A/N: Had a dream last night that I was kayaking with Kolya on a really fast moving, dangerous river, and quite frankly I wasn't sure which one scared the poop out of me more. :)
Chapter 5
As Kolya approached John could see his uniform was similar in style to the two doctors, only dark blue-gray with black panels and a black shirt underneath. He also carried a side arm – nine millimeter Beretta from the looks of it – and from the insignia on the collar, he also knew he was a full bird colonel. Oh, great. Just what he needed – the fucking military. The man stopped at the foot of the bed and smiled. The gesture lit his tanned, pockmarked face, but funny – it didn't seem to reach his dark eyes. "Ah, doctor – good to see our guest is awake." The tone was amicable, but those eyes….
And John noticed he wasn't addressed in the slightest. It was strictly directed at Carson and Keller. Oh, the guy gave him a quick once over, but that was about it.
"Yes, colonel, he is," Carson said irately.
John saw the colonel's eyes narrow, but the smile remained. Then the man finally looked at him, and John got the full affect of his gaze. Every little hair on his body fought for attention, and the vibe he got off the man just screamed snake oil salesman. And pure, unfiltered contempt. But he hid it well, with the slick smile, and John felt a bit of panic settle like a cold rock in the pit of his abused stomach. But he was also quite good with masks, and despite his heart hammering in his chest he set his face into an expression of unimpressed boredom. That made the smile slip a fraction.
"I trust you are being treated well?" Kolya asked, his tone still light.
John frowned faintly, raised his eyebrows, and nodded. "The doctors have been wonderful – no complaints there – but I do have a serious issue with the rude assholes that tranked and kidnapped me." The last four words came out forceful enough the cords on his neck stood out briefly.
Carson and Keller flinched, but Kolya remained cool. The sonuvabitch even chuckled. "My apologies – I'm afraid my men carried out their orders a little too enthusiastically."
Yeah, right, John thought. He unconsciously did his odd little snort/exhale, and that brought strange looks from the doctors. He noticed the two armed guards were close again, and another man stood in the door way. A casual glance proved it was the kid he head butted, and he did not look friendly at the moment.
"I trust your injuries were minor?"
Oh, like you really give a fuck. Please …. John tried really hard not to sneer and just shrugged. "Few bruises, scrapes …."
"Side effects from too much buprenorphine," Carson added off-handedly. "That is what your men used, isn't it? They're lucky they didn't seriously overdose him."
Kolya's head snapped toward him and the smile did disappear, but Carson met his gaze full on.
Very big balls, John thought. And definitely no love between those two. "Yeah, that," he drawled. "That was so not cool." He kept his tone light, but his eyes were hard when Kolya's attention returned to him. "Couldn't you have, what, knocked on the God damned door? We're not dumb hicks in Montana – we actually do understand common courtesy, you know." Now he felt a wave of anger come off the man, and he realized he may have pressed his luck. But he wasn't about to back off. "So please forgive me for not being all warm and fuzzy after being shot in the back and dragged off my own land." Forcing himself to sit still and pretend to be calm was practically killing him, but he was pretty damn sure any sudden movements would cause the real thing.
"Yes. Well, that was a very unfortunate misunderstanding for all parties involved." Kolya tried another smile, this one apologetic. Again, his eyes totally ruined it. "I will see that the men involved are properly reprimanded."
For some reason that statement brought back the nausea and funny – John didn't believe him at all. He didn't bother offering a thank you, and he could tell Kolya was thoroughly expecting one. So he just set his features and waited.
Kolya eventually cleared his throat, anger simmering just behind his eyes, and reluctantly continued. "All unpleasantness aside, I am Acastus Kolya, Director of Security for this establishment. And you are John Sheppard."
It didn't surprise him in the least bit that the guy knew his name. "And this is Atlantis," John said. He got a nod in reply, but no surprise showed that he knew that little bit. "So," he said casually and crossed his arms. "What the fuck is this place and why the hell am I here?" he asked with a faint lift of his chin.
Apparently Kolya disapproved of harsh language because he scowled briefly. "This is a research facility," he said flatly, and watched closely.
John damn near launched himself from the bed again. He barely caught himself, but a second later thought he should have taken a chance of getting shot because Kolya was smiling, and this time it did reach the bastard's eyes. The smug fucker was getting off on his sudden burst of fear. That brought John's anger back and he clamped down hard enough on his lips the he caught a taste of copper as his slightly pronounced canines punctured flesh. "Well, imagine that," he said softly through his teeth. "Let me guess – top secret to boot." When Kolya just nodded once John felt his heart leap again. Nobody knows I'm here …. I am so screwed.
Kolya smiled again as if he read John's thoughts.
The term 'reptilian' came to John's mind. "And dare I ask what you research here?" He was amazed he sounded as calm as he did, when inside he was screaming.
