Hey John,

So I know handwritten letters were never really my thing, I like typing better. Still, Jeanine always told me handwritten letters were the best, because they gave whoever you were writing to something to hold on to, that they meant enough to you to take the time to do it. So here I am, writing you a letter.

I have never felt the need to write "In the event of my death letters" but now it feels like the smart thing to do. While I may not be an eloquent writer, I'm hoping you'll never read this letter in the first place, so I don't feel too badly about it.

So here it goes. If you are reading this John, Pegasus has finally taken me down, in some way or another. I don't know how it might have happened. It could be by the fault of my own arrogance, or a mistake, or simple accident. The Wraith could have finally taken me. No matter what happened though, I don't want you to feel the guilt I know you felt after Ford's death. It wasn't your fault, and team leader or not I'm not your responsibility. You cannot protect me every minute of every day, and if my death was the result of a choice between me and others dying, like when we found the other city, I'm proud of you. As much as I may exaggerate my own worth, there are many things more important.

Secondly, please, please, please, try not to get yourself killed? As heroic as your almost daily suicide runs are, please refrain from throwing yourself in the line of fire as often as possible; it's stressful for the infrastructure. Poor Atlantis, she's so in love with you I think she might just sink the city if you died. Seriously though, You know how much Atlantis and everyone who lives there loves and depends on you John. They can't function without you. I couldn't, If I was reading your letter (which you better not have written). I'm not there to come up with last minute miracles anymore John. You have to protect them all on your own. I know you can do it Sheppard.

Lastly, there are some things, things I know my tendencies to be petty and selfish can prevent me from saying that I want said. While I maintain a good percent of my staff are complete and utter imbeciles, Radek is a genius and I absolutely demand he take my place. If he isn't there Miko, she's brilliant as well, but Radek, well, let's just say the man has earned my trust and admiration tenfold. I trust you to make sure he gets his chance, rather he wants my job or not, you need him.

Ronon and Teyla are some of the greatest friends I've ever had, and Atlantis needs them too. Take care of them John, just as I'm quite sure they'll take care of you in my absence. Watch out for Elizabeth. I've known her a long time John, and she takes every paper cut one of her people gets to heart. She gave up everything for this expedition, and unlike you and I she left behind people who loved her dearly and were very close to her. Carson will need some help. We all know the man is a bleeding heart, and he's my best friend next you. Don't let him get too invested in everyone, or you'll lose him, because face it, death is a fact of life here, and he just has a hard time accepting that.

Take care of my sister John. We may have been distant for a long time, but I love her, and I know with Mom and Dad gone, losing the last of her family will be a hard blow. Maybe it will make it easier for her in the long run that we had been at odds for so many years. I hope so. Still, while I'll admit to liking her husband, I still don't approve of his job. There are two accounts set up back on Earth. One is for Jeanine should she need any rainy day money. The other is for Madison once she turns 18. There's enough in there for her to go to any college she chooses, and live comfortably for years. I'm telling you this because I need you to make sure the SGC gets the money to them. I trust you to watch out for Madison and Jeanine. They both adore you and while I'm sorry to put this burden on your shoulders, I'm sure you'd make a better uncle than I ever was or could be.

I would like to thank you John. I understand I'm an arrogant asshole who lacks almost all social skills; (while my genius should make up for most of it) I have never had friends. Never really made a difference to me. Not many wanted to try and even the people who did just couldn't r it long-term . You though, you stuck by me through thick and thin, and over the years I have come to trust and value you more than I have ever valued a friendship. We disagreed, we fought, but you still have saved my ass more times than I can count. I am jealous of you, I'll admit it now that I know I'm not around to see your reaction, but I have good reason to be. No one should be cool and smart too, it's unfair and defies the laws of nature (much like your hair). You're singlehandedly the bravest man I have ever met John Sheppard, and I can honestly say it was an honor to be your friend, and your teammate. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to change into the man I am today, and for never giving up on me. No matter what happened that resulted in your reading of this letter, I wouldn't trade my time here for a long lifetime back on Earth. So I guess that's it then. Everything professional has been taken care of, and I have brought myself to write everything I can to say to you, so I guess this is Goodbye then Sheppard. Take care of yourself you moron; don't let anyone blow up my city.

Sincerely,

Dr. M. Rodney McKay, PhD, PhD

P.S. My hidden coffee stash is your office. Best hiding place ever, the place still has cobwebs.

So everyone, this Is a new series I'm planning on doing, Different characters writing "In the event of my death" letters, and maybe even a few characters finding them ( without major character death) Characters To and From will be random depending on my mood. Hope you enjoy.