A/N: Here's an update. Not a whole lot of action but it's coming.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own SGA.

*Sigh* I haven't been getting very many reviews. I need them they are like air.

John walked into Woolsey's office and closed the door.

"Mr. Woolsey, I need to talk to you about Rodney."

Woolsey looked up from his computer monitor, leaned back in his chair and straightened his glasses. He'd been expecting some kind of confrontation with Sheppard and was happy to get it out of the way.

"Colonel Sheppard, so glad you're back. Why don't you take a seat?"

John had no desire to sit down but Woolsey's tone made it clear it wasn't really a request.

"Uhh thanks."

"Now what was it you wanted to talk about?"

"Rodney. He says he doesn't want treatment. I want to know if we can make him."

Woolsey was a little surprised by the directness of Sheppard's question. He turned his legal mind to the question.

"Well, seeing as this is the Pegasus Galaxy there's no legal system that I know of. However, going by Earth standards we would have to consider which country's laws would take precedent Canada or the United States. Technically this is an international expedition and therefore we may be under the jurisdiction of the world court. Essentially this is a nebulous, legal nightmare."

John was a little peeved by Woolsey's lawyer speak.

"What does that mean?"

"It means if you were intending to get an injunction to force Dr. McKay to receive treatment using non compos mentis, you would have a hard time making it work. Nevertheless, it may be worth attempting if we can find a judge that will give a temporary order for treatment until the case is tried."

"So is that a yes?"

"That's a tentative yes. You'll be happy to know I have already been strategizing along these lines this very morning."

"Yeah well, great minds…"

"Indeed. But, I think I have a more expedient method of coercion."

"I'm all ears."

"Dr. Beckett and I discussed bringing Dr. McKay's sister through the gate to try to convince him."

John had thought of the same tactic, but he hesitated because he didn't want to put Jeannie through Rodney refusing. However, time was growing short and he now realized that Jeannie had a right to see her brother and try to convince him.

"Okay, let's do it. I'll go to Earth and have Deadalus beam me to Jeannie's house."

"I'm not so sure that's a good idea. Perhaps someone else would be a better choice."

He was beginning to make John mad.

"Why not me? I'm his team leader."

"Colonel Sheppard you are far more than his team leader. The person I was thinking might be the best choice would be Dr. Keller."

John thought about it and concluded that Woolsey was right. Jennifer was not only Rodney's fiancée but as a physician, she could explain the medical side.

"Yeah that sounds good."

"The question is will she do it."

"Oh she'll do it."

The room fell into a restive silence, until John had a flash of inspiration.

"We need Carter too. We should have her come and see him too. She can tell him how illogical he's being!"

"Colonel, remember we are acting under the assumption that these two women will be in agreement with our position. I think in addition to the social pressure we should proceed with the legal avenue as well."

"It's going to piss him off."

"Good. Frankly, I think Dr. Mc Kay has been far to accepting of his situation and giving him something to fight may force him to deal with it more honestly."

"So what do we do?"

"I will speak to Dr. Keller and if she agrees to visit Mrs. Miller, then when they return through the gate I have a psychiatrist from the Air Force ready to come through with them."

Sheppard was impressed; Woolsey had given this a lot of thought.

"Thank you for caring about this."

"I know we are not friends Colonel, but I would like to be. I truly care about the people of this expedition. I am not just a suit."

"I see that now. I'm sorry we have misjudged you. We held back because we were mad about Sam being removed from command."

"That is understandable. But as dangerous as the Pegasus Galaxy is we need to be on the same page. I'm not suggesting we be in total agreement, only that we have a level of interaction that is based on trust and common goals."

"In other words we should be friends."

"Essentially."

"In that case call me John."

Woolsey knew this was a breakthrough; he was finally becoming one of them. It stirred in him emotions he had denied for years. Nevertheless, when you are in a Galaxy where every day you live is an accomplishment, there is no room for withholding your humanity. The Wraith don't care about your feelings but your colleagues do. People who risk their lives on a continual basis need to have a sense of connectedness.

"Please, call me Richard."

They stood and shook hands exchanging a look filled with subtext. The two leaders had created a new paradigm, the one good thing to come from Rodney's illness.

Woolsey sat down and took a deep breath, taking the opportunity to savor the moment. He didn't realize it but Richard Woolsey was smiling.

Rodney lay in the infirmary pretending to be asleep. He didn't want anyone else to look at him with pity, or his friends look at him with bitter disappointment. He was too tired to argue, he just wanted some time alone.

Carson knew Rodney was awake but he decided to let it go for now. The truth was he was considering letting Rodney go to his quarters. The only concern was that Rodney's depressed immune system would pick up another infection and that could be deadly. Still he understood that his friend needed sometime to process what was happening, and maybe if he did he would come to his senses about treatment. After mulling it over Carson concluded to send Rodney to his room.

"Rodney, I know you're awake. I have good news for you."

