A/N – This is not my first fan fic but it is my first sci-fi one, so here goes! If you got a notification and were expecting a wedding story for another series, I'm sorry! It's on the radar, I promise! This story just showed up and demanded my attention.
A/N2 -Typical disclaimer, I own none of the Stargate Atlantis characters nor the Star Trek movie, Wrath of Khan. If you liked the character of Kanaan, you won't like this story. I found him to be beyond bland and then he just faded into obscurity. I would put this story at post season 5. How I wish there had been such a season!
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Chapter 1
"Colonel? Could I have a word with you please?" The voice was soft, almost hesitant, and it brought a grimace to John Sheppard's face. He carefully plastered a pleasant smile on his face as he stopped and turned to face the man who'd addressed him.
"Hey, Kanaan. What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if you would do me the honor of sparring with me this afternoon? Bantos rods?"
That was the last thing John wanted to do but he knew Kanaan was making an effort to fit in here on Atlantis and he also knew that Teyla was concerned about him. What he didn't want was for her to take it into her head that she, Kanaan and Torren would be better off on the mainland with the rest of the Athosians, he would miss her and the child too much. While she was now totally out of his reach, he couldn't imagine her not being in his life. So, he had to find a way to make nice with the man who had what he wanted, something he'd finally realized, only too late.
"Sure, if you want to. I get off duty at 1500 hours, shall we say 1530 in the gym?"
"That would be fine. I will see you then." Kanaan hid his triumph behind his bland smile and walked away. Teyla was his and this trumped up military officer from another galaxy was not going to interfere in any way. He'd been working on this plan for a while now, ever since he realized that he'd retained some of the Wraith like powers that Michael's experiments had given him, and he was now finally ready to set that plan in motion. It had begun.
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John stepped into the gym, exactly on time, to find Kanaan already there and waiting. He swallowed a sigh, not wanting to admit just how much he'd hoped the other man would either forget or just blow him off. If he was anywhere near as good with the Bantos rods as Teyla, he was probably about to get his ass kicked and he already had a headache. He moved to the bench and threw his gym bag down, pulling out his personal rods that Teyla'd given him for his last birthday, not seeing the look of pure hatred the other man was throwing his way. Kanaan was well aware of just how much care and effort she had put into obtaining those rods, they had had to be exactly the right length and weight, perfectly balanced. Pair after pair were inspected and discarded until she'd found the perfect set. It had been readily apparent to him that this was not the gift of one friend for another. He, himself, had never been interested in this form of fighting and barely knew which end of the rod to hold. When John turned back, he had the bland smile back in place and concentrated on the next part of his plan. Satisfied that things were moving along nicely, he bowed to the Colonel as the man bowed to him and they began to circle one another.
When Kanaan felt the familiar presence approaching the door, he feinted a move towards the Colonel who parried it. Deliberately, he left an opening that the Atlantean used to lightly tap him on the shoulder. He went down, dropped his rods and threw his hands up just as Teyla and Ronon came through the door. "No more Colonel! Please, I do not understand what I have done to anger you so!"
"Kanaan? John?" Teyla asked as she hurried to the downed man's side. Kanaan looked into her eyes and concentrated, splitting his focus on her, the Colonel and Ronon. John's headache just ratcheted up a notch but Ronon's eyes narrowed to glittering slits as he moved to protectively hover over Kanaan and Teyla. Teyla took in the condition of her mate and felt a rage rise within her.
"What are you talking about?" John asked in surprise. "I barely touched you once, we'd only just begun to spar!"
"Is that what you call it? Sparring? I came here at your request to learn to use the Bantos rods, something I did only to please Teyla and you viciously attacked me!" Kanaan responded.
John continued to stare at him in shock and then turned his eyes to Teyla. She was glaring at him and gently stroking Kanaan's hand. "John, I thought better of you! You know Kanaan is not interested in fighting, why would you do this?"
"I didn't! He asked me to spar with him, I didn't even want to except I thought it might be a way of making him feel like he fit in here!"
"That is a lie! Why are you doing this Colonel Sheppard?" Kanaan asked from his seat on the floor. He was a little surprised that the man wasn't succumbing to his suggestions like Teyla and Ronon were. He should have been acting more aggressively, making himself appear even more appalling in the eyes of his two teammates.
"Why would I lie?"
