Over the several days following John's "confession" and the proper mix of pain meds was found, Carson was relieved and pleased to see John return completely to his normal demeanor, complete with trying to talk Carson into an early release-(sans the whole amputation ploy). Carson chuckled to himself now, about that one!
Carson along with John, were now worried about Rodney. They hadnt seen hide nor hare of the scientist since he blurted his confessions about the whole mission fiasco. Rodney's confessions had jolted John out of his own depression and self blame and he was now more worried about Rodney's state of mind. Teyla and Ronon had tried to talk to Rodney as he had locked himself in his lab, but he refused to listen to them.
"Carson, I can now sit up in bed for a bit, so I would be able to sit in a wheelchair...I need to talk to Rodney. You know I do... Please-just let me get in a wheelchair, you can even take me, but I need to talk to him as soon as possible. I promise to come straight back, no complaining-heck-I promise not to complain or bug you to be released until you say so-if you let me do this now!" John's puppy dog eyes were pathetic and he hoped they worked their charm-it always worked on the ladies!
"Auck-you promise not to give me any trouble coming straight back here? No complaining about the catheter, the pain meds...the penlight?" Carson smiled. "And the big one-no vying for an early release! You'll stay until I deem ya ready to go-no sneaking out?" (That promise alone would sell him to this cockamamie scheme.)
John held up a three finger salute "Scouts honor!"
Somehow, Carson doubted John would be capable of keeping the promise of not escaping the infirmary when he got bored enough, but he really was tempted to see how long the Major could restrain himself from bolting!
"Okay, Major-I'm a bit worried about Rodney myself. We've all tried to talk to him. I'm thinkin' you may be the only one he may listen to."
Carson ended up giving John a spinal block due to the pain in his hip from being jostled around. He had to hand it to John, he would endure anything to try and help his friends. It took Ronon and Nick, the burly nurse ten minutes to get John settled in the wheelchair. All three drenched with sweat for their effort. Carson bit his tongue when he realized he had let the Major talk him into this, against his better judgement. But he had promised and then there were the promises John had made. Carson again smiled, he would enjoy reminding John of his promises every time he complained!
All settled, Ronon pushed the wheelchair while Carson walked alongside. He wasnt about to let these two out of his sight. Once outside Rodney's lab, which Radek had confirmed held the reluctant scientist, Ronon knocked on the door and John shouted " Rodney, its me-John...let me in, okay!"
"Go away-I know this is a trick, Ronon! Carson would never let John out of the infirmary...who'd you get to pretend to sound like Sheppard?"
"Its me, Rodney! Open up!" John yelled.
"Go away! You pathetic imposter! Tell Ronon to go stun himself! Leave me alone!"
Rodney, let me in-or Carson's gonna make me go back and then all my promises will be for nothing!" John was whining now-was he really whining?
"What promises?" Rodney was curious now.
"I told him I wouldnt complain and I wouldnt try to escape-so come on-open the door-before he changes his mind!"
"Huh! It really is you! How'd you get here?" Rodney queried, through the locked door.
"I'm in a wheelchair...Ronon and Carson are here...and hurry up coz Carson's getting that "look"...! John was actually worried Carson was about to make the wheelchair do an aboutface...
"Only you, Sheppard...Ronon and Carson stay out..."
"Okay, but someone's got to push me in coz I cant do it one-handed"
The door opened and a unshaven Rodney opened the door, long enough for Ronon to push John through. Rodney pulled him in all the way and then shut the door against Ronon.
"So-how are you?" Rodney asked aloofly.
"Well, considering I needed a spinal block to be able to sit in this thing-I'm not feeling any pain-well-at least not below my waist. And look! They tied me in so I wouldnt fall out." John shuddered at the indignity and noticed Rodney shudder too.
" You did this to come see me?" Rodney was impressed and humbled.
"Yeah, McKay-havent seen you since our little confession session -although I didnt invite you to share in mine.." John mused. "But I'm glad you did because you made me realize that shit happens we cant plan for.."
Rodney went to object, but John held his hand up.'"Just listen McKay-alright?-you owe me that much." John cleared his throat. " I was having a pity party for myself, blaming myself for making stupid mistakes that ended up with things going haywire." Rodney again tried to jump in, but John glared at him until he settled down. "Then you came in blaming yourself for everything too."
John locked onto Rodney's eyes " Lets stop the blame game, pity party right here-right now... We both made mistakes, I made mistakes that, luckily, only hurt myself. You made mistakes that, luckily, only left us empty handed, no worse for wear..."
John added "Besides that-now I have to abide by my promises and I promised Carson alot! One of which is I would get right back to the infirmary if I started to feel pain. And to be honest, I'm not feeling too good"
Rodney was on his feet in a flash and opening the door to call for Carson. He was surprised to find the hallway empty. He would have to make sure John got back to the infirmary safe and sound-or his head would roll. John was looking a bit peaked and was groaning through clenched teeth by the time they reached the infirmary.
Carson met them in the hall. " Help me get him settled Rodney, but first let me top off his pain meds. By the time Carson, Rodney and Nick had John settled, the pain meds were kicking in.
Rodney got his attention. "John?" "A very wise man told me that we all make mistakes, but thats how we learn from them so we dont make the same mistake twice. Well-it went something like that.."
John smiled sleepily at Rodney. " A very wise man indeed. 'night, McKay."
"Good night John, see ya in the morning." Rodney pulled the blanket up over John' chest. He was glad to see the lines of pain gone from his face.
Carson looked down on John, then over to Rodney. "He's a great friend Rodney... and so are you."
Rodney just smiled, thinking about John and everyone he considered family here on Atlantis and thanked his lucky stars.
Fin!
Hope you enjoyed this story-I know its schmoozy, but it felt right! Thanks so much to all of you who sent feedback. I totally love seeing Review Alerts-its really thrilling to find that others are enjoying this! Luckily, so far its all been good! So-Thanks! Remember to write SGA stories-lets keep it going!