Carousel (part 7)

Dr. Weir and Teyla made their way down to the science station level. Passing Dr. McKay's lab and quarters on their way to Dr. Kavanagh's lab, Elizabeth paused to question the guard outside the doorway.

"Has anyone entered the lab since I had it sealed this morning, corporal?"

"Only Major Sheppard, a few hours ago, ma'am. He picked up some equipment and a uniform for Dr. McKay."

She gave a small smile to Teyla. Good chance either Rodney or Dr. Beckett sent the Major after a certain laptop. She could only imagine Carson going bonkers having to keep the scientist cooped up in his infirmary. "Have you seen anyone down here that seemed out of place? Perhaps a man with a ponytail?"

"No, ma'am. The only people down here other than security have been Dr. Kavanagh's team and runners."

"Runners?"

"He has a couple of young Athosian boys run errands for him."

Weir looked at Teyla in surprise, "Did you know about this?"

"I am as surprised as you, Doctor. I would like to meet these runners."

"You're not the only one." Nodding their thanks to the guard, Elizabeth and Teyla continued towards the other lab.

"Dr. Weir, do you not find it difficult to understand how one of your team members has turned against the others?"

"At the moment Teyla, we don't know for certain who is targeting the team. It would be too quick to place judgment on any individual at this time."

Turning the corner to Kavanagh's lab, the women were met by Major Sheppard.

"Something I should know, John?"

He looked tired as he shook his head 'no'. "I wanted to come down and see how things were going. Maybe have a little chat with some of the scientists."

"Then you can join Teyla and me, for that's the same reason we're here."

Entering the other doctor's lab, they discovered it to be set up in a similar fashion as Rodney's with one exception: two male late teenage Athosians in lab coats stood off to the side, apparently waiting for direction from Kavanagh, who was busy monitoring an experiment.

Sheppard glanced at the boys before questioning the women, "What's he got kids in here for?"

"They are runners," Teyla informed him.

He stared at the boys in disbelief before turning to Dr. Weir. "What! Are you telling me Kavanaugh has so much to do that he has a couple of kids working in the lab?"

Before she had a chance to answer, Dr. Kavanaugh turned around abruptly from the project he was working on, clearly irritated at being disturbed. "Actually, Major, they are quite intelligent and eager to learn. Unlike many that I have come to know on Atlantis."

"They are teenagers in a room full of dangerous equipment," Sheppard shot back as he gestured to various machines and experiments.

"I have to agree with the Major, Doctor. If you needed more help, you should have come to me. I cannot condone you placing these children in harms way just so you can have errand boys."

The physicist slammed his hand against a countertop, glaring angrily at the intruders to his lab. "Dr. Weir, they observe only. If they happen to learn something from watching me or my team, then all the better for them."

Sheppard remembered what Grodin had said that morning about teachers impressing new recruits with basic explosive compounds. "You aren't teaching these kids, are you?"

Kavanagh cast an annoyed glance towards the boys, "Those two? No."

Weir couldn't believe that someone so intelligent could possibly be such an imbecile. "They are errand boys, bottom line?"

"Yes."

Teyla had remained silent during the discussion, quietly enraged by the arrogant doctor. No longer able to remain calm, she stepped forward, "Then why are they wearing lab coats?"

"I want my lab to be as sterile as possible. No offense, but their clothing is not up to regulations."

Sheppard had had enough. He wanted the kids out of the lab. God only knew the trouble McKay had in his lab; he couldn't even dream what kind of damage those two could do. "You won't mind it I go and have a chat with your runners do you?"

The pony-tailed doctor shrugged as he attempted to dismiss all of them and return to his project, "Be my guest. They should be leaving now anyways."

Trying to appear friendly, the officer made his way over to the teens who were warily watching him. "Fellas, I'm Major Sheppard."

"We know," the larger of the two answered quietly.

"Well, now you have me at a disadvantage, because I don't know who you are."

The larger teen looked at the smaller then back at Sheppard. "I am Jada and this is my brother Tinin."

Holding out his hand, he waited until each boy relented and reached out to shake. "Nice to meet you. Dr. Kavanagh told me that he doesn't need your help anymore today and it's time for you to go back to your quarters. What do you say I walk back with you? Maybe meet your folks?"

