Fic - Determined To Ignore The Obvious
Here is the second part
Author’s Notes: Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.
Enjoy
*********************************************
“Rodney,” Elizabeth greeted him the next morning when they met heading towards the briefing room, “How was your date?”
He glared at her, “Was there some sort of announcement?”
“John mentioned it,” she gave him an amused smile.
Rodney sighed annoyed, “The movie was good. Now, are we going to actually discuss the missions?”
She laughed motioning him inside where John was waiting for them. They took their seats to go over the new assignments of the newest arrivals from the Daedalus.
“Dr Matthews,” Elizabeth reached and looked at Rodney, “Opinions?”
“She’s smart,” Rodney reported dispassionately, “I’m not sure if she’d work well on an off world team but I think she should be given the opportunity.”
“I agree,” Elizabeth turned to John, “Any suggestions who to put her with.”
“Major Watson’s team,” he said instantly.
“Good idea,” Rodney replied, “Dr Booth needs some time to work on several experiments. I’ll take her out of the rotation and we can put Dr Matthews in her slot.”
“Agreed,” Elizabeth nodded, “Next…”
Rodney headed through the corridors to the lab where Kim was working. He wanted to tell her that she was being put on an off world team.
He was feeling guilty and hated it.
Kim was smart and beautiful but all during the movie he couldn’t stop watching Cadman which made him feel even worse. Carson was one of his best friends and having any sort of feelings for Carson’s girlfriend was something he didn’t want but Cadman just got under his skin in every way possible. As if his thoughts summoned her Cadman appeared around the corner, she was jogging with her long hair pulled back in a ponytail and she was wearing unflattering grey sweats but he still found her just as attractive.
“Hi, Rodney,” Cadman stopped pulling out the earphones she had in, “Enjoy the movie last night?”
“It was good,” he replied shortly, “I have to go.”
Cadman caught his arm, “I thought you were past what happened. It was months ago and you can’t hold a grudge forever against me.”
“I don’t hold a grudge against you,” he told her.
“Then what’s with the rush to leave whenever I enter the room?” she demanded angrily, “Because I’m not leaving. I’ve been offered a permanent posting to Atlantis and I’ve taken it. So you’re going to have to get over whatever the hell this is you have against me.”
“I don’t have anything against you, Cadman,” Rodney told her, “Now, I have things to do. See you later.”
Cadman watched him leave and sighed annoyed with herself. It was moments like this that sent her stomach flipping, when they were alone she found herself wanting to grab him and kiss him.
She cared about Carson, she enjoyed spending time with him and they had fun together. Rodney was just…he was an itch, that was the only way to describe it. They’d known each other on a level no one could understand and she’d seen him more vulnerable than he wanted anyone to witness.
It was last night though seeing him with his date had sent a spike of jealousy through her she wasn’t prepared for. That was why she’d automatically started teasing him. Seeing the woman he’d been with had also made her feel slightly inadequate, the woman could have been a model. Cadman knew no one ever described her as beautiful, she was cute, sweet, charming, adorable but never beautiful and it had never bothered her until last night. With another sigh she replaced her earphones and continued her workout.
*********************************************
Kim shivered as she stepped through the Stargate onto the planet; once she took a few steps forward she stopped shivering as the sun warmed her.
Behind her walked Cadman, Watson and Dr Mobil. The two marines moving warily forward keeping their eyes open for any activity as she and Mobil walked slowly across the field heading towards the village.
At first she’d been excited about getting to go off world so soon, however finding herself with Cadman had not been a good thing. She’d probed into the other woman’s relationship to Rodney and although no one seemed to know for sure what was between them there was a lot of speculation and rumours concerning the two of them.
“How you doing, Matthews?” Cadman asked coming over to her.
“I’m fine, Lieutenant,” she replied coolly.
“Good,” Cadman nodded, “This shouldn’t be a long day. Check out the village, make a few friends, home in time for tea.”
