Antarctica Research Base, Earth"Rodney." Silence. "Rodney." More silence. "Dr. McKay!"
Rodney looked up from his printouts to see a disgruntled Dr. Elizabeth Weir standing in the doorway to his lab. "What?"
"It's 9 o'clock, Rodney. You haven't been outside of your lab since lunch. You need to eat," Elizabeth remarked as she folded her arms across her chest.
"The mess is closed," Rodney said idly as he realized she was right -- he did need to eat. He must have been tuning out his stomach while studying the Zero Point Module.
"I managed to get the chef to whip up something. It's waiting for you in my office." Elizabeth turned to leave.
"Are you inviting me to dinner?" he asked with disbelief, although he was genuinely touched by her thoughtfulness.
Elizabeth turned back to Rodney, a smile playing on her lips. "Actually, yes, I am," she replied, before leaving the room. "Five minutes, Rodney," she called back as she walked down the hall. "Otherwise I'm considering the chocolate pudding to be fair game."
Rodney stared after her, blinking in shock, before carefully setting his printouts aside and following her down the hall. Who was he to resist an attractive woman offering dinner? Especially dinner with chocolate pudding for dessert.
Atlantis, Pegasus Galaxy
Rodney McKay was not a happy man.
That much was obvious to John Sheppard. The scientist was pacing around the control room, almost snarling at anyone who came too close to him. Grodin looked like he was thirty seconds away from smacking Rodney, and Zelenka was already reaching out to do so.
It was time to intervene before the control room became the site of a PhD Smackdown.
Grabbing Rodney by the shirt as the man passed, John dragged him out of the control room, ignoring Rodney's protests. John figured he'd collect from Grodin and Zelenka later. They owed him for this.
John opened the doors to the gym and pushed Rodney inside, following him and locking the door behind them. While Rodney sputtered incoherently, John crossed the room to where he and Teyla had left their workout gear before this current crisis had started. Picking up both pairs of Athosian fighting sticks, he tossed a pair at Rodney, who caught them easily.
John moved to the center of the floor. "Attack me."
Rodney stared, then rolled his eyes. "Major, in case it hadn't escaped your notice, we're in the middle of a situation here --"
John interrupted. "A situation that you are not helping by pacing the control room and growling like a wounded bear. So either you work off the bad mood, or channel it into something useful, but I'm not going to let you distract Zelenka and Grodin from doing their jobs."
Rodney threw one of the sticks against the wall. "Damn it, Major, Elizabeth is being held hostage by the Genii!"
"I know that." John replied calmly. "But you're so wound up you can't work on the problem objectively. We need you working on this, Rodney. That means getting you to calm down. Now I don't know about you, but beating up on things has always helped me."
"You’re a barbarian," Rodney said without heat.
"Nah, just military. They train us early that the punching the bag in the gym is better than punching the C.O. pissing us off," John said with a grin. "So? You gonna attack me or what?"
Rodney looked at John, then over at the fighting stick he'd thrown. "Or what, I think. I don't want to explain to Elizabeth how you got so badly beaten."
"As if," John retorted.
Rodney grinned. "Always a first time, Major." Rodney tossed the other fighting stick to John and walked toward the door. At the threshold, he stopped and looked back over his shoulder. "John -- thanks."
"Anytime, Rodney." John watched him leave. The man did seem as if he'd gotten some of his tension out. That would not only keep Grodin and Zelenka from throwing him down onto the gateroom floor, but also allow Rodney to think more clearly while he tried to get the stargate working again.
John put away the fighting sticks and went to find Aiden Ford. They had plans to discuss for when the scientists got the gate working again. Plans that, if John had his way, included enough C-4 to blow the Genii to whatever hell they believed in.
Antarctica Research Base, Earth
"Whose idea was it to let the military pick the movie tonight?"
Elizabeth looked up at where Rodney McKay was standing. Although they were all pretty much stuck on the base 24/7, she didn't believe that meant they had to work all the time - hence the base 'night off'. Movies were a part of it, although they weren't mandatory. After all, not everyone had the same taste in cinema.
"As a matter of fact, it was my idea. Since Dr. Grodin picked last week's movie, it seemed only fair to let one of the military personnel pick this week's."
"Elizabeth, do you know what movie they've picked?" Rodney asked.
"No."
Rodney made a face. "They've selected 'The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension,' that 'classic' of modern science fiction. Emphasis on fiction, not science."
Elizabeth quirked an eyebrow. "So it's not an Oscar winner. At least it has Jeff Goldblum in it."
That stunned him briefly. "Wait, you're going to go see it just because of an actor?" Rodney asked.
"I've seen far worse movies on the basis of who appeared in them. Tell you what, Rodney, you come with me tonight to see 'Buckaroo Banzai', and I'll make sure your science-fiction guilty pleasure is run next week."
