MGM owns SGA; KOI does NOT

Spoilers: Shrine, Identity

Word Count: 850

McKeller Flash Fiction:

House Call

PART 1

by Koinekid

Jennifer Keller twisted the engagement ring off her finger, studied it as if to memorize its features—the white-gold band, the marquise diamond in the center, the six smaller diamonds set in channels down the sides—and deposited it in Rodney McKay's unsteady palm. The dirty, yellow light glinting off the band vanished when she gently, firmly closed his fist around it.

"You don't have to do this," he whispered.

A sad shake of the head, what she thought passed for a brave smile, and then, "I have to. I'll never be able to live with myself otherwise."

The door opened, and she stepped through.

12 Hours Earlier

The Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Saturday 12 December 2009

0930 EST | 1330 Zulu

"No chance in hell, O'Neill!"

Rodney's voice shook the photographs on the wall. The original members of SG-1 featured prominently in at least one of them, since that was the only way General Jack O'Neill could justify hanging an image of Colonel Samantha Carter in his office. Jack knew McKay had noticed the photo, but his eyes hadn't lingered. Judging by that and the volume of and venom in McKay's voice, affection for his current flame had eclipsed any lingering feelings the astrophysicist held for Carter.

"Telling you about this at all is a courtesy, McKay."

"Fine, then I'm doing you the courtesy of answering: No!"

"Keller is a big girl. She can decide for herself."

"Jennifer still wakes up screaming." McKay's knuckles whitened. "She nearly died the last time she switched bodies with someone. You can't ask her to go through that again, not when you have dozens of military doctors who have to obey your orders."

"Your girlfriend—"

"Fiancée. Since last Saturday."

"Oh." Jack blinked, surprised. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," McKay returned flatly.

"Your fiancée is a world-class neurosurgeon. And that's what Colonel Young needs. Destiny has spartan conditions, no access to scanners, and only what medical supplies the gang managed to drag through the stargate while fleeing for their lives. According to your medical file—"

"That's confidential," growled McKay.

Jack ignored the outburst. "The file says that Doctor Keller once operated on you with a cordless drill behind a waterfall. She's the best we've got, and we need her."

"Out. Of. The question."

"Did I mention," Jack said, smirking, "that she already said yes?"

Jennifer drew Rodney into a fierce hug. "Wish you were coming with me."

"You're a big girl," Rodney muttered. "You can handle it."

"I know, but..." Her eyes traveled to the unobtrusive oak door beyond which lay a pair of Ancient Communication Stones. Homeworld Command used them to keep in touch with Destiny, the ship hurtling uncontrollably through space in another galaxy. A gasp tore from Jennifer's throat as the door cracked open.

"Not yet," came a voice from within, and the door closed.

In Rodney's arms, Jennifer trembled. "Is it cold in here?" she asked.

"Freezing," he lied.

The Pentagon

0932 EST | 1332 Zulu

"I'm going with her," McKay demanded.

"Nooooo." Jack lengthened the word as if talking to an idiot. "You aren't."

"Why not? You've got two sets of communication stones."

"And we're sending another doctor to assist with the surgery."

"I can do that," McKay said. "Ask Sam—she knows all about my steady hands."

Jack sat up straighter.

"Fr-from all the repairs on delicate machinery she's seen me perform," McKay amended. "On Atlantis. From a distance. A respectful distance."

When Jack made no move to break his silence, Rodney released a nervous chuckle. "So, who exactly are you sending with her?"

The crisp clicking of heels announced the arrival of Major Amanda Cole. She wore a dress uniform, her hair tied into a severe bun beneath her garrison cap. Rodney frowned at what she carried—a large white cup decorated with a Starbucks logo.

His first instinct was to snap at Cole. Why bother with coffee when switching bodies would negate the effects of a caffeine boost. He suppressed the impulse. Cole had been Jennifer's number two when both were stationed on Atlantis, and they'd never agreed on Jennifer's decision to date Rodney.

Cole's stern demeanor broke when she spotted her former boss. Jennifer responded with a shaky smile and, breaking apart from Rodney, met Cole halfway. Normally, Jennifer would greet a long-absent friend with a hug, but the austerity of their location had her intimidated. So, she settled for a warm handshake.

"Have you eaten?" Cole said.

"A little," Jennifer replied. "Just some fast food from the commissary."

"Is he taking proper care of you?" Cole eyed the ring with a mixture of disdain and admiration. No doubt she thought her friend deserving of the impressive jewelry but disapproved of who had given it to her.

"Amanda," Jennifer warned.

"All right, all right." Cole pressed the coffee cup into Jennifer's hands. "For your nerves."

"You know I never drink coffee before surgery."

Cole arched a brow. Recognizing the absurdity of her objection, Jennifer raised the cup to her lips. A contented smile settled onto her face.

A twinge of guilt accompanied Rodney's realization that he resented Cole for putting it there.

TBC

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