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Rodney McKay, the head of science and research on Atlantis had been missing for months. He had simply vanished whilst he and his team were on a routine mission to a world populated with people who were simple farmers and fishermen. Despite repeated searching and questioning of the locals colonel John Sheppard had failed to find McKay. The search lasted for weeks but in the end the were forced to conclude that Rodney was MIA.
John Sheppard stood alone in Rodney's quarters. The room had not been touched since the day Rodney had disappeared. John noticed little things that were so Rodneyish, the hurriedly made bed, the socks and underpants hanging out of drawers and a half eaten power bar on the desk next a laptop.
John sighed. He missed Rodney McKay more than he'd ever openly admit. Being in the man's room, surrounded by his things made John's heart ache. They had lost many people on this expedition to Atlantis, but none touched John as badly as loosing Rodney. Every day Sheppard hoped that there would be some news, some clue as to what had happened to McKay.
“We're going to find him.” A deep voice said taking John by surprise.
Sheppard turned to see Ronon Dex standing in the doorway. “I know.” Sheppard replied. “I never thought I say this but I miss him so much.”
“Me too.” Ronon quietly said, his head bowed. “I'm willing to search alone if need be.”
Sheppard huffed. “You know I can't allow that. All teams are making enquiries on missions and we've enlisted the help of the Athosians. We're bound to come up with something sooner or later.”
“I heard you are going to replace him on the team.” Ronon grumbled.
John let out another sigh. “It's temporary, Ronon. I had Elizabeth breathing down my neck to find someone to fill in for McKay. The guy I picked is a sergeant from the engineering corps. He also has the Ancient gene. His name is Alfred Brooks.”
Ronon huffed, frustrated at what he perceived to be a lack of action on Sheppard's part. Ronon wanted to be out everyday looking for Rodney or at least learning what fate befell him. The Satedan was a man who didn't like sitting around waiting. The fact that in all this time they had still no news on Rodney made his teeth itch.
Sheppard's earpiece buzzed and Elizabeth Weir's voice sounded. “John, I need you and the rest of your team to come to my office right away. Teyla is already here. We may have a lead about Rodney McKay.”
“On our way Elizabeth.” Sheppard replied. He tapped his headset. “Brooks, we're needed in Elizabeth's office right away.”
“Copy that, colonel.” Brooks replied.
A few minutes later Sheppard and his team were assembled in Weir's office. Brooks, a stocky African-American man in his mid twenties, stood to attention as Sheppard walked past.
“At ease, Brooks.” Sheppard said to the man.
“Gentlemen I would like you to meet Saleya, she is an Athosian who has information for us.” Elizabeth Weir nodded at a small timid looking woman with short cropped hair.
Saleya cleared her throat. “I and my family were on a trading mission to the city of Aknantes on the world of Maramor. While there we visited the city's temple. It was whilst in the temple that we saw a man matching the pictures and description you had passed among us.”
Sheppard gasped. “You're absolutely certain?”
“Yes, he is a lot fairer than the people of Aknantes so he stood out. We did not approach this man but I can say with great certainty that he is the one you are looking for.”
“Do we have the gate address for this world?” Sheppard asked Elizabeth.
“The gate team are ready to dial as soon as you're ready.” Elizabeth replied with an excited look on her face.
“Right. Have Dr Beckett gear up and meet us. Something tells me we might need him.” Sheppard said to Elizabeth.
“He’s already getting prepared as we speak.” Elizabeth replied. “Good luck, John.”
*******************************
Less than an hour later John Sheppard, his team and Dr. Carson Beckett were stood by the gate on the world of Maramor. They were on a hill that over looked a valley that was filled with a large thriving city. For the Pegasus galaxy this was an impressive settlement. Most places Sheppard and his team visited were nothing more than small temporary encampments. Aknantes was a well established place with buildings of brick and stone. Dominating the scene were three very tall spires that belonged to a huge building. Sheppard assumed this was the temple.
Sheppard turned to Teyla. “What do you know about this place?”
“I have never been here myself but a few of my people have. It is said to have a wonderful market. My people have said the city has some immunity from Wraith attack. But I do not know how.” Teyla replied.
“Are we likely to meet any trouble do you think?” Sheppard asked, putting on his sunglasses.
