Rites of Passage Part 4
A/N: Yes, Sgt Alverez is the same Alverez from the capture the flag game. The characters may seem a little OCC; I struggled with this transitional chapter. Maybe after I get the whole thing typed out, I’ll come back and correct all the mistakes.
Elizabeth, Carson, & Rodney (he insisted that had to come along) started down to the temporary housing and storage area; it was going to take a few minutes to get there. Once there, they were able to locate Cpl Borjin.
“Cpl.”
“Ma’am.”
“Where is Sgt Alverez?”
“He’s with Major Sheppard, ma’am.”
“And where is that, lad?” Carson asked. Since arriving on the scene, Carson hadn’t seen nor heard the Major or Sgt Alverez.
“This way ma’am, Docs,” said Borjin. He led the way through several rows of cots, weaving the way to the shortest path to another larger room filled with supplies that were still waiting to be moved to the appropriate departments.
“How did you and the Sgt find Major Sheppard?” asked Weir. She was surprised Sheppard had been found.
Weir couldn’t see it, but she could hear the embarrassment in Borjin’s voice, “Sgt Alverez forgot his dopp kit, ma’am. Since quarters were assigned and the environmentals were turned off, no one was supposed to come down here alone. I came with Sgt Alverez to retrieve his dopp kit. While we were down here, we decided to go ahead and do a quick sweep of the area, ma’am. For security purposes and to make sure no one else forgot anything.”
The entire explanation, Borjin had been leading the group further and further into the room and around pallets of supplies and equipment. Though not far off the main area, it took time to pick their way through pallets and boxes. “Just around this corner, ma’am,” Borjin explained as he turned between two stacked pallets. “We heard some noises and upon further investigation…we found Major Sheppard.”
They had finally arrived at Major Sheppard’s location and saw Sgt Alverez was standing outside a very small room. What the hell, thought Elizabeth, is he doing in a closet?
Carson had moved over to where Sheppard lay huddled with a single blanket to protect against the cold, propped up slightly on his duffle. “Looks like the lad’s been here for a while,” Beckett said, motioning with his flashlight to the boots sitting against the outside wall, along with a TAC vest and weapons. On a crate outside the little room sat a flashlight and a strictly non-issue laptop.
“No cot? And so far away from the rest of the group?” Elizabeth wondered, watching Beckett try to rouse his patient. I’m almost afraid to ask.
“Well, ma’am,” in the dim light cast by everyone’s flashlights, Weir could see the Cpl hesitant, looking to Sgt Alverez who nodded for the younger man to continue, “I’m not sure about the cot, ‘though I think most of them are set up.” Just when Elizabeth thought Borjin wasn’t going to continue without being prodded the young man said “I overheard a few guys talking. Said they didn’t want to bunk near him. One even complained to Col Sumner who made the Major move.”
“What? I can’t -“
“Ma’am, from the way the guy was talking, he wasn’t the first to complain to Col Sumner about Major Sheppard.”
Weir looked to where Beckett was doing a cursory exam, saddened by the lack of regard for one person, but more than that, she was disappointed in herself, realizing that she was complicit in Sheppard’s mistreatment.
Beckett stood to address Weir, “Well, I can’t tell for sure but I think Major Sheppard is suffering from an infection.”
“An infection? Is that possible?”
“Aye, it’s possible. The Major is exhibiting all the signs of an infection. We don’t know what we are dealing with here in the Pegasus galaxy. Any sort of wound or scratch could be the source. I need to be getting the Major to the infirmary for a thorough check-up.
“Is Major Sheppard going to be alright?”
“We’ll do everything we can for him, Sgt. Now, why don’t you and the young Cpl there help me get Major Sheppard to the infirmary.”
Before Sgt Alverez could answer, Weir said, “Actually, Carson, I have an assignment for Sgt Alverez and Cpl Borjin. Rodney and I will help you.”
“We will?” Rodney asked incredulous.
“Yes, we will Rodney.”
*****
Cpl Borjin had been watching his CO, oblivious to the conversation going on around him, struggle with his boots. “Here, sir ,let me help you those,” he said quickly squatting down to lace Sheppard’s boots.
Sheppard looked directly at Borjin, “Thank you.” It was raspy and barely audible, but it was the first coherent interaction Sheppard had with anyone since he was roused.
