carpenyx: made by world_icons @ livejournal.com (Default)
carpenyx ([personal profile] carpenyx) wrote2006-09-09 12:33 pm

Deus Ex Machina (3/?) - Stargate: Atlantis Fanfiction

Title: Deus Ex Machina (3/?)
Author: [personal profile] carpenyx
Rating: NC-17
Characters: Ronon centric w/other SGA characters
Word Count: 2,207
Warnings: Character Death, Sexual Content
Spoilers: Up through Season 3's "Progeny", most importantly "Sateda" - this does take place in the future.
Beta: The wonderful [personal profile] nytel
Disclaimer: I do not own, just playing in the Pegasus Galaxy. No copyright infridgement intended.
Summary: He remembered her; the smell of her perfume, the sweet honey taste of her lips, and the warmth of her body against his. It was almost as if she were still there.
A/N: Crossed posted at [profile] atlantisfic, [community profile] lostcityfound, [profile] rdfever[profile] satedan_fire and [profile] stargate_fanfic

Deus Ex Machina


Chapter 3

Dr. Weir’s Office – Atlantis

Late Evening


“Talk about one hell of an anniversary gift,” John commented. He leaned against the entryway with his arms crossed, looking at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth nodded. “I can’t even begin to imagine what this is doing to him,” she said thoughtfully as she leaned back in her chair and folded her arms. The shock on Ronon’s face had been unforgettable.

“Fucking with his mind?” John suggested with a shrug of his shoulders.

Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. “More or less. Why hasn’t he mentioned her before?” she asked, leaning forward and resting her elbows on her desk, folding her hands.

“If you haven’t noticed, he’s not exactly the open-book-tell-all kind of guy.”

Elizabeth nodded.

“He didn’t really say much when we talked earlier, but what he did say makes sense. If she died seven years ago, that’s around the same time he was captured by the Wraith from Sateda,” he explained, shaking his head.

“Carson found evidence of a tracking device, but claims it was surgically removed a couple of years ago. It does fit together nicely.”

“You aren’t suspicious, are you?” John questioned, tilting his head as he looked at Elizabeth.

She shook her head with a small smile. “I’m not worried.”

“Good,” he said with a grin. “If you start worrying, then I’ll have to start, and that’s never a good thing.”

***

Infirmary – Atlantis

Ronon paced back and forth restlessly. Occasionally he would glance in Melena’s direction, but he seemed wary of approaching her. He folded his arms over his chest; his mind was going a mile a minute.

Melena had only woken up a couple of times since he had arrived in the infirmary, but never for too long. She still had not said anything, only opening her eyes momentarily before falling back into unconsciousness. During those times, Ronon would cease his pacing as Carson attended to her, but he still could not bring himself to go to her side.

Ronon stopped pacing and looked over at Carson, irritably. “Can’t you do something?”

“I don’t know what I can do for her right now, Ronon.” Carson said, looking up from his computer console and glancing at Ronon.

“Wake her up?” he suggested, looking over at Melena. He felt discouraged and helpless. He hated possessing such emotions; it enraged him that he couldn’t do anything to help her.

“It’s not that simple. She needs to wake up on her own. If I attempted to do it, it could make the situation worse. Maybe…”

“What?” he asked, his tone taking on a pleading quality as he looked at Carson.

“Maybe if you talked to her?”

“Talk to her?” he glanced over at Melena, unsure how talking to her would help.

“The sound of a familiar voice… it might be comforting to her,” Carson explained.

“She’s unconscious,” he said gruffly.

“Aye, but studies on Earth have proven that some patients respond to the voices of their loved ones when they are in a comatose state. They’ve claimed that it helped them back.” Carson stood from the stool and walked over to Ronon. He placed his hand on the other man’s arm. “Talk to her, it can’t hurt,” he said reassuringly. .

Ronon looked at Beckett, then to Melena. He sighed as he cautiously moved closer to the infirmary bed. He became more careful in his movements as he reached the foot of the bed. His dark eyes fell upon the woman he never imagined he would see again.

***

The buzzing sounds of the Wraith darts were closing in on the heart of Sateda. He held onto the young girl in his arms, his eyes pleading with Melena.

“I can’t... I can’t Ronon, I can’t go,” she cried, tears dampening her cheeks. She could not leave these people behind to die. She looked at Ronon, her eyes locked with his. I love you so much, Ronon. She wanted to leave with him, but her decision to remain was not even a decision – she had chosen this life, she had a responsibility to these people. She could not turn her back on them.

