Title: For Naught 7/7

You get the final bit today because…I have a very busy day ahead and will be gone for all of it andthis really is just a littlemini partand you've been so encouraging with the posting. I say it over and over because I mean it- thank you!

Hope you enjoyed the whole story!

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Rodney looked stunned, his mouth worked, opening and closing without words until he started. "I don't…"

"The Daedalus, McKay. We went over the logs, the time line," he made sure he had McKay's full attention, locking his gaze with Rodney's. "Everything. It was the Daedalus firing on the Hive ships that provided the distraction we needed to get out of there."

"You don't know that, not for certain."

"Neither do you. The fact is the Daedalus was there…because of everything you did to get it to the right spot on time."

"But,"

John could almost see the thoughts warring within McKay.

"Yes, Rodney." John was not going to back down on this. "Daedalus provided the time I needed to get the dart, scoop up Ronon and Teyla and figure out how to get those ships to destroy each other instead of me." He moved and sat on the edge of the bed, needing to be closer to McKay and hoping that his point was getting through. "So, what you did…" his voice grew softer, dropping to a whisper. "…Means a hell of a lot. It wasn't for nothing."

Rodney glanced away and John knew the scientist was trying to figure out whether to believe him or not.

"And even if you don't believe that right now, "Sheppard's voice rose again, demandingly and McKay looked back at him. "Your team does. I do." He finished strongly, emphatically. "Understood?"

He watched Rodney hesitate, debating within himself before finally, slowly he nodded. "Understood."

"Hey."

Both men turned at Ronon's quiet greeting. The runner stood on the other side of the far bed, holding a tray of food. John wondered how long Dex had been standing there, but didn't worry about it. He knew Ronon felt the same as he did, given the fact that he'd shared an 'enzyme'experience with McKay.

The smell of food must have reached Rodney. "That mine?" He eyed the tray hungrily, motioning rapidly for Ronon to bring it to him.

"Yup."

"Give it here then."

John shifted, moving back to the empty bed so Ronon could set the food on one of Carson's handy hospital trays and roll it into place for McKay. He watched as Dex helped McKay get situated for better access to the meal.

Sniffing appreciatively, Rodney smiled. "You," He picked up a fork as Ronon moved and sat down next to John. "Are a godsend. I'm starving."

John looked at Dex and grinned, knowing the other man was just as pleased to have McKay sounding like himself again.

"This is just what I…wait." Rodney froze, stared at the trayintently and then glared at Ronon, pointing the fork at him. "Where's my jello?"

"Jello?" Dex repeated the foreign word as if confused.

"Colorful, jiggly stuff," John explained. "Usually tastes like fruit."

"Oh, he knows what it is," McKay huffed accusingly, waving the fork around. "You took my jello, didn't you? I can't believe you. What color was it?"

John quirked an eyebrow at Ronon, catching the mischief in the young man's eyes. "You didn't."

Ronon shrugged. "I like the blue."

"See, see. I told you. He stole my jello. I can't believe you would steal food from a sick man. No no. I do believe it. My only source of true comfort." He exclaimed dramatically. "Where is Teyla? She'll kick your ass for this you know. She would never steal my jello."

John shot Ronon an angry glare that was pointless due to the satisfied grin he couldn't suppress. Dex grinned back. Rodney's tirade continued. It was good to be home again.