Shep Wump Day 5 - Toxic
The team smile stiffly at the treaty committee and at the hot drinks on the table before them, steam wafting gently from them. Rodney’s checking for citrus content and Sheppard wonders when things are going to get turned around, like guns appearing or them being knocked out. This is the Pegasus galaxy after all and they’ve learned from bitter, painful experience. This should be okay they’ve finalised a deal and this is just a farewell drink to seal the bargain, right? And they all have to drink it, not just him.
They all swallow at the same time and look at each other as the warm tea goes down. Tasted kind of okay, but then he’s not really a tea person. So far no-ones head seems to be exploding and McKay hasn’t had an allergic reaction so he moves his hand away from the pocket with the epi-pen. Smiles all round and then they shake hands and walk back to the puddlejumper an easy half hour walk. Within reach of the jumper he starts to feel odd, his heart races and sweat breaks out over his forehead. He staggers dizzily bumping into Teyla in front of him.
“Colonel?”
“Umm..." he mutters thickly as the world tilts and swirls and he throws a hand out to anchor himself, his fingers lock onto a tac vest.
“Sheppard?” the query comes from both Ronon and McKay, their voices booming and stretching and swirling and he lets go of the vest. He doesn’t protest as he is dragged into the jumper and propped up just inside the door. Voices and movement happen around him but he can’t track it. He groans and someone grabs his face “Here drink this!” he swallows - it tastes vile and he groans and that’s all the warning he can give as he empties his stomach for what seems like days. His heart is going so fast and he’s slick with sweat and he can’t move or talk. He blinks lazily at the world rushing around him and finally shuts his eyes against it. Blackness descends like a heavy curtain.
0o0o0
He struggles to open gummy eyes and sees the infirmary ceiling, his mouth is dry, his body feels like lead and he has a wicked headache. He coughs, which makes his head pulse and he groans. The curtain swishes back to reveal Carson.
“You’re awake at last, lad.”
“Wha’?” He lifts a hand and yep, there’s an IV and blood gas clip on a finger.
“Have some ice, that’ll help.” The ice is wonderful, sliding down his throat like nectar.
“Happened?”
“You had a reaction to the tea. I’m still running tests to see if it’s just you or if the ATA gene is a factor. ”
“Damn thing’s a curse sometimes…” he rasps. Beckett lets him sip some water.
“Aye, well. Do ye feel up to some light food?”
His stomach internally protests, he makes a face “Not just yet Doc. Maybe later.”
“I’ll hold you to that, Colonel.”
“Everyone else okay?”
“Aye, they’re fine. Cluttering up my Infirmary waiting to see you.”
“I’m gonna be alright doc?”
“The IV is helping flush it out, but yes you’ll be fine. I’ll be wantin’ you to drink plenty of water for the next day or so. Rodney did well to get you to drink salt water and purge some of it.”
“ Urgh don’t remind me….”
“Believe me, I’ve heard all about it from Rodney!” Beckett says with a twinkle in his eye. “Ready for visitors?”
“Sure, if they’re quiet.” Although, he seems to have used all his energy talking to the Doc and his eyes slide shut again.
“Headache, Colonel? Why didn’t you say! I’ll get you something.” He jerks a little in surprise as Beckett pats his blanket covered leg and leaves. There’s muttering and the squeak of shoes and he can hear them breathing. He cracks open an eye.
“Hey, guys.”
“We are glad to see you looking so much better, John. How are you now?”
“Better, thanks Teyla.”
“Oh come on, he still looks like death warmed up! And you puked over my shoes, Sheppard! I can still smell it!”
“Buy ya new ones McKay…” He is sorry about that but Rodney’s just being Rodney and everyone’s okay, so he tunes them out because he’s so freaking tired, his stomach aches and his head hurts.
“Colonel?” the Doc’s back and he swallows the pills and glass of water eagerly. He relaxes and begins to drift off.
“Sheppard?” Ronon’s just checking, so he nods at him and he knows that they’ll keep close until he wakes up again. Next time he’ll be able to stay awake for more than two minutes like a normal person, maybe beat McKay at chess.
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