“Your welcome, sir. Sir…I know you weren’t supposed to be down here by yourself and I didn’t say anything, if you want to write me up…” Borjin said.
“Now is not the time, Cpl,” Beckett admonished lightly, putting a hand on the young man’s shoulder.
“Oh, uh, yeah. Of course, “ Borjin said standing up. “Feel better soon, sir.”
*****
“Elizabeth, that is an unauthorized personal computer,” Rodney complained, pointing to the Major’s laptop. “I need to check it for compatibility issues. And who knows what sort of viruses he has on it. I mean, really, who is the idiot who authorized Flyboy there to bring a personal laptop? One that I might add could have all sorts of things that could comprise our computers.”
“You can worry about it later. Sgt Alverez and Cpl Borjin will make sure it gets to your lab so you can check it out. First, we need to help Carson.”
“I don’t see why Sheppard’s grunts can’t do that.”
“Rodney -“
Rodney knew when he was beat but he didn’t have to be happy about it, “Fine, fine.” Under his breath, he said in a sing-song voice, “Help Carson, Rodney. What do I look like, a witch doctor?” Squatting down in front of Sheppard, Rodney snapped his fingers in front of Sheppard’s face. Looking over his shoulder at Beckett, “He’s not contagious is he? Because -“
“No, he’s not,” replied Beckett.
“Well, you said that you thought it was an infection. What if it’s not? Are you sure?”
“Oh, for the love -. If it’s not, then you’re already exposed.” With that statement, Rodney fell backwards with a yelp. Beckett sighed, rolling his eyes at his friend’s reaction, but was more worried about Sheppard’s overall lack of response to what was going on around him.
*****
“Carson, if you will finish getting Major Sheppard ready to transport to the infirmary, I’ll brief these gentlemen.”
“Of course, Elizabeth.”
“Sgt Alverez, Cpl Borjin, I have an assignment for you.”
“Ma’am.”
“First, gentlemen, what you hear and see here and in reference to Major Sheppard must remain in complete confidence. You are to report only to me. Is that clear?”
There was silence for a moment as both men processed what the leader of the expedition was saying. Finally, a chorus of “Yes, ma’am,” met her ears.
*****
Beckett, McKay, & Weir had left taking Sheppard to the infirmary, leaving only the two marines down in the temporary housing area. They were gathering all of the Major’s things to move into his new quarters. Now, they just had to find him a set of quarters.
“Manny?” asked Borjin.
“Yeah?”
“Do you think it’s true?” A pause. “What Dr. Weir said about Major Sheppard.”
“Remember what is said here is in complete confidence and you
cannot tell anyone what you learn.”
Both men looked at the civilian head of the expedition, wondering
what was so secretive? “You can count on mine and Cpl Borjin’s
discretion, ma’am.”
“Good gentleman.” Weir looked around where Sheppard had
his home. “Due to some unfortunate circumstances, Major
Sheppard was not listed among the Atlantis Expedition personnel
and thus was not afforded the same luxuries as other persons
on the expedition.” Watching the two soldier’s faces and seeing
no overt reaction, she continued, “I need the two of you to do
several things. One, Major Sheppard needs a set of quarters.
None were assigned to him; that is why he was he was down
here.”
“How do we go about getting Major Sheppard a set of quarters?”
asked Borjin.
“Gentlemen, I don’t care how you do it, just do it. Then take
the Major’s things to his quarters. Also, Major Sheppard
will need to be kitted out, just like the rest of the expedition.
You will need to go through Major Sheppard’s things -“
“But -“
Elizabeth cut of the objection. “Gentlemen, Major Sheppard needs
to be kitted out, just like you. He is in no condition to be answering
questions right now, that leaves you…by looking through his things
you can determine exactly what Major Sheppard has and what he
doesn’t.” Elizabeth looked each man in the eye. “Once you have
the list, bring it to me.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Neither man liked the idea of going through a
superior officer’s things, but they had a job to do.
“Sgt, Cpl, I can’t stress how important it is that what you are
doing are kept between the three of us.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“I don’t know, Cal. But something isn’t right.”
“You said it.”
Finishing their task of gathering Sheppard’s things Borjin and Alverez headed out. “Let’s stop by Dr. McKay’s lab on the way to Major Sheppard’s quarters. If we don’t drop this laptop off soon, we’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Yeah, I don’t want to get on Dr. McKay’s bad side,” said Borjin, laughingly.
