NOTE: I have a suggestion - be careful what you name your stories. It took hours yesterday to load chapter one and it's taken almost that long today to get fanfiction to let me load chapter 2. I'm starting to get worried.
The Bad Luck Charm – Chapter 2
Elizabeth noticed Sheppard's agitated state as soon as he walked through the gate. Everyone in the gateroom was soon aware of it as they watched him pace several tight circles in the seconds it took the rest of his team to emerge from the glimmering puddle. As the wormhole shut down, he made his way across the room, meeting Elizabeth at the bottom of the steps.
"There's no agreement, we won't be trading," he said shortly.
Elizabeth's eyes widened at the announcement. "But when we radioed earlier, it was a done deal. What happened?"
"Me," he said bluntly.
"What did you do?" Elizabeth asked slowly while narrowing her eyes.
"It wasn't his fault, actually," said Rodney. "They apparently don't like the Ancients very well and the Colonel got duped into activating some lights."
"They threw us out after that," said Ronon. "Not very hospitable, if you ask me."
Elizabeth noticed Sheppard vigorously rubbing the base of his neck. "John, are you injured?"
"No," he replied nervously, an edgy quality in his voice that she rarely heard. "Can we debrief later, there's something I need to do?"
Elizabeth was watching him closely now, trying to evaluate his odd behavior. She noticed his teammates watching him as well. "That's fine, but I want you to see Carson for your post-mission check."
"In a minute," he called over his shoulder as he quickly left the room. He broke into a run as soon as he reached the hall, his heart pounding so fast in his chest he couldn't distinguish between the beats. He had no explanation for the sense of panic that completely engulfed him. The mark no longer burned, but he was frantic to remove it.
Elizabeth turned back to the team after John left the room. "Would anyone like to enlighten me on what that was about?"
"The Zarafians are angry with the Ancestors for abandoning their people when the Wraith became too strong," Teyla explained. "They were very open to trade negotiations until the Colonel accidentally activated some lights in an old building they took us to. One of their leaders, a woman named Karyan, was very upset with the Colonel. I believe she could somehow sense the gene in Colonel Sheppard."
"I agree that she seemed to know that he had the gene. It was almost like she knew ahead of time that he would activate things and once he did, she began to scream like a clarnon," observed Ronon.
"A what?" asked Rodney, frowning at Ronon.
"I believe that is similar to your saying of scream like a banshee," explained Teyla.
"Do you think she can sense the Ancient gene like Teyla can sense the Wraith?" asked Weir, frowning a bit as she tried to make sense of what had happened.
"Perhaps," said Teyla. "I believe she came into contact with the Colonel before we reached the ruins and reacted in a strange way. I heard her say he was different than the rest of us."
Weir nodded. "Well, I get the part about the trade negotiations going haywire, but why is John acting so . . . strange?"
"He's cursed," said Rodney innocently. When they all turned to look at him, his expression became almost embarrassed. "Well, he is. That Karyan lady met us at the gate and jabbed her finger at Sheppard, painted this doohickey thing on his chest and said that evil would befall him, or something similar."
Elizabeth arched one eyebrow as she stared at Rodney. "She painted something on him? Like what? He kept rubbing it like it hurt or itched or something."
"I believe she said the mark would bring evil upon him until it is gone," filled in Teyla.
"Meaning when it wears off, I assume," said Elizabeth.
"I believe that is correct," answered Teyla.
"Okay," said Elizabeth. "Go ahead and let Carson do your post-mission check and tell him to let me know if John doesn't show up soon."
The three teammates nodded and left the gateroom, heading for the infirmary.
oOo
John began pulling clothes off the minute he stepped in his quarters, leaving a trail all the way to the bathroom. He immediately got into the shower, making the water as hot as he could stand it as he grabbed the soap and began scrubbing at the mark. He had glanced it in the mirror and it was just as Rodney had described, beginning in the hollow between his collar bones and extending down about two inches to an oval loop on the end. He rubbed at it until his arms were exhausted and he'd scraped most of the skin from a large circular area around the mark, which was still as dark as when he started.
Giving up, he turned off the water and dried, staring at the reflection in the mirror. Carson wouldn't be too happy when he saw what he'd done to himself. Suddenly, he felt silly and juvenile instead of the panic that had previously filled him. He couldn't believe he'd just run down the hall to scrub off some painted mark that would fade in a few days. He realized he'd better get to the infirmary before they sent someone after him.