“I have heard the people here are mostly friendly and welcoming.” Teyla answered.
Brooks suddenly gasped. “Whoa colonel. You have to see this. Energy readings off the scale.”
Sheppard turned to see Brooks using a life signs detector. “Whadda you mean, sergeant?”
“Well comparing these readings with those Dr. McKay has previously recorded I'd say this place has a ZPM.”
John looked at Brooks impressed. “So you've been studying McKay's reports?”
Brooks smiled. “Yes sir. I have read nearly every one of his mission reports plus a lot of the papers on various theories and findings he'd made available.”
Sheppard nodded. “Well that Athosian woman said she'd seen the man matching McKay's description in the temple. I think that's where we should be headed.”
A well maintained road lead from the Stargate down to the city gates. The team and Dr. Beckett made their way along it.
“Och, I hope this dinnae turn out to be a wild goose chase.” Carson grumbled as he adjusted his backpack.
“I also hope that we will find doctor McKay alive and well.” Teyla offered as they walked along.
As they approached the city gates Sheppard could see two guards holding spears standing either side of the huge city gateway. The gate looked imposing, with a raised portcullis. The guards reminded Sheppard of Roman soldiers. They wore polished bronze breast plates with an elaborate winged creature design embossed onto them. Their bronze helmets had brown plumes, like horse tails, coming from a finial on the top.
One of the soldiers stepped forward, his spear was kept upright. “Halt in the name of Poras the third, king of Aknantes.”
Sheppard stepped forward. “Hi, we're explorers and we've come to visit your great city. We've heard so much about it and just want to see it for ourselves.”
The soldier eyed each of them up and down. “You may enter but you must leave any weapons here with us.”
Sheppard smiled. “No problem, sir.” He said respectfully. He handed over his P90 and his side arm. The rest of his team followed suit.
“Wait, what is that in your hand?” The guard pointed at Brooks.
“Oh this is a life signs detector. It's not a weapon.” Brooks held up the LSD so that the guard could see it. The man seemed satisfied and gave a nod.
“You may all proceed into the city. Your weapons will be kept safe until you return. Enjoy your visit.”
Sheppard smiled at the guard. “Well thank you. I'm sure we will.” With that he made his way through the gate, with the others following close behind.
They came out into a wide cobbled street. Either side were inns and taverns, which eventually gave way to shops. People dressed in various coloured linens walked along the street going about their business. Many carried baskets filled with groceries. Walking to the end of the street they came to an open square filled with market stalls. The sounds of stall holders bellowing about their wears filled the air. People walked from stall to stall, others haggled with stall holders over prices. The place buzzed with activity. So many smells reached the teams noses, some pleasant and others not so.
Sergeant Brooks was amazed. “Wow, this place is like something out of a fairy story.” He remarked.
“Aye laddie.” Carson replied. “Let's hope it's one with a happy ending.” Brooks chuckled at the doctor's reply.
Sheppard stopped and looked up at the tall spires that jutted up into the sky. There were three of them and they tapered off into thin points. The central one was the tallest. Sheppard compared the architecture to that of the surrounding town. The three shimmering spires looked to have been built by a far more advanced society than the one currently occupying the city. Sheppard pondered if they were Ancient in design.
“What is It, colonel?” Teyla asked.
“Ah, I was just thinking them spires look way more advanced than anything these people have built.”
“Do you think the Ancestors built It?” Teyla looked up at the spires.
“That might explain how they're able to keep the Wraith at bay. These people probably stumbled across Ancient technology and somehow got it working.” Sheppard replied before moving off again.
Brooks, who'd been listening in came up beside the colonel. “What you say makes sense, sir. The energy readings are strongest in the direction of that building.”
They walked along a wider street that eventually opened up into a huge square. From here they could truly appreciate the splendour of the temple. The main entrance doors were a larger more decorative version of the doors on Atlantis. The style of the building, with decorative geometric patterns was very much in the style of the Ancients.
Around the doors and front steps of the building were people, both men and women, who were virtually naked. They wore jewellery and they had shawls made of a thin see through material that glittered and sparkled in the sun light. The people danced or called to passers by to come into the temple. Each of them wore collars with bells attached to them. As the dancers moved the bells jingled.
