Missing
"Missing?" John stared at the shimmering wormhole, trying to conjure up the babbling scientist's face on the other side. "What do you mean, 'missing?'"
"Missing," Doctor Ming repeated. "As in 'cannot be found.' We've searched the entire village and the caves nearby."
John scoffed at the notion of Rodney holing up in a cave. Nothing short of a fleet of hive ships would get that man in a small, enclosed space. He closed his eyes and blew out a breath. "Start from the beginning."
"We were close to wrapping our research – one more day, maybe two. The raiders attacked before dawn. I woke up in a burning building. People were screaming. I could hear gunfire, from the marines I guess. When it was over—"
"Wait a second. Before dawn?" John did a quick calculation. "That was almost twelve hours ago. You're just now calling it in?"
"I just now got the gate fixed," Ming snapped. "The raiders screwed with it before they left. It's… it's why I started looking for Doctor McKay." Ming had the good sense to sound embarrassed. "Ogando and his team are searching the forest as we speak, but the ore here renders the scanners useless. Not even sub-cu transmitters register."
"Wake Woolsey," John whispered to Chuck, "and have Lorne assemble a rescue team." Exotic spice and the clomp of boots preceded Teyla and Ronon into Ops, and John tossed a grateful smile their way. "Hang tight, Doc. We'll be there in ten with a med team."
"Thanks, Colonel."
Chuck shut down the gate. "Mr. Woolsey is on his way. Major Lorne reports he has two teams ready to go. Doctor Keller and her team will be here in a minute."
John gave a sharp nod. "Bring Woolsey up-to-date, and have Lorne assemble his teams in the gate room." He turned to Teyla and Ronon. "Let's go."
He filled them in on the way to the mission ready room. John and Teyla zipped on tac vests and grabbed extra magazines for their P-90s while Ronon checked the charge on his blaster then put fresh batteries in his radio.
Seven minutes later, they were standing with the medics and marines, watching the chevrons slowly light on the gate.
"Come on, come on," John muttered.
Teyla squeezed his arm. "We will find him."
"This is McKay we're talking about. He shouldn't be hard to find. He should be screaming his head off and berating everyone for their incompetence. If he isn't, it's because he's hurt or…"
"Or he yelled so much he lost his voice." The tight lines on Ronon's face belied the flippant remark. He spun his blaster and yanked the lapels of his brown duster as the gate blossomed to life. "He'll be talking about this for years." He strode through without a backwards glance.
John followed and plowed straight into Ronon's back. "What the… Oh no."
Rain – torrential, soaking rain. The kind that made rivers out of streets. The kind that washed away tracks.
Ronon squared his shoulders and stomped toward the steaming, charred husks of what once were homes and shops. The knot in the pit of John's stomach, the one that cramped whenever his team was in trouble, twisted ferociously, almost driving him to his knees. He staggered forward, his mind registering the blurps of the rest of the rescue party exiting the gate while he kept his eyes on Ronon.
"Stay positive, John," he whispered to himself. "This is McKay, the most resourceful guy you've ever met."
And it was true. John had humored Elizabeth by asking McKay to be on his team, never anticipating the man would accept, and certainly never expecting him to stay, not after that first mission involving Wraith, Iratus bugs, and near-death by stargate. But Rodney's healthy sense of self-preservation was usually overridden by an unrelenting curiosity that pushed him to strap on a gun and risk life and limb in the name of science. A man who had survived Wraith and Replicators and Kavanagh wouldn't go quietly.
"Find Ogando," John ordered Lorne, "and coordinate a grid search. We'll do a little investigating in town. Radio if you find anything, and I mean anything, that indicates where McKay might be. And I want someone covering the gate. No more surprises."
"Yes, sir." Lorne called the rescue team together, singled out one man to stand guard, and then headed toward the forest that covered the valley floor to the left of the village.
John turned to Keller. "Find Ming and Weisenhaus. They have a triage area set up somewhere. Do what you can. We'll call when we find McKay."
