"You can't be serious Todd."
"I am, Dr. Keller. I do not wish to cause her harm, but she was resolute last night. If she were to present the option to your military, I feared they would take the risk without care for her wellbeing."
Todd, I don't believe you did this! Opening my eyes, I quickly picked my head off of Todd's lap. "Woo," I said as black spots cloud my vision briefly.
"Not so quickly, Heather. Todd's said you fell asleep a few hours ago..." Jen said as she bent down and grabbed my wrist. Checking my pulse, she asked, "How do you feel? Are you hurting anywhere?"
"No, Jen. I'm fine." Realizing that Jennifer was rechecking her count to be sure, I took the opportunity to express my outrage at Todd's deceit: I don't believe you did that! Do you realize what this looks like!
You intended to speak to Jennifer Keller on your own. Fortunately, the guards became concerned when you did not leave last night and I allowed them to believe that you were fatigued and in need of a doctor. It does not look like you fear.
Even so, they could have killed you.
Your safety outweighed the risk.
"Jen, look.. I'm fine.." I said, pulling my wrist out of her grasp. "You don't need to check it.. I'm fine. The three of us need to have a conversation and Todd cheated..."
"First things first, Heather.. I need you to corroborate how you fell asleep."
"What?" I asked, head spinning for the most likely excuse Todd would have used. "Umm... I don't know.. I don't remember. It didn't hurt or anything..." Hello? What to help me here? "Um... Um... he... he did... the Vulcan nerve pinch thing-ing on me?' I finished lamely. "Though I'm really sure he didn't call it that... ummm..."
"He said that you feel asleep on your own. Are you saying he touched you?"
"No! He didn't touch me... I mean... I woke up on him so he touched me eventually I guess..." I could feel Todd's absolute joy at my being uncomfortable with this. You think this is funny?
I do not understand why pleasure should have you so uncomfortable, but yes... I believe that this is amusing. Dr. Keller knows that you have had a long couple of days, it will not surprise her that you are feeling fatigued.You were sitting next to me and we were speaking about the wraith. You fell asleep as I as speaking. Or you could tell her what I was really doing...
"Umm... We were just talking.. I knew I should head off to bed, but he'd said something really interesting... in fact, I wanted to speak to you and John about it. I think it'd be a great and idea and he just gave me a hundred different reasons why it's not safe but... look, I heard the backend of Todd's little speech to you so I know he's must have given you the worst case scenario, but hear me out, okay?"
"Sure... shoot." Jen said, crossing her arms and completely stone faced.
Standing up, I grabbed Jen's arm and pulled her a little away from him. "I know that walking into wraith minds can be dangerous and that even if he doesn't try to hurt me it's quite possible that he could. But, the benefits outweighs the risk: if I do this we'll know if he's tricking us again, we'll know his real opinion on the alliance, and his real plans for Earth. The good of the many outweighs the good of the few or the one... I know you don't like this. But, I have to try, Jen."
"Of all the..." Jen began exasperatedly, "Forgetting about the danger for a moment, why would you even think for a second that you'll really be able to get into his thoughts? I mean, Teyla's been honing her skills for years and she can't do that yet, Heather..."
"Atlantis and the other ancient equipment responds to me like it was made for me.. if I retained that much from my grandmother than my DNA will protect me..." I said standing with my legs planted shoulder width apart, as straight as I could. It was a pose I'd seen Todd have in a few of the mission logs, hoping to look as imposing as Todd did in full command mode. Standing behind Jennifer, I saw Todd's eyes glow again as he watched me.
"This isn't the same thing! For all we know, it's programmed to respond to your DNA. That doesn't mean you are superwoman! Yes, Todd might not want you to do it because he's using you. Forget about that for a second," Jen said forestalling my objections with a wave of her hand, "I know... I know... Just think about this. Okay? You've read the reports: they can make humans see things, they can will us to bow or whatever, they speak to each other telepathically, they are faster than us... In every way, they are stronger than us. You've seen the brain scans I have, Heather. Their brains are 90% active all of the time... We aren't made like that. Your system can't handle that. If you could do what you propose, the pain would be unimaginable."