TBC in Part 5
Elizabeth, Carson, & Rodney (he insisted that had to come along) started down to the temporary housing and storage area; it was going to take a few minutes to get there. Once there, they were able to locate Cpl Borjin.
“Cpl.”
“Ma’am.”
“Where is Sgt Alverez?”
“He’s with Major Sheppard, ma’am.”
“And where is that, lad?” Carson asked. Since arriving on the scene, Carson hadn’t seen nor heard the Major or Sgt Alverez.
“This way ma’am, Docs,” said Borjin. He led the way through several rows of cots, weaving the way to the shortest path to another larger room filled with supplies that were still waiting to be moved to the appropriate departments.
“How did you and the Sgt find Major Sheppard?” asked Weir. She was surprised Sheppard had been found.
Weir couldn’t see it, but she could hear the embarrassment in Borjin’s voice, “Sgt Alverez forgot his dopp kit, ma’am. Since quarters were assigned and the environmentals were turned off, no one was supposed to come down here alone. I came with Sgt Alverez to retrieve his dopp kit. While we were down here, we decided to go ahead and do a quick sweep of the area, ma’am. For security purposes and to make sure no one else forgot anything.”
The entire explanation, Borjin had been leading the group further and further into the room and around pallets of supplies and equipment. Though not far off the main area, it took time to pick their way through pallets and boxes. “Just around this corner, ma’am,” Borjin explained as he turned between two stacked pallets. “We heard some noises and upon further investigation…we found Major Sheppard.”
They had finally arrived at Major Sheppard’s location and saw Sgt Alverez was standing outside a very small room. What the hell, thought Elizabeth, is he doing in a closet?
Carson had moved over to where Sheppard lay huddled with a single blanket to protect against the cold, propped up slightly on his duffle. “Looks like the lad’s been here for a while,” Beckett said, motioning with his flashlight to the boots sitting against the outside wall, along with a TAC vest and weapons. On a crate outside the little room sat a flashlight and a strictly non-issue laptop.
“No cot? And so far away from the rest of the group?” Elizabeth wondered, watching Beckett try to rouse his patient. I’m almost afraid to ask.
“Well, ma’am,” in the dim light cast by everyone’s flashlights, Weir could see the Cpl hesitant, looking to Sgt Alverez who nodded for the younger man to continue, “I’m not sure about the cot, ‘though I think most of them are set up.” Just when Elizabeth thought Borjin wasn’t going to continue without being prodded the young man said “I overheard a few guys talking. Said they didn’t want to bunk near him. One even complained to Col Sumner who made the Major move.”
“What? I can’t -“
“Ma’am, from the way the guy was talking, he wasn’t the first to complain to Col Sumner about Major Sheppard.”
Weir looked to where Beckett was doing a cursory exam, saddened by the lack of regard for one person, but more than that, she was disappointed in herself, realizing that she was complicit in Sheppard’s mistreatment.
Beckett stood to address Weir, “Well, I can’t tell for sure but I think Major Sheppard is suffering from an infection.”
“An infection? Is that possible?”
“Aye, it’s possible. The Major is exhibiting all the signs of an infection. We don’t know what we are dealing with here in the Pegasus galaxy. Any sort of wound or scratch could be the source. I need to be getting the Major to the infirmary for a thorough check-up.
“Is Major Sheppard going to be alright?”
“We’ll do everything we can for him, Sgt. Now, why don’t you and the young Cpl there help me get Major Sheppard to the infirmary.”
Before Sgt Alverez could answer, Weir said, “Actually, Carson, I have an assignment for Sgt Alverez and Cpl Borjin. Rodney and I will help you.”
“We will?” Rodney asked incredulous.
“Yes, we will Rodney.”
*****
Cpl Borjin had been watching his CO, oblivious to the conversation going on around him, struggle with his boots. “Here, sir ,let me help you those,” he said quickly squatting down to lace Sheppard’s boots.
Sheppard looked directly at Borjin, “Thank you.” It was raspy and barely audible, but it was the first coherent interaction Sheppard had with anyone since he was roused.
“Your welcome, sir. Sir…I know you weren’t supposed to be down here by yourself and I didn’t say anything, if you want to write me up…” Borjin said.