She nodded and reached for her radio while John jogged to catch up to Ronon and Teyla who had reached the center of what was left of the village. A small man dressed in a cool green linen tunic favored by the Keepers, the leadership of the Crulskan people, stood before them, head bowed.
"…help you rebuild," Teyla was saying. "Our healers are already here with medicines for your injured. We are grateful for your generosity in allowing us to study the Ancestral ruins on your world, and we ask for your assistance once again. One of our friends disappeared during the attack this morning. Can you tell us where he was before the raiders arrived?"
Ronon stood tall, looming over the Keeper, but a quick touch on the arm by Teyla had him taking a step back.
The Keeper's eyes followed the motion and then settled on Teyla's face. "Teyla of Athos, respectful are your words and honorable your actions." He touched his chest and bobbed his head. "The Learned One was meditating upon the works of the Ancestors when last he was seen."
Ronon rolled his eyes, and John had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. McKay had preened like a peacock when the Crulskans had dubbed him The Learned One, though he would have squawked in protest at the idea of him meditating on anything. The reminder that his friend was missing sucked all the humor out of John.
"He was at the ruins when the attack began?" Ronon asked.
"Of that, I am uncertain," the Keeper replied. "Many hours he spent there, and little rest did he have. My people were at slumber when the aggression commenced. Keeper Grecia recorded a sighting of The Learned One and his helper, Feldman, at the edifice of the Ancestors before she retired at Second Watch."
"Approximately midnight," Teyla said before John could ask.
"Feldman was with him? I think we need to have a chat with the good doctor. Go find him," John told Ronon who wheeled and headed in the direction Keller had gone. "So, about four hours before the attack, McKay was at the ruins." If John knew him at all, Rodney had been buzzing on a caffeine high and going strong when the raiders hit. "We'll start there."
John looked toward the north end of town where they had spent three long weeks before McKay had announced that his study of the remnants of the ZPM manufacturing plant on this world would take at least another month. That had been two months ago. Guilt for not being there gnawed at John, but he knew it hadn't made sense for him, Teyla, and Ronon to hang out uselessly for weeks. Ronon was too restless, Torren needed Teyla, and as good as Lorne was, John was still the military commander of Atlantis with all the responsibilities that entailed.
Teyla placed her fingertips to her brow and inclined her head in the traditional Crulskan farewell then joined John near the edge of town. "I find it curious that Doctor Ming did not mention Doctor Feldman had been the last one to see Rodney," she murmured.
"Yeah, me too." John stared at the triage area, willing Ronon to return. Minutes later, the big guy was striding their way, his long gait causing the little man he had by the arm to scurry like a rat.
"Let go of me!" Feldman tried to wrench free but ended up getting tangled in Ronon's coat. "I am a highly valued member of this expedition, not some toy for you to play with."
Teyla's brows shot up. "Ronon?"
"He wouldn't come willingly." Ronon slung him forward then grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. "Where is McKay?"
"I told you I don't know." Feldman wriggled in his grasp and looked at John. "A little help?"
John studied Feldman for a second before nodding at Ronon who released him with a grunt and an unfriendly shove.
"I protest this treatment, Colonel. I hope you know that this will go in my report." Feldman scowled at Ronon and rubbed the back of his neck.
Teyla stepped forward, wearing a smile that most people took as genial, but one John recognized as lethal. "We apologize for any harm we caused. Our concern for Doctor McKay may have made us overzealous." She moved closer and placed a hand on Feldman's shoulder. "When was the last time you saw him?"
"I don't know exactly," Feldman said. "Sometime after dinner, I guess."
Teyla's eyes glittered as her grip tightened. "Are you certain?"
"Yes, yes, ow!" Feldman winced and tried to pull away. "That hurts!"
"I believe you are lying to me," Teyla said evenly.
