"The Price That Life Exacts" by cathalin
Title
The Price That Life Exacts
Author
cathalin
Prompt
Big Bang 2008. John is more Ancient than anyone realizes. / After season 4.
Summary
When John disappears without a trace during a routine mission, people in a beleaguered Atlantis eventually have to try to move on. Rodney never completely gives up hope of finding John, and though he soldiers on to help Atlantis, a year later he still lives every day with his grief.
The story opens with a shocking discovery that may help Rodney come to terms with some truths about himself and his relationship with John, and will have consequences beyond what anyone might predict.
Pairing
McKay/Sheppard
Rating
NC-17
Word Count
63848 words
Notes
Warnings: I've placed warnings for this story in the Notes at the bottom, as they are somewhat spoilery for the fic. Please scroll down and read the warnings if there are things you need to avoid reading about.
Thanks: You've heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, this fic needed a village to raise it. In the early stages of figuring this story out, all the members of my Big Bang Support group -- chase_a_cow, eccentricweft and sageness -- provided insights and ideas which helped me immensely, and later, their cheerleading sustained me through seeing the fic to the end.
gypsytpotter and tacittype provided invaluable "virgin eyes" beta services, and as always, went above and beyond to provide constructive criticism, canon knowledge and cheerleading. At a critical time, cindyjade provided her unique and valuable perspective and beta eye, not to mention an infusion of much-appreciated enthusiasm.
And last, but far, far from least: rheanna27 and shaenie. Let me put it this way: whatever this story is, it is far, far better than it ever would have been without their amazing and generously honest critique, hand-holding, idea generation, writing help, and insights. I literally can't express how awesome and generous these two incredible writers are: I was so very privileged to have them audiencing, brainstorming, editing, critiquing and cheering me on.
Any problems with this story, of whatever kind, exist despite the tireless efforts of all these amazing people, and rest entirely on my shoulders.