kriadydragon | SGA Fic - Fortunate Pt. 2 of Pt. 4

“You're really worried about him,” Daniel stated.

He shouldn't have written that email.

“I'm worried,” Rodney said. He lifted his head off the seat. “I'm worried about my future lack of ass when it's chewed up and spit out because I harbored an escaped lunatic. I'm worried over the potential for Sheppard going ballistic when I'm least expecting it. I'm worrying over what the hell I'm doing and if there's any possible way out of this that doesn't end horribly and,” he scowled deeply, rapidly adding, “yes, I'm worried about Sheppard.” Damn it. It wasn't that he didn't care about what happened to the guy – Rodney had yet to call the SGC after all – he just wanted to be able to be pissed at Sheppard at the same time – have his cake and eat it, too.

This was all Sheppard's fault after all. The colonel barges in, demanding help, and yet has the tenacity to stipulate the conditions of that help, leaving Rodney without the means to get his own help so he could be of help in return then takes Rodney's bed and pukes on his floor. That couldn't be called friendship, more like being taken advantage of, putting Rodney in a very difficult position and leaving him to pick up the pieces. McKay had every damn right to be pissed, should be pissed yet couldn't dig his righteous indignation out from under all the worry.

Rodney missed being angry. Being angry meant that he was in the right and Sheppard in the wrong and he would be justified in picking up that phone and alerting the SGC -- but for a fact had been laid out before him like an ugly open wound that couldn't, wouldn't, be ignored. One plain and simple fact: Sheppard – team leader, team member – was in trouble and Rodney was the only other team member around to help him. All by himself... essentially, not counting Daniel who, so far, wasn't proving himself too useful.

McKay dropped his head back against the cushions. “Somehow I get the feeling that this is turning out to be a lot more complicated than it should be. Am I just being paranoid? The SGC wouldn't turn Sheppard back over to that hospital and those people. They'll take one look at Sheppard and know something's wrong. And Sheppard needs medical help which I sure as hell can't provide. He needs me to call someone. That's why he came to me. He's too frightened to do it himself so he's really relying on me to but hiding it by making me promise not to tell on him....”

With a heavy breath, Rodney slapped his hands over his face and rubbed. “It's too damn early for this kind of thinking, and I'm not going to call what I did in that chair sleeping. This shouldn't be that difficult. Just one phone call and Sheppard will be taken care of. End of story. Just one stupid phone call that I seem incapable of getting up to make. What the hell is wrong with me?”

He felt the couch dip next to him. “Well,” Daniel began, “if I may be so bold to suggest....”

Rodney dropped his hands then rolled his head to stare at Daniel with both impatience and expectation. Daniel had one arm draped across the right side of the couch and the other resting on his thigh, his index finger tapping his knee.

“You're not calling the SGC because you don't trust them any more than he does right now,” Daniel said, “which, really, I don't blame you. I doubt, after seeing all the bruising and, as you said, the lack of informing anyone of Sheppard's escape, that the SGC will just up and stick Sheppard back in that hospital.”

Rodney gave his fingers an enthusiastic snap and pointed at Daniel. “Exactly!”

“On the other hand, for the sake of safety, they may very well try to lock him up in a different hospital. Probably someplace non-military and local until they can get him settled into something more permanent.”

Rodney deflated, dropping his hand. “Oh. I hadn't even thought about that. Except that isn't a bad thing, right? Sheppard needs to be where the professionals are. He needs medication, routine, people who can wrangle him in when he flips out -”

“He didn't seem that flipped-out to me,” Daniel said with a shrug.

“Oh please. That's just what he wants you to think.”

Daniel exhaled sharply. “Yes, Dr. McKay, all delusional individuals are adept at being masters of deception. They plan their freak-outs accordingly.”

“You don't know Sheppard like I do,” Rodney said, stiffening. “Look up the word 'feign' in the dictionary, and you'll find his picture.”

A second exhale emptied Daniel's chest, this one deliberate, like a man pooling his patience. “No, I don't know Sheppard. I do know delusional, and there is no leash on delusional. Either Sheppard is very, very sick or very, very calm being out of that place... or....”

The final “or” made Rodney close his eyes and do a little patience-gathering of his own. All for covering the bases as he was, there were some possibilities that were best left to be the very last. To even begin to consider Sheppard's experimentation theory would be like feeding a wild animal – Sheppard wouldn't go away. More appropriately, he would keep coming back, claiming the experimentation was continuing in the new hospital he would be dumped in. There would always be experimentations, escapes, and Sheppard begging Rodney not to turn him in.