Rodney opened one eye suspiciously.

"You're just saying that to get me to talk to you."

"No I don't want to talk anymore for now. Do you want the good news or are you going to keep sulking?"

Rodney smiled; this was what he needed, for things to go back to normal, to have Sheppard snark at him and Carson bossing him around. All that was left was Ronon growling at him and Teyla well, just Teyla.

"I am not sulking. I'm being reserved."

Carson snorted in disbelief.

"Potato, Poh-tah-toh."

"Carson! Just tell me already."

Carson smiled at Rodney's aggravation.

"I was wondering if you'd like to get out of here."

"Are you serious? You're not teasing me are you? Because that would just be cruel."

"Aye I'm serious, but there are restrictions."

"I knew it was too good to be true."

"Just listen before you pout okay?"

"I am not pouting!"

"Rodney, enough!"

Rodney crossed his arms and pouted in earnest.

With a sigh Carson said,

"Anyway, if I let you go, you have to do some things differently. You'll have to wear a mask when you walk around the city, and it would be a good idea to carry germ gel with you. You can't eat fresh fruit or vegetables. You will go to bed, sleep every night, and take naps during the day. You have to eat, and that doesn't mean living on Power bars. And last but not least, I need to see you every morning for a vitals check at seven."

Rodney looked at him as if he was crazy.

"I may as well be here!"

"That works for me."

The doctor turned to leave but Rodney stopped him.

"Wait! Can I go to work?"

Carson thought about it for a moment.

"Aye, but only half days, and that means other peoples half days not Rodney Mc Kay half days. Four hours tops, with fifteen minute breaks every hour."

"What are you OSHA?"

"Rodney, you need to comply, or you will be right back where you were."

He sighed and whispered, "Fine."

"Good, I've already spoken with Jennifer, she needs to get back to running this department, but I will remain your physician of record. Teyla, Ronon, and Radek have all agreed to make sure you follow the rules."

"Great I'll never get anything done."

"Take it or leave it."

A look of sadness came over him.

"What about John? Where is he?"

"I haven't seen him. I'm sure he'll come around."

Rodney stared at his hands avoiding looking at Carson.

"I don't think so."

"Why do you say that?"

"I said goodbye already."

"Rodney you're not going anywhere, any time soon if I can help it."

"Doesn't matter, he won't forgive me for giving up."

"I'm sure John is as upset as the rest of us with your decision, and yes, he may resent you for it, but he would never abandon you. You know that."

"It's just that I said things—things that were too emotional to be not dying."

"That is ridiculous. Why is it you both run from sharing how you feel? When it's obvious to everyone you are like brothers! I'm sick to death of this macho bullshit. It takes more courage to tell someone you love them, than to hide behind your masculinity! You don't have a problem talking to me because you told me you love me."

Rodney winced.

"Again I was on death's door. Besides, your… you. It's different."

"That is asinine. I have had it with both of you. I would think given the circumstances you would quit wasting time being afraid of stupid things like telling your best friend you love them."

What could Rodney say to that? Carson was right and he knew it. Still, it was freaking him out.

"Yeah, okay. You're right. Now when can I leave?"

Carson decided to be satisfied with that answer and leave it alone for now.

"You can go now if you'd like."

"Really?"

He started removing his IV, when Carson stopped him.

"Whoa wait a minute. We need to remove that IV and get you your supplies. And you need to wait for Ronon."

"Ronon?" he squeaked.

"Yes he has the first watch."

I hate this! I am a grown man, I don't need Conan to babysit me.

"Whatever. Just hurry up!'"

"I'll send Carla in and be back with your discharge instructions and your equipment in a minute."

Carson walked back to Jennifer's office. He found her waiting expectantly.

"Did you tell him?"

"Aye, he wasn't happy with the rules though."

"Did you think he would be?"

"No, of course not… Are you going to be alright?"

"If you mean am I going to refrain from killing my fiancée, then yes."

"Aye I mean that, and I mean are you going to be alright?"

Tears started welling up in her eyes.

"Dammit! I'd be okay if I could just quit crying."

Carson shut the office door, walked over to her and pulled her into his arms.

God she's so tiny I never realized how small she is. Poor lass she's heartbroken.

"Shhh love, we'll figure this out. It'll be alright."

"No, no it won't be. It will never be alright again."

He didn't know how to respond to that, because that was exactly how he felt. They stood there trying to comfort one another and accept the way things were.

What they didn't know was that Rodney had gotten out of his bed and walked towards the office. As he came around the corner he heard them talking. He heard Carson shut the door. The blinds hid him from being seen but the spaces between the slats showed him everything. Seeing Jennifer in Carson's arms filled him with a jealous rage. Somewhere in his logical mind, he knew it was nothing but a show of friendship. The problem was he was nowhere near logical. He felt his face burn red with anger, and his hands tremble from the adrenalin pumping through his veins. He had to get out of there, and he had to go now, before he did something stupid.