Thanks again for the reviews. Keep 'em coming! They are fuel to the fire. Some questions will be answered this chapter (I think).

Chapter 6

McKay looked up from his computer screen to see who was daring to enter his lab when he working. Elizabeth Weir strolled in with John Sheppard close behind. "Hi, Dr. McKay," waved Sheppard. McKay watched as the major walked across the room, sat on a stool, and began spinning it around. He then looked at Weir, irritation on his face and in his voice.

"Elizabeth, I'm trying to work. What is he doing here?"

Weir's gaze bore down on him. "What do you mean what is he doing here? He's not contagious, you know. Besides, I think he misses you. I suspect he thinks you're mad at him."

"I'm NOT mad at him. He's just not very condusive to getting productive work done. Of course...I usually didn't get anything constructive done when he was in the lab before, but...Major! Put that down please...thank you." McKay looked up at Weir with his best "see what I mean" expression as he waved one hand in Sheppard's direction. Sheppard was hurriedly putting down the object he had been caught picking up only moments before.

"Rodney, I just think you need to spend some time with him." She paused a moment before adding, "It wasn't your fault, you know."

McKay responded without moving his eyes from the computer screen. "So everyone keeps telling me." He stopped typing and looked at Sheppard, sadness crossing his face. "I just keep thinking...what if..."

"And exactly how many times have you told him not to play the what if game?"

McKay nodded. "Point taken."

Weir sat down on a stool across the table from McKay. "If you've got a minute, I actually have a couple of questions...things I just need clarification on."

McKay sighed deeply. It didn't look like he was going to get any work done anyway. "Shoot."

"Okay, I read over your incident report a couple of times, and there are still some things I don't really understand. I know you said that you and Zelanka scouted out the lab after it was cleared by Sgt. Stackhouse's team. Why is it you couldn't get the doors or lights to work, but they worked immediately for Major Sheppard?"

McKay leaned back in his seat and rubbed one hand absently across his chin. "That's actually a much more complicated question that it sounds. I don't have an exact answer to it either. There are, however, a couple of theories. You know from past experiences that Sheppard can operate just about any Ancient device pretty fast. That's why you brought him and why I continue to use him for a lot of my testing...when I can hold him still long enough, that is." They both glanced at Sheppard, who was now making shapes on the table with debris left over from an experiment, oblivious to their conversation.

"It's okay. There's nothing dangerous over there." Weir nodded in relief.

McKay continued. "You also know that we've come across a few things that no one was ever able to operate but Sheppard, while things like the puddle jumpers can be operated with relative ease by anyone with the gene." Weir nodded. "One theory is that some Ancient devices, particularly things that were operated by a large segment of the population, were designed to be easily operated with just the one gene and a minimum of concentration. Other devices that may have been more complex and only operated by a limited number of ...higher ups, for lack of a better term, used not only the ancient gene, but possibly a number of ...accessory genes to insure proper control."

Weir looked intrigued. "So if Major Sheppard had more of these...accessory genes...he would be able to activate things that no one else can. It would be like they had an extra lock on them."

McKay nodded. "Another thought on the matter is that it all has to do with the level and type of concentration someone is capable of achieving. The deeper and more focused the concentration level, the more control you have over ancient devices. I think both may actually be involved." He glanced at Sheppard, once again spinning on one of the stools. "Although I'm starting to have second thoughts on the concentration issue."

There was a loud crash as Sheppard lost control of the stool and was thrown to floor, dragging the stool down with him. Weir and McKay jumped to their feet, anxiously looking on to see if he was hurt. "Wow, did you see me fly?" Sheppard asked before clasping his hands to his middle and rolling around laughing. Weir glanced at McKay. "I see what you mean."

McKay and Weir sat back down, now that they were sure the major was okay. McKay looked on sadly as Sheppard picked up the stool and stood it back up. Weir watched him intently. "You really miss him, don't you?"

Before McKay realized he'd replied out loud, he said, "Yes, I do." Snapping his head over to look at Weir, he pointed his index finger at her menacingly. "If you ever tell a soul I said that, especially him, I'll deny it with my dying breath."

Weir smiled. "It'll be our little secret."

McKay looked at her in dismay. "You are so going to blackmail me with this, aren't you?"

She just smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "We'll see. In the meantime, I still think it would be good for you two to spend some time together. Maybe you can do a better job of keeping him out of trouble than Teyla and Ford did."

McKay looked at her in confusion. "Did I miss something? What did Ford and Teyla do?"

Weir arched her eyebrows. "You mean you haven't heard? They took him to eat lunch in the mess hall earlier today. Apparently there was a confrontation with Dr. Kavanagh and Dr. Kavanagh ended up flat on his back. He's been threatening a court martial all afternoon, but I think I finally convinced him that Major Sheppard was not really responsible for his actions."

McKay looked shocked. "Sheppard put him down?"

