Carousel (part 5)

Dr. Weir studied the stairwell and surrounding hallway intensely as she tried to find something that would explain to her what was happening to her best science team. She had listened to Lieutenant Ford's brief report before he quickly left to locate Dr. Zelenka. Now, finding herself surrounded by members of a security team she was less familiar with scrutinizing the area, she merely nodded when someone asked her permission to check the surveillance records. Years of negotiations and delegation training didn't give her the experience of deciphering technical science, and she realized quickly that she was more of a hindrance than a help to those who were trying to work around her. There was really nothing for her to do here, so she made her way to the infirmary to check on McKay and Grodin.

Nearing Dr. Beckett's corner of Atlantis, she recognized Lt. Ford running down the hallway from the opposite direction, bursting in on the unsuspecting individuals on the other side of the doorway. Breaking into a run, she arrived inside to hear him exclaim that Zelenka was missing and to then witness the collapse of Rodney. Major Sheppard had deftly caught the sagging scientist and with the help, returned him to his bed. The quietly muttered statement of "Oh, crap" was the understatement of the year.

Now she found herself standing off to the side of the room, watching each participant try to comprehend the latest events in his or her own way. Major Sheppard paced, glancing anxiously between the doors, Dr. McKay, and the operating room; clearly torn between his concern for his colleagues and the desire to go and assist security in finding out what was happening. Teyla, who had entered the infirmary right behind her, was sitting beside Rodney with one hand resting on the man's arm in a gesture of comfort. And Lieutenant Ford stood stiffly beside the main entrance from the hallway, keeping guard over his friends.

'Friends' Elizabeth pondered. Yes, that's what they were. Calling all of them by title was easier, forcing her to maintain distance so she didn't appear to show favoritism, but these were her friends. She had even become fond of Rodney's eclectic team of scientists and couldn't possibly think of anyone who would want to hurt them, except for one person.

Spotting Ford's posture shift when the door opened, she found her mouth open slightly in surprise before she quickly shut it. Speak of the devil himself, Dr. Kavanaugh.

Major Sheppard stopped his pacing, warily watching the scientist enter the room.

The pony-tailed doctor maintained his usual arrogance, ignoring the hostility that emanated off each individual in the room, and made his way directly towards McKay.

Sheppard stepped between Rodney's still form and the unwelcome visitor, stopping Kavanaugh with a cool, aloof smile, "What brings you here, Doc?"

"I came to check on my colleagues." Attempting to step around the dark haired major, he found himself blocked again. "I thought I might be able to help."

Sheppard's eyes never left the other man's face while he planted his feet apart and crossed his arms over his chest. Aware of Teyla and Ford coming to stand on either side of him in a show of support, he challenged the unwanted intruder, "How can you help, Kavenaugh? Do you know where Dr. Zelenka is? Or, maybe you can tell me how Grodin took a tumble down the stairs in the dark, outside of his quarters?" Nodding over his shoulder to Rodney's still figure, he continued. "Or maybe you can explain how a homemade flash grenade went off in his lab this morning."

Kavanaugh's gaze never left he major's face, but John was certain that at the mention of the flash grenade, the man's pupils constricted for the briefest of moments.

"Major Sheppard, I don't know how many times you want to hear me say this, but I had nothing to do with what happened to McKay or his team."

"You can say it all you want, doc." Taking a step closer towards the scientist, Sheppard clearly invaded the others personal space, making Kavanaugh take an involuntary step back. "Until I find out exactly what happened though, I'm not eliminating any possibility."

The men glared at one another before the scientist shrugged and turned, only to find Elizabeth directly behind him. "Dr. Weir," he said in surprise, "I didn't see you when I came in."

She stood still a moment with her hands clasped in front of her. "Where else would I be?"

The taller man stared down at the woman before him, "I wasn't implying anything, Dr. Weir. You simply have saved me a trip."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"I wanted to know if there was any project from Dr. McKay's lab that I should take over and complete while his team is incapacitated."

Sheppard was certain that the temperature in the room suddenly dropped considerably as Dr. Weir's steady gaze never left the other man's face.

"When I decide that Dr. McKay needs assistance, I'll obtain it for him. Until this investigation is complete, his lab is off limits to all other personnel unless cleared by me or Major Sheppard. Is that clear, Doctor?"

Anger glinted off Kavanaugh's face. "You pamper and coddle your friends all you want, Doctor. But, if there should be a crisis while you are playing nursemaid, remember, you don't need my help."

Ford and Teyla grabbed Sheppard by the arms whens he bristled and took a quick step forward towards the scientist's back.

Elizabeth didn't move, but her look was deadly, "Are you threatening me, Doctor?"

Kavanaugh instantly recognized that he had overstepped any bounds he had and retreated. "No, ma'am, just stating the obvious."

"Good, then I think it's time you return to your work. I'll have Major Sheppard stop by later to see if you need anything." Watching Kavanaugh glower at her, she continued as the man walked around her to leave. "One more thing, doctor, make sure you're available in case I should need to call on you." Once his figure disappeared behind the closing door, she turned to her crew, "I want him watched and any misconduct to be reported immediately."