My Queen. Someday, we should try. But not yet, Heather. Not yet. Speaking out loud, Todd continued: "Even with Dr. Keller here to monitor you Heather, it is not safe." Amor patitur moras.
"Going to Pegasus isn't safe either and I'm doing that..." I shot back at him barely paying attention to anything other than Todd's thoughts. With his words, came a flash of feeling that I couldn't recognize. It was pleasurable, but so delightful that it was painful. I felt my muscles bunch in response to it and then it was gone. Love is patient? This feeling you are sending? Is it how you feel love?
"You're right. I couldn't stop you from coming with us," Jen said, "But, I can do this." Speaking past me to Todd, she said, "Todd if you do this.. I swear... we'll kill you." Turning back towards me, Jen clarified, "I promise... you convince him to do this... We'll kill him no matter what happens to you. If you wouldn't drop it to save yourself, you will drop it to save him."
"Jen..." I said hotly and then realized that part of my anger had nothing to do with her words. I'd felt a migraine starting, the likes of which I hadn't experienced since I was twelve years old and had my hormones starts shifting. Oh damn.
Todd's "Yes, Dr. Keller... I believe she understands perfectly." My love for you allowed me to be patient in waiting for you. Now, your love for me must allow you to be patient in waiting for a time where we may try this without fear of harm... for both of us. I dare not send you a taste of my love for you... that was only my hope at seeing the spark of command in your eyes. If only one small fraction of my feelings can cause you pain, you must understand that Dr. Keller's threat isn't what must bind my hands. It is what I can do to you if I allow myself to soften.
Shaking my head at them, I turned away from them both. "With friends like the two of you, who needs enemies?" I mumbled, putting my head in my hands.
"You're tired, Heather." Jen said, "Come on... let me give you something to help you sleep. You need a good night's rest."
"I'm not tired anymore." I replied, truthfully. Swallowing, I started trying to clear my mind as I'd always done when I was younger. Sometimes it would help; sometimes it wouldn't.
"Her head aches, Dr. Keller. Please help her."
I saw Jen arch her eyebrows at his comment briefly. Looking at me, she asked, "How bad is it?"
Knowing lying wouldn't convince Todd I was okay didn't make telling the truth any easier, "Um... It's... it's hasn't been this bad for a long time... almost as bad as when it first started."
"Damn it." She whispered, "Is your period due yet?"
Looking up quickly as her didn't help my head, but I couldn't believe she'd asked me such a thing in front of a guy. "Jen!" I yelled, only to stagger in my pain filled frustration.
"Come on..." Jen said, "Let's get you to the infirmary... I want to run some tests."
"I'm fine." I insisted, only to have Todd pick me up. Moaning in horror at being carried like a child in his arms, I whined, "Put me down, Todd."
"I will carry her, Dr. Keller. Please lead the way." Silence Heather. Settling into his arms, I closed my eyes and tried to relax.
"Todd, um... I'm sorry, but I think it would be better if you didn't come." Jenifer told him, "I'll let you know as soon as I know anything if you want but..."
Todd's arms tightened around me. Even with my eyes closed, I could feel the predator in him come out, felt his muscles bunch ready to attack. I heard a low deadly sounding growl start in the base of Todd's chest. Opening my eyes slightly, I wasn't surprised to see Jenifer's expression of shock and fear. "Jen, it's fine..."
Putting my arms around Todd's neck, I sent calming thoughts to him. My headache intensified as soon as I opened my mind to him. With his growl growing tortured sounding, Todd looked down at me, "Heather!"
"Oh..." I moaned, "That wasn't my best idea."
All business now, Jen seemed to forget her fear of Todd as she reached for me. Checking my pulse again, she said: "My god... Heather... Your temperature is rocketing up... Todd, I need to take her now."
"I will carry her." Jen didn't argue. Walking out of the hologram room with Todd following only one step behind her, Jen was so worried she didn't even remark on his nearness. If a human had tried to walk as closely to another human as Todd was, the humans would have bumped. Todd's timing had him behind Jen but only as much as necessary to keep that from happening.