Rodney narrowed his eyes. "Which version?" he asked suspiciously.
Elizabeth laughed. "The version starring Face from 'The A-Team' as Starbuck, Muffit the robotic dog, and the original and best Richard Hatch, who is not the guy from 'Survivor'."
"Just checking," Rodney said with a smile.
"I wouldn't run the remake, Rodney. I wouldn't want to listen to your commentary," Elizabeth added with a smile.
Rodney smiled back and made an almost courtly gesture to the door, letting Elizabeth precede him. "You realize I will be commenting throughout *this* movie."
"Just leave Jeff Goldblum alone, Rodney," she replied.
"Can't I make just one comment? Please?"
Atlantis, Pegasus Galaxy
"I did not think the Genii were *this* sophisticated."
Staring at the screen, Rodney nodded in apparent agreement with Zelenka's observation. "We hadn't seen anything to indicate they had ability to create a computer virus that would shut down our gate to our commands, but leave it open to incoming wormholes."
Standing behind Grodin, who was scrolling through the code the three scientists had just found in the DHD's programming, John crossed his arms over his chest. "Can you fix it?"
Rodney ignored John to ask Zelenka, "Do we know how it got into our system? We're the only ones who have access to it."
Zelenka gestured to the control room. "According to your report, the Genii were able to access the gate and these controls when they took over the city during the storm. Perhaps they introduced the virus then, and it was dormant until they activated it through some kind of signal - probably when they opened that wormhole to tell us they had Dr. Weir."
John sighed. "Hello, question here. Can you fix it?"
Rodney turned to look at John. "Major, knowing how it got into the system and how it was activated will help us figure out how to turn it off and prevent it from being accessed again before we can remove it from the system - assuming we can. We don't know how deep the coding is in Atlantis' system, or whether there's backup version of it somewhere just lying in wait. It could also be set up to appear to delete itself and then reappear when we reboot the system."
"So you can't fix it yet."
Rodney sighed. "No, not yet. We're working on it."
Glancing around the room, seeing Grodin and Calvin Kavanagh now scrolling though the code of the virus, Zelenka making notes on sections of the code, and a few other scientists discussing the possibility of jury-rigging a DHD on a smaller scale than the one at Cheyenne Mountain, John decided that perhaps it would be best to leave the scientists alone. "Keep me informed," he ordered Rodney before turning to leave the room.
"Will do, Major," Rodney replied distractedly.
At least Rodney was focused on the problem at hand now, John thought. Not distracted by his emotions over the fact that Elizabeth was missing.
It wasn't that John wasn't upset over the Genii having Elizabeth, it was just that he'd never been one to let his emotions out in the middle of a crisis - even before he'd started flying choppers in war zones. He'd have his own breakdown later, when Elizabeth was back safe on Atlantis. He didn't blame Rodney for his issues, though. Which was why John hadn't yelled at Rodney in the control room earlier -- he knew exactly what was driving Rodney here, and it wouldn't have been fair to make that an issue in front of everyone else. Lots of things were fair game for yelling at Rodney in public, but not this one.
John walked into the infirmary, where Carson was making notes on his laptop. "How's Teyla?" he asked the doctor.
"She'll be all right in a few days. She lost a lot of blood through that gash in her arm and the one in her thigh. I'm keeping her overnight to make sure she doesn't get an infection from crawling through that mud." Carson finished entering his notes and looked up at John. "How's Rodney holding up?"
John sighed. "I got him to calm down so he could focus on the gate problem instead of just being a nuisance to the other scientists, but I don't think he'll hold up well in the long run. I need to talk to Teyla, Doc."
Carson shook his head. "She's asleep, Major. Probably will be for a few more hours at least. I don't want to wake her up unless I have to -- it could set back her recovery."
John frowned. Before their stargate was sabotaged, Teyla had gone through to the planet where the Genii had captured Elizabeth to try to get intel and see if a rescue mission could be arranged. The planet was a militant matriarchy, making Teyla the only person John could depend on to do reconnaissance. Any man sent in ran the risk of capture and being sold as a slave if the matriarchs were in a good mood, death if they weren't - which is why Teyla and Elizabeth had gone to negotiate in the first place.
John really regretted that Colonel Sumner had decided that, given the unknown factors of the expedition, going to the Pegasus Galaxy was akin to going into combat. Thus, under Marine Corps policy, female service members had not been included. Not even female Air Force personnel. John wasn't sure how Dr. Weir and General O'Neill had been persuaded to go along with that, especially considering Lt. Colonel Carter's importance to SG-1. John really could have used trained female personnel to go with Teyla and Elizabeth on that mission.
If they ever got a message back to Earth, that would be one of the first things he requested from the Air Force. Along with more ammunition. A lot more ammunition.
