The marines flanked Athena as resident cowboy Ronon Dex guided them through the halls of Atlantis. Dr. Keller saw them approaching and happened to catch eyes with Athena for a brief moment. Needless to say Keller found something on the opposite side of the ward from Akio to occupy her time. She mumbled something under her breath; a nurse near by could have sworn she said, "That chick creeps me out" before she picked her stethoscope and went about her way.
When Athena and her guards reached Akio, he was up and eating Jello.
"You should try this." Akio said to Athena.
" Maybe another time." Athena said softly while she checked over her new runner like a mother checking over a child they haven't seen in months. "You are well. No fever."
Akio just gave a small hmm as he continued eating Jello. Ronon looked on in wonderment. He wasn't really sure what to make of Athena, but he was sure that this display of subtle affection was an odd show. He prided himself on being able to read people, although he would be the first to admit that he was wrong if his prediction was off. It was sure how to read Athena, but one thing was certain, she was a bad ass first and a caretaker/nerdy fanatic second. He felt that he would have to keep an extra eye out for her.
"Turn over." Athena commanded.
Akio scowled but did as he was asked. " I was just sitting here eating my jello" He mumbled.
Athena decided to ignore his griping and went to work pressing her fingers against his spine. Carefully she traced her fingers around the bandaged area where the tracking device use to be. Akio let out a low hiss. The area was still red and slightly swollen around the bandage. Athena scrunched her nose and looked over to were Dr. Keller was watching from the opposite side of the wing. When they made eye contact Athena made a blank face making sure not to blink. Dr. Keller looked away quickly.
"She had a hard time getting the device out of your back." Athena stated.
"Yes, she said she had to be extra careful because of how close it is to my spine, but she still had a hard time getting it out." It wasn't a question, but Akio still felt he had to respond.
"hm." Was Athena's response. " When I get you home I will heal the scar that is sure to form."
Akio simply rolled over and went back to his jello. Athena patted his thigh and started to make her way to Keller. Keller jumped when she felt Athena's presence at her back all of a sudden.
" A word of advice Doctor; the next time you work on someone so close to their spine, be sure of your cuts. It would not do to have someone paralyzed because you are insecure about your abilities." Athena bit out. Her face was blank and unthreatening. Keller wasn't sure if Athena was being rude or just stating a fact.
"Leave the girl alone Lady. I'm sure she did the best she could. I'm just glad it's out." Akio yelled to the other side of the ward. All the nurses, doctors, and patients stopped to see what was going on between Keller and Athena.
"How did he hear that." A marine said.
" A runner train certain senses in order to survive." Athena said never taking her eyes off Keller. " Head my warning Doctor." Athena said. She lingered on Keller for one moment before completely dismissing her by turning her back on her. She turned to Ronon, " Now I shall go to my quarters."
Ronon simply raised and eyebrow, looked back at Keller, than followed Athena out of the room. They hadn't walked more than twenty paces before Ronon spoke.
" Do you always issue threats like that?"
" Yes." Was the reply.
" Do you know were you are going?" He asked.
"Yes." Was the reply again.
"Hmm" Ronon grunted.
"Hmm, indeed." Athena mocked.
They walked in silence again before Ronon was tempted to talk again. What would she do if provoked?
" You know for a runner hunter you sure are small." He stated calmly. The two marines let out a small snicker. Athena's eyes flashed and she let out an unlady-like snort.
"You know for a runner you lack sense. I understand though. Animals in captivity tend to lose their instinct." Athena shot back.
Ronon stopped and pushed her small body against a wall. The marines that were trailing them back tracked and stayed within earshot around a corner. Instead of bending down to get in her face, he kept his full height.
"Why would you say that?" Ronon asked. His voice took on a husky tone.
" You looked me straight me in the eyes and I'm not sure what you saw I know from many experiences that it is not pleasant. By the way you tried to cover up your reaction by rubbing your eyes, I know that you have felt what many others have died from." Athena said raising her hand to caress his sculpted arms. " You should be more afraid of me than any other here on Atlantis. Yet you push that feeling deep inside, hiding your fear from me. You are too comfortable.
Ronon took in what was said. He was so tempted to look into her eyes again to see if he would experience the same thing twice. That fear started to rise again and he made it a point to look her square between the eyes.
" I wasn't aware a tiny think like you posed a threat."
"Yet another example of your lack of sense." Athena said. She took her hand off his arm and waved it in front of an entry pad. She backed in to the room she once occupied centuries ago. " We will meet again. Until next time Runner." The last promise sent a chill down Ronon's spine. The last think he saw was her smile as the doors slid shut.
The marines peeked around the corner and gave a smirk. Maybe going off world would be unnecessary. It seemed that just trying to make Athena lose her cool was more than satisfying. Not even a ride in bed with Cassie could match the feeling he felt at that moment. He got some sick twisted pleasure at the chill that ran down his back. He liked the feeling her soft hands caressing his arm even though the words tumbling out of her mouth were anything but. Yes, he didn't need to go off world; Athena would do fine.