Chapter 4
~,~,~,~,~
John pretended to study the chess board in front of him when he, in reality, was studying his opponent. The scientist was frowning as he undoubtedly ran each move he could make, along with John's counter move to it, through his head, to its ultimate conclusion. John knew that Rodney was already beat, he was just waiting for his friend to come to grips with it. There was no move the other man could make that didn't end up with him in checkmate, whether it be in two moves or five. John knew he'd finally realized it when he sighed and tipped over his king, conceding the game.
"Best three out of five?" John teased. He was surprised when Rodney didn't respond with a snarky remark seeing as they'd only played one game so far. When the silence stretched, he asked. "Rodney?"
Without looking up, Rodney responded quietly. "You need to stop doing that, you know?"
He did, but he was going to try his damndest to deflect. "What? Win at chess? You know I'm trained in military strategy, don't you? And this isn't exactly the first time you've lost to me."
Rodney lifted his head and John was stunned at the haunted look on his face. "Don't do that."
"Don't do what?" He couldn't help it, he'd been doing it most of his life. Deflect and protect.
Outside the room, Dave Sheppard stopped and waited to hear how the conversation went. The SS agent at the door looked at him askance but apparently didn't feel it was his place to comment on the fact that his charge's brother was eavesdropping. Dave blushed a little but desperately wanted to find out more about his little brother and thought this was a golden opportunity. If it turned too personal or was something he shouldn't be privy to, he'd make his presence known or walk away.
"You need to stop thinking everyone's life is more important than yours!" Rodney's response was loud and strident. "You got shot! You could have been killed!"
"He's our President, Rodney." John replied quietly.
"You know damn well that had nothing to do with it! You and your damn hero complex! Why can't you understand that we need you on Atl…base? Besides, now that you and Teyla are together, Jennifer and I figured we could double date! Ronon and Amelia only want to talk about fighting and Radek and Miko are still in denial. And you know how I feel about Carson dating Cadman, I still have nightmares about that unfortunate incident. You're it!"
"I don't have a hero complex, I just have responsibilities as Military Commander and sometimes those responsibilities mean I get in the way of bullets." John responded quietly.
"Oh please, flying a nuke into a hive…enemy ship? Iratus bug? Retrovirus? Kolya and Todd? VR world on the Aurora? Trapped in a collapsed building with a piece of rebar stuck in your side and then going out to rescue Teyla without getting it fixed? Flying into the side of a building to help Jennifer and getting impaled, again? Immediately after needing resuscitation from the effects of an untested drug therapy? Kidnapped by a pirate and beaten for information? Even if she was hot? Any of those ring a bell or do I need to go on?"
"Rodney, most of those were not my fault! Wrong place, wrong time! There's no way I could have known what would happen in most of those situations!"
"But if you had, I have no doubt that you'd have gone anyway!"
"If it meant protecting our home? You, Teyla, Ronon? Torren? You're right, I would have gone even knowing what was in store for me. But not all of them! I would have preferred to avoid Kolya and Todd, not to mention the entire Genii people, for the rest of my life, thank you very much. Now Larrin? That was not so bad."
"You'd better not let Teyla hear you say that!"
The two men stared at each other and then John snorted, causing Rodney's lip to quiver and just like that it was over as they both dissolved into laughter.
Dave decided now was as good a time as ever to make his way into the room. He raised his hand to knock, watching the guard out of the corner of his eye. When John called out to enter, he hesitated. Whispering, he tried to justify his actions to the man, not sure why he felt the need to. "I know so little about my brother." The man tilted his head at him and then gave him a small nod, going back to watching the hallway for danger as Dave went in.
"Hey Dave. What's up?" John asked.
"Nothing. Just came by to see how you were doing." He'd gone to the office but hadn't been able to concentrate as thoughts of the things he'd learned earlier ran through his mind. Things his brother was involved in that sounded so dangerous. Things he'd learned about his brother's life. He'd found himself heading back to the hospital after cancelling the rest of his meetings for the day. "Dr. McKay, nice to see you again." He held out his hand and they shook. He still wasn't sure how he felt about the man. He seemed egotistical and not the kind of man his brother would tolerate, let alone be friends with. Yet, what he'd overheard made him realize the man cared about his brother, a lot, and that was good enough for him.