Antarctica Research Base, Earth
Rodney walked into his lab, muttering under his breath at the report on the latest device they'd uncovered in the outpost. He wasn't quite happy with the results, meaning he'd have to run the tests himself to double check. At least he wasn't in Siberia anymore. Although it was still too damn cold for his liking. Why couldn't the Ancients have built their outposts and stargates in Antigua or St. Croix instead of Antarctica? Even having to work in Giza would be better - he could get a tan instead of frostbite.
A noise in the corner of the lab caught Rodney's attention. Looking up, he was startled to see Elizabeth sitting in the corner, behind a folding table Rodney kept around for when he needed more room to spread things out. She had a huge pile of folders in front of her, and a box to her right, about a quarter full of paper and folders.
"Elizabeth?"
She held up an index finger as she scribbled on something. When she was done, she closed the folder and tossed it in the box. "Rodney. Sorry. This was the only quiet place on base where I could get work done."
Rodney walked in and set his reports down on his main work table. "Don't you have an office?" he asked, curious as to why she'd abandon her domain to work on paperwork in his.
"Every time I start doing paperwork in there, Dr. Grodin or Dr. Jackson keeps popping in with something I absolutely have to see. I need to get this done before General O'Neill arrives. I can't exactly blame Dr. Jackson for my not getting my paperwork done," she said as she opened another folder.
Rodney tilted his head. "I don't know about that. Between Colonel Carter and Dr. Jackson, I'm sure the general has run into that problem."
Elizabeth looked up. "Not to mention all the times you were at the SGC, hm?"
Rodney shook his head. "I leave interrupting generals up to Colonel Carter and the rest."
Elizabeth put her pen down and sat back. "So that's why you're always in the room whenever someone else comes to get me."
Rodney looked down and rearranged his paperwork. "I recognize that not everyone shares my scientific enthusiasm at times."
"Rodney, I promise, I don't find you annoying when you get excited about a new development. I only find you annoying when get excited about a new development and interrupt my paperwork." Elizabeth gave him a crooked smile.
Rodney smiled back. "Shall I leave you to it, then?" he asked, gesturing to the paperwork. "I'm not expecting anyone to come down here for a while."
"Are you going to stay?" Elizabeth asked as she turned back to the form.
"It is my lab," Rodney replied as he picked up some of his own paperwork that had been waiting.
"You don't mind?" Elizabeth asked, a hint of uncertainly in her voice.
Rodney looked up and gave her a genuine smile. "Can't think of anyone else I'd rather have hanging around my lab."
Atlantis, Pegasus Galaxy
Getting the gate working had been easy, once Peter and Radek had cracked the Genii virus code. Rodney had been able to isolate it and get it out of their system. Another hour making sure the virus hadn't tried to reinstall itself, and Rodney had given John and his team the green light. Once Teyla had woken up, she had been able to tell the major the gate address of the planet Elizabeth had been taken to. The Major and a strike team had gone through the gate two hours ago, leaving Rodney and everyone else on Atlantis to wait.
Rodney hated waiting. Didn't matter what he was waiting for - birthday, Christmas, test results - he hated waiting. It was a waste of time, in his opinion. Especially now, since he couldn't work on any other projects. He'd only have to go back and do them again later. His mind wasn't on Atlantis, it was on the planet with John's team -- and Elizabeth.
Rodney wasn't the only one who was distracted. The whole city seemed to be holding its breath, waiting for news. Almost everyone who could find a logical reason to be there was in the control room or the gate room. Some people didn't even bother with a reason, just gathering on the steps and waiting.
Standing by the DHD, Rodney refrained from drumming his fingers on the console. Carson had already complained about that nervous habit, and then threatened to drug Rodney's coffee with a sedative. Rodney thought Carson had been kidding, but didn't want to test him.
"It's been two hours. I should have gone with them," Rodney muttered.
"To do what?" Carson asked.
"I don't know - something!"
Carson sighed. "Rodney, I'm sure Major Sheppard and his team can handle anything that comes up."
"Still, I should be there, just in case."
Carson's reply was cut off by the sound of the gate activating. Rodney immediately hit the button activating the shield as Peter slid into his chair next to the laptop that received and decoded the GDO signals. All eyes were on him until the radio crackled to life.
"Atlantis, this is Sheppard. We've got Weir and we're coming in hot."
Rodney turned to Peter, who nodded. "It's Major Sheppard's IDC."
Rodney deactivated the shield as the Marines pushed past the retreating crowd to guard the gate, taking up positions, weapons aimed. Carson and his team moved to the top of the stairs, waiting to treat any casualties.
Rodney moved to the overlook, waiting.
Antarctica Research Base, Earth
"Elizabeth!'
Elizabeth Weir turned to see Rodney McKay hurrying up to her. "Elizabeth, we need that Air Force major on the mission to Pegasus."