“Of course,” Kim said.
Cadman nodded and continued towards the village.
“Problem?” Watson asked Cadman after she glanced back at the new team member for about the tenth time.
“Nothing I can pinpoint, sir,” she replied with a frown, “I just don’t think Matthews likes me much.”
Watson shrugged, “She’s probably just uncomfortable being off world for the first time. I know I wasn't exactly relaxed my first time.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Cadman replied glancing ahead, “Sir, we have natives coming towards us.”
“Ah the old meet and greet,” Watson grinned at her, “There’s nothing like it.”
Cadman grinned back before her face fell as weapons were pointed at them.
“What do you want?” Watson demanded as they were marched through the streets.
He was answered only with silence and a strong shove forward.
“Not big talkers,” he murmured to Cadman who nodded keeping the two scientists in front of them.
“Apparently not,” she replied her neck prickling as she felt a lot of people watching them, turning slightly she caught sight of a man standing an amused smile on his lips and she turned back to the Major, “I think I see who’s in charge.”
He glanced where she motioned and nodded, “Let’s see what happens before try an escape plan. Atlantis will miss us soon.”
Cadman agreed softly hoping they got the chance to have an escape plan. They were stopped in front of a cell and all four were thrown in together.
Watson checked the two scientists while Cadman looked around the small room.
“No way out, sir,” she reported.
“So what do we do?” Matthews demanded.
“We’re going to have to wait,” Watson replied, “And hope.”
*********************************************
Rodney jogged up the stairs nodding to a few of the scientists before he took up his position under the main control console. He’d been meaning to do a full systems check for a while now and this was a good time to do this. There was nothing urgent needing his attention just now and the other three were all busy so he had time to get this done.
“Rodney,” Elizabeth interrupted him, “I thought you were meant to be relaxing?”
He glanced up at her, “I am relaxing. This is fun for me.”
She laughed, “Of course.”
“This hasn’t been done since we lost Grodin,” Rodney reminded her with a grimace, “So I’m doing it.”
“I was only saying, Rodney,” she held up her hands, “Just don’t pull anything apart in case we need the Gate and Shield to work.”
Rodney rolled his eyes at her, “Do you remember who you’re talking to?”
“How can I ever forget,” Elizabeth laughed, “I’ll be in my office.”
Rodney slid back under the console pulling out crystals, in all honesty he was doing this to keep himself busy because if he stopped working long enough to let his mind wander it wandered towards Cadman and he was trying not to think about her.
Carson frowned as he saw who had just entered his infirmary holding his arm.
“Colonel,” he greeted John with a grimace, “Dare I even ask what happened?”
John looked embarrassed as Teyla stood nearby trying not to laugh.
“I’d prefer not to say,” John replied, “Can you just…”
Carson rolled his eyes and went to get his things so bandage up the bloody gash on John’s hand. As he cleaned the cut Carson turned to Teyla.
“Did you enjoy the movie last night?” he asked her.
Teyla nodded, “It was enjoyable. I was particularly impressed by the fight scenes.”
Carson glanced at John’s hand and back at the Athosian woman, “I’m guessing John was trying to emulate some of it.”
“I have been asked not to divulge such information,” Teyla replied the smile never leaving her lips.
“Of course,” Carson laughed softly.
“Did you enjoy yourself last night?” Teyla inquired.
Carson shrugged, “It wasn't bad.”
“How is your relationship with Lieutenant Cadman?” Teyla asked noting a slight grimace cross the doctor’s features.
“Fine,” Carson replied as he bandaged John’s hand, “There you go, Colonel try and keep yourself out of trouble for at least ten minutes would you.”
John jumped up and grinned at the Doctor before he disappeared with Teyla who gave Carson a quick nod of thanks.
Carson returned to his office and sat down. He didn’t want to give up his relationship with Cadman but it was getting harder to ignore what was happening between her and Rodney even if they didn’t seem to notice it.
