Chapter Ten: A Brand New Start
Several days later, Rodney was walking towards his office for his weekly meeting. Once he entered the office, he found that none of his staff were there.
"Hmm…where is everyone?" asked Rodney as he put down his laptop on the desk.
"They're elsewhere Mr. McKay.", a voice replied back.
Rodney turned around and came face to face with none other than Mr. Richard Woolsey, "That's Dr. McKay to you. What are you doing here?"
"What, no "how are you doing", just a demand on why I am here?" Richard sniped as he went to Rodney's desk and sat down in his chair.
Rodney just glared at the man, "Okay, how are you doing and why are you here?"
"The IOC wanted me to evaluate this replicator personating as Dr. Weir to determine the security risks present." Richard replied stiffly as he opened his organizer and took out his pen from his suit breast pocket and clicked it once.
"Well, I'm gathering that you didn't read any of my report that I…what…oh, send to SGC yesterday. There are no risks, none what so ever! And you're sitting in my chair and at my desk, kindly remove yourself from it! I got work to do!" Rodney growled.
"Mr.….err…sorry, Dr. McKay, I haven't had the chance to read your report, would you kindly show me this report of yours. I'm afraid I was dispatched here without seeing it." Richard stated as he still had not moved from Rodney's desk or chair.
"Okay, let me get the printed form for you." Rodney said as he turned around to the other desk to retrieve it but was interrupted by Richard once again, "Why not let me use your computer to access it?"
Rodney turned around and glared at him once again, "Didn't you hear me the first time, and I did say that I had WORK to do. That sort of implies that I need my computer to do that work. If you wanted to access it, there are other data consoles all around Atlantis that would've allowed you access to the report. Go find it yourself, and get out of my chair, please!"
Richard leaned back in the chair and looked at Rodney smugly, "Okay, how about you answer something from me, is it true that you started a relationship with this Teyla person?"
Rodney felt that Richard has crossed the line and crossed his arms, "What is it to you? Yes, I did, and I don't see anything wrong with that. Now, if you excuse me, I have stuff to do, and I don't need someone badgering me with stupid questions."
"What if I told you that you aren't allowed to have a relationship with this person?" asked Richard.
"Fat chance I'll listen to it. I may be a member of this expedition, but I don't have to listen to this. The IOC can't interfere in personal relationships outside of Earth's realm. Now, I'm going, but please, make yourself at home but don't touch anything because I won't be held responsible for what happens to you if you touch something that you shouldn't." Rodney snorted as he picked up his laptop and stormed out of his office with haste.
Teyla was reading in her quarters when her door beeped. She looked up from her book and put it down and opened the door to find a man that she was quite familiar with. She inclined her head towards him, "Mr. Woolsey, I wasn't aware that you were on Atlantis."
Richard stood in the doorway, "I just arrived this morning, and may I talk to you in private?"
"No you may not. I'm not comfortable having strangers in my room, perhaps we can go to the city's recreational room?" Teyla spoke softly.
"Anywhere we can get some quiet; I would be amendable to it." Richard nodded.
Teyla stepped out of her room and gestured him to follow him.
Several hours later, Rodney and Radek were on board the Daedalus upgrading the equipment to help fight against the Asurans' weapons.
"Dr. McKay, you got a message from Atlantis."
Rodney stood up and tapped his radio, "Who is it?"
"Col. Carter, you have to take this message." Answered the voice that belonged to Col. Caldwell.
"Okay, transfer her in." Rodney nodded as he went to the nearest console and turned the monitor on. The screen filled with Sam's distraught face that made Rodney's heart do a double flip.
"Rodney, you're needed back here. Teyla has been rushed to Sick Bay." Sam informed Rodney.
Rodney's face paled, "Oh my god, I'll be there." Rodney shut down the monitor and tapped his radio again, "Col. Caldwell, can you please transport me back to Atlantis sick bay, Teyla has been rushed there."
Rodney heard Caldwell suck in a breath, "We will transport you, I'm coming with you."
Seconds later, Rodney and Caldwell reappeared back on Atlantis and were outside of Sick bay. Rodney then heard Jennifer yell, "Where the hell is McKay!" Upon hearing this, Rodney flew into action and ran inside, shoving John and Ronon aside as he went. Steven looked at Ronon and John and asked, "What happened?"
"Woolsey was asking some questions, I'm guessing some of them were the upsetting kind." John simply said as he leaned against the wall.
