Fic: A Quality Of Grace Is Mercy (Mostly Gen, R)
Title: A Quality Of Grace Is Mercy
Author: flubber2kool
Recipient: penguin13tcj
Pairing: Carson/Rodney - friendship, hurt/comfort
Rating: R for non-main character death
Characters:Lt Colonel John Sheppard, Teyla Emmagen, Specialist Ronon Dex, Dr Carson Beckett, Dr Rodney McKay, Colonel Steven Caldwell. OC's - Karrin, Torken, Lt Connor, Corvus
Disclaimer : I have no rights to any of the characters from SGA. The OC's are mine however.
Summary : Carson does something to help a fellow man and learns something startling about himself.
A/N : This is being written for the sga_santa. I am writing this for penguin13tcj She wanted to Carson more Carson and Carson, Team and a beautiful bald Caldwell. (Her words not mine! ;-) ) I hope that you like it! This story takes place sometime between Seteda and Sunday.
I would also like to say thank you to my beta Phenix00Princess. She has helped me make a better story.
*
Rodney looked at the DHD in horror. There were axe marks in the side and the housing was broken. He had no idea how much damage the DHD had taken, but he knew for certain that without the equipment and anything to use to replace the damaged parts, there was very little hope of fixing it.
Rodney was also aware of a figure standing behind him, breathing down his neck, "Well..Can you fix it?"
Rodney looked up at him and shook his head, "If I had the right equipment and something to repair the damage then maybe. But now, no, I don't think so."
John looked at him and said, "R-O-D-N-E-Y! You're the genius around here."
Rodney looked at him, "Yes and it is that genius that tells me that this," Rodney pointed to the broken DHD, "can't be fixed."
John sighed. He knew that if Rodney was talking like that then there really wasn't anything that could be done. "Ok people. It looks like we're staying here for a while."
Rodney stuck his head out from under the DHD, a look of concern on his face. "Why?"
John looked at Carson and rolled his eyes, "Because Rodney ... if we stay here Atlantis command will realise that we are overdue and will attempt to contact us."
Before Rodney could say anything John continued, "And just because we cant dial out doesn't mean that Atlantis can't dial in."
Rodney still didn't look that happy. Teyla noticed this and went over to him. "I am sure that once they know that we are safe they will find a way to rescue us."
Rodney looked at her and thought to himself, "That's if we don't get killed by the axe wielder first."
As Rodney stood up, he managed to cut his finger. He watched as the blood ran out of the wound, "Ouch. That hurts!"
Carson raised his eyebrows at John and took his field medical kit and made his way over to Rodney.
Lifting up his finger Rodney said, "Well are you going to do something about it? It could go septic you know."
Carson rolled his eyes. "Rodney, it's just a little cut. Come here and let me deal with it."
"You wont be saying that when I loose my finger and can't save you all." Rodney said as he stuck his finger under Carson's nose.
"Yes Rodney." Carson replied with a sigh as he moved the finger to where he could have a good look at it.
****
An hour later the gate activated. There was a Kwoosh as the gate was filled with the familiar blue puddle.
"This is Atlantis command calling Colonel Sheppard." It was Elizabeth.
"This is Sheppard. Glad to hear your voice...."
As Carson listened to this he watched Rodney. He didn't look happy at all. Something was worrying him.
"...... the Deadalus will be with you in three days." Elizabeth continued, " Will you need any thing else Colonel?"
Carson asked, " Is there any chance that we could get some medical supplies for them. I dinnea think that they've been here that long and they could do with some help."
Elizabeth agreed. The medical along with some other supplies were sent through on a MALP. But Rodney was still worried.
Carson made his way over to where Rodney was still standing by the broken DHD. "What's wrong lad?"
Rodney replied, " Take a look at this DHD. It wasn't like this when we came through."
Carson put his hand on his shoulder, " Are you sure? We were deep in conversation when we came through."
Rodney looked at him as if he was mad, "Oh come on. You can't be serious. Nobody could have missed this, not even you."
Carson rolled his eyes as Rodney continued, "Whoever or whatever did this is still out there. I for one am so not happy about having to stay here."
'Oh for ... Rodney. I am sure that you are worrying about nothing." He said patting his hand on his shoulder.
