misaffection (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
misaffection) wrote2006-11-27 09:55 am
misaffection) wrote2006-11-27 09:55 am
Fic: Faerie Tale
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing: Rodney McKay/Laura Cadman
Rating: G (for this part)
Summary: An Ancient device in an Ancient city sends an away team into an alternative universe where fantasy becomes reality and Rodney McKay has to be the hero...
Author's Note: This is Crack!Fic in the extreme. Lord only knows how many parts it's going to have. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
The alarm whined as the Stargate lit up. Rodney McKay barely even looked up as Lorne's team returned to base, on time and – even more shockingly – without anybody shooting at them. He watched Elizabeth walk to the mezzanine railing from the corner of his eye.
“Major Lorne, good to see you back and all in one piece,” she called out. “Anything interesting to report?”
The major removed his beret and grinned broadly. “Actually ma'am, yes.”
* * *
“It's a city, similar to the one Colonel Sheppard and his team found..." Major Lorne was saying as Rodney slipped into the debriefing. Elizabeth frowned at his interruption and he slipped into his chair with a muttered, “Sorry”.
“But it's utterly deserted,” Lorne continued. “We checked a lot of the surrounding area on foot as well as doing a couple of flyovers. I doubt there's been a populous on that planet for a least a hundred years, probably more.”
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully as she read through Lorne's report. Rodney tapped his fingers on the table, fighting the urge to blurt the obvious question that the discovery of such a city rose.
“In your opinion, is it worth a return trip?” Elizabeth asked Lorne.
“I'd say definitely,” Lorne said. “We could still learn a lot about the people that did live there, and maybe the Ancients as well.” The major threw an amused look in Rodney's direction. “And we got some interesting power readings on top of everything else.”
“What?” Rodney said, snapping out of his thoughts to stare at Lorne. “Couldn't you have offered that information earlier?”
Lorne sat back in his chair and smirked. Elizabeth sighed loud enough to make Rodney bite back the rest of his tirade. He ignored Lorne in favour of looking at her, his arms folded and waiting. He didn't have to wait long.
“We need to find out if those power readings indicate a ZPM. Rodney, seeing as you are champing at the bit and Colonel Sheppard is otherwise engaged, maybe you would like to lead a mission in search of information.”
That took him unaware. “Me?” he said, astounded. Then sat up straighter. “Well, of course, I'm more than capable.”
“That's why I suggested you lead the team,” Elizabeth pointed out. “Major Lorne, would you take Doctor McKay and a team back to the planet?”
“Yes, ma'am,” Lorne said, though Rodney could have sworn there was a moment's hesitation.
“Good.” Elizabeth looked at Rodney. “Give the good major some time to relax and have a team ready in a couple of hours.”
* * *
Rodney sat at the computer, reading through the personnel files. Having said he could put a team together, now he just had to do it. Only he was finding it harder than he'd thought would. He chewed his thumb and weighed up his options and felt a sudden sympathy for Sheppard. He himself would be in charge of finding any ZPMs and establishing its usefulness, after some consideration he choose Doctors Miko – for her ability in Ancient technology and language – and Staten – for his degree in archaeology.
Picking up Lorne's report again, Rodney scanned over the important details. An Ancient city. Though they'd got a surplus of drones at the moment, there was always Wraith on the way and it was considerably better to have too many rather than too few. But who on Atlantis knew the most about drones? Well Sheppard, obviously, but he was busy.
Rodney knew the answer but he still scanned the personnel files again, desperate to find someone – anyone – else. After a further ten minutes, he realised there was no one better qualified. He looked at his written list, gave a deep sigh and wrote “Laura Cadman” at the bottom.
* * *
Laura entered the Gateroom about a minute late. Rodney was already briefing the others, a fact that didn't surprise her and was the reason for tardiness. She'd received her orders from Doctor Weir, and as such would follow them, but as soon as she stepped through the 'Gate she'd effectively be under Rodney's command – a fact she found just a little grating.