When they were together they connected and had fun but at times like last night he knew it was only a matter of time.
That was one of the reasons he’d stepped in between them when they’d been arguing just before the movie last night, the other main reason was because if they were allowed to keep going it was possible they’d kill one another. Their relationship was volatile at the best of times.
He found himself laughing slightly at the thought of them actually getting together; he’d probably have one of them as a patient at least once a week.
With a sigh Carson knew he was the one who would have to make the decision but at the moment he was going to be selfish.
*********************************************
Kim sat in the cell watching as the two military members of her team tried to find a way out. She couldn’t believe this, she was meant to be studying ancient technology not traipsing through mud and being thrown into a cell. The sound of footsteps alerted them to someone coming towards them, Cadman and Watson both dropped to sit looking bored.
A man stepped inside he was built like a tank and Kim slid back away from him. He glanced around the cell his eyes landing on Cadman first who returned his look with a dark glare before he moved and grabbed Kim by her arm dragging her out of the cell. Kim screamed trying to get away from him, she saw the others move to help her but the door slammed on them.
Kim shook as she was forced towards another small building once inside she found herself in front of a small weasely man with a sharp nose and greasy black hair.
“I am Toln, you are from Atlantis,” he stated walking towards her, “You have knowledge of the Ancestors technology.”
“Not that much,” she shook.
“You will help us and you will live,” Toln grabbed her and pushed her to a large cylindrical device obviously Ancient technology.
“I don’t know how to make it work,” Kim cried.
“Then you die,” the man replied.
Kim gasped, “Wait. I know who could get it to work for you.”
He gave her a suspicious look, “Who?”
“He’s on Atlantis,” Kim told her captor, “He’s the expert and he can make it work.”
Toln looked interested, “Give me his name.”
“McKay,” Kim stated, “His name is Dr Rodney McKay.”
“He will help us or you will die,” Toln told her.
Kim swallowed, “I’m not the one you have to threaten. There’s another woman in your cell. She’s the one he’ll come for.”
Toln laughed and motioned to the first man, “Take her back, Gex and bring me the other woman.”
Kim walked with the man back to the cells forcing tears into her eyes. As the door to the cell was opened Kim ran back in collapsing next to Watson.
“I’m sorry,” she cried tears streaming along her cheeks, “I didn’t want to tell them but they threatened to kill me.”
Watson comforted her; Kim managed not to smile as Cadman was yanked out of the cell.
“Get your hands off me,” was the last thing Kim heard after the door slammed. That was her out of the way.
Cadman stood her arms crossed as Toln studied her.
“Your friend said that Dr McKay would be the one to fix this device,” he stated with a smile, “You better hope he can otherwise his will be the last face you ever see.”
“We don’t respond to threats,” Cadman stated not sure how she was staying so calm.
He started to laugh, “We shall see.”
Cadman felt her stomach clench in fear. They had been due to check in about two hours ago, Atlantis would get in touch soon to find out what had happened to them. She wasn't sure what they would do to the threat but hoped they didn’t send him here. She didn’t want to put Rodney in danger.
She swallowed as a familiar voice suddenly sounded through the room.
“Major Watson, this is Weir,” Elizabeth called, “Status please.”
Toln smiled at her, “Your friends wish to know where you are. Should I tell them now or let them wait?”
Cadman said nothing.
Toln laughed and grabbed the radio.
*********************************************
“Problem?” Rodney asked as Elizabeth and John appeared in the control room as he was finishing up.
“Watson was due to check in over two hours ago,” John told him seeing the flash of worry flick through Rodney’s eyes.
“Dial it,” Elizabeth ordered her face grim, the prospect of losing any teams was something Elizabeth didn’t like to think about.
The technician quickly punched the address nodding to Elizabeth who touched her radio.
“Major Watson,” she started, “This is Weir. Status please.”
Silence answered her and Elizabeth frowned, “Lieutenant Cadman report.”