I heard Jen throwing orders to the marines to follow us to the infirmary. Neither her nor Todd stopped to allow them to stand. Turning my head towards them, I tried to smile a bit in reassurance that I was okay. I noticed Lt. Hubbel eyes narrowing as he saw my face. Realizing that I probably looked as bad as I felt, I moaned at my stupidity. Todd's arms briefly tightened around me again, comfortingly just as I saw Lt. Hubbel walking in line with Todd with the others flanking us. Closing my eyes to the bright lights of Atlantis, I realized I had felt anything feelings or thoughts from Todd since I'd opened my mind to him. Wetting my suddenly dry lips, I hoarsely called "Todd?"
"I will not leave you. Conserve your energy. Do not speak." Hearing the anger in his voice, I cracked my eyelids slightly to see him as I opened my mouth to tell him that everything would be fine. I winced instead as the light hit me, the pain in my head rising. Instantaneously, the hallway we were in darkened.
"What the hell?" Jen questioned as she froze. She went to activate her ear bud in her surprise.
Closing my eyes, again, I quickly replied: "Sorry... light hurting my eyes. Didn't mean to do that." The lights brightened to their normal level.
"It does not hurt you to speak to Atlantis currently." Todd stated.
"N..Not really... But, Atlantis' just does stuff that I need... sometimes... " I answered, "... I'm not speaking to it really... it just knows." I wanted to reassure him that it didn't matter; he was worth a little pain. Taking a deep breath, I accepted that I was afraid to try and open my mind to him again right now to tell him that. Okay, not wanting to cause myself pain is normal... no guilt... How can I? I could honestly admit that I could handle this, both of them needed me to reassure them of that: "Jen, when I was younger... it was worst than now."
"Okay. What number would you give it, Heather?" Jen asked.
"Doctor, are you sure..." Lt. Hubbel questioned. Opening my eyes to see where we were and what he was talking about, I noticed we were at the transporter already.
Scrunching my eyes in anticipation of the flash and the impending explosion of pain, I answered: "I'd say 15 out of 10." I felt Todd step in and heard the transporter room close. I was surprised to feel the transporter moving and with thoughts of my eyelids opening just in time for the flash, I instead kept my eyes closed and choose to add a question of my own, "We are moving right?"
Lt. Hubbel repeated my answer, "15 out of 10?"
Jen gave a sigh, "That's not too bad Mike. When Heather first started getting migraines she'd regularly get ones she'd rate at or beyond 20."
"Um... we are moving right?" I asked again.
"Sorry... Yea," Jen answered, "It must be avoiding transporting us because of your condition. Normally it only does this if the destination is within the same tower..."
"Oh." I answered. Smiling a bit, I added, "Thank you Atlantis." I felt Jen checking my pulse again and waited silently.
"Still too fast. You're not any better." Jen said, "Do you have any idea what triggered the migraine Heather?"
"No," I answered, willing Todd not to add his two cents on the subject.
"Heather, we must tell her everything if I am to work with her to help you." Todd shifted me a bit so most of my weight was supported by only one of his arms and his chest. With the other arm, he rubbed the back of my neck soothingly. Todd acknowledged, "Sending a spark of my feelings for her ignited the initial pain. Since then, her pain increases if she tries to speak to me mentally. I have seen this before a long time ago, with her grandmother. I need access to their equipment to help her."
I didn't need to open my eyes to feel Jen's stare on me. "I see" was Jen's only reply to Todd who seemed to think the matter was closed. Men. Jen didn't say anything else in the time it took for us to arrive at the infirmary. I knew her long enough to know that when she spoke again, she'd be doing a lot of yelling. Great.
Once we arrived at the infirmary, Todd carefully laid me on the bed. Motioning for Jen to follow him, I heard Todd start off by explaining that while this was not an unanticipated reaction, it was remarkable mild compared to what he'd seen before. If this was mild, I shouldn't ask Lal about the pain she'd endured. Laying my head back against the pillow, I felt Todd's hand stroke my cheek as he placed a cold compress on my head. "Thanks."
"Dr. Keller said it would help, though I believe it is more of a comfort than pain relief in your case."
"If it didn't hurt so much, I'd roll my eyes at you right now."