He was just pulling his t-shirt over his head when his radio went off. He picked it up and put it on, adjusting it against his still damp hair. "Sheppard here."
"Colonel, I believe you are due in the infirmary," came Carson's slightly scolding voice.
"Sorry, Doc, I'm on my way," replied Sheppard as he headed for the door. Might as well get this over with, he thought.
When he entered the infirmary a few minutes later, he was surprised to see his team still there. He was a little dismayed when he remembered his behavior in the gateroom and figured they were there to see if he'd completely lost his mind. "Hey, guys," he said nonchalantly, trying to put them at ease.
Beckett crossed his arms and looked at him critically. "Colonel, you're a wee bit late for your post-mission check. Where have you been?"
John shrugged his shoulders, still trying to give the impression that nothing was amiss. "Took a shower. I thought you might appreciate cleanliness for a change."
"Did it come off?" asked Rodney pointedly, trying to peer over the edge of Sheppard's t-shirt.
"Did what come off?" asked John innocently.
Rodney rolled his eyes and sighed. "The bad luck charm that crazy old lady put on your chest, what else?"
"Bad luck charm?" said Teyla inquisitively.
"Yeah, something that brings bad luck, makes bad things happen to you, turns a really good day into a really bad day, you know," explained Rodney. He turned back to Sheppard as he reached for the colonel's shirt. "Well, did it wash off?"
John slapped Rodney's outstretched hand, causing the scientist to yelp. "No, it didn't wash off," he finally admitted. "It's no big deal, though, there's no such thing as a bad luck charm."
Rodney laughed. "Yeah, that's why you tore out of the gate room and ran all the way to your shower."
John could feel the color beginning to creep up his neck. "I did not run . . . I just walked quickly. Anyway, it was burning and I wanted it off."
"It burned?" asked Beckett, his posture instantly straitening as a medical problem presented itself. "We'd better have a look at it then," he said, patting the exam bed.
John walked past the others to sit on the bed as the doctor directed. Beckett pulled the neck of his shirt out to look at the mark a few seconds before letting it go. "Take your shirt off, Colonel, so I can get a better look."
John looked around at the audience awaiting his obedient clothing removal. "This is not a spectator sport," he said gruffly, pulling the shirt over his head.
"Nothing we haven't seen before, Sheppard," retorted Ronon.
"That's not the point," said Sheppard petulantly as he tossed his shirt to one side. He tried to relax as Beckett poked and prodded the mark and the reddened area around it.
In the bright light of the infirmary, the mark was still black, but when the light was reflected off it at a certain angle, it had an iridescent green quality to it. The area around the mark had been rubbed raw and was red to the point of almost bleeding.
"You really did a good job of abrading the skin around the mark," commented Beckett. "I wish you had come here first and we could have aided your attempt without removing all the skin in the area. This is going to be tender for a few days. I'd better put some ointment on it for you." Beckett moved away to get the medication he had talked about.
"You must have been pretty desperate to get that thing off," said Rodney, still looking at the damaged skin.
"I told you, Rodney, it was burning."
Rodney smiled mischievously. "I'll bet it's really burning now."
"You can leave any time now, McKay," said Sheppard sharply.
"Testy!" said McKay, trying not to grin too widely. "What's a matter, Colonel? Having bad luck today?"
"Not as bad as yours is about to get," replied Sheppard.
"Oh," said Rodney, suddenly not looking quite so smug. "What did you have in mind?"
John smiled for the first time since arriving back in Atlantis. "I'll show you after dinner."
"Gee, I can hardly wait," Rodney said sarcastically.
oOo
"So what's going on after dinner?" asked Rodney nervously as he followed John through the chow line in the mess hall.
"Actually, nothing bad. Just a movie in the rec room. We even have popcorn."
Rodney looked relieved. "Oh, okay, a movie. That's good. We need to unwind after the last hour on that crazy planet. We should have known it was too good to be true. What's the movie?"
"It's a surprise. Why is it so hot in here?" asked John, fanning himself for a few seconds.
"Hot? It's not hot in here. Is there anything good up there, because so far I'm not impressed."
"Hey, potato salad! They never have potato salad." John reached forward and grabbed a small dish of the vegetable.
Rodney looked over his shoulder. "Where did you get that? I don't see another one."
John looked around for a few seconds before shaking his head. "It's the only one McKay. Sorry."
McKay pouted. He never got the good stuff. Someone ahead of him always seemed to take the last dish of whatever he wanted. "Come on, Sheppard, I'll give you my dessert."
