sealie: (maths)
sealie ([personal profile] sealie) wrote2006-08-20 10:00 pm
Entry tags:

Permission Granted (SGA/Traders xo) no 9/10

Author: Sealie [livejournal.com profile] jimandblair
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis/Traders xo [voyage par mer segment]
Rating: PG
Spoilers: none
Betas: the incomparable LKY and the amazing Klostes. I kinda played with this after getting the beta, so the booboos belong to me.

sub-chapter title courtesy of Tipsywitch



Permission Granted.
by Sealie

Bedlam, organised, military bedlam, McKay grumbled inwardly, as he and Grant stepped into the SGC embarkation room. There was a veritable forest of storage containers set before him. In between them, SCG staff ran back and forth ensuring equipment was correctly stored. Against the far wall, a squad of marines waited patiently, each had a MOLLE backpack and a large crate. The squad’s corporal was conversing with a lieutenant, bringing his attention to a sheaf of papers on a clipboard. Walter called something incomprehensible over the public address system and at a nod from the lieutenant, four marines started to move large crates stamped with USAF from blocking the opposite doorway.

At McKay’s side, Grant shivered violently, hands coming up to his ears. He was on the brink of collapsing on his knees when McKay got him under the arm and kept him upright. McKay body pushed Grant away from the entrance, half into the shelter of a stack of medical supplies. Still holding his cousin’s arm, he set Mr. Jinx's cat carrier on the floor. Grant continued to shiver, dropping his hands as he tried to turn away from McKay’s hold. Another clatter across the embarkation room sent Grant shying back.

“Freeze, Grant.” Rodney clicked his fingers. “Focus. Focus on me.”

Rodney caught Grant’s chin and turned his head so he could look him in the eye. Immediately, Grant ducked his head, burrowing into the folds of his collar. But he stilled.

“Grant,” Rodney said between gritted teeth, “if you keep this up, I’m not going to be able to get you to Atlantis. It just people getting ready to go up to the Daedalus. It’s nothing to be frightened of.”

Grant reached up and pulled his green boonie hat down over his ears. Rodney straightened and took an assessing gaze of the SGC embarkation room. Nobody had caught their altercation. Elizabeth was deep in conversation with O’Neill. She was dabbling her fingers against her chin – something that she only did when she was anxious. Carson was standing in the far corner, looking constipated, as he contemplated matter transportation. Sheppard, likely bored, had wandered off and was nowhere to be seen. The new staff milled around behind the Stargate, corralled there by the presence of security guards dotted throughout the room holding big, scary looking guns. Actually on the Stargate ramp, a couple of grunts were stowing the final load of computer equipment to be transported up to the Daedalus in geosynchronous orbit overhead. McKay didn’t follow the logic of the grunts moving the equipment into the embarkation room; it wasn’t as if the Asgard couldn’t pinpoint any device or person anywhere on the entire planet and beam it into the Daedalus’ hold. Nobody had listened when he had pointed that fact out.

He had already organised pick up of Grant’s entire computer set up from the Air Force base at Camp Borden north west of Toronto. And there had only been moderate complaints that they had had to transport it from Grant’s Toronto apartment to the base, so it hadn’t been that much of an imposition. It struck him that it was the height of inefficiency to insist that they pack and congregate together like tourists heading out on a cruise.

Elizabeth raised her hands in a gesture of defeat. O’Neill shrugged his shoulders, his expression vaguely amused. Shaking her head, but a slight smile on her face, she left O’Neill’s side heading straight to Carson. Swearing inwardly, McKay made a half step from Grant – Carson and Elizabeth talking might reveal a certain little deception that he had orchestrated.

Abandoned, O’Neill was turning in a circle. Spotting them, he stuck his hands deep in his pockets and ambled over. McKay shifted back a step, shielding Grant with his body. Folding his arms over his chest, he glared at the inquisitive general. Behind him he felt Grant grip the hem of his fleece and twist it in his fingers.

Cocking his head to the side, O’Neill tried to see around McKay’s bulk.

“Grant’s feeling a bit shy at the moment,” McKay said directly. “As you can probably guess it’s a bit overwhelming.”

“You’ve got an answer for everything, haven’t you, McKay?”

McKay let the smile turn his top lip. “Well, I am a genius.”

The returning stare was implacable.

Jesus, McKay thought, his eyes are like a shark’s. A cold, as intense as the Siberian winter, froze his guts. With great deliberation, O’Neill rocked slowly to the side to better see Grant, whose head was now pushing between Rodney’s shoulder blades. The fingers twisting at McKay’s hem were pulling the fabric tight over his stomach.

O’Neill looked McKay up and then down. “You going to look after him?”

“Yes!” McKay bristled, and then toned his voice down as Grant shivered against him.

“Grant, how are you doing?” O’Neill drawled.

Grant simply burrowed further into McKay’s back.

“Hey, Kid,” O’Neill said softly. “The Daedalus is on a six week turn around. If you find that Atlantis isn’t for you, you can come back on the next flight. Okay?”