Sheppard turned to Ford, "Get a detail up and keep me informed. I'm going to wait hear until Beckett returns."

The young lieutenant nodded, before quickly following after the angry scientist.

Silence once again permeated the room as the three standing individuals gazed at one another.

Teyla was the first to speak, "I do not believe that Dr. Kavanaugh was completely truthful."

Elizabeth watched a nurse enter the room to check on Rodney, prepare an empty bed, and leave, before she spoke. "I agree. If he isn't somehow involved, I think that he at least knows something."

The three stood back as a gurney carrying Peter's pale form entered the room followed by Dr. Beckett. Monitors and wires were hooked up before a quiet 'beep' emanated and broke the silence.

Carson stood back and studied his patient with the same care that every person who entered his facility received, before he turned and made his way over to Rodney. Carefully examining his friend, he checked the scientist's burns and sprained wrist. A tired smile spread over his weary features when Rodney's blue eyes cracked open to look up at him. "There ya be, lad. I was startin' to think ya were gonna sleep all day."

"Zelenka?" Rodney mumbled, trying to prop himself up on his elbows to get a better look around the room. Spying Grodin in the bed opposite his own, he glanced back to Carson, "What happened? Is he going to be alright?" Then spotting the others, he continued without giving anyone the chance to answer, "Where's Radek?"

Beckett's hand against his chest stopped him from getting off the bed. "You need to settle, Rodney. I heard you passed out earlier while I was busy with Peter and I don't want you to take another spill."

"I'm fine now, so get your hands off me." Brushing Carson's arm away, he sat up quickly and closed his eyes to stop the dizzying sensation that overwhelmed him. "Would someone please tell me what is going on?"

"We don't know yet, Rodney," Dr. Weir answered as she stood at the foot of his bed, watching Sheppard assist Carson in keeping the agitated physicist from tumbling off the bed again.

Intense blue eyes glowered at the others, "Well then, Doctor, tell me what you do know?"

"McKay, settle down," Sheppard ordered in his no-nonsense tone of voice. "Ford found Grodin in a stairwell near his quarters, and as for Zelenka, no one can find him." Seeing Rodney open his mouth, he stopped him with a glare of his own. "I have teams out searching and when they find something, I'll let you know. All right?"

Rodney deflated as he sank back onto his bed. It was clear that he was mentally calculating what was happening. "What did you find in the lab?"

Sheppard and the others slowly relaxed, "Pieces of a homemade flash grenade."

"And the energy bar wrapper," Rodney added absentmindedly. He appeared to be staring directly at Dr. Weir as his mind processed the small bits of information.

"What kind?"

"What kind of what?" She replied.

Rodney shot Sheppard an irritated glance, "What flavor was the energy bar?"

"Oh, for crying out loud. Afraid someone broke into the lab to raid your stash?"

"For your information, Major, I don't keep food in the lab. In addition, as for the kind, I don't eat the fruit filled ones. Knowing what kind was being eaten in my lab might tell me who was there."

Sheppard took the wrapper from his pocket and handed it over to Rodney.

The scientist studied the crinkled foil. "Apricot. Did you have it tested for fingerprints or DNA?"

"Ford ran it down to the lab this morning and they didn't find anything. Do you know who might eat the apricot bars?"

Rodney chewed on his lower lip a moment. "I don't know of any of the science team who eat those things. They taste like baby food." Pushing himself up, he turned to Dr. Beckett, "You said earlier that I had quote, 'a bump and nasty burn.' Does that mean I can leave now?"

Carson eyed his patient before looking over his head to Sheppard who was slowly shaking his head 'no'. "I think it might be a good idea for ya to stay here a little longer, Rodney. You didn't sleep last night and only a couple of naps while you were here. I'd like to keep an eye on you for a wee bit longer. Maybe get you to eat a little."

"I can eat and sleep in my quarters," he protested.

"I think it would be best if you stayed here," Elizabeth's quiet voice interjected.

"I have work to do, Doctor."

"You also might be in danger. Having you and Peter in the same place will make it easier on security. That way we can put more effort into finding Dr. Zelenka."

Rodney quieted as he leaned back and folded his arms over his chest. Studying the group, he nodded, "Fine, I'll stay for a little while but I don't need Carson babysitting me."

"For your information, Rodney, I've got work to do. Babysittin' you is the last thing I plan on doin'."

The chirp of Sheppard's radio cut off Rodney's retort.

"Major?" They all recognized Lt. Ford's voice.

"Yes, Lieutenant?"

"Sir, you need to come to the control room. We have the surveillance records available and there's something you need to see."

"I'm on my way. Ladies?" he asked, as he motioned to the doorway, followed by Dr. Weir.

"I will accompany you," Teyla answered, patting Rodney's foot as she left.

"Major?" Rodney called out to the retreating figures.

Sheppard turned and flashed a brief smile, "As soon as I know anything, McKay, you'll be the first to know."

Rodney watched them leave before turning his attention to the remaining physician at his side. "So, Bones, what's for dinner?"