Proving Character

by Raisintorte

Rodney knew something was wrong the second the event horizon shut down behind him. He went to hand his gear to Sgt. Hanson, but instead of cracking a joke about the state of Rodney’s gun like he normally did, the sergeant wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Rodney." He looked up and saw Elizabeth walking towards him. He finished taking off his P-90, and headed toward her. As soon as he looked in her eyes, he knew what had happened.

"When? How?"

Elizabeth put her arm around his shoulders, and out of the corner of his eye he saw John, Teyla, and Ronon talking to Lt. Colonel Lorne.

"About 2 hours ago. On the mainland, there was . . . a landside. We couldn't get to her in time. A jumper is bringing her body back now. I’m so sorry Rodney."

Even if he wanted to cry, Rodney didn't think he could. He had always known there was a possibility one of them could die given the nature of their work, but he always thought he would be the first to go.

"Thank you Elizabeth." Rodney extricated himself from her arm. "Please, radio me when the jumper gets back. I'd like to . . . say goodbye." Rodney turned to leave the control tower and started walking away.

He stopped when he felt Teyla put her hand on his shoulder. He could feel John and Ronon standing next to him, but he didn’t want to talk. He knew they were there to support him, but he didn’t know if he could handle that right now. He put his hand over Teyla’s and squeezed. He nodded to John and Ronon and walked away.

He knew he would need them later but for now he just wanted to be alone.