Gemini: Flipside Chapter Three
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Chapter Two
oOoOoOo
As the puddlejumper entered Atlantis, Elizabeth caught a glimpse of a listless wave from Brendan Dean. While she was glad he had decided not to fly, she saw the puzzled looks from others; they were getting suspicious.
Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth climbed the stairs to the 'jumper bay. She stepped out of the way as Carson and his team scrambled to take care of the injured corporal, who was balanced between two other soldiers. He smiled sheepishly as they hefted him onto a gurney.
Major Lorne stomped down the ramp, munching on a sandwich.
“Major. Good to have you back,” she said, biting back a smile.
“Thanks, ma'am.”
Glancing at the bruises on his arm, Elizabeth raised a brow. “I trust all went well?”
“No worries,” Lorne replied. Hooking a thumb over his shoulder, he grinned. “Woulda made the colonel proud, ma'am.”
Finally, she let a small smile bend her lips. “Good to know. We'll debrief in an hour then, Major.” If she were brutally honest with herself, Elizabeth didn't want to be stuck with Brendan Dean. He and John might look the same on the outside, but the agent lacked that spark that made John who he was. Brendan was a little more by-the-book than John would ever be, and his mind was a bit too analytical. The man was always puzzling something out, always thinking. And the perfect memory thing was a little creepy, she admitted.
Picking her way closer to the entrance of the ship, Elizabeth shook off the encroaching sadness. They were going to get back John Sheppard. Gazing inside, she saw Rodney and Brendan in quiet discussion.
“... not the point, McKay. I never forget anything!”
Nodding, the scientist balanced his laptop on his knees. “We'll get through this... patient.”
With a huff, Brendan leaned back, turning toward the window. “I know. But I'm losing...”
“Oh, what? So you're becoming normal?” Rodney's voice was low and clear, and possibly even compassionate. “I need you to focus.” Waiting for his companion to face him, Rodney waved a hand in a circular motion. “They can't see the colonel fall apart right now.”
“I won't do anything too public, Doctor McKay,” Brendan hissed, shoving a hand through his hair. “Yeah, okay.” He rose, swaying slightly; Rodney caught him with practiced ease. “You must do that a lot. What's next?”
Taking his hand away from Brendan, Rodney gathered his equipment and rose. “You're just tired. After the post-mission check -” he froze, seeing Elizabeth standing at the foot of the ramp. “Hello, Elizabeth.”
“Hello, gentlemen. Congratulations on a successful mission. I trust we still have an ally?”
Brendan gave his best, yet exhausted, smile. “Yarrel eagerly awaits your arrival.”
Drawing her brows together, she stepped out of the way as they slowly descended the ramp. “And that is --?”
“Kidnapper from the neighboring village,” Rodney replied quickly.
“He sends his sincere apologies, by the way,” Brendan said, swaying into the scientist again.
“Okay,” McKay drawled, taking his companion's arm. “Time to get colonels and NSA agents to bed. Mind if we debrief in the morning, Elizabeth?”
Frowning, she reluctantly nodded. “I'll let Major Lorne know. Go see Carson, and get some rest.”
“Of course,” McKay said, steering Brendan toward the transporter. “You realize Carson will keep you overnight if you keep looking like that.”
Brendan paused to face Rodney. “Like what?”
Shaking his head, the scientist pulled the other man toward the transporter door. “Like you're about to pass out, that's what.”
Snorting, Brendan stumbled into the tiny space. “I will not faint, I promise you.”
“Why do they all say that?” Rodney murmured.
Surprisingly, the agent not only didn't faint, he seemed more alert. McKay went to pull the other man along but Brendan hesitated. “Come on, let's get this over with.”
“Wait.” Turning toward the panel, Brendan scrolled through destinations. With his free hand, he turned the map around.
“How did you --”
“Hush,” Brendan murmured, closing his eyes. The incessant hum in his head was growing louder, and to his surprise, the scientist actually quieted. “We need to go here.”
“What? Why?”
“Because,” Brendan sighed wearily. “Atlantis says so.”
Snorting, Rodney looked closer at the map displayed on the panel. “That's ridic - Whoa! How did you - Never mind.” Waving a dismissive - if resigned - hand, he turned to the other man. “All right, MacDuff. Lead on.”