There was no answer. McKay stared at O’Neill. Belatedly, he noticed that Sheppard was leaning against one of the piled up blocks of petascale Cray Super Computer components watching with a hawk-like gaze. A line of tension coursed through the lean form.

“Grant?” O’Neill said implacably, sliding closer. The air seemed to part before him.

The weight between his shoulder blades lifted and McKay, under that predatory gaze couldn’t move, couldn’t crane his neck to see what was happening. O’Neill circled him. Grant drew in a breath and held it. The hubbub of SGC personnel rushing around them to get ready before they departed seemed to quieten. McKay watched the scene through Sheppard; tense shoulders relaxed a fraction and McKay felt a visceral echo.

“Okay, son.” O’Neill stepped back into McKay’s line of sight

McKay jerked around, yanking his fleece free from Grant’s hand. Grant flinched, cupped hands coming up to his mouth. The faintest of smiles touched his lips where he nibbled on his thumbs. McKay glowered, thinking that somewhere not too far away, someone known as General Jack O’Neill, was making a joke at his expense. Grant shuffled back into his immediate personal space and, automatically, McKay looped an arm over his shoulders

O’Neill ambled away, every inch the senile old grandfather. McKay knew better.

Sheppard slid over as soon as O’Neill had wandered past the men guarding the embarkation room and out into the corridor.

“Hey, everything okay?”

“Fat lot of good you were, Sheppard,” McKay hissed.

“What did you expect me to do?” Sheppard cocked an eyebrow. “He’s a general. He used to lead SG-1, ran the SGC, he’s like--”

“God?” McKay said nastily.

Sheppard rolled his eyes. “My superior officer, McKay.”

Abruptly, Grant moved from under his arm, bending down to open the cat carrier at his feet. He pulled a mildly sedated Mr. Jinx from within and tucked him up against his neck.

“Hey.” Sheppard let the cat sniff his fingers before gently scratching him behind the ears.

Grant rubbed his chin against the top of Mr. Jinx’s head, stroking him with his unshaven chin. The bright red rash of the adhesive tape used to gag Grant was fading but he had refrained from shaving. McKay had no particular opinion on facial hair, but if Grant cultivated a beard or a goatee, there would be less confusion once they got to Atlantis and he was introduced. The trick in the meantime was keeping him away from Elizabeth until the rash faded and he started talking again. Remembering that little problem, he glanced to Carson –- who was now behind the Stargate. Elizabeth was no longer at his side. She was with the Lieutenant, signing the papers on his clipboard that he angled towards her. Carson was chatting with a young civilian, who was pasty white and a bit wild about the eyes, evidently a kindred soul who was less than enthusiastic about matter transportation.

“Have you got all of Mr. Jinx’s stuff?” Sheppard asked, trying to cajole Grant to speak.

In response, Grant toed Jinx’s carrier.

McKay huffed at the two grown men pampering his pet. “You better put Mr. Jinx back in his carrier until we get to our assigned berths. We don’t want to give what’s-his-face--” McKay clicked his fingers, “--Caldwell, any excuse not to have him on board.”

“Yeah, it’s for the best, Squirrel.” Sheppard extracted Jinx from Grant’s arms and, fumbling the liquid-limp cat, poured him back in the carrier.

The public address system pinged and everyone looked up to the viewing windows overhead. General O’Neill stood there with Landry and Mr. Woolsey of the International Oversight Advisory committee. O’Neill flicked the microphone again.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve just got the go ahead from the Daedalus.” He looked down directly at the trio huddled around the cat carrier. “Permission granted to go aboard.”

The white light of the transporter beam engulfed them.


fin
ratcreature: puppy pile! (of RatCreatures) (puppypile)

[personal profile] ratcreature 2006-08-20 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Yay, a new part! I liked how Jack just tried to be friendly and Rodney took it as hostile and was even more protective of Grant.

[identity profile] jimandblair.livejournal.com 2006-08-21 11:54 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't think that Jack was completely friendly *g*
ratcreature: (stargate)

[personal profile] ratcreature 2006-08-22 12:10 am (UTC)(link)
Well, I tend to like Jack quite a lot, so I assume the best of him, and that he just wants to make sure Grant is really okay with this. ;)

[identity profile] jimandblair.livejournal.com 2006-08-22 12:28 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, definitely -- Jack was there *for* Grant -- to see if Atlantis was the right place for him. He was assessing the situation and was not going to be intimidated or distracted by Rodney. I think if he had decided that Grant was too withdrawn, Grant wouldn’t be going to Atlantis.

[identity profile] starrylizard.livejournal.com 2006-08-20 11:22 pm (UTC)(link)
cool! They're on their way. :)

[identity profile] jimandblair.livejournal.com 2006-08-21 11:55 pm (UTC)(link)
and we all know what happened on the Daedalus en route to Atlantis.
ext_975: photo of a woof (Default)

[identity profile] springwoof.livejournal.com 2006-08-21 01:50 am (UTC)(link)
yay! great new part!

I liked Rodney & Shep's nerves. you had me all tense right along with them...

and O'Neill can sure be a scary dude, can't he?

