Merry Go Round Broke Down 14
anonymous
February 8 2011, 13:43:43 UTC
The alliance gets settled, mutually beneficial and generally hunky-dory. The Travelers get back to traveling. John's team goes on missions. They escort a med team to help out allies who're having a Kirsan fever outbreak, destroy a Wraith research outpost, set out to save an alien prince from a "monster" that turns out to be an Ancient outpost outfitted with a device that puts intruders in stasis. The local monarchs are confused but elated when the team brings back, not just Prince Kuvl, but fourteen generations of thawed-out royalty.
They're so pleased that they give permission for the team to explore the outpost and keep anything they find there.
John crosses his fingers that the outpost conceals an underground hangar with an Aurora-class ship, or at least a really big gun. Instead the place seems to be devoted to naquadah research, which is valuable, but less immediately exciting, until they get to the power room. Everyone probably hears McKay's shout of delight back on Atlantis when the team finds the ZPM, cobwebbed but none the worse for wear, 36% charged.
There's an impromptu celebration after they bring back the ZPM. John's never been great with parties, but he's usually able to fake it long enough to put in the face time before he bails out. Tonight, though, he just can't fucking do it, even though he knows it's bound to attract the kind of attention he really doesn't want.
He tries, but he only makes it ten minutes before he goes out on the balcony and stays there nursing a single tepid Bud and rearranging duty rosters in his head for almost an hour, and then he knocks off to his quarters and to sleep.
John's expecting maybe a more pointed and insistent talk with Teyla, but it's Mr. Woolsey who sets up a meeting that turns out to be just the two of them. Much worse and more worrying than Teyla's gentle questions, John's conversation with Woolsey is kind of a nightmare.
"We all know life out here is hard," Woolsey says. "You've been here as long as anybody, and it's very understandable if it's taking a toll. I can authorize leave; you could visit Earth for a few weeks."
"I feel like we just came from there," John says lightly.
"We brought a new behavioral health staff back with us when we did," Woolsey answers.
John gives his best charmingly baffled smile. "They've been great, from what I can tell."
"I believe they are. I know it may be difficult for you, in your position. But Dr. Opsahl and Dr. Tien and Dr. Esguerra can be very discreet. You wouldn't necessarily have to visit their offices if that might help."
John hates to do this, but he hates sitting through these kinds of conversations even more, and he knows where the pressure points are, here. So he sits forward, resting his arms on the table. "Look, I'll be frank with you, okay?"
"Please do."
"I'm forty-three, I'm single," apparently, "and while we were on Earth, the expedition went through probably the biggest expansion it's ever going to see. And I haven't met anybody." John spreads his hands. "I wouldn't give Atlantis up for anything, but that doesn't make it easy."
"Of course," says Mr. Woolsey, folding his hands. "I apologize, Colonel, I know you're circumspect about your personal life. I didn't realize. I'm sorry if this meeting seemed intrusive, but your colleagues care about you, and I've seen reflections of that concern, and I did want to... check in, I suppose you'd say..."
"No problem. I appreciate the sentiment."
"Please know, though, that if you do want to take leave for any reason, we will strive to accommodate you," Mr. Woolsey says. "You've more than earned the time."
"Good to know," John stands, "thank you," and he escapes.
Re: Merry Go Round Broke Down 14
anonymous
February 9 2011, 04:11:40 UTC
Oh, John. I think he really should have that talk with Rodney about the sex they were having before and the sex that they're having now, much as it would pain them both. It sucks that John is still, well, ashamed of his shame kink, and that he's got the wrong idea about how Rodney felt about it too. Wonderful writing here, it's a great emotional arc. Can't wait for the next bit!
Re: Merry Go Round Broke Down 14
anonymous
February 13 2011, 14:10:04 UTC
Making them talk seems to be a matter of getting the stars to align just right. I'm trying to get them there, but it's taking longer than I expected! Thanks for commenting...
Re: Merry Go Round Broke Down 14mificFebruary 11 2011, 13:09:02 UTC
Wonderful - please keep writing this. I know it has to be complicated and bitter-sweet, but I'm still hoping for just a little more resolution between them.
They're so pleased that they give permission for the team to explore the outpost and keep anything they find there.
John crosses his fingers that the outpost conceals an underground hangar with an Aurora-class ship, or at least a really big gun. Instead the place seems to be devoted to naquadah research, which is valuable, but less immediately exciting, until they get to the power room. Everyone probably hears McKay's shout of delight back on Atlantis when the team finds the ZPM, cobwebbed but none the worse for wear, 36% charged.
There's an impromptu celebration after they bring back the ZPM. John's never been great with parties, but he's usually able to fake it long enough to put in the face time before he bails out. Tonight, though, he just can't fucking do it, even though he knows it's bound to attract the kind of attention he really doesn't want.
He tries, but he only makes it ten minutes before he goes out on the balcony and stays there nursing a single tepid Bud and rearranging duty rosters in his head for almost an hour, and then he knocks off to his quarters and to sleep.
John's expecting maybe a more pointed and insistent talk with Teyla, but it's Mr. Woolsey who sets up a meeting that turns out to be just the two of them. Much worse and more worrying than Teyla's gentle questions, John's conversation with Woolsey is kind of a nightmare.
"We all know life out here is hard," Woolsey says. "You've been here as long as anybody, and it's very understandable if it's taking a toll. I can authorize leave; you could visit Earth for a few weeks."
"I feel like we just came from there," John says lightly.
"We brought a new behavioral health staff back with us when we did," Woolsey answers.
John gives his best charmingly baffled smile. "They've been great, from what I can tell."
"I believe they are. I know it may be difficult for you, in your position. But Dr. Opsahl and Dr. Tien and Dr. Esguerra can be very discreet. You wouldn't necessarily have to visit their offices if that might help."
John hates to do this, but he hates sitting through these kinds of conversations even more, and he knows where the pressure points are, here. So he sits forward, resting his arms on the table. "Look, I'll be frank with you, okay?"
"Please do."
"I'm forty-three, I'm single," apparently, "and while we were on Earth, the expedition went through probably the biggest expansion it's ever going to see. And I haven't met anybody." John spreads his hands. "I wouldn't give Atlantis up for anything, but that doesn't make it easy."
"Of course," says Mr. Woolsey, folding his hands. "I apologize, Colonel, I know you're circumspect about your personal life. I didn't realize. I'm sorry if this meeting seemed intrusive, but your colleagues care about you, and I've seen reflections of that concern, and I did want to... check in, I suppose you'd say..."
"No problem. I appreciate the sentiment."
"Please know, though, that if you do want to take leave for any reason, we will strive to accommodate you," Mr. Woolsey says. "You've more than earned the time."
"Good to know," John stands, "thank you," and he escapes.
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I got nothing to bribe you with, but a fabulous bean cassoulet is in the oven and you're welcome to a serving.
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