And now the other Lorne... enjoy. (PS. I guess it would've been a lot easier to follow if I didn't take 5 years to update...)
Markus hates the fact that he is confined to the underground barracks. But it was his only choice. He couldn't lie to his mother's face, not like this.
Carolyn had given him the usual run down and explained that every SGC PT was done at the hospital in town but with cover stories where the soldiers were wounded. The risk was too high to maybe run into his mom. He just couldn't risk it especially since there was no good explanation why he would do PT in Colorado Springs when he is supposed to be out of the country.
No, he couldn't and wouldn't agree to that.
And her solution had been to confine him to base.
All in all his session went quite well, and he is supposed to graduate to walking short distances without crutches if the muscle strength test goes well.
"There you are," a voice startles him from behind, and when Markus turns around, he sees his aunt Sam.
"So I didn't imagine things," he breathes out.
"I had a feeling you had seen me back in the day," she pulls up a stool and waits for him to speak.
"Why didn't you tell me about your time in Atlantis? I mean, you must've known exactly what Cam was up to..." he trails off.
"I knew what he had to do, yes. Believe me, he wasn't happy when I told him what would happen. He yelled at me for blindsiding his decisions..." Sam sounds regretful.
"But you couldn't change a thing. You knew it would have to happen, or things would undoubtedly change. Like SG1 did before, right?"
"So you heard about that?" Sam chuckles a little, "Yeah, we messed up, but we had some fun with that too..."
"Oh, God," Markus groans out and slaps his forehead. He feels moronic that he didn't put this together.
"Come on, we didn't break anything. And as far as I know, you didn't either. But you should consider being honest with your mom. Would make for much nicer commendations, too, you know," she replies and gets up when his trainer comes in.
"I know, but I sort of want to surprise her for her birthday, and wouldn't it be nice if I could do that without crutches or a limp?" Markus shoots back, motioning to his legs.
"Certainly a good idea, and if it doesn't go well, you can flee to Pegasus on the next transport, right?" Sam winks at him before just walking out.
Markus grits his teeth at that. He hadn't planned it this way, but yeah, it was a nice coincidence that a planned dial-up to the city was just the day after her birthday. He has about four weeks left to get his strength back and get out of here, or he will have to bite the bullet and admit to some sort of injury.
Markus does all the exercises and adheres to every guideline the therapist sets out, and still, he can barely see or feel any progress.
"How long do you think this is going to take?" he huffs out to the therapist, feeling his patience grow thinner with every breath after a round or two on the machine.
"It's too early to tell," the therapist replies, "we just started. Hang in there. Tomorrow is a new day."
Over the next two weeks, Markus gives it his all, and he can finally see results for himself. The therapist told him every day he was making progress, but yeah, this morning, he managed to walk to the mess without crutches and breaks, so that's a real win in his mind.
"Well, well, well, looks like you will actually make the trip back home," Markus hears from behind him and almost falls down, turning on his heel.
"Sorry," Mer steadies him and smiles, embarrassed.
"What are you doing here?" he frowns at her. "Aren't you supposed to be doing research or something?"
"I am, but I needed to get a few things here today, too. Plus, I wanted to see how you're doing. The idea that Torren will continue on as team leader for my, our team..." Mer shakes her whole body.
"He is a great leader," Markus defends the other man.
"That may very well be, but he has no apprehension for my work," Mer huffs, annoyed.
"And you think I do?" Markus chuckles and bursts out laughing, seeing her shocked expression.
"I hate you," Mer slaps his shoulder.
"So, now, really: why are you here?" he brings the topic back and starts eating his breakfast.
"I need an address from command. I am looking for my mom's maid of honor, and I know she is still affiliated with the program, but apparently, she ignores everyone named McKay in her emails.
"And you think they will just give that to you?" he can't help but raise his eyebrows and tilt his head.
"Generals Mitchell and Sheppard already cleared her to go to Atlantis, provided she agrees so that they will help. Or so help me, God."
"Which one?" Markus quips and then ducks to dodge the apple Mer throws at him.
"Ey, that is a valid question around here," Markus laughs and reaches for his yogurt cup and spoon, but before he can do anything else, a voice from behind them booms.
"Dr. McKay, Lieutenant,"
Markus snaps to attention. His uncle's authoritarian military voice always instills that in him.
"General," Mer smiles sweetly, "just the man I was looking for."
"So I heard," Cameron replies dryly, and Markus can see the twinkle in his eyes betraying the serious mask he is wearing.
"Lieutenant, you can put down the spoon; otherwise, I might need you to sweep and mop this place,"
Markus lets the spoon sink into the yogurt container and sits up even straighter, earning himself a mouthed "suck up" from Mer. He wishes he could openly quip back, but knowing his uncle, he'd risk cleaning duty either way.
"Yes, sir!" is his only answer before Mer and the General leave for their meeting.
I guess that address is highly secret.
After finishing his breakfast, Markus makes his way into the gym like every day so far. He starts off slow with some stretches, just like the therapist has shown him, and then opts for a slow walk on the treadmill, just building up some strength.
"I think you should take a break," Mer's voice suddenly startles him out of his rhythm, and Markus almost falls flat on his face on the machine.
"God, when did you learn to sneak up on people?" he huffs out, reaching for the towel on the crossbar to wipe away the sweat he hadn't realized was on his forehead until now.
"We trained together, remember?" Mer replies, handing him a water bottle, "What's up with you?"
"You asked if I want to come back. I do. But I also want to see my mom before that. It's her birthday in a few weeks, and I hopefully can visit her without limping or obvious injury." Markus explains, sitting down on a bench, guzzling in the water.
"I see," Mer nods and then frowns, "When exactly is her birthday?"
Markus tilts his head, confused, and answers, "The 20th,"
"But that would mean you won't make the trip to Atlantis on time..." Mer sounds angry with him.
"Hold your horses," he shoots back, tapping his fingers on the water bottle, trying to work this out, "Your parent's party is on the 22nd, right? And it's 24 hours on Midway. I'll make it. My trip is scheduled for the 21st early morning. Isn't yours too?"
Mer shakes her head.
"No, we're supposed to leave on the 20th. I have it here in my calendar," she huffs, annoyed, and pulls out her device. And low and behold, she has a confirmed trip the day before his.
"Mer, maybe it's too many people at once, and they decided to split the groups," Markus lamely replies and then pushes up again when the therapist walks in.
"Okay, I'll figure it out. I have a stubborn doctor to convince to be a special guest anyway. See you around," Mer waves and walks out.