Disclaimer: Stargate - Not Mine, Story - Mine

Author Notes: Just another short, quick follow up. Enjoy.

What the Hell am I doing here…. Dr. Rodney McKay glances nervously at his watch again as he paces the rather utilitarian hallway. This has got to be the stupidest thing you have…no…second stupidest. The sound of an opening door followed by voices causes him to turn around. Watching the various assortment of greens and blues filing out of the room, he spots the one he is waiting for.

"General O'Neill…" Rodney calls as he shuffles toward the crowd.

It can't be… Hearing his name in a rather familiar voice, Jack O'Neill stops and closes his eyes. Please don't be… Turning around he opens his eyes and lets out a regretful sigh. "Dr. McKay. I thought you were in Atlantis. To what to I owe this honor?"

"I'd like to talk to you."

"Really…?" Jack raises an eyebrow in surprise. "You could have just sent an email. It would have saved you a lot of travel time." And me a lot of headache…

"Yes…well, I could have." Rodney rubs his hands together. "But this is important and well…personal."

"Personal?" A look into the personal life of Rodney McKay. This is the last thing I need. "You do realize who I am and that we have never really gotten along, don't you?"

"Yes. I am perfectly aware of that." Rodney snaps back at him. "I'm not here to join your quilting circle. I came to ask for your help."

"My help?"

"Is there an echo in here?" Frustration creeps into his voice. "Yes, I'm asking for your help. Call it a personal favor. I want…"

"Stop." Jack holds up his hand to quiet the scientist. "I know what you are going to ask me and I don't think there is any thing I can do to help you."

"You know? How could you possibly…"

"Contrary to popular belief, McKay, I can read." Jack gives him a stern look. "I have read the report from the SGC. I believe that they and the IOA have made the right decision regarding Lt. Cadman. Earth is a much safer environment to raise a child."

"Even if that means effectively cutting the father out of the picture?"

"Dr. McKay, no one is cutting you out the picture." Jack's voice softens slightly. "You have plenty of vacation time that would allow you to…"

"That is not good enough." Rodney cuts him off. "You could order Landry to…"

"Rodney!" Jack snaps back to the his tough CO mode. "I already told you that I support the decision that has been made. Is it the perfect solution? Probably not but it is in the best interest of Lt. Cadman and your child. Now if I am not mistaken you have a job a few billion miles away that need your attention." Turning Jack walks away slack jawed scientist.

"Thanks a whole Hell of a lot!" Rodney calls after him as anger takes over once again. "What if it was your kid we were talking about here?!" He ask to the general's back as shrinks out of sight.