They had taken the supplies in to the settlement and had been met with smiles and thanks. When Rodney explained what had happened to the DHD Carson noticed the looks that passed around some of the villagers. He put it down to the fact that they were worried about not having a functioning DHD.
Karrin, the elder of the settlement spoke to John and his team. " Thank you for your help. Do not worry about my fellow settlers. For some reason they believe that there is some sort of beastman out there." Then he continued, turning to Dr McKay, " I know that you are searching for Ancient treasures. On our hunt for food we found some abandoned buildings. We have not dared to venture in. As you are here for some days I wondered if you might like to see if they are of interest to you."
Rodney smiled. "That would be great. Thank you."
Carson thought, "At least that will take his mind off whatever is out there."
In was late in the day so it was decided that they would go out to the ruins in the morning.
It was at this point that Karin asked Carson if he could take a look at some of the settlers. " It is nothing serious. That is why I didn't say anything before. But now you are here for a few days..."
A wide smile spread across his face, "Oh that's alright lad. I would be more than happy to have a look. I'll see what I can do for you."
Rodney said with a huff, "So you're off to practice your voodoo."
"I'll remember that next time something happens and you need my help." Carson said with a smirk as he went on his way.
Fortunately there was nothing serious. Some cuts and bruises, a twisted arm, nothing that he couldn't cope with.
The next day Torken, one of the hunters from the settlement, took them to the building. Rodney saw the door and was about to head in when John put out his hand to stop him.
"Lets just check before we go in there shall we." John looked at Ronon who gave him a nod. They both disappeared to check the perimeter.
When they got back Ronon said, "Someone has made a camp nearby. The fire ashes are still warm."
Carson looked at him with a furrowed brow. "I thought that Karin said that no-one had come here."
John looked at him, " I guess Karrin was wrong. We will have to be on our guard"
As they entered the buildings Ronon took point and Teyla and John led the way. Rodney didn't really think that they would find much, but it was worth a look just in case. As they walked in the lights began to come on. Beyond the lights the corridor was still dark. Carson shivered. He felt like he was in one of those survival games that he had seen people play on games consoles and he didn't like it. Rodney, on the other hand was in his element, He looked so excited. John and Teyla began to open doors. Some had bits of broken equipment and others were completely empty. The place was full of dust and cobwebs and definitely had the air of somewhere that had been abandoned in a hurry. Carson really felt uncomfortable and was beginning to wonder why he had bothered to come in the first place.
As they walked through the last door in the corridor, the room opened out. Carson looked around. In one corner there was something that seemed very familiar. It was a stasis tube, like the one that they had found the older Elizabeth in back on Atlantis. Beside it was a console.
John walked over and ran his hand over the console and it came to life. Carson and Rodney stared at each other.
Then Rodney stared at John and said, "What did you do?"
John stared at Ronon and Teyla and shrugged. He was about to speak when there was a hiss and the stasis tube began to open. Both John and Ronon reacted by pointing their weapons at it. Teyla moved back to stand beside Carson and John. But there was nothing there but the smell of stale air.
Everyone heaved a collective sigh of relief.
Carson said, "Lets be careful we have no idea what's in here. We don't want to end up letting out any strange contagions."
Rodney shuddered as he remembered the last time he had come across something like that. He lost good colleagues and was lucky that he didn't die too.
After that they were all a little more careful about what they were doing. Rodney and Carson managed to get the computers working and tried to decipher some of the information that they contained, while the rest of the team patrolled the building just in case the owner of the camp made a return. The rest of the day was uneventful.
That night as Carson lay in bed he heard a howling coming from outside his window. He had no idea what it was. Even allowing for the fact that he was in the Pegasus galaxy that sound was so strange it sent shivers up his spine. And the fact that they woke up to find what looked like axe marks in the trees near the settlement didn't help.
That was two days ago. Now Carson was back in the room with Rodney and he had a feeling that he was being watched.
Rodney decided that he needed a drink and a breath of fresh air. Carson nodded as he watched him go, turning back to the screen that was before him. Suddenly the air was filled with a scream. It was Rodney. Carson rushed out to see what had happened. He found Rodney sitting with his back to the outside wall, with hie eyes closed and the bottle discarded beside him. Carson crouched down beside him.
Putting his hand on Rodney's shoulder Carson shook him gently. "Rodney. Rodney can you hear me?"
