Chapter Text
John presses his radio while looking at video footage in the gate room. “McKay! what are you doing?” His voice was broken full of worry, anger and helplessness. He is standing in Rodney’s lab with Radek, Carson, Elizabeth, Ronon and Teyla. The rest of Atlantis was put in lockdown by Rodney hacking the system. They heard reports saying The Genii had hold of a ZPM they didn’t want to give it up, Rodney was going to use the energy signatures to find it first. Back when Rodney blew up the solar system everything got rough between the team, more so between him and John.
Teyla and Ronon talked to him Radek off and on Carson checked in however, John felt angry they both almost got killed by a machine. Rodney was trying to fix things stupidly. “That would be my job, Major.” He said in a loud flourishing voice which could be considered shouting.
“You are going to get yourself killed stand down.” Sheppard said his voice getting angrier by the minute.
“As I recall I’m off the team. I do not take orders from you Sheppard.” When Rodney was pulled aside by Elizabeth and yelled at. She told Rodney he would no longer be on the team until they could trust him again.
“Rodney it’s Elizabeth. Major Sheppard is right you are not a soldier.” He was at the controls in the gate room setting them to go back to normal after he left. All Rodney could think about was getting there and making sure the ZPM got back to Atlantis.
Not looking at the screen Rodney goes about what he does, “I know exactly what I am, it makes me qualified to do this. Besides I would think you’d all be happy to be rid of me.” He said in a snarky voice feeling upset with his so-called friends.
John shook his head feeling panic rises in him, “Stop being stupid. Yes, we need a ZPM but this one is too big of a risk.” The others in the room looked at Sheppard and then at the screen.
“You’re just mad because I’m going to be the hero.” Nothing John says worked Rodney was a very stubborn person. Rodney carried a machine gun, some stun grenades and a backpack to put the ZPM in making it easier to carry he was prepared.
“I don’t care about that please don’t do this. I get you are upset at us for ignoring you I take it back Rodney .” He hears the desperate plea in John’s voice it didn’t convince him though.
Rodney sets the controls to dial the gate before leaving the console, he turns to look at the screen in front of him. “If I don’t make it back Radek take over. Tell my sister I love her and I said goodbye.” John wanted to scream there was no way out of the room to stop him.
Atlantis was in lockdown even Radek couldn’t override it. Rodney waves at the screen getting ready to leave Elizabeth was too shocked to speak. Rodney at the foot of the Stargate now uses the grenades sending them through the gate first.
Before he leaves John yells, “RODNEY! PLEASE I TRUST YOU.” This makes Rodney freeze on the spot hearing John say those words. This is what everything was all about, it was true that Atlantis needed a ZPM the systems had been failing more.
Even though Rodney couldn’t see John’s face and the others he believed him. “I still have to do this Sheppard to save the city.” Radek tried to see if there was any way to hack the system, even though it was Rodney’s handy work. Ronon started to try and pry the door open it was pointless Teyla stopped him before he could injure himself. John slams his fist down as they couldn’t see Rodney any more.
“We can help you let's go together.” John knew his words would not convince Rodney. “Keep the city going as long as you can.” Rodney rushed to get all his words out, knowing if he didn’t go now he would never.
“I’ll send the ZPM through when I find it.” After hearing Rodney’s last words as he walks into the Stargate with his machine gun, backpack, and a life signs detector ready for what was waiting on the other side. John felt his world bottom out from beneath him now all they could do was wait to see what would happen. Soon as the Stargate shuts down the system kicks into gear with all the doors opening and systems coming back online.