“Dr Weir,” Cadman answered finally her voice flat, “We have been taken by the natives of the planet. They have a device of Ancient origin they want Dr McKay to fix.”
“What?” John snapped.
“Their leader, Toln,” Cadman continued, “Has given one hour for Dr McKay to be sent through the Stargate alone. If he does not come then they will kill a member of the team the next being killed if he is not sent the hour after that.”
Rodney’s eyes widened and John motioned him to stay silent.
“Alright,” Cadman’s annoyed voice came through, “Toln has just reminded me that the first member of the team killed…will be me.”
With that communications shut down as did the Stargate leaving them stunned.
Rodney found his voice first, “I’d better get my stuff together.”
“Whoa,” John grabbed him, “What are you thinking?”
“That I go so they won’t kill Cadman…and her team,” he added as an afterthought.
“Rodney, you can’t just go without some sort of plan,” Elizabeth told him.
“I have a plan,” he snapped, “I go and make sure Cadman survives until you can come in and save us all.”
“He has a point,” John noted.
“And a plan,” Rodney continued, “Look, we dial up the Gate. John, Ronon and Teyla go through in a cloaked Jumper then I go through. They stay out of the way until we’re sure Cadman isn’t in danger of being shot then they do the rescue thing.”
The two men looked at the leader of Atlantis who nodded, “Do it.”
Rodney fixed his gear checking his radio for the tenth time; it was set to be on continuously while he was off world. He watched the Gate burst open and felt the brush of air against him as the Jumper moved through.
“Okay, Rodney,” John’s voice came to him.
Rodney quickly tucked his radio into his pocket so they wouldn’t know anyone was listening in. With a deep breath he stepped forward through the event horizon.
At the other side two men stood at the DHD.
“You’d be the welcoming committee,” Rodney stated flinching as they aimed the weapons taken from Watson and Cadman at him.
“Move,” the smallest one ordered.
“Sure,” Rodney licked his lips heading towards the town very aware of the loaded weapons at his back. He tried to take in as much of the surrounding area as possible in case he needed to use it.
“In there,” he was ordered.
Rodney frowned, “You’re really talkative you know that.”
He winced as one of them shoved him with the gun through the door and into a large room.
“Rodney,” Cadman cried, “What the hell are you doing here?”
“What do you think?” Rodney snapped at her relief filling him that she was alright.
“You would be Dr McKay,” a man appeared pressing the gun he had against Cadman’s side.
“Toln, right?” Rodney glanced at Cadman who nodded, “I hear you want some help.”
The man motioned him to the ancient device, “Fix it or she will die.”
“Sure,” Rodney moved to the side of the device and looked over it, “I’ll need her help.”
“Really?” disbelief filled Toln’s voice.
“It helps to have someone giving me readings,” Rodney snapped, “It makes the work easier so I can do it faster and get out of here.”
Toln shoved Cadman at Rodney who caught her and motioned her to join him at the device as the man moved away watching them from the door.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Cadman demanded as she knelt beside him.
Rodney handed her his computer pad, “I’m keeping you alive.”
“Rodney,” she started.
“Sheppard and the rest of my team are here in a Jumper listening to every word,” Rodney explained softly, “So, shut up and just pretend we’re working on this.”
She nodded and they stayed silent for several minutes as Rodney hooked things up.
“Have you noticed anything about this place?” he murmured to her.
“There’s a cellar of some kind behind us,” Cadman told him, “The doors open already and it seems to be pretty solid. Once it’s locked they won’t be able to get out.”
“Good,” Rodney stood up and moved to the other side of the device frowning as a high pitched whine sounded throughout the room.
“What was that?” Toln demanded, he grabbed Rodney and searched him pulling out the radio. He shoved Rodney back and he slammed into the wall beside the door, Cadman jumped up to help just as Toln started to fire.
Rodney shoved her through the door following her, he cried out as he felt something burn his forehead. He managed to pull the door shut and found himself falling. The last thing he heard was Cadman’s voice.
