Disclaimer : If I owned it, the show would never end. Since it basically did.... I oviously don't own it, now do I? :(
Debbie418uk2 - Ahh, but John can give as good as he gets, so I wouldn't worry. Remember, Elizabeth's on his side, and she can make Rodney's life a living hell. LOL Actually, the twist came after. I was working on just having them pull a joke on Rodney, but I wanted to make it longer and more detailed, so I began thinking of a twist. :)
Jasminesmommy - Well, in this case it worked out for John, since Rodney's paranoia saved his life.
Puddle-Jumper38 - Oh trust me, I know how it feels to have wisdom teeth out. That's where I got my muse. :D I was scrambling for ideas to write about and low and behold.... LOL
Sparklyshimmer2010 - The poison was just a last minute twist. I was basically just trying to go for a joke. Hm, as for the story.... I'm finished it. I think it sits at 9 chapters, but I'm not too sure I like the way it turned out, which is why I haven't posted it yet. I basically just took a spin on John getting possessed, and it effects Elizabeth as well.
Well, the way I'm linking it to Twilight is that John has an 'inhuman beauty' to Elizabeth, after he's possessed (though she doesn't know John's possessed), and she's all flustered and nervous around him. Plus I added the line about 'being the perfect predator'. :P
And I don't mind if you don't like it (Twilight). The only thing that bothers me is when people are nasty about the movie, saying Robert was ugly as...(glares)... and sucked big time. Or when they're flaming the movie and saying stuff like it promotes pedophilia. Otherwise, everyone's got their tastes and opinions, and I'm open to hearing them :) I like it because Edward is hot as sin and I like the Cullen Coven.
E. Nagrom - Oh I know! I was laughing at the image of the Wraith bowing and apologizing with their hands clasped in front of themselves, promising ever so politely to come back when John and Elizabeth are feeling better. LOL!!! No, Wisdom teeth out hurts a lot, but I didn't want it to be only pain, so I went for something a little more humerous.
Plus, as a person who's seen my own face the day after surgery, the 'Klump' comment is completely valid. I was shocked and couldn't stop laughing (despite how much it hurt) that I looked like Mrs. Klump.
Sorry for the late updates, I've been glued to Twilight's arse, so I haven't been able to pull myself away long enough to focus on SGA (Though I've not forgotten it). I've actually finished a chapter for my other SGA fic (I've still got ideas for that one), as well as a 9 chapter John/Elizabeth story I'm not sure how I feel about, and I'm getting some ideas for one-shots dealing with the Twilight books, so I'm dancing between writing and reading. :S
This is a tag to chapter 68 of 'RRBDs', 'Premonition'. I don't own a lot of the quotes.
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(John's POV)
Premonition
Running through the woods, nothing made sense. I had no idea where I was, or what I was doing. Hell, I couldn't even tell if I was alone! All I know was, looking down, I saw my P90 in my hands, so I guessed I was off world, and for some reason I was in a huge rush, panic coursing through me.
"Rodney!"
At first, I didn't recognize the panicked tone as my own, but by the third time I called his name, it sunk in. Suddenly, I was standing over Rodney's body. His eyes were open and staring blindly. There was a spike poking out of his bloody chest, and blood flowed freely down the side of his face. I knew as soon as I saw him, he was dead.
End Premonition
Jumping awake with a choked cry in my throat, I sagged back and lay limply on my bed, breathing raggedly and trying to keep my heart from pounding out of my chest. I was sweaty and shaky, and as I took several deep, unsteady breaths, I allowed myself to reflect over the dream, knowing it meant more than just a dream.
(Three Days Later, Normal POV)
Turning to his team mates, John's eyes narrowed dangerously and he sighed as he hit the center symbol and then sent his IDC through. "Look, it's over with already, ok? Can we just drop it?" He turned to the wormhole and waited for the go ahead before walking ahead, leaving his two confused team mates behind. He sighed as he stepped into the gate room, and began walking across the room.
A reconnaissance mission that went like it should, for a change. No sign of any dangers, and in truth, they could have used Rodney, but John wasn't allowing it. He was haunted by his premonitions, and he refused to let them come true. Over the last three days, he'd been seeing Rodney dead with a spike through his chest. Every night he woke with a scream caught in his throat, and was unable to get back to sleep.
All of a sudden, he heard feet running towards him and someone grabbed his hand and holding him from leaving the room. Turning, he almost wasn't surprised to see Rodney holding onto him with a confused, hurt expression. "Rodney." It took a lot of control not to flinch at the expression, knowing what it was about. I'm so sorry, buddy.