"My Queen, Dr. Keller is insisting to be involved in your treatment. Explaining it to her will undoubtedly take time. I assume you wish me to do as she asks in this matter, Dilectissima?"
"Yea... in a minute though..." Calling to her, I said, "Jen?"
"How do you feel?" She asked, all business.
"Crappy." I answered. "Between my head and the fact that my best friend's silently fuming I'm just waiting for my head to explode."
"Once you're better, we'll talk about it then."
"Nope. Todd's not going to do anything until we hash this out." I replied.
"I believe your human expression is 'Like hell'." Todd said.
Turning towards him, completely intending to order him to stop working until I was sure Jen wasn't going to make do on her promise, I was annoyed to realized that in that brief second he'd already made it to the other side of the room and seemed to have had time to start tinkering with some ancient machines already facing away from me. "Todd?" I called quietly, sure that he'd hear me anyway, "Get back over here." He didn't move towards me at all. Instead Todd moved over to the ancient version MRI and starting making adjustments to it as well. Looking back towards the marines for some support, I was disturbed to realize that Lt. Hubbel and company all felt the need to look everywhere but at me. "Lt. Hubbel?" I called quietly.
"I seem to have something in my ear... Sorry, Heather." he replied as the marines all stuck their fingers in their ears like they were children. It seemed they didn't see a need to make him listen to me either.
"Well.." Jen said, "Looks like selective hearing is common for males of all species."
"Yea... Great." Looking over at her, I added: "Though it does make this a bit easier... Jen... Todd's been sending me his feelings the whole time. It hadn't affected me before. This isn't his fault."
"Something was different this time. He did it on purpose."
Not wanting to argue with her when I knew she was right, I agreed, "Sometimes lessons suck... You have to understand... with Todd and me... If we are to make this alliance work, we must both overcome the instincts that define us."
"I've heard that before... who said that?"
"Umm... some wraith you guys named Michael." I answered, "I read it in the reports... Look, the point is: Todd knew I wouldn't let this go without seeing that he was right and I was wrong. Todd also knew that he could use the ancient stuff to cure me..." I said as Todd turned around and walk back towards us.
"Dr. Keller, please... the equipment is programmed properly now. Come. I do not wish to allow Heather to endure more than is necessary. Please." Todd said as he turned and walked back to the other side of the room. Jen followed and doctor talk ensued.
Trusting both Todd and Jen, I didn't bother listening in. Feeling my eyes water, I shut my eyes and tried concentrating on my breathing: In. Out. In. Out.
"I will need you to monitor her with this." Todd said. Picking up the nearest tool, Todd seemed perfectly at home with ancient medical technology.
I could tell by Jennifer's face that she had about as much knowledge on its function as I did. It was long, black, and dolphin shaped. To me, it looked like a phaser from Star Trek. I didn't have a clue what it was or what it did. "Todd? Are you sure this is it?"
Without missing a beat, Todd was at my side before Jen had even put down the piece of equipment he'd been showing her seconds before. Whispering in Wraith that I was his Dilectissima and his queen, he promised he would not take this chance if he had any doubt. Encouraging me to ask him any questions that I wanted, I paused. Shaking my head negatively, I answered that my wraith wasn't good enough for that... yet. Knowing that right now he couldn't read my mind, I fought the urge to tell him how I felt. If the words I'm afraid come out of my mouth, will I insult you?
Jen's eyes narrowed the longer Todd spoke to me in wraith. "English, please Heather." She said.
"You do not need to speak Wraith to see the fear and pain in her eyes, Dr. Keller. I was explaining that the wraith DNA in her line has been incorporated quite well. Heather may yet learn how to be in direct contact with wraith yet only suffer a fraction of discomfort. What I do here should not destroy her ability but will temporarily block Wraith thoughts." Activating the ancient tool, a beam of light scanned me. Trusting him, I didn't flinch. Jen's first reaction was to try to pull me out of the beam. The beam of light made me feel warm and stuffy, almost like it gave me a head cold. "It won't be long now, Heather."
Opening my mouth to ask him what he meant, I instead said, "What the..." The pain was lessening. Oh thank god!