The boys looked towards the chemist, seeing him nod, before they agreed. "Yes, Major."

"Good." Sheppard didn't miss the way they looked to Kavanagh, and judging by Weir and Teyla's expressions, neither did they. Nodding to Elizabeth, he smiled, "Doctor, the boys and I are going for a walk. I'll meet up with you later."

Jada and Tinin hung up their lab coats on hooks beside the doorway before opening a cupboard and each removing a power bar. Glancing towards the major, they made their way out into the hallway.

The three walked silently as the brothers ate their snack. This gave John the opportunity to study both of the boys a bit closer. He noticed that neither had hair longer than their collar and their builds were slighter than that of the figure on the surveillance footage. Seeing that they had finished the power bars, he held out his hand, "Why don't you give me your trash. I'll throw it out for you."

They both silently handed over their wrappers.

"You guys like these things? I heard from Dr. Beckett that if you eat too many, they'll stunt your growth," Sheppard teased, trying to get the two to lighten up.

Tinin couldn't hide his smile as he looked at the floor and spoke softly. "If that was true, Major Sheppard, then why is Jada tall?"

Sheppard faked a frown and reached over to touch the top of the older siblings head, comparing Jada's height with his own. "Well I'm not sure. Maybe he only eats the ones that make him grow. What's your favorite kind, Jada?"

"Strawberry," the teen answered stiffly.

"Excellent choice. How about you, Tinin?"

Large brown eyes finally met the major's gaze. "Chocolate."

"Why am I not surprised?" he teased as they reached the area where the Athosians stayed.

"Either of you like the Apricot ones?"

Tinin crinkled his nose while Jada shook his head 'no'.

"Me neither," Sheppard continued. "I think they taste like baby food."

"Kolrin likes the apricot ones," Tinin added.

The major stopped and smiled. "Who's Kolrin?"

"Our brother."

"Really? How old is your brother?"

Tinin paused as he tried to remember. "He has passed nineteen cycles."

"Kolrin no longer lives at our home, Major," Jada freely added as they came to stop outside of the family's living area.

Sheppard began to get that gnawing feeling in his gut that he was on to something. "Why not? Run out of room?"

Jada and Tinin clammed up, neither looking at the older man. Pressing the pad for the door to open, Jada pushed his brother through the doorway. "We must go now. Good night, Major."

Standing in the empty hallway, John grabbed his radio and signaled Dr. Weir.

"Yes, Major?" her voice promptly replied.

"Elizabeth, are you still at Kavanagh's lab?"

"No, we just left. Why? Do you need something?"

"I need to talk to him, again. Why don't you meet me back there in ten minutes? I think you'll want to be present."

"We'll be there."

SG: A

The meeting with Kavanagh confirmed what Major Sheppard had begun to suspect. Kolrin, at one time, had been a runner for the conceited scientist.

"I told him not to come back," Kavanagh said haughtily

"Why?" Weir wanted to know.

The man shifted uncomfortably, realizing that he was in serious trouble. "I caught him mixing compounds in the lab one night."

Sheppard's voice was ice, "What kind of compounds?"

Kavanagh swallowed. "He was making flash grenades."

Before anyone could stop him, Sheppard jacked the scientist up against the wall with his forearm pressed against the man's throat. "What were you thinking?" he yelled.

Lt. Ford, who had been standing beside Sheppard throughout the conversation, made a grab for his superior, pulling him off the scientist.

"Major Sheppard, control yourself or step outside," Weir's voice commanded sharply. Turning to the gasping chemist, she glared furiously at the man, "Do you know where Kolrin is?"

He shook his head 'no' as he rubbed his sore throat.

Sheppard crossed his arms and glared, "Any idea why he might be targeting McKay's team? What did you tell him, Kavanagh?"

"Everyone knows how I feel about the science teams." Feeling a bit bolder with Dr. Weir standing between himself and Major Sheppard, he dared to glare back. "I'm not afraid to voice my opinion."

"And in doing so, you may have caused two innocent people to be injured. And, Dr. Zelenka has yet to be found. You better pray that he is alive, or I'll personally feed you to a Wraith," Elizabeth threatened. Turning on her heels, she abruptly left.