“Now is not the time, Cpl,” Beckett admonished lightly, putting a hand on the young man’s shoulder.
“Oh, uh, yeah. Of course, “ Borjin said standing up. “Feel better soon, sir.”
*****
“Elizabeth, that is an unauthorized personal computer,” Rodney complained, pointing to the Major’s laptop. “I need to check it for compatibility issues. And who knows what sort of viruses he has on it. I mean, really, who is the idiot who authorized Flyboy there to bring a personal laptop? One that I might add could have all sorts of things that could comprise our computers.”
“You can worry about it later. Sgt Alverez and Cpl Borjin will make sure it gets to your lab so you can check it out. First, we need to help Carson.”
“I don’t see why Sheppard’s grunts can’t do that.”
“Rodney -“
Rodney knew when he was beat but he didn’t have to be happy about it, “Fine, fine.” Under his breath, he said in a sing-song voice, “Help Carson, Rodney. What do I look like, a witch doctor?” Squatting down in front of Sheppard, Rodney snapped his fingers in front of Sheppard’s face. Looking over his shoulder at Beckett, “He’s not contagious is he? Because -“
“No, he’s not,” replied Beckett.
“Well, you said that you thought it was an infection. What if it’s not? Are you sure?”
“Oh, for the love -. If it’s not, then you’re already exposed.” With that statement, Rodney fell backwards with a yelp. Beckett sighed, rolling his eyes at his friend’s reaction, but was more worried about Sheppard’s overall lack of response to what was going on around him.
*****
“Carson, if you will finish getting Major Sheppard ready to transport to the infirmary, I’ll brief these gentlemen.”
“Of course, Elizabeth.”
“Sgt Alverez, Cpl Borjin, I have an assignment for you.”
“Ma’am.”
“First, gentlemen, what you hear and see here and in reference to Major Sheppard must remain in complete confidence. You are to report only to me. Is that clear?”
There was silence for a moment as both men processed what the leader of the expedition was saying. Finally, a chorus of “Yes, ma’am,” met her ears.
*****
Beckett, McKay, & Weir had left taking Sheppard to the infirmary, leaving only the two marines down in the temporary housing area. They were gathering all of the Major’s things to move into his new quarters. Now, they just had to find him a set of quarters.
“Manny?” asked Borjin.
“Yeah?”
“Do you think it’s true?” A pause. “What Dr. Weir said about Major Sheppard.”
“Remember what is said here is in complete confidence and you
cannot tell anyone what you learn.”
Both men looked at the civilian head of the expedition, wondering
what was so secretive? “You can count on mine and Cpl Borjin’s
discretion, ma’am.”
“Good gentleman.” Weir looked around where Sheppard had
his home. “Due to some unfortunate circumstances, Major
Sheppard was not listed among the Atlantis Expedition personnel
and thus was not afforded the same luxuries as other persons
on the expedition.” Watching the two soldier’s faces and seeing
no overt reaction, she continued, “I need the two of you to do
several things. One, Major Sheppard needs a set of quarters.
None were assigned to him; that is why he was he was down
here.”
“How do we go about getting Major Sheppard a set of quarters?”
asked Borjin.
“Gentlemen, I don’t care how you do it, just do it. Then take
the Major’s things to his quarters. Also, Major Sheppard
will need to be kitted out, just like the rest of the expedition.
You will need to go through Major Sheppard’s things -“
“But -“
Elizabeth cut of the objection. “Gentlemen, Major Sheppard needs
to be kitted out, just like you. He is in no condition to be answering
questions right now, that leaves you…by looking through his things
you can determine exactly what Major Sheppard has and what he
doesn’t.” Elizabeth looked each man in the eye. “Once you have
the list, bring it to me.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Neither man liked the idea of going through a
superior officer’s things, but they had a job to do.
“Sgt, Cpl, I can’t stress how important it is that what you are
doing are kept between the three of us.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“I don’t know, Cal. But something isn’t right.”
“You said it.”
Finishing their task of gathering Sheppard’s things Borjin and Alverez headed out. “Let’s stop by Dr. McKay’s lab on the way to Major Sheppard’s quarters. If we don’t drop this laptop off soon, we’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Yeah, I don’t want to get on Dr. McKay’s bad side,” said Borjin, laughingly.
TBC in Part 5