So the Wraith like to play with their food. Were they three? When AG 1 had 'gated to this world, they'd expected to do the usual - explore. Not run into a human the Wraith had implanted with a tracking device so they could play hide and seek with him. The tracking device gave them a huge advantage. The fact that this Ronan had survived for seven years evading them and hunting them back, was little short of a miracle, in Xander's opinion. He watched as Beckett did surgery without anesthetic in order to remove the device because Ronan was afraid to trust them.
"I don't blame you for not trusting us. Seven years being hunted, worrying if anyone you ran into would suffer for trying to help you or if they'd save themselves and turn you over to the Wraith. By the way, that energy pistol of yours is incredible. Did your people make it?"
"No, found it."
"And your sword? I've got a sword, it's a Scottish Claymore. Big sword. My father's people are Scottish. A sword like mine is real good at taking off an enemy's head."
"Made it from a Wraith I killed. I used his thigh bone."
"Good for you! That's making your enemy work for you!" Just as Ronan grunted and passed out from the pain.
"Thank you for distracting him, Captain." Beckett said. "I really hate doing surgery without anesthetic or in these conditions. Come on, let's get him back to Atlantis so I can do a scan and make sure I haven't made things worse."
"Do you really have a sword?" McKay asked as Xander picked up Ronan in a fireman's carry.
"Yes, I do and it's genuine, not a replica. In fact, I'm thinking of requesting if I can bring it to Atlantis. It takes alot of bullets to put down a Wraith, but like Ronan here, I know how to use a sword and mine really will take a head off."
"Where'd you learn how to use a sword?" Sheppard asked as the group headed for the 'gate.
"The Take Back The Night Initiative I was apart of, our mentor Giles, he's the same one who taught me about myths and folklore. He knew alot about medieval weapons and taught us all. For some reason, people in California don't notice if you walk down the street carrying a sword, but go bat shit insane, if they see you carrying a gun. Made intimidating gang members to stay away from us kinda fun."
"California is weird." McKay commented.
"I should be offended because that's my home state you're talking about, but I happen to agree, especially my hometown."
Fortunately for Ronan, Beckett's impromptu field surgery hadn't caused any additional problems and he recovered well. Which is why he and Xander are currently sparing in the gym.
"You're strong." Ronan said, once they'd finished.
"Yeah, better then average. I was unwillingly experimented on when I was a teenager. I was the only survivor and only because we figured out what was going on and stopped it before it went too far. I'm stronger then average, with better eyesight and hearing, and I heal faster. Short term exposure seems to have had a positive effect, it's long term that's dangerous. Since they don't have the formula the guy doing the experiment was using, I've been letting the doc take samples and study them. Maybe he can find something useful that helps others. I thought about telling you before we started sparring, but then I thought maybe you'd see it as more of a challenge if you could find it out yourself. You're the only one I've met that I could say is near me in terms of strength, among humans that is. But you've got different experience and training then me. If you stick around, we could learn from each other."
"Thinking about it, Sheppard asked. He any good?"
"As a Commanding Officer? Yes. Took him a little while to get use to being the guy in charge, but he's done a good job. Training? Also yes. Highly trained in a variety of ways and Teyla is teaching us both stick fighting, as well as others."
"You fight different. You fight like I do against the Wraith. Like you're used to fighting something bigger or stronger then you."
"Up until recently, I was a soldier on our planet, Earth and sometimes fought the Goa'uld. Parasites that take over a human body and control it, making it stronger in the process. So yeah, I've got experience fighting things stronger then me and winning. When fighting something stronger then you, you have to learn to use strategy, rather then force. Sheppard hasn't had to deal with them and so hasn't learned those strategies for himself, but with the Wraith, he's learning."
"I was a soldier. Before the Wraith came."
"I heard about what happened to your homeworld, Sateda. My sympathies. I hope some of your people survived. If they did, then I hope you find them."
"Thanks." Just as Cordelia walked up.
"Ronan, this is my wife, Cordelia. Cordelia, Ronan."
"Ma'am."
"Nice to meet you. Welcome to Atlantis. You all done getting sweaty, Xander? I'm hungry."
"Let me get cleaned up and I'll be right with you."
When he came out of the showers he saw Ronan and Cordelia chatting. As he approached, he heard her say. "I'm glad you've decided to stay. I think you and Atlantis will be a good fit."
"We'll see."
"Why don't you join us in the cafeteria, Ronan?" Xander said as Cordelia wrapped her arm around his waist. "Food's pretty good."
"Sure."
Judging by the fact that Ronan got thirds, it seemed certain that he agreed with that assessment.
