Fic: Only Human
(Because I've been neglecting this. All disclaimers and info here)
It took several days for the SGC to come up with an answer to Michael's request. Colonel Carter had expected it to take another week, at the very least, so she was equally surprised as everyone else when the call came in half the time it normal would have.
"The IOA doesn't like this very much," General Landry stated wryly. "But based on the mission reports of Michael's last few visits to Atalntis, and the results of the experimentation, they believe that his demands of being told the truth up-front have a good chance of forestalling a repeat of the original Michael Experiment." He looked slightly bemused over the whole affair.
Carter gave the general a half-smile. "Well, I'm impressed. I was expecting this to be wrapped up in red tape with a pretty bow on top and sent to us for Christmas," she said, causing several people, the general included, to chuckle softly.
"Yes, well they may still change their minds, so if you're going to do it, I would do so while you still have their blessings. Keep us posted. Landry Out."
Carter sighed and turned to face Sheppard, who had spent the entire call leaning up against one of the consoles, arms crossed over his chest and gaze fixed on the floor as if it was the most interesting thing on Atlantis. "Well, John," she said. "This is your last chance to convince me not to go through with this. Because with IOA backing, I'm inclined to give this little experiment another try."
"It's bad idea," he said, finally looking up at her. "The first time we tried this, he barely bought the story in the first place, and when he finally found out, he was pissed."
"I understand your reservations, but we're going to be doing things a lot differently this time around." She gestured for his to follow her back to her office, and the pair fell into step. "Michael really believes that if we come clean about his true identity he will have a much better transition from Wraith to Human."
"And that niggling feeling he'll have to live with for the rest of his life? You know, the Wraith equivalent to hunger pains?"
Carter offered her military commander a placating smile. "We have the best teams in two galaxies working on it, John. They'll find away to eliminate his need and urge to feed on humans. It's just a matter of understanding how Wraith are sustained by our life energy, and Michael's research from his own experiments have gone a long way to pushing out own efforts. Besides," she said, taking her seat behind the desk. "Having the Iratus DNA repressed might just be all that he needs."
"I still don't like it. And I can't promise that Ronon won't kill him at first opportunity."
"I expect you to keep your team members in line. And if that's all you can give me by way of dissuasion, then I'm sorry. I'm giving the order to proceed with treatments."
Sheppard regarded her for a long moment before nodding once. "Right. I'll inform Security, then."
"Thank you," she replied, her smile fixed in place as he walked out of the office. Once he was gone, Carter sighed and sank back into the chair. She hoped like hell that she knew what she was doing.
It took several days for the SGC to come up with an answer to Michael's request. Colonel Carter had expected it to take another week, at the very least, so she was equally surprised as everyone else when the call came in half the time it normal would have.
"The IOA doesn't like this very much," General Landry stated wryly. "But based on the mission reports of Michael's last few visits to Atalntis, and the results of the experimentation, they believe that his demands of being told the truth up-front have a good chance of forestalling a repeat of the original Michael Experiment." He looked slightly bemused over the whole affair.
Carter gave the general a half-smile. "Well, I'm impressed. I was expecting this to be wrapped up in red tape with a pretty bow on top and sent to us for Christmas," she said, causing several people, the general included, to chuckle softly.
"Yes, well they may still change their minds, so if you're going to do it, I would do so while you still have their blessings. Keep us posted. Landry Out."
Carter sighed and turned to face Sheppard, who had spent the entire call leaning up against one of the consoles, arms crossed over his chest and gaze fixed on the floor as if it was the most interesting thing on Atlantis. "Well, John," she said. "This is your last chance to convince me not to go through with this. Because with IOA backing, I'm inclined to give this little experiment another try."
"It's bad idea," he said, finally looking up at her. "The first time we tried this, he barely bought the story in the first place, and when he finally found out, he was pissed."
"I understand your reservations, but we're going to be doing things a lot differently this time around." She gestured for his to follow her back to her office, and the pair fell into step. "Michael really believes that if we come clean about his true identity he will have a much better transition from Wraith to Human."
"And that niggling feeling he'll have to live with for the rest of his life? You know, the Wraith equivalent to hunger pains?"
Carter offered her military commander a placating smile. "We have the best teams in two galaxies working on it, John. They'll find away to eliminate his need and urge to feed on humans. It's just a matter of understanding how Wraith are sustained by our life energy, and Michael's research from his own experiments have gone a long way to pushing out own efforts. Besides," she said, taking her seat behind the desk. "Having the Iratus DNA repressed might just be all that he needs."
"I still don't like it. And I can't promise that Ronon won't kill him at first opportunity."
"I expect you to keep your team members in line. And if that's all you can give me by way of dissuasion, then I'm sorry. I'm giving the order to proceed with treatments."
Sheppard regarded her for a long moment before nodding once. "Right. I'll inform Security, then."
"Thank you," she replied, her smile fixed in place as he walked out of the office. Once he was gone, Carter sighed and sank back into the chair. She hoped like hell that she knew what she was doing.