"Our scientists are involved in many fields," Kolya answered, his tone quite proud. "Astrophysics, biochemistry, engineering." He paused a moment. "Biology. Genetics." He cocked his head faintly as he studied John for a reaction. "The discoveries the scientists make here every day will benefit and advance humankind in the long run."
He didn't emphasize the word, but John clearly caught the 'human' jab. "Really?" he drawled. "How fascinating." His tone dripped pure acid, and he actually showed his teeth a little with his words. He heard Carson suck in a sharp breath.
The colonel's mask slipped completely and for a moment he looked like he was about to pull his sidearm and shoot John. He made a visible effort to pull himself back together, and the slick smile returned. "It would be wise for you to watch your tongue while you're our guest." He delivered the words like a grandfather giving advice to a grandchild.
John couldn't stop himself. Call is a character flaw. "Guest? So that's what the kids are calling it these days. Here I thought prisoner …." Yup, didn't get to finish the sentence he had in mind before Kolya backhanded him. Didn't surprise him. What did surprise him was the faint chuckle he gave as he wiped blood from where a canine cut his lip. "Thought so," he muttered as he studied the splash of red on the back of his hand. He also didn't realize he had such a strong death wish. Then he sobered when he suddenly came to the understanding he really didn't have anything to lose right now.
Carson started to speak, but a glare from Kolya cut him off. "Have you completed its physical?" he snapped.
And with that one little word that he let slip, John was more sure of his position here than anything else he'd heard up to this point. Now he wished he could puke.
Carson clamped his lips down tight and the force of the breaths he took in through his nose practically made whistling sounds. Keller stepped up and glanced worriedly at Carson. "We don't have his height and weight yet, and we do need to check his blood pressure again," she said, the tremble in her voice just discernable. "We'll be done shortly."
Kolya nodded succinctly. He only gave John a cursory glance when he said, "When you are through, Lt. Ford will show you to your quarters." His eyes were fixed on Carson's as his smile returned. "I am looking forward to your stay with us." Then he turned and left. He did pause briefly to speak with Ford before he disappeared.
Carson let out his breath in an explosive burst. "Ah, crap," he muttered and rubbed his forehead. Keller gave his arm a gentle squeeze, and when they both looked at John a moment later they were miserable.
John swallowed. "It's going to be that bad, huh?" he whispered.
"I am so, so sorry, son," Carson said. He could see Ford approaching and cleared his throat. "Right, then – let's get you finished up so yae can go grab a shower." He did an excellent job at sounding normal when it looked like all he wanted to do was crawl into a deep dark hole and never come out again.
John gave the man a small smile. "That would be great," he said. Then as an afterthought, "Thank you. Both of you." He smiled at Keller, but had to drop his eyes because she looked to be on the verge of tears.
Carson gave his shoulder a squeeze.
Twenty minutes later John left the infirmary, Ford and the two guards right on his heels. Before he ducked through the door, he glanced over his shoulder and saw the two doctors watching him, their expressions both on the verge of despair. He swallowed and gave them a lopsided smile, a quick lift of his chin, and a wave before the doorjamb blocked his view.
-oOo-
Carson nodded back but the man was gone before he could see it. He sighed heavily, wearily. "Poor brave bugger," he muttered. He suddenly had to sit, and he barely found the edge of the bed. He rested his elbows on his knees and leaned forward as the world got very bright and loud. He concentrated on his breathing, and a moment later he could feel Keller's small warm hand rubbing circles on his back. "I cannae do this anymore, Jenn," he said as he shook his head. "I just bloidy can't." His voice cracked.
"I know," Keller said miserably as she sat next to him, her hand never leaving his back.
Carson sat up and swiped angrily at his face with the sleeve of his jacket. "It was bad enough when they wound up as numbered … specimens ready for an autopsy. But now …." His shoulders slumped. "He needs to be stopped. Him and that, that …."
"Bitch," Keller supplied. "But you can't just go challenging him, Carson. He'll have absolutely no qualms about putting a bullet in your head." Then she suddenly glanced at the security camera in the corner of the room and lowered her voice. "You need to be careful."
"Aye, I do. But he eggs me on until he makes my blood boil and I cannae even think straight." He sighed. "We need tae get to Elizabeth somehow. Get her free …." He glanced at the camera. "But how?"
"I don't know," Keller said and put her hands in her lap. "I really don't."
Silence filled the infirmary for several minutes. Then Carson snorted. "Ah, crap. He seems like a decent enough lad."
"Yeah, he did," Keller said. Then she let out a short laugh, then covered her mouth in embarrassment. "Is it bad for me to be glad he puked all over Dr. Chaya?"
"Not at all," Carson replied. "Not at all. Sometimes there is justice in the universe."
End Note: I know, I know - the chapters are too short. But the natural breaks were coming early... But I am posting a chapter a day, doesn't that count?
