WINTER WONDERLAND
By NotTasha
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CHAPTER 25: MENDING WALL

John thought about the past month as he moved from one corridor and down another. All things considered, it had been a good month – and this particular day seemed as if it was going to be a damn fine one.

Ekuk was behind them. A team had been dispatched to the planet and managed to trade three of the broken skids from the natives, hoping that they might get one working machine out of the group. Of course, the genius McKay tinkered them all into working shape.

McKay had mended quickly from his ordeal, with no permanent damage. Beckett was relieved as hell – and for that matter, Sheppard was too. John still didn't like thinking about what might have happened to McKay – if they hadn't gotten to him in time, if they hadn't escaped the avalanche, if the tapas had stampeded over the top of them, if a break in Rodney's neck or spine, or the knock to the head had made things terribly worse.

John counted himself as damn fortunate that he hadn't lost a friend. Within a few days, Rodney was snippy and snappy, and full of piss and vinegar – exactly what they'd all grown used to. And, as soon as the skids arrived, he dove, up to his elbows, into the Ekukian mechanics, puttering the equipment into working order, complaining to anyone who hung around to hear, and chuckling happily as he performed miracles.

Yes, Rodney was back to his usual irascible self, and John was glad to put that adventure behind them. The Ekukians could keep their tapa-kabobs and dipping sauces and their women who were wild about maple leafs.

Speaking of maple leafs -- John knew exactly where the Canadian would be at that moment – in the makeshift shop in the corner of the jumper hangar. Sheppard had heard that Sgt. Tanner had taken out the repaired snowskids to P4J-877 with some of his friends and promptly wrecked one of them. John should've known better than the lend out their toys to that group. Tanner's friends could never stay out of trouble.

Anyway, Tanner had said that the skidding was great on that planet, and Sheppard was eager to give it a try – once the snowmobiles and McKay were all in good working order.

As Sheppard entered the enclosed stairway that went to the back of the jumper hangar - avoiding the more exposed front entrance. He came to a stop at the first landing, finding Private Deroche gazing up the long series of stairs. The young medic snapped to attention, trying to school his 'deer in the headlights' expression as he folded his hands behind him. He met his CO's questioning look with a, "Good morning, sir."

"Deroche," Sheppard returned, tilting his head at the man. "You just hanging around in the stairs these days?"

"I… ah…" The young man swallowed, his nervousness telling the major everything he needed to know.

"No…" Sheppard muttered.

Without a way of escape, the Private showed Sheppard the length of cord. "Sir, I've been keeping him restrained, but I left him with Corporal Alava when I went to …"

"You left him with Alava?" Sheppard got out.

"Yes, sir," Julian Deroche answered quickly. "Private Richmond could have visitors. I had to go right away, but the doctors won't allow me to take…" and he held out the cord. Seeing the dark look come over the major, he continued, "I didn't know where Fairholm was, and Richie – you know he couldn't watch him. I needed to find someone. Alava said he'd take Rudy to my room and shut him up." He looked lost as he talked faster. "But, you see, he took him into the mess instead. They got chased out by Corporal Recilios, and so Alava tied him up in the stairwell and…"

"Damn it, Julian!"

"I know, sir. I know. But Richie was waking up and… Alava was the only one around who'd watch him for me. I made him promise, sir."

Sheppard blew out a breath. He couldn't fault the private for wanting to see his teammate. Private Richmond had suffered through an attack of appendicitis and had given the surgeons a bit of worry. No, Sheppard couldn't fault Deroche for wanting to see his friend as soon as he was allowed.

The major glared up the stairwell and threw Deroche a dark look. "Where?"

"Up, sir," the private answered uncertainly. "It's open at the top level. He couldn't have gotten through the doors by himself."

"Damn it," Sheppard repeated before he sprinted up the stairs to the jumper hangar. Damn it! Damn it! He knew it would come to this! He knew this was a bad idea from the start! It was going to be one hell of a day, wasn't it?

Yes, they'd gone back to Ekuk to finagle the snowskids. The Ekukians, desperate to make things right, had offered up not only the skids, but had pitifully presented one of the young itna pups. "Weaned and ready for a new home," they'd said helpfully.

Sheppard had flat out refused – but Weir, who'd joined the negotiations, had seen some wisdom in accepting this offer. She'd taken their group aside and said that she wanted to mend fences.

"Good fences make good neighbors," Paul 'Richie' Richmond muttered helpfully. And Sheppard wondered what the hell that was supposed to mean, but having an ally was better than an enemy – there was wisdom there.

Weir accepted the squirming pet. And, Deroche had instantly promised to take it in. He'd worked with 'problem' animals in the past, having spent years volunteering at an animal shelter back home and swore he'd have the pup properly trained. Richmond piped in that he'd help out, and had volunteered Mike Fairholm as well.

Sheppard, not liking the idea one bit, commanded that Deroche would have to keep the creature ALWAYS under control – and away from McKay. Any report of vicious behavior would be the end of the creature.