It would never stop.

Unless, of course, it was all true. But proof first then acceptance. Rodney refused to be held responsible for turning Sheppard's delusion into a full-grown fictional nightmare.

“We need to figure out what to do,” Rodney said in a massive change of subject.

Daniel sniffed and tilted his head back, miming Rodney. They sat like that in a long moment of awkward silence that was accomplishing nothing. Rodney was stuck in a conflicting state of being lead-weighted in body and wired in mind, hyper-aware enough to feel Daniel's proximity as a very obnoxious compression of air yet happily floating in a haze to not put in the effort of increasing space between them. When Rodney was on edge, the mere presence of others made his nerves coil and writhe.

“I have to admit, I'm impressed,” Daniel said. The sudden end to the silence made Rodney jump. “I never pegged you as the type who would ever develop the capacity to give a damn about anyone else.”

Rodney glowered. “Gee, thanks.”

“It's a compliment. Trust me.”

“Well, that's all fine and good, but oblique compliments aren't exactly solving our dilemma here.”

“Talking out loud helps,” Daniel said. “I would think you of all people would know that. It's just... Sam's always going on about how you're like this entirely new person from the one sent to Siberia. You think you know a guy – as she puts it. The thing is, I had a hard time taking her word for it until now. No offense.”

Rodney snorted. “Believe me, I've been offended in worse ways.”

“Anyways, it's just interesting to see is all.”

Rodney rolled his head in Daniel's direction and furrowed his brow. “Sam talks about me?”

Daniel shrugged. “Off and on. Mostly about how refreshing it is not to want to strangle you every five minutes.”

“Oh, that's nice of h -”

“More like every twenty minutes, but she swears it's an improvement.”

Rodney sagged and scowled. “Oh, yes, of course. There is absolutely no pleasing that woman.”

“Need I remind you that that woman is a friend of mine?”

“I know but that doesn't give her the right... look, forget it. Back on topic. Sheppard's pretty out of it so if we're going to call the SGC, we'd better do it now.”

Daniel shook his head slowly. “You're not going to call the SGC.”

Which had Rodney bolting upright because words like that usually belied a veiled threat. “What?”

“You're not going to call the SGC, or you would have done it by now. Look, McKay.” Daniel also straightened. “You can pretend to be practical and logical about this all you want, but it's not going to change anything. You're not going to call the SGC because, like I said, you don't trust them. At this very moment, you don't trust anyone, including me.” He held up his hand when Rodney opened his mouth to protest. “I know, Rodney. I know because I've been where you are, and knew others who've been where you are. Something bad happened to your friend; he was taken away to a place that was supposed to be safe with people who were supposed to know what they were doing, and something worse happened. You're pissed, and you're scared, and it's making it impossible to come up with a game plan.”

Daniel shifted around until he was facing Rodney eye to eye and holding his gaze. “But something will give eventually. Even if Sheppard recovers from whatever he's going through, it's not like he can spend the rest of his life hiding out here. If Sheppard doesn't recover and gets worse, then we'll have no choice but to take him to the hospital. If we call the SGC, Sheppard will freak and try to run, and I think you know that.”

Rodney did know that. In fact, he was quite sure he'd had a similar thought at some point in time. But he was so damn tired it was getting hard to remember what he had thought two minutes ago.

“So I need you to trust me, McKay. I have an idea. Just... I don't know if you're going to like it.”

Rodney went rigid with relief. “Hey, I was ready to call the SGC. I'm officially at the point where you could tell me to build a time machine to prevent all this, and I'd be willing to try.”

“Well, you're in luck since this is a hell of a lot easier... though I still doubt you'll like it. I want to call Dr. Lam.”

TBC...

On to Pt. 5

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Can't wait to see the idea! Also when Ronon and Teyla find out, but first we must learn what happened to Sheppard and discovered what was done to the poor dear.

I can't respond! Not without giving something away! *Frets* Oh, the temptation to post everything at once is getting harder to fight.

Yea! I'm glad Daniel was able to read Rodney so well and noticed just how ill (and NOT delusional)Sheppard is.

Rodney knows deep down things aren't adding up but Daniel has the emotional detachment to be able to look at everything objectively.

You've done exceptionally well with Daniel in this part - IMO.

Waiting on pins and needles for the next part!!!