“Well this is interesting.” Sheppard said as he eyed the naked dancers.
“Och nae. Is that a temple or a brothel?” Carson gasped.
Sheppard shrugged. “Maybe it's both.” Carson gave him a horrified look.
“What would our McKay be doing in a place like this?” The doctor pondered.
“Let's go and find out.” Sheppard replied as he walked off towards the entrance. The rest of the team followed.
As they neared the steps leading up to the entrance two of the naked people came up to them. One was a young man with golden coloured hair, the other a young woman with long hair and a dark complexion.
“Welcome to the temple of Aknantes.” The young man said. “Have you come to do service in honour of the Sun god?”
Sheppard looked at his colleagues, he had an inkling of what these people meant by ‘service.’ None of his team seemed worried so the colonel turned back to the young man. “Yeah, sure that's what we're here for.” He replied confidently.
The young man and woman both smiled at Sheppard's answer. “Then please come with us. We are priests of the Sun god and we will be happy to help you and offer our bodies to you.” The young priest said as he eagerly beckoned them to follow. The young couple headed towards the temple doors.
Carson leaned close to Sheppard. “I hope you bloody well know what you're doing, colonel.” He muttered.
“It'll be fine, I'm certain.” Sheppard said, trying to sound as cool and calm as possible. He quickly followed the young priest and priestess. Carson huffed and shook his head but followed after him.
The interior of the temple was bright and airy with many stained glass windows similar to the ones of Atlantis. They walked into a huge circular chamber. Massive columns were set at regular intervals around the chamber. Looking up revealed a conical ceiling that was so high it was impossible to see the apex.
Around the edge of the chamber, behind the columns there were padded mats. Many of the mats were occupied by people engaging in all manner of sexual activity. Their moans and groans echoed around the chamber walls.
“I was right about this place being a bloody brothel.” Carson muttered.
“Keep your eyes peeled for Rodney.” Sheppard said quietly.
The young priest stopped and turned to the Atlanteans. “Would any of you like to visit the garden?” He asked.
Sheppard turned to his team. “It might be an idea to split up. Carson and Brooks with me, Teyla and Ronon you take a good look around in here.”
“My two friends here want stay in here. The rest of us would love to see the garden.” Sheppard said to the young priest.
“I will assist you two then.” The priestess said to Teyla and Ronon. She led them off to see the rest of the temple interior.
Sheppard, Carson and Brooks followed the young priest as he led them through an open archway into a bright, sunny garden. There was a beautiful fountain set in the middle of a large pond. Water lilies with large pink and cream coloured flowers floated on the surface and golden coloured fish lazily swam around between the lilly stems. Not far away music was being played. A flute and a harp joined together make a sweet melody.
Walking around the pond John saw a large gazebo made of wood. A small group of naked people, priests and priestesses were gathered around a large chair that was beneath the gazebo. A man sat on the chair listening to the musicians play. He had on his head some sort of gold crown that looked like rays coming from his head. Around his neck was a gold collar adorned with bells.
“I dinnae believe it.” Carson said as he came to stand by Sheppard. They both stared in disbelief at the man seated under the gazebo.
“Yep that's our McKay.” John replied. He didn't let it show but he was so happy that after months of searching they had finally found Rodney.
The young priest who had been leading them saw where they were looking. “He is the Oracle of the Sun god.”
“Really?” Sheppard looked at the young man. “Is it okay if we talk to him?”
“Of course you may.” The young man replied “Wait here and I'll fetch him for you.” He went up to the Oracle of the Sun god and spoke to him. The Oracle looked across at Sheppard and his team. For a moment it looked as if he recognised his former team mates. But then he simply smiled. He got to his feet and draped his thin shawl over his arms. Like all the priests of the temple he was naked except for a few bits of jewellery. He approached Sheppard and his team with his hands raised, as if giving them a blessing.
“Greetings to you.” Rodney McKay the Oracle of the Sun god said with his lopsided smile. “You wish to speak with me?”
Sheppard looked around to make sure no one else was listening. The young priest was talking to the others under the gazebo. “Rodney it's us.” He said.
“I don't understand, although you look familiar.” Rodney replied pointing at Sheppard .
