay looked shocked as Weir nodded, her lips tight.
“We want to know he is fine before we do anything.” She said coldly.
“We... we would advise against that.” McKay said slowly. “While we were watching, he was unaware of our presence. However, now that we are in control...” He trailed off and frowned. “His mind is not made to house many. Our presence will hurt him if he is at the front.”
“Let us speak to Rodney!” Sheppard yelled, leaning into McKay's personal space. McKay closed his eyes, and his body began to tremble slightly, tiny, erratic little movements.
“Major...” He whispered, pain filled eyes opening to look at him. “Get them out, get them out, get them out, get them out, get them out.”
“Doctor?” Sheppard asked, his eyes never leaving McKay's face. Carson shook his head helplessly.
“I don't know Major. It could be him...”
“Rodney?” Weir said, moving closer and smiling faintly. McKay looked at her, short breaths coming out of his mouth.
“I can hear them... so many minds... pulling... get them out, get them out, get them out!” McKay yelled, his eyes darting around the room. The movements in McKay's body stilled, the eyes drifting slowly back to Sheppard.
“We could keep his mind in place no longer.” The voice didn't even sound like McKay's any more, it was lacking his usual tones, the sarcastic edge.
“What the hell were you doing to him!?” Sheppard snarled, hating the fact that he had to either watch his friend in pain or watch some stranger talk through his friend.
“Our minds can work together as one, but ultimately we are separate brings, separate thoughts. We tried to think as one, while you friend was in control, but even then, we were thinking differently, pulling in different directions. To your friend, it would have felt as if his mind was being pulled apart.”
“Why didn't he feel like that when you first entered him?” Carson asked, typing away at a computer. McKay's head turned slightly to look at the doctor.
“He did not recognise our presence, he just felt... slightly uncomfortable. We influenced his actions, to prevent him for telling you of this. Return us to the sea and we will willingly leave your friend.”
“Are your... kind all over the sea?” Weir asked in alarm. McKay shook his head.
“We live only in the area you found us. However, you need only return us to the sea around this city and we will find our own way back to our home.”
“How would we return you?” Sheppard asked, suspicious. He didn't like all this talk of 'returning'.
“This body must be placed in the water.” McKay told them. There was a short silence.
“No way! Absolutely no way!” Sheppard yelled.
“What if we were to place you in a bath of salt water? Then, once you leave our friend, we will pour the water into the sea.” Weir suggested.
“We would like to trust you.” McKay said slowly. “But how can we? If we were to leave this body, how can we know that you will return us as you promise? There are scientists among your people, scientists who would wish to study us.”
“If... if you can truly see into Rodney's mind, then you would know once we have given a promise, we keep it.” Weir said, remembering a similar situation she and her flag team had been faced with a month or so previously.
“This one resits our attempts to look into his memories. He uses all the energy he has to keep parts of himself hidden from us.” There was bewilderment in the voice, as if the beings couldn't understand why McKay was fighting them. Sheppard forced himself to remain calm, even though he wanted nothing more than to kill the things in McKay.
“We have the power to look though them by force but if we were to fully search his memories, it would hurt him. We will not hurt his mind like that... we do not think he would recover if we did. We are sorry Dr. Weir, but we cannot give up the only advantage we have. Your friend will be returned to you once we have been returned.” McKay finished. The eyes closed for a moment.
“Do you have a name?” Weir asked softly.
“Call us McKay. It is easier that way.” McKay replied. “Can we have some salt water? We need the salt to keep us alive...”
“So why should we give you it then?” Sheppard asked harshly.
“Because if we die in this body, then your friend will die with us.” McKay answered coldly.
“Major. My office now.” Weir ordered Sheppard, using her most commanding voice. “We will think about what we should do... McKay.”
“You can't seriously be thinking of letting those things loose in the water with McKay as their hostage!” Sheppard yelled, pacing the small room that was Dr. Weir's office. From her seat, she watched him, rubbing at her temples before letting out a small sigh.
