(no subject)
Title: snippet 1
Author: kenitra_canada
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard
Rating: pg - ish (?)
Word Count: 2,116
Betas: none
Warnings AU, crossover
Summary: "What the hell is a sentinel?"
Notes: I thought this community might be a good place to get my feet wet with my first ever posted fanfic. (although I've been reading for years.) A tiny snippet from a much, much larger multi fandom epic that may be written in the next decade (or sooner I hope). I can't seem to write anything small.
Pegasus Galaxy
Where's Sheppard? Ronon Dex asked as he set his overflowing tray of food on the table across from Dr. Rodney McKay. Since returning from earth, Atlantis, the city of the Ancients, had had regular ship runs and wormhole connections to keep plenty of earth food available. That, plus some popular Pegasus choices, ensured that food was never in short supply. McKay waved his hand distractedly as he typed away on his laptop. Despite having more trained scientists, and fewer life and death situations, McKay never seemed to stop working.
Why would I know where the Colonel is? he asked without looking up. You just spent the last couple of hours beating the crap out of each other. Rodney froze suddenly and looked up at the Satedan. Don't tell me you lost the Colonel! he exclaimed.
Ronon shook his head as he finished chewing a bite of cheeseburger. Can't lose him if I never saw him, he explained.
Rodney frowned. That didn't sound like John. He told me as we were leaving our quarters this morning that he was meeting up with you to work out, and train some of the new military people. Ronon shook his head again. Rodney tapped his earpiece. McKay to Sheppard, he paused to wait for a response. None came. Colonel Sheppard, please respond. Rodney stood up quickly, grabbed his laptop and started to rush out of the cafeteria. Colonel Lorne?
Rodney dashed into to the nearest transporter with Ronon close behind. Dr. McKay, this is Lorne.
Switch to Channel 5 please, Rodney requested as the transporter door opened. He walked out into the residential hallway as he waited for the earpiece to click, confirming the switch to a private channel. Evan, have you seen John today? Rodney asked. He thought the door to his quarters open.
No McKay, I haven't. He didn't respond to your call?
No. Rodney looked around the living area before proceeding to the bedroom. I'm in our quarters and he hasn't been back here either.
Notify Woolsey and I'll be there in a few minutes. Lorne out.
Rodney returned to the living room and sat down on the couch before calling Richard Woolsey.
McKay to Woolsey. Can you meet me on Residential Floor 50? he requested.
I'll be there shortly, Woolsey responded.
Rodney sat back and contemplated the situation. Having survived the harrowing trip to earth nearly a year ago, and then returning to the Pegasus Galaxy eight months later, things had settled remarkably well. The number of people on Atlantis had grown to about 2000 permanent people. Most were from earth, either scientific or military, but there was also a constant flow of Pegasus people, from trusted allies, who stayed on for weeks or months to learn about the Tau'ri, and the Ancients. John had been promoted to a full Colonel, while Evan Lorne became a Lieutenant Colonel. With the repeal of DADT, John and Rodney had publically acknowledged their relationship and moved into a larger set of rooms once Atlantis had settled on the newest incarnation of Lantea.
Only a few key people knew that once the 3 ZPMs had been installed, Atlantis had released more secrets than ever before, including the location of a ZPM factory. Rodney and Zelenka were nearing the end of preliminary studies and a trip to the planet was going to occur in the next two weeks. According to the information provided by Atlantis, the factory had been properly mothballed, not just abandoned. As long as the Ancient facility had not been discovered by another race, they would be able to produce a near limitless supply of power, 8 to 10 ZPMs a day for as long as they needed.
Dr. McKay?
Rodney looked up to see Colonel Lorne, Richard Woolsey and Dr. Carson Beckett standing in front of him.
John didn't show up for his training session with Ronon. He didn't respond to my radio calls, Rodney explained heatedly as he jumped to his feet. I should have known things were going too well. I mean we haven't encountered any of the remaining Wraith since we've been back. All our trade agreements are going without any hitches. He started pacing and muttering to himself.
Rodney! Rodney turned at Carson's loud voice. Although he would never admit it, Rodney was glad the Carson clone had returned to Atlantis. Most of the time, he didn't remember that the man wasn't the original Carson. Maybe he just wanted a few hours of quiet since he's always so busy. Everything has been going okay between you two?
