Title: The Dynamics of Making Water
Author: Mav (ancientmaverick)
Spoilers: Nope – second or third season
Category: Humor
Summary: Challenge 67 – Don't Go There!
The team was set to go on a missions, but one of them seems reluctant to go and for a very good reason. Maybe it's a personal reason, or a sense of foreboding (like seen in a dream), or maybe they've heard things about the place they are going.
Disclaimer: Can they come out to play?
Warnings: None.
"Good morning, Elizabeth! And how is my favorite expedition leader this fine day?"
Elizabeth Weir raised her eyebrows, clearly bemused by John Sheppard's cheerful greeting. "Just fine, John, and you?"
"Fantastic. It's a great day for exploration, isn't it?" When he didn't receive an answer, he turned with a mock glare for his team. Teyla Emmagan smiled patiently, Ronon Dex crossed his arms, and Rodney McKay just kept tapping at his tablet, not paying attention. John sidled up behind him, tapping him on the shoulder. When Rodney looked up, confused, John grinned toothily. "I said, it's a great day for exploration, isn't it?"
"What?" Rodney looked around, seeming to notice the gateroom for the first time. He closed the tablet, putting it into his pack. "Oh. Right."
"Such enthusiasm. Right, dial it up, Chuck!" John chuckled at the joke while Chuck, who heard the pun a hundred times a week, rolled his eyes and dialed M6C-3X9.
The familiar KAWOOSH! of the gate made John's smile grow wider, and he began walking toward the watery circle, looking forward to whatever adventure awaited. He was stopped, however, by a very audible gulp from his scientist. He turned toward Rodney, frowning when he saw his expression. He was fixated on the gate, each ripple of the event horizon seeming to cause more anxiety.
"Is there a problem, Rodney?"
"Uh…I just, um, remembered something I have to do." Rodney started to back away.
"Yeah," John replied. "It's called going through the gate."
"No, I think I left the super-collider running. I'll just check it."
"We don't have a super-collider, Rodney." Elizabeth had come to investigate the delay.
"I'm sick?" Rodney coughed unconvincingly, then winced. He started shuffling, moving in all directions, looking for an exit.
"Rodney, what is your problem?"
"The planet! Yes, are we sure it's safe? Maybe I should go check the MALP readings again." He turned toward the steps, only to run into Ronon's chest.
"You did that yesterday."
"You were very interested in the machines we saw," Teyla offered.
"You couldn't wait to get started," John said. "So just tell me why you're so reluctant to get started now."
Rodney continued his little shuffling dance, his face contorting oddly until finally settling into a sheepish grimace.
John stared at him until suddenly his brain seemed to flip a switch. He face-palmed, eyes closing, a strangled sound in his throat. "You've got to be kidding me."
"It's not my fault!" Rodney exclaimed. "I had this brilliant idea about the regulatory flow of the hyper-dynamics of-"
"Rodney!" John interrupted. "How many?"
"Uh…twelve?"
"Seriously?" John sighed. "Twelve cups of coffee, and not once did it occur to you to go to the bathroom?"