“Not again.”
Author’s Notes: Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.
Enjoy
*********************************************
“Rodney,” Elizabeth greeted him the next morning when they met heading towards the briefing room, “How was your date?”
He glared at her, “Was there some sort of announcement?”
“John mentioned it,” she gave him an amused smile.
Rodney sighed annoyed, “The movie was good. Now, are we going to actually discuss the missions?”
She laughed motioning him inside where John was waiting for them. They took their seats to go over the new assignments of the newest arrivals from the Daedalus.
“Dr Matthews,” Elizabeth reached and looked at Rodney, “Opinions?”
“She’s smart,” Rodney reported dispassionately, “I’m not sure if she’d work well on an off world team but I think she should be given the opportunity.”
“I agree,” Elizabeth turned to John, “Any suggestions who to put her with.”
“Major Watson’s team,” he said instantly.
“Good idea,” Rodney replied, “Dr Booth needs some time to work on several experiments. I’ll take her out of the rotation and we can put Dr Matthews in her slot.”
“Agreed,” Elizabeth nodded, “Next…”
Rodney headed through the corridors to the lab where Kim was working. He wanted to tell her that she was being put on an off world team.
He was feeling guilty and hated it.
Kim was smart and beautiful but all during the movie he couldn’t stop watching Cadman which made him feel even worse. Carson was one of his best friends and having any sort of feelings for Carson’s girlfriend was something he didn’t want but Cadman just got under his skin in every way possible. As if his thoughts summoned her Cadman appeared around the corner, she was jogging with her long hair pulled back in a ponytail and she was wearing unflattering grey sweats but he still found her just as attractive.
“Hi, Rodney,” Cadman stopped pulling out the earphones she had in, “Enjoy the movie last night?”
“It was good,” he replied shortly, “I have to go.”
Cadman caught his arm, “I thought you were past what happened. It was months ago and you can’t hold a grudge forever against me.”
“I don’t hold a grudge against you,” he told her.
“Then what’s with the rush to leave whenever I enter the room?” she demanded angrily, “Because I’m not leaving. I’ve been offered a permanent posting to Atlantis and I’ve taken it. So you’re going to have to get over whatever the hell this is you have against me.”
“I don’t have anything against you, Cadman,” Rodney told her, “Now, I have things to do. See you later.”
Cadman watched him leave and sighed annoyed with herself. It was moments like this that sent her stomach flipping, when they were alone she found herself wanting to grab him and kiss him.
She cared about Carson, she enjoyed spending time with him and they had fun together. Rodney was just…he was an itch, that was the only way to describe it. They’d known each other on a level no one could understand and she’d seen him more vulnerable than he wanted anyone to witness.
It was last night though seeing him with his date had sent a spike of jealousy through her she wasn’t prepared for. That was why she’d automatically started teasing him. Seeing the woman he’d been with had also made her feel slightly inadequate, the woman could have been a model. Cadman knew no one ever described her as beautiful, she was cute, sweet, charming, adorable but never beautiful and it had never bothered her until last night. With another sigh she replaced her earphones and continued her workout.
*********************************************
Kim shivered as she stepped through the Stargate onto the planet; once she took a few steps forward she stopped shivering as the sun warmed her.
Behind her walked Cadman, Watson and Dr Mobil. The two marines moving warily forward keeping their eyes open for any activity as she and Mobil walked slowly across the field heading towards the village.
At first she’d been excited about getting to go off world so soon, however finding herself with Cadman had not been a good thing. She’d probed into the other woman’s relationship to Rodney and although no one seemed to know for sure what was between them there was a lot of speculation and rumours concerning the two of them.
“How you doing, Matthews?” Cadman asked coming over to her.
“I’m fine, Lieutenant,” she replied coolly.
“Good,” Cadman nodded, “This shouldn’t be a long day. Check out the village, make a few friends, home in time for tea.”
“Of course,” Kim said.