Rodney opened his eyes groggily and mumbled, "You don't get rid of me that easily." He smiled and continued, "After all, who would save Atlantis if I wasn't there ... I know ... that Zelenka is there but he ... he just isn't as clever as me."
Carson grinned and rolled his eyes as he began to examine him, "Yes Rodney."
As Carson carried on he asked, "What happened?"
Rodney winced and tried to move. As he moved his ankle Rodney felt the pain shoot through his legs, and thought better of it settling back down to the ground.
Speaking through the pain, he said, "I'm not sure. I was standing outside having a drink when this man came at me. He looked like a neanderthal." Rodney stopped and hissed a bit before continuing." The last thing I remember was just before I fell backwards. There was a figure with what looked like an axe in his hand. He went to strike me but he stopped."
As Carson moved down to Rodney's ankle, he commented, "That's really strange. I wonder why he didn't kill you?
Rodney moved and groaned. "I have no idea. I'm just glad ... glad he didn't."
Carson couldn't help agreeing with that. Then he began to examine Rodney's ankle a little closer.
From the trees a figure watched as Carson examined Rodney. The figure was wracked with pain and there was a burning sensation, that felt like it was coming from his very soul. He had no idea who these people were, where they came from or what they were doing here. But as he watched the man that was crouching down on the floor, he was sure that he could help him. Before it was too late.
Carson sat down beside Rodney, "I'm sorry. You've twisted it and it might be broken. The best thing that I can do for you is make you a splint to keep it as still and as straight as we can."
Rodney grimaced. Carson continued, " Don't worry lad. The Deadalus will be here soon. We'll be able to get you in to the infirmary and then I will be able to practice my voodoo on you."
Rodney smiled, although it was obvious that he was still in pain. " You just stay there Rodney."
This time Rodney rolled his eyes. " Well it's not like I am going anywhere."
Carson laughed. " Yes Rodney."
Carson grabbed his Radio, " Doctor Beckett to Colonel Sheppard."
" Sheppard here."
"Rodney has been attacked. He is conscious with an injury sustained to his right ankle. At present I am unsure if its broken or just twisted."
John sighed. He should have realised that this was going too well. "Ok Where are you?"
"Rodney and I are at the entrance to the building. You can't miss us."
John smiled and nodded his head, " Ok. Hang on and we will be with you as soon as we can."
Carson gave Rodney another bottle of water. There was a rustle from the trees beside them. Carson stood up and moved over to where the noise came from. He listened intently. There it was again.
"Help me. Help me please." A broken sounding voice came through trees. " Please help me before its too late."
Carson looked down at Rodney. " I have to follow. Whoever that it needs my help."
Rodney was worried. "Carson you cant go. What if it he, it, attacks you?"
"Whoever is out there has asked for my help. What am I supposed to do? Leave them out there? I'm a doctor. I have no choice but to go and see what I can do." The resolve was clear in Carson's voice and Rodney knew that nothing that he could say would make him change his mind.
Carson made sure his gun was in his holster and grabbed his back pack and headed out. All Rodney could do was watch with a sense of foreboding. He had a bad feeling about this.
As Carson headed through the forest, he became aware of the fact that the person that needed him was laying a trail for him to follow. Eventually he came to a large clearing. In front of him was the opening to what looked like a cave.
The voice came out of the darkness. " Pl ... please. H ...h ... help m ... meee. I don't know how ... much longer I ... can hold on."
****
The Deadalus cruised along in hyperspace as Steven sat in the mess with a cup off coffee. When he first began taking SGA - 1 on their missions to planets that couldn't be reached by jumper or stargate, he had resented his ship begin used as an intergalactic taxi. Now he didn't mind so much. The odd trip where they didn't get attacked and shot at was a breath of fresh air to him. An easy trip, thats what he wanted right now. Go in pick up the team and go home.
" Of course, this is team SGA -1 that I'm dealing with," he thought with a sigh, " With them around, there is no such thing as an easy trip."
As he looked out of the window the green color of hyperspace gave way to the black of normal space.
Colonel Caldwell made his way to the bridge and slipped in to the now vacated command chair.
****
John, Teyla and Ronon made their way round to the entrance of the building to find Rodney sitting there alone.
John looked worried. " Rodney, where is Carson?"
"I have no idea. There was a voice. I think it may have been the being that attacked me." Rodney moved a bit and groaned. " Whoever or whatever it was needed help. I tried to stop him going, but he wouldn't listen to me."
