Battling starvation

[theycallmetodd]

The old Wraith hadn't thought he'd last this long. That he was still functioning at this point was a show of sheer power of will and stubbornness.

The one who had brought him onto this ship - Q, was it? - really must have a cruel sense of humor, to put him there in a situation that would make him starve. There was food around, sure, with all the humans populating this ship, and he was sure that many of the other species on board would do just as nicely. But, it just wasn't accessible. If he started feeding on people, he'd soon be found out. Especially with Sheppard on board. The colonel was sure to recognize the signs. The Wraith would be found out and locked away to continue to starve. Or they would simply execute him. At this point, the possibility of that was almost appealing.

But there was hope, and so he'd struggled on, working in the labs to find the solution to his problem, hardly ever leaving them. And he was close, he was sure of it. Very close. Only that it was getting hard to think. A functioning brain was really a prerequisite thing when one was trying to alter ones DNA.

And, perhaps this wasn't the best place to try to work, sitting in Ten Forward. All he would have to do to pull himself away from starvation was to lean over and grab someone from the table next to his, or someone passing by. But, again. That would lead to an execution as a best case scenario. Though it was tempting.

He'd had to get out from the labs, though. His thoughts had been running in circles, getting him nowhere, and he'd needed a change in scenery to break that loop.

Now, if he could only push away the temptation and distraction that the people around him provided, and if he could will his fingers from shaking as he ran them over the screen of the PADD...

Comments

[ltcolonel]

"Carelessness and arrogance is two things you guys have in common," John says dryly. Privately, he doesn't get most of the ancients, they are so far removed from any sense of reality. "All I care about is whether they are are likely to make an unprovoked attack on people here."

Old habits die hard, and civilian security remains a top priority.

[theycallmetodd]

"Most likely, they would not," Todd has to admit, a touch grudgingly. When it came to unprovoked attacks, his own people are more likely culprits, and he knows it. But a predator generally doesn't need to be provoked to go after prey. It's simply nature.

Through some predators are, admittedly, crueler than others...

"My points is, Sheppard, that you keep your wits about you. That is all."

[ltcolonel]

"Don't worry, I always do." He stretches, working a kink out of his newly aching back. "I won't let Orlin kill you." Which would probably put him at odds with the Ancient, but it was a case of better the devil John knew. He barks out a laugh.

"You know, your almost a friend on board this ship."

[theycallmetodd]

Deciding to forgo comments that he would like to see the Ancient try, and that he was fully capable of defending himself, he instead only gives a brief snort. "That would be greatly appreciated."

Cocking his head lightly to the side, he studies the human, thinking back. While he himself called Sheppard a brother on their very first meeting, he can't recall a time before now that the human has said anything similar in return. "I can't see any reason why we would be enemies here."

[ltcolonel]

"Not at the moment," John says with a faint smile, "Lets keep it that way." He trusts the wraith more than he lets anyone know. The people on Atlantis wouldn't understand it, but he saw the guy as more than a predator.

"When I'm feeling a little better, we should try sparring together on one of those holodecks."

[theycallmetodd]

No 'all bets are off' this time, then? Good. If push came to shove, Todd would always see to his best interests first, but he had never had any real wishes to harm Sheppard.

"I have yet to visit the holodecks," he says. "Agreed. When we are both feeling better."

[ltcolonel]

“Good, now if you don’t mind,” John puts his glass down and sprawls backwards on his bed, to ease some of the ache. “I am going to take a nap.” He shuts his eyes, relaxing even with Todd’s presence in the room. “I’m sure you can find your own way to the door.”

[theycallmetodd]

He watches as the human lies back to rest, somewhat fascinated. The man must either be exhausted or surprisingly trusting. Perhaps a bit of both.

Though it no doubt remains unseen, he gives a short bow. "Rest well." And with that, he turns and takes his leave.