"Um, yeah, nice to see you too." For his part, Rodney wasn't sure he cared all that much for the brother. He'd heard from Ronon about how the other man had treated John at their father's wake. The fact that no one had even known John had a brother or that his father had still been alive when he'd decided to step through the stargate on a probable one-way trip, spoke volumes to him. Still, they'd found him sitting at John's bedside, watching over him, so maybe he'd give him a chance. If he stepped out of line though, he'd have no compunction about siccing Ronon, or maybe Teyla, on him.
There was an awkward silence and John rolled his eyes. "Dave, sit down. Rodney, put the game away, we can play again later." Both men were moving to obey the orders without thinking about it, both stopping at the same time as the realization hit. They looked at each other with open mouths and then at John, who grinned back. They all started laughing and the awkwardness dissipated, conversation naturally leading back to the events of the night before.
"Oh, by the way, they said an unknown guest had saved the president with quick thinking. No mention of you getting shot or being the one who took down the assassin!" He was somewhat incensed by that on behalf of his brother. John had put his life on the line, had taken a bullet for the leader of their country, and the best they could do was unknown guest?
"Good! Glad Barry and the SGC could get ahead of that." John was relieved.
"Why shouldn't you get the credit?" Dave didn't understand.
"Dave, I didn't do it for the credit, I did it because it needed to be done. The last thing I need is to have the media camped outside the hospital and digging into my past or my present. Something like that happens? I'd probably wouldn't be allowed to go back to base, maybe even not allowed to keep my commission."
"Would that be so bad?"
"Yes!" Came from both men, although for somewhat different reasons. Dave blinked and then sighed.
"Okay, I get it. Top secret work, stay out of the spotlight, stay off the news. I at least hope they give you a medal for this!"
Rodney snorted. "Like he needs another one! He's practically running out of space on his dress uniform as it is!"
Another voice spoke from behind him. "Jealous McKay?" Ronon walked into the room with Teyla. He obviously had something hidden behind his back and John watched him warily.
"What? No, of course not! I'm just stating a fact!" And he wasn't jealous, not really. All those medals? Each one had a story behind them that had almost cost his friend his life, both before and after they'd met. He also knew they meant little to John. Nothing he'd ever done, had had a medal as the end goal. Ronon grinned and slapped his friend on the back. He then pulled a balloon with Get Well written on it and tied it to the bottom of John's bed. John glared at him and Ronon just smiled back. Teyla just rolled her eyes and made her way to the bed, carefully looking John over, searching for any telltale signs that he was in pain or in trouble. Satisfied that all looked well, she leaned down to touch her forehead to his and then moved on to his lips, giving him a quick kiss and skipping back before he could react. She saw the disappointment in his eyes and it thrilled her a little to know she was the reason for it.
"Torren sends his love."
John lit up. "How's he doing? Is he okay?" She loved the concern in his voice. There were times, more than she'd care to admit, that she wished John was Torren's father. Kanaan had been fine when he was a baby but didn't seem to know what to do with him as he started to become a person. Instead of trying, he'd drawn away, leaving John to fill the void. She supposed she should have done something to stop it but had been happy that the two had bonded the way they had.
"He is fine. Amelia says he is being the perfect little house guest." She smiled down at him and both were still for a moment until Rodney snorted.
"Will you two stop doing that? Hello? Still in the room over here." They all laughed quietly and Teyla blushed. She sat in one of the empty chairs and conversation once again turned to the events of the night before. That the Trust would so brazenly attack the President was a topic of concern. As Carson had said early that morning, they generally worked in the shadows and not out in the open like that. They discussed how protected the man was, without discussing alien technology as Dave didn't have clearance for that kind of information.
"So, why do you think they want Hayes out of the way so bad?" Rodney finally asked.