“What else can we do? Those things won't leave him unless we do and if they die, then so will Rodney.”
“We call their bluff.” Sheppard answered at once. “How do we know that when they die, so will McKay?”
“If you called their bluff Major, you'll lose. Dr. Beckett tells me that there is a large amount of salt in Rodney's blood, he thinks this is either the food of the water... things, or possibly them. At the moment, Rodney's body can cope with salt in his blood stream, but if there things in his body were to die, he would be left with the salt... and his body wouldn't be able to cope.” Weir said softly, dropping her hands from her temples.
“Dr. Beckett to Dr. Weir! We have a problem!” Beckett's panic filled voice sounded jarringly loud in their ears.
“Weir here, what's happened?”
“It's Rodney... or those wee beasties in him. They have escaped.”
Sheppard ran through the city, heading for the balcony's. Everyone had been put on alert, and now they were combing all the possible exits that led to water. Once again, Sheppard cursed Beckett, even though he knew in his heart that it wasn't the doctor's fault. How was he supposed to know that the water beasts had been strong enough to pull one of the restraints free?
He rushed past McKay's closed door before suddenly stopping and turning to face them. McKay's room had a balcony... slowly he stepped forward, the door opening silently. The door leading out to the balcony was open and Sheppard just knew this was where McKay was... or had been. Shaking his head to lose that though, he moved further into the room, spotting McKay hanging off the balcony, his back to the sea. His hands were gripping the railing, his eyes watching Sheppard.
“Sheppard to anybody... I've found McKay, he's in his quarters. Hurry.” Sheppard said quietly into his ear piece.
“Major Sheppard. Remove your earpiece before you step out here or we shall jump.” McKay said coldly, his eyes showing it was no idle threat. Slowly, Sheppard did just that, hoping to buy as much time as possible.
“Come here.” McKay said quietly and Sheppard stepped forward until he was standing right in front of McKay.
“We wish to give you something.” McKay breathed, his hands tightly bunched in Sheppard t-shirt. Sheppard reached out to steady McKay, his hands tightening on McKay, holding him place. Sheppard opened his mouth as McKay leaned forward, his hot breath on Sheppard's face. He brought his lips to Sheppard's his tongue gently applying pressure to Sheppard's closed mouth. Without thinking about it, Sheppard opened his mouth, the tongue entering.
Tiny tremors vibrated down John's mouth and he realised with a jolt that it was Rodney kissing him, not those things in him, but Rodney himself. The tremors became slightly more noticeable and John moaned, sucking on Rodney's bottom lip. And then there was nothing but John and Rodney, Rodney and John. He kissed until there was no breath in his body and even then he would have carried on kissing, if Rodney hadn't pulled back, his hands still tightly entwined in John's black t-shirt. John blinked at him, his mind in shock, his hands slipping from Rodney's body.
“That was our gift to you. He would never have gained the courage on his own.” The thing's in Rodney said, a smile on his face. Then the hands had let go of John and Rodney fell backwards, his body vanishing from the balcony. John's hands shot out, his fingers desperately reaching out for Rodney – only to meet air.
“Rodney!” John screamed, as Rodney's body plummeted towards the water. He yanked his jacket off, his boots next, cursing as the laces refused to untie. He ripped them from his boots, then pulled his boots from his feet as he clambered up on the railing. Behind him he heard the door opened and as he balanced on the top of the railing he thought he heard someone call his name... but all his attention was fixed on the splash that had been caused by Rodney.
John dived forward, hurtling towards the water.
It was cold. That was John's first thought as he hit the water, the sheer icy cold taking his breath away. He looked around wildly, searching for his friend in the hope that Rodney had some how managed to surface.
By some amazing twist of fate, Rodney was floating a few feet away, his face turned to the sky. Shivering slightly, his teeth chattering together, John swam towards Rodney, his fingers grasping the arm Rodney.
