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Apr. 24th, 2008 10:09 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
mckaysmirth.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
sga_flashficAuthor: mckaysmirth
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard
Category: pwp
Warnings/Spoilers: None
Rating: Harmless
Summary: Not everyone can see the obvious and yet others see things that just aren't there.
Word count: ~
See previous post for Part One.
In the morning he checked with the marines on sentry duty at the labs. No one had left the labs since the incident and they had logged any scientists arriving that morning with nothing to report. Then he radioed the sentry at McKay’s quarters, who also had nothing to report. Then he radioed Sam to update her, as he made his way to McKay’s quarters. He relieved the sentry and knocked on McKay’s door. When he answered he was dressed and seemed his usual self but Sheppard could see the signs in his face that showed he had not slept well.
“I was thinking breakfast and then to the labs to assess the damage.” Sheppard said. Rodney just nodded and fell into step beside him. Sheppard hated it when he was quiet as that meant he was brooding and it was harder to talk sense into him when he was brooding because it also made him as stubborn as a mule. He much preferred the angry version as it was easier to put him off his footing when he was angry, and strangely enough it was easier to talk to him when he was angry.
Sheppard had intended to talk about other things to put Rodney’s mind of the inevitable until the time came but in this mood the only conversation he would make would be factual. “So, have you got any ideas about how to catch him? I have to say, I don’t much like the idea of having to wait him out.”
“Yes, well, it might be easier if the list was a little shorter,” Rodney replied sulkily.
“Look, Rodney, its one person. It’s not as everyone got together to bump you off, it’s not murder on the orient. It’s probably just professional jealousy you know what you scientists are like. I mean how is anybody supposed to shine with you about, ay?”
Rodney nodded and jutted out his chin. “Well, yes. It is true that most people have trouble dealing with the fact that they just can’t compete with my intellect.”
Sheppard nodded, and kept the chuckle inside. He smiled, “See, there you go then. Besides, I bet Robin got attacked once or twice.”
Rodney turned a baleful glare on him. “I doubt I would be Robin, he didn’t even know how the batmobile worked. Have you fixed a puddle jumper lately?”
“I can’t be Robin, red’s not my colour,” Sheppard said as he waived a hand over his black shirt and BDU’s. “Black is more my colour, not to mention the whole flying like a bat thing. How is your head for heights lately?” He smirked at Rodney, waiting.
“Oh, please! If flying is all you can do then Superman’s the hero for you. Batman can do what he can because of the inventions he has made, with his intellect, using his brains.” He says as he points to his own head. “I think we ascertained early on that I’m the one with the brains and you’re the one who is not.”
“Did you just call me Superman?” Sheppard could not keep the smile from his lips, “Gee, thanks, Rodney.”
“What?! No, I did not say that! Now, you know full well that is not what I meant. Hmmpppfff, Buns of steel, indeed. More like buns of bone.”
“Hey!” Sheppard said as they entered the mess. “At least I would fit in his suit,” he mumbled, thinking McKay’s last comment was totally uncalled for.
“Hey! I heard that.” Rodney huffed as he joined the queue at the counter.
“Well, you started it.” Sheppard said, trying desperately not to sound five years old.
“You’re the one who brought up Robin.” Rodney said as he loaded up his tray and got a mug of coffee.
John picked up a couple of slices of toast and some orange juice as he and Rodney continued to banter all through breakfast and down to the labs. Rodney fell silent again as they neared the corridors. The damage was not as bad as Sheppard had been expecting, just surface grime which was being removed very successfully. They found Zelenka in the hallway checking on the cleaning crew.
“Found anything?” Sheppard enquired.
Zelenka turned round to meet them. “Yes, yes. I found incendiary materials. They are being checked by labs now, I am waiting results.” He pushed the glasses back up his nose as he turned to Sheppard. “It is possible we may get fingerprints or an idea of their expertise depending on what was used.”
Sheppard nodded his agreement. Depending on if it was chemicals or military incendiaries, etc could point to the person’s field of expertise. He hoped to god it was not Military. “Even if it is not their first field of expertise it would still be listed in their file as a skill asset,” he confirmed. “When do you expect the results?”
“Two hours longest,” Zelenka informed him. He glanced at Rodney who had not said a word since they had arrived. “Are you okay, Rodney?” he asked softly, raising his eyebrows slightly, the concern clear in his eyes.
“Homicidal maniac trying to burn me alive, oh yeah, I’m just chipper,” Rodney supplied bitingly and fully loaded in sarcasm.