John sighed. This wasn't good at all.
Colonel Cadwell sat on the bridge of the Deadalus. "Lieutenant Connor have you located Sheppard and his team?"
"Yes sir."
" This is the Deadalus to Colonel Sheppard." Steven waited for a response.
Down on the planet John's radio crackled in to life. He responded, " Sheppard here."
Up on the ship Connor locked on to the team. " I have them sir."
" Prepare to beam up."
" Sir, McKay has been injured. May I suggest that he is beamed in to the infirmary."
Caldwell nodded. " This is Colonel Caldwell to the infirmary. Prepare to receive an incoming patient."
"Yes sir." was the response.
Caldwell looked at the Lieutenant. Within moments John, Teyla and Ronon appeared on the bridge.
"This is the infirmary. We have Dr McKay."
Caldwell nodded his head. "Understood."
Caldwell looked at the team, " I understood that Dr Beckett was with you."
John looked at him and said, "He was, however, when we got to Dr McKay Dr Beckett wasn't with him."
Caldwell sighed. He had been right. " This is team SGA - 1. Never easy." he thought.
*****
Carson walked in to the cave. " I'm here. What do you need?"
" I ... need help." the voice stammered.
"My name is Carson. I'm here to help you. Why don't you come out where I can see you?" Carson was nervous. He could feel his heart beating in his chest.
A figure moved out in to the light. Rodney was right. He did look like a neanderthal. Carson didn't move as he didn't want to startle him.
" I ... I ... can't remember my name." the figure shook his head. " But ... I know that I am ill. I am scared Carson."
Carson went over to the man and put his hand on his shoulder. " Its going to be all right."
The man shook his head. " No ... no ... It will never be alright. You have to help me."
Carson looked at the pitiful figure that stood before him. He knew that he had to help this man. " What do you want me to do?"
" I want ... I want you ... to kill me."
Carson looked shocked. " I'm sorry. Did I hear you right lad? You want me to kill you?"
The man nodded and began to speak, " Please. I would do ... it myself but ... but I have no gun."
"Why lad? Carson asked.
" Because ... Because I am loosing my mind and ... loosing ... control of myself. I ... don't know what I am ... doing. Please ... I don't want to ... come back to myself and ... find that I have killed someone."
Carson looked at him. He believed that the man was in trouble. But did his illness merit that? " Is there no hope lad?"
" Illness was discovered too ... late for ... for any treatments to ... work. Hurts ... head burning. I ... am finding it too much to bare. I am myself less ... less and less."
Carson said, " I need to think for a moment. I will just be outside. I promise that I won't leave you."
The man nodded and smiled. Carson walked out in to the clearing.
His radio came to life. "This is the Deadalus to Dr Beckett. Come in please."
"This is Dr Beckett. I am all right. I have something that I need to tend too. I will get back to you when I am finished. Please don't beam me up"
Carson looked down at his thigh holster and took out the gun. Silently he walked back in to the cave. After some time a shot rang out.
EPILOGUE : -
After Carson had been beamed up to the Deadalus he was very quiet. Rodney knew him well enough to know that something was amiss. Rodney also knew that he would tell him when he was good and ready to.
That moment came in the Deadalus infirmary. Carson was just checking on Rodney's ankle and he sat down looking defeated.
" I killed him Rodney. He was dying and he was loosing himself to a violent illness and he was scared that he would kill someone."
Rodney placed his hand on Carson's arm as he continued, " I carried the body back in to the settlement. It turns out that his name was Corvus. He had been missing for months. They hadn't even realised that he had come through the gate with them."
Rodney looked at his friend as he spoke. He could see the pain in his eyes. " Why did you do it Carson?"
" I realised that he was struggling with what was happening to him. I put myself in his place. The thought that I might have killed one of you and not even know that I had done it was something so horrible. I did it because I believed what he wanted was right and he couldn't do it himself."
"Then you did it for the right reasons." Rodney replied.
"Aye, but I have done something I never thought I would do and it scares me." Carson looked at Rodney, fear reflected in his eyes.
" We have all changed Carson. And believe me I know that better than most. And I also know that just because you have done this, doesn't make you a bad man. In-fact, I think that it makes you someone who cares a lot and who wouldn't let a man suffer."