"Yes, he did ...and from all the reports I've received so far, he did it quite effectively. Dr. Beckett said he has some bruises, but was otherwise okay. Kavanagh, of course, acts like he was nearly killed."

"Dr. Kavanagh is mean. He is a bad man. I don't like him." Sheppard had apparently heard Kavanagh's name from across the room and was now adding his opinion.

"Well," mused McKay, "if I know Kavanagh, and unfortunately I do, he probably had it coming. The man is the virtual epitome of what not to say in any situation."

Weir looked at Sheppard in mock sternness. "Well, even if that is the case, what did we learn from this situation?" she asked.

Sheppard looked sheepishly at the floor. "I know. I can't hit people just 'cause I don't like what they say." He looked up quickly and rushed in with, "but he was..."

"John! We've already discussed this. I'm not mad at you. I understand that you thought you were defending you and your friends. And I also understand that Dr. Kavanagh said some really mean things. But you can't go around beating people up just because they are mean and vile... and annoying and worthless and...okay, so you get the point."

She smiled at Sheppard and he smiled back, realizing that he wasn't really in trouble. "Okay, I promise."

Zelenka had slipped into the lab almost unnoticed about halfway through the conversation. He had quietly made his way over to stand by McKay. He leaned over and whispered to McKay, "I heard the major got a standing ovation."

"Is that true?" asked McKay. "It figures. The one time I skip lunch, there's entertainment."

Weir pointed her finger at them both and twitched it back and forth. "Don't be encouraging him. I need him to lay low and stay out of trouble until this blows over. I had to talk long and hard to get Kavanagh off my back and I don't need a repeat performance."

McKay held up his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay. We'll keep him with us and we'll stay out of trouble. How long?"

"Just until our meeting in...what, about two hours? Bring him with you to the meeting and I'll take him from there." Weir closed her eyes and shook her head. "I can't believe I'm leaving John and you together with instructions to stay out of trouble. God help us all."

Two hours later, Elizabeth Weir watched as staff members filed in the conference room for the briefing to update everyone on progress being made to rectify Major Sheppard's current condition. McKay and Zelenka were there with Sheppard in tow. The two men looked exhausted and more than just a little relieved that the two hours were up. Soon, Ford, Teyla, and Dr. Beckett followed. They were seated around the table and ready to begin, with Sheppard spinning in a chair in the corner.

Dr. Weir got everyone's attention to begin the meeting. "Dr. McKay, do you have anything new?"

McKay and Zelenka looked at one another and then at the group around the table. "We have a couple of theories about what may have happened," began McKay. "I just haven't figured out how that helps us undo things just yet. Zelenka and I both noticed a blue light engulf Sheppard from the floor panel. It flickered for a second and then got really bright. One possibility is that the 10,000 year old equipment just simply faltered during the start up process, kind of like a glitch or a short, and then powered forward in too big a rush, overloading the system and resulting in...the major's condition. Why that would have the results it did is beyond me at this point. The other possibility lies within the major himself. Elizabeth, we talked earlier about the possible contribution of concentration to the proper working of Ancient technology. The major had mentioned being tired and having trouble sleeping lately. If his concentration wandered in the middle of the process, that may have caused the flicker, followed by a power surge as he restored his focus. It could be either one or a combination of both or none of the above. If we figure out what caused it, that may or may not give us a clue about how to rectify the situation."

They sat in silent thought for a moment, which accentuated the scraping noise coming from the far corner of the room. Sheppard had taken about three pens apart and was in the process of trying to create something new with them. He suddenly became aware that he was making the only sound in the room and everyone was looking at him. His face flushed a bright red as he mumbled, "I'm sorry."

Dr. Weir stood up. "John, why don't you come with me."

Sheppard looked mortified. "I...I said I was sorry."

"It's okay. You're not in trouble. I just think this will be very boring for you. Maybe you could help Peter."

Sheppard's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. "Really?"

"Yes, really. Come with me." She took him by the hand and led him out to the control room. "Peter?"

Peter Grodin was lying on the floor, the upper part of his body hidden under a dark control panel in the corner of the room. At the sound of his name, he sat up suddenly, rapping his head on the underside of the panel.

Sheppard and Weir both made a face and silently mouthed the word Ouch. A few seconds later, Peter ducked his head sideways, one hand on his forehead, and crawled out from under the console.

"I am so sorry, Peter. I had no idea you were under there. Speaking of which, what are you doing under there?"

Peter stood, still rubbing his head. "It's all right. We have never been able to get that control system on line, so I was trying to figure out what the problem is. Did you need something?"

"Yes, actually I did. John is really bored...and...moving around a lot...and..." Peter nodded his understanding. "Anyway, I was wondereing if he could hang out here and help you so we could finish our meeting?" She looked at him with pleading eyes, not sure what to do if he refused. But Peter was always game to help.