“Okay, I not talk to you anymore,” Zelenka turned back to Sheppard. “I will notify you when we have the results,” he said as he nodded and turned into the lab, leaving them stood in the corridor.
Sheppard turned back to Rodney with a frown. “That was uncalled for, Rodeny. He did not deserve that.”
Rodney sighed as his shoulders slumped and he collapsed a little bit on himself. “I know,” he said deflated. His hand twitched as he tried to find the right words, “Its just… I… I really thought things were changing you know, I really thought I was starting to be accepted,” he sighed as he gave a self conscious glance to the cleaning crew further up the hallway. “Ever the optimist.”
Sheppard had about to console him but could not help the snort of disbelief. “Optimist?” he said, “You?” He chuckled.
Rodney set his lips grimly and glared at Sheppard and then turned and walked out of the hallway.
Sheppard trotted after him, “Oh, Rodney, come on. I didn’t mean to laugh.” His sincerity was a slightly belittled by the fact he was still chortling. He caught up to Rodney and took hold of his arm, turning Rodney to face him. “Okay, I’m sorry, Okay? It’s just not a word that springs to mind with you.” He raised his other arm so he had a hand clasped on each bicep and leant in close, making sure he had eye contact, taking a moment to control his face… and his chuckling.
Taking a moment to ensure Rodney could see the sincerity in his face he said, “As I said, this is ONE person’s perception. I swear to you that this is not how everyone feels and you can’t let yourself think that. It’s not just about the numerous times you have saved us McKay. You’ve changed and people can see that. It does mean something. Don’t let one person defeat you, Rodney.”
And that brought Rodney’s chin up in that defiant slant that Sheppard had seen when he stood in front of the enemy, when he walked into the black energy cloud, when he stood up against the odds and he knew he would meet this challenge head on as he did all the others. Sheppard smiled and gripped Rodney’s biceps briefly and then let him go, confident he had finally reached him.
“Well, yes… erm… thank you. I just needed you know…” Rodney stammered with embarrassment clear in his face, then he cleared his throat, still wringing his hands. “Well, two hours to go. I don’t think I can concentrate on work to be honest so… any suggestions?”
Sheppard grinned and led Rodney back to his quarters. “I have just the thing.”
When they got there he showed Rodney his latest acquisition.
“Iron Man, that only just came out. How did you get a copy so quickly?” Rodney asked.
“Well, see, I know this woman…”
“Oh, please, don’t bother. I don’t want to know the details.” Rodney interrupted exasperated as he snatched the DVD out of Sheppard’s hand and started to load it onto the laptop.
Sheppard smirked to himself and made a mental note to send Jeanie an email to state that she was not allowed to mention she had sent the DVD as a surprise for Rodney to help cheer him up after she had received his last email. He had taken the whole Carson incident harder than he was letting on, which was hardly surprising.
They sat down and watched the film. Afterwards, they headed to the mess hall to pick up some Coffee for Rodney and Sheppard was glad to see a lighter spring in his step. While there they got the call from Zelenka. Sheppard was about to point out to Rodney that he had better be more civil to him this time when he realised he was getting a second cup of coffee. He smiled to himself. Good for you, Rodney.
When they entered the lab they headed for Zelenka. Rodney placed the cup on the desk in front of Zelenka and looked at him hesitantly. Zelenka looked from him to the coffee cup and then back up to him again. He held his gaze for a little while and then he nodded and picked up the coffee cup and took a sip. Sheppard saw Rodney relax again. Scientists were weird!
“So, did the results turn up anything?” Rodney asked.
“We found fingerprints?” Zelenka said with a huge grin on his face.
"You're kidding! Well, whose are they?" Sheppard said. Privately he did not think the culprit would be stupid enough to leave fingerprints - espeically knowing how many places there were to obtain gloves on Atlantis. It also boded well for an easier capture if they were dealing with someone of diminished intellect.
“Sergeant Dolkins,” Zelenka stated, looking at between Rodney and Sheppard for any kind of recognition.
Sheppard looked at Rodney. Rodney frowned back. “Well, don’t look at me. I never heard of him. Mind you that does not mean a lot – I don’t know half the names of the marines under your command.”
Sheppard shook his head. “I know him, but I find it hard to believe.” He turned back to Zelenka. “Have you asked Security to apprehend him?” he asked.
Zelenka shook his head. “You are the first I told”
Sheppard nodded and activated his radio. “Major Lorne, this is Colonel Sheppard. I need you to apprehend Sergeant Dolkins. He is responsible for the fire in the Science Labs. I believe he is on sentry duty in the gate room? Okay, take him to a holding cell and we will meet you there.”