"I don't know but I do know I don't like it. Neither does Barry or the rest of the Secret Service. He's digging into anything the President is working on, to see if there's something that might hurt their cause. He'll let us know if he finds anything. In the meantime, security around him is even tighter. I don't think they'll get another chance, at least not for a long while." John answered, frowning.
"John, you're injured and not involved in this! Let the Secret Service figure it out! It's not your problem." Dave was already worried that his brother was now a target and didn't want him to stick his nose in where it didn't belong, thereby bringing more attention to him.
"That's where you're wrong, Dave." John answered quietly. "It's everyone's problem. The Trust wants to impose their way of thinking on the whole world. They spout words about protecting our world, but it's really all about power." He knew the Goa'uld were involved with them, thanks to the one who'd taken up residence in Colonel Caldwell, almost getting away with blowing up Atlantis. The humans involved were greedy and allowed themselves to be used by a race that enslaved others. "Nothing they do is for the good of anyone but themselves."
Dave opened his mouth to argue but recognized the look on his brother's face. He wouldn't get anywhere. All he could do was keep an eye open and on him. Instead, he asked. "How did they get so powerful anyway? And why aren't they all over the news, like any other terrorist organization?"
Rodney answered. "They have very rich and powerful allies. Greedy men who don't care for the greater good, only the bottom line. Some of these people own technology companies, drug companies, media companies, etc. What they use is cutting edge and untraceable. They stay under the radar and anyone who gets close enough to write about it, disappears, never to be heard from again. That's why last night's events are so disturbing." He stuck with the party line, not able to discuss alien intervention and technology on their world.
John decided it was time to talk about something else when Rodney's stomach grumbled. "McKay?"
"What?"
"When was the last time you ate?"
"I don't know, a while ago. Things happening, you know!"
"I do know. I also know you're hypoglycemic and need to eat regular meals. After all, you tell us about it all the time!"
"I do not!"
Ronon snorted and Teyla intervened, as she often did. "Perhaps it would be a good idea to find the cafeteria and get something to eat." She stood up and looked at Dave. "Would you care to join us?"
He looked at John who ruefully shook his head. "I'll be lucky to get some broth and a small piece of bread. Why don't you go with them?" He faked a yawn. "I think I might take a nap anyway."
Four concerned pairs of eyes swiveled to him. "John, are you alright?" Asked Teyla.
"Sheppard?" Ronon and McKay said at the same time.
Dave reached out and put the back of his hand against John's forehead and then cheek, ignoring the eyebrows that crawled up into his brother's hairline. "You feel cool, no apparent fever."
"Thank you, Dr. Sheppard! Look, I'm fine. The meds just make me sleepy, that's all." John hated when people hovered over him. "Just go and get some lunch! I'll be here when you get back."
Teyla bit her lip, not wanting to leave him alone but she hadn't eaten before leaving the hotel after a restless sleep, tossing and turning as nightmares of him dying alone had invaded her dreams. They'd all left about 6 that morning, agreeing that they needed rest, as did John. Ronon had wanted to stay but John had convinced him the SS agent outside would protect him and he'd reluctantly left with the others, heading to the hotel that the SGC had booked them rooms in. None had thought about food as they headed back mere hours later and now she, too, was hungry. The group finally agreed to go, stating they'd be back in a half hour or less. As she left the room, she looked back one last time to see him close his eyes and wiggle, trying to get comfortable in the hospital bed. A wrong move sent a wave of pain across his face and she almost turned back. The moment passed, and she followed the others, taking a second to thank the agent guarding him. The man had smiled and said it was his honor. It made her feel a little better as she hurried to catch up with her friends.
~,~,~,~,~
Caleb Anderson pushed the empty wheelchair down the corridor, whistling a little, and stopped in front of Colonel Sheppard's door. He made a point of checking his clipboard against the room number and nodded. He held out his lanyard holding his hospital ID without even being asked. The agent scanned it carefully and then looked at him searchingly. Caleb just smiled in return.
"Where are you taking him?" Agent O'Brien asked.