John chuckled. "Dessert tonight is lemon pie. You'll give me your dessert anyway."
"Not necessarily," said Rodney defensively. "I could give it to Ronon. At least he's not threatening me, not today anyway."
"Do whatever you want, Rodney, but that crazy lady made my good day go down the toilet and I need something to go my way, even if it's just getting the last potato salad."
"Fine, fine, take the potato salad. I guess you're entitled to a last meal before the evil besets you."
"Gee . . . thanks, Rodney."
oOo
By the time the movie had started, the rec room was almost full and several large bowls of popcorn were being passed around. Sheppard had waited all day to see Rodney's expression when the scientist realized what the entertainment was to be. He knew Rodney hated Back to the Future, but he had always loved the movie, and he had lined up a double feature of the first two. John, however, hardly noticed Rodney or anyone else as the first movie started, because the rolling cramps in his gut had also started. He sat on the couch, arms wrapped around his middle, trying not to retch when the popcorn smell hit him in the face.
Twenty minutes into the film, John got up and slipped out the door, trying not to trip on anyone. He leaned against the wall a second and doubled over, trying to relieve the ever-increasing pain in his stomach. When he'd caught his breath, he straightened and began the long walk to his quarters, hoping he made it before he lost the battle to keep dinner in his stomach.
"Colonel?"
John turned to find Teyla sliding quietly out of the rec room. "Hey Teyla, don't you like the movie?" He struggled to remain straight and sound normal, not wanting to worry her.
Teyla walked up and put her hand on his arm, her concerned face searching his pained one. "You are ill, Colonel?"
John smiled and patted her hand. "It's nothing. Something I ate is agreeing with my stomach about like Rodney always got along with Kavanagh. I'm just going back to my room to lie down."
Teyla looked surprised. "You're hands are cold."
John withdrew his hand from hers. "Sorry, I got cold sitting in there. I guess someone turned the air up so it wouldn't get hot with all those people."
Teyla nodded, although she had not felt cold. She thought maybe Sheppard had been closer to the air vent than she had been. "I can walk with you, if you like."
"No, I'm fine. I'd really rather you watch the movies and let me know tomorrow how you liked them."
Teyla nodded, but still seemed hesitant. "All right, if you are certain. But I will stop by after the movie to check on you, if that meets with your approval."
John nodded. He didn't particularly want any visitors tonight, but he really needed to get away and head for his room before his stomach became violent. "That's fine, Teyla. I'll see you later and I hope you enjoy the movies." John turned and walked quickly down the hall, trying not to bounce too much as he moved.
oOo
"How did you like the movies, Dr. McKay?" asked Teyla as she left the rec room with him and Ronon.
"They were just as stupid and ridiculous as the first time I saw them." Rodney looked around at the crowd of people slowly exiting the room. "Where'd Sheppard get off to? I have a thing or two to say to him, since I'm sure he's responsible for this."
"He left shortly after the movies began. He was ill, so he returned to his room. I am going there now to check on him if you and Ronon would like to accompany me."
Rodney frowned at Teyla. "What's wrong with him?"
"I believe his stomach was hurting him. He said something he ate did not agree with him." Teyla decided John's exact description would probably not be appreciated by Dr. McKay.
"There's Dr. Strauhan. Maybe he should come with us," observed Ronon. The other two looked in the direction he indicated to find Nick and Kelly leaving the room.
"Dr. Strauhan," called Rodney, moving over to get closer to the doctor.
"Hi, Dr. McKay," the physician said. "Is there a problem?"
"Teyla just told us Sheppard left the movies a while ago sick to his stomach and we were about to go check on him. We, uh, wondered if you might come along to make sure he's okay."
Nick's smile slowly evaporated and his brow creased slightly. "Yeah, I'll go. We can't have the colonel getting sick on us." He looked at Kelly. "You don't mind, do you?"
"No, of course not. If we don't go, you know we'll both just worry." Kelly flashed Nick a big grin, letting him know that she really didn't mind. They had both become rather fond of Sheppard and his team, probably because they seemed to spend so much quality time with them. Nick and Sheppard had particularly hit it off, with the colonel being the one who had encouraged Nick to ask Kelly out instead of just swooning behind her back.
"Okay, let's go. Do any of you know what he ate for supper tonight?" Nick was already wishing he had his medical bag.
"I know he had chicken and the Athosian beans, but so did Teyla and I, and we're fine," said Ronon.
