Background Noise and Cannon Fodder
Disclaimer: Atlantis belongs to MGM/Sony. This is done for fun, not profit.
Rating: Angst/Friendship
Thanks to everyone that reviewed. So many different responses and everyone was kind even if they didn't like it, so Thank you!
88888888888888888
Chapter 3: Found
Carson's POV :
Colonel Sheppard's urgent call had me and my staff running as if the very devil were chasing us. We were able to stabilize Rodney once we got him back to the infirmary. I got the bullet out, and then all I could do was wait to see how he came out of the operation.
The bloody bugger had us all worried, and none more so than Colonel Sheppard, who was even now sitting here looking at Rodney as if he were a foreign object. I think I know how he feels, why would Rodney not call out for help. This isn't the Rodney we all know. I feel terrible that he was left there injured and none of us knowing it.
Sometimes, I just don't understand the man, I think he's finally lost it. The stress over the past few months has been way too much for the poor bugger and he's finally cracked.
I've checked his glucose level and it is very low which could be part of the problem. This has been known to cause depression in some people and especially if they are already under stress. God knows he's been under stress, captured by the wraith, shot twice, and almost destroying the universe again. What hasn't the man been through.
So here we sit waiting to see if our Rodney wakes up and tells us what the problem is. Hopefully Colonel Sheppard won't strangle him before he can tell us. I know the Colonel's angry, but right now that won't help. Rodney needs to be handled with kid gloves. For all his arrogance, he still is quite a sensitive soul. Only those of us who know him well see it, but it is there. Every once in a while you get a glimpse of that side, but you must look quick or you'll miss it.
Colonel Sheppard has dozed off now and I'm still thinking he should be in his own bed asleep after the day he's had. However, he's just as stubborn as Rodney and wouldn't hear of it until Rodney wakes up, so I've let him stay.
I worry about Rodney every time he goes off world ; someday I expect him to be brought back dead. He's a scientist for god's sake, not Rambo.
But then he's still a good friend as abrasive as he is and I wouldn't change him. Sometimes though when it comes to his health, I think he needs a good shaking.
Finally Rodney stirs and I move to the side of the bed, trying to not wake the Colonel.
"Rodney, how are you feeling?" I keep my voice low.
"Carson,... I feel like crap, what happened?"
"You've got a bloody big hole in your back from a bullet; that's what happened. Why didn't you tell someone so we could help you?"
He looks up at me as if this is a revelation, "Bullet? My back? I thought I pulled something ,it hurt so much."
I shake my head, the man's daft. "No, it's a bullet hole, trust me. If Colonel Sheppard hadn't found you, we wouldn't be having this conversation. "
"Oh, he found me? "
"Aye, It's a lucky thing, or you could have bled to death."
I'm still talking low, I need to find out what made him do something so stupid before Colonel Sheppard asks him. Maybe I can run interference and protect him. Despite being injured he seems very vulnerable and confused.
"I guess I just didn't feel so good after we landed. Sheppard needed to get to the infirmary. I thought I could make it on my own. Guess I was wrong. Is he all right?"
"Aye, he's right here waiting to talk to you. He was very upset that you were injured."
Rodney looks past me at the sleeping figure in the chair. "I'm in trouble?"
"Aye, he's not happy, but he's more worried than angry. Why you get yourself into these messes is beyond me. "
I shake my head and try to decide whether to administer the sedative before I wake Colonel Sheppard to talk to Rodney. I decide it's best to do it now, then afterwards I shake Colonel Sheppard awake.
Rodney's eyes are starting to droop so this won't be a long conversation. Everyone will get a good night's sleep and hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.
TBC