Heather, do not react to my voice. It seems that your recovery time is also more wraith than human.
It is not. More wraith like... huh? Can I see your medical license? I teased. "It's getting better," I said remembering at the last minute to speak to both of them instead of just Jen.
Jen looked relieved. "Thank god." Looking at some readouts, her smile got bigger with each new beep. "Everything is returning to normal." Jen looked at Todd and said, "Thank you." Inclining his head in acknowledgment, Todd also moved to look at the readouts.
License? Todd asked, What does this mean?
It doesn't matter. God Todd, remind me to never whine about you hearing my thoughts again. I missed you.
I missed you as well. Though I'm sure your new found appreciation will disappear soon enough. But, my Dilectissima, we do not have time tease or to concentrate on pretty words and thoughts.
What's happened?
I will not explain this to your people as I am sure their reaction would be upsetting to you. But, I will not lie to you.The closer we get to Pegasus, the closer we get to the other hives. When I opened my mind to you so completely, your abilities were heightened. You did not react to me. You reacted to our people. Because you are unused to that many voices... to that many of our people... your brain reacted. With time, that will change.
"Heather," Jen said, "Even with you feeling better, I want you to stay here tonight. Just to make sure you are okay."
"Hmm?" I asked Jen.
"You're going to stay here for observation tonight."
Open my mouth to tell Jen that it was unnecessary, I heard Todd's gentle verbal nudge: "Dr. Keller, I do not believe that Heather will experience anymore pain but I appreciate your concern. We will monitor her tonight together."
"Todd... Jen, I'm fine. Thank you both for your concern, but I'll be fine in my own quarters tonight. I don't need babysitters."
Shaking her head, Jen responded, "Sorry... but this is standard practice. You gotta stay here tonight, you aren't being treated any differently than anyone else would be. Todd doesn't need to stay here though." Turning towards him, she continued, "I'm sorry, but the marines... they need to take you back to your cell... but if there is any change, I'll have them bring you back right away... I promise."
Todd nodded to her, saying "I understand Doctor Keller."
I wasn't going to be that gracious. If I was going to be irritated, so was Jen. "No way..." I said, "If something changes, you might need him, Jen. I know you can figure out any complications on your own, but he's done this before. If you honestly think I need to stay than so does he."
"If we need him, I could always have him brought back here..." Jen answered as she eyes the marines.
Lt. Hubbel cleared his throat, "Heather, we need to take Todd back to his cell. We've already been on duty for eighteen hours..."
"Wow, eighteen hours?" I asked as I looked down at my watch. "Umm... Look, to be honest... I'd still feel more comfortable if the 10,000 year old scientist who understood the ancient equipment was around, no offence Jen, but... I don't want to go through that again." This is acting Todd, actin... "As long as the infirmary door was locked, the rest of Atlantis would be safe. Todd could stay and you guys could go off duty... and if something happens Jen and Todd would be here. We'd all be happy." I finished.
"I'd have to put the infirmary out of commission..." Jen said trailing off in thought. I knew she was going through the list of things she'd have to do to pull this off.
After getting her five seconds to think about it, I added:"Or.. I mean.. I already slept in the hologram room without him harming me... maybe we don't have to pull the whole infirmary out of commission..."
"You want to stay with him again in the hologram room, don't you?" She asked, shaking her head. "No, I'm sorry Heather.. but Todd was only able to ask for help when Lt. Hubbel checked in on you... if you had another attack..."
"I was tired Jen; I wasn't dying!"
Calming placing his hand under my elbow, Todd turned me towards him as he said, "Heather, you will not need further medical treatment but it would be a risk for us to be cut off." I too wish I could hold you again tonight, but it is better for you to be here. Your biology is different from your grandmothers. It is prudent to take proper precautions, Dilectissima.
"I'll be fine." I told them both.
"Heather," Jen said, "If both of us are telling you the same thing... Come on... just listen, okay?" I could see the worry in her eyes. I could also see the conflict: Jen was willing to allow Todd to stay because it would make me feel better but, at the same time, the fact that I wanted a life-force-sucking alien scientist to stay hurt her. I could see the pain and doubt in her eyes: the 'my friend thinks he's a better doctor than me'.
