A/N: Hey everyone, thanks for taking an interest in this! I've been musing over it for some time.

Chapter 2-Meetings of a Strange Kind

Rodney stormed through the hall outside his lab, mumbling angry words to himself. The people that he happened to pass didn't think twice since it wasn't an abnormal sight. The Chief Scientist had a tendency to have someone piss him off in the lab about once a week, but those passersby couldn't possibly know that this time, it was personal.

He stepped into the transporter and promptly hit the coordinates for the section of living quarters two floors below his own. With his back turned, he could hear the doors close and after an intermediate second, open again. He slowly turned around and found it hard to move his legs forward. Going to her quarters would mean facing his past, literally. A past he had fought for so long to keep buried, to erase from his mind, from other people, and even his file with the Air Force.

But now an integral piece of it was just down the way, with secrets of her own.

Well, it beats having consciousnesses downloaded into your brain, having a copy of you in a team member, fighting off the Wraith, meeting not-so-friendly locals, seriously underestimating your limits, losing friends…

He took a step forward and stopped with the thought of 'no it doesn't.'

For once, he would rather face a Wraith attack than take another step. At that moment in time, he would rather retreat to a corner of his quarters.

But, he couldn't put it off forever. She was going to be working in the city for at least a year unless Dr. Weir sent her back, something that wasn't likely to happen.

He moved down the hall swiftly before he could change his mind. The door he stopped at was halfway down the corridor and he hit what they had designated as the doorbell. And he hit it again. And again. Finally, the door slid open to reveal a smiling and laughing Cora Matthews, who promptly sobered when she saw who it was.

"Rodney!"

"Cora."

She stood with her arms lightly crossed, unsure of what to do next. With her heart pounding she said, "I… umm. I wasn't expecting you at this moment."

Rodney scoffed, "Can I?" He motioned inside.

"Of course." She stepped aside, heart still fluttering, knowing that if she hadn't been so startled she would have thought of inviting him in first.

Rodney walked past her just as quickly as he walked down the hall and was surprised when he saw Irene leaning against the frame to the bedroom. "Costello? What are you doing here?"

Cora shut the door, "She's my friend."

"Oh really? That's exactly what I mean! How, hmm?"

"What do you mean?" Cora stepped further into the room.

"What happened to you, where you met Costello, etcetera?"

Irene glanced at Cora who gave her a pleading look so she responded, "We went to Cambridge together."

Rodney's attention snapped back to the brunette doctor, "You went to Cambridge together?"

Irene nodded.

"Oh well. Would you leave because I need to speak to my- my uh…"

Irene kept her position leaning against the doorframe, "I know, Dr. McKay."

"Know what?" He snipped.

"Everything."

Rodney gaped at her, "You do? Well then you know more than me, don't you?" He snapped, "Just get out of here."

Cora kept looking at her best friend, communicating for her not to go, but she knew that was impossible at this point. The man that stood between them had his feathers riled up and wasn't going to stop until he got his way, one way or another.

Irene bowed out of the temper-flared room, "As you wish." She stepped around Rodney and gave Cora a hug, whispering, "Good luck. I'm sure it'll all turn out."

Cora returned the friendly embrace, "Thanks."

Once Dr. Costello was gone and the two remaining people were sealed in by the closed door, Cora gently said, "She is my best friend Rodney."
"None of my friends know!" He crossed his arms in an attempt to make his point seem stronger.

"Not one?" She averted her gaze from him so he couldn't see the tears bubbling up, "That hurts."

"Just a little taste of the pain you left me with."

"I'm sorry, that was never my intention."

"Could have fooled me."

"I didn't have a choice."

Rodney fought the urge to sink to the ground, "How about we start with the beginning, hmm? Why did you just up and disappear?"

"I really cannot tell you, or anyone." Her voice was low and apologetic.

"Does Costello know?"

"Well… yes."

"Why does she get to know?"

"She was involved."

"In what precisely?"

"I'm not at liberty to say."

"Oh come on! This is not fair!" He buried his face in a hand and stated fighting back tears, "So not fair."

