scr1tno and lizard: Thank you so much for reviewing! You guys make my day! I hope you like the next part. I'll try to update as often as I can, but finals are coming up, so I might have to delay this story for a little while in the future. Anyways, enjoy!
"Do you trust them?" Ronon's hard gaze compelled Sheppard to answer.
"I don't know." Sheppard looked down at his turkey sandwich thoughtfully before looking up again. "Rachel's telling the truth. Or at least she thinks she is. Marie's telling the same story, but...she doesn't feel right. My gut's telling me there's something else."
Ronon nodded as he speared his potato. "Trust your instincts. They're usually pretty good."
"Thanks, buddy."
Ronon's word quota was fulfilled, so he and Sheppard ate the rest of their meal in silence. After they had cleared their plates, Sheppard made his way to the labs, where he expected to find McKay pouring over new data or abusing his fellow scientists. Or both. That man sure could multi task. For once, however, Sheppard was not going there with the purpose of winding his friend up. Far from it. He braced himself for the formidable McKay panic attack that would undoubtedly follow his news. Sheppard reasoned, however, that McKay would probably rather hear it from him.
Two transporters and seven hallways later, he reached his destination. Hovering awkwardly by the door, Sheppard watched as McKay barked instructions at his staff. Flailing his arms and walking around the lab to check everyone else's work, McKay did not seem to notice the lone figure leaning against the door frame. "Hey buddy."
McKay looked around for the source of this interruption and found Sheppard standing a few feet away from him. "Sheppard, I'm busy! What's it is?"
Sheppard shrugged. "Nothin' much. Just have something interesting to tell you." He looked around the the lab nonchalantly and twiddled his thumbs as he waited for McKay to take the bait.
He did not have to wait long. "How interesting?"
"Barely."
McKay rolled his eyes and let out a exasperated sigh. "Alright. I'll bite. What do you have to tell me?"
Grinning at his victory, Sheppard grabbed McKay by the arm and pulled him out of the lab.
"Argh! Stop manhandling me, you hooligan! Where are you taking me?"
"The mess. We're getting dinner."
"I already had dinner," McKay protested.
"Two cups of coffee and a power bar don't count as dinner, Rodney."
"So Jennifer keeps saying. Fine, we'll go, but don't even think you're getting any of my fries!" McKay pouted.
"Aw, you're so cute when you've resigned yourself to the inevitable."
"Shut up!"
The mess was mostly empty by the time McKay and Sheppard arrived. Not a particular fan of crowds, Sheppard was thankful for this. As usual, he grabbed a glass of orange juice and a sandwich, while McKay loaded his tray with a mountain of fries and a large desert. Sheppard eyed McKay's plate dubiously. "I thought you said you already ate."
"Hypoglycemia!"
"Right..."
They were silent for a moment after sitting down. Nothing of note happened for a while, besides Sheppard's failed attempt to take one of Rodney's fries. Finally, Rodney looked up and asked the question. "So?"
"So what?"
"So what'd you want to tell me," retorted McKay as he fixed Sheppard with his patented you're-an-idiot look.
"Ah, yes. That."