“Ha,” the agent replied, taking a hesitant step out of the transporter. Instinctively, he went left and immediately felt an overwhelming feeling of danger. A pair of strong hands caught him as his knees buckled. When he caught his breath, Brendan opened his eyes.
McKay's frown had reached his eyes. Being so close, Brendan could see the exhaustion through the worry.
“Are you okay?” Rodney asked as he reached for his comm, adjusting his hold. “This was such a bad idea!”
“Wait. Just give me a minute.” Taking several breaths, Brendan got to his feet awkwardly. The hum abated, allowing the agent to think a bit clearer. Moving away from McKay, Brendan took a tentative step in the opposite direction.
“Where are you going?”
“Definitely not that way.”
Mumbling under his breath, McKay reluctantly followed. Pulling out an LSD, he figured he would make himself useful. The City had definite opinion about where they should go, and power was already rerouting to accommodate. “Huh.”
Afraid to lose momentum, Brendan kept walking. “I hope that's a good, 'huh'.”
“Not exactly.” Tapping the screen, Rodney scowled while deftly stepping around rotting plants and other debris. This section of the city had been under water for who knew how many years, and Atlantis revealed a sudden solution for Agent Dean.
A faint noise made them both freeze in their tracks. Around the curve of the long corridor, they saw a hulking shadow. The whine of a gun charging made them both relax, relieved as Ronon came into view.
“Not that I'm not glad to see you,” Rodney stammered. “It's just - What are you doing here?”
The Satedan specialist shrugged. “Beckett sent me. You didn't come for your post-mission.”
Tossing a smile over his shoulder, Brendan continued forward. “Thanks for joining us. We gotta go that way.”
Waving his LSD to the left, Rodney agreed. “Whatever it is, it wants us there immediately. There's some sort of hidden room, maybe?”
“There's always a hidden room McKay,” Ronon grumbled, stepping ahead of them both. Holding out a hand, he stopped Brendan from moving. “Who are you?”
Brendan looked away while Rodney cringed.
Raising his gun, Ronon let the barrel rest on his shoulder, pointing toward the grimy ceiling. “Lorne said the colonel would be proud of our rescue. Why would he be if you were standing right there? Answers. Now.”
“Wow. I think that's the most you've -” Rodney's voice trailed off when both men frowned at him. “You were saying?”
“It's a longer story than we've got time for, big guy,” Brendan replied slowly. “That's why we're down here. To get Colonel Sheppard back from my reality.”
With a snap, Ronon turned off his weapon and holstered it. “Knew it. Sheppard woulda never let anyone fly a jumper if he was still upright and breathing.”
“Of course not,” Brendan agreed. “He's a pilot, I'm a desk jockey. But I do think controlling things with your mind is really cool.”
Rolling his eyes, McKay continued onward, waving the handheld device over slimy walls. The device let out a plaintive beep as he passed a niche. “Interesting.”
“I hate when he says that.” Ronon gestured for Brendan to go ahead. “Your name John too?”
“No. I'm Brendan Dean.”
Ronon grunted a response, and fell into step beside the agent.
As they drew nearer the end of the corridor, Brendan felt something caress his mind. With a gasp, he came to a halt, standing utterly still, just breathing. Behind closed eyes, a scene unfolded.
Someone who looked a lot like Zelenka smiled cruelly, turning a glass orb over in his hand. Another being entered the room, playful smile on her lips. His lips. No, hers. Wait. What? “That's messed up,” Brendan whispered. The strange being switched faces, finally becoming McKay.
“What? What's wrong?” Rodney drifted closer to the other men. Once again, he touched Brendan on the arm.
Taking note of the warm hand, Brendan realized that no one touched the colonel. When they did, it was always the same place, always within his line of sight. Shaking off the uneasiness, Brendan frowned. “For a second there, I could see through his eyes.” The images suddenly winked off, and the agent felt blind; Brendan had covered his eyes. “That's just plain freaky.”
“Is Sheppard okay?” McKay asked, pulling down the other man's hand. Concern for his friend had deepened his scowl.