"I know it's not, but all I can tell you is that I … I didn't want to leave, not like that, not at all, not ever. I'm incredibly, incredibly sorry and it's hard for me to not be able to tell you what you deserve to know. Please believe me."

He removed his hand from his face, "But you left!"

"Yes."

"I'm going to snap if you don't tell me why." He even snapped his fingers.

Cora pleaded, "I can't."

"All I want is the truth! Is that too much to ask?"

"Yes!"

"Then fine!"

"Fine!"

"I'm leaving."

"Good."

He moved to the door, passing her and thinking it open, "Ha, funny, I'm the one leaving this time." With that, he was gone.

Now Rodney McKay resembled a hurricane as he moved down the hall and beck to the transporter, and people were genuinely scared. He slammed the coordinates in, and as soon as the doors opened again, he practically ran back to his lab. He thought the door closed and mentally locked himself in.

He was alone with dangerous and explosive equipment.

He scowled as he looked around the room, needing something to exert his frustration on. A cabinet caught his eye and he went to it. Throwing it open with his thoughts bent on destruction, he didn't flinch at the fact that some basic Ancient furniture still needed to be thrown open like a regular Earth cabinet. He pulled out containers.

---

Dr. Matthews took a deep breath as she prepared to leave her room. Both of the conversations she had with Rodney had shaken her up more than she would ever let on, even to her best friend. The tears began to flow and all she wanted to do was bury her head in her pillow and let them. But there wasn't time for them, she needed to go meet Dr. Beckett, her new co-worker, and get a new recruit physical. Once she started to cry, she knew she wouldn't stop. Then it would be evident what she had spent her first day doing from the redness and puffiness of her face. It was best to save that for later.

Trying to remember where Sgt. Grimault said the infirmary was, she left her room. Studying maps of the city simply wasn't the same. It wasn't long until she found where she was going. With a touch of the nerves, she walked in.

After a quick survey, she realized that navigating through the infirmary was going to be a chore, and she sought out someone who could help.

With one step, she suddenly felt the presence of a person next to her.

"Are you Dr. Matthews?"

Cora turned to face the woman, "How do you do?" She held out her hand.

The other woman took it, "Just fine, I'm Carolyn Tomich, Head Nurse. I assume you're looking for Dr. Beckett?"

"Indeed I am."

"He's probably checking over the few patients we have. If you would follow me I'll take you to him."

"I'd certainly appreciate it. I'd never find him on my own." They began walking, Carolyn leading her through two rooms containing beds and exam tables until stopping in the regular infirmary room, where the patients needing medium care were kept.

Cora's eyes settled upon Carson who was talking quietly with a patient. Upon seeing Carolyn beckoning to him, he wrapped up his conversation with a pat on the man's shoulder and walked over to them.

He addressed both of them with a "Hello," and focused his speech at Cora, "I don't believe we've met. I'm Dr. Beckett." He held out his hand to her.

She gripped it, "How do you do, I'm Dr. Matthews."

"Oh, I should have known, with you arriving today and all. Would you like to get the physical over with now, or later?"

"Now would be good."

"Alright. If you would step this way. Carolyn, keep a close eye on Captain McIntyre, he's looking a bit peaky."

"No problem."

They parted from Carolyn and they went back the way Cora came, into the next room.

"You're from the UK?"

"Yes. Cambridge. And you're from?"

"North of Glasgow, lovely country there." He patted the exam table, "Hop up and we'll get started."

She braced her arms on the table and used them to push herself up, "I love the West Coast. Skye is beautiful."

"Aye, it is that. I'm afraid I find the landscape around Cambridge a little… flat." He went to a supply shelf behind him.

"I know. You're right. That's why I try to get up to Skye as much as I can. I'd love to live there if it wasn't so isolated."

Carson grinned. "And if it wasn't for the midgies."

She laughed. "Yes, them too. I was bitten alive, I have to admit. Insect repellent never works, does it?" It felt good to really laugh with someone who knew her home, but not what she'd been through.