Thanks!
November

Rodney dropped his head back against the cushions. He should have seen this coming, he really should have. In drops a crisis with a major human factor and suddenly all the cool, calm, and collected people felt it their duty to play shrink. Again, Rodney didn't need compassion; he needed answers – a damn solution to the human crisis that had waltzed through his door last night.
He shouldn't have written that email.

I love that bit. It's just such a perfect Rodney sentiment. He doesn't want sympathy - he wants answers!

I also like that he's not simply taking Sheppard's claims at face value, because from his POV, Sheppard *might* really be crazy and he's not doing his friend much of a favor if he goes along with his delusions. I like the way he's turning the problem over and trying to figure out which version is true.

And you've still got a great Daniel voice.

Regarding the posting problem - when I "view source" on this page there is a ton of extra code in your text (span tags and such), which might be what's pushing you over the posting limit. Maybe if you tried saving it as plain text and pasting that into the post window? You could apply the italics or other special formatting individually wherever it turns up.

Great job with Daniel. I can see his exact movements to go along with his words. To me he has always been a character to watch (not in a thunking way) as well as listen to.

Love Rodney facing his dilemma. Love that he just wants it to be taken out of his hands and over with, BUT is still being protective and wants to do the right thing.

Can't wait for the next part.

Eeeep! And the plot, so to speak, thickens. lol *wonders what the heck was really goin' on at that place* Hmm...Makes ya wonder about Daniel's stay, what they might've wanted to do to him...

Well I have to say that Lam is not all big and friendly with General Daddy and when she sees the bruising...she'll flip.

Give in to the "dark side" my dear! *evil laugh* You'll feel so much better when you do! *eg*

Awesome job with this and I just knew you were going to have him suggest Dr. Lam (when it should have still been Janet, but that's another beef w/ the ~~arrogant bastards~~ annoying PTBs)....

Now, I'm just waiting for Ronon & Teyla to show up, because I'm sure Rodney will be able to send them a vague enough email that they'll come running. :)

I love Daniel's calmness. He's just the right person for the job - not emotionally invested in McKay or Sheppard but with experience in the specific hospital and with mental illness (of a sort). He can view the situation objectively which is exactly was Rodney needs.

I think you're doing fine with writing Daniel, great job. :) Get Dr. Lam in the house - poor Shep is suffering!!! :)

Holy freakin' WOW! This story rocks!! That is all. :)

Whatever they decide to do, somebody's gonna be in trouble. I like your logical!Daniel. It's true, if anyone knows delusion, it's him. Can't wait for more!

Oh oh, I don’t think Sheppard is going to like it if Dr. Lam shows up but he could really use a doctor! I like the back and forth banter between Rodney and Daniel; you are going a great job writing his character!

You're doing a GREAT job with Daniel. I loved his statement about crazy people planning their freak outs - that was so very Daniel!!! I'm actually relieved that Rodney has some help - he was close to his own total freak-out trying to figure out what to do.

.....post.....it....all....of.....it.........
Is the hypnosis working? :) Love it!

Great chapter! Again, I thought both Daniel and Rodney's characterizations and voices were spot on. Love the juxtaposition of McKay's freaking out versus Daniel's calm reasoning. Lam will come over and help, right? Poor Sheppard...Please please please post the next chapter soon!!

Ooops! That was me that posted that last comment...forgot to sign in...

I'm loving Daniel - rational and not involved, so he can see the big picture.

I'm afraid I pretty much disagree with everyone else's comments though - as I'm pretty annoyed at Rodney for not trusting John basically at all. He can't think that maybe all the crazyness was drugs/a show for him/SGC? He seems very.. uhm... detached, only willing to believe recent actions vs. what he KNOWS of John.

Give it time. There's a reason why Rodney's being this way. I don't want to say too much but I will say that it has a lot to do with Rodney initially believing that John's insanity was caused by something other than finally breaking under the pressure.

Rodney's a very confused and overwhelmed man right now.

I may post all at once when I get near the end, or start posting two chapters a day. Really, it's a selfish decision because it's such a pain in the butt to post: not just having to make sure the posts fit, but my Internet is so slow it takes forever to post one post, and sometimes I don't have the time.

And I don't think Rodney will be able to E-mail Ronon and Teyla. The e-mail would have to be sent to the SGC, and Rodney and John are too paranoid at the moment to risk it ;).

Thanks. Yep, Daniel is perfect for this situation, which is good because there was a time during plotting that I considered going with Teal'c :S

Thanks!

"I like the way he's turning the problem over and trying to figure out which version is true."