"I have no idea John, but we need to get Kanaan to the infirmary immediately. We will talk of this later!" Teyla helped Kanaan to his feet and he leaned on her as if he was in great pain.
John went to follow them when Ronon stepped in his way. "I thought better of you Sheppard!" He spat out.
"Look, Ronon, buddy, I'm telling you the truth, I came here at his request and I barely touched him!"
"I know what I saw, Sheppard, and if that's your idea of barely touching someone, I'd hate to see what you consider a beating!" With that parting shot, Ronon left the room, catching up with Teyla to offer his support in assisting Kanaan.
John just stood in the middle of the now empty gym with his mouth slightly open, not sure exactly what had happened. "What the hell?"
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Jennifer Keller was on duty when Ronon and Teyla brought Kanaan in. When she heard that he'd been injured in a fight with Colonel Sheppard, she frowned. That was not like the man she had come to know since becoming the CMO of Atlantis. She had always found him to be a fair man, with a wry sense of humor that she thoroughly enjoyed. She just couldn't imagine what would have made him attack the man lying on the gurney in front of her. She lifted his shirt while he concentrated on her. Gasping, she pulled back. "My God, how many blows did you take?" Almost all of his torso, arms and legs were covered with burgeoning bruises, new ones almost appearing as she looked. His face was bruised as well.
"More than I wanted. If Teyla and Ronon had not come in when they did, I shudder to think what Colonel Sheppard might have done to me." Kanaan gave her the most bewildered look he could.
"I want to get you under the scanner, make sure he didn't do anything more than bruise you!" Keller pulled the shirt back down over his abdomen and patted his arm.
"Thank you Dr. Keller."
"It's Jennifer, Kanaan."
He inclined his head. "Then thank you Jennifer."
She smiled at him and then called one of the nurses over. "Marie, can you get the scanner ready? Kanaan had a run in with Colonel Sheppard and I want to be sure he didn't do any damage internally."
"He what?" Marie had spent more than her fair share of time with the Colonel when he was hurt and laid up in the infirmary. She genuinely liked the man and thought this sounded very out of character. Kanaan concentrated on her as he lifted the hem of his shirt, exposing the bruises. "Oh my, I can't believe the Colonel did that to you! How awful!" She hurried away to get the scanner up and running, wanting only to alleviate the pain the man was so obviously suffering. Her opinion of a certain messy haired colonel doing a complete one eighty.
Once he was under the scanner, Jennifer and Marie watched the results. Jennifer shook her head in disgust as she registered the cracked ribs and internal bruising. She turned back to the trio waiting for her. "He has three cracked ribs, luckily none are broken. There doesn't appear to be any internal damage other than bruising. I can wrap your ribs and give you some pain medication but that's about all I can do."
"That will be more than enough Jennifer. Does he have to stay here or can he return to our quarters?" Teyla asked.
"He can go with you, but keep a close eye on him for the next twenty-four hours. If you see anything that concerns you, please, tell me right away."
"Of course."
Jennifer gently bound his ribs, giving him a shot for the pain. Marie gave Teyla some pain pills with strict instructions on their use and then he was finally ready to be released. He stood and swayed a little, causing both Teyla and Ronon to rush to his side. He gratefully accepted their help, suppressing his smile at how easily they were all fooled. On their way out of the infirmary, they ran into a group of four marines who knew Teyla from sparring with her. Asking what had happened, they too were stunned at the unexpected news that their CO had attacked Teyla's mate, although they each had their own sneaking suspicion as to the why. No one who saw the two of them together, could miss the electricity between them, no one but the two of them it seemed. As Kanaan concentrated on the four men, he noticed with pleasure that one of them was making a fist. He nudged that man a little more as they took their leave. Behind them, Jennifer put in an irate call to Richard Woolsey, leaving no room for misinterpretation of what her current opinion of the commanding officer of the base was.
Walking slowly back to their quarters, they also ran into Dr. McKay, who was looking for Sheppard to activate some ancient device or another. Kanaan's lip curled as he realized the man expected to find the Colonel with Teyla and Ronon, like they didn't have separate lives. He concentrated on McKay and was surprised to see the other man frown but not fall all over himself, condemning the Colonel for his actions as Teyla explained what had happened.
"That doesn't sound like Sheppard at all!"