Rodney nodded. We're fine. He thought for a minute. John has been working hard. He's been complaining of headaches. I think he may need glasses, he murmured. The lights have been bothering him, sometimes he finds them too bright, sometimes he can barely see.
Carson stared at Rodney for a moment. Rodney, has John been complaining about sounds being too loud? What about the taste of food? Has it been too spicy or hot?
Oh God, Rodney exclaimed. Does he have some new disease you haven't told us about? He does, doesn't he! That's why he found the milk sour yesterday when no one else noticed anything. Is he going to die Carson?
Carson grabbed Rodney before he could go off on another pacing fit. Rodney, John is not going to die, he said intently. Rodney calmed slightly. But we do need to find him, quickly. How can we do that Rodney?
Rodney frowned as he thought. Then he pulled away from Carson, walked over to the desk and picked up a Life Sign Detector (LSD). I've been working on modifying this, he muttered. I wanted it to be able to differentiate between levels of ATA gene carriers and people without the gene. He turned the LSD on. Right now it only shows two categories, those with and without the gene.
He turned to show the handheld device to the others. He panned around and zoomed out to show large sections of the city. The blue and white blips changed as he moved from section to section quickly.
Stop! Ronon exclaimed. Rodney moved back to the last screen. Everyone clearly saw the single blue blip in one of the still unexplored city towers. Rodney was moving before anyone else could say a word.
Woolsey grabbed Dr. Beckett before he could follow. What do you think is wrong with Colonel Sheppard? he asked.
Carson ran his fingers through his hair. I think he's a sentinel, he replied before following quickly after Rodney. I just hope Rodney is his guide, he muttered to himself as he stepped into the transporter with Rodney and Evan Lorne.
The transporter reopened its doors before anyone spoke. Rodney took the lead as he followed the signal on the LSD. Rodney, Carson reached out to slow Rodney. Try John on the radio again, but speak softly, nothing more than a whisper, he instructed.
Rodney nodded in understanding and tapped his radio. John? he whispered as they continued walking. Please answer me John, he pleaded. He turned to Carson. What the hell is going on with him Carson? he demanded loudly.
The radio remained quiet for a minute then suddenly clicked on. Rodney? John's voice sounded ragged. Stop making so much noise, he muttered.
Rodney started to rush forward, but Carson grabbed his arm. Wait Rodney, he said. You need to listen before you rush in, or you'll cause John pain.
Upon hearing the word 'pain', Rodney stopped struggling. Explain! he demanded.
Carson sighed. From the description you gave and his behaviour, I believe John is a sentinel.
What the hell is a sentinel? he whispered harshly.
Rodney, I know you haven't spent much time catching up on scientific research on earth, but don't dismiss this, Carson stated firmly. Rodney nodded and focused his attention on the doctor. Despite his jokes about the soft sciences and voodoo medicine, he knew Beckett wasn't joking around. A couple of years ago, an anthropologist released his thesis on sentinels, people with a genetic advantage dating from hundreds if not thousands of years ago. Sentinels have heightened senses, dramatically heightened senses.
What does that mean, Ronon asked.
Carson glanced at him. It means that John is probably hearing every word of this conversation, without the help of his radio.
Ronon looked impressed while Rodney frowned. All of his senses? Rodney asked.
Carson nodded. From what I've read, true sentinels have all five senses enhanced. He thought the milk was sour because it was going sour. Normal senses couldn't detect it, but his senses could. The headaches he's been having are probably because of the lights or voices.
Voices! Rodney demanded an explanation.
Rodney, John can probably hear every conversation going on in Atlantis. Although we've expanded living quarters and spread out more in the city, everyone is still living within a few kilometres of the gate. John spends most of his time in the main tower. Imagine hearing a thousand conversations at one time. His instincts have probably been helping him until now. But now he needs a guide, Carson explained.
What is a guide? Lorne asked before anyone else could.
Carson looked around at the group of people; John's friends. He prayed silently to whatever gods existed that everything would turn out okay. A guide is a partner to a sentinel. I'm not sure how or why because I haven't read any articles based on genetics, but sentinels and guides are a matched pair. A guide protects the sentinel from sensory input. The sentinel imprints the guide and uses that input to regulate outside data. A guide prevents a sentinel from getting overwhelmed or zoning out.
Rodney listened carefully as he processed what Carson was saying. Then a stricken looked washed over his face. A relationship like that wouldn't leave room for any other type of relationship, he murmured. He looked at Carson. How do I know if I'm John's guide? What if I'm not? I can't lose him, he pleaded.