Sighing, Brendan shrugged. “I think so. It was kind of like being in two places at once.” With a shudder, he marched forward.
Atlantis spurred him on, driving him deeper into the bowels of the city. Rodney moved distractedly ahead of Brendan; he wondered how the scientist could walk and type and talk at the same time. Shaking his head, Brendan picked up his own pace.
“Major Lorne to, uh, Colonel Sheppard?”
Apparently the pretense was a bit harder on his XO than he thought. “Go for Sheppard.”
“Sir, Doctor Beckett is awaiting the pleasure of your company. Also, there's a debrief in thirty.”
“Thanks, Major. I'll be - STOP!” Dropping his hand, Brendan ran ahead, grabbing McKay by the shirt. “Wait! It's dangerous. Don't -”
Barely glancing up, McKay adjusted his LSD. “But there's a - Oh.”
A door screeched open as they came to a halt. Glowing in the inky darkness, a green orb drifted like a will o' the wisp. Both Brendan and Rodney stepped back as Ronon stepped forward. Producing a small flashlight, he swept it carefully around the room, aiming his gun.
Breath stuttering, Brendan walked into the room wishing he had some sort of weapon. His fingers brushed the butt of his sidearm, and he automatically pulled it out. As he reached the middle of the room, the lights came up, but remained dim. Taking a deep breath, the agent ignored the scent of heavy brine and rot in the air, and moved toward the floating light.
“What the hell are doing?” McKay demanded, as he stepped between Brendan and the glowing light. “What is it with you and your spiky-haired doppelganger? Just because it's shiny doesn't mean you should touch it!”
“McKay, I think -”
The scientist reached for the orb. “Hey, I've seen this before.” As his hand closed around the object, it went dark, looking more like a paperweight than a threat.
“Yeah, Kavanagh sent that to me,” Brendan said breathlessly. The edges of his vision began darkening as they moved out of the room.
“Hey,” Ronon's deep voice echoed around them. “You look like -”
Closing his eyes, Brendan felt the world fall away.
“Knew it.” Lurching forward, Ronon managed to catch Brendan before he slid to the grimy floor. “Let's go back. This place is creepy.”
“No kidding. Is he okay?”
“Sir? Sir?” Lorne called.
“I dunno. Sounds like he's sleeping,” Ronon shrugged, adjusting the limp body in his arms.
“Probably. He's exhausted from -” McKay halted in his tracks, mumbling to himself. “Why didn't I see this before?” Whipping out his tablet, the scientist's fingers flew across the screen. Tapping his headset, Rodney quickened his pace. “Radek! I'm sending you some - I don't care what time it is! I need you to run this simulation right now!”
“Doctor McKay? What -”
“He's fine, Major,” Rodney said tersely, cutting off the man's concern. “Meet us in the infirmary.”
Ronon shuffled Brendan over his shoulder so they would all fit in the transporter unit. “It's not going anywhere,” he observed.
Sighing, Rodney lowered his computer. “I realize you need to fix the colonel, but could you do it when he's awake?” He pulled open a panel and switched around crystals. Suddenly, the unit jolted to life, depositing them near the infirmary. “Huh.”
Lorne and several Marines stood on the other side of the door. “What happened?”
“This,” Rodney announced, holding up the glass orb. “Has been feeding off his energy. Atlantis is trying to help, but must be meeting resistance from the other universe. It's possible the other device is in use, or is damaged. I need to run some tests.” Turning on his heel, Mckay left without further explanation.
As Elizabeth Weir passed the chief scientist, she was met by a raised hand.
“Sorry, Elizabeth. Can't talk now. Getting answers!”
“Just let me know-”
“Yes, yes,” he said over his shoulder. “My first call.” Then he was gone.
The expedition leader turned expectantly toward Ronon, who shrugged. “Guess he figured out something.”
Entering the infirmary, Ronon bypassed the doctor, and unceremoniously dumped his cargo on an empty bed. He stepped away quickly, allowing the medical team to arrange the patient on the bed. Taking up his usual post at the edge of the infirmary, Ronon kept watch over his friend's body. Hopefully, he mused, McKay will get Sheppard out of trouble again.