Cadman nodded and continued towards the village.
“Problem?” Watson asked Cadman after she glanced back at the new team member for about the tenth time.
“Nothing I can pinpoint, sir,” she replied with a frown, “I just don’t think Matthews likes me much.”
Watson shrugged, “She’s probably just uncomfortable being off world for the first time. I know I wasn't exactly relaxed my first time.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Cadman replied glancing ahead, “Sir, we have natives coming towards us.”
“Ah the old meet and greet,” Watson grinned at her, “There’s nothing like it.”
Cadman grinned back before her face fell as weapons were pointed at them.
“What do you want?” Watson demanded as they were marched through the streets.
He was answered only with silence and a strong shove forward.
“Not big talkers,” he murmured to Cadman who nodded keeping the two scientists in front of them.
“Apparently not,” she replied her neck prickling as she felt a lot of people watching them, turning slightly she caught sight of a man standing an amused smile on his lips and she turned back to the Major, “I think I see who’s in charge.”
He glanced where she motioned and nodded, “Let’s see what happens before try an escape plan. Atlantis will miss us soon.”
Cadman agreed softly hoping they got the chance to have an escape plan. They were stopped in front of a cell and all four were thrown in together.
Watson checked the two scientists while Cadman looked around the small room.
“No way out, sir,” she reported.
“So what do we do?” Matthews demanded.
“We’re going to have to wait,” Watson replied, “And hope.”
*********************************************
Rodney jogged up the stairs nodding to a few of the scientists before he took up his position under the main control console. He’d been meaning to do a full systems check for a while now and this was a good time to do this. There was nothing urgent needing his attention just now and the other three were all busy so he had time to get this done.
“Rodney,” Elizabeth interrupted him, “I thought you were meant to be relaxing?”
He glanced up at her, “I am relaxing. This is fun for me.”
She laughed, “Of course.”
“This hasn’t been done since we lost Grodin,” Rodney reminded her with a grimace, “So I’m doing it.”
“I was only saying, Rodney,” she held up her hands, “Just don’t pull anything apart in case we need the Gate and Shield to work.”
Rodney rolled his eyes at her, “Do you remember who you’re talking to?”
“How can I ever forget,” Elizabeth laughed, “I’ll be in my office.”
Rodney slid back under the console pulling out crystals, in all honesty he was doing this to keep himself busy because if he stopped working long enough to let his mind wander it wandered towards Cadman and he was trying not to think about her.
Carson frowned as he saw who had just entered his infirmary holding his arm.
“Colonel,” he greeted John with a grimace, “Dare I even ask what happened?”
John looked embarrassed as Teyla stood nearby trying not to laugh.
“I’d prefer not to say,” John replied, “Can you just…”
Carson rolled his eyes and went to get his things so bandage up the bloody gash on John’s hand. As he cleaned the cut Carson turned to Teyla.
“Did you enjoy the movie last night?” he asked her.
Teyla nodded, “It was enjoyable. I was particularly impressed by the fight scenes.”
Carson glanced at John’s hand and back at the Athosian woman, “I’m guessing John was trying to emulate some of it.”
“I have been asked not to divulge such information,” Teyla replied the smile never leaving her lips.
“Of course,” Carson laughed softly.
“Did you enjoy yourself last night?” Teyla inquired.
Carson shrugged, “It wasn't bad.”
“How is your relationship with Lieutenant Cadman?” Teyla asked noting a slight grimace cross the doctor’s features.
“Fine,” Carson replied as he bandaged John’s hand, “There you go, Colonel try and keep yourself out of trouble for at least ten minutes would you.”
John jumped up and grinned at the Doctor before he disappeared with Teyla who gave Carson a quick nod of thanks.
Carson returned to his office and sat down. He didn’t want to give up his relationship with Cadman but it was getting harder to ignore what was happening between her and Rodney even if they didn’t seem to notice it.
When they were together they connected and had fun but at times like last night he knew it was only a matter of time.