"I know what I saw McKay!" Ronon growled menacingly at him.
"Down Conan, I'm not saying you didn't see it, just that it doesn't sound like something he'd do."
"Doesn't it? How well do you really know him?" Asked Ronon.
"I would say very well, as I would have expected both of you two to say as well."
"Well, the man who did this is not someone I know at all." Teyla retorted angrily.
Rodney frowned and looked at Kanaan who merely returned his gaze with one of bewildered sorrow, artfully portrayed. The scientist finally nodded at them and went on his way. Back at their quarters, Teyla and Ronon hovered over him, getting him anything he asked for. He could get used to this. He closed his eyes and sent out a broader cast, no longer needing to influence anyone into seeing what wasn't there, just influencing a general feeling of dislike for the Colonel. All across the city, people either clutched their head at the sudden pain of a headache or frowned as their thoughts turned inexplicably to John Sheppard and how very much they didn't like him.
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Jennifer looked up when she sensed a presence behind her. She turned with a questioning expression on her face, one that turned to disgust at the man in front of her. The look on the CMO's face surprised him. Frostily she asked. "What can I do for you, Colonel Sheppard?"
Hesitantly he said. "Hey doc, I need something for a headache. Can you help me out?" Normally he would never admit to pain, but the headache had increased to near migraine proportions and was starting to make him nauseous. His confusion about what had happened earlier this afternoon was not helping matters.
Jennifer sighed and stood up. She'd prefer to just let him suffer as he'd made Kanaan suffer but it went against all her principles. She opened the medicine cabinet and took out some aspirin. Without a word, she thrust them at him and then turned her back. He frowned at her, wondering what he'd done to her but then shrugged. He needed to get the pain under control before he could sort this all out. He dry swallowed the aspirin as it was apparent she was not going to offer him any water. He stared at her back for a moment and then said quietly. "Thanks Dr. Keller." He turned and left Jennifer stewing in anger behind him.
He stepped out of the infirmary just as his comms chirped. "Colonel Sheppard, can you please report to my office immediately?"
"On my way Richard."
"Mr. Woolsey, please."
John sighed, not him too? He made his way to the control room and passed through on his way to the expedition leader's office. Normally, everyone on duty would have a word with him, now they all studiously ignored him or actively sent him looks of disgust. He rolled his shoulders, feeling eyes on his back. He made it to Woolsey's office and knocked before entering.
"You wanted to see me, Mr. Woolsey?" They had long ago progressed to the stage of John and Richard, but that had obviously changed somehow. Woolsey finished what he was doing, making the Colonel stand in front of him, waiting. The dislike he currently felt for the Colonel surprised him, he'd always gotten along well with the man. He remembered his first days as leader, having just replaced Samantha Carter. He was sure the Colonel would be combative, as it was widely known that the two got along well and she was military like Sheppard, whereas he would be considered by many to be a bureaucrat. Things had gone badly quickly when Dr. Keller had been taken over by an alien entity and the city was in danger. He'd made decisions that went against every fiber of his being, decisions that had had to be made. He'd stood next to the Colonel's bed in the infirmary when it was all over and admitted he wasn't sure he was cut out for the job, that he'd broken so many rules in such a short time. John Sheppard had just grinned and held out his hand, saying 'Welcome to the Pegasus Galaxy.' They'd worked well together since then but the current situation would not, and could not, be tolerated.
"Yes, Colonel." He didn't request that the man be seated and he watched as Sheppard warily went into parade rest in front of him for the first time ever. "Dr. Keller filled me in on a very disturbing incident between you and Kanaan. I have no idea why you would attack a civilian in such a manner. I understand he was very badly hurt."
John blinked a couple times. "How badly was he hurt? I tapped him once on the shoulder, and lightly at that! If he has other injuries, he didn't get them from me."
"Dr. Keller says that Ronon saw the whole thing and was most upset that you had beaten up an innocent man."
"I don't know what Ronon saw but it wasn't me beating up Kanaan! Why would I do that?"
"It's pretty obvious Colonel, even to me, that you have feelings for Teyla. Interesting that her mate was the one you brutalized, isn't it?"
John's face flushed a dull red and then the blood drained out of his face, leaving him white as a sheet. Were his feeling for Teyla that evident? He'd thought he'd hidden them successfully. They still worked well together and he made sure he didn't treat her any differently from the rest of his team. "I have no idea what you're talking about sir, and I didn't brutalize him!"