Carson looked at him and smiled. He just hoped that he was right.
Author: flubber2kool
Recipient: penguin13tcj
Pairing: Carson/Rodney - friendship, hurt/comfort
Rating: R for non-main character death
Characters:Lt Colonel John Sheppard, Teyla Emmagen, Specialist Ronon Dex, Dr Carson Beckett, Dr Rodney McKay, Colonel Steven Caldwell. OC's - Karrin, Torken, Lt Connor, Corvus
Disclaimer : I have no rights to any of the characters from SGA. The OC's are mine however.
Summary : Carson does something to help a fellow man and learns something startling about himself.
A/N : This is being written for the sga_santa. I am writing this for penguin13tcj She wanted to Carson more Carson and Carson, Team and a beautiful bald Caldwell. (Her words not mine! ;-) ) I hope that you like it! This story takes place sometime between Seteda and Sunday.
I would also like to say thank you to my beta Phenix00Princess. She has helped me make a better story.
*
Rodney looked at the DHD in horror. There were axe marks in the side and the housing was broken. He had no idea how much damage the DHD had taken, but he knew for certain that without the equipment and anything to use to replace the damaged parts, there was very little hope of fixing it.
Rodney was also aware of a figure standing behind him, breathing down his neck, "Well..Can you fix it?"
Rodney looked up at him and shook his head, "If I had the right equipment and something to repair the damage then maybe. But now, no, I don't think so."
John looked at him and said, "R-O-D-N-E-Y! You're the genius around here."
Rodney looked at him, "Yes and it is that genius that tells me that this," Rodney pointed to the broken DHD, "can't be fixed."
John sighed. He knew that if Rodney was talking like that then there really wasn't anything that could be done. "Ok people. It looks like we're staying here for a while."
Rodney stuck his head out from under the DHD, a look of concern on his face. "Why?"
John looked at Carson and rolled his eyes, "Because Rodney ... if we stay here Atlantis command will realise that we are overdue and will attempt to contact us."
Before Rodney could say anything John continued, "And just because we cant dial out doesn't mean that Atlantis can't dial in."
Rodney still didn't look that happy. Teyla noticed this and went over to him. "I am sure that once they know that we are safe they will find a way to rescue us."
Rodney looked at her and thought to himself, "That's if we don't get killed by the axe wielder first."
As Rodney stood up, he managed to cut his finger. He watched as the blood ran out of the wound, "Ouch. That hurts!"
Carson raised his eyebrows at John and took his field medical kit and made his way over to Rodney.
Lifting up his finger Rodney said, "Well are you going to do something about it? It could go septic you know."
Carson rolled his eyes. "Rodney, it's just a little cut. Come here and let me deal with it."
"You wont be saying that when I loose my finger and can't save you all." Rodney said as he stuck his finger under Carson's nose.
"Yes Rodney." Carson replied with a sigh as he moved the finger to where he could have a good look at it.
****
An hour later the gate activated. There was a Kwoosh as the gate was filled with the familiar blue puddle.
"This is Atlantis command calling Colonel Sheppard." It was Elizabeth.
"This is Sheppard. Glad to hear your voice...."
As Carson listened to this he watched Rodney. He didn't look happy at all. Something was worrying him.
"...... the Deadalus will be with you in three days." Elizabeth continued, " Will you need any thing else Colonel?"
Carson asked, " Is there any chance that we could get some medical supplies for them. I dinnea think that they've been here that long and they could do with some help."
Elizabeth agreed. The medical along with some other supplies were sent through on a MALP. But Rodney was still worried.
Carson made his way over to where Rodney was still standing by the broken DHD. "What's wrong lad?"
Rodney replied, " Take a look at this DHD. It wasn't like this when we came through."
Carson put his hand on his shoulder, " Are you sure? We were deep in conversation when we came through."
Rodney looked at him as if he was mad, "Oh come on. You can't be serious. Nobody could have missed this, not even you."
Carson rolled his eyes as Rodney continued, "Whoever or whatever did this is still out there. I for one am so not happy about having to stay here."
'Oh for ... Rodney. I am sure that you are worrying about nothing." He said patting his hand on his shoulder.
They had taken the supplies in to the settlement and had been met with smiles and thanks. When Rodney explained what had happened to the DHD Carson noticed the looks that passed around some of the villagers. He put it down to the fact that they were worried about not having a functioning DHD.