"MRI. Doc wants to be sure nothing got missed." He handed over the clipboard with the orders for the test on top. The agent read it thoroughly and then handed it back.
"I'll be going with you."
He'd been expecting this and shrugged. "Sure, whatever. You can help me get him into the chair. Would be nice to have assistance for a change."
O'Brien nodded and opened the door for him. Caleb smiled his thanks and pushed the chair through the door.
"Colonel Sheppard?"
"Yeah."
"Caleb Anderson. I'm an orderly and here to take you down for an MRI."
John frowned. "No one told me."
"They never do! We just show up and take people by surprise. It's very rare for the doctor to fill the patient in. Would you like me to call him?"
"No, that's fine." He threw back the thin blanket covering his legs. "Let's do this. How long is this going to take? I have friends coming back soon." He'd gotten spoiled on Atlantis. It was so much easier to just have someone run the Ancient scanner over him. No wheelchair rides to different floors, to wait your turn and wait, and wait, and wait.
Caleb nodded. "I'll try to make this as quick and painless as possible. I'm sure we'll be back in plenty of time."
Agent O'Brien assisted Caleb in getting the Colonel out of bed. Each one taking a side. Once John was settled, he smiled up at the agent. "Are you coming with us, Mark? If not, now might be a good time to go grab some grub yourself."
"I don't leave your side, sir."
John sighed. "Mark, it's John, not sir. You don't report to me. Hell, half the people who do report to me, don't call me sir."
"Very well, John. Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be. I just need to leave a note in case I'm not back when they return. They'll worry." Turning to Caleb, he asked. "Do you have a pen and some paper?"
"Sure, here." Caleb pulled a blank form from the bottom of the stack and handed it over, along with a pen. John wrote a quick note explaining where he went and left it on the bed.
Done, he looked up at the orderly and waved a hand. "Lead on McDuff." Caleb pushed the chair out the door and took a left, O'Brien right behind him. They arrived at the elevator and Caleb pushed the down button. The radiology department was on the second floor, three floors below this one. When the doors opened, Caleb pushed the chair inside and turned to push the button for the right floor, selecting the basement. Neither man commented as they were unfamiliar with the layout of the hospital. When the doors opened to the garage, O'Brien immediately stepped in front of John and went to pull his weapon but was hit with a blast from a zat gun, crumpling to the floor.
"Take him and put him in the back of the van." Ordered the man holding the gun, looking around the garage. No one was in sight and they'd disabled the security cameras. Two other men stepped forward and picked the unconscious man up by the arms, dragging him out of the elevator and over to a waiting van, stuffing him in the back.
"You aren't going to kill him?" John asked.
The other man smiled. "I've dealt with men like you before, Colonel Sheppard. A martyr who wouldn't give up a thing, unless someone else's life was at risk. Your body guard will be a valuable asset in that respect. If that doesn't work, then I'm sure one of the people you do care about can be acquired. Your brother, perhaps? The pretty little woman you're shacked up with?" John glared at him, feeling useless in his condition. The man merely smiled back.
Caleb pushed the wheelchair out to the van and one of the other men opened the door and pushed the lever that lowered a ramp. When it was fully down, Caleb pushed him in and anchored the chair, just another patient leaving the hospital if anyone happened by. John looked up at him and spoke quietly. "You know you're a dead man walking, don't you? They'll never let you live."
Caleb just smiled. "I've been a loyal employee for over ten years. I've worked hard and kept my nose clean here at the hospital. They'll never suspect me."
"You could have been seen."
"I wasn't. I was careful and made sure no one was around before I came and got you. I'll just go back to my job like nothing happened and, if I'm questioned when they finally realize you're gone, I'll give them nothing."
"They'll never take the chance that someone didn't see something."
"Can it, Colonel. You can't scare me."
John sighed and shook his head. Caleb just smirked at him and got out of the van. He turned and looked at the man who was obviously the leader, still holding the zat, keeping it down by his side and out of sight. "I'll head back in now. Let me know if you need me for anything else." The man nodded, and Caleb turned away. He was just inside the elevator when he was hit by a blast from the gun. The man moved over and stood over his employee.