"Jen," I started shaking my head in disbelief, "You are a great doctor and I trust you with my life. Hell, when I have kids I'll trust you with their lives..." I stopped internally groaning and trying not to think about little green children running around and being shot at by my friends on Atlantis. "The point is, you are an amazing doctor, Jen. I don't want you to think I don't think you can do this... I know you can.. its just... Todd's done this before at if he can do it just a little faster... well... you understand don't you?"
"Of course I do..." she answered giving me a brief hug. Turning to Lt. Hubbel, she said, "We'll be fine. You guys, go on... I'll lock down the infirmary."
"Um..." I said, "Would it be okay if I went to get something from my room... I don't want to be in a hospital gown, Jen. Oh.. and maybe I should bring back a few DVDs.. we can have a sleepover."
"Sure." Jen replied, smiling. "Todd and I will wait here. I'll make the necessary calls to lock down. It will take away anyway..." Moving into her office, I saw her sit down at her desk and start taping away at her laptop.
Lt. Hubbel spoke up, "Go on Heather... we'll wait until you return then."
Arching my eyebrow at him, I responded, "Well... if you guys are going to stay on duty anyway, why don't you all come with me? It would be interesting to see what movie Todd would pick out. He'll be stuck with all sorts of chick-flicks... I suppose we should let him pick out something too."
"Screw that, torture the wraith." I heard someone mumble.
Lt. Hubbel acted like the comment hadn't been made. "You guys are done for the night. Dismissed." He said to the other marines.
As they started to head towards the door to leave, I started to argue, "But..."
Lt. Hubbel held up his hand. Instead of talking to me, Lt. Hubbel waited until the door had closed on the last guy before he looked over at Todd, "Look, as one military man to another, you know I can't allow this."
"Oh come on..." I began.
"Heather, we can't help him know the complete layout of Atlantis." Lt. Hubbel replied, "And if you don't mind me saying, you need to start taking this a bit more seriously. You're not a just a civy anymore, ambassador... act like it."
Heather, you should go and get your night things.
"You assume that he hasn't been on Atlantis before." I fired back ready to start verbally sparing with someone. Itching to fight out my doubts and my demons, I welcomed the chance to talk about this out loud. To have what my grandmother had denied me even as I knew Todd would rather me not. "Lal said to trust him." I fired at Lt. Hubbel as if that alone was the best reason for him to change his mind.
"Ancients have been wrong before. And you don't trust him because of what she said, that's just an excuse. You assume that he's love will override who and what he is." Lt. Hubbel calming replied, "This isn't a movie Heather. But, you don't seem to understand that locked in a closed room long enough with him... and he'll take you."
My brain flashed to Todd's massaging my back last night. Guess he don't mean take in a good way... My thoughts strayed to wondering along the path of Todd's taking me. At Todd's mental approval, I fought the urge to smile.
"Heather," Jen said apologetically yelling from her office, "You should go change. Woolsey wants us locked down within the next fifteen minutes. Get going quickly, okay? He's not happy about this... and neither is Rodney."
"Okay," I yelled back. Turning to Lt. Hubbel I said, "Stick around... we'll finish this later."
And what about me, Dilectissima?
Hmm... I wish we could finish my mental escapades later, but I think it would freak Jen out. Todd's laughter followed me as I sped down the hall and across Atlantis to my room. I could practically feel his hum of happiness and Todd's laughter dancing through me lightened my outlook considerably. I was humming a tune as I ran, watching as random military types and scientist smiles greeted me as I came speeding by. Smiling widely, I mentally ordered the door to open and paused for a second in delight when it opened on command. I love that! Laughing out loud, I headed for my DVD collection and pulled some old reliable favorites. Taking stock of the DVDs, I hesitated wondering what would Todd like: Action, Adventure, Drama? What?
What about the stories that you quote? Star...
Oh, Good idea! Now, let me just get some toiletries and a night gown and I'll head back... Walking into my bathroom, I grabbed my overnight bag and then headed over to my closet. Pulling out a t-shirt and sweatpants, I paused considering.