"Why didn't you tell me you were going off world??" Rodney's blue eyes were clouded with hurt, but he still struggled to look defiant.
With another sigh, John watched Teyla and Ronon continue on out of the room and down the hall. "We, err, didn't need you." Oh, wow, that was harsh. He watched as Rodney's face crumpled a little and struggled to save himself. "It was very routine, really. Look, I'll catch you later, gotta change." John spun on his heel and walked away, feeling like a huge jerk, but knowing he couldn't tell Rodney the real reason.
He walked down the same hall as the others and rounded the corner, having to skid to a stop to keep from colliding with Ronon and Teyla. Taking a good look at their stern, disapproving expressions, he knew he was in trouble.
Ronon stood with his hands folded over his chest. "We could've used his help. We would've gotten through the door."
"Why did you lie to him, John?" Teyla asked lowly, almost glaring.
Barely biting back a growl, John scrubbed his hand through his hair, trying to ignore how tired he was. "To protect him." It was all he could say without giving too much away. Walking by them, John made a straight line to the locker room, too many thoughts swirling around in his head. He stripped quickly and sighed as he changed into his usual Atlantis uniform, making his way to the conference room for the briefing.
Seeing Rodney in the control room, staring at his computer with a frown, John felt a stab of guilt run through him, but fought back the urge to run over and explain himself, as he walked over and entered the conference room, blatantly ignoring the stares he got from Ronon and Teyla. Sitting down, he faced Elizabeth's confused gaze as squarely as he could. "Elizabeth."
"John." She looked around, her confused gaze growing stronger as she noticed Rodney's lack of appearance. "Where's Dr. McKay?"
"He wasn't there." John stated evenly, biting back a wince. "It was just Ronon, Teyla and myself."
She frowned and her eyes narrowed as she leaned forward, her clasped hands on the table in front of her. "Really? And am I to guess you ordered this?" Her tone was not pleased, and John sighed as he leaned forward, trying to figure out how he was going to explain this.
After a lecture from Elizabeth, and the short briefing, John made a b-line straight back to his room, locking the door behind him and giving in to the urge to hit something. Of course, the wall wasn't so forgiving, and he shook out his hand with a hiss. The dreams continued to haunt him, and until he knew it was safe, Rodney had to stay on Atlantis!
(The Next Day, John's POV)
"So, I take it we're leaving him behind, again." Ronon grunted with an annoyed look. "And you're going to insist we don't need him, even though we probably will."
Shooting Ronon a dark look, I sighed and scrubbed my hand over my face. After a particularly nasty dream last night, I'd spent two hours in the gym, trying to work off my anxiety. I was less than perfect condition at the moment. "Yes, we are, and yes, I am."
"I do not understand. He is our friend as well as team mate." Teyla looked guarded and confused.
I nodded. "Yes, he is." That came out a little sharper than I'd intended, but my nerves were still pretty high, and I didn't have the best handle on my temper at the moment.
Stopping, Teyla crossed her arms over her chest and shot me a pointed look. "Why did we not wait for Dr. McKay?" She insisted. She picked up her pace as I kept walking and stayed at my side.
Think fast, John. I thought as my eyes darted around the small clearing. "He…had an important project that he was working on for Elizabeth. He couldn't come with us this time."
"That's never stopped him before." Ronon disagreed with a raised eyebrow, exchanging a look with Teyla.
Stopping cold, I spun to face them and all but snapped. "Well it did this time!" With a sigh, I rubbed at my face and counted to ten mentally, trying to control myself. Snapping's not gonna help him.
Taking a step forward, Teyla tilted her head to the side. "Are you alright?" She seemed to regard me for a moment and I couldn't fight the automatic flinch. "You look…ill."
No, I'm not bloody well feeling alright. I mentally snapped, keeping my eyes closed as I took a slow, deep breath. You try having these nightmares and being peachy-fricken-keen the next day. "I haven't been sleeping well." I admitted after a moment. Seeing their looks, I held up a hand. "I promise that I'll go and see Carson when I get back." I added, both for their benefit and because it was the truth.
In all honesty, I wasn't sure how much more I could take of these practically sleepless nights.
Teyla simply raised a concerned eyebrow and regarded me with eyes full of unasked questions.