That was one of the reasons he’d stepped in between them when they’d been arguing just before the movie last night, the other main reason was because if they were allowed to keep going it was possible they’d kill one another. Their relationship was volatile at the best of times.
He found himself laughing slightly at the thought of them actually getting together; he’d probably have one of them as a patient at least once a week.
With a sigh Carson knew he was the one who would have to make the decision but at the moment he was going to be selfish.
*********************************************
Kim sat in the cell watching as the two military members of her team tried to find a way out. She couldn’t believe this, she was meant to be studying ancient technology not traipsing through mud and being thrown into a cell. The sound of footsteps alerted them to someone coming towards them, Cadman and Watson both dropped to sit looking bored.
A man stepped inside he was built like a tank and Kim slid back away from him. He glanced around the cell his eyes landing on Cadman first who returned his look with a dark glare before he moved and grabbed Kim by her arm dragging her out of the cell. Kim screamed trying to get away from him, she saw the others move to help her but the door slammed on them.
Kim shook as she was forced towards another small building once inside she found herself in front of a small weasely man with a sharp nose and greasy black hair.
“I am Toln, you are from Atlantis,” he stated walking towards her, “You have knowledge of the Ancestors technology.”
“Not that much,” she shook.
“You will help us and you will live,” Toln grabbed her and pushed her to a large cylindrical device obviously Ancient technology.
“I don’t know how to make it work,” Kim cried.
“Then you die,” the man replied.
Kim gasped, “Wait. I know who could get it to work for you.”
He gave her a suspicious look, “Who?”
“He’s on Atlantis,” Kim told her captor, “He’s the expert and he can make it work.”
Toln looked interested, “Give me his name.”
“McKay,” Kim stated, “His name is Dr Rodney McKay.”
“He will help us or you will die,” Toln told her.
Kim swallowed, “I’m not the one you have to threaten. There’s another woman in your cell. She’s the one he’ll come for.”
Toln laughed and motioned to the first man, “Take her back, Gex and bring me the other woman.”
Kim walked with the man back to the cells forcing tears into her eyes. As the door to the cell was opened Kim ran back in collapsing next to Watson.
“I’m sorry,” she cried tears streaming along her cheeks, “I didn’t want to tell them but they threatened to kill me.”
Watson comforted her; Kim managed not to smile as Cadman was yanked out of the cell.
“Get your hands off me,” was the last thing Kim heard after the door slammed. That was her out of the way.
Cadman stood her arms crossed as Toln studied her.
“Your friend said that Dr McKay would be the one to fix this device,” he stated with a smile, “You better hope he can otherwise his will be the last face you ever see.”
“We don’t respond to threats,” Cadman stated not sure how she was staying so calm.
He started to laugh, “We shall see.”
Cadman felt her stomach clench in fear. They had been due to check in about two hours ago, Atlantis would get in touch soon to find out what had happened to them. She wasn't sure what they would do to the threat but hoped they didn’t send him here. She didn’t want to put Rodney in danger.
She swallowed as a familiar voice suddenly sounded through the room.
“Major Watson, this is Weir,” Elizabeth called, “Status please.”
Toln smiled at her, “Your friends wish to know where you are. Should I tell them now or let them wait?”
Cadman said nothing.
Toln laughed and grabbed the radio.
*********************************************
“Problem?” Rodney asked as Elizabeth and John appeared in the control room as he was finishing up.
“Watson was due to check in over two hours ago,” John told him seeing the flash of worry flick through Rodney’s eyes.
“Dial it,” Elizabeth ordered her face grim, the prospect of losing any teams was something Elizabeth didn’t like to think about.
The technician quickly punched the address nodding to Elizabeth who touched her radio.
“Major Watson,” she started, “This is Weir. Status please.”
Silence answered her and Elizabeth frowned, “Lieutenant Cadman report.”