Within a second, the window had shattered into millions of shards, the pieces of glass flying everywhere. A raging fire sprung forth.

“Melena!” he cried out, but it was too late. The flames had engulfed her. She was gone.

***

“Go on,” Carson urged him.

I saw you. Ronon moved to the side of the bed, glancing over at Carson briefly. He pulled up a chair, taking a seat. He slipped one hand around hers; so small, so fragile and so familiar. Melena…

Ronon took his other hand and gently rubbed her arm soothingly. He leaned closer, “Melena…” he whispered softly. “It’s… me, Ronon.”

***

“Where we at?” McKay asked as he walked into the infirmary and straight towards Doctor Beckett.

“Still running tests and blood screens,” Carson informed Rodney.

“What have the tests shown?” Rodney questioned as he leaned forward. Rodney nudged Carson a little, helping himself to a better view of the computer monitor.

Carson sighed, glancing up at Rodney. “No heart defeats, liver damage, or infections. No signs of active or dormant diseases of any kind. She’s in exceptional heath.”

“Did you check for any implanted tracking devices? Uh, kind of like, say, what her husband had when we found him?”

“One of the first things, Rodney. There is evidence that she had a tracking device, but had it surgically removed. According to the scarring, it could have been as far back as a couple of years ago.”

“And why hasn’t she woken up?” McKay looked at Carson.

Carson rolled his eyes, annoyed with the constant bombardment of questions. “Shock seems to be the most likely answer. I can’t be certain.”

“What about the-”

“Here,” Carson said, handing Rodney a small leather bag. “Why don’t you take a look through this and let me know if you find anything that might help.”

“A purse?” he questioned, narrowing his eyes at Carson.

“Aye.”

Rodney reached into the bag and pulled out what appeared to be a walkie-talkie of some sort. “Huh… interesting piece of technology.” Rodney looked the radio over quickly and nodded to himself before heading out of the infirmary.

***

“How’s she doing?” John asked. He walked into the infirmary, closely followed by Teyla.

“Don’t know,” Ronon answered flatly.

“Perhaps you should get some rest?” Teyla suggested. She moved over to stand beside him, resting her hand on his shoulder comfortingly.

“I’m fine,” he said quietly.

“It will do neither of you any good if you do not take care of yourself, Ronon,” Teyla advised him gently.

“I said I’m fine,” he hissed, shrugging Teyla’s hand off his shoulder.

“Listen to her, Ronon,” John suggested.

Ronon looked up at John warily. “If I sleep, then I’ll dream about her and when I wake up, none of this would have been real,” he admitted, fearfully.

Teyla nodded softly, understanding. “I promise you, this is not a dream,” she told him. “I would not mind staying here with her, so she is not alone.”

“And if she wakes up?”

“I will come and get you immediately. I assure you, but right now you need to rest.”

“Ronon,” John started.

Ronon looked at John, his eyes pleading with him not to make him leave Melena’s side.

John sighed; it was rare for Ronon to express such depth in his emotions. John felt conflicted, but he knew that Teyla was right–Ronon needed to rest.

A moan escaped Melena, interrupting the trio standing around her bed. Her eyes slowly opened, her vision blurred. She could not make out any of the figures crowding her. Fear crept into her bones. She squeezed her eyes closed, “Oh god.”

“Carson!” John exclaimed, getting Beckett’s attention.

“Melena?” Ronon squeezed her hand gently. “Melena, you’re safe,” he said reassuringly.

Carson moved over to the infirmary bed quickly. “I need you all to give her space.”

“Ronon?” Melena asked softly, tilting her head towards him.

“Yes,” he whispered.

“Please,” Carson said again, his voice was firm.

Teyla touched Ronon’s arm. “Come, it will only take him a couple of minutes.”

Ronon growled lowly. He leaned forward, closer to Melena. “I won’t be far,” he whispered.

***

Dr. Weir’s Office – Atlantis

“What? Never seen a purse before?” Rodney questioned, glaring at the technician who was eyeing the leather bag strapped over Rodney’s shoulder. He reached Elizabeth’s office door and knocked.

“Enter,” she said from inside.

Rodney stepped into the office and walked over to Elizabeth’s desk. He dropped the leather bag on the desktop and looked at her.