"Well, I can't ignore such a serious complaint. Effective immediately, I am relieving you of command while we sort this out."
"You're what? You can't do that!"
"You heard me Colonel. I'm well within my rights, as expedition leader, to remove you from your post if I feel you pose a threat to the city or its inhabitants."
"Pose a threat? Me?"
"Dismissed."
"Sir, this is wrong, you know I wouldn't do something like this!"
"I'm afraid I know nothing of the sort, Colonel. Major Lorne will assume your duties while we investigate. Should you be found innocent of any wrongdoing, your command will be reinstated. If you are found guilty, I will request you be removed from Atlantis and sent home for punishment."
John felt like he'd been shot. Leave Atlantis? This was his home now. He couldn't imagine living back on Earth. Leaving his friends behind. Suddenly it struck him, he wasn't sure he had any friends here after all. He nodded once to Woolsey and walked from the room, trying to be dignified but really wanting to bolt, to race away as his life crumbled around him, totally out of his control.
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Relieved of duty and bewildered at the turn of events where two of his closest friends and teammates had refused to believe his version of what had happened, followed quickly by the actions of the Chief Medical Officer of the base, someone he'd also considered to be a friend, John found himself at the East Pier. This was the place he went when he had something to work out in his head. Unfortunately, the aspirin had made hardly a dent in the pain and he leaned his forehead against the wall, letting the coolness sooth him. He heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Rodney headed his way, staring at his tablet as always, not paying attention to where he was going. John waited until he was right on top of him and then asked warily. "Rodney, what are you doing down here?"
Startled, Rodney looked up at his friend and grimaced. His head hurt and he just wanted to complete his mission before heading to see Jenn about some aspirin or maybe something stronger. "I was looking for you. I need you to activate something Radek and I found. I called you a couple times but you didn't answer. I had to follow your sub-q transmitter to find you. What are you doing down here anyway?"
"Just needed to do some thinking."
"Yeah, I heard you had some kind of fight with Kanaan? I saw him leaving the infirmary with Teyla and Ronon. I have to say, he didn't look too hurt to me."
"According to Woolsey, I brutalized him. To the point where I've been relieved of duty pending a full investigation. Lorne's now in charge."
"You're what? Why would he do that?"
"Dr. Keller lodged a complaint against me."
"Jenn did that?"
"Yeah. Look, Rodney, I'm not really in the mood for plug and play right now, plus I'm not sure Woolsey would approve. Apparently he thinks I'm a threat to the city."
"He's nuts!"
John sighed, relieved that at least one of his friends was still behind him. "I don't know what to think Rodney." He watched as McKay rubbed his forehead. "Headache?"
"Yeah, can't seem to get rid of it. I'm going to ask Jenn for some aspirin."
"If it's anything like mine, the aspirin won't help. I'm close to migraine at this point."
"You have one too?" At John's nod, he pursed his lips. "Hmm. I wonder if it's just a coincidence or if something's going on."
"You think this might be related to why everyone thinks I beat up Teyla's mate in a fit of jealous rage?"
"It might, you never…. Wait, did you just say jealous rage?"
"Woolsey pretty much accused me of that, yes."
"Wow. Huh. You and Teyla?"
"McKay! No, not me and Teyla. She's a member of my team, just like you and Ronon. With everything else that's going on, that's what you focus on?"
Rodney grimaced and looked back down at his tablet as if it would have the answers for him. He glanced back at John and noticed for the first time how drawn he looked. "Listen, why don't I go and talk to Jenn. I'll get my aspirin and see what I can find out about Kanaan's injuries. I'll fill you in afterwards."
"Thanks McKay. You have no idea how good it feels to have someone finally believe me." He held out his hand and Rodney shook it.
"We'll figure this out, we always do!" He turned and left to go talk to his girlfriend, leaving a tired and shaken Colonel behind him.
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"Jenn?"
"Oh, hey Rodney! What's up?"
"I have a headache and was wondering if I could get some aspirin?"
"Sure thing! Just take a seat and I'll go get it." She bounced up and went to the medicine cabinet while he hoisted himself up on the side of a gurney. She came back with the aspirin and a paper cup full of water. He smiled his thanks and swallowed them quickly.
