Eight.
Rodney slide down the stone plank that led into the underground chamber. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the device was undamaged by the cave-in. Teyla and Ford were right behind him, Dr Beckett's condition for letting him go off-world. Rodney snapped and pointed, indicating some fallen ceiling stones that needed clearing.

Ford and Teyla exchanged a long-suffering glance but got to work excavating.

"Just don't let this go to your head," Ford warned, hefting the slabs.

Rodney rolled his eyes, nodding vigorously, rolling his hand through the air. Ford could almost hear, 'Yes, yes, yes. Hurry up.' He never thought it could happen, but he missed the scientist's incessant chattering. It was comforting, made the world less lonely.

As quickly as the two could remove the rock, McKay was pushing forward to look for the missing information. A grinding shift in the ceiling stones, froze the trio for a second.

"We need to be very careful," Teyla said standing to face Rodney.

Rodney drew his eyes from the ceiling to meet Teyla's concerned ones. He nodded to her, gripping her shoulder. If they lost that device, he would have no hope of regaining his voice.

After two hours of carefully clearing the room. Ford radioed Bates, topside, "We've got the room clear enough that Dr McKay can move freely. It's unstable though."

"Just make it quick. I don't want to have to come back tomorrow," came Bates reply.

Rodney searched the pedestal. Reading and rereading the same inscriptions he had the first time and some new ones he had found. Nothing presented itself, no cure or reverse, just instructions on how to turn the stupid thing on.

Teyla and Ford had retired to the floor, taking quietly when a softball sized stone smashed against the opposite wall. Ford jerked to his feet, weapon drawn. Teyla stood, eyes locked on the ceiling afraid it was falling. Their eyes fell on Rodney. He was pacing, running a hand through his hair, features drawn in anger and frustration.

"Hey, it's okay, Doc. We can come back if we run out of time," Ford tried to calm him, trying to defer a McKay temper tantrum.

Rodney's hard eyes locked onto him, mouth set in a line. Arms flung wide, he shook his head indicating it was useless. He motioned to the newest and final section of text he had found, drawing a hand across his throat in the universal 'kill' signal.

Lt Ford pursed his lips, looking to the floor. Teyla went to Rodney, placing a hand on his arm.

A A A A A A

"Shut up, Rodney," John slurred in sleep.

Carson passed close to the major's bed as he strode through the medical bay. He stopped, stepping to the bedside. John was belly down on the bed, casted arm by his face, features drawn in a deep frown. Tiny spasms went through his shoulders and legs, finally leading to a full outcry as he came awake from the nightmare, pushing up to his elbows.

Carson was quick to make himself known, placing a hand on John's back, saying, "Shh, major. Yer in the medical bay, remember?" He watched his patient pull a few semi-deep breaths, trying to focus on the real world. The dark eyes roamed and finally fell on him. Carson smiled, glancing at the monitors.

John moved to roll into a more upright position. His breath caught a few times as his ribs were jarred. Finally settled on his left side, Carson handed him some water. The cool liquid flowing down his throat brought his senses more alert. His eyes widened at the doctor, "I remember what happened."

A A A A A A

Rodney, Teyla and Ford were reclining against the wall just outside of the chamber eating a quick lunch when Carson skittered down the ramp.

Everyone stood, Ford calling into the walkie, "Thanks for the heads up, Bates."

"Hey, don't blame me. They just showed up," came the reply.

"They?" Teyla looked at the doctor with an upraised eyebrow.

Carson nodded, "Aye. Major Sheppard woke with a full recollection of what happened." He looked back up the ramp to see John bracing himself for the descent.

Ford rushed to the doctor's side to help catch. He wasn't needed though, as John sat on his rear and inched down.

Standing, slightly hunched, his right arm in a full sling, he looked straight at Rodney. "I remember what happened," his voice was quiet with a somewhat apologetic tone. "And I think I did do this to you."

Rodney shrugged, eyes begging for the answer.

"When I touched that machine, you were babbling on and…I did it to shut you up," John explained, eyes wandering, looking every where but at Rodney.

Carson spoke up, blue eyes wide, "We know that Ancient technology uses a mental component. If that was a physician's tool, the thoughts of the doctor would greatly influence the use of it."

"A light from the ceiling froze you, I couldn't get it to turn off so I…sh-shot it," he ended, his voice low.

Rodney looked from John to Carson, shock written in every aspect of his features. He wanted desperately to rant and rave and throw things but knew it would do no good.