“Of course we're familiar Rodney. Up until a few months ago you were the head of science and research on Atlantis. You were a member of my team.” Sheppard said, hopeful that he might jog McKay's memory.
Rodney laughed. “I am sure you are mistaking me for someone else. I serve the all powerful sun god. My body is a vessel through which the Sun receives power. I am happy for you use my body while you give to the Sun.”
“Would you mind explaining what that means, laddie?” Carson asked.
“You can each make love to me and in doing so give power to the Sun.” McKay happily replied.
Sheppard and Carson looked at one another, they were both rather concerned.
“Well now laddie. Why don't we go somewhere more private and discuss this.” Carson patted Rodney's elbow.
“Sure, come with me.” Rodney beckoned.
Sheppard couldn't help but check out Rodney's rear, as he led them to a secluded part of the garden. He had always thought Rodney's backside was one sweet looking peach. Now, seeing it fully uncovered, he thought so even more. Sheppard quickly shook himself out of his lustful thoughts. He was here to rescue McKay, not take advantage of him. He tapped his headset.
“Teyla, Ronon we've found McKay.”
“That is wonderful to hear, colonel.” Teyla replied quietly, as if she was trying not to be overheard.
“Yeah, we’re out in the garden. I'll send Brooks to come and find you. Also see if you can find some spare clothes or a blanket. Anything you can find to cover over McKay, as he's currently not wearing anything.”
“I understand colonel.” Teyla replied.
Rodney led them to an area that was surrounded by hedges. In the middle of the area there was a smaller gazebo. “Here we are. A nice little cosy place where we can make love with out being disturbed.” Rodney sat down on a bench that ran around the circumference of the gazebo, except where the entrance was. There were numerous cushions available to sit on. Sheppard quickly sent Brooks to go and find Teyla and Ronon and bring them to the gazebo.
Carson hovered over Rodney. “Is it alright if I examine you?”
“If you wish.” Rodney happily replied. “I'm clean and all prepped.”
“Yes, well that's good to know.” Carson awkwardly replied. He started his examination with Rodney's eyes, checking his pupil responses with a light. He took blood samples and ask Rodney about his life in the temple. After Carson had completed his examination he indicated to Sheppard that they should talk in private. They stepped out of the gazebo.
“Doc?” Sheppard prompted.
Carson gave a deep sigh. “Well I can say with certainty that he's under the influence of drugs.”
Sheppard looked concerned. “Is there anything you can do to clear his head?”
“Yes, I have something in ma medical kit. He'll most likely get a mean headache, a dry mouth and be a little depressed but it'll help him be more himself. There's something else though.”
“What?” Sheppard asked, needing to know everything, even though he knew he wasn't going to like it.
“I suspect they've used some form of mind control programming on him.”
“How do you mean?
“Well they may have withheld food, caused him pain or left him isolated in darkness until he complied with what they wanted. That as well as getting him hooked on drugs.” Carson explained.
“You're basically saying they've tortured him?” Sheppard clenched his fists angrily.
Carson looked down. “Aye, that's what I'm saying. When we get him back he might not be the Rodney McKay we once knew.”
Sheppard felt devastated. He couldn't bare the fact that they had finally found Rodney, only to discover he maybe damaged beyond repair. “Do what you have to do, Doc.” Sheppard replied with a heavy sigh.
Rodney offered little resistance as Carson injected him with a substance to counteract the drugs that clouded his mind. “There, it'll a couple of minutes to kick in.” Carson said as he stuck a small sticking plaster over the injection spot.
Sheppard watched Rodney closely. He sat down next to the man and waited.
“Whoa, I feel strange.” McKay complained, rubbing his head.
“Aye, sorry about the headache, laddie.”
Rodney looked up at Carson and squinted. “Who, Carson?”
“I'm here too. So are Ronon and Teyla.” Sheppard said giving Rodney a gentle pat on the shoulder.
Rodney became more self conscious over his nudity and wrapped his shawl over his loins. “You're Sheppard?”
“That's right pal. John Sheppard.” He smiled at Rodney, but John could see a lot of confusion and fear in the other man's face.
“You need to go, all of you.” Rodney was shaking. He hugged himself and began rocking back and forth.
“We're not leaving without you.” John firmly replied.
