OK, third time is a charm to get this review to go thru!
Thank you so much for writing this tag to Vegas. I saw the episode only once (my dvr deleted it after a day!) but your story brought it right back to life for me.
I loved both this fic and 'As It Is'. McKay without snark and Sheppard not in his usual happy-go-lucky characterization is both bitter-sweet and very interesting. Loved how McKay thought he played Sheppard, and Sheppard knew he was being played.
I was heartened by the thought that Louisa was waiting for John, so to speak. I am a shipper at heart, but could never see John and Teyla, nor any of those Kirk-esque chick-i-poos falling in love. This unknown Louisa will do just fine for me. :)
Thank you again! (*crossing fingers and hitting submit*)

*sob* This has such a haunting quality - completely in tune with the episode itself. I love how he's unsure of what McKay actually meant/intended, knows he was played, and is still willing to do the right thing.

Thank you for writing this piece and the one from McKay's POV--my take might be slightly different from yours, but yours is highly plausible. And as tempting as the fix-it AUs are, I don't think they fit the AU of the episode.
Also, if you'll permit a moment of musical overanalysis: Running off to Mexico to hide is a Jimmy Buffett move. I agree with you that that's what he was doing--shades of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World"--but a Cash fan isn't meant for a Buffett world. Deep down, Vegas!Shep is still the man in black--stuck in Folsom Prison, maybe, but willing to stand for what he knows is right even at a cost. (Not to knock Buffett, just comparing the ethics espoused in each man's music.)
Anyway, great job, and thanks for sharing.