"I'll explain later." It's not like I can keep it to myself, anymore. They were getting too suspicious, and they were right. Rodney was reading too much into my actions. I didn't want to hurt anyone. Hell, I was trying to protect Rodney! "Let's get this negotiation over and done with, shall we?"
Ronon's look remained unconvinced, but he walked past without a word.
Seeing Teyla still looking at me, I sighed and gave her a pleading look. "Please??"
Her look remained concerned, but she nodded ever so slightly and began walking past me, following after Ronon. Following along behind them, I was sincerely thankful for the quiet trip.
A few minutes later, Ronon suddenly stopped and crouched low. He held up a hand, and Teyla and I froze where we were.
"What is it?" Teyla raised her P90 and looked around carefully.
Pointing down, Ronon drew his finger along the ground from one tree to another, showing us a trip line. He carefully stepped over it and grunted. "Traps. We should be careful." Was all he said.
My mind immediately flashed to Rodney's bloody, unseeing face and the spike that popped out of his chest. I felt my heart pound in fear and relief. Relief that he wasn't with us, and fear that this premonition might still find a way to come true. I saw Teyla glance back at me in worry, and shook my head. "Elizabeth said they were paranoid." I muttered, following her lead and carefully stepping over the trap.
"They have been culled many times." Teyla tried to excuse them. "They are afraid." She stepped over a large version of a bear trap and ducked under some low-hanging branches.
I nodded but kept my frown on my face as I stepped over another trip wire. "Well they don't have to be so anti-social." Stepping over two consecutive trip wires and over another large bear trap, I raised an eyebrow. "How many of these things are there??"
Ronon shrugged and walked on ahead. "Haven't been counting." He pointed out another line.
As we walked on, I began to think about everything, including how I'd been treating Rodney. With a silent sigh, I stepped over yet another trip wire, and resolved to talk to Rodney and explain things as soon as we got back. All these lies and subterfuge were starting to wear on me, and despite his bluster and ego, Rodney would be very vulnerable to misreading my actions. I was his friend, this wasn't right.
As soon as we got back, I'd explain everything to him.
(Village, Normal POV)
Sitting at one of the tables, John remained quiet as Teyla did her thing. He struggled to look intrigued as the people around him spoke of many things that he didn't understand. The only thing he could hope was that he didn't look as bored as he felt.
Teyla was doing her thing with Ronon at her side. She spoke with the ambassador as if they'd known each other their whole lives, smiling and joking with him. It really was amazing how easy she made it look, but John knew from experience it wasn't always that easy. Ronon was bored, too, from what John could see. He sat down and poked at a plate of some sort of meat, and looked around with clear disinterest.
It didn't help that everyone in the area, besides Teyla, were men. Apparently, the people of this world didn't allow females anywhere near their 'business transactions' so even the servers were male. Luckily, Teyla had been given a rare honor and considered an 'honorary male' so that she herself could perform the negotiations. It probably helped that she was able to physically knock the bodyguard of the ambassador on his ass, when he tried to stop her from entering the square. that was probably the most exciting thing to happen all day, too. Stifling a yawn, John stared at the table, trying to ignore the feeling of being watched, as he knew it was Teyla shooting him yet another worried look.
For a moment, John wished Rodney was there to be bored with him, but then he shook his head. No. Better that Rodney isn't here. The image of the spike in his chest and his open, unseeing eyes, flashed through John's memory again, showing him just how vivid it all was. Much better. He's safe, that's what matters.
Suddenly, as if in reply to his thoughts, John's radio clicked on.
"Sheppard…?"
The almost hesitant tone had John shooting into a standing position in fear and shock. No! Oh, hell no! "Rodney??" No, no, no! Everyone was staring at him, but he barely noticed as he tapped his radio with his eyes wide. "Wait! Stop! There are traps!"
There was no response and John felt his heart drop. "Rodney?" He waited a moment, almost praying for some smartass response. "Rodney!" Stepping away from the table, he turned to look at Teyla and Ronon. "We have to get back to the gate!"
Ronon had already stood up by that point and was beginning to walk over, and Teyla excused herself from the ambassador's company to join them, looking concerned.
"What's wrong?" She asked, gripping her P90 tightly.
John took a deep breath. "It's Rodney. He's come through the gate, and he's heading this way." He turned and began heading towards the path, his legs not moving nearly as fast as he'd have liked.
"He doesn't know about the traps." Ronon moved quickly, taking the lead and heading up the path.