"No, I'm not!" When Ronon squeezed his other shoulder, the man dropped to his knees. "Okay! Okay!" He slumped to all fours as Ronon and Teyla let him go. "We were working in the ruins when the attack started."
"And then?" John prompted.
Feldman stood, hate and fear twisting his features. "And then we ran for cover, only McKay kept tripping over his own two feet. He was hanging on to me, babbling about chocolate. Finally he fell flat on his face and wouldn't get up no matter what I said." The little man's gaze dropped to the ground. "It was an accident."
Ronon was at his side immediately, a hand wrapped around his throat. "What did you do?"
Feldman's face turned red as his feet dangled in the air. "Help!" he choked out.
Rage exploded in John's chest, and he got nose-to-nose with Feldman. "Is that what Rodney sounded like as he went into hypoglycemic shock?"
"Into what?"
"Where is he?" Teyla demanded.
Feldman clawed at Ronon's hand. "I— I—"
"Ronon," John said.
When Ronon opened his hand, Feldman tumbled to the ground, gasping for air.
John leaned down. "Where?"
"I don't know," the scientist sobbed. "It was dark. We were running then he collapsed. I— I kicked his hand away and he just disappeared. I would have searched, but I thought the Wraith were coming."
"So you left him for the Wraith?" Ronon growled.
"Better him than me!"
"And when you discovered it was not Wraith?" Teyla's lip curled in disgust. "Why did you not tell the others where to search?"
Feldman climbed to his feet and wiped his face with his sleeve. "I don't know."
"You don't know?" Ronon repeated.
"I was scared, all right?" Feldman blurted out. "I didn't want to get into trouble. He was so out of it I didn't think he'd remember what happened."
"Show us where you left him," John ground out.
Feldman nodded miserably and trudged toward the ruins. John hung back, fighting for control. If Rodney died because of that little weasel…
"I know a planet we can dial and toss that guy in," Ronon offered.
"Don't tempt me." John took a final deep breath and hurried after Feldman and Teyla, who was marching beside him.
When they reached the ruins, Feldman moved toward the remains of the entrance. "We were in the inner chamber," he said, gesturing inside. "The call about the attack came, and McKay—"
"Doctor McKay," Teyla corrected.
Feldman swallowed thickly. "Doctor McKay said we needed to get somewhere safe." He stepped closer to the entrance, scanning the crumbling rock. "One good blast would bring that down on our heads. That's what he said anyway."
Ronon frowned. "Blast?"
"The call said the village was being attacked. We both assumed Wraith." Feldman turned and stared out at the forest around them. "We went… this way." He pointed to the right. "Mc—Doctor McKay said the trees were thicker."
Ronon stalked toward a narrow path that was now mostly mud. John and Teyla sandwiched Feldman between them and followed, scrutinizing the edges of the path, the bark of the trees, and the underbrush as they went.
Feldman cleared his throat. "I didn't know—"
"Shut up," John growled.
"But I—"
"Only speak when asked a question or if you have something to contribute to the search." Teyla wrapped a hand around Feldman's wrist. "Do you understand?"
Feldman open his mouth, thought better of it, and nodded instead.
When they reached a fork in the path, Ronon stopped but didn't turn around. "Which way?"
"I'm not sure." Feldman squinted toward the left and then the right. "Everything was crazy. The screams over the radio…" He shuddered as he jammed his hands under his armpits. "The right, I think."
Ronon huffed in disgust and stomped through the mud sluicing slightly downhill. John plucked at his rain-soaked shirt that clung to him like a second skin, hoping that McKay had found a place that was warm and dry. Only the squelch of mud under their boots interrupted the drumming rain. It was soothing, almost hypnotizing.
John blinked and took a step back as the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. Years of experience had taught him to trust his instincts, and right now they were screaming at him to stop.
Teyla hovered at his elbow. "What is wrong?"
"I don't know." John took another step back, searching the underbrush on their left. "Something…"
"Got it," Ronon said as he reached under a rotted log to pull out a very familiar tablet.