He didn't even look at her as she came to stand alongside Major Lorne. Oh yes, she was so welcome on this little trip, wasn't she? She took a deep breath to quell the surge of annoyance; she had read the report and the possibilities that this new city had drones. And she knew that was the sole reason Rodney had chosen her for the mission.
That obviously didn't mean either of them had to like it.
Laura glanced at Lorne. He shrugged minutely and she sighed. She could do this, if she just kept her distance from Rodney and did as she was told, she'd get through it. For the good of Atlantis.
“You all have your roles to play,” Rodney was saying, obviously enjoying the chance to play leader. “So without any further ado...” He made a motion with his hand and the technician pressed the keys on the DHD.
The Stargate lit up and then the wormhole mushroomed out. It was a sight Laura doubted she'd ever get tired of seeing. Her annoyance faded as she watched the event horizon settle, turning to the excitement of possible discovery.
Lorne moved forward, P-90 at the ready. Laura followed suit, as did the other two marines of Lorne's team, knowing that just because the planet had been quiet last time it didn't automatically follow for this trip. She was aware of Rodney coming up behind them, detector in one hand, but she kept her eyes on the shimmering blue of the 'Gate.
“Ready Sir?” Lorne asked Rodney.
“What?” he asked, momentarily confused by the moniker. Laura hid a smile. “Oh. Yes. Of course.”
“Okay people,” Lorne said. “Let's move out.”
* * *
The Ancient city stood on a slight rise about half a mile from the Stargate. There was the remains of an intricately-designed stone road leading between the two and the team followed this, the marines taking point.
Laura looked round as they walked. There was a beauty to this world's wildness, an allure of faded glory that filled her with a sense of wonder.
“Pay attention, Cadman,” Rodney said under his breath.
“It's okay Rodney,” she replied, glancing over her shoulder to offer him a sarcastic smile. “I won't let any of the patiently dangerous flowers come anywhere near you.”
Lorne snorted and shot her a grin. Laura sensed Rodney bristle, though he didn't say anything. She savoured her victory, knowing it would be brief; sooner or later he'd make her pay for her cheek. So much for being on her best behaviour, but there was something about Rodney McKay that brought out her very worse despite her every intention that he wouldn't get to her.
However as they reached the city, the disagreement was forgotten. The towers soared into the clear blue sky and took their breath away. There was a hollow at the bottom of the hill, and it seemed to run round in either direction. The stone road broke and the gap between them and the city was filled by an arching bridge. Towers at the other side with metal cords reaching over to their side indicated that the bridge could be raised.
Lorne looked at Rodney. “We reckoned it was the Ancients version of a drawbridge,” he said.
Rodney nodded his agreement. “Looks like it. The whole layout is defensive. That-” and he pointed into the gulley “was obviously a moat. The more impertinent question is why they needed defences.”
Laura blinked and looked round again. Was it her imagination or had the world just gone darker? She sighed and tried to shake off the wariness Rodney's words has instilled – trust him to turn a peaceful place into one of hidden dangers.
“Well whatever it was, I doubt it's still here,” Lorne said. “We saw no signs of life. There's a few animals about, but nothing bigger than... oh, say a fox.”
“Hmm,” Rodney replied, not sounding convinced. “Well even so, let's carry on inside. We're here for a reason and it's not sight-seeing.”
Laura rolled her eyes; he really loved playing at leader, didn't he? But Lorne was nodding and his stance was the alert solder type, ever-ready against the enemy. She stared at him for a moment, then looked at Rodney. She shook her head.
“Men,” she said and stalked past the pair of them. “You two do realise you're worse than my mother? What is this – seeking new life and civilisations just as long as it's perfectly safe to do so?”
Lorne had the grace to look slightly embarrassed but Rodney just huffed.
“When you've been on as many apparently safe missions that have then gone to hell, I'll let you comment Lieutenant,” he told her. Laura frowned and refused to acknowledge that he had a point.
They crossed the bridge and walked the short path to the city's entrance. As far as Laura knew, Atlantis didn't have a main door, but this place certainly did – great iron-wrought gates in the structure with another set made of plain metal behind them. Lorne and one of the other marines man-handled the gates open and they walked into a corridor that seemed eerily familiar.
