Part Fifteen: Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin

"It was happening…again!

"One minute to self-destruct."

This time, oh, this time he would get it right. Atlantis would surely open herself up and let him save her, save himself, save everyone else. McKay's hands danced over the keyboard, over the control panel's brilliant crystals. Except…

"Nothing is working!" he shouted to the empty hall around him. "Damn it!"

But the system refused to respond. Atlantis had betrayed him. His beloved city. Out of ideas and out of hope, he stilled himself awaiting the inevitable.

"Thirty seconds to self-destruct."

He hid his face in his hands. "Please. I will share you. No, no! I'm begging, here. Will you…we can be friends."

"Fifteen seconds to self-destruct."

His face was pulled into a rictus of unspent screams, shining and slick with sweat and tears and snot.

"Don't kill me again. I didn't think to ask but I promise, I swear, with God…with you…as my witness, I will never take without asking. I swear, I swear…" and his voice faded to a hoarse whisper.

"Ten…nine…eight…"

It was time.

"Seven…six…five…"

Time to regret.

"Four…three…two…"

"Forgive me."

"One."