"Where is he now?" asked Steven as he bristled with slight anger.
"In the brig, I tossed him there myself." Ronon replied with anger in his eyes.
"I take it you were there?" asked Steven.
"Yes, he asked her if Rodney was the true father and not the other guy." Ronon said as he glared in the direction of sick bay.
"Damn him! The IOC shouldn't been asking around something so personal." John growled as he kicked the wall behind him.
"I agree and they'll be getting an ear full from several people here. Many of us have high respect for Teyla and for him to pull that stunt is unacceptable." Steven agreed as he sat down and waited for news.
Meanwhile, inside the room, Teyla was in so much pain she kept squeezing Rodney's hand, while the other hand was resting on her belly. She was afraid to lose the child and she kept looking at Rodney even though her eyes were tearing up. She gasped as another pain rippled through her.
"Teyla!" Rodney shouted in concern.
Jennifer was monitoring the screen and growled, "We need to bring her blood pressure down, Teyla, I need you to calm down, and I'm going to give you a mild sedative that won't harm the little one. It's the only way to protect you and him from premature labor."
All Teyla could do was nod and she winced again as another pain came. Rodney squeezed her hand reassure and sat down next to her. He cringed as he watched the needle go into her IV and waited.
Outside of sick bay, a group was gathered waiting for news. Jennifer came out and looked at them all, "Teyla and the baby are fine. We've stopped the contractions but she will not be going on any off world mission till after the baby is born. Another imposed condition is that man; Mr. Woolsey is to be kept away from her!"
Sam winced at hearing that tone and Steven stood up, "Don't worry, he will be. He is in the brig for the time being, no doubt complaining of it but we will inform SGC and the IOC of this transgression."
John stood up with Elizabeth, "Is Rodney okay?"
Jennifer sighed, "He is, but he won't leave her side, so I'm allowing him to stay with her. Frankly, I'm surprised he stuck through this, no fainting on his part when he saw that needle. The man has changed in the last few weeks."
Lorne whistled, "That's good sign Dr. Keller, Rodney is always surprising us."
Steven nodded, "Good, Teyla needs that type of person, now if you will excuse me, I have to make a side trip to the brig and have a little chat with Woolsey. Col. Carter, would you do the honors of calling on SCG? I'll be there shortly. Instead of sending him home via the gate, the Daedalus will take him. I'm sure my crew will keep an eye on him while he's with us."
Elizabeth cringed, "That's a bit harsh but then again, Teyla has earned all of our respect and deserves nothing less of that. Woolsey will be in for a rough trip home I'm gathering."
Night time has fallen on Atlantis and Rodney was woken up by a hand caressing his cheek and forehead. He groaned and opens his eyes and looked at Teyla groggily.
"Thank you for staying Rodney, now go to your quarters and get some real sleep. I'll be fine here." Teyla whispered to him.
Rodney smiled, "Nope, I'm staying put. Besides, I'm too stiff to move anyhow. I'll wait till morning. I don't want to upset you or anything but I feel that you should know, Mr. Woolsey is having a nice stay in the brig, courtesy of Ronon and Col. Caldwell. SCG has also been informed of this. I don't know what's going to happen later but he won't be bugging you any longer. Now, let us sleep?" Rodney explained as he yawned again and started to close his eyes once again.
Teyla didn't say anything but she snuggled up to him and she too closed her eyes.
Several days later, Rodney was with Teyla as they were walking down the hallway. He was holding her arm while he led her to the place. Teyla's eyes were covered with a blindfold and she spoke, "Rodney, what are we doing?"
"It's a surprise Teyla. Just wait and see." Rodney smiled.
Once they reached the door, Rodney waved one of his hands down the door sensor and the door opened. He then led her inside. Once the door closed he took off her blind fold and yelled, "Surprise" with a group of people at the same time.
Teyla was shocked, "Where are we?"
"Welcome to our new home, Teyla!" Rodney beamed with pride.
"Our new home?" Teyla repeated as she looked around.
John stepped forward with Ronon and smiled. While Lorne spoke up, "Rodney had this planned for awhile now. This is what we were doing and basically taking up a lot of his time too. You needed a bigger place, the both of you since you're a couple now and with a baby on the way, well, and you needed space for a nursery too."
"Rodney, are you sure?" asked Teyla as she started to mist up.
