Summary – The more you wanted the device to work the more successful the illusion would become and at that moment Rodney wanted nothing more that for the illusion to be real - McShep

Rating – PG

Disclaimer – I don't own then, their creators do

Veil of Perception

Like most Ancient technology the mental component played a large part in the successful application of the device.

In this case the device provided the illusion of being someone else, but it was more than that. The small charm he was currently clutching in the fingers of his right hand gave the illusion of a woman in place of a man. He didn't know if it worked both ways yet.

But the more you wanted the device to work the more successful the illusion would become.

And when Sheppard, with no idea of who he actually was, had talked to him, flirted with him and then reached for his hand he had wanted nothing more, at that moment, than for the illusion to be real. Just for a little while

And instead of feeling large hands with long worn calluses Shepard had felt soft and slender fingers.

The mind was a very powerful thing, he was willing it to appear and feel so and Sheppard was expecting it. He hadn't stood a chance.

Things had just led from there.

He winced as he woke up and realised what he'd done. Sheppard was sleeping beside him, a heavy arm flung over his waist and a contented smile on his face and for a moment he wanted nothing more than to allow this illusion to stay for a bit longer.

But that wasn't an option.

He wasn't completely sure how the device had worked as it had, the body he had adopted had felt real, completely real, to both Sheppard and himself.

Perhaps this was something that could be used on missions, disguising well-known teams or possibly even using them to mimic natives, guards or enemies…

It might even help them to mimic the wraith. If that was possible they might even be able to make their way onto hiveships.

But he'd work out the mechanics of it tomorrow. Right now… he still ached pleasantly. He wasn't quite sure how that worked.

He'd have to tell Sheppard she left on the Daedalus or something if he asked, Caldwell was leaving early this morning. Hopefully Sheppard wouldn't question it any more than that.

But what did it really matter if he did?

They'd never find any trace of her.

And if he did happen to put two and two together with the devices… well, he was the only one who'd had access to them this particular night and that spoke for itself.

Slowly, regretfully Rodney McKay eased out of the bed, dressed and made his way back to his own quarters

At least this way he'd be able to wake up as himself.

And pretend, for just a little longer.