"Bloody wee beasties." He sighed as he turned around. "I'm just glad you're here. Maybe you can shed some light on the bloody wee beasties that killed five of our team."

Cora fixed him with a determined stare, not noticing what he had in his hands. "I will, Dr Beckett. I'll certainly try my absolute best."

He nodded, returning her solid gaze. "Right, lass." He unsheathed the needle attached to the vacuum tube, "Let's get some blood off you."

Cora sensed an automatic reflex triggered in her, and she shrank away from him, unable to stop herself.

Beckett frowned as he noticed her reaction. His patient was clearly needle-phobic… or something. He'd never seen quite that reaction before, not so strongly anyway. At least, he hadn't… until one of the newer recruits, Dr. Costello, had done the same. Incredible, to see two such strong reflexes, in such a short space of time. Irene Costello was British too, he mused, quite interesting.

---

Radek stood outside the lab door, pounding on it and incessantly ringing the chime, "Rodney, come out of there."

"Why?"

He flinched at the sound coming in from his headset, the first he'd heard from the other man in the two minutes he'd spent outside the Chief Scientist's lab, "It cannot be healthy to spend all day locked in a room."

A small 'whomp' came through the headset followed by, "Whoa, cool."

"Rodney! What are you doing?"

"Nothing that concerns you. Go away."

Radek grumbled, knowing from previous attempts that Rodney had locked the door using his ATA gene, which the Czech didn't have. He could tweak it open mechanically but there was something going on with Rodney, and by the sounds of it, Radek thought he would need backup. He stepped back from the door and clicked a different channel on his radio, "Colonel Sheppard? This is Zelenka."

"Hey, what's going on?"

"It's Rodney. He locked himself in lab and won't come out, and there are strange noises."

"What kind...?"

"Almost sound like explosions that he's making on purpose."

"Be right there. Keep guard."

"Am already. Zelenka out." The link shut down and Radek continued listening, hearing another 'whomp.' It was nerve racking, not knowing what had caused this behavior.

Before long, he spotted John practically jogging around the corner and coming up to him.

"Anything new?"

"No."

"Any idea why he locked himself in?"

"No."

John knew that whatever the reason, this wasn't something to alert the whole city about, this was private. "Shall I?" He motioned to the door.

"Yes."

John mentally unlocked the door and continued to think it open.

Their eyes fell on Rodney sitting at his desk, wearing safety goggles, hand gripping a squeeze bulb. The bulb was on the end of a tube that led to a metal container about the size of a paint can. Or was it actually a paint can? The two men didn't have time to say anything as Rodney squeezed the bulb, and a cloud of flames burst out of the top of the container with a 'whomp,' startling them.

Rodney mumbled to himself, "That was a good one."

"Having fun?" John said as he thought the door closed behind them.

Rodney's head snapped up, the straps from the goggles flapping, "Colonel! Radek! How did you…" Then he realized, "Used your superior gene, Colonel?"

"Well, yeah."

"What are you doing, Rodney?" Radek asked, worry penetrating his voice.

"Oh, combusting lycopodium, nothing unusual." He squeezed the bulb again, causing another fireball. "You can go now."

"Not happening." John crossed his arms.

"Why not?"

John stated the obvious, "Because normal people don't go around burning things for no reason."

Radek added, "We're only concerned."

Rodney snipped, "Don't be." He picked up a scoopula, a stainless steel tool with a curved shape, one pointed end, and one blunt end, and dug into a small canister, bringing out a scoop of yellow powder. He stood up and put the substance inside the container. He mumbled again, "Flame went out."

John and Radek looked at each other, not really knowing what to do.

Rodney picked up a long butane lighter, the kind used for candles and such things. He peered back in the container and blew, coughing a little when the powder wafted back into his face. "Not such a good idea."

John finally stated, "Stop messing with that for a minute."

"Why should I?" He lit the lighter and lit the wick of, for lack of a better description, the oil candle.

"You're a little scary." Radek said, and it was the truth.