Ronon and Teyla appeared with Brooks. John looked at them and indicated for them to stay quiet for the moment. Teyla had managed to get a blanket from somewhere and stood with it draped over her arm.
Rodney was rocking more vigorously now. He was clearly very distressed about something. Sheppard put his arm around his friend's shoulders.
“What ever is worrying you Rodney, your safe now. We won't let any one hurt you.” John said in his most reassuring voice.
“No, the Sun will die without me. The darkness will take over and the people will be taken.” Rodney whimpered.
“Rodney, you're the most brilliant astrophysicist I've ever met.” Sheppard said. “You know all about the stars and how they work. You know this world's sun won't die if you leave. It was burning before you got here and will carry on that way for a long time to come.”
“The old Oracle of the Sun god died, that's why they needed me.” Rodney answered while chewing his finger nails. “They knew I had the ancient gene and could power the throne of the Sun god.”
Carson gasped. “Throne of the Sun god? It sounds like they have a control chair here somewhere.”
Brooks nodded. “And if it's a working control chair that means they probably have a fully working ZPM.”
Sheppard frowned disapprovingly at the sergeant. “Our mission is to rescue McKay. We’re sticking to that today.”
“Yes, colonel.” Brooks replied.
“We are going to have to figure a way of getting Rodney out of here without anyone noticing.” Sheppard looked at each of his team members but no one could think of anything.
“They hurt me.” Rodney suddenly said.
Sheppard turned to look at Rodney. “They did what?”
“When I told them their beliefs were wrong they hung me up by the arms with chains and used some sort of cattle prod for hours. Only when I said I accepted what they believed did they stop. They gave me some food and drink and kept making me say that their beliefs were true. If I didn't say it they'd hurt me again.” Rodney began crying, big heart wrenching sobs came from the man.
Sheppard knelt in front of him and gripped McKay's arms. “Hey, we're leaving this place. No one is ever going to hurt you again. Do you understand?”
Rodney nodded and composed himself a little. “Alright.” He said.
“Do you know of any other ways out of this temple?”
“No, I'm sorry.” Rodney sniffled.
“It's okay, Pal. It would have made things easier if there was a back way we could have snuck out of.”
Sheppard took off his tac vest and then removed his jacket. He put the jacket on Rodney and removed the gold crown from his head and the collar from around his neck. “Teyla, give me that blanket.” He said holding out his hand. Teyla handed him the blanket and watched as John secured it around Rodney's waist.
“Right, let's all walk out in a group with Rodney in the middle.” Sheppard ordered. “Everyone just act normal when we walk out. Hopefully no one will notice us.” Sheppard knew it wasn't the best plan in the world but it would have to do. Carson walked next to Rodney to make sure he was alright. They walked through the garden unhindered. Everywhere they looked there were people making love to the priests and priestesses of the temple. Sheppard felt more anger rise when he considered that they had forced Rodney to do that.
As they entered the temple building the young priestess who had spoken to them earlier came rushing up.
“Are you leaving so soon?” She asked.
“Er, yeah. We all had a great time but we have to be on our way now.” Sheppard hoped he sounded convincing.
“Well please come and visit us again soon.” The priestess replied.
“Oh we will.” Sheppard smiled at the young woman. “Well so long for now.”
The priestess stepped aside and allowed them to carry on. Sheppard decided it was best to pick up the pace and get out as quickly as they could. He was relieved when they made their way down the temple steps. He looked back at Rodney; the man had his head cast down but looked nervous.
The journey through the city was without incident and they were soon at the city gates.
Carson sighed. “Aye, well that was easy enough.”
“We need to collect our gear before we head to the Stargate.” Sheppard pointed out. “Let’s just all stay calm while I talk to the guards.”
They all walked through the large open gateway. The same two guards were on duty as before. Sheppard approached the one he'd spoken to earlier.
“Hi, we need to collect the stuff we left earlier.” Sheppard said with a smile.
“You didn't stay long then?” The guard replied.
“Well we saw all we came to see.” Sheppard casually replied.
The guard shrugged and then headed off to a door built into the gateway.
The other guard watched them. “Say weren't there only five of you before?”
Sheppard gave a little laugh. “Yeah, we met up with a friend who's coming back with us.” The guard merely gave a nod in reply.