John flipped it over and smiled. The Hannah Montana sticker Madison had "decorated" the tablet with, and that John would never ever let Rodney live down, peeked from under a smear of mud. He tucked the tablet in his jacket. "Spread out. He has to be nearby."
Ronon pushed through the underbrush into the forest.
"Rodney!" Teyla called as she crossed the path and searched the other side.
John studied the trail then turned to Feldman. "Think. Where did he fall?"
"It could have been anywhere. Everything looks the same."
"If you want to make it to tomorrow, you'd better come up with something."
Feldman's chin jutted forward. "Are you threatening me?"
John narrowed his eyes and stepped into Feldman's personal space. "What do you think?"
"I think…" Feldman backed away then studied the ground around them. "I think there were more rocks."
They trudged ahead until they reached a bend in the trail. Small, gravel-like stones littered the curve.
A life signs detector teetered on the edge.
"McKay!" John bellowed, shoving past Feldman then skidding to a stop on the muddy rocks. He fell to his right knee as his left foot shot into empty air. John crawled forward, flicked on the light of his P-90 and peered over the drop-off. "Oh, God."
Ten feet below was McKay, one leg folded awkwardly under him, face down, not moving.
"Here!" John shouted. "He's here!" He keyed his radio and called for Lorne and Keller, giving directions as he slowly made his way down.
McKay skin was icy, translucent, and John held his breath as he checked Rodney's pulse, sagging in relief at the rapid flutter under his fingertips. He gently rolled McKay onto his back and chuckled at the Hershey wrapper clutched in his hand.
"How is he?" Teyla asked as she knelt beside him.
"Alive."
Ronon spread his coat over McKay then gently ran his hands over the twisted leg. "Don't think it's broken."
"Rodney?" Teyla leaned over him, shielding his face from the rain and brushing his matted hair from his eyes. "Can you hear me?"
McKay twitched.
"Come on, McKay. Open your eyes," John coaxed. "You're going to miss dinner at home. It's steak night."
"With pie for dessert," Ronon added. "Kocha berry with cream."
Rodney shuddered but still didn't waken.
"Let me, Colonel." Keller and her team settled around them. "Please."
John gripped Rodney's shoulder and squeezed. "Hang in there, McKay." He pushed to his feet and climbed up to where Lorne and his teams were waiting.
"We can't get a jumper in here, sir, but as soon as Keller gives the go-ahead, we'll have him on a stretcher and to the gate." Lorne dipped his head toward Feldman who was being held by Ogando. "What do you want us to do with him?"
"Take him back to Atlantis and throw him in the brig."
"What!" Feldman exclaimed. "You can't do that!"
Ronon slammed a fist into the man's face, and he collapsed in a heap.
Lorne folded his arms and stared down at Feldman. "Gotta watch that mud. It's really slippery."
"Tell Woolsey he'll get a full report as soon as Keller has McKay stabilized."
"Yes, sir." Lorne motioned for one of the marines who slung Feldman over his shoulder like a sack and headed toward the gate.
The next few minutes were a blur of activity. Marines heaved the stretcher up to the path while medical personnel hurried alongside it, IVs in hand. The trek to the gate was surprisingly fast given the weather and the mud, and when they reached the village, the shimmering blue of an active wormhole glowed ahead of them. They shot through and another team, one without mud-slicked boots on, strapped Rodney to a gurney and raced to the infirmary. By the time John, Teyla, and Ronon got there, McKay was hidden behind a string of medics and a privacy curtain.
Marie met them at the door. "We're working on him. You all need to get out of those wet clothes. I'm sure the doctor will have news for you when you get back."
John thought about protesting, but he knew the futility of it. Plus, she was right. All they were doing was tracking mud and water into a sterile area. He double-timed it to his quarters, took the hottest and fastest shower on record, and was back in the infirmary before the orderly had finished cleaning the floor.
