Navigating the Minefield

Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate SG1 or Stargate Atlantis or any of its characters or other property. I write only to entertain not never make profit from this work or any of my other works.

Pairings: Rodney/ Sheppard friendship, Sam/Rodney friendship, Daniel/Rodney friendship

Warnings: social anxiety, panic attack

AN: Set before Rodney is sent to Atlantis.

START

It made him nervous to even look around the room. Not that he would admit that or betray his confident exterior.

It was a party of sorts...well a celebration of success. Members of SGC laughed over stories while more somber conversation was held between the high ranking, all suited up in impeccable stuffy jackets and avoiding controversial topics. It was a stark difference.

He tried to calm his mind, his thoughts were racing. He observed the room around him, making lists and calculations of anything that would occupy his mind – who was there and what rank they held and anything else that could work.

It seemed to settle him for a moment...until he almost bumped into someone in a very expensive looking suit. With his luck it would be the damn president! The stranger seemed to recognise him. "Ahh...Dr McKay? How are you?" they asked.

The tightness in his chest seemed more noticeable now. He should talk! He should say something...preferably not insulting. "Fine. I didn't get your name..." he managed to say. Good. Polite enough at least...

"Oh I'm no one special." they replied indulgently. "Your work at Area 51 was impressive...Hopefully it should set you up for better opportunities..."they said mysteriously.

Rodney tried not to look annoyed. They were probably special ops...maybe NSA or CIA or one of the damn anagrams! The 'no one special' laughed sounding very amused before excusing himself. Was that a good sign or a bad sign?

He needed air. Yes, that was what he needed. He quickly moved through the crowd, finding an empty balcony. He focussed on the cold air on his face. He still felt anxious and his chest felt way too tight but he could breathe a little better out here. It was peaceful away from the crowd of men stuffed in suits making nice talk or posturing. He could almost forget about the crowd inside...until someone spotted him again! They all wanted to either thank him or offer him jobs...even the ones that hated him as a person! He already had a dozen cards in his jacket he had taken simply to get away from the vultures! They looked at him like a piece of meat. Like a genius brain in a jar devoid of the person that he was.

He focussed on breathing. In. Good. Out. Good. In. Still much too tight but good. Out. Good. In-

-At least until his refuge was disturbed. He looked relieved to see it was just Sam. The vultures seemed to be happy playing nice with the other vultures they wanted to keep on nice terms with. She seemed to be looking him over, looking slightly concerned. He could almost hear her concern from here. It was loud. Even without her speaking. He flinched away from the loudness of it all. Well he could take care of himself! Yes. Of course he could!

"I'm fine! Just go back to the party." he snapped...well tried to snap. It came out slightly breathless and quieter than intended. More as a whine of desperation...

She seemed to be ignoring his protests. She saw through his act on the best of days. When his act was a weak as it was now? Of course she would see the truth! "Daniel, help me get him somewhere quiet." she instructed firmly yet quiet enough to avoid being over heard.

He was thankful for that. He didn't need his future job prospects harmed due to a simple panic attack! Nope, all those CIA and whatever's would look at the second in line for his sizable throne...probably Sam.

Daniel appeared, exchanging a worried look with Sam. "Deep breaths. Okay? We will get you out of here" he said softly. The gentle tone did calm him a little. He had to trust that Sam and Daniel had his back.

They managed to covertly support him, while he simply trusted them.

They managed to dodge most people. It wasn't easy. Almost at the exit, they ran into one. By the way he was being overly polite and how expensive his suit was, surely someone in government. But soon two others joined them. Sam recognised one of them as Dr Wier. The other seemed to be a good friend of hers.

Dr Wier smiled at them. "Cornel Carter, Dr Jackson, May I introduce Cornel Sheppard?" she said hospitably, her tone hiding her concern from their other guest. Sheppard grinned at them "Excuse us, I wanted to speak to Dr McKay privately." he said smoothly, though his intent was clear to the members of SG1. Sam relaxed, nodding her acceptance.

Dr Wier for her part turned to the government official. "Its lovely to see you again." she spoke. "How is your wife?" Sam heard her ask as they managed to escape.

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Shepherd helped them quickly navigate to somewhere more private. Sam studied Rodney again, not hiding her concern. That last guest had taken away the last of his resolve. He was in full panic attack mode now.

Daniel was already at his side, saying comforting things while keeping grip on his arm. It seemed to be helping a little. John was at the other side, keeping calm and helping to support him.

Sam was relieved, allowing herself to calm her own emotions now.

"Sam! Some help?" Daniel said as loud as he dared.

Sam quickly turned to Daniel. Rodney was almost passed out! She looked helplessly at Daniel who smiled encouragingly at her. He had settled against the wall as comfortably as he could. "Sam, Shepherd!" he commanded. "I know what to do. Just move him to me. Trust me."

Daniel soon had Rodney on him, easily supporting the other. Blocking out his friends, he focussed on Rodney. "Hang in there. Let me help you. Squeeze my hand if you can hear me." he instructed. He received a weak squeeze. Better than nothing. "Now I will show you how to breath. Focus on me. You can do it." he said firmly. He received another weak squeeze. Daniel started modelling deep breathes. When he received another squeeze, he smiled. "Can you copy me? Keep trying. I know someone as stubborn as you can do this." he encouraged.

It was a tense few minutes that felt like forever but Rodney kept trying. Despite his weakened state, he managed some close attempts. This seemed to encourage him further.

"Good. Your doing so well. Almost there." Daniel encouraged. Rodney was relying on him fully now to support him. Yet his focus was strong...it was only a matter of time. A few minutes later Rodney managed to make his way back to reality.

Sam looked relieved but still worried. "Rodney, you okay?" she asked the now clearly exhausted scientist. Rodney hadn't moved off Daniel and was blinking tiredly. Sam brushed her hand against his arm. Finally Rodney whined softly but gave her a greatful smile.

"Get him home. I'll be in contact." Sheppard said before leaving.

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They decided to go to Daniels house. Rodney had fallen asleep in the car but managed to wake enough to get to the lounge. After that he slept so soundly that Sam didn't have the heart to move him. So Daniel covered him in a blanket and let him be.

AN: R and R.