Chapter Four
Chapter Two
oOoOoOo
As the puddlejumper entered Atlantis, Elizabeth caught a glimpse of a listless wave from Brendan Dean. While she was glad he had decided not to fly, she saw the puzzled looks from others; they were getting suspicious.
Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth climbed the stairs to the 'jumper bay. She stepped out of the way as Carson and his team scrambled to take care of the injured corporal, who was balanced between two other soldiers. He smiled sheepishly as they hefted him onto a gurney.
Major Lorne stomped down the ramp, munching on a sandwich.
“Major. Good to have you back,” she said, biting back a smile.
“Thanks, ma'am.”
Glancing at the bruises on his arm, Elizabeth raised a brow. “I trust all went well?”
“No worries,” Lorne replied. Hooking a thumb over his shoulder, he grinned. “Woulda made the colonel proud, ma'am.”
Finally, she let a small smile bend her lips. “Good to know. We'll debrief in an hour then, Major.” If she were brutally honest with herself, Elizabeth didn't want to be stuck with Brendan Dean. He and John might look the same on the outside, but the agent lacked that spark that made John who he was. Brendan was a little more by-the-book than John would ever be, and his mind was a bit too analytical. The man was always puzzling something out, always thinking. And the perfect memory thing was a little creepy, she admitted.
Picking her way closer to the entrance of the ship, Elizabeth shook off the encroaching sadness. They were going to get back John Sheppard. Gazing inside, she saw Rodney and Brendan in quiet discussion.
“... not the point, McKay. I never forget anything!”
Nodding, the scientist balanced his laptop on his knees. “We'll get through this... patient.”
With a huff, Brendan leaned back, turning toward the window. “I know. But I'm losing...”
“Oh, what? So you're becoming normal?” Rodney's voice was low and clear, and possibly even compassionate. “I need you to focus.” Waiting for his companion to face him, Rodney waved a hand in a circular motion. “They can't see the colonel fall apart right now.”
“I won't do anything too public, Doctor McKay,” Brendan hissed, shoving a hand through his hair. “Yeah, okay.” He rose, swaying slightly; Rodney caught him with practiced ease. “You must do that a lot. What's next?”
Taking his hand away from Brendan, Rodney gathered his equipment and rose. “You're just tired. After the post-mission check -” he froze, seeing Elizabeth standing at the foot of the ramp. “Hello, Elizabeth.”
“Hello, gentlemen. Congratulations on a successful mission. I trust we still have an ally?”
Brendan gave his best, yet exhausted, smile. “Yarrel eagerly awaits your arrival.”
Drawing her brows together, she stepped out of the way as they slowly descended the ramp. “And that is --?”
“Kidnapper from the neighboring village,” Rodney replied quickly.
“He sends his sincere apologies, by the way,” Brendan said, swaying into the scientist again.
“Okay,” McKay drawled, taking his companion's arm. “Time to get colonels and NSA agents to bed. Mind if we debrief in the morning, Elizabeth?”
Frowning, she reluctantly nodded. “I'll let Major Lorne know. Go see Carson, and get some rest.”
“Of course,” McKay said, steering Brendan toward the transporter. “You realize Carson will keep you overnight if you keep looking like that.”
Brendan paused to face Rodney. “Like what?”
Shaking his head, the scientist pulled the other man toward the transporter door. “Like you're about to pass out, that's what.”
Snorting, Brendan stumbled into the tiny space. “I will not faint, I promise you.”
“Why do they all say that?” Rodney murmured.
Surprisingly, the agent not only didn't faint, he seemed more alert. McKay went to pull the other man along but Brendan hesitated. “Come on, let's get this over with.”
“Wait.” Turning toward the panel, Brendan scrolled through destinations. With his free hand, he turned the map around.
“How did you --”
“Hush,” Brendan murmured, closing his eyes. The incessant hum in his head was growing louder, and to his surprise, the scientist actually quieted. “We need to go here.”
“What? Why?”
“Because,” Brendan sighed wearily. “Atlantis says so.”
Snorting, Rodney looked closer at the map displayed on the panel. “That's ridic - Whoa! How did you - Never mind.” Waving a dismissive - if resigned - hand, he turned to the other man. “All right, MacDuff. Lead on.”