Wear what you are comfortable in, Heather. You are desirable in any garment.
Did Lal teach you what to say to me? Cause, you really are too perfect.
It is troublesome that you always prefer to think that I am lying to you, Dilectissima.
I... You're right... I'm sorry. It was a bad joke.
It was not a joke, though you try to hide your feelings behind it to make it appear as such. You can't lie to me, Heather. You must learn your value.
Rolling my eyes, I choose not to respond to him. Gathering my things, I took the return trip to the infirmary. Stopping in the mess to grab some pop-corm for Jennifer and myself, I arrived at the infirmary just a few seconds after my time limit. "I come late," I said as I walked through the doors, "but, I come baring salty buttery snacks Jen!"
Coming from the direction of the chief medical officer's office, I heard Jen's call of, "Ohhh... Cool." As she stepped out of her office, with Rodney moving to overtake her, Jen smiled at his back and continued: "How did you pull that off?"
Not answering her, I lifted an eyebrow as the popcorn bag was pulled out of my hand and several kernels had already been plucked into Rodney's mouth. "Rodney, what are you doing here?"
Through his chewing Rodney said, "Protecting you and Jen."
"Ah..." I replied, turning towards Todd as he took my bag from my shoulder. "Oh... Thank you, Todd." Turning my face toward Rodney, I asked, "You're worried we'll choke on a kernels, I suppose?"
"No, Heather." Rodney replied, "I'm protecting you from Todd. You think I'm letting you sleep in here with him without someone to watch over you two..."
I fought as big wide toothy grin threatened to spill out and destroy Rodney's guts. Cleaning my throat, I said, "Rodney, that's very... sweet of you."
"You're like Jen's sister... so you'll mine now too." His reply was so genuine that my mirth from before turned acidic in my mouth. And now I feel guilty I wanted to laugh at him... I'm surprise he's willing to really protect us from you... I always assumed he'd be the first one to run if you ever got really hungry.
Dr. Rodney Mckay's courage shows itself frequently for Dr. Keller's benefit. He was able to walk onto a hive and helped her feel more comfortable with me when we started to work on the treatment.
"Thanks Rodney..." I said moving to give him a peak on the cheek. The sun seemed to explode inside my head and I sickeningly realized it was a flash of rage from Todd. Forcing my toes to extend the remaining inch, so I could reach Rodney's cheek, I kept my eyes locked on Todd as I did it. A kiss on the cheek between friends is nothing you should be jealous of, Todd.
A queen only touches her commander with such favors.
And in front of your people, I can understand your wanting to enforce that but I am with my people. I can feel your anger; it is not for proprieties sake that you want to rip him to pieces.
Feeding on him is not ripping him to pieces, my dear.
Todd! Moving away from Rodney, I crossed the room to stand in front of Todd, completely forgetting for the moment that not everyone could hear the conversation, "This is normal for me and normal for humans. Just like you can't stop eating humans, I can't stop being one. I won't stop being one!"
"I do not wish you to stop being a human. I do not believe you are doing these... actions out of malice. You have not been taught what is proper for your position, so you must learn our ways. Think of it as tempering your human habits."
"Kissing a friend on the cheek is not a crime!"
"What's going on?" Rodney asked.
"Nothing." I answered, barely sparing a look in Rodney's direction, "Todd, my humanity isn't something I intend to loss. Wraith blood or not... I'm not going to change who I am."
Stepping closer to me so we were almost touching, Todd looked into my eyes as he said, "You already have changed. Time changes everyone, Heather. You cannot stay the same. That is part of being alive... regardless of your species."
"Heather?" Jenifer asked appearing next to me. "What's going on?"
"I am concerned that sometimes Heather's actions could become an issue when she interacts with wraith." Todd answered. "I wish her to be safe so she must be more... reserved."
Looking suspiciously amused, Jen asked me, "Todd feels that kissing Rodney on the cheek was... what? Sexual?"
"What?" Rodney asked shocked. Eyes big and mouth forming a huge 'O' Rodney looked like he'd seen Todd writing out his death warrant. "But... it's not.. not like that, Todd... I... Jen..."