"Am I? Thanks."

"That wasn't a compliment."

"I know." Rodney squeezed the bulb, and another ball of flame escaped from the top of the can.

John leaned over to Radek and whispered, "I think we should get Beckett down here. I'll go find him and tell him what's going on. Can you keep an eye on him for a few minutes?"

Radek nodded, "Yes. Go get him."

Rodney continued with the combustions, trying to block out memories and needing an outlet for years of pent-up anger.

-

"I don't know why you don't admit it."

"Admit what?" Rodney looked across the table at George.

"You like her."

"Like who?"

"Cora, man."

"I certainly do not." He picked up his mug of coffee and took a sip.

George leaned forward, "I'm not blind, I can tell."

"How?"

" 'Cuz I can. Stop dancing around it."

"Dancing around what?"

"You like her."

"She's my friend, and if you haven't noticed, I don't make friends easily."

"But you want to be more than friends."

"Would you drop this already? She'll be back any minute."

"Not until you admit it."

Rodney shifted in the booth seat at the little café, "Fine. I admit it."

"See! That wasn't so hard."

"Are we done now?"

"No, you're asking her out."

"I am not!"

"Yes you are."

"Would you stop with all this already?"

"The way I see it, you need all the help you can get."

"I am not going to ask her."

"Why?"

"Because, she's – she's a friend, our friend. One could say the three of us make quite a fearsome trio. A relationship between me and her would throw the whole dynamic." He waved his had in the air for effect.

"Stop hiding behind analyzing this. You like her, she likes you…"

"She does?"

"You're blind."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"What do I do?"

"Ask her out."

"How?"

"Just ask. You've done this before. Granted the last time it was whatsername…"

"Debbie."

"Right, Debbie. You managed to get a date then, didn't you?"

"Yes, but, that's different. She wasn't… Cora."

"You really like her, don't you?"

"Yeah."

"Can't stop thinking about her and everything?"

"Yep."

"So ask her."

"But-"

"Here she comes. I'll say I have to stop at the bathroom too, leave, and then ask her. It's perfect, just after Valentine's Day."

"What does that have to do with it?"

George staved off his reply since Cora was too close.

She greeted them, "Hi, boys," and sat down next to Rodney who was now visibly agitated.

George excused himself from the table, "Be right back."

"Alright." Cora picked up her drink.

Rodney shifted and pulled at his collar, now or never right? And if he didn't George would never let him hear the end of it. "So uh, Cora…"

"Yes?" She turned her head so she could see him.

"I've been thinking…and uh… wondering…" He could feel his stomach starting to do flip-flops.

"You're always doing that."

"True, but this time, it's a… about…Wouldyouliketogooutwithme?"

She flinched at the question, almost dropping her glass, wondering if she heard him right, "You mean on a date?"

"Yes." He had the feeling she was going to go laughing out the door.

Her face lit up, "I'd love to."

"Really?"

"I'm sure we'll have a lovely time." She found herself having to force the gigantic smile that was forming down a little, into a normal one.

"Yes." He was doing the same but failing.

"Did you have a day in mind?"

"What?" She had brought him back to reality, "Oh, umm… Saturday night, about 7?"

"Perfect. Where are we going, I'd like to know how to dress."

"Uh…" He thought quickly, "Is Spinolli's okay?"

"More than."

George picked this moment to pop into view, half-hiding behind a wall and trying to get Rodney's attention. He mouthed 'Well?'

Rodney held up what he thought was a discreet thumbs-up with his hand resting on the table.

Cora grinned, her eyes darting from Rodney's thumbs-up to George trying to hide. She had to fight to stop a very unladylike snort.

---

"That isn't necessary, Doctor." Cora stated as she held her arms around herself, breathing slowly and deeply in an attempt to calm the anxiety that was quickly building up.

Carson was stunned, "A blood test is part of the routine physical."

"I had one before leaving for the United States, it should be in my file."