“Dr Weir,” Cadman answered finally her voice flat, “We have been taken by the natives of the planet. They have a device of Ancient origin they want Dr McKay to fix.”
“What?” John snapped.
“Their leader, Toln,” Cadman continued, “Has given one hour for Dr McKay to be sent through the Stargate alone. If he does not come then they will kill a member of the team the next being killed if he is not sent the hour after that.”
Rodney’s eyes widened and John motioned him to stay silent.
“Alright,” Cadman’s annoyed voice came through, “Toln has just reminded me that the first member of the team killed…will be me.”
With that communications shut down as did the Stargate leaving them stunned.
Rodney found his voice first, “I’d better get my stuff together.”
“Whoa,” John grabbed him, “What are you thinking?”
“That I go so they won’t kill Cadman…and her team,” he added as an afterthought.
“Rodney, you can’t just go without some sort of plan,” Elizabeth told him.
“I have a plan,” he snapped, “I go and make sure Cadman survives until you can come in and save us all.”
“He has a point,” John noted.
“And a plan,” Rodney continued, “Look, we dial up the Gate. John, Ronon and Teyla go through in a cloaked Jumper then I go through. They stay out of the way until we’re sure Cadman isn’t in danger of being shot then they do the rescue thing.”
The two men looked at the leader of Atlantis who nodded, “Do it.”
Rodney fixed his gear checking his radio for the tenth time; it was set to be on continuously while he was off world. He watched the Gate burst open and felt the brush of air against him as the Jumper moved through.
“Okay, Rodney,” John’s voice came to him.
Rodney quickly tucked his radio into his pocket so they wouldn’t know anyone was listening in. With a deep breath he stepped forward through the event horizon.
At the other side two men stood at the DHD.
“You’d be the welcoming committee,” Rodney stated flinching as they aimed the weapons taken from Watson and Cadman at him.
“Move,” the smallest one ordered.
“Sure,” Rodney licked his lips heading towards the town very aware of the loaded weapons at his back. He tried to take in as much of the surrounding area as possible in case he needed to use it.
“In there,” he was ordered.
Rodney frowned, “You’re really talkative you know that.”
He winced as one of them shoved him with the gun through the door and into a large room.
“Rodney,” Cadman cried, “What the hell are you doing here?”
“What do you think?” Rodney snapped at her relief filling him that she was alright.
“You would be Dr McKay,” a man appeared pressing the gun he had against Cadman’s side.
“Toln, right?” Rodney glanced at Cadman who nodded, “I hear you want some help.”
The man motioned him to the ancient device, “Fix it or she will die.”
“Sure,” Rodney moved to the side of the device and looked over it, “I’ll need her help.”
“Really?” disbelief filled Toln’s voice.
“It helps to have someone giving me readings,” Rodney snapped, “It makes the work easier so I can do it faster and get out of here.”
Toln shoved Cadman at Rodney who caught her and motioned her to join him at the device as the man moved away watching them from the door.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Cadman demanded as she knelt beside him.
Rodney handed her his computer pad, “I’m keeping you alive.”
“Rodney,” she started.
“Sheppard and the rest of my team are here in a Jumper listening to every word,” Rodney explained softly, “So, shut up and just pretend we’re working on this.”
She nodded and they stayed silent for several minutes as Rodney hooked things up.
“Have you noticed anything about this place?” he murmured to her.
“There’s a cellar of some kind behind us,” Cadman told him, “The doors open already and it seems to be pretty solid. Once it’s locked they won’t be able to get out.”
“Good,” Rodney stood up and moved to the other side of the device frowning as a high pitched whine sounded throughout the room.
“What was that?” Toln demanded, he grabbed Rodney and searched him pulling out the radio. He shoved Rodney back and he slammed into the wall beside the door, Cadman jumped up to help just as Toln started to fire.
Rodney shoved her through the door following her, he cried out as he felt something burn his forehead. He managed to pull the door shut and found himself falling. The last thing he heard was Cadman’s voice.
“Not again.”