I Have Loved the Stars Too Fondly (by Mira) (G)

[mific]

Show: SGA
Rec Category: AU - specifically, cut off or seceded from Earth.
Characters: Rodney McKay/John Sheppard, Teyla Emmagan, Ronon Dex, Madison Miller, et al.
Categories: slash
Warnings: Nil
Author on DW: mira
Author's Website: See the AO3
Link: I Have Loved the Stars Too Fondly on AO3
Why This Must Be Read: This story's about Atlantis having seceded and being fully integrated into Pegasus, and an institution of higher learning. Mira wrote a lot of stories in this "cut off or seceded" category, some a lot sadder or angstier, but, written for the "happyfic challenge", this is one of the most uncomplicatedly happy ones. John and Rodney are older, in an established relationship, and welcoming Madison as a new cadet from Earth come to study at Atlantis Schola. It's a feel-good favourite of mine, and a great read.

"Rodney," John's voice in Rodney's ear pulled him away from his thoughts as he stared into the monitor of his laptop. "The Deianira is arriving."

For an instant, Rodney wondered why he should care when the Deianira arrived; then he remembered. "Right there," he said, locking the laptop and spinning away from it. Radek was already at the door waiting for him, and the others crowded into the corridor: Simpson, Dhadhiati, Kusanagi, Macario, Kecheckian, Dinnepati, O'Conner, Nguyen, Parrish, and all the others. Rodney glanced at Radek, who smiled back at him; he knew Radek was as proud of their accomplishments as anyone. Fewer than a dozen of the scientists surrounding them had been here since the original expedition, but all of them, old and new alike, were united in their pleasure, and in their determination on this day.

They crowded the terraces overlooking the gate room. John met Rodney there. Kevu var, kevu var, varsantasalaa, ver gauis', var, var, Rodney heard echoing around him. Teyla stood directly opposite the stargate; on her left was the Commandant of Cadets, on her right the Dean of Faculty, and behind her loomed Ronon. She clapped her hands and all fell silent.

"For the last five years, we have celebrated navavarSa by welcoming a new class to Atlantis Schola. In a few moments, Colonel Radnor will beam them to us. Fifteen students have been selected from Earth, and thirty-five from the Pegasus galaxy. In addition, a number of new instructors will be joining us. I ask you to welcome them to Atlantis, and to assist them as they integrate into our city."

She looked at Rodney and smiled. "Ah," he said, "most of you know my sister, Jean Miller. She'll be joining Radek's team in the physics lab."

Radek rubbed his hands together dramatically, and grinned at Rodney, who shook his head but had to smile at the gesture and the accompanying laughter.

Teyla said, "Jeannie's husband, Kaleb, will be teaching English composition and literature to our cadets. Best of all, their daughter, Madison, has been selected as one of the cadets from Earth." John elbowed Rodney and they beamed at each other; Rodney knew people assumed he'd pulled some strings, but in fact, there had been no need. Madison was brilliant; the real McKay, as John liked to say.

Amelia said, "The Deianira is ready, ma'am."

"Colonel Radnor?" Teyla said into her mic. "Please beam down our new residents."

Comments

[popkin16]

This is such an amazing fic that I don't reread nearly often enough <3