Then he disconnected his radio and connected again to Sam. “Colonel Carter, this is Colonel Sheppard. The culprit is Sergeant Dolkins who is currently on duty in the gate room. Major Lorne is currently on his way to apprehend him if you can make the control crew aware just in case it turns ugly. Will you be coming down for the interrogation?” he asked.
Once he had disconnected his radio he turned to Rodney. “She is happy for me to carry out the interrogation. Do you want to participate?” he asked warily.
Rodney scowled. “If we’re doing good cop, bad cop then I want to be bad cop.”
Sheppard smirked. “We don’t do that anymore, everybody already knows about it. What say we just go ask him some questions?” he asked tentatively. He was sure Rodney was sulking but he nodded anyway.
He wanted to go down to the gate room himself but he thought it would be more prudent to stay with Rodney, besides he trusted Lorne to do his job. He also refrained from ordering sentries to the holding cell, knowing full well that Lorne would have thought of that and not wanting to look as if he was second-guessing his 2IC.
Lorne radioed that they had apprehended Dolkins, who had come quietly, and that he was now in a holding cell. Sheppard took Rodney down with him and they went into the holding cell. Sheppard indicated for two marines to follow them in. Dolkins had already tried to kill Rodney once and Sheppard was not taking any chances.
Dolkins was pacing as they entered. He snapped to attention as soon as Sheppard entered, “at ease, Sergeant,” Sheppard said as he took in the soldier. Rodney stepped out from behind him, rolling his eyes.
Dolkins relaxed and threw a glare at Rodney who clicked his fingers at the Sergeant. “Aahhh, Dobbins, yes I remember you.” Then he frowned. “I’ve never done anything to you, why did you try to kill me?”
“It’s Dolkins,” he seethed through clenched teeth, “Sergeant Dolkins.”
Rodney sighed dramatically, “Okay, okay. Sergeant Dolkins, why did you try to kill me? I have never done anything to you to warrant an attempt on my life, and do you comprehend the danger you put Atlantis in by endangering my life? And why burning, that’s horrible way to go.”
The soldier was turning beetroot. “Nothing. How can you stand there and say you’ve done nothing. You’ve made my life a living hell. I tried to burn you because every one of your punishments resulted in burning of one kind or another so I thought it would be fitting. I would rather go back to Earth and spend a lifetime in the brig than spend another day in a city where you can continue to torment me!” The soldier was screaming now and even Rodney was taken back enough to fall silent.
Sheppard suddenly realised that his eyebrows were climbing into his hairline and that him and Rodney were both lent back at 10-degree angle as if blown back by the force of his words. He made a conscious effort to straighten up and lower his eyebrows. He looked at Rodney as saw his eyebrows were also climbing up to his hairline, which was quite a feat considering how much higher his hairline was.
Rodney looked at Sheppard. “Honest, I haven’t done anything to him.”
Sheppard turned to Sergeant Dolkins who was breathing heavily and not far from hyperventilating. “Look, why don’t we all calm down. Now Sergeant, why don’t you calmly list the times that you feel Dr. McKay has mistreated you.”
Sergeant Dolkins took deep, deep breaths. “Yes, Colonel,” he finally managed but the murderous look in his eye when he glanced back at Rodney still kept John on full alert for another attempt.
“The latest time, and the last straw was last week. I was taking a shower when the water suddenly turned boiling. I have second-degree burns all over my body. It happened so fast that I did not have time to get out from under the shower before my skin was affected. The pain is excruciating. I had a date the next night with that pretty botanist and I had to cancel.”
Sheppard glanced at Rodney who did have a reputation for playing with showers to punish someone but normally on the cold side. Rodney shook his head with an expression of ‘not me guvnor’
“When exactly was this,” Sheppard asked. He was thinking that as he spent most of his time with Rodney he would be able to convince the Soldier that Rodney was with him and not messing with his showers.
“3am, Wednesday,” he said.
“aaahhhh,” Rodney said, loaded with guilt.
“aaahhhh?” Sheppard parroted looking at Rodney for an explanation.
Rodney shrugged, guilt laid bare across his face. “I may know something about that. I was working in the labs last week and I ran out of coffee. I couldn’t be bothered to wait for the kettle to boil so I changed some code, see Atlantis has this really cool instantaneous heating system and although we can’t direct it. Well, I figured you know… 3AM in the morning… what’s the likely hood of that.” He turned on Dolkins in a very common redirect the guilt from me and point it angrily at you coping mechanism. “What the hell were you doing having a shower at 3AM in the morning anyhow?”