Their footsteps echoed as the team walked the dusty corridor. It turned and then turned again and then they walked into what was obviously the city's control room. It look oddly empty without a Stargate and Laura thought that was a little strange.
“If the city is defensive, why is the Stargate on the outside?”
“I honestly have no idea,” Rodney replied. “I've been trying to figure that out since I saw the bridge. It makes no sense.”
“Unless they have another one?” she said.
Rodney shook his head. “Wouldn't work; you can't have two 'Gates active on the same world. They found that out on Earth when SG1 accidentally discovered the original Stargate in Antarctica.”
“Then it's bad planning,” Laura said.
“Maybe, maybe not. \but it's a curiosity, nothing more. It's hardly imperative to our mission.” Rodney clapped his hands together, bringing everyone's attention to himself. “Okay people, let's get on with it. Doctor Miko, I want you to see if you can get the database up and running; let's find out more about these people. Staten, once she's done that I want you to assist. Major Lorne I doubt that we're going to get bothered but stay here and keep an eye out just in case.”
“Yeah,” Lorne said. “Rodgers, Flinch, go back to the 'Gate and stand guard.”
The two marines nodded and jogged out. Laura watched Rodney and waited. He turned to her and she raised an eyebrow.
“I know, I know,” she said. “Drones.”
“Yeah, well, go and look but don't touch. If you find any, let me know.”
“I think I can handle a few drones, Rodney.”
“And I know that touching stuff in an Ancient city can lead to very, very bad things. Don't let familiarity breed contempt, Cadman. This isn't our city no matter how much it looks like it. Be careful.”
“Anyone would think you were worried about me Rodney,” Laura said and then smirked at the pained expression that crossed his face.
“The only thing I'm worried about is you managing to blow us all up,” he retorted. “So keep your mike open and your hands to yourself.”
Laura aped a salute. “Yessir!” she barked, rolled her eyes and walked off. His condescension infuriated her; she wasn't some little kid with no idea how these things worked. She wondered if he considered her utterly incapable. Well if he did, she'd show him.
She tried to ignore the little voice in the back of her mind that questioned why it was she wanted to impress Rodney McKay.
Pairing: Rodney McKay/Laura Cadman
Rating: G (for this part)
Summary: An Ancient device in an Ancient city sends an away team into an alternative universe where fantasy becomes reality and Rodney McKay has to be the hero...
Author's Note: This is Crack!Fic in the extreme. Lord only knows how many parts it's going to have. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
The alarm whined as the Stargate lit up. Rodney McKay barely even looked up as Lorne's team returned to base, on time and – even more shockingly – without anybody shooting at them. He watched Elizabeth walk to the mezzanine railing from the corner of his eye.
“Major Lorne, good to see you back and all in one piece,” she called out. “Anything interesting to report?”
The major removed his beret and grinned broadly. “Actually ma'am, yes.”
* * *
“It's a city, similar to the one Colonel Sheppard and his team found..." Major Lorne was saying as Rodney slipped into the debriefing. Elizabeth frowned at his interruption and he slipped into his chair with a muttered, “Sorry”.
“But it's utterly deserted,” Lorne continued. “We checked a lot of the surrounding area on foot as well as doing a couple of flyovers. I doubt there's been a populous on that planet for a least a hundred years, probably more.”
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully as she read through Lorne's report. Rodney tapped his fingers on the table, fighting the urge to blurt the obvious question that the discovery of such a city rose.
“In your opinion, is it worth a return trip?” Elizabeth asked Lorne.
“I'd say definitely,” Lorne said. “We could still learn a lot about the people that did live there, and maybe the Ancients as well.” The major threw an amused look in Rodney's direction. “And we got some interesting power readings on top of everything else.”
“What?” Rodney said, snapping out of his thoughts to stare at Lorne. “Couldn't you have offered that information earlier?”
Lorne sat back in his chair and smirked. Elizabeth sighed loud enough to make Rodney bite back the rest of his tirade. He ignored Lorne in favour of looking at her, his arms folded and waiting. He didn't have to wait long.
