The Experiment Part II

Simon voiced his suspicions to John when Sasha stole Gary for the day. Apparently, she wanted to start buying clothes for 'the baby'. John laughed at the idea that she was getting carried away for a child that wasn't even on the way yet.

"The tree was cut and it fell onto the phone line. Simon do you realize how paranoid you sound?"

"Damn it John! I'm not fucking paranoid."

"Simon, there has been no sign of any one who was connected to Sheppard. Not for eight months."

"Maybe they went underground. I'm not gonna leave Gary vulnerable to this."

John groaned.

"The phone line was repaired, Simon." Simon had nothing more to say. Yes, it was true that they hadn't heard anything from those who were still loyal to Sheppard.

"Damn, even dead the man causes problems." Archer said from the door. "Are you planning on telling Gary?"

"I don't want to worry him."

"He can handle more than you give him credit for Lieutenant." Archer said sharply. "If you keep treating him like a child, he'll resent you for it. Tell him the truth so that he's prepared."

Simon glared at Archer.

"Do not presume to meddle into my affairs."

"Easy there Ghost." John said. He watched Simon warily.

"Stay out of this." Simon snapped at John.

"What's going on?" Gary asked, he stood at the door, sleepy eyed.

Simon turned towards him, they were in the study.

"How do you feel?"

"The medicine is making me feel a bit sick. But I think I'll live."

"You should rest then."

"I can't sleep all day."

"Did they say the medicine would make you so ill?"

"They said that it would make me a little sick. But I've only been taking it since yesterday."

Simon went forward to soothe. As he passed John, he shot him a look of warning.

"Come on, I'll make you some peppermint tea. It'll soothe your stomach."

"Thanks Simon."

"Go on ahead and I'll join you in the kitchen in a minute."

Gary left the small office and then went downstairs. Simon waited until he couldn't hear Gary's footsteps anymore.

"Don't you dare tell him what was being said."

"He's gonna find out eventually, mate. Telling him might be for the better."

"He hasn't had a nightmare in almost a month. They finally stopped. Do you think that I want to set him back?"

"He was still having nightmares?" John asked.

"Did you think he'd be able to forget the torture he went through so easily? Now if you'll excuse me."

Archer waited until Simon was out of earshot.

"I'd hate to see what he's like if the experiment is successful." He said, shaking his head. "But for the little bugger's sake, I hope it is."

"You like kids don't you?"

"Love them. They're honest."

Simon paced the waiting room.

"You're starting to make me dizzy Simon." Sasha said from her chair. "I'm sure he's fine."

"No-one is telling me anything." Simon snapped. John sighed and gripped Simon's shoulders.

"Take it easy mate." He said. He wasn't Simon's superior now, just his brother-in-law. "You'll exhaust yourself with all this pacing. Gary needs you alert and focused."

"I can't lose him." Simon said his eyes watery. "It'll kill me."

"You aren't gonna lose him. He'll be all right. A process like this takes time, Simon." Simon sank into the nearest chair, pulling John with him. Sasha took that as her cue and moved to the other side of Simon, wrapping her arms around both men. They stayed like that until the doctor came out to announce that Gary was out of surgery and was in the recovery room until he was moved to a private room. He was still under but would wake up soon.

Gary woke up ten minutes later, to the smiling faces of his family.

"Hey there Sleeping Beauty." Sasha teased. Gary smiled groggily and turned his head towards Simon.

"Good morning love. Have a nice nap?"

"Hey." Gary said. Simon took his hand in his. "I'm so glad you're here."

"He wore a hole in the floor."

"Where's Sierra?"

"Meat and Toad are watching her."

"Oh no…."

"I told Archer to make sure they don't cause any problems." John said. "You need your rest Gary. Sasha and I will give you two some privacy."

John retreated, pulling Sasha with him.

"John's right. You need your rest love. Do you want me to turn off the lights?"

"No, is it weird that I don't remember going into the operating room?"

"Anesthesia affects everyone differently." Simon said.

AN: I thought that the equipment to be able to carry babies should have to be "installed" as Gary doesn't possess it naturally, haha….