Dolkins responded. “I always shower at 3AM because I like to have a shower before and after I go for a run, which I do every time I am on early shift. As if you didn’t know it,” Dolkins snorted.
Rodney shook his head in stunned disbelief. “I can assure you I don’t. Why and how would I even want to know that?”
Sheppard looked back to Dorkins. “Okay, the time before that?” He asked, he had a sinking feeling he knew where this was going.
Dorkins tore his burning gaze from Rodney and turned back to Sheppard. “I was on my way to the mess when HE told me that you said I had to follow him. Then he ran to the south pier and he pointed out this panel on the far wall and said I had to get there as quick as I could, remove it and take out the main crystal or we were all going to die. He said he was going to do the same in the other room and then he told me to hurry. I ran across the room and did as he said. When I removed the crystal the electrical pulse threw me across the room. Every nerve end was on fire. It took three days just for me to be able to touch anything with out electrical shocks of fire travelling up my arms.”
“Well that… now… you can’t… you simply can’t…I mean… was fifty, fifty.” Rodney pointed at Sheppard. “He told me to grab one of his soldiers, surely that means he’s to blame for that one.”
Sheppard tried really, really hard not to smirk, as he did not think Dorkins could take that in his fragile state. “And the time before that?” He questioned, innocently.
Dorkins grimaced. “The botany labs.” Sheppard heard Rodney swallow hard beside him and saw his furtive glances at Sheppard. This one was going to be bad as he listened to Dorkins continue.
“He sent me down to the botany labs to get some results because he was in the infirmary with you and wouldn’t leave. As I entered the labs one of his experiments that he had down there exploded and thousands of alien pores filled the room that only I was in and I was covered. They reacted with my skin and these huge boils appeared all over my body and my hair went purple and it made my eyes puff up so bad they closed and then the boils started to burst and the pain. It was like being prodded with a red hot poker but you never knew where you were going to get hit. It was disgusting and painful and all his fault.” Dorkins pointed at Rodney.
“See, now, there you go again. I did not know that some lame botanist would put a poisonous spore plant next to my experiment and how I was supposed to remember that the experiment was about to blow. I was busy in the infirmary watching this guy die so forgive me for not remembering some science experiment.” He sighed. Rodney was starting to feel put upon.
Okay. Time to put this to bed. “Sergeant Dorkins, how many instances have their been.”
“56 in one year.”
Sheppard started choking. “And all these are related to McKay?” he asked incredulously.
“Hey! Whose side are you on?” Rodney squealed.
“Look, Dorkins. The thing is I think that these are just coincidence’s,” he raised placating hands at Dorkins obvious thoughts on that, “I know how you feel. The thing is that sooner or later you suddenly realise that Dr. McKay is generally at the centre of any major event in Atlantis and therefore the ratio of being affected by an event that is linked to Dr. McKay is… well… its above average. The thing is he doesn’t do it on purpose. In fact most the time he is completely oblivious to it. I also think that you should have gone to your commanding officer before starting a fire and burning down half of Atlantis, not to mention Dr. McKay.” He raised an eyebrow at Dorkins who had the brains to look a bit sheepish.
“I am going to recommend some sessions with our resident phyciatrist who had been very helpful to others with McKay’s Persecution Syndrome.” Sheppard flinched. Damn he had forgotten who was stood next to him.
“What exactly to you mean by McKay’s persecution syndrome!” Rodney squealed.
“Well, 15 in every 20 soldiers here think you are out to get them and… er… kill me… erm… sorry.” Sheppard was not expecting the grin that appeared on McKay’s face.
“Really? You’re marines are scared of me?” Rodney chortled. “Have you told Ronon?”
“Erm… yeah,” Sheppard really had not wanted to go there, “he laughed.”
“Oh,” Rodney sulked.
THE END.
Mxx
(no subject)
Date: 2008-04-24 12:50 pm (UTC)readability
Date: 2008-04-24 01:24 pm (UTC)Re: readability
Date: 2008-04-24 01:37 pm (UTC)Re: readability
Date: 2008-04-24 01:41 pm (UTC)Have to get back to work now.
Many thanks to you all for letting me know
about the format and why I could not fit in
one post.
sorry about rushed last quarter. Hope you enjoy.
M xx
Re: readability
Date: 2008-04-24 01:43 pm (UTC)And yeah, I'm curious to see who it was.
(no subject)
Date: 2008-04-25 02:20 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-04-25 09:16 am (UTC)I can see why most of the base would think Rodney is trying to kill them lol.
Thanks :)
(no subject)
Date: 2008-05-01 01:21 am (UTC)