Thanks again for all the reviews. It really means a lot to a writer to get feedback, and I appreciate the support.
Now on with the story...How is John faring, and what does Forant want?
REUNION
CHAPTER 7
Miko was all over him like a rash, her big brown eyes appearing twice their usual size even without the magnification of the thick spectacles she usually wore. Rodney was pretty sure it was no coincidence his female associate switched to contacts after Forant first entered the lab, but conceded why should she be any differently from the rest of the sycophants tied to his every word. Even Radek, the freaking idiot, who'd started trying to tame his unruly mop into the most pathetic ponytail he'd every seen.
They were all morons in his book. Couldn't they see what Forant was up to? Sure he was handsome, in a distinguished Sheppard sort of way, and extremely charming. Feigning interest in their work, offering suggestions as to how it could be done better and faster, not forgetting the main reason why the IOA had extended their invitation. As Forant was willing to activate the countless artefacts still lying dormant even after five years.
He'd also revealed the whereabouts of hidden labs all over the city, including the one that had been his, although there wasn't much left, everything removed by his colleagues over 10,000 years ago. Rodney wasn't impressed though, because the guy was obviously up to something, he just didn't know what it was yet.
Still, even he would admit to wanting a peek inside that ship. A jumper, no different from any of the others on the outside, but instead of flying into space this machine took you through space and time, something no other man had done before, unless you counted Dr Who.
He wondered if it had a chameleon circuit that made it look like a jumper because it was in Atlantis, but would change its appearance to blend in where ever it landed…like a pillar in ancient Rome. And how did it work? Did it dematerialise like the TARDIS to travel through the time vortex, then rematerialise at the intended destination? Did it make that wonderful cranking, whoosh, whoosh, noise as it went? Except much to his frustration, Forant wasn't allowing any visitors, going so far as to activate a force field to keep prying eyes at bay.
Rodney knew the guy had been sussing him out for days, aware he was a member of Sheppard's team, and probably desperate for information about his grandson. But he'd made himself scarce when Forant was around, leaving it to Zelenka to do the honours, although pretty sure he'd seen a flash of irritation in those hazel eyes the first time he'd walked out the room. Well, it was just too bad as far as he was concerned, because Woolsey, on Beckett's advice had forbidden Forant access to John until the pilot was well on the road to recovery, as Sheppard was still in pain and struggling with his rehab. Besides, although John remembered most of his life on Atlantis, there were still gaps in his memory, which until yesterday included that disastrous mission to Tynos, something that even now gave Rodney nightmares three years on.
How the IOA condoned Forant's actions, Rodney hadn't a clue. Too thrilled with their visitor to worry about the deaths of a few hundred people. Content as always to stand behind the banner of ignorance, ignoring everything except what they could get out the relationship.
Suddenly, out the corner of his eye he saw him coming, and knew he wouldn't make it to the transporter in time. Damn!
"Good evening, Doctor McKay, how are you this fine evening? I must confess to not realising how much I missed Atlantis, and had quite forgotten how beautiful it is, especially when the stars come out." Forant smiled and for an instant reminded him so much of John, he nearly relaxed.
"Fine, thank you. What can I do for you, Mr Forant?" Rodney asked impatiently, as he stepped back from the transporter, not wanting the man to know he was going to visit John in the infirmary.
Forant gave him a strange look. "A man of few words, Doctor McKay?" he asked, appearing surprised. "I have to say, that's not exactly what I've heard from your staff, who are an extremely talented group of individuals by the way. Although I wouldn't have expected anything less from a department run by Earth's foremost expert on wormhole physics."
"You've read my research?" Now it was Rodney's turn to be surprised.
"Of course! Even before I knew of the SGC and this expedition, I always made a point to keep up to date with all the current research being done, curious to find out how each society was progressing. Including, of course, taking an interest in local cultures, including newspapers, radio and television, as I find it all helped me blend in. Although I should say, Doctor, that much of your work is way ahead of its time…brilliant in fact."
Taken aback, Rodney felt himself starting to blush. "Why, thank you, Mr Forant, I'm flattered. But would you mind if we continued this conversation another time? I have an urgent meeting to attend."
"Certainly, Doctor McKay…and please tell John I'm asking for him would you? How is his recovery progressing by the way?" Brantum asked, giving Rodney a knowing look as he did so.
Immediately on the defensive, Rodney felt stupid, realising he'd nearly got played. "Colonel Sheppard is doing fine, but I believe Doctor Beckett gives you regular updates?"
Forant moved his lips, but the smile didn't quite meet his eyes. "So he does. Although like you, the details are unfortunately sadly lacking."
There was an uneasy pause when for a moment Forant stared at him, almost as if he was scanning his brain, before the smile returned in full. "Very well, Doctor McKay. I won't keep you back from your appointment, although it's such a pity, as I'd really hoped to show you round my ship…"
ooooOoooo
The smooth wooded bars were shaking and his arms trembling, as he dragging his lazy leg forward, step by each agonising step. Beads of sweat running down his back, soaking his tee, as he struggled to walk the short length of the poles, but he wasn't a quitter, he would do this. Beckett had told him not to push himself too hard, that he would regain full range of movement in time, but John just wanted his life back and this…was so damned frustrating
"I think that's quite enough for today, John," Teyla smiled, as she waited at the end of the parallel bars with his wheelchair.