[identity profile] jimandblair.livejournal.com 2006-08-21 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
I think if Grant hadn't responded to Jack, he would have pulled the plug on the trip.

and O'Neill can sure be a scary dude, can't he?

I think so, especially when protecting kids.

[identity profile] mangst.livejournal.com 2006-08-21 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
Happy dance! How mad is Elizabeth going to be when she finds out what Rodney did. I loved O'Neill's interaction with Grant, and Grant's little smile in return. Look out Daedalus! Poor Caldwell has no idea what is coming.

[identity profile] jimandblair.livejournal.com 2006-08-22 12:02 am (UTC)(link)
heh heh. I think that Rodney would be dressed down *if* Elizabeth sussed what happened.

glad you enjoyed it.
ext_21714: (Blue Eyes)

[identity profile] berlinghoff79.livejournal.com 2006-08-21 04:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Psst. Over here.*whispershouts*

Don't tell anybody, but this crossover is the reason I started searching for every teeny tiny bit of Traders. Yeah, I know, what kind of DH fangirl waits that long to start watching Grant Jansky?*shakes head*

Anyways, I love it, thanks for sharing :D

[identity profile] jimandblair.livejournal.com 2006-08-22 12:09 am (UTC)(link)
thank you.

I'd been watching SGA for upwards of four months and I was unaware of Traders. It simply hadn't impinged -- then I saw a piccy on Skein's LJ and the rest as they say is history. I'm chuffed to have 'introduced' you so-to-speak to Grant.
ext_2382: (Grant pet)

[identity profile] tipsywitch.livejournal.com 2006-08-21 04:46 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm chuffed - number one! Did something right for a change.
Number two - Thank you for the new chapter, I liked O'Neill's interaction with Grant and Rodney. More "fun" to come I think. Heaven knows what going to be going on in the Daedalus.

Thank you again!

[identity profile] jimandblair.livejournal.com 2006-08-22 12:17 am (UTC)(link)
I couldn't resist Permission Granted -- it catalysed this whole scene. I'd been dithering about the whys and wherefores of the route to the Daedalus. thank you for the suggestion.

O'Neill is good with kids and protective, I think that he and Grant would get on. Can't see Grant finding any common ground with cadwell...

[identity profile] bethynyc.livejournal.com 2006-08-21 05:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Just read the whole thing--wonderful! Love protective Rodney and John! I see Traders is another one I'm going to have to check out! Thanks so much!

[identity profile] jimandblair.livejournal.com 2006-08-22 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
Traders is great. DH as Grant Jansky is centre stage in all his scenes. He plays him very well; rarely for laughs.

You'll enjoy it.

[identity profile] forlornhope42.livejournal.com 2006-08-22 06:23 am (UTC)(link)
Oh dear - almost missed commenting on this, sorry! Because there is no reason not to comment - I love this series more and more. Love Jack trying to make contact with Grant, love Rodney's protectiveness, love Sheppard's laid-back protectiveness (can't do anything against a commanding officer, can he?), adore the way Rodney gauges what's going on through Sheppard's bodily reactions. Love the way Grant clings to Rodney, tries to burrow into him, then opens up a little for O'Neill. Love Carson's anxiety about being transported (Carson McCoy? Or shades thereof? ;-)) and him finding an equally nervous ally. And the stoned cat? Cute!

Thank you so much for sharing this!
Hugs
Skein

PS: Thanks to David Hewlett and your writing (which is spot on) I can see this scene so well in my head! Wonderful!

[identity profile] melagan.livejournal.com 2006-08-22 07:38 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm so tickled to see another chapter up

..McKay watched the scene through Sheppard; tense shoulders relaxed a fraction and McKay felt a visceral echo.

I could see this happening, the whole scene was excellent

[identity profile] sgafan33.livejournal.com 2006-08-26 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Another great chapter. I wonder how Grant will keep himself occupied for the 18 days it takes to get to Atlantis.

I think I've said it before, but, again, thanks for keeping this story going.

(Anonymous) 2006-09-23 08:47 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't know why you waste your time writing this it's crap

[identity profile] jimandblair.livejournal.com 2006-10-15 11:26 pm (UTC)(link)
you're missing a comma there.

[identity profile] iamrighthere.livejournal.com 2006-09-24 09:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Finally got 'round to reading this series! I'm loving it. You have so perfectly captured Grant's childlike/genius qualities and he and McKay play off of each other so perfectly. It's...actually kind of weird...because they are the same person. Sort of. Huh. Now I've confused myself.
*sighs*
Anyway, I am so looking forward to your next installment. Grant Jansky in space!

(Anonymous) 2006-10-05 11:20 am (UTC)(link)
This story is wonderful - please continue with it. Thanks

Woa !

[identity profile] valiree.livejournal.com 2006-10-06 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
Read the nine parts last night and ... badaboum ! I fall in love with Grant (and then passed two hours surfing, looking for little bit of information about this "Traders" show ...). Your characterization of Rodney is perfect ! There's just one tiny, tiny problem : where is the next part ? ;-)