"There's more Teyla, I've been planning this for the longest time and I wanted to introduce you to someone." Rodney smiled as he pointed towards a group of people standing on the side.
Teyla recognized one of them, "Jeannie? It's great to see you!"
"Hi Teyla, and I want to introduce to you my husband, Kaleb and my daughter, Madison." Jeannie smiled.
"I'm surprised you are here along with your husband and daughter, how did you arrange for this?" asked Teyla.
Sam cleared her voice before she spoke up, "I think I can explain that. After Steven and I contacted SGC and the IOC, they made up for the blunder that is Woolsey by allowing Kaleb and Madison to have the proper security clearance. They'll be staying awhile anyhow. With Rodney now staying behind, Jeannie has volunteered to take his place on Lorne's team but Jeannie wanted her family with her. So, Kaleb took a leave of absence from College so that he can still home school Madison here in Atlantis."
Teyla looked at Rodney with such love in her eyes that Rodney paused for a minute before he announced, "I'm not done folks." Rodney stood in front of her and kneeled down, "I know that this isn't normally what happens in your culture but it sure does in mine. Teyla Emmagan, daughter of the late Tagan, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"
Teyla started to cry a bit and she grabbed Rodney and pulled him up and kissed him quickly and said her answer loud enough for the room to hear, "Rodney McKay, I would be honored to be your wife, would you do the honor of being husband and father of my child?"
Rodney nodded, "Teyla, you know what I will say, yes I will!"
The room erupted into cheers as Teyla and Rodney gave each other a hug.
"Will that mean I am going to have a cousin?" asked Madison who was wondering what was going on.
Steven looked down at the little kid, "It seems that way kiddo, and you'll have a baby boy cousin soon."
Madison looked up the Col. Caldwell, "How long will that be?"
Jennifer laughed and kneeled down, "Teyla is currently 5 and half months right now, so in about 4 and half months from now, you're cousin will be here."
"I've got to wait that long!" Madison shouted.
"Madison!" Jeannie shouted to her daughter.
"I'm sorry mom, but that's a long time!" Madison complained.
Teyla heard of what Madison said and spoke softly, "Time will pass quickly Madison that much I have learned recently. It won't be long. At least you'll be here to greet my son's arrival."
"Hey McKay, any names for the youngster yet?" asked Lorne.
"Well, according to Teyla's culture, the actual naming doesn't take place till after the birth but traditionally the choosing names starts at the 8 month. So, for now, we're respecting that tradition." Rodney answered as he embraced his new fiancée.
"Well, don't forget to tour the place! Rodney, allow the woman to see her new home for goodness sakes!" Sam chastises Rodney.
"Okay, come on Teyla, let me show you the nursery. It isn't complete yet, I'm still waiting for some stuff but I rather you help pick what you wanted in there. The room is empty but I felt that it would be perfect for the little guy." Rodney explained as he tugged Teyla in the direction of the nursery.
"How would I choose stuff Rodney?" asked Teyla confused.
"Simple, Rodney, I put a catalogue in the room, make sure you guys pick what you want and have a list of what you want ordered on my desk before the Daedalus leaves in 3 days. I'll bring the stuff back." Steven replied.
"Thanks Caldwell that helps a bunch!" yelled Rodney as the two of them disappeared in the room.
Steven turned to Jeannie and asked her, "Where are you guys staying?"
Jeannie smiled, "Rodney had this very well planned out. While he got this stuff ready, he contacted me several weeks ago. We have most of our furniture plus a few stuff come with us. The rest will be will be on its way when the Apollo arrives after your departure. They left 2 weeks ago. We had all this planned out."
"So you guys have your own place too?" asked John in amazement.
"Yes." Jeannie nodded happily.
"So that's who Rodney referred to. Sneaky man." Ronon chuckled in amusement.
"I thought there were more quarters that were in the process of getting ready?" asked Radek.
"That would be for another family in the future. I've talked to Rodney about having a place set aside for guest but we weren't sure how to go about it. It's not ready yet, but there's still a lot to do." Sam answered.
"Either way, Atlantis is thriving and I'm sure we will have more people stationed here. Before long, it will seem more than just a base of operations, it will be a home." Steven smiled as he walked away towards the buffet line.
"That I can see happening, besides, we are well on our way to that. Pretty soon, we will have a wedding, a baby arriving soon. Something tells me we are going to be very busy for the next couple of months." John smiled as he too went to join Steven at the buffet table.