"Just one more time round the block, Teyla?" he pleaded, but pretty much guessed what the answer would be by the firm, no nonsense expression on her face.
"John…You're doing really well, but we don't want to spoil all your hard work by rushing things. Do we?"
"No, mom." John smiled to soften the snark, and tried not to fall into a sulk as he slumped into the chair, however, truth be told, he was pissed and tired. Tired of still being stuck in the infirmary after all these weeks. Tired and worn out by the constant headaches. And tired of having to catch up on his own life by reading old mission reports, reliving the horrors he'd suffered in the past, things he would much rather have stayed forgotten.
Yet compared to what could have been, a life confined to a chair, unable to do even the most fundamental tasks for himself, John knew he'd got real lucky. Problem was, he was struggling with the concept that his cure, Forant's magic potion, probably came at the expense of all those poor souls who died on Tynos. The knowledge gained no doubt, though altering their DNA while attempting to find a weapon against the Wraith. In the end, he'd murdered hundreds of innocents, who hadn't a clue what they'd signed up for until it was much too late. As to the revelation there was now no longer any doubt he was, sadly, related to the serial killer…well, that was something John couldn't bear thinking about.
"Do you want to go for a shower first?" Teyla asked. "Rodney and Ronon are waiting to see you, and I'm sure one of them would be happy to help."
John shook his head. "No thanks, Teyla. I'll leave it for a bit." he smirked. "All that rushing around has taken it out of me."
As they rounded the corner, he saw Ronon lounging on the chair with his feet perched on the bed and an uptight McKay pacing about, looking pissed. "What's eating you, Rodney?"
"Forant." McKay's face was scarlet with rage.
"Okay…I'll bite. Apart from being a psychotic serial killer, what specifically has he done to you?" John asked, curious as Ronon got up and extended a hand, helping him off the chair and onto the bed.
"He's a smarmy, arrogant bastard…you know that?" Rodney ranted.
"Hey, that's my grand pappy you're talking about," John replied sarcastically, hoping to make McKay feel better, but just depressing himself at the thought instead.
Searching his friend's face, flushed with anger, he demanded. "Okay, spill it, McKay…what did he do?"
"Played me. The SOB played me. I'd seen him work his mojo on the others, but thought I was immune…then he started saying how he liked my work. Yadda, yadda. Then he asked me about you."
"Did you tell him anything?" he asked anxiously. "'Cause I want to put off that particular meeting for as long as possible."
"Duh…of course not. But the bastard knew I was holding back and," Rodney paused, "well… I think he just tried to blackmail me for information, using his spaceship as incentive."
A slow, cynical smile grew on Ronon's face. "Smart guy. He knew what buttons to press."
Teyla put her hand on Rodney's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "You are a good friend, Rodney. It must have been hard for you to resist an offer like that."
"Hard…it nearly killed me," Rodney grumbled. "Do you know how long I've wanted to learn the secrets of time travel?"
"Ever since you watched your first episode of Doctor Who, I'd reckon." John smiled. "Thanks, Rodney, I appreciate the sacrifice, but I hear time travel is overrated anyway, besides, we have enough monsters in the Pegasus galaxy."
Before Rodney had another chance to rant, John changed the subject. "By the way, does he know about Dave?"
Rodney nodded. "Yes, 'Mr Smarty-pants, I do my research' Forant, immediately checked out your family tree the minute he discovered it was you at the hospital, but you needn't worry."
"Why?" John was curious. "Dave's his grandson, too. We both carry the same gene…more or less." He knew Dave's wasn't as strong as his, having already had Becket run a discreet test.
"According to Radek, he spied Dave in the hallway and wondered who he was, and it was out his mouth before he realised…stupid Czech. Anyway, apparently he didn't appear interested as he didn't bear your startling resemblance, and hasn't mentioned him since."
"Well that's just great, isn't it?" Agitated, John felt his head starting to pound, knowing he would now have to tell his brother something he would have much rather have kept to himself.
"Don't worry, Sheppard," Ronon chipped in. "I'll keep an eye on him. Make sure Forant doesn't get near him."
"Thanks, Ronon." John eased himself further down the bed, suddenly feeling drained. "Now if you guys don't mind, I think I'm going to have a nap."
"Sleep well, John." Teyla came over and planted a kiss on his head. "And goodnight, Rodney. I'll see you in the morning."
"Night, McKay, and I'll catch you later, Sheppard…I'm just gonna find out what Dave's up to." Ronon jumped off the chair, and quickly caught up with Teyla leaving the infirmary.
"Good night, I'll see you guy's at breakfast." Rodney shouted after them, then shook his head. "What the hell are we like, 'The Waltons'?" Rodney snarked, then plopped down on the empty chair and opened his laptop."Well, I can't face going back to the lab and seeing that bastard again tonight, so I'm going to hang around here, okay?"
John hid a smile. "Sure, buddy. As long as you don't mind if I sleep."
"Go right ahead, Sheppard, but just don't snore, or drool…that's downright disgusting." Rodney warned, but as John sank further into the pillow, he knew it was all a ploy, as ever since waking up in the infirmary he'd never been alone. One of his team or Dave always there, sitting by his side...he was a lucky guy.
"Good, night, Rodney."
"Good night, John Boy."
ooooOoooo
TBC
So John is improving and Forant is now a fixture in Atlantis, but what will happen with the two men finally meet? Hope you enjoyed the chapter and please, as always, review.