You're not going to lose me Rodney, John spoke up from behind Rodney causing him to whip around in fright. Before he could blast John for scaring him, Sheppard reached out and pulled him into a tight hug. How could anyone else possibly be my guide, he murmured into Rodney's neck as he deeply inhaled the scent of his guide.
Rodney remained rigid for a moment before relaxing into the embrace. Of course I'm your guide, no one else could withstand your suicidal Kirk tendencies, he muttered.
Carson and Ronon exchanged a knowing glance. Carson felt a huge weight lift from him as he knew his two friends would be okay. How you doing lad? he asked John quietly, not wanting to startle the sentinel and guide.
John looked over Rodney's shoulder not yet ready to release the embrace. I think I'll be okay Doc. I heard what you told Rodney. Once you were all nearby I immediately picked up a thumping noise Rodney's heartbeat. I focused on it and my other senses dropped closer to normal levels. He tucked back into his guide's neck and inhaled again. Can you send some files to Rodney's email for us? I know we need to read up on what's happening to me, and to him.
Rodney huffed and pulled back. Nothing's happening to me, you idiot. Unless you count how many times you try to give me a heart attack.
John smiled at his lover and now guide. Whatever you say, Rodney. He turned to look at Evan Lorne. Colonel Lorne, effective immediately for the next seventy-two hours you are the military commander of Atlantis. John straightened from his normal slouch and saluted Lorne.
Lorne returned the salute. Yes Sir. He turned away and activated his earpiece. Lieutenant Stackhouse I need residential floor 50 cleared of all personnel for the next three days. Have anyone living on the floor, pack a bag and help them find a place to crash, he instructed and waited for a response. Yes, we have a newly emerged sentinel that needs bonding time. He paused. Yes its Colonel Sheppard but that doesn't need to be common knowledge just yet. Tell people there is a problem with the floor and the scientists are working on it. It will be up to Sheppard when or if the rest of the crew are told. He received another response and clicked off the radio.
He turned back to John and Rodney. I'll make sure Zelenka knows that he's in charge for a few days.
John nodded but Rodney looked confused. You know about sentinels? he asked, looking back and forth between the two military men.
Author: kenitra_canada
Pairing: McKay/Sheppard
Rating: pg - ish (?)
Word Count: 2,116
Betas: none
Warnings AU, crossover
Summary: "What the hell is a sentinel?"
Notes: I thought this community might be a good place to get my feet wet with my first ever posted fanfic. (although I've been reading for years.) A tiny snippet from a much, much larger multi fandom epic that may be written in the next decade (or sooner I hope). I can't seem to write anything small.
Pegasus Galaxy
Where's Sheppard? Ronon Dex asked as he set his overflowing tray of food on the table across from Dr. Rodney McKay. Since returning from earth, Atlantis, the city of the Ancients, had had regular ship runs and wormhole connections to keep plenty of earth food available. That, plus some popular Pegasus choices, ensured that food was never in short supply. McKay waved his hand distractedly as he typed away on his laptop. Despite having more trained scientists, and fewer life and death situations, McKay never seemed to stop working.
Why would I know where the Colonel is? he asked without looking up. You just spent the last couple of hours beating the crap out of each other. Rodney froze suddenly and looked up at the Satedan. Don't tell me you lost the Colonel! he exclaimed.
Ronon shook his head as he finished chewing a bite of cheeseburger. Can't lose him if I never saw him, he explained.
Rodney frowned. That didn't sound like John. He told me as we were leaving our quarters this morning that he was meeting up with you to work out, and train some of the new military people. Ronon shook his head again. Rodney tapped his earpiece. McKay to Sheppard, he paused to wait for a response. None came. Colonel Sheppard, please respond. Rodney stood up quickly, grabbed his laptop and started to rush out of the cafeteria. Colonel Lorne?
Rodney dashed into to the nearest transporter with Ronon close behind. Dr. McKay, this is Lorne.
Switch to Channel 5 please, Rodney requested as the transporter door opened. He walked out into the residential hallway as he waited for the earpiece to click, confirming the switch to a private channel. Evan, have you seen John today? Rodney asked. He thought the door to his quarters open.
No McKay, I haven't. He didn't respond to your call?
No. Rodney looked around the living area before proceeding to the bedroom. I'm in our quarters and he hasn't been back here either.