Karrin, the elder of the settlement spoke to John and his team. " Thank you for your help. Do not worry about my fellow settlers. For some reason they believe that there is some sort of beastman out there." Then he continued, turning to Dr McKay, " I know that you are searching for Ancient treasures. On our hunt for food we found some abandoned buildings. We have not dared to venture in. As you are here for some days I wondered if you might like to see if they are of interest to you."
Rodney smiled. "That would be great. Thank you."
Carson thought, "At least that will take his mind off whatever is out there."
In was late in the day so it was decided that they would go out to the ruins in the morning.
It was at this point that Karin asked Carson if he could take a look at some of the settlers. " It is nothing serious. That is why I didn't say anything before. But now you are here for a few days..."
A wide smile spread across his face, "Oh that's alright lad. I would be more than happy to have a look. I'll see what I can do for you."
Rodney said with a huff, "So you're off to practice your voodoo."
"I'll remember that next time something happens and you need my help." Carson said with a smirk as he went on his way.
Fortunately there was nothing serious. Some cuts and bruises, a twisted arm, nothing that he couldn't cope with.
The next day Torken, one of the hunters from the settlement, took them to the building. Rodney saw the door and was about to head in when John put out his hand to stop him.
"Lets just check before we go in there shall we." John looked at Ronon who gave him a nod. They both disappeared to check the perimeter.
When they got back Ronon said, "Someone has made a camp nearby. The fire ashes are still warm."
Carson looked at him with a furrowed brow. "I thought that Karin said that no-one had come here."
John looked at him, " I guess Karrin was wrong. We will have to be on our guard"
As they entered the buildings Ronon took point and Teyla and John led the way. Rodney didn't really think that they would find much, but it was worth a look just in case. As they walked in the lights began to come on. Beyond the lights the corridor was still dark. Carson shivered. He felt like he was in one of those survival games that he had seen people play on games consoles and he didn't like it. Rodney, on the other hand was in his element, He looked so excited. John and Teyla began to open doors. Some had bits of broken equipment and others were completely empty. The place was full of dust and cobwebs and definitely had the air of somewhere that had been abandoned in a hurry. Carson really felt uncomfortable and was beginning to wonder why he had bothered to come in the first place.
As they walked through the last door in the corridor, the room opened out. Carson looked around. In one corner there was something that seemed very familiar. It was a stasis tube, like the one that they had found the older Elizabeth in back on Atlantis. Beside it was a console.
John walked over and ran his hand over the console and it came to life. Carson and Rodney stared at each other.
Then Rodney stared at John and said, "What did you do?"
John stared at Ronon and Teyla and shrugged. He was about to speak when there was a hiss and the stasis tube began to open. Both John and Ronon reacted by pointing their weapons at it. Teyla moved back to stand beside Carson and John. But there was nothing there but the smell of stale air.
Everyone heaved a collective sigh of relief.
Carson said, "Lets be careful we have no idea what's in here. We don't want to end up letting out any strange contagions."
Rodney shuddered as he remembered the last time he had come across something like that. He lost good colleagues and was lucky that he didn't die too.
After that they were all a little more careful about what they were doing. Rodney and Carson managed to get the computers working and tried to decipher some of the information that they contained, while the rest of the team patrolled the building just in case the owner of the camp made a return. The rest of the day was uneventful.
That night as Carson lay in bed he heard a howling coming from outside his window. He had no idea what it was. Even allowing for the fact that he was in the Pegasus galaxy that sound was so strange it sent shivers up his spine. And the fact that they woke up to find what looked like axe marks in the trees near the settlement didn't help.
That was two days ago. Now Carson was back in the room with Rodney and he had a feeling that he was being watched.
Rodney decided that he needed a drink and a breath of fresh air. Carson nodded as he watched him go, turning back to the screen that was before him. Suddenly the air was filled with a scream. It was Rodney. Carson rushed out to see what had happened. He found Rodney sitting with his back to the outside wall, with hie eyes closed and the bottle discarded beside him. Carson crouched down beside him.
Putting his hand on Rodney's shoulder Carson shook him gently. "Rodney. Rodney can you hear me?"
Rodney opened his eyes groggily and mumbled, "You don't get rid of me that easily." He smiled and continued, "After all, who would save Atlantis if I wasn't there ... I know ... that Zelenka is there but he ... he just isn't as clever as me."