Elizabeth nodded. "I've already spoken to him, and to General O'Neill. I can't guarantee anything though. You know that the military won't order anyone on this mission."
"Yes, but the major --"
Elizabeth held up a hand. "Rodney! I want the major on the mission as much as you do."
Rodney paused. "I heard you and General O'Neill discussing personnel. I am still on the mission, right?"
"Rodney!" Elizabeth was stunned by the question.
"Because I know that I'm not General O'Neill's favorite person, and Dr. Jackson wants on the mission, but I think I'm better qualified for dealing with the Ancient technology and --"
Elizabeth reached out and put her hands on the scientist's shoulders. "Rodney, I am not leading a team to Atlantis unless you are on it, all right?"
Rodney blinked, then grinned. "Oh. Okay. Great."
Elizabeth shook her head. "You may want to start packing, though."
"Right! Right. Better make sure that we don't leave equipment behind . . ." Rodney turned and walked off, muttering to himself.
Elizabeth smiled and continued on her way. Rodney's personality might be abrasive, but she had told him the truth - she wouldn't go to Atlantis without him.
Atlantis, Pegasus Galaxy
John hadn't been lying about the team coming in hot. Genii bullets came through the gate before the team emerged, causing the marines to duck. Lieutenant Ford was first through, his arm around Elizabeth's waist as he hurried her through the gate and out of the line of fire. The other military personnel followed, the major the last one through. The gate closed behind him.
Carson and his team headed down, checking everyone over. As soon as Elizabeth had stopped moving, she collapsed where she was. Before Rodney could get to the gateroom, Carson had her on a stretcher and on her way to the infirmary. One of the nurses was tending to John when Rodney reached him.
"The next time I want to spare Kolya, shoot him for me?" John asked.
"No argument here. What happened?"
"Kolya was behind it. The Genii had her in one of their damn underground bunkers. He was trying to interrogate her when we got there. We waited until he left to grab her, didn't want to chance them hurting her when we burst in. I think they were drugging her or something -- she seemed out of it when we got there."
Rodney nodded. "You okay?" John's left sleeve was torn and there was blood soaking through the material.
"Yeah, fine. Just a flesh wound." John gestured with his chin in the general direction of the infirmary. "Go on. I'm staying here in case the Genii are stupid enough to try to send something through the gate."
"They know we have a shield, Major."
"Yeah, and they know we keep kicking their asses, yet they still keep trying to beat us," John added with a quirk of his eyebrow.
Rodney snorted. "Good point." He turned to leave, then turned back. "Glad to see you're all right."
John smiled. "Yeah, thanks, McKay."
Atlantis, Pegasus Galaxy, Alternate Timeline
He'd once heard a friend say that he would die for his wife. Rodney had never understood it. He loved people, sure, but he wouldn't die for them. He preferred to live with them, because what was the point of dying for someone you loved? Then they were left alone.
Standing in the control room, watching the waters of Atlantis flood the gateroom, he understood it now. He worked on the controls, trying to get the ship bay doors open, give Elizabeth and the rest time to get out of there. The major had said he could fly those ships. He'd better, Rodney thought, or I'll haunt him for eternity.
The water was lapping at his feet, and still Rodney worked. Just a few more seconds. A few more seconds to save Elizabeth.
He'd still prefer to live with her, but if his death would ensure her life, then it was worth it.
Atlantis, Pegasus Galaxy, Present Day
The infirmary was quiet, once Carson and his team had gotten Elizabeth stabilized. Whatever drugs the Genii had used on her were slowly filtering out of her system. She had a bruise on one cheek, and scratches and more bruises on her arms and hands where she'd fought her captors.
Rodney stood by the bed, arms crossed over his chest. Elizabeth was asleep, and he didn't want to disturb her. Still, he couldn't make himself leave.
John had stopped by, as had Teyla, Aiden, Radek, and Peter. Carson was still in the infirmary, but giving them privacy. He'd told Rodney that he didn't think Elizabeth would wake up for another few hours.
Sighing, Rodney knew he had to leave. He had to check with Radek and Peter on the examination of their computer systems, to make sure the Genii hadn't left any more nasty surprises. He had to review reports from his science teams. He had responsibilities as the chief scientist on Atlantis that he couldn't put off, and Elizabeth would be the first person to remind him of that.
Uncrossing his arms, he moved closer to the bed, reaching down to take Elizabeth's hand and squeeze it. Before he could let go, she squeezed back.
Looking up, Rodney saw her looking at him. He started to say something, but her smile stopped him.
"I know," she whispered. "Me too." Her eyes closed and Rodney could tell she'd fallen back to sleep.
Rodney lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it before setting it gently back on the bed. Smiling, he left the infirmary.