"I believe he had two pieces of the lemon pie," offered Teyla.
"He most certainly did," agreed Rodney. "I gave him my piece since I can't eat lemon and he still wouldn't even share the potato salad. Said there wasn't very much of it."
"Wait a minute," said Nick. "We had potato salad for lunch, not supper."
"We were off world at lunch. There must have been some left, because I was right behind him in line and he got potato salad."
"Teyla and I were ahead of him in line and we didn't see any potato salad," said Ronon.
McKay sighed loudly. "Oh please, do you even know what potato salad is?"
Ronon growled as he walked closer to Rodney. "I know what potato salad is, McKay, and I'm telling you I didn't see any out."
Rodney cringed and moved across the hall to walk with Nick between him and Ronon. "Well, I saw him pick up a bowl of potato salad and eat it for supper. That's all I'm saying."
"Ronon," said Teyla. "I did not see any when we were in line either, but now that I think back, I do believe I saw some on the colonel's tray."
"There you go," said Rodney defensively.
Nick and Kelly exchanged a look. "If that was left out from lunch all afternoon, we're probably looking at food poisoning," said Nick.
"I'm going to run down to the mess hall and see if I can find anyone who knows if they had potato salad left from lunch and if anyone remembers putting it up or putting it back out for supper," said Kelly.
Nick nodded his appreciation. "Thanks, hon. I'll meet you in the infirmary when you find something out. I have a feeling that's where we'll end up."
They reached Sheppard's door a few minutes later and knocked. They didn't get an answer, so Rodney opened the door. The first thing they noticed was the sour smell of sickness that permeated the air in the dark room. The second thing to get their attention as Rodney wrinkled his nose was the sound of retching from the bathroom. Nick led the way to the open doorway, light from inside filtering out into the bedroom.
They were just in time to see John slump across the toilet seat as he finished dry heaving. He groaned softly, his face resting against his arm. Nick knelt beside Sheppard while Teyla grabbed a rag and began to wet it.
"Colonel Sheppard," said Nick softly, placing a hand on John's shoulder. "Guess I don't have to ask you how you're feeling."
"Like crap," John whispered.
"Teyla said you left just a few minutes into the first movie. Have you been vomiting all this time?" Nick took the rag Teyla offered him and passed it to Sheppard, who lifted his head long enough to wipe his face.
"Among other things," he said with disdain.
Nick smiled down at the ailing colonel. "I think you may have food poisoning, so we need to get you to the infirmary. If it is, this could go on a while and you'll probably get dehydrated."
"I'd rather die in private if you don't mind," said Sheppard, holding the cool rag against his hot skin. "This is humiliating enough, thank you."
"Colonel . . . John, I know it's embarrassing to have an audience when you're sick, but we need to keep an eye on this. Food poisoning can become serious if it's not watched closely. You'll be losing fluids and probably won't be able to hold anything down for a while. We'll need to set you up on an IV. I'm also worried about you running back and forth to the bathroom as you get weaker with no one here to help you."
"I'll be fine," John said stubbornly. He winced suddenly and hunched over, holding his stomach against the intense cramping. A few seconds later he was retching into the toilet again, although very little was left to come up. When he was done, he leaned with his forehead against the seat, his hands wrapped around his torso.
"John, we can give you something to help the nausea. It won't make it go away, but it might make it a little more bearable." Nick wanted to convince Sheppard to come to the infirmary willingly, but he'd already made up his mind he was coming. At this point, they didn't know for sure it was food poisoning and even if it was, they didn't know if it was an Earth variety or a Pegasus variety.
John managed to lift his head and they all thought it seemed to take every bit of energy he possessed. His face was pale and drawn and didn't look anything like the face of the man they had come through the gate with a few hours ago. "You wouldn't lie to me, would you?"
Nick patted his back sympathetically. "Not about something like this."
John nodded. "Okay, I'll go."
Nick took John's arm and helped him to his feet. They slowly made their way out of the bathroom, with John leaning a bit on Nick. John pointed to the wastebasket in the corner. "We'd probably better bring that. It's a long way to the infirmary from here and I don't know if I . . . oh, crap." John pulled away and moved quickly back to the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.
Rodney looked at Nick, his eyes wide. "Should we . . . oh . . . uh, I'll wait outside . . . in the hall." Rodney was beginning to look a little pale as he quickly opened the door and left the room.
Nick sighed. "I have a feeling this is going to be a long night."
TBC