Elizabeth lifted a brow, looking up at Rodney. “What’s this?” she asked with a slight smile.

“It’s Melena’s,” he answered. “There wasn’t much inside of interest, except for this.” He held up the radio. “It’s a short wave radio transmitter, similar to what we use - it serves the same purpose, but it’s definitely far less advanced.”

“Thank you, Rodney.”

McKay quirked his brow as he looked at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth tilted her head slightly, “Is that all?”

“Well, yes,” he said doubtfully.

“Are you sure?” she asked, looking at Rodney.

“Yes, yes, just thought you would like more of an explanation of this little wonder,” he explained, waving the radio slightly.

“I’m good, Rodney,” she said with a smile, “but thank you.”

***

Infirmary – Atlantis

It didn’t take long for Melena to regain her strength. She fought against Carson, ripping out the intravenous drip and other wires connected to her body. One of the monitors crashed to the ground, the sound echoing throughout the infirmary

She was panicking.

Sheppard and Ronon moved in quickly, trying to restrain Melena.

Ronon gripped his hands on her shoulders tightly. He flinched when she cried out from the pain, but he was left with no choice but to maintain the pressure. He pushed her down onto the bed as John restrained her legs and kept them from thrashing and kicking.

Teyla walked up to the end of the infirmary bed. “Shhh. You are safe here, Melena,” she said consolingly.

“Ronon,” she cried out softly.

Carson sighed, tapping his finger against a syringe. “Use the restraints,” he said regrettably to Ronon and John.

Ronon growled.

“It’s the only way,” John reassured him.

“She’s been through enough!” he spat out furiously.

“Aye, but she needs to calm down. If she doesn’t, she’ll end up hurting herself.”

John pulled the Velcro padded restraints open, slipping them one at a time around Melena’s ankles. He noticed the look of disgust and rage on Ronon’s face as he followed suit, restraining her hands.

“Ronon… please,” she whimpered.

Carson took the syringe to the intravenous drip. “This is just a sedative, not enough to put her to sleep, but enough to relax her.”

Ronon scowled, looking over at John.

“He’s the boss when it comes to the medical stuff,” John told him.

“She will be alright, Ronon,” Teyla said softly.

Carson injected the sedative into the drip. He placed his hand on Melena’s shoulder lightly.

Her cheeks were soaked from her tears and her body was shaking fearfully as the sedative started to makes its way through her. She felt her muscles loosen; her body seemed to sink into the bed. “Ronon…” she whispered softly.

“I’m here, Mel…” he said as he moved back to her side.

“I’m sorry… I thought you… oh Ronon… it’s been so long…”

“I know,” he told her, lifting the back of his hand to lightly touch her cheek.

“I think it would be best if you let her rest,” Carson suggested to John.

“Carson,” he replied with a hint of warning in his voice.

“I’m sorry, but she needs rest,” he explained, looking at John. “As far as I can tell, there’s no immediate problem; however, she’s obviously been through a lot of trauma. He can come back in a couple of hours.”

Ronon leaned over, placing a soft kiss on her cheek before rising to his full height. “I will be back, Melena…” he whispered. He walked over to Carson and John. “I’ll follow rules, for now.”

***

Ronon’s Quarters – Atlantis

Ronon tossed and turned restlessly; he could not sleep. His thoughts were elsewhere… on her. He could not wrap his mind around what was happening; how one minute he believed her to be dead, and the next… she was lying in the infirmary, very much alive.

He was no longer the man he had been on Sateda, and she was not the same woman – he could see it in her eyes. As much as time had taken from them, as much as the Wraith had taken… he was afraid that she would no longer love him, even though he only loves her more after everything he’s been through.

Ronon sighed heavily, staring up at the ceiling. It was futile; sleep was evading him.

The sensor buzzed, indicating someone was outside. Ronon shifted his eyes to the door. He sat up, swinging his legs out and over the edge of the bed as he rubbed his eyes. He stood from the bed and walked over to the door, swiping his hand over the sensor.

The door opened, “Doctor?”




TBC

Previous Chapters:

+ Chapter 1 (Originally the "Prologue") + Chapter 2 +

[identity profile] mikou.livejournal.com 2006-09-09 06:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Argh, another cliffhanger! I felt for Ronon and Melena and wish they hadn't had to restrain her. Who knows what kind of memories that will bring up. Now, of course, I'm anxious to find out why the doctor (Carson, I'm assuming) is at Ronon's door. Hope the next part comes soon. Thanks.

