Title: Perceptions
Summary: A look at Sheppard through the eyes of an enemy. Ladon POV, set during Coup D'etat.
Spoilers: Spoilers for Coup D'etat, and references to The Storm, and The Eye.
Disclaimer: It's not mine…but I refuse to give Sheppard back anyway. ;)
A/N: I love to act, and one of my favorite things about acting is trying to figure out just what's going through a character's mind. When I was watching Coup D'etat a few days ago, the scene when Ladon visits Atlantis really caught my attention. Sheppard's conversation with Ladon about the ZPM has a wonderful edge to it. It seems like Sheppard is intentionally trying to come across as threatening. That made me wonder…what was Ladon thinking? All the dialogue is taken directly from the episode.
As always, the credit for this all goes to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the source of all inspiration. I can never praise Him enough for all He's done. :)
I debated about posting this, but my friends all encouraged me to, lol. :) I hope that you enjoy it!
Perceptions
Ladon is not surprised that Sheppard is the first to meet him when he steps through the gate. The Lantean is smirking, his posture relaxed - the darkness in his eyes the only evidence of his true nature.
"What, no ZPM?" the Major asks.
Ladon can't help but scoff at that. "I sent it to another planet for safe-keeping. How stupid do you think I am?"
Sheppard shrugs. "From what I remember, I gave you a pretty good crack on the head last time we met. 'Guess I was kinda hoping it made you simple."
"No, it didn't." He decides to play the Lantean's game. "But ever since then, I've been plagued with headaches."
It's not as much of a lie as he would like for it to be. He doesn't suffer from headaches, but it did take nearly a week for the dizziness and nausea to pass.
"You're just saying that to be nice," Sheppard quips. He turns serious, some of his nonchalant mask falling away. "What do you want for it?"
Ladon frowns slightly, weighing his answer. He wonders if Sheppard has ambitions of his own - he seems loyal to Dr. Weir, and is already in a considerable position of power as the military commander of Atlantis, but is he satisfied with that, or does he want more?
He decides to err on the side of caution. "I'll only talk with Weir."
The Lantean catches his hesitation, brief as it was.
"Do I make you nervous?" Sheppard asks.
He doesn't - years under Kolya's command have steeled Ladon's nerves. But he is wary of the Lantean, and with good reason. Sheppard is dangerous, perhaps even more dangerous than Kolya. Kolya never pretends to be anything other than what he is: a killer. But Sheppard's easy demeanor is misleading. Purposefully so, Ladon knows. Sheppard wants to be underestimated.
Ladon will not make that mistake. Nevertheless, he is tired of the Lantean's smugness.
"Not at all, Major," he answers, distain filling his voice. "I'm just not interested in talking to the errand boy."
The Lantean tips his head slightly, acknowledging the insult, but he smirks again. "That's Lieutenant Colonel Errand Boy to you," he corrects.
Ladon stiffens.
Sheppard has been promoted.
Perhaps it should not come as a surprise. His nearly-single-handed victory over the Genii was impressive, and he was undoubtedly recognized for it. Still, the thought that the lives of sixty Genii soldiers paid for his promotion is grating.
Sheppard seems to know the effect his comment has had, and his expression takes on a satisfied edge as he motions to his men.
Ladon feels Sheppard's gaze follow him as he is led away.
Once Cowen is disposed of, Ladon decides, he'll order Sheppard's death. He'll even carry out the sentence personally.
He looks forward to it.
Fin
I hope that you enjoyed it! Please let me know what you think!
Take care and God bless!
Ani-maniac494 :)