“We need to find out if those power readings indicate a ZPM. Rodney, seeing as you are champing at the bit and Colonel Sheppard is otherwise engaged, maybe you would like to lead a mission in search of information.”
That took him unaware. “Me?” he said, astounded. Then sat up straighter. “Well, of course, I'm more than capable.”
“That's why I suggested you lead the team,” Elizabeth pointed out. “Major Lorne, would you take Doctor McKay and a team back to the planet?”
“Yes, ma'am,” Lorne said, though Rodney could have sworn there was a moment's hesitation.
“Good.” Elizabeth looked at Rodney. “Give the good major some time to relax and have a team ready in a couple of hours.”
* * *
Rodney sat at the computer, reading through the personnel files. Having said he could put a team together, now he just had to do it. Only he was finding it harder than he'd thought would. He chewed his thumb and weighed up his options and felt a sudden sympathy for Sheppard. He himself would be in charge of finding any ZPMs and establishing its usefulness, after some consideration he choose Doctors Miko – for her ability in Ancient technology and language – and Staten – for his degree in archaeology.
Picking up Lorne's report again, Rodney scanned over the important details. An Ancient city. Though they'd got a surplus of drones at the moment, there was always Wraith on the way and it was considerably better to have too many rather than too few. But who on Atlantis knew the most about drones? Well Sheppard, obviously, but he was busy.
Rodney knew the answer but he still scanned the personnel files again, desperate to find someone – anyone – else. After a further ten minutes, he realised there was no one better qualified. He looked at his written list, gave a deep sigh and wrote “Laura Cadman” at the bottom.
* * *
Laura entered the Gateroom about a minute late. Rodney was already briefing the others, a fact that didn't surprise her and was the reason for tardiness. She'd received her orders from Doctor Weir, and as such would follow them, but as soon as she stepped through the 'Gate she'd effectively be under Rodney's command – a fact she found just a little grating.
He didn't even look at her as she came to stand alongside Major Lorne. Oh yes, she was so welcome on this little trip, wasn't she? She took a deep breath to quell the surge of annoyance; she had read the report and the possibilities that this new city had drones. And she knew that was the sole reason Rodney had chosen her for the mission.
That obviously didn't mean either of them had to like it.
Laura glanced at Lorne. He shrugged minutely and she sighed. She could do this, if she just kept her distance from Rodney and did as she was told, she'd get through it. For the good of Atlantis.
“You all have your roles to play,” Rodney was saying, obviously enjoying the chance to play leader. “So without any further ado...” He made a motion with his hand and the technician pressed the keys on the DHD.
The Stargate lit up and then the wormhole mushroomed out. It was a sight Laura doubted she'd ever get tired of seeing. Her annoyance faded as she watched the event horizon settle, turning to the excitement of possible discovery.
Lorne moved forward, P-90 at the ready. Laura followed suit, as did the other two marines of Lorne's team, knowing that just because the planet had been quiet last time it didn't automatically follow for this trip. She was aware of Rodney coming up behind them, detector in one hand, but she kept her eyes on the shimmering blue of the 'Gate.
“Ready Sir?” Lorne asked Rodney.
“What?” he asked, momentarily confused by the moniker. Laura hid a smile. “Oh. Yes. Of course.”
“Okay people,” Lorne said. “Let's move out.”
* * *
The Ancient city stood on a slight rise about half a mile from the Stargate. There was the remains of an intricately-designed stone road leading between the two and the team followed this, the marines taking point.
Laura looked round as they walked. There was a beauty to this world's wildness, an allure of faded glory that filled her with a sense of wonder.
“Pay attention, Cadman,” Rodney said under his breath.
“It's okay Rodney,” she replied, glancing over her shoulder to offer him a sarcastic smile. “I won't let any of the patiently dangerous flowers come anywhere near you.”
Lorne snorted and shot her a grin. Laura sensed Rodney bristle, though he didn't say anything. She savoured her victory, knowing it would be brief; sooner or later he'd make her pay for her cheek. So much for being on her best behaviour, but there was something about Rodney McKay that brought out her very worse despite her every intention that he wouldn't get to her.