The other guard appeared. “Your wepons are here. They're bit awkward for me to carry.”
“Right of course. Let me give you a hand.” Sheppard and Ronon went over to him and collected their guns. “Well it's been a pleasure. Thank you for looking after our gear.” Sheppard replied as he holstered his side arm and clipped his P90 to his tac vest. The others took their guns and they set off back along the road towards the Stargate.
As they walked away, Sheppard heard a commotion from behind them. He turned and saw a bearded man dressed in a cloak frantically speaking to the guards.
“That don't look good.” Sheppard said to Ronon. The other man grabbed his blaster. Sheppard turned to the rest of them. “Hurry and get Rodney to the gate.”
“Hey, all of you. Stop in the name of king Poras.” One of the guards yelled. Ronon fired his blaster and the man fell. The other guard and the bearded man stared in horror.
“Come on people move it.” Sheppard yelled at his comrades. They started to run. Rodney tripped up on the blanket he was wearing and went down on his knees, grazing them. Carson and Sheppard helped him up.
“I know it's not dignified Rodney but your going to have to run bare ass.” Sheppard said as he helped Rodney along.
“Ow, my knees hurt badly.” Rodney complained.
“Sorry Rodney but we can't deal with it now.” Sheppard replied.
They suddenly heard a horn sounding from the town gate. Ronon looked back. “Sounds like they're summoning reinforcements.”
Sheppard gave a quick glance at Ronon. “If needs be we'll try and hold them off as much as possible.”
The journey back to the Stargate was up hill and everyone was breathing hard as they tried to put as much distance between them and the city as possible.
“Just leave me behind.” Rodney gasped as he continued trying to run with sore knees.
“No way Rodney.” Sheppard said. Gripping the man's arm and helping him to up his pace.
“They're coming.” Ronon bellowed. Sheppard rushed back to join Ronon. Brooks joined him.
“We'll try warning fire to hold them off.” Sheppard firmly said.
“If that don't work, sir?” Brooks queried.
“We'll do whatever's necessary to keep our people safe.” Sheppard replied through gritted teeth.
As the first of the Aknantes soldiers came into range Sheppard fired a well aimed burst from his P90 at the road. The bullets flicked up stone chips at the advancing soldiers. This was enough to make them hesitate.
“Right come on.” Sheppard said as he rushed up the road towards the rest of the team.
Relief came when the Stargate came into view. But Ronon called another warning that the town's soldiers were rapidly advancing up the road again.
Teyla rushed up to get to the DHD and immediately began dialing the gate. Carson managed to support Rodney and get him the last few yards to the awaiting wormhole.
“Get through the gate, don't wait up.” Sheppard shouted. Carson though was already there, he and Rodney disappeared into the rippling event horizon. As soon as Teyla saw John, Ronon and Brooks were near the gate she followed after Carson and Rodney.
A few minutes later the whole team was stood catching their breaths in the gate room of Atlantis. Carson was using his headset to call for a gurney to be brought for Rodney.
Elizabeth rushed up to greet them. “You found Rodney.” She happily said. Although her smile dropped when she saw the condition McKay was in. He was looking a little pale and sweat was dripping from him. He looked unsteady on his feet. Elizabeth then noticed Rodney was missing his pants. He somehow managed to hold the blanket he'd got from the temple over his private parts.
“I'm afraid Rodney is going to need an extended stay in the infirmary.” Carson bleakly said to Elizabeth.
“It's good to have you back Rodney. We've all missed you here.” Elizabeth warmly spoke.
Rodney gave a weary nod. “Thank you.” He replied in a whisper. It was then that the medical team Carson had requested came in with a gurney. Rodney was helped on to it and whisked away to the infirmary with Carson.
“Debriefing in one hour.” Elizabeth said to Sheppard.
“Yes ma'am.” Sheppard replied and went off with his team to store their equipment and get refreshed.
*******************************
After the debriefing was over with, John made his way to the infirmary to check on Rodney's progress. He met up with Carson, who had managed to find time to shower and change.
“How is he, Doc?” Sheppard asked.
Carson sighed. “Sleeping thankfully. It's going to be tough for the lad over the next few days. Those bastards basically made him into a drug addict. Now we have to gently wean him off the drugs.”