“Come on Rodney, bit of an odd time for a swim.” Sheppard muttered, giving his friend a quick once over, relived at the steady way his chest was raising and falling. The strong current pulled at them, threatening to dash them against the side of Atlantis. John could feel his body being pulled and knew that there was no way he could keep both himself and Rodney safe... but that didn't mean he was just going to give up.
As the current pulled at them both, he felt a second current, pushing against them and keeping them in place.
“What?” John said aloud, knowing that the second current wasn't natural, it couldn't be. Before he could form a proper theory, a wave rose up over them and then tumbled down, sending his world into darkness.
“Well, there you are Major! I thought you were going to be sleeping all day.” Carson Beckett's voice broke into the peace and quite in John's mind and his eyes snapped open, the recent events swamping back into his his mind. Beckett must have seen the panic in his eyes because he smiled, leaning forward slightly.
“Easy Major, it's ok. We got both you and Rodney out of the water unharmed. I'm not sure how you did it, but when we found you both, you were floating face up, somehow against the current.” Beckett told him.
The water things... they helped... John though, though he couldn't quite bring himself to say it. He didn't want to admit that the things that had nearly taken Rodney away from him had also helped... just like the kiss.
“Rodney?” John asked instead.
“Those water beasties are gone as far as I can tell. His blood work is normal, without a trace of salt in it. He is still sleeping.” Beckett answered, nodding to John's left. He tilted his head, seeing Rodney lying in the bed next to him, a monitor showing the steady beats of his heart. Beckett smiled and left. John reached out, using most of his energy to reach Rodney's hand and slowly clasp it in his own. He felt so dammed tired.
“... John?” The whisper was quiet, but John heard it as clearly as if someone had been yelling at him. He smiled at Rodney.
“Hey there Rodney... and you just called me John.” John answered softly.
“I figured... after that kiss... I had the right to.” Rodney answered, a faint smirk on his face as his eyes drifted shut again. John smiled, his grip tightening on Rodney's hand. Lightly he rubbed at Rodney's skin with his thumb. Before he knew it, he too was sleeping again.
Safe.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-26 10:43 pm (UTC)You just eep writing 'monsters' like that and I will be all happy :)
This was really cute. Especially the way Shep just jumped after Rodney there *g*
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-26 10:47 pm (UTC)Especially the way Shep just jumped after Rodney there
Well, what else would Shep do? ;)
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-26 11:53 pm (UTC)And I'm sahallow...it had kissing. Kissing makes me happy *g*
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-27 11:34 am (UTC)Kissing is always good.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-26 10:51 pm (UTC)Cheers
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-27 11:36 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-26 11:02 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-27 11:46 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-26 11:54 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-27 11:37 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-27 01:25 pm (UTC)I thought we already decided you're not allowed to be the judge of your own writing????
You listen to me! :P ;)
*huggles*
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-27 02:11 pm (UTC)*snugglehuggles*
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-27 12:21 am (UTC)Wonderful
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-27 02:36 pm (UTC)Thankies.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-27 03:24 am (UTC)And I love "water beasties." So perfectly Beckett.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-27 02:38 pm (UTC)It's a good thing Beckett named them, I dread to think what Ford would have come up with... ;)
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-28 04:45 am (UTC)And Ford naming things... *shudders at the thought*
(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-27 09:36 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-31 10:27 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-03-28 01:24 am (UTC)I LOVED THIS! *squeebounceglomp* This is one of the best McShep stories that I have ever read. If this is what all your monsters are like, well, yay for rampant plot monster breeding. ;)
(no subject)
Date: 2005-04-05 07:11 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-02-02 01:37 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2006-02-02 09:00 pm (UTC)Sheppard voice: "Cool!"
Date: 2006-03-18 06:18 pm (UTC)Re: Sheppard voice: "Cool!"
Date: 2006-03-24 10:33 pm (UTC)Oh wow
Date: 2006-06-06 04:34 am (UTC)