“Ha,” the agent replied, taking a hesitant step out of the transporter. Instinctively, he went left and immediately felt an overwhelming feeling of danger. A pair of strong hands caught him as his knees buckled. When he caught his breath, Brendan opened his eyes.
McKay's frown had reached his eyes. Being so close, Brendan could see the exhaustion through the worry.
“Are you okay?” Rodney asked as he reached for his comm, adjusting his hold. “This was such a bad idea!”
“Wait. Just give me a minute.” Taking several breaths, Brendan got to his feet awkwardly. The hum abated, allowing the agent to think a bit clearer. Moving away from McKay, Brendan took a tentative step in the opposite direction.
“Where are you going?”
“Definitely not that way.”
Mumbling under his breath, McKay reluctantly followed. Pulling out an LSD, he figured he would make himself useful. The City had definite opinion about where they should go, and power was already rerouting to accommodate. “Huh.”
Afraid to lose momentum, Brendan kept walking. “I hope that's a good, 'huh'.”
“Not exactly.” Tapping the screen, Rodney scowled while deftly stepping around rotting plants and other debris. This section of the city had been under water for who knew how many years, and Atlantis revealed a sudden solution for Agent Dean.
A faint noise made them both freeze in their tracks. Around the curve of the long corridor, they saw a hulking shadow. The whine of a gun charging made them both relax, relieved as Ronon came into view.
“Not that I'm not glad to see you,” Rodney stammered. “It's just - What are you doing here?”
The Satedan specialist shrugged. “Beckett sent me. You didn't come for your post-mission.”
Tossing a smile over his shoulder, Brendan continued forward. “Thanks for joining us. We gotta go that way.”
Waving his LSD to the left, Rodney agreed. “Whatever it is, it wants us there immediately. There's some sort of hidden room, maybe?”
“There's always a hidden room McKay,” Ronon grumbled, stepping ahead of them both. Holding out a hand, he stopped Brendan from moving. “Who are you?”
Brendan looked away while Rodney cringed.
Raising his gun, Ronon let the barrel rest on his shoulder, pointing toward the grimy ceiling. “Lorne said the colonel would be proud of our rescue. Why would he be if you were standing right there? Answers. Now.”
“Wow. I think that's the most you've -” Rodney's voice trailed off when both men frowned at him. “You were saying?”
“It's a longer story than we've got time for, big guy,” Brendan replied slowly. “That's why we're down here. To get Colonel Sheppard back from my reality.”
With a snap, Ronon turned off his weapon and holstered it. “Knew it. Sheppard woulda never let anyone fly a jumper if he was still upright and breathing.”
“Of course not,” Brendan agreed. “He's a pilot, I'm a desk jockey. But I do think controlling things with your mind is really cool.”
Rolling his eyes, McKay continued onward, waving the handheld device over slimy walls. The device let out a plaintive beep as he passed a niche. “Interesting.”
“I hate when he says that.” Ronon gestured for Brendan to go ahead. “Your name John too?”
“No. I'm Brendan Dean.”
Ronon grunted a response, and fell into step beside the agent.
As they drew nearer the end of the corridor, Brendan felt something caress his mind. With a gasp, he came to a halt, standing utterly still, just breathing. Behind closed eyes, a scene unfolded.
Someone who looked a lot like Zelenka smiled cruelly, turning a glass orb over in his hand. Another being entered the room, playful smile on her lips. His lips. No, hers. Wait. What? “That's messed up,” Brendan whispered. The strange being switched faces, finally becoming McKay.
“What? What's wrong?” Rodney drifted closer to the other men. Once again, he touched Brendan on the arm.
Taking note of the warm hand, Brendan realized that no one touched the colonel. When they did, it was always the same place, always within his line of sight. Shaking off the uneasiness, Brendan frowned. “For a second there, I could see through his eyes.” The images suddenly winked off, and the agent felt blind; Brendan had covered his eyes. “That's just plain freaky.”
“Is Sheppard okay?” McKay asked, pulling down the other man's hand. Concern for his friend had deepened his scowl.