"So. I heard you had some excitement earlier?"
Jennifer frowned. "Look, Rodney, I know Colonel Sheppard is your friend, but you didn't see what he did to Kanaan. The man was just one big bruise, chest, back, sides, legs, arms even his face! And he has cracked ribs! I'm not sure I like the idea of you hanging out with him anymore."
Rodney stared at her, open mouthed. The Kanaan he'd seen walking out of here with Teyla and Ronon had shown no signs of bruising anywhere that was visible. And was his girlfriend really telling him who he could and couldn't be friends with now? He snapped his mouth shut, he needed to tread carefully for once. "I ran into Sheppard on the East Pier. He told me you lodged a complaint with Woolsey and that he's now relieved of duty."
"Good! A man like him shouldn't be in charge of anything!"
"Jenn? You used to consider John a friend, aren't you being a little harsh, not knowing exactly what's going on?"
"He's had everyone fooled! I think he's finally shown his true colors. I hope Woolsey sends him away from Atlantis for good! I don't feel safe with him around."
One of the nurses passed by, he thought her name was Marie or Maria or Marilyn, something like that. She heard the end of their conversation and stopped, her head nodding up and down, showing her agreement with everything Jenn was saying. He glared at her and she skittered away.
Turning back to his girlfriend, he thought about what she'd said and swallowed hard. He hadn't thought about what would happen if John were found guilty. He'd have to go back to Earth and would probably be court martialed. If not, then at least busted down in rank. His best friend would no longer be on Atlantis and he couldn't imagine anyone else taking his place. He couldn't imagine anyone else leading the war against the Wraith. He knew they wouldn't allow another Major to be commander so Lorne was out, not now that they were in constant contact with Earth. He tried to imagine Atlantis under the command of someone like Caldwell and shuddered. He needed to figure out what was going on and figure it out now. He hopped down off the bed. "I'll think about what you've told me Jenn, I will. I just have to wrap my head around it."
She took a quick look around and saw no one was near. She kissed him hard and said. "You do that, I know you'll come to the right decision."
He smiled sickly at her and started from the room. Reaching up, he touched his comms and said quietly. "Major Lorne, this is Dr. McKay."
"Yes Dr. McKay."
"I need to see you, right now!"
"There's nothing I would like better. Where?"
"I'm just leaving the infirmary, how about we meet in Colonel Sheppard's office? I just saw him down on the East Pier so I know he won't be using it."
"Works for me. He tell you what's happened?"
"Yes and that's part of what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Good, see you shortly."
Rodney nodded, even though Lorne wouldn't be able to see him. He paid no attention to the marine standing outside the infirmary, listening intently to McKay's side of the conversation. The scientist brushed past him without even noticing him. The marine smiled and turned to walk away. He had an idea and knew just who to include.
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Rodney walked into John's office without knocking, as always. Lorne was waiting for him, sitting on the edge of the desk, refusing to sit in his CO's chair. He'd been on Atlantis for a while now and thoroughly enjoyed working under Sheppard. He'd initially been wary of how easy going and nonmilitary the man appeared to be, until the first time he'd seen action with him. Gone was the laughing, mischievous flyboy and in his place was a warrior with a keen sense of military strategy and a bravery that bordered on reckless disregard for his own personal safety. Some of the things his boss came up with were so far outside the box, they were in yet another galaxy. Still, his plans always seemed to work. He'd also discovered the man was fiercely loyal and never expected a member of his command to do something he wouldn't. In fact, he usually took the most difficult assignments on his own. Add in the fact that he, and his team, were trouble magnets, and he'd spent more time covering Sheppard's duties than he cared to remember and he found he didn't want the job permanently, especially if it meant disgrace for the man he'd come to admire and respect. If he could have refused to take command when Woolsey had informed him that Sheppard was relieved of duty, he would have, if only to show his support of his CO. He knew the Colonel wouldn't want that, so he'd reluctantly kept his mouth shut. Wearily, he rubbed his forehead, trying to lessen the pain.
McKay watched the motion. "Headache?"
"Yeah, can't seem to shake it."
"Well, I have one too and so does Sheppard. His was almost migraine level when I talked to him."
Lorne frowned at him. "Two of us could be a coincidence, three of us seems a little odd!"
