A/N: Written for the Five Minute Fic challenge on SGAHC group. If it gets some interest, I might think about fleshing it out into a proper story. :)


In the hazy, projected red light of the Maniinka's entertainment complex, Rodney could make out a shadowy figure drunkenly meandering his way towards him. There was a heavy lurch in his step that was frighteningly familiar to Rodney, and even before the man was close enough to make out his face, he knew who it was.

It was impossible. It couldn't really be him, and yet, there he was, leather belt in hand, leaning against the wall as he stumbled ever closer.

Rodney whimpered. He knew he needed to be brave—that the beating would be even worse if he whimpered, but he couldn't help it. He shrank away, feeling as small and ineffectual as he had when he was ten. It was crazy. Here he was, a fully grown man, trained in combat and venturing forth in the Pegasus Galaxy against enemies that sucked the life out of their victims with their hands, and he was struck immobile and terrified by the visage of one sad, pathetic excuse of a man.

His father.

He willed the projection to end, for his father to vanish back into the dark recesses of his memory where he belonged, but the man kept coming. With only a few feet between them, the angry frustration on his father's face made him quiver.

"Think you're smarter than me? Think you're so smart?" The growled words echoed off the red-shadowed walls, stinging Rodney's ears. But even though he knew it was suicide, he couldn't lie.

"Yes," he wheezed, covering his head with his arms as the leather arced high above him.

"Rodney?"

The expected lash of the belt never came, and gentle hands eased his arms away from his face.

"Rodney? It's okay, I've got you now." It was Sheppard's voice, smooth and calming, and when Rodney dared to open his eyes again, the red light was gone. His father was gone. And just knowing that made Rodney feel as if he could face any demon and survive.