"Exactly." John hissed, running to keep up with the tracker who decided to take the lead, knowing Teyla was right behind him. This can't be happening! This is… Was this what he feared? Was this the planet where the premonition would come true?
Would the premonition come true?
It was such a painfully slow trip back. Despite finding all the trip wires before, Ronon had to keep looking to make sure they didn't run into any on their way back. It felt like it was taking far too long to get through the woods.
"There is no sign of Dr. McKay." Teyla stated, worry saturating her voice as she went.
"I know. This is what I was afraid of." John's heart pounded in his head as he went along, praying Rodney was fine and that he just hadn't made it this far.
Then he saw Ronon pointing to something and mentioning on of the traps had been triggered. There, swinging from a chain was a log. It moved so slowly, and looked so foreboding. He wanted to run ahead. Part of his mind screamed that if he hurried, he could save Rodney. Then another part screamed that if he hurried, he could get killed, or end up making things worse by triggering more traps.
Making their way to the triggered trap, they found a pit nearby. It was a pit they hadn't seen earlier, because it had been hidden by foliage.
"Rodney…?" John would have been embarrassed by how quiet his voice was, if he wasn't overwhelmed by fear. He moved to the pit, and was blinded by a quick flash of the premonition running through his mind. Blinking to clear his vision, he peered down into the pit.
Rodney was lying unconscious in the pit, a deep bleeding gash on the side of his head where one of the wooden spikes had caught him. Another was sticking out of his chest. Again the vision flashed into his eyes, but it was overlapping what he was seeing now. The differences were subtle, but there. The main one was that Rodney still seemed to be breathing.
Ronon helped Teyla down into the hole and she checked his pulse, looking up after a moment with worry but a hint of relief. "He is alive." She took a knife Ronon handed her and cut the spike underneath the physicist and then John moved down into the pit to help her lift Rodney out.
Focusing on getting the canvas stretcher put up and getting Rodney back to Atlantis, John struggled to ignore the voice in his mind that kept chanting, I told you so. The trip back was quiet and quick, and Teyla was the first to get to the gate, dialing it up and sending her code through.
"I have dialed the gate and contacted Atlantis. Dr. Beckett will be waiting for us." She informed them as she rejoined them and made her way through the gate.
John could only nod as he prayed to whatever god there was that Rodney would be alright. He didn't trust himself to speak at that moment.
(Atlantis, John's POV)
Elizabeth stood across from me just inside the door to the infirmary, where Rodney was currently being kept for treatment. I'd just explained everything to her, and she had a new, understanding look on her face, even if she still seemed less than happy about it. "So you've been having this nightmare about Rodney getting killed for several days?"
Uh, actually, more a premonition, but yeah. That sounds about right. I thought with a nod. Teyla, Ronon, Elizabeth and myself were all waiting for news on exactly how bad it was.
"And that's why you were leaving him behind." Her eyes softened in sympathy, and even Teyla and Ronon looked a little more understanding than they had before. "You were afraid that he'd get hurt."
"Yeah." I looked down. "And then he got hurt because of it."
"He'd have been alright if he was with us."
I knew it was just an observation on Ronon's part, but the words struck home and I barely managed to bite back a wince. He was right, of course. "I know." Looking up, I sighed. "By trying to prevent it, I almost made it come true."
(Several Days Later)
Rodney was sitting up in bed, enjoying some jello. Well, ok, eating it, but clearly not enjoying it, despite the fact that it was the blue kind. I'd stopped by to apologize for my rude behaviour, and explain what was going on, and he looked shocked.
"That's creepy. No wonder you were avoiding me." His eyes were full of understanding, even if he still tried to keep up an indignant front. Still, I saw the hint of uncertainty behind his words. "I was wondering what I'd done."
Of course he blames himself. I thought as I shook my head. "Not you. Me." I tried to ignore how corny the words seemed to sound, but at this point they were true. "I should've gone to Dr. Heightmeyer or someone, but I didn't know what to make of it." I was standing by the bed, with my hands in my pockets. Pulling one hand out, I ran it through my hair. "It was real weird."
Spooning another spoonful of blue jello into his mouth, Rodney grimaced and placed the half full container down with a look of disgust. "Well, I'll just be glad when I can have something other than jello." He pushed the tray away. "I'm even getting sick of the blue kind. I'm having dreams about meatloaf."
Not being able to help the small laugh, I nodded. "Well, it'll be alright if that one comes true."
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Hope you like it.
Written December 7, 2008
R+R please
Thank you
Tenshi