Sheppard gulped as his emotions rose. How dare those people do this to his friend. He was angry and sad at the same time. But he kept a calm exterior expression. “How long will it take?”
Carson raised his eyebrows as he looked at the sleeping form of Rodney. “A few days for the worst to pass. But he's going to have mental scars for a long time to come.”
Sheppard clenched his fists. He would give anything to punish those that had hurt Rodney. But he knew that was unlikely to happen. He took a deep breath. “Keep me posted on how he's doing. I'd like to see him when he's awake, if I can.”
“Aye laddie. I will do.” Carson said with a reassuring smile.
John left the infirmary feeling frustrated and at a loss of what to do now. He really felt like hitting something. It was then that he bumped into Ronon. The big man smiled knowingly at Sheppard.
“Let's go and spar.” Ronon said, slapping John on the shoulder.
“Sounds good to me.” Sheppard agreed and went off with Ronon.
***********************************
The next day John went to the infirmary to visit Rodney. Much to his relief, Rodney was awake and sat up in bed.
“Hey.” John said as he approached Rodney's bed.
“Hi.” Rodney replied with a little smile.
“So, how are you feeling?”
Rodney shrugged. “I can't seem to think clearly at the moment. My head is all fuzzy and I keep feeling low, I mean really low. Carson tells me it will last a little while. Until the drugs they pumped me with are cleared out.”
“Rodney, I'm sorry.” Sheppard said with a sigh.
“What for?”
“I wasn't vigilant enough when we went on that mission where you vanished. I shouldn't have allowed you to be in a vulnerable position.”
“It's not your fault, John. They were after someone who had the ancient gene. It could just have easily been you.” Rodney gently replied. He let out a long, sad sigh. “I keep having nightmares. About what they did to me.” Rodney's broad shoulders began to shake and he let out a heart wrenching sob.
“Hey, hey.” John tentatively reached out and laid a hand on McKay's shoulder. He did his best to calm Rodney but seeing his friend like this made John feel angry again. He had that feeling of needing to hit someone, to make the people who'd hurt Rodney pay. He suppressed the feeling. Such emotions wouldn't help McKay.
“I feel so dirty.” Rodney sobbed. “They made me into some whore.”
“Well it's over now, Rodney. You're safe and you'll be back to being the smartest guy here.” John said encouragingly.
“I don't feel smart at the moment. I can't think clearly.”
Sheppard smiled. “It'll come back, you'll see. Any way I'll let you get some rest and come by later.”
“Okay.” Rodney replied with a sniffle. “Hopefully Carson will give me something to read. It can be boring just lying here.”
“I'll get Zelenka to bring you a laptop.” Sheppard replied. “For now, keep strong, Rodney and remember we're here for you.” John started to walk away.
“Oh colonel.” Rodney called after him. John turned around to look at his friend. “Thank you for rescuing me.”
“You're welcome buddy.” Sheppard said with a smile and a nod.
************************
After a week Rodney McKay was finely allowed out of the infirmary. He was under the supervision of Dr Heightmeyer and Carson had asked Sheppard, Teyla and Ronon to keep an eye on Rodney. The man was still prone to bouts of deep depression and Carson was worried in case McKay tried to harm himself in anyway.
Rodney sat in his room with John. A chessboard lay abandoned between them. Rodney just couldn't get into the game and Sheppard had easily beaten him twice.
“How about we watch something?” John suggested.
Rodney sighed. “I'm not really in the mood to be honest. Look I understand what you're doing but I really don't need a babysitter.”
Sheppard leaned back in his chair, part of him was a little offended by Rodney's remark but he could understand his friend's frustration. “I know. You wanna get back to work.”
“Yes, now I'm no longer a drug addicted prostitute. I feel pretty confident that my mind is back to being my own now.” Rodney huffed. “Yes I'm back to being the smartest person here.”
Sheppard smiled. It felt so good to have Rodney McKay back with them. “Maybe we should speak to Elizabeth about it.”
“Hmm, maybe. But I detect some lingering doubt about the suggestion.”
“I'm wondering how you'd feel going off world again?” Sheppard gave Rodney a serious stare.
Rodney thought for a moment. “I heard you replaced me on your team. What's his name, Boots?”
