Thank you all for r & r'ing. Glad to see you like it. =D
xx
"Have you seen Rodney?" Elizabeth Weir walked into the infirmary in search of her leading scientist. She didn't have to go far, finding him slumped on one of the beds. The expedition leader motioned for Carson to explain what was going on but the physician merely shrugged, busying himself in a corner of the room.
That moment Weir noticed Dana who was waving at her cheerily, "Hàlo Ealasaid."
"Hello little one", she made a step towards the girl. Her movements made Rodney come to life all of a sudden, shouting at her frantically, "Stop, right there or she'll infect you with deadly chickenpox!"
The child looked at him innocently, nuzzling her sheet with a shy smile. "Oh Rodney", Elizabeth shook her head disapprovingly, "I've had that ages ago…" She sat down next to Dana who instantly offered her a triumphant grin. "So you gave him the chickenpox?" The little one nodded frantically, "An robh sin math?"
"What's she asking me?" the expedition leader called to Carson who came walking towards them now.
"She wants to know if it was a good thing to do", the Scot stated with a wink at her.
Weir snorted, "I'd say it was a bit naughty."
Dana got the notion and started sniffling beside her. The expedition leader put a comforting arm around her small shoulders, "Not that it was bad per se. Maybe he deserves it. The child cuddled up to her, offering Rodney a very cocky smirk.
The physicist took the gesture badly and jumped up from his bed, "Look how that little brat is enjoying it!" he snapped loudly, "She just gave the most brilliant scientist in two galaxies the goddamned chickenpox. That's a very mean, very bad thing to do. I expect an apology!"
Elizabeth snorted, "Stop harassing the poor child, Rodney. You'd rather finish your work first."
"I damn well can't", the Canadian turned on her, yelling now. "I'd infect everyone down there."
"You bet…" Weir muttered, quietly consulting with Carson standing behind her, "Would he
?"
The Scottish doctor shook his head, "Far as I know, everyone but him has either had the chickenpox as a child or else got a shot sometime. And even if, he's not really infectious, yet."
"Thank you", their CO turned back to Rodney, "Carson just cleared you for duty, so off you go."
Grudgingly and muttering McKay got up and shuffled towards the door, "You're mean people, having me spend the last hours of my precious life toiling away for nothing while that little useless madcap gets to lounge around, receiving candy and compassion from everyone."
Carson watched him go then grinned at Elizabeth, "Candy is actually an idea." He walked into his office, returning with a colorful lollypop for Dana.
"Mòran taing", she tucked it into her mouth gratefully, only to stifle a yawn not ten seconds later.
"A bheil thu sgìth?" the Scotsman pulled the little one close, caressing her hair.
Dana nodded, yawning again, "Tha."
"Then get a little sleep, lassie", Carson waited for her to lie down before tucking her in carefully.
Smiling Elizabeth looked onto the scene as she suddenly remembered something: the cloth rabbit looking out of her back pocket. She grabbed it and put it into Dana's hand, "You forgot that one last time, honey."
The girl's blue eyes lit up at once as she greeted her favourite toy with a merry squeal, "Feasgar math a Mhisser Curran." She hugged and snuggled the rabbit fiercely and a moment later she was fast asleep, her sticky lollipop firmly perched into the long-eared animal's face.
Carson and Elizabeth grinned at the little one, quite content with the momentary quiet. "Let's just hope Mister Carrot brushes his front teeth after", the expedition leader quipped.
"Aye", the doctor smiled back at her, "though I'm more afraid he might catch the chickenpox as well."
Weir snorted, "Actually why not? He could serve as a brave, uncomplaining example for Rodney…"
On that they both broke out into laughter, finding it hard not to picture their colleague's relentless whining once the itching would start. It wouldn't be long for him to come back. That was for sure.
tbc