THE CONSEQUENCES OF ACTION BY ga_unicorn [LFWS#3 ROUND 5]
Title: The Consequences of Action
Author: ga_unicorn
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Stargate belongs to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., no infringements of any rights is intended.
Spoilers: a missing scene for Rising
Prompt for the Round: The fic must be set in season one and have only season one characters. H/C not obligatory.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF ACTION by ga_unicorn
Sheppard waited as Ford exited the jumper. Teyla and the Athosians had been escorted away by medical personnel. The Marines had gone to clean up and grab something to eat. Life went on.
As the noise level in the bay dropped to zero he leaned forward, rubbing his hands over his face wearily.
How had things gone so wrong, so quickly?
He’d been, if not happy, at least content in Antarctica. He got to fly in a challenging environment and he was away from the disapproving eyes of Air Force command. And then O’Neill had dangled this expedition in front of him, showed him a way to regain his honor, to prove that he was more than the sum of his mistakes.
On the first day in the new galaxy he learned that there were aliens that wanted to treat him like lunchmeat. And on the second day he killed his commanding officer and woke up the aliens.
He got up and headed for the stairs. He had to report to Dr. Weir. She needed to know the truth and he hoped she’d agree to keep it to herself. Ford was too young, too inexperienced to assume command; the average Sergeant assigned to the platoon was older than him and had multiple tours in combat zones. If they were to survive here the men needed to accept Sheppard as their commanding officer. It would be hard enough considering the inter-service rivalry. If they knew he’d killed Sumner it would be impossible and fragging was an ugly accusation.
The Control and ‘gate rooms were quiet, and he was surprised to see darkness beyond the ornate windows.
Weir was waiting for him and waved him into her office. He slid his hand into his pocket, clenched his fist around Sumner’s dogtags.
“Sumner is dead,” he said quietly.
He gave his report on the days activities, sparing her nothing. Sheppard worried that she was a bit naïve when it came to the reality of their situation, but she absorbed what he gave her, asked intelligent questions and nodded understandingly when he explained why he wanted to tell the men that Sumner had been killed by the Wraith.
“Are you all right?” she asked when he had finished.
Surprised, all he could do was nod. He truly had no idea what he was feeling right now, except glad to be alive.
“I’ll have this written up as soon as possible. It’s probably going to be a little crazy around here for a while.”
She nodded, a small understanding smile touched her lips. “Yes, I suspect you’re right.” She stood and came around the desk, reaching out to touch his arm. “You should get some rest. Tomorrow promises to be full of meetings and people herding.”
His eyebrow shot up. “Have you slept since we arrived?” At her rueful look he nodded. “Thought so. I need to speak to the men first, let them know what’s happened - officially, since gossip flourishes in all galaxies . And I need to work on the schedule, make sure everyone knows where they should be. I promise,” he said, holding up a hand, “I’ll get some shut-eye at some point tonight. Make sure you do the same.”
She nodded, but was already seated at her desk by time he reached the door.
From the balcony he could see Ford and the Marines not on guard duty falling-in on the stargate platform. He straightened his shoulders and descended the stairway.
At a quiet command from Ford they snapped to attention.
“At ease, men,” he said, crossing the floor.
Their eyes followed him, some sad, some angry, a few scornful, and one or two who looked on with neutral expressions.
He stopped, facing them quietly.
“I know you’ve probably heard already, but I wanted to make it official. Colonel Sumner was killed today at the hands of an alien combative.” He paused, waiting for the murmurs and movement to subside. “We will have a proper memorial once things settle down here, but I wanted you all to know that he met his death bravely, and in the best tradition of the Marine Corps.” He bowed his head as that final memory of Sumner intruded, on his knees and helpless under the control of the Keeper, his eyes pleading. Not a good ending for any man, let alone a Marine.
A few quiet “ooh-rahs” of approval broke out.
“I’ve assumed command of the military contingent of the expedition.” Ah, that got them quiet. “I know that being commanded by an Air Force rotor pilot was not what you were expecting. I hope that I can gain your respect.”
He hoped, as he looked at each of their faces, that he was worthy of it.