Notify Woolsey and I'll be there in a few minutes. Lorne out.
Rodney returned to the living room and sat down on the couch before calling Richard Woolsey.
McKay to Woolsey. Can you meet me on Residential Floor 50? he requested.
I'll be there shortly, Woolsey responded.
Rodney sat back and contemplated the situation. Having survived the harrowing trip to earth nearly a year ago, and then returning to the Pegasus Galaxy eight months later, things had settled remarkably well. The number of people on Atlantis had grown to about 2000 permanent people. Most were from earth, either scientific or military, but there was also a constant flow of Pegasus people, from trusted allies, who stayed on for weeks or months to learn about the Tau'ri, and the Ancients. John had been promoted to a full Colonel, while Evan Lorne became a Lieutenant Colonel. With the repeal of DADT, John and Rodney had publically acknowledged their relationship and moved into a larger set of rooms once Atlantis had settled on the newest incarnation of Lantea.
Only a few key people knew that once the 3 ZPMs had been installed, Atlantis had released more secrets than ever before, including the location of a ZPM factory. Rodney and Zelenka were nearing the end of preliminary studies and a trip to the planet was going to occur in the next two weeks. According to the information provided by Atlantis, the factory had been properly mothballed, not just abandoned. As long as the Ancient facility had not been discovered by another race, they would be able to produce a near limitless supply of power, 8 to 10 ZPMs a day for as long as they needed.
Dr. McKay?
Rodney looked up to see Colonel Lorne, Richard Woolsey and Dr. Carson Beckett standing in front of him.
John didn't show up for his training session with Ronon. He didn't respond to my radio calls, Rodney explained heatedly as he jumped to his feet. I should have known things were going too well. I mean we haven't encountered any of the remaining Wraith since we've been back. All our trade agreements are going without any hitches. He started pacing and muttering to himself.
Rodney! Rodney turned at Carson's loud voice. Although he would never admit it, Rodney was glad the Carson clone had returned to Atlantis. Most of the time, he didn't remember that the man wasn't the original Carson. Maybe he just wanted a few hours of quiet since he's always so busy. Everything has been going okay between you two?
Rodney nodded. We're fine. He thought for a minute. John has been working hard. He's been complaining of headaches. I think he may need glasses, he murmured. The lights have been bothering him, sometimes he finds them too bright, sometimes he can barely see.
Carson stared at Rodney for a moment. Rodney, has John been complaining about sounds being too loud? What about the taste of food? Has it been too spicy or hot?
Oh God, Rodney exclaimed. Does he have some new disease you haven't told us about? He does, doesn't he! That's why he found the milk sour yesterday when no one else noticed anything. Is he going to die Carson?
Carson grabbed Rodney before he could go off on another pacing fit. Rodney, John is not going to die, he said intently. Rodney calmed slightly. But we do need to find him, quickly. How can we do that Rodney?
Rodney frowned as he thought. Then he pulled away from Carson, walked over to the desk and picked up a Life Sign Detector (LSD). I've been working on modifying this, he muttered. I wanted it to be able to differentiate between levels of ATA gene carriers and people without the gene. He turned the LSD on. Right now it only shows two categories, those with and without the gene.
He turned to show the handheld device to the others. He panned around and zoomed out to show large sections of the city. The blue and white blips changed as he moved from section to section quickly.
Stop! Ronon exclaimed. Rodney moved back to the last screen. Everyone clearly saw the single blue blip in one of the still unexplored city towers. Rodney was moving before anyone else could say a word.
Woolsey grabbed Dr. Beckett before he could follow. What do you think is wrong with Colonel Sheppard? he asked.
Carson ran his fingers through his hair. I think he's a sentinel, he replied before following quickly after Rodney. I just hope Rodney is his guide, he muttered to himself as he stepped into the transporter with Rodney and Evan Lorne.
The transporter reopened its doors before anyone spoke. Rodney took the lead as he followed the signal on the LSD. Rodney, Carson reached out to slow Rodney. Try John on the radio again, but speak softly, nothing more than a whisper, he instructed.
Rodney nodded in understanding and tapped his radio. John? he whispered as they continued walking. Please answer me John, he pleaded. He turned to Carson. What the hell is going on with him Carson? he demanded loudly.
The radio remained quiet for a minute then suddenly clicked on. Rodney? John's voice sounded ragged. Stop making so much noise, he muttered.