However as they reached the city, the disagreement was forgotten. The towers soared into the clear blue sky and took their breath away. There was a hollow at the bottom of the hill, and it seemed to run round in either direction. The stone road broke and the gap between them and the city was filled by an arching bridge. Towers at the other side with metal cords reaching over to their side indicated that the bridge could be raised.
Lorne looked at Rodney. “We reckoned it was the Ancients version of a drawbridge,” he said.
Rodney nodded his agreement. “Looks like it. The whole layout is defensive. That-” and he pointed into the gulley “was obviously a moat. The more impertinent question is why they needed defences.”
Laura blinked and looked round again. Was it her imagination or had the world just gone darker? She sighed and tried to shake off the wariness Rodney's words has instilled – trust him to turn a peaceful place into one of hidden dangers.
“Well whatever it was, I doubt it's still here,” Lorne said. “We saw no signs of life. There's a few animals about, but nothing bigger than... oh, say a fox.”
“Hmm,” Rodney replied, not sounding convinced. “Well even so, let's carry on inside. We're here for a reason and it's not sight-seeing.”
Laura rolled her eyes; he really loved playing at leader, didn't he? But Lorne was nodding and his stance was the alert solder type, ever-ready against the enemy. She stared at him for a moment, then looked at Rodney. She shook her head.
“Men,” she said and stalked past the pair of them. “You two do realise you're worse than my mother? What is this – seeking new life and civilisations just as long as it's perfectly safe to do so?”
Lorne had the grace to look slightly embarrassed but Rodney just huffed.
“When you've been on as many apparently safe missions that have then gone to hell, I'll let you comment Lieutenant,” he told her. Laura frowned and refused to acknowledge that he had a point.
They crossed the bridge and walked the short path to the city's entrance. As far as Laura knew, Atlantis didn't have a main door, but this place certainly did – great iron-wrought gates in the structure with another set made of plain metal behind them. Lorne and one of the other marines man-handled the gates open and they walked into a corridor that seemed eerily familiar.
Their footsteps echoed as the team walked the dusty corridor. It turned and then turned again and then they walked into what was obviously the city's control room. It look oddly empty without a Stargate and Laura thought that was a little strange.
“If the city is defensive, why is the Stargate on the outside?”
“I honestly have no idea,” Rodney replied. “I've been trying to figure that out since I saw the bridge. It makes no sense.”
“Unless they have another one?” she said.
Rodney shook his head. “Wouldn't work; you can't have two 'Gates active on the same world. They found that out on Earth when SG1 accidentally discovered the original Stargate in Antarctica.”
“Then it's bad planning,” Laura said.
“Maybe, maybe not. \but it's a curiosity, nothing more. It's hardly imperative to our mission.” Rodney clapped his hands together, bringing everyone's attention to himself. “Okay people, let's get on with it. Doctor Miko, I want you to see if you can get the database up and running; let's find out more about these people. Staten, once she's done that I want you to assist. Major Lorne I doubt that we're going to get bothered but stay here and keep an eye out just in case.”
“Yeah,” Lorne said. “Rodgers, Flinch, go back to the 'Gate and stand guard.”
The two marines nodded and jogged out. Laura watched Rodney and waited. He turned to her and she raised an eyebrow.
“I know, I know,” she said. “Drones.”
“Yeah, well, go and look but don't touch. If you find any, let me know.”
“I think I can handle a few drones, Rodney.”
“And I know that touching stuff in an Ancient city can lead to very, very bad things. Don't let familiarity breed contempt, Cadman. This isn't our city no matter how much it looks like it. Be careful.”
“Anyone would think you were worried about me Rodney,” Laura said and then smirked at the pained expression that crossed his face.
“The only thing I'm worried about is you managing to blow us all up,” he retorted. “So keep your mike open and your hands to yourself.”
Laura aped a salute. “Yessir!” she barked, rolled her eyes and walked off. His condescension infuriated her; she wasn't some little kid with no idea how these things worked. She wondered if he considered her utterly incapable. Well if he did, she'd show him.
She tried to ignore the little voice in the back of her mind that questioned why it was she wanted to impress Rodney McKay.