"Okay. He can stay with me."

Seeing the hesitation and discomfort in his eyes, she hurried to reassure him. "We won't be long, I promise. Just keep him from...going through the gate or ...tearing much up. And thank you!" Weir made her getaway quick, afraid Peter would change his mind.

Peter glanced at Sheppard to discover him looking on with wide eyes full of excitement. Peter had heard about what happened to the major, but had not really spoken to him since the event. He was a little nervous and not sure how to act.

"Dr. Weir said I could help you. What are you doing?"

Peter pointed to the control console he had been working on. "I'm trying to get that control panel to work. Why don't I find you a chair and you can sit and watch. I think we have a chair that spins around. That might be fun."

Sheppard nodded. "I like those. They're cool." Peter turned and began looking for a chair for the major.

Sheppard immediately walked over to the panel and looked at it. He closed his eyes a minute, as if deep in thought. When he opened them again, he smiled. "I can fix this." He kneeled beside the console and removed an almost invisible cover over a compartment in the side. Several crystals of different sizes and colors were embedded in sockets inside. Peter returned to find Sheppard taking a crystal out.

"Wait, Major, what are you doing? You shouldn't be touching that. You'll get...how did you know that panel was there? I've been working on this thing for hours and I couldn't find the crystals." Peter knelt beside Sheppard, curious about what the major was doing.

"It's okay. I know what I'm doing. I know how to fix it." He turned back to the crystals and began to take them out, examine them, polish them, and put them back one at a time. When he had checked them all, he laid the last one on the floor. Looking at Peter, he said, "This one can't go back in yet."

Peter opened the door to the conference room, interrupting Weir. "I'm sorry Dr. Weir, but you have got to see this. You won't believe it." Peter turned and walked away quickly as they all got up and followed.

They arrived back in the control room behind Peter to see Sheppard working over a dark console in the back corner. They noted an open panel on the side and a crystal on the ground. Weir recognizedthe consoleas the one Peter had been under earlier.Frowning with worry,she asked, "What is he doing? Should he be working on that?"

"I know it's strange, but I really think he knows what he's doing," Peter said.

"I can fix it", said Sheppard.

McKay stepped up to stand protectively beside Sheppard. "John," he said, putting his hand on Sheppard's arm. "Maybe you shouldn't." Sheppard just looked at McKay and smiled. "It's okay, Dr. McKay. I can fix it." He went back to work, checking and rearranging tiles in the grooves on the top of the console.

"John, do you know what this machine does?" asked Weir.

"Sure. It monitors and controls the power grids. You can turn them on or off, or if you need to move more power to one section of the city, you can recon...reco..." He paused and frowned, not able to say what he wanted.

"Reconfigure?" offered McKay.

Sheppard's expression brightened. "Yeah! You can recon...you can do that too."

McKay's expression changed from worried to excited in an instant. "That's it. We've always known there must be a place that controls and monitors the way the power grids are set up in the city. If what he says is true, we can more effectively monitor for energy peaks and adjust for them. If we need more energy in one section of the city, we can actually divert power from another section that doesn't need as much. This is...a big deal. This will solve a lot of our problems."

McKay turned to Sheppard. "You're sure you know what you're doing?"

"I know. Someone has messed up these flat things. I have to put them all back right."

Peter and Rodney looked sheepishly at one another, remembering their hours of trying all sorts of different arrangements in an effort to get the console to work. Finally, Sheppard seemed happy with the arrangement of tiles. Once again, he knelt beside the console. He replaced the one remaining crystal and closed the panel, causing it to become almost invisible once again. He stood up and proudly proclaimed he was ready to make it work. They were all afraid for him to try, but at the same time mesmerized by his confidence.

Sheppard stood in front of the panel, closed his eyes, and put both his hands on the console. Nothing happened at first, and McKay noticed his expression change as he concentrated harder. Slowly, the lights on the panel began to come on as the control console came on line. After a minute, Sheppard opened his eyes and stepped back from the panel. "See, I told you I could fix it."

McKay stepped up to the console, unable to hide his excitement. "Amazing."

Beckett was watching Sheppard, the doctor in him remembering Sheppard's lifeless form after the last incident. He thought Sheppard looked a little pale. Sheppard raised his hand to wipe the bead of sweat from his brow and Beckett noticed his hand was shaking. "John are you okay?" Weir, who had also been watching Sheppard, took a step toward him. Sheppard began taking a step towards her, but his knees buckled and he began a rapid descent towards the floor. Weir and Beckett each grabbed an arm and lowered him to the ground. His eyes fluttered a moment, as if he were struggling to remain conscious, but he lost the battle and lay perfectly still. Beckett looked at Weir, worry on both of their faces.

"He's got a pulse, but it's rapid and weak. We need to get a medical team here on the double and get him to the infirmary." Here we go again, he thought.

TBC