Chapter Text
John was out of the way, locked behind a wall. Knocked out with the stunner. Again.
He needed a better weapon. Didn’t want to kill anyone, either, though.
Carson seemed dismayed at the development. But, again, Thalen didn’t know if that was good or not. It was probably a bad thing, seeing as he was out of the way, thanks to Phebus. Phebus had control of a large portion of the city. Doors were locked and corridors were closed off. John was trapped behind one of those doors, where he checked to make sure Major Lorne was still alive.
Thalen didn’t know if he was or not. Phebus wasn’t opposed to killing anyone.
Thalen ducked out from behind the pillar he hid behind and adopted Carson’s accent. “Ronon. Thank god.”
Ronon turned toward Thalen, an eyebrow arching in interest, confusion. “Where’s Sheppard?” He raised his weapon.
Thalen eyed the gun and raised his hands. “Uh…”
Turn yourself in. They won’t hurt you. I swear, they’ll keep you safe. They won’t hurt you.
Carson had a lot of faith in his friends. Also didn’t understand Phebus. Phebus was resourceful, had all of Elizabeth’s knowledge and memory, and was a sociopath. She didn’t want Thalen dead. She wanted Thalen to suffer. If she caught him, she’d kill him, and it wouldn’t be quick.
Sorry, Doctor. This is for you as much as it is for me.
“I got separated from my escort—some marines need medical attention. What are you doing?” Thalen tried to keep his attention on the gun even as he glanced between Ronon and his weapon.
“Sheppard told me you’re possessed, too.”
Thalen sighed. Well, obviously. “Right. I was. I would turn myself in, but Elizabeth ran into a few of the patrols—the one Sheppard’s with—and someone has to get to them.”
Ronon seemed to have no answer.
Thalen lowered his hands. “I don’t have time for this. People need help. If you’re going to shoot me, then do it. Otherwise, I could really use your help.” Thalen started to move off, but had a thought. “You could keep an eye on me.”
Ronon shook his head. “I don’t think so. We’re going back. They’ll sort this out there.”
Thalen stood still, quickly looking Ronon up and down. He was young, obviously strong, quick. Ronon no doubt thought he could easily incapacitate Thalen—Carson’s body, anyway—should he make any wrong moves. Even Carson thought it. Thalen could see it.
And both Ronon and Carson would be wrong.
Carson hadn’t gotten used to the fact that Thalen had access to every fleeting thought engaging his synapses, but he really believed that Ronon would be able to come out on top of any situation. Even if Thalen had the jump on him.
Carson had another thing coming.
Carson had no idea Thalen was used to being at a disadvantage. This encounter with Ronon would be straightforward and simple, even if it all went wrong. Phebus was willing to do anything, cheat with the rules of war, put friends and innocents in danger, to get the upper hand. To get at him. Thalen didn’t know what he ever did to her. Why she’d set her sights on him specifically.
Right. He was a “murderer” in her eyes. All belligerents in war were, depending on which side you wanted to look at it. Thalen wasn’t a murderer, and he once thought Phebus wasn’t either. A thousand-year war was bound to have more than a few supposed war criminals. Thalen didn’t know how he made it to the top of Phebus’s list. He once thought he was a nobody.
Just like Phebus. Maybe that was why she hated him.
Maybe one of his runs against the capital city hurt someone close to her? Maybe he shot down one of her friends in the atmosphere above the pole? History didn’t remember either of them that way. History didn’t remember them at all. Maybe he was just doing his job.
Did she ever think of that?
He’d killed before, plenty of times. He didn’t mind killing again. He was practiced at staying alive.
But… wait… he was already dead.
“Alright,” Thalen said, giving a sigh that felt familiar and well-used in this body. “Alright, let’s get this over with so we can get back out here as quickly as possible.”
Ronon merely grunted with a smirk, motioning with his gun to imply that Thalen should go first. Ronon wanted to keep both eyes on him. Good idea, though it wouldn’t do any good. It had never done Phebus any good.
He couldn’t let her win. And Ronon was in his way.
Oh, god. You won’t kill him? Don’t kill him.
Don’t be so dramatic. I don’t want to kill anyone. I don’t want to die, though. You don’t want to die, either.
I’d rather that than you killing anyone with my hands!
Oh, please. Thalen rolled his eyes and followed Ronon through the cavernous hallways. Don’t bother trying to fool me. You are just as terrified as I am. Just as terrified of death and pain. You don’t want to die. And I don’t think you’d be as willing to take a bullet as you tell yourself.
Just don’t. Please, don’t hurt them.
Don’t worry.
Thalen gave a tight grin as they came into a huge, dark room.
I don’t think I’ll have to. You have more to worry from Phebus in that department.