"You should have listened to the Colonel, Caleb." With no remorse, he aimed the gun and shot twice more, the body disintegrating with no trace. He turned and looked at the man trapped in the van. "You're a smart man Colonel, imagine that was one of your friends, your brother. I will have no compunction about killing each and everyone of them if I don't get what I want."
"What do you want?"
"Ah, we'll get to that later. For now, please just enjoy the ride." One of his henchmen leaned over and stabbed a needle into his thigh, pushing the plunger.
"Ow! I hope that was clean!" He looked at the leader. "I could get an infect…." He never finished the sentence as he listed to the left, unconscious. The leader smiled and closed the door, moving around to the front and got in the driver's side. He started up the van and drove off.
~,~,~,~,~
Rodney frowned when they came back to the room and the SS agent was missing. He exchanged a look with Ronon and Teyla, making Dave nervous. Ronon reached behind him and pulled out some kind of weapon, a familiar sound came from it, he recognized it from early this morning when these people had first shown up. McKay and Teyla fell in behind him like it was second nature. Teyla pushed Dave behind her. Ronon pushed the door open and stepped in quickly, sweeping the empty room. He powered down his weapon when he saw it was empty.
"He's not here." His voice was angry. Teyla surveyed the room and noticed the paper on the bed. She picked it up and felt relief sweep over her.
"He went for something called an MRI. Agent O'Brien went with him." The tension in the room dissolved and the three each took a seat to wait for John to return, making small talk. Rodney kept watching the door and Ronon watched him, wondering what was making the little man so nervous. After watching him for a little over a half hour, he finally asked.
"What's wrong McKay?"
"What?" Rodney turned to look at him. "Wrong? Nothing, nothing. At least, nothing I can put my finger on. It's just, you know, John."
Dave was confused. "What do you mean, it's just John?"
Teyla stepped in. "John has a tendency to….attract trouble."
"We're in a hospital and he has an armed guard. What could possibly happen to him?"
Ronon smirked at his friend's brother, although McKay's unease had infected him as well. "Sheppard could find trouble in a locked room with only himself for company."
"Ronon, that is not exactly fair." Teyla declared, although she shivered a little. McKay's pessimism had cast a pall over the room. She stood up and began to pace. "John has gotten into quite a few scrapes, but we are no longer on base and in danger from our enemies." She stopped and looked at Dave, who felt like she was asking him for reassurance. "Nothing will happen to him here, surely?"
"Teyla, he's already taken a bullet, lost a lot of blood, had to have surgery and he hasn't even been here for more than a couple days!" Rodney retorted.
"McKay!" Ronon could see that the scientist's words had disturbed her.
"I'm sorry! It's just, you know….I worry…." Ronon did know. Whenever Sheppard, or any of them for that matter, were in the infirmary or in trouble, it was McKay who hovered and worried. For all his arrogance, he was a good friend and a good man to have on your side, something that had taken him a while to learn.
Dave watched the three of them and found himself starting to worry. He didn't have the experience with John that they did and felt that if they were worried, he should be too. Making a decision, he stood up and walked to the phone on the bedside table. Punching in 0 to get the receptionist, he explained that his brother wasn't in his room and they didn't know where he was. He conveniently forgot to mention the note, figuring if John really was just getting an MRI, it wasn't that much of a stretch that he wouldn't have left word behind. He waited impatiently for the woman to search the computer. When she came back and said John should be in his room, his stomach cramped. He thanked her quietly and hung up. The others took one look at his face and knew something was wrong.
"What is it?" McKay asked.
"John wasn't scheduled for any tests. According to hospital records, he should be here, in his room."
"So, what do we do now?" Teyla asked. She wanted to be tracking him down, finding him and keeping him safe, but this was not her world. She didn't know how things worked here.
Dave dug out his wallet and pulled out the card Barry Jenkins had given him. Holding it up, he said. "We call the Secret Service."
~,~,~,~,~