Sighing, Brendan shrugged. “I think so. It was kind of like being in two places at once.” With a shudder, he marched forward.
Atlantis spurred him on, driving him deeper into the bowels of the city. Rodney moved distractedly ahead of Brendan; he wondered how the scientist could walk and type and talk at the same time. Shaking his head, Brendan picked up his own pace.
“Major Lorne to, uh, Colonel Sheppard?”
Apparently the pretense was a bit harder on his XO than he thought. “Go for Sheppard.”
“Sir, Doctor Beckett is awaiting the pleasure of your company. Also, there's a debrief in thirty.”
“Thanks, Major. I'll be - STOP!” Dropping his hand, Brendan ran ahead, grabbing McKay by the shirt. “Wait! It's dangerous. Don't -”
Barely glancing up, McKay adjusted his LSD. “But there's a - Oh.”
A door screeched open as they came to a halt. Glowing in the inky darkness, a green orb drifted like a will o' the wisp. Both Brendan and Rodney stepped back as Ronon stepped forward. Producing a small flashlight, he swept it carefully around the room, aiming his gun.
Breath stuttering, Brendan walked into the room wishing he had some sort of weapon. His fingers brushed the butt of his sidearm, and he automatically pulled it out. As he reached the middle of the room, the lights came up, but remained dim. Taking a deep breath, the agent ignored the scent of heavy brine and rot in the air, and moved toward the floating light.
“What the hell are doing?” McKay demanded, as he stepped between Brendan and the glowing light. “What is it with you and your spiky-haired doppelganger? Just because it's shiny doesn't mean you should touch it!”
“McKay, I think -”
The scientist reached for the orb. “Hey, I've seen this before.” As his hand closed around the object, it went dark, looking more like a paperweight than a threat.
“Yeah, Kavanagh sent that to me,” Brendan said breathlessly. The edges of his vision began darkening as they moved out of the room.
“Hey,” Ronon's deep voice echoed around them. “You look like -”
Closing his eyes, Brendan felt the world fall away.
“Knew it.” Lurching forward, Ronon managed to catch Brendan before he slid to the grimy floor. “Let's go back. This place is creepy.”
“No kidding. Is he okay?”
“Sir? Sir?” Lorne called.
“I dunno. Sounds like he's sleeping,” Ronon shrugged, adjusting the limp body in his arms.
“Probably. He's exhausted from -” McKay halted in his tracks, mumbling to himself. “Why didn't I see this before?” Whipping out his tablet, the scientist's fingers flew across the screen. Tapping his headset, Rodney quickened his pace. “Radek! I'm sending you some - I don't care what time it is! I need you to run this simulation right now!”
“Doctor McKay? What -”
“He's fine, Major,” Rodney said tersely, cutting off the man's concern. “Meet us in the infirmary.”
Ronon shuffled Brendan over his shoulder so they would all fit in the transporter unit. “It's not going anywhere,” he observed.
Sighing, Rodney lowered his computer. “I realize you need to fix the colonel, but could you do it when he's awake?” He pulled open a panel and switched around crystals. Suddenly, the unit jolted to life, depositing them near the infirmary. “Huh.”
Lorne and several Marines stood on the other side of the door. “What happened?”
“This,” Rodney announced, holding up the glass orb. “Has been feeding off his energy. Atlantis is trying to help, but must be meeting resistance from the other universe. It's possible the other device is in use, or is damaged. I need to run some tests.” Turning on his heel, Mckay left without further explanation.
As Elizabeth Weir passed the chief scientist, she was met by a raised hand.
“Sorry, Elizabeth. Can't talk now. Getting answers!”
“Just let me know-”
“Yes, yes,” he said over his shoulder. “My first call.” Then he was gone.
The expedition leader turned expectantly toward Ronon, who shrugged. “Guess he figured out something.”
Entering the infirmary, Ronon bypassed the doctor, and unceremoniously dumped his cargo on an empty bed. He stepped away quickly, allowing the medical team to arrange the patient on the bed. Taking up his usual post at the edge of the infirmary, Ronon kept watch over his friend's body. Hopefully, he mused, McKay will get Sheppard out of trouble again.
Chapter Four