"My thoughts exactly! Something's going on here Major, and it's not John Sheppard going off the deep end over Teyla's relationship with Kanaan! Jennifer told me that Kanaan was bruised from head to foot but I saw him when he left the infirmary. I saw no such bruising, although he was leaning on Teyla and Ronon like he was in agony."
"So, what's going on?"
"How the heck am I supposed to know? Do I look like a magic 8 ball?" Rodney grumbled, his voice rising in pitch towards the end, causing Lorne to wince. This would be about the time Sheppard would issue a challenge and he would feel like he needed to rise to it. When nothing was forthcoming from Lorne, he blinked a couple times, floundering. For his part, the Major suppressed the urge to yell at the doctor, his headache making him less tolerant than usual. He'd never understood how Sheppard could not only work so closely with the annoying and egotistical man, but actually count him as a good friend.
"You said Dr. Keller was convinced John did this. Did you talk to any of the other medical personnel?" Lorne didn't even realize he'd called his CO by his first name, his concern more for a friend than a commanding officer right now. Rodney, being clueless to the emotions of those around him, didn't notice.
"No, but Mara, Marcia, Marcy, whatever the nurse's name is, was there and looked like she agreed with everything Jenn was saying, just kept nodding. It was very annoying. It doesn't make any sense, why would they be so easy to convince? They've known Sheppard longer than they've known Kanaan, yet they sided with him without giving the Colonel any benefit of the doubt!"
"Do you think we should talk to Dr. Beckett?"
Rodney mulled it over. "It couldn't hurt. He wasn't there when Kanaan was brought in, maybe he'll have a more level head."
Lorne stood up from the desk and keyed his comms. "Dr. Beckett, this is Major Lorne, please respond."
"Aye Major Lorne, what can I do for ye?"
"Would you have a few minutes to talk with Dr. McKay and myself?"
"Of course laddie. I just came on duty. Why don't ye meet me here?"
"Thanks! See you in a few minutes doc." He looked at McKay who was staring off into space. "McKay?"
"Huh? Oh yes, what?"
"Dr. Beckett says he'll meet us at the infirmary. You ready to go?"
"Well, of course! I was waiting on you!"
Lorne closed his eyes and counted to ten. Opening them, he silently led the way to their meeting with the good doctor.
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John stood on the East Pier and looked up at the evening sky. If he had to leave here, he would miss this life so much, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to stand it. All his life he'd felt like the outsider, never fitting in with his father and brother who seemed to breathe, eat and drink commerce. All he'd ever wanted to do was fly. His mother used to tease him that he was a changeling, a fairy child who was left in the place of the human child she'd birthed, born to spread his wings and fly away. The thought of joining the family business had actually caused him physical pain. His mother had been the only one he felt connected to in his family and, when she died when he was just a child, the connection was severed. He'd joined the Air Force over his father's strenuous objections, leading the old man to cut him off. He hadn't really cared, the money he and Dave seemed to worship, meant nothing to him. He'd made some good friends along the way, friends he'd then lost to war and to enemies who seemed to care nothing for human life. The first time he'd set foot on Atlantis and the lights had come on to welcome him, his first thought had been "I'm home." That feeling had never left him. There was no way he was going to leave here without putting up a damn good fight.
He found himself wondering if he could just disappear into the uncharted areas of the city and live the rest of his life here, staying one step ahead of those who would be looking for him. He had a feeling Atlantis herself would help him if it meant he could stay. He shook himself, smiling a little at the realization that he thought of the city of the Ancients as a she and sentient. There were times when he thought it wasn't that much of a stretch of the imagination, until Rodney would clue him into whatever code he'd uncovered that had caused the city to react in whatever way she had. He softly caressed the railing he was leaning against and could swear he felt an answering wave of affection. A sound behind him disturbed his reverie.
He turned a moment too late, his guard down as he'd been absorbed in his turbulent thoughts. The fist caught him full in the jaw, knocking him sideways. Two men grabbed his arms and another two began to beat him as he struggled and got in a few hits of his own. The fight moved this way and that on the pier but he was outnumbered. The last thing he remembered was being flung up against the wall, his head making a disturbingly moist thud as it bounced off. The world went black and he crumpled to the ground. He never felt the rest of the blows and kicks that the four men delivered. Eventually, they tired and, without a word, they walked away and left their CO a bloody mess behind them.
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