Rodney started to rush forward, but Carson grabbed his arm. Wait Rodney, he said. You need to listen before you rush in, or you'll cause John pain.
Upon hearing the word 'pain', Rodney stopped struggling. Explain! he demanded.
Carson sighed. From the description you gave and his behaviour, I believe John is a sentinel.
What the hell is a sentinel? he whispered harshly.
Rodney, I know you haven't spent much time catching up on scientific research on earth, but don't dismiss this, Carson stated firmly. Rodney nodded and focused his attention on the doctor. Despite his jokes about the soft sciences and voodoo medicine, he knew Beckett wasn't joking around. A couple of years ago, an anthropologist released his thesis on sentinels, people with a genetic advantage dating from hundreds if not thousands of years ago. Sentinels have heightened senses, dramatically heightened senses.
What does that mean, Ronon asked.
Carson glanced at him. It means that John is probably hearing every word of this conversation, without the help of his radio.
Ronon looked impressed while Rodney frowned. All of his senses? Rodney asked.
Carson nodded. From what I've read, true sentinels have all five senses enhanced. He thought the milk was sour because it was going sour. Normal senses couldn't detect it, but his senses could. The headaches he's been having are probably because of the lights or voices.
Voices! Rodney demanded an explanation.
Rodney, John can probably hear every conversation going on in Atlantis. Although we've expanded living quarters and spread out more in the city, everyone is still living within a few kilometres of the gate. John spends most of his time in the main tower. Imagine hearing a thousand conversations at one time. His instincts have probably been helping him until now. But now he needs a guide, Carson explained.
What is a guide? Lorne asked before anyone else could.
Carson looked around at the group of people; John's friends. He prayed silently to whatever gods existed that everything would turn out okay. A guide is a partner to a sentinel. I'm not sure how or why because I haven't read any articles based on genetics, but sentinels and guides are a matched pair. A guide protects the sentinel from sensory input. The sentinel imprints the guide and uses that input to regulate outside data. A guide prevents a sentinel from getting overwhelmed or zoning out.
Rodney listened carefully as he processed what Carson was saying. Then a stricken looked washed over his face. A relationship like that wouldn't leave room for any other type of relationship, he murmured. He looked at Carson. How do I know if I'm John's guide? What if I'm not? I can't lose him, he pleaded.
You're not going to lose me Rodney, John spoke up from behind Rodney causing him to whip around in fright. Before he could blast John for scaring him, Sheppard reached out and pulled him into a tight hug. How could anyone else possibly be my guide, he murmured into Rodney's neck as he deeply inhaled the scent of his guide.
Rodney remained rigid for a moment before relaxing into the embrace. Of course I'm your guide, no one else could withstand your suicidal Kirk tendencies, he muttered.
Carson and Ronon exchanged a knowing glance. Carson felt a huge weight lift from him as he knew his two friends would be okay. How you doing lad? he asked John quietly, not wanting to startle the sentinel and guide.
John looked over Rodney's shoulder not yet ready to release the embrace. I think I'll be okay Doc. I heard what you told Rodney. Once you were all nearby I immediately picked up a thumping noise Rodney's heartbeat. I focused on it and my other senses dropped closer to normal levels. He tucked back into his guide's neck and inhaled again. Can you send some files to Rodney's email for us? I know we need to read up on what's happening to me, and to him.
Rodney huffed and pulled back. Nothing's happening to me, you idiot. Unless you count how many times you try to give me a heart attack.
John smiled at his lover and now guide. Whatever you say, Rodney. He turned to look at Evan Lorne. Colonel Lorne, effective immediately for the next seventy-two hours you are the military commander of Atlantis. John straightened from his normal slouch and saluted Lorne.
Lorne returned the salute. Yes Sir. He turned away and activated his earpiece. Lieutenant Stackhouse I need residential floor 50 cleared of all personnel for the next three days. Have anyone living on the floor, pack a bag and help them find a place to crash, he instructed and waited for a response. Yes, we have a newly emerged sentinel that needs bonding time. He paused. Yes its Colonel Sheppard but that doesn't need to be common knowledge just yet. Tell people there is a problem with the floor and the scientists are working on it. It will be up to Sheppard when or if the rest of the crew are told. He received another response and clicked off the radio.
He turned back to John and Rodney. I'll make sure Zelenka knows that he's in charge for a few days.
John nodded but Rodney looked confused. You know about sentinels? he asked, looking back and forth between the two military men.