Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with nor do I own any part of Stargate, Stargate SG1 or its' movies, Stargate Atlantis, or any of the characters. My stories are for purely entertainment purposes, with no monetary gain. No copyright infringement is intended. This story is based on the episode "The Long Goodbye" and continues from my 'The Tower Missing Scene-Epilogue'.

-OO-

With the lights back on and everyone back to 'normal', Colonel Caldwell had lifted the self-regulated lockdown and had called Kate.

Dr. Heightmeyer was on her way to the infirmary, reviewing what the Colonel had said. Yep, she would definitely be busy with city residents; once everyone realized that it had been their leader who had been compromised along with their military commander and by choice, albeit ill-informed.

Caldwell had briefly mentioned that some of his crew still doubted him (a few had even requested transfers) and they all knew he had been implanted against his will. Still Kate had her duty to Elizabeth and John too, so she planned to see them immediately (captive audience and all that) before the onslaught expected in her office.

Kate entered the infirmary just as Caldwell was heading out, he patted her on the shoulder and said, "Don't forget to ask them about the kiss." and then he was gone.

Kate headed towards the beds currently holding the city's two top dogs. John was pretending nothing had happened, with beyond normal intent directed at his handheld, and Elizabeth was trying to hide in her covers, her face redder than the shirt she normal wore. Kate pulled a stool in between their beds and just said, "So..."

"I'm fine." John continued to play his game; all for ignoring everything as it seemed to him, from their previous discussion, that Elizabeth was good with that too.

While Elizabeth faced with Kate's curious look, just pulled the covers higher and squeaked, "me too."

"I heard there was a kiss?"

That got their attention, John's head whipped over to Elizabeth who had just started sitting up again, their eyes locked and Elizabeth scrunched back down. "It was all Elizabeth, her idea for me to get involved, she kissed me, she shot Ronon..."

"Shot Ronon!"

"Well, not her, her hitchhiker."

Elizabeth had emerged from the covers to glare at John, she knew what he was doing. Directing the good Doctor's attention to her so he could get off without an eval. and go drink his own guilt away. Addressing Kate, Dr. Weir explained, "Phebus did shoot Ronon, but Thalen lied to Ronon first." Then to John, "I heard you tell Ronon that I wasn't there, I saw the glow of the life signs detector in your hand, I just didn't have a clear shot! I mean... you gave him up to confirm my position."

Kate's mouth was open in horror. This was bad. Composing herself she patted Elizabeth's hand and spared a glance at the Lt. Colonel; John was trying to break his game if the venomous jabs where any indicator. "Ok, we all need to calm down. First thing is to recognize that you were both innocent bystanders. Phebus and Thalen are to blame, not Elizabeth and John."

A mumbled, "more Phebus then Thalen" from John got an evil glare from Elizabeth in John's direction. Kate just snatched the game from John's hand. "Hey!"

Giving John her 'no nonsense' look Kate just repeated, "Phebus and Thalen are to blame, not Elizabeth and John." The guilt in Sheppard's eyes weakened her and Kate handed back his game. "Now, I understand you are both to be released soon, so I expect to see you individually in my office before the debrief."

"Oh, that's not necessary..."

"I'm fine Doc..."

Kate cut both of them off with what always worked with exceptional leaders, "We will need to discuss how you can help the expedition come to terms with the fact that, not only was the city compromised, but their leaders as well." Elizabeth paled noticeably while John just stabbed at his game all the more violently.

Elizabeth nodded her acquiesce and John tossed his game down with such force it bounced off the bed. Kate managed to catch it and handed it back to him, John reached for it but she didn't release the handheld until he looked her in the eye. Having received John's agreement, Kate gave both patients a reassuring smile before excusing herself.

-OO-

Dr. Heightmeyer asked a nurse where Ronon was, not wanting to ruffle John and Elizabeth any further. Following said nurse Kate couldn't hold back a sigh. What a mess! And Ronon caught in the middle. The nurse had said he would recover but he'd definitely be in the infirmary for awhile... which meant that Kate would be able to force sessions daily, oh joy.

Ronon had come back the day after the brownies and pudding but she hadn't got anywhere with the silent warrior - she had asked him why he even came if he wasn't going to talk and he had replied he had given his word, and that he had talked. True he had talked, but nothing of consequence: Ronon had related that Rodney had been extremely upset that Ronon had received food, sighting favoritism; so Ronon suggested that Kate should maybe have some brownies next time Rodney visited. Then Ronon had stood and left her office and it was the last she had seen of him, professionally... she often spotted him in the cafeteria sitting with his team or alone... always eating. That would be her entrance, infirmary food always stunk, she would 'sneak' Ronon some food and casually get him to talk ... maybe not...

Kate paused taking in the site of Teyla and Rodney around Ronon's bed. Ronon was unconscious and receiving an infusion of blood, his normally warm brown skin - pale, bandages about his middle... Kate had just assumed he had been shot in the leg or arm, it never dawned on her...

Rodney and Teyla both looked up as Dr. Heightmeyer entered, the look of shock and worry mirroring their own, Teyla broke the silence. "Dr. Beckett says he will recover."

Rodney nodded and elaborated, "Two bullets. One grazed his side and the second bullet was removed during the operation."

Carson had come by to check on Ronon and assured the little group, "Aye, Ronon's a tough lad. He'll be fine with some blood and rest." After checking Ronon's vitals and the flow of the infusion, Carson headed towards the other side of Ronon's bed and his IV, withdrawing a syringe from his lab coat he made to inject it into the bag when Teyla stopped him.

"May I ask..."

"Of course luv. This is pain medication and the IV is antibiotics and saline. We won't be giving the lad any sedatives without his permission."

Teyla nodded serenely but Rodney was aghast, "You mean he's still unconscious from the surgery anesthetic?"

"With the power out it was too dangerous to give him anesthetic." Rodney looked as if he was going to be ill so Dr. Beckett elaborated. "We had to operate immediately, by the time it was determined that the call wasn't a trap and there actually was a victim... well the lad lost a large amount of blood."

"So he's worse off than you made on." Rodney accused.

Carson colored a bit and shoved his hands into his lab coat, "We've repaired all the damage and we're replacing blood volume, as I said he's a tough bugger. Ronon's come through the surgery and the night just fine. We're hopeful..." realizing what he almost said Carson stated firmly, "I expect a full recovery."

Rodney interrupted again, "That's why the debrief has been delayed, you can't attend until..."

Dr. Beckett stopped Rodney with a sharp, "I expect the lad to come around anytime now Rodney, that's why I've administered the pain meds."

Kate put her hand on Carson in a consoling manner but looked directly at Ronon's two teammates, "As I told John and Elizabeth, I'll expect the both of you in my office sometime today. Carson, if you'd notify me when Ronon awakes?"

Carson gave her a nod and Kate left the three to their vigil, making her way to her office Kate sighed again, it was going to be a busy day.