Carson grinned and rolled his eyes as he began to examine him, "Yes Rodney."
As Carson carried on he asked, "What happened?"
Rodney winced and tried to move. As he moved his ankle Rodney felt the pain shoot through his legs, and thought better of it settling back down to the ground.
Speaking through the pain, he said, "I'm not sure. I was standing outside having a drink when this man came at me. He looked like a neanderthal." Rodney stopped and hissed a bit before continuing." The last thing I remember was just before I fell backwards. There was a figure with what looked like an axe in his hand. He went to strike me but he stopped."
As Carson moved down to Rodney's ankle, he commented, "That's really strange. I wonder why he didn't kill you?
Rodney moved and groaned. "I have no idea. I'm just glad ... glad he didn't."
Carson couldn't help agreeing with that. Then he began to examine Rodney's ankle a little closer.
From the trees a figure watched as Carson examined Rodney. The figure was wracked with pain and there was a burning sensation, that felt like it was coming from his very soul. He had no idea who these people were, where they came from or what they were doing here. But as he watched the man that was crouching down on the floor, he was sure that he could help him. Before it was too late.
Carson sat down beside Rodney, "I'm sorry. You've twisted it and it might be broken. The best thing that I can do for you is make you a splint to keep it as still and as straight as we can."
Rodney grimaced. Carson continued, " Don't worry lad. The Deadalus will be here soon. We'll be able to get you in to the infirmary and then I will be able to practice my voodoo on you."
Rodney smiled, although it was obvious that he was still in pain. " You just stay there Rodney."
This time Rodney rolled his eyes. " Well it's not like I am going anywhere."
Carson laughed. " Yes Rodney."
Carson grabbed his Radio, " Doctor Beckett to Colonel Sheppard."
" Sheppard here."
"Rodney has been attacked. He is conscious with an injury sustained to his right ankle. At present I am unsure if its broken or just twisted."
John sighed. He should have realised that this was going too well. "Ok Where are you?"
"Rodney and I are at the entrance to the building. You can't miss us."
John smiled and nodded his head, " Ok. Hang on and we will be with you as soon as we can."
Carson gave Rodney another bottle of water. There was a rustle from the trees beside them. Carson stood up and moved over to where the noise came from. He listened intently. There it was again.
"Help me. Help me please." A broken sounding voice came through trees. " Please help me before its too late."
Carson looked down at Rodney. " I have to follow. Whoever that it needs my help."
Rodney was worried. "Carson you cant go. What if it he, it, attacks you?"
"Whoever is out there has asked for my help. What am I supposed to do? Leave them out there? I'm a doctor. I have no choice but to go and see what I can do." The resolve was clear in Carson's voice and Rodney knew that nothing that he could say would make him change his mind.
Carson made sure his gun was in his holster and grabbed his back pack and headed out. All Rodney could do was watch with a sense of foreboding. He had a bad feeling about this.
As Carson headed through the forest, he became aware of the fact that the person that needed him was laying a trail for him to follow. Eventually he came to a large clearing. In front of him was the opening to what looked like a cave.
The voice came out of the darkness. " Pl ... please. H ...h ... help m ... meee. I don't know how ... much longer I ... can hold on."
****
The Deadalus cruised along in hyperspace as Steven sat in the mess with a cup off coffee. When he first began taking SGA - 1 on their missions to planets that couldn't be reached by jumper or stargate, he had resented his ship begin used as an intergalactic taxi. Now he didn't mind so much. The odd trip where they didn't get attacked and shot at was a breath of fresh air to him. An easy trip, thats what he wanted right now. Go in pick up the team and go home.
" Of course, this is team SGA -1 that I'm dealing with," he thought with a sigh, " With them around, there is no such thing as an easy trip."
As he looked out of the window the green color of hyperspace gave way to the black of normal space.
Colonel Caldwell made his way to the bridge and slipped in to the now vacated command chair.
****
John, Teyla and Ronon made their way round to the entrance of the building to find Rodney sitting there alone.
John looked worried. " Rodney, where is Carson?"
"I have no idea. There was a voice. I think it may have been the being that attacked me." Rodney moved a bit and groaned. " Whoever or whatever it was needed help. I tried to stop him going, but he wouldn't listen to me."
