Title: Alien
Devices
Author: SlayersGrl
Summary: The team finds an Ancient outpost on a deserted planet. Strange
devices and an unexpected encounter may provide them with exactly what they've
been looking for. But are they willing to pay the price?
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Stargate Atlantis or any of its
characters... I'm simply writing for entertainment and because the plot
bunnies won't leave me alone.
Author's note: Thanks for all the encouraging reviews! I wasn't sure if anyone was still following this story since I've taken so long to post anything new… I've got a nice angsty chapter for you! I actually wrote most of this about 2 months ago, and I'm not entirely sure I like it anymore, but here ya go…And excuse all the doom and gloom. I blame it entirely on Star Wars Episode III.
Chapter 8: Preparations
Despite their best efforts, Rodney knew they had failed. Even with all the vast resources of the SGC and the combined cognitive abilities of both himself and Colonel Carter, they had been unable to come up with a "Plan A". As the final hour drew near, the only chance they had of getting back to Atlantis in time was to possibly sacrifice one of their own in the hopes of saving the lives of countless others.
Although the official decision had yet to be made, the entire Atlantis team knew what would ultimately be decided in the end. The only question was what they final outcome would be. But whatever happened, Rodney felt he had to talk to his team leader, his friend, before they left on what could possibly be their final journey together.
John Sheppard wasn't that hard to find. True to his word, General O'Neill had freed the man from the steel clutches of the infirmary staff. Rodney found him where he knew he would be: in the locker room preparing for the mission.
Rodney watched for a moment as the other man prepared in silence. He didn't want to disturb him, but he felt he needed to say something…anything… "You don't have to do this. We'll find another way home." But even as he said the words, he knew they were hollow. There wasn't much hope of a last minute miracle…
John didn't turn around to respond. As he continued to fasten the straps on his vest, he couldn't help but wonder if he'd ever be doing this simple task again. "We both know we don't have the time to wait. They'll be sending good men and women to their deaths."
"And what about you? We could very well be sending you to your death. I don't know if I could handle that after we almost lost you before…"
"What do you care?" John muttered, almost too quietly for Rodney to hear. He knew that the man had vehemently defended him in front of the general the other day, but he had then insisted on those little experiments this morning. He just couldn't figure out Rodney McKay. Sometimes the physicist absolutely infuriated him and he wondered how he could stand to have him on his team. But then there were other moments that reminded him why he considered him to be one of his best friends. It was just that lately John was beginning to doubt how much value he had on this expedition. Every situation he touched only seemed to get worse.
"I do care! How could you possibly think I wouldn't! You're a valuable member of this team! We need you!"
"Right…" John replied, finally turning to face Rodney. "You need me to test all your little toys… You need me to power some new Ancient computer so you can fiddle with it to your hearts content…"
"What?" Rodney asked, taken aback by the comment. He was surprised by the amount of animosity that was evident in the major's statement. Unless… "Is this about what I said back on the outpost? Look, you've been given a great gift John." He chose to ignore the snort of disbelief that followed that statement. "You have the ability to use Ancient technology in a way no one else can. But that isn't everything you are. You are a brilliant strategist and an excellent leader. You are what keeps our team of headstrong, not to mention fiercely independent, individuals together and committed to facing any problems that come our way. You are completely irreplaceable, and not just from a genetic standpoint. Whether you believe it or not, we need you because of everything you do."
He paused and took a deep breath. Did he really just say all of that? It was rare for Rodney to drop his façade of egotistical genius, but he felt he needed to say what he did. John Sheppard deserved to know that he was respected, not just for being an excellent pilot or a great military leader, but for every aspect of himself.
It was a moment before John replied. "You're not just saying that because it's what I want to hear? Or because this might be the last time you'll have the chance to say it?"
Rodney grinned. "Come on. Do I look like that kind of guy?"
John chuckled at that. No, Rodney was the kind of guy who let you know exactly what he thought about something, with absolutely no regard for tact or timing. Lately, John had felt like everyone wanted a piece of him. They wanted him because he was the ranking military officer on base or because he was the most experienced pilot they had or because he had such control over the gene. It seemed like no one wanted him because he was John Sheppard. "Thanks Rodney. I guess was just feeling a little… underappreciated." It was nice to know that at least his team valued him for all of who he was, not just one piece of the package.
"Well, I'm sorry for making you feel that way. I guess I have been sort of treating you like nothing more than my personal guinea pig." Then he added with a smile, "Next time, consider yourself upgraded to lab assistant."
"Here's hoping there is a next time…" And with that morbid statement hanging in the air, the two headed towards the gateroom in silence.
They were about halfway there when Ford caught up with them. Realizing that the young man probably wanted to talk with Sheppard, McKay indicated he would meet them at the 'gate and left the two to talk in private.
They walked for a few minutes, neither man saying anything. Then Ford paused, trying to find the right words to say. "Um, sir?"
"Yes Lieutenant?" the major replied, stopping and turning slightly so he was facing the younger man, giving him his full attention.
Aiden quickly gave a salute. "I just wanted you to know that it's been an honor to serve with you sir."
John returned the salute. He didn't know how else to respond. He wanted to assure him that this wasn't goodbye, that there would be plenty more missions for them to go on. But he wasn't about to start making promises he wasn't sure he could keep.
Coming to a mutual understanding that they had each said what needed to be said, they continued on to join the other half of their team to stand in the shadow of the Stargate. Although they wouldn't be using the 'gate as their means of travel on this particular mission, they had all agreed that they should depart from there. It was only fitting since that was the same spot this whole crazy adventure had started from in the first place. Once they had each stepped foot in Atlantis, their lives had been irreversibly changed. This was the path Fate had chosen for them.
Before making their final preparations, Teyla approached John and placed each hand on his cheeks. Then the two bowed their heads in the typical Athosian tradition. Although no words were exchanged, that simple gesture said more than a thousand words could convey. John smiled and nodded his head in understanding.
General O'Neill and the members of SG-1 approached the group as they prepared to leave. "Major, you do understand that no one is ordering you to do this. No one here would think any less of you if you didn't go through with this."
"I understand sir. But I need to do this. I have to at least try."
Jack nodded his head. He was sure that if he were given the option, he'd be making the same decision. "Good luck then Major." The sentiments were echoed by SG-1. John then joined the rest of his team who were standing at the base of the ramp leading up to the 'gate.
"Are you sure you want to bring this equipment with us?" Rodney asked, referring to the naquada generator in Ford's hands and the medical supplies in the packs on his and Teyla's backs.
"We might as well take advantage of the opportunity. Who knows when we'll be able to contact Earth again," John replied. He was determined that no matter what, some good would come out of all of this.
He then put the device in place and waited until each of his teammates had grabbed onto him. It hadn't been necessary the first time, but it made everyone feel more secure to know they were physically connected. John then concentrated on Atlantis. Almost immediately, the Stargate in the background shifted to be replaced with another.
The welcomed view of Atlantis's unique 'gate was the last thing John saw before he collapsed yet again.
AN: Bad author! Ending with another cliffie… (laughs maniacally in delight) Did they make it in time? And what will become of Major Sheppard? Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of "Alien Devices"!