"Alright, we'll skip this part for now." He set the needle on the small metal table. His thoughts moved back to Costello, the similarities between the two British women grew. He recalled her saying the exact same thing – to check her file. Besides, these new-recruit physicals were more of a way for him to get to know the new people and for them to become more comfortable with going to the infirmary than to see if they were healthy. Everyone there pretty much was, except for cases of hypertension and such things. He hoped these first-day meetings made the city less foreign.

Cora wanted to get off the subject and asked, "How did you come into this position, out here?"

"I suppose they knew of me through my previous work, being in the Royal Navy couldn't have hurt much either." He moved back to the shelf.

Cora raised her eyebrows, he was dodging something. It seemed she wasn't the only one with secrets. "You were in the navy?"

"Eight years." Carson turned back around, "I've been wondering why you weren't assigned here earlier, all documents about the nanovirus have been on Earth for months."

"They made an attempt awhile back." Her heart was still beating a little fast because of the needle episode, but it was almost back to normal.

Carson sensed she was dodging something as well, best to let it go then. "Have you read over the information about the nanovirus?"

"Yes. There was an awful lot from the Ancient Database."

"And hardly a word of it makes much sense."

"It really doesn't. That's what bothers me, the Ancients were studying this and could barely come up with anything but pages and pages of…"

Carson supplied a fitting word, "Drivel? It bothers me too."

"It's a base to build on at least."

"Perhaps they didn't have the time due to the war with the Wraith."

---

Rodney looked down at what he was doing, and finally got sick of it. Fire had lost its charm, at least for now. Funny how a large number of scientists had an affinity for blowing stuff up, maybe it satisfied some primal urge for destruction. He sighed, now the memories started to flood back in.

-

'Brrrrrrrrrring, brrrrrrrrrring'

"Oh, botheration." Cora muttered.

'Brrrrrrrrrring'

"I got it, I got it," Rodney said as he removed his arm from behind Cora on the couch and stood up.

'Brrrrrrrrrring'

"I said I'm coming." He picked up the receiver on the table a few steps away, "Hello?"

"You two want to go to dinner?"

"Hold on." He turned back to Cora, "George wants to know if we want to go to dinner."

She stood and went over to him and spoke through the receiver that Rodney had tipped so they both could speak and hear, "With which one of your girlfriends?"

George defended himself, "I only have one."

"Who is that?" Rodney teased.

"Judy, and I'm serious about her."

"Isn't that what you said about the last…"

"Three, I think it was." Cora smiled.

"You guys are double-teaming me here."

Rodney continued to tease him, "We're only stating the truth."

"And for the record, I do not have a new girlfriend every week."

"Monthly then."

Rodney looked at Cora and commented "Good one."

She grinned, "Thanks."

"I heard that."

"Your point being?" Rodney replied.

"You're lucky you're on the other side of the line."

"Where are you anyway? Didn't you say you'd be back here two hours ago?"

"I'm at Judy's, didja miss me?"

"No, I've had company."

Cora got a word in, "Me."

"Obviously. So meet down at Acoustic at 8?"

"Yep." Cora nodded.

"K, Bye."

"Bye, George." Rodney hung up the phone, "So, do you think he'll stick with this one?"

"I don't know. It'd be quite the turnaround for him if he does." She went back to sit on the couch.

He followed her, "What was this one's name again?"

"Umm… Judy."

"Ever since I've known him, no matter what he says, he just doesn't stay with a woman for any lengthy period of time. I don't understand, it's not like most of them were bad or ditzy or anything."

She smiled. "He's the total opposite of you, you've lasted months now."

He pulled her close on the couch, "There's no way I could get sick of a seriously hot, intelligent woman."

"So you're not going anywhere?"

"Nope."

She leaned in, "One-woman man?"

"Yep."

"I think we'll be just fine." Their lips met.

-

Rodney stood up as he took off the goggles, blew out the candle, and moved to the door without saying a word.

Radek eyed him suspiciously, "Where are you going?"

"To my quarters."

"You'll be alright?"

"I was before, this time's no different."

A/N: Like usual, see that little button? Leave me something. Thanks!