Yes! That's Rodney to me, a very logical guy who's going to approach and look at things logically. Which, in turn, causes what he sees to conflict with what he knows. And as much as he doesn't want to consider what's in front of him, he can't help it. Plus there are some things that are difficult to believe for more reasons than just logic. There's also an emotional factor.

I'm definitely going to try the text thing with the next long chapter. I'm so sick of dividing chapters!

Love this... "Talking out loud helps,” Daniel said. “I would think you of all people would know that. It's just... Sam's always going on about how you're like this entirely new person from the one sent to Siberia. You think you know a guy – as she puts it. The thing is, I had a hard time taking her word for it until now. No offense.”

Very nice. And great use of Daniel-- a level-headed voice keeping McKay grounded, seeing through his bluster, offering advice. Nice.

Great job with Daniel and Rodney, very entertaining dialog and so true to character. Daniel is the calm to Rodney's sturm and angst. Love them bouncing ideas off each other and Daniel dropping the bomb to call Dr. Lam. Poor Rodney, so worried and doesn't know what to believe about Sheppard, yet Daniel sees through him and sees the changes in him from before. Poor Shep still in the background, being stubborn and suffering and we don't know why yet. This is so good, I look forward to your daily updates.

True, he's a very visual actor (I feel the same about shep - his expressions alone convey so much.). It made Daniel easy to visualize. His dialogue was the hard part (he really can give Rodney a run for his money when it comes to talking at high-speed ;))

Heh, compared to John, Daniel got off light ;)

Lam to the rescue! I have't seen much of her on the show, but just enough to know that, yes, she is not a woman to mess with.

Yep, exactly.

Thanks! Yes, Lam will tend to John's many owies... if he lets her...;)

Heh-heh, Thanks!

Someone always has to get in trouble in my stories. It's no fun otherwise ;)

More cometh!

John's just going to have to learn to put up with it;)

And thanks!

Daniel does seem a good source of balance for situations like these. For one - well, for the most part - he does have a little more experience than Rodney. He's been there, done that.

And thanks :)

Mmmmmm... not really. You're lacking something shiny to wave in front of my face ;)

But if it helps, I have decided to post two chapters a night, now.

Heh, that's cool. And thanks!:D

Thank you. I also liked being able to use Daniel as a way to show how Rodney has changed, which is what I like about outsider POV, even when it's not their POV per se.

Thank you :)

You be fantastic!

Your DanielJackson makes me want to write SG1 fic! I never recognized, til now, how he really is a great character. Dry sense of humor, played well off others. Love the line about Sam speaking more 'kindly' of Rodney. and this: Daniel exhaled sharply. “Yes, Dr. McKay, all delusional individuals are adept at being masters of deception. They plan their freak-outs accordingly.”

Wish it was still Janet :(

Doh! Now look what I've done - sent writers yonder to SG-1. The SGA readers are going to have my head for this :S Heh.

I really enjoy Daniel's character but have never had the desire to write SG-1 myself. I think a lot of who our favorite characters are has to do with who we relate to the most, and of the entire SG cast from both shows, that someone is Sheppard and pretty much only Sheppard.

Yeah, I think it would have been just as interesting if it had been Janet. I liked her.

May I take a moment to be very angry with McKay?

When John needs him, he never wants to believe him. I hate that about Rodney. His trust in John always needs "proof, evidence". Yes, I know, he's a scientist, but jumping Jehoshaphat, John is his friend! He should be able to look into those beautiful hazel orbs and see that John is really scared, and not just doing a bad imitation of Mel Gibson! I mean, what's not to believe? John only lies about his health, and...some other stuff..*cringing here* that doesn't apply here.
A little trust would be nice for a change! So, THERE.

I love your Rodney! *squidge* Missing being angry because that, at least, would be straight forward. Desperately trying to sort out a situation that mostly involves people, as opposed to technology.

“I never pegged you as the type who would ever develop the capacity to give a damn about anyone else.” A nice acknowledge of how Rodney has changed, without an unrealistic Sam viewpoint. Plus Daniel, as ever knowing people and summing up the problem beautifully, seeing what Rodney himslf can't grasp:

"Something bad happened to your friend; he was taken away to a place that was supposed to be safe with people who were supposed to know what they were doing, and something worse happened. You're pissed, and you're scared, and it's making it impossible to come up with a game plan.”

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kriadydragon

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Where the Wild Things Are

SGA Fic - Fortunate Pt. 2 of Pt. 4

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