Don’t forget to leave ONLY FEEDBACK in the comments and NOT VOTES. All comments will be screened until the voting closes.
Author: ga_unicorn
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Stargate belongs to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., no infringements of any rights is intended.
Spoilers: a missing scene for Rising
Prompt for the Round: The fic must be set in season one and have only season one characters. H/C not obligatory.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF ACTION by ga_unicorn
Sheppard waited as Ford exited the jumper. Teyla and the Athosians had been escorted away by medical personnel. The Marines had gone to clean up and grab something to eat. Life went on.
As the noise level in the bay dropped to zero he leaned forward, rubbing his hands over his face wearily.
How had things gone so wrong, so quickly?
He’d been, if not happy, at least content in Antarctica. He got to fly in a challenging environment and he was away from the disapproving eyes of Air Force command. And then O’Neill had dangled this expedition in front of him, showed him a way to regain his honor, to prove that he was more than the sum of his mistakes.
On the first day in the new galaxy he learned that there were aliens that wanted to treat him like lunchmeat. And on the second day he killed his commanding officer and woke up the aliens.
He got up and headed for the stairs. He had to report to Dr. Weir. She needed to know the truth and he hoped she’d agree to keep it to herself. Ford was too young, too inexperienced to assume command; the average Sergeant assigned to the platoon was older than him and had multiple tours in combat zones. If they were to survive here the men needed to accept Sheppard as their commanding officer. It would be hard enough considering the inter-service rivalry. If they knew he’d killed Sumner it would be impossible and fragging was an ugly accusation.
The Control and ‘gate rooms were quiet, and he was surprised to see darkness beyond the ornate windows.
Weir was waiting for him and waved him into her office. He slid his hand into his pocket, clenched his fist around Sumner’s dogtags.
“Sumner is dead,” he said quietly.
He gave his report on the days activities, sparing her nothing. Sheppard worried that she was a bit naïve when it came to the reality of their situation, but she absorbed what he gave her, asked intelligent questions and nodded understandingly when he explained why he wanted to tell the men that Sumner had been killed by the Wraith.
“Are you all right?” she asked when he had finished.
Surprised, all he could do was nod. He truly had no idea what he was feeling right now, except glad to be alive.
“I’ll have this written up as soon as possible. It’s probably going to be a little crazy around here for a while.”
She nodded, a small understanding smile touched her lips. “Yes, I suspect you’re right.” She stood and came around the desk, reaching out to touch his arm. “You should get some rest. Tomorrow promises to be full of meetings and people herding.”
His eyebrow shot up. “Have you slept since we arrived?” At her rueful look he nodded. “Thought so. I need to speak to the men first, let them know what’s happened - officially, since gossip flourishes in all galaxies . And I need to work on the schedule, make sure everyone knows where they should be. I promise,” he said, holding up a hand, “I’ll get some shut-eye at some point tonight. Make sure you do the same.”
She nodded, but was already seated at her desk by time he reached the door.
From the balcony he could see Ford and the Marines not on guard duty falling-in on the stargate platform. He straightened his shoulders and descended the stairway.
At a quiet command from Ford they snapped to attention.
“At ease, men,” he said, crossing the floor.
Their eyes followed him, some sad, some angry, a few scornful, and one or two who looked on with neutral expressions.
He stopped, facing them quietly.
“I know you’ve probably heard already, but I wanted to make it official. Colonel Sumner was killed today at the hands of an alien combative.” He paused, waiting for the murmurs and movement to subside. “We will have a proper memorial once things settle down here, but I wanted you all to know that he met his death bravely, and in the best tradition of the Marine Corps.” He bowed his head as that final memory of Sumner intruded, on his knees and helpless under the control of the Keeper, his eyes pleading. Not a good ending for any man, let alone a Marine.
A few quiet “ooh-rahs” of approval broke out.
“I’ve assumed command of the military contingent of the expedition.” Ah, that got them quiet. “I know that being commanded by an Air Force rotor pilot was not what you were expecting. I hope that I can gain your respect.”
He hoped, as he looked at each of their faces, that he was worthy of it.
Don’t forget to leave ONLY FEEDBACK in the comments and NOT VOTES. All comments will be screened until the voting closes.