[identity profile] carpenyx.livejournal.com 2006-09-09 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
:) I love cliffhangers, hehe and glad that you liked it. :)

[identity profile] butterfly-1968.livejournal.com 2006-09-09 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
“What? Never seen a purse before?” Rodney questioned, glaring at the technician who was eyeing the leather bag strapped over Rodney’s shoulder.
That part me laugh out loud! :P So McKay.

Grr you and your cliffhangers! :P

[identity profile] carpenyx.livejournal.com 2006-09-09 10:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Cliffhangers are a blast! It keeps ya' coming back, doesn't it? hehehe Well, so does Ronon!love but still, hehe *G* glad you liked it. :)

[identity profile] nytel.livejournal.com 2006-09-10 02:53 am (UTC)(link)
YAY! It was awesome hun. I liked how you worked in the Elizabeth/Rodney scene. It wasn't much different than the original, but it seemed to flow better.

Also, I'm not sure if I've mentioned it, but I like how you're portraying Teyla in this. She's calm, cool, and in control. Kind of like a rock. Lol. But she's just an amazing friend and that's how I see her too.

Hopefully it won't be long until I can get the next chapter back to you. :)

[identity profile] carpenyx.livejournal.com 2006-09-10 04:05 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you muchly. :) Glad you liked it.

[identity profile] lacenire.livejournal.com 2006-09-11 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
Another interesting and engrossing chapter! I'm really enjoying this fic, keep the updates coming!

Btw, would you mind if I posted a link to your fic at my Ronon Dex Community?

[identity profile] carpenyx.livejournal.com 2006-09-11 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you! Glad you are enjoying it. :)

I don't mind at all if you link it! :) What community is it?

[identity profile] lacenire.livejournal.com 2006-09-11 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks for the go ahead!

The community is a new one I started just one month ago, and it's called Satedan Fire. I always forget how to make the LJ names into links on the comments page, but if you want to take a look at the community, this is the address: http://community.livejournal.com/satedan_fire/

[identity profile] carpenyx.livejournal.com 2006-09-11 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
Ooh, thanks for the link! I just joined. :)

[identity profile] lacenire.livejournal.com 2006-09-11 01:55 am (UTC)(link)
Cool! So, I guess this means you'll post the links yourself... ;-P

[identity profile] lacenire.livejournal.com 2006-09-11 02:06 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks, it's better when it's posted under the author's name.

Btw, I noticed that you're a BSG fan as well, that's great! I love BSG, but Ronon takes up all my creative time, so I don't write BSG fics. It's great to meet a fellow BSG fan though!

[identity profile] carpenyx.livejournal.com 2006-09-11 03:37 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, I totally get that! I will most likely get around to posting it to the comm tomorrow. :)

Oh, yay for BSG love!! *G* BSG is another obsession of mine, lol and yes, it's always wonderful meeting new BSG fans, plus the added bonus of SGA and Ronon!love :)

[identity profile] latteaddict.livejournal.com 2006-09-12 05:24 am (UTC)(link)
This was so heart breaking. Of course Melena would panic and not trust her own eyes at first. She probably thought she was hallucinating. And it was terrible that Ronon had to agree for her to be restrained. It must've torn him apart to treat her like that even if it was for her own good. I think you've handled this section very realistically. It wasn't sudden hugs and kisses...instead things are messy and confusing.

I'm curious about the walkie-talkie Rodney found. If Melena had that, then she must've been in communication with someone...who could it be? I have lots of guesses :)

And of course you had to end with another cliffy!! There are lots of 'Doctors' in Atlantis, but my brain goes straight to Carson. And now I'm worried about Melena again *argh!!*

Please don't take too long for the next chapter.

Oh, and I loved Ronon's introspection at the end and how he's worried she might not love him anymore; especially since he only loves her more *sniffles*

Loving the story, please, please continue :)

[identity profile] carpenyx.livejournal.com 2006-09-12 04:00 pm (UTC)(link)
I am glad that it came across well, I had rewritten the scene with Melena panicking & was a little worried it wouldn't work well but I am glad that it did! :)

I'm very happy that you enjoyed it! I know I'm horribe with cliffhangers, LOL, [livejournal.com profile] nytel says I'm evil with cliffhangers, hehe

The next chapter has been beta'd but I still have some tinkering to do with it but it should be up by the weekend, hopefully. :)