McKay was buried under a web of wires – IV drips in both arms and leads stuck all over his head and chest. A brace was strapped to his leg. The mud had been scrubbed away, and his skin had pinked up a little.
"He's going to be fine." Keller materialized at his side, dabbing at her hair with the towel draped around her neck. "His blood sugar is very low, but not as low as I'd expected." She grinned wryly. "Good thing someone keeps his vest stocked with extra chocolate bars."
John flushed but didn't answer, making a mental note to order another case in the next supply run.
Keller's grin widened. "Well, I'm in desperate need of a hot shower and a cup of coffee. Can you sit with him until I get back?"
"Sure, Doc. No problem."
He pulled a chair next to Rodney's bed then went to get two more, knowing Teyla and Ronon wouldn't be far behind him.
"Hold down the racket," McKay mumbled. "Trying to sleep here."
Relief flooded through John, and he didn't bother to hide the silly grin spreading across his face. "Could've fooled me."
"Like that would take much." McKay opened one eye and sniffed. "What is that smell?"
John sat back and propped his feet on the side of the bed. "We call it soap. Most people use it once a day."
"You should consider changing brands," McKay mumbled. "Took you long enough to find me."
"Yeah. Sorry about that. Good thing you dropped that life signs detector on the trail before you fell."
McKay fumbled with the bed controls until the head lifted. "Dropped? I didn't drop it. I tossed it up there."
John snorted. "You did not. You throw like a girl."
"I do not. Well, actually…" McKay smiled smugly. "I guess I do. Teyla taught me. We are going to totally kick your ass in the next softball tournament."
"I should call Keller because you are clearly delusional."
"Oh, stop. I can't stand the hilarity." McKay blinked languidly and settled deeper into the bed. "Feldman?"
"In the brig." John leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "Want me to let Ronon spend some quality time with him?"
McKay sighed heavily. "Yes, but don't."
"Really?"
"He panicked. I— I understand that."
"He left you to die."
"People do stupid stuff when they're scared shitless. Some turn into sniveling cowards, and some of us," Rodney thumped his chest, "bravely sacrifice ourselves for others."
John rolled his eyes. "Getting kidnapped by evil Asgard doesn't count as sacrificing yourself."
"I saved Carter that one time. I have the scars to prove it." McKay held up his hands. "And then there was that time—"
"Yeah, yeah. You're a real hero." John cut McKay off before he dredged up some of the more painful memories of his willingness to sacrifice. Nightmares about Wallace still popped up on occasion. "So… what?"He lifted his hands in confusion. "You want to just forget it happened?"
"Oh, hell no. Feldman is jealous and petty and not bright enough to make toast. He's headed back to Earth on the next dial-out. The only job he'll get after this is teaching intro physics at some second rate community college, and that's if I'm feeling generous."
"Are you sure?"
McKay yawned and nodded. "I'm starving, by the way. Did you bring me something to eat? I thought it was steak night."
John narrowed his eyes. "How did you know that?"
"Steak night is always the second Thursday of the month." McKay, who couldn't lie unless under extreme pressure, blinked in confusion. "Don't pretend like you don't have it circled in red on your calendar."
"Doesn't everybody?" John grinned at him. "However, it's not night yet. You'll have to wait until dinner for that steak, but I bet we can find something in the meantime."
"Perhaps sandwiches?" Teyla announced as she and Ronon entered. "Turkey and ham."
"And skirsk." Ronon bit into one with stringy, dark meat. "My favorite."
John arched a brow. "It seems like they serve your favorite something almost every day."
"That's because he likes everything," McKay said around a mouthful of bread.
Teyla shook her head. "No, it is because Lieutenant Friedricks is smitten with him."
"Is not," Ronon protested.
"Oh, she so is." McKay stretched to peer in the bag Teyla had. "You have any chips in there?"
The knot in John's stomach slowly dissolved at the realization that his team was safe and together again. John grabbed a turkey sandwich and took a big bite, happy to be home.
A/N: Thanks to kristen999 for the beta.