They'd trade it away as soon as they found someone who would take it. The problem was… nobody seemed to want an itna in the Pegasus galaxy. And any suggestions regarding humane euthanasia was met with looks of horror from everyone concerned.

Damn pup was too cute! They'd get rid of it soon, but Sheppard didn't want to see what happened when the thing crossed paths with McKay. Oh, Rodney knew the beast was about, and always busied himself with something when the thing was mentioned. No, Rodney didn't need to see the creature – didn't need to EVER be surprised by it.

Should have gotten rid of it already, John chastised himself. He knew it would only lead to trouble.

So far, Deroche had kept his part of the bargain, training the animal and keeping it away from the scientist. Between himself and the others, they'd managed well with the creature. Fairholm was on Ozette's team, so he'd take the creature when Deroche was off-world. Richmond and Deroche had it the rest of the time.

"I swear, sir," the young man insisted as he clambered up the stairs after the major. "Rudy hasn't shown any signs of aggression. I swear, he…"

"We find the damn thing, now!" Sheppard insisted. Bad idea! He knew this was a bad idea from the outset. They'd actually accepted a devil dog into Atlantis! Shouldn't have fallen for those innocent eyes! This was trouble from the word 'go'.

"I never let him nip," Deroche insisted. "The breed seems to need a firm handler. But he's smart and he's caught on to all his commands. He's house trained … or rather 'Atlantis trained' and…"

"Deroche!" Sheppard snapped. "Enough!"

As they came around the landing, Sheppard wondered if the animal could have found his way out onto one of the floors. Certainly if it had been spotted, someone would be reporting it. Sheppard had no time to report the incident. First, he'd get to the hangar, check on Rodney – then he'd alert the base about the loose beast. Honestly, he'd rather just scoop up the thing and hurry it away instead of getting McKay upset about it.

Bursting onto the upper level, Sheppard looked about in the open expanse of the jumper hangar. The creature could be anywhere in here. "McKay!" he shouted. "Rodney!" He frowned when he received no response. He knew McKay was here – he wouldn't leave a skid alone when it was in pieces. The fool would work non-stop on it, foregoing sleep when a project was in the works.

And Beckett had told him to take it easy -- but that was impossible for McKay if he were in the middle of something. Sheppard didn't think he could stop himself. Maybe, if McKay could just sit still for a moment -- relax...

Jabbing out a finger, Sheppard indicated where he wanted Deroche to start searching. The private nodded, accepting the direction and started his search, making little 'smoochie' noises and calling, "Here, boy. Here, Rudy."

Almost instantly, they heard a response. A little whimper. Snapping to attention, Sheppard followed the sound toward the machine shop with Julian at his side. He could see the assembled skid, but no sign of McKay or the dog. He jogged to the site. Damn it… damn it… damn it! His heart raced, wondering what had gone through Rodney's mind when he saw the thing.

Wait…

Sheppard came to an abrupt halt as he came around the corner and drew out a hand to stop Deroche as well. With a smile, he took in the sight. McKay was asleep in a chair -- slouched, his legs resting on a crate – his head against the wall. And sitting up in his lap, the white itna named Rudy.

The dog made a sound, just a quiet little whine, as he saw his master. He thumped his tail happily, but didn't move – the hand that rested over him gently blocked his escape.

"Sir," Deroche said softly, looking to his CO. "Do you want me to…"

Sheppard shook his head, chuckling. Never stops surprising me, Sheppard thought, amused. At least he's getting some rest. That'll make Beckett happy. "Let him be, Julian," he said with a sigh.

"But," and the private held up the makeshift leash again. "I'm supposed to keep him under control. That was part of the deal."

The itna, getting no immediate command from his master, settled back on the comfy lap that had captured him. Letting loose one delicate yawn, the pup sighed audibly, curled up beneath that hand and closed his eyes.

Sheppard shook his head as he watched, noting the design of McKay's sweater. The Athosians had been kind enough to knit a new one for the man – using the Canadian Flag patch to get the right shape for the leaf. So, the sweater no longer bore the blue and white of the Toronto Maple Leafs – instead sporting a brownish and beige approximation of red and white – McKay wore it whenever he could – even though he complained that it itched and was too warm for Atlantis.

He hadn't complained about the missing red parka – much.

Looking awkward, Deroche asked, "What do you want me to do, sir."

Rodney looked downright comfortable, slouching and asleep in that chair. Who was he to disturb a sleeping scientist?

Reaching into his pocket, Sheppard withdrew a deck of cards. "We could pass the time for a bit," he stated as he pulled a chair out from a table that had been set up for poker. "How's Richmond doing?"

Deroche finally smiled and started detailing the conversation he'd had with his friend. Sheppard settled in, content to pass the time in the hangar and let Deroche chatter away. He glanced to Rodney, and smiled as the scientist unconsciously scratched the small white dog between the ears.

Yeah, he thought, ain't such a bad day at all.

THE END

A/N: Okay, so that's it. Hope you liked it. I appreciate your feedback more than you know. Thank you so much.