“Brooks.” John corrected. “Sergeant Brooks. And his place on the team was only temporary. Your rescue was actually his first off world mission.”
“And this sergeant Brooks is happy to step down If I return to the team?” Rodney said, waving his finger around.
“He knew it was only temporary when he applied for the position.”
Rodney nodded but then sighed. “I'm still having nightmares. You know it's funny but when they made me a priest at that temple it all felt so calm and dreamy. I realise it was the drugs they were giving me but I felt so incredibly calm. They told me that people would want to make love to me and at the time I was totally cool with that. But now looking back at it I'm so disgusted with myself for allowing them to do that to me.”
“Hey, it wasn't your fault Rodney.” John replied reassuringly. “And nobody but me, Carson, Elizabeth and the team know about it.”
“Oh my god.” Rodney suddenly gasped. “Teyla saw me naked.”
John chuckled. “Well, yeah we all did. Look don't worry about it Rodney. Teyla is a very understanding person and we all know you weren't yourself then.” John was quiet for a moment. Then he looked Rodney in the eye. “You know I would never take advantage of you, right?”
Rodney looked confused at John's statement. “Right.” He puzzled.
John realised that was probably the wrong thing to say. He'd made a bit of a Freudian slip with his feelings. “Hey, you look tired. Why don't I let you get some rest.” He said, suddenly feeling the need to be somewhere else.
Rodney reached out and grabbed his arm. “Thank you, John.” He said, looking into Sheppard's eyes. He held on to John's arm a little longer than normal.
“You're welcome, pal. Call me if you need anything.” John said as he started to get up.
Rodney withdrew his hand from John's arm. “Yes, yes thank you. See you later.”
“Yeah, later.” John got up and left Rodney's room.
When he got back to his own quarters, John slumped down on his bed. “You know I'd never take advantage of you.” The words whirled around in his head, making him cringe. Rodney probably thought his best friend was a creepy weirdo. It also reminded him of something he'd tried to keep buried. He was in love with Rodney McKay, deeply in love but also deeply in denial.
John grabbed a surfing magazine from a pile that was sat on his bedside table. He began to look through it, trying to drive out all the thoughts and feelings he had for Rodney. It didn't work though. John found he just couldn't read a single word. He might as well have been reading a magazine written in Wraith. Frustrated, John slung the magazine back onto the pile and laid back to stare at the ceiling, his hands behind his head.
It was then that a soft knock came at the door. John stared at the door with a frown. The knock came again, a little louder. John got up and opened the door. To his surprise Rodney was stood there, looking down at the floor.
“Rodney, is something wrong?” John asked. Rodney didn't say a word but stepped forward and threw his arms around John and hugged him tight.
John felt awkward, he wasn't really a hugger but he patted Rodney's back reassuringly. “Hey, come in.” John pulled his friend inside. “What's brought this on?”
Rodney looked at John, his eyes glistening with tears. “I forgot about you John. They made me forget.”
“Well you remember me now.”
“Yes, yes. But I remember something else. Before all of that happened.”
John studied Rodney's face. “What?”
Rodney took a deep breath. “Well, um hopefully you won't just hit me or something.” He fumbled.
“Rodney just spit it out. What do you remember?”
“I had a serious crush on you. In fact I'd say I was head over heels in love with you. And now I find I still am. That is I still am in love with you” Rodney rambled quickly.
John stood looking stunned. His mind tumbled with a myriad emotions at what Rodney had just said. All this time he'd hidden the true feelings he had for this man, and now it turns out McKay felt the same way. Rodney McKay actually loved John Sheppard.
Rodney fidgetted nervously as he waited for a response. “Um, that is, err, maybe I should go.” He said, jerking his thumb over his shoulder.
“No.” John suddenly spoke. “Don't go.” He reached out and touched the side of Rodney's face. “It hurt so much when I thought I'd lost you. It was like a part of myself was missing. I love you Rodney McKay. I love you more deeply than I've ever loved anyone before.”
A tear trickled down Rodney's cheek. “Oh my god. I feel the same about you.”
Before Rodney knew what was happening, John was kissing him. Rodney put his arms around John and kissed him back. The love they had for each other pouring into their embrace.
The end.