John sighed. This wasn't good at all.
Colonel Cadwell sat on the bridge of the Deadalus. "Lieutenant Connor have you located Sheppard and his team?"
"Yes sir."
" This is the Deadalus to Colonel Sheppard." Steven waited for a response.
Down on the planet John's radio crackled in to life. He responded, " Sheppard here."
Up on the ship Connor locked on to the team. " I have them sir."
" Prepare to beam up."
" Sir, McKay has been injured. May I suggest that he is beamed in to the infirmary."
Caldwell nodded. " This is Colonel Caldwell to the infirmary. Prepare to receive an incoming patient."
"Yes sir." was the response.
Caldwell looked at the Lieutenant. Within moments John, Teyla and Ronon appeared on the bridge.
"This is the infirmary. We have Dr McKay."
Caldwell nodded his head. "Understood."
Caldwell looked at the team, " I understood that Dr Beckett was with you."
John looked at him and said, "He was, however, when we got to Dr McKay Dr Beckett wasn't with him."
Caldwell sighed. He had been right. " This is team SGA - 1. Never easy." he thought.
*****
Carson walked in to the cave. " I'm here. What do you need?"
" I ... need help." the voice stammered.
"My name is Carson. I'm here to help you. Why don't you come out where I can see you?" Carson was nervous. He could feel his heart beating in his chest.
A figure moved out in to the light. Rodney was right. He did look like a neanderthal. Carson didn't move as he didn't want to startle him.
" I ... I ... can't remember my name." the figure shook his head. " But ... I know that I am ill. I am scared Carson."
Carson went over to the man and put his hand on his shoulder. " Its going to be all right."
The man shook his head. " No ... no ... It will never be alright. You have to help me."
Carson looked at the pitiful figure that stood before him. He knew that he had to help this man. " What do you want me to do?"
" I want ... I want you ... to kill me."
Carson looked shocked. " I'm sorry. Did I hear you right lad? You want me to kill you?"
The man nodded and began to speak, " Please. I would do ... it myself but ... but I have no gun."
"Why lad? Carson asked.
" Because ... Because I am loosing my mind and ... loosing ... control of myself. I ... don't know what I am ... doing. Please ... I don't want to ... come back to myself and ... find that I have killed someone."
Carson looked at him. He believed that the man was in trouble. But did his illness merit that? " Is there no hope lad?"
" Illness was discovered too ... late for ... for any treatments to ... work. Hurts ... head burning. I ... am finding it too much to bare. I am myself less ... less and less."
Carson said, " I need to think for a moment. I will just be outside. I promise that I won't leave you."
The man nodded and smiled. Carson walked out in to the clearing.
His radio came to life. "This is the Deadalus to Dr Beckett. Come in please."
"This is Dr Beckett. I am all right. I have something that I need to tend too. I will get back to you when I am finished. Please don't beam me up"
Carson looked down at his thigh holster and took out the gun. Silently he walked back in to the cave. After some time a shot rang out.
EPILOGUE : -
After Carson had been beamed up to the Deadalus he was very quiet. Rodney knew him well enough to know that something was amiss. Rodney also knew that he would tell him when he was good and ready to.
That moment came in the Deadalus infirmary. Carson was just checking on Rodney's ankle and he sat down looking defeated.
" I killed him Rodney. He was dying and he was loosing himself to a violent illness and he was scared that he would kill someone."
Rodney placed his hand on Carson's arm as he continued, " I carried the body back in to the settlement. It turns out that his name was Corvus. He had been missing for months. They hadn't even realised that he had come through the gate with them."
Rodney looked at his friend as he spoke. He could see the pain in his eyes. " Why did you do it Carson?"
" I realised that he was struggling with what was happening to him. I put myself in his place. The thought that I might have killed one of you and not even know that I had done it was something so horrible. I did it because I believed what he wanted was right and he couldn't do it himself."
"Then you did it for the right reasons." Rodney replied.
"Aye, but I have done something I never thought I would do and it scares me." Carson looked at Rodney, fear reflected in his eyes.
" We have all changed Carson. And believe me I know that better than most. And I also know that just because you have done this, doesn't make you a bad man. In-fact, I think that it makes you someone who cares a lot and who wouldn't let a man suffer."
Carson looked at him and smiled. He just hoped that he was right.