"Rodney, calm down." Seeing Todd's smirking at Rodney's fear, I added, "Rodney... come here... you look like you need a hug." Rodney's feet almost tripped him up as he backtracked.
Todd's arm snaked around my waist and he pulled me towards him. "That also would be frowned upon." Silently, I felt his anger again and his hurt that I'd said that just to hurt him.
"Todd, she's just joking... She's trying to upset you." Jen said shaking her head at me.
"I'm not trying to upset anyone. He needs to realize that humans touch each other without it being a big deal." I replied to her, "And you're not helping!" Stop with the anger! The only being I ever think of in a sexual way is you Todd, you don't have to worry about that. A guy and girl can be friends without it being anything more, you know.
Humans touch far too freely. It is not proper. Not all humans share your non-sexual centered view. You know that males are prone to indulge their fantasizes.
Throwing a look to Rodney, I wondered if Todd had picked up on something... Feeling Todd's triumph I realized he'd proven his point. He'd sensed nothing from Rodney, I'd walked into a trap. I will keep your... concerns in mind. But, you need to understand that when I'm with humans' from Earth... I'll act like an Earthling.
You grew up on Earth Heather, but you are a daughter of a Lantean and a Wraith.
But if I'm with my own people...
You will be scrutinized, Heather. You must never act in a way that would lessen your effectiveness. As a wraith, you must be mindful at all times. As a human, you must be constantly on guard. This is the way of things. This is how we remain strong.
"Why do I feel like you two are talking about me?" Rodney asked, looking worried. "Like Todd's debating if I'm his next meal."
"Rodney, the universe doesn't revolve around you!" I said as I rolled my eyes, "Let's watch the movies before you eat all the pop-corn, oh brave savior." If that really what it's going to be like? If I'm queen because my genes make me queen, why...
Wraith want to be ruled, Heather, but they do not allow the weak to rule them. There is always another ready to take their place. It is how we remain strong.
I don't want to always watch my back, Todd. How can you live like that?
That is the way of things. You have nothing to fear. You will find that the strength to rule is inside you already... You must allow it to run free.
If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will...
No. You will not be consumed. You are strong, my Queen.
Not knowing how to answer that, I allowed Jen to lead me to the TV that Rodney had set up. "What do you want to watch first?" Jen asked me.
"Please, not a girly movie!" Rodney whined before I'd opened my mouth.
"Watch this..." I asked to Jen as I turned towards Todd, "Todd, would you mind if we watched a girlie movie that I would enjoy?"
"Oh, please!" Rodney said, "He doesn't know any better yet... Todd trust me.. your answer is YES, you mind!"
"Hmm." Todd answered, slowly walking towards me, "I wish to watch that movie, you enjoyed so much growing up... The Beauty and the Beast?" Smiling, I pushed play on the DVD player without comment.
Rodney's head was turned to Todd and his jaw dropped open, "I know we aren't on the same side, but Todd... seriously?"
Jen's cocked her eyebrow at him, "Rodney, you love Beauty and the Beast."
"I do not!" He said scandalized yet sitting down right in front of the TV, taking the best seat for himself. I looked to Todd allowing him to pick his seat since he was a guest while Todd extended his hand indicating that we should sit first. Rodney's eyes were only for the TV as his dislike seemed to melt away as soon as the narrator started speaking. With a goofy grin on his face, Rodney smiled as the prince turned into the beast. Looking over at Jen, we both cracked a smile at the same time. Freezing, like a child whose hand just got catch in the cookie jar, Rodney amended, "It's alright if that's what you ladies want, I'll suffer through it for you." Jen sat next to Rodney affectively separating Todd from me.
"It amuses me Dr. Keller that you chose to... consort with Rodney McKay." Todd said out loud. I trust you realize it would be proper for you to sit next to Dr. Keller.
"Well, Todd when a wraith is more of a gentleman than him... it does make me wonder."
"Ah."
Rolling my eyes, I sat next to Jen and said, "Leave Rodney alone..."
"Hmm?" Rodney said coming out of his tunnel vision and looking away from the television. Todd laughed and Jen and I joined in much to Rodney's confusion. "What?" Rodney asked again.