Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own the show or characters.
"So, Jessalyn, you want some food? Get to know people around here? Yeah? Let's go, then, shall we. Rodney," Elizabeth caught his eye, silently warning him to be on his best behavior.
"Yeah, how 'bout a tour, hmmm? See, this is the jumper bay, because we park the jumpers here. Originally, I wanted to call them 'gateships,' but, no. And, this, obviously, is the hallway; if we go up these stairs and around this corner, we will be in the gate room where the Stargate is, hence the name. And if we go up more stairs and through a few corridors, we will finally get to the mess hall. What?" he broke off at Elizabeth's mocking gaze and Jessalyn's smothered giggling.
'She's cute. It's not as if I don't like kids,' he justified, 'They're just really annoying. And, they have jam hands. But, she's got those puppy eyes. Hell, she's got great genes. Wish I had gorgeous parents, but, nooooo, I get stuck with the ugly ones!'
"Rodney," a tiny, sweet voice said, "You're funny." He looked at her, startled; not many people actually said that to him seriously. If they weren't being sarcastic, it was because they were drunk or he had made some inappropriate comment or another.
"Yes, he is," Elizabeth agreed then turned her attention to Carson who had just stepped into the hall. "Carson! Over here! Any news?"
"Aye. And none too good at that. He- oh, who have we got here? Hello, lass. Who are you?" the Scot bent down, a question in his eyes but a friendly smile on his lips.
"I am Jessalyn. And you are…" she paused, struggling to recall his name, "Carson," she stated proudly.
"Aye. That I am," he replied chuckling. "You seem like a bright young lass. May I talk to these two for a minute, darlin'?" At her reluctant nod of assent he drew the aforementioned to the side.
"He's stabilized but I'm afraid to report that he started to scream random things about the Wraith and we had to sedate him. It took three times the normal amount to do it, but he's asleep now. Rodney?" he turned to the astrophysicist, "Drs. Zelenka and Kavanagh wanted to see you about some scientific thing. Although," he continued, eyes twinkling, "They said it could wait for a while. Nothing urgent."
Rodney coughed, "Well, yes, I'll be sure to get back to them on that. Thank you, Carson," his voice dripped sarcasm, "Hey, let's go eat, shall we?" he abruptly changed the subject, rubbing his hands together nervously.
"Bye, Carson," the sweet voice piped.
"Bye, lass. I expect I'll see you two later. I'll keep you updated on his status."
"See ya," Elizabeth called to his retreating figure, "So, if we go this way, we'll get to the control room and my office where I spend a lot of my time," Elizabeth took over as unofficial tour guide; Rodney was only too glad to let her.
"Rodney," came the familiar Czech accent.
"Radek. Hey, can the scientific thing wait for a little while?"
"Oh. Yes, it can wait. I wanted to ask about the girl."
"All I know, so far," Rodney spoke in a soft voice, "is that her name is Jessalyn
and she's from Earth, originally. She was apparently transferred to P73-5521. Somehow, she came back with us unknowingly. Weird, huh?" he finished, waiting for the Czech's reaction.
"Yes, definitely, weird. It's very odd how four intelligent people could overlook a young child, even with the best hiding place."
"It's not as if I was looking for her; after all, you know my track record with kids. Not very good. I'm not exactly the city babysitter."
"Well, hopefully, we can figure it out."
"You have a funny voice. What's your name?" Startled, the two men looked at the two women who had made their secretive way over.
'My, she's blunt,' Radek thought. Out loud, he said, "I am Doctor Zelenka. You must be Jessalyn." She nodded, smiling pleasantly at his accent. The former turned to Elizabeth, drawing her away a little.
"Do you know how she got food and water from being in that jumper for days, maybe weeks, on end? I would love to know that answer."
"Honestly," she said, "I don't. Maybe we should ask her," she gestured to the little girl who, unbeknownst to the rest, could hear everything.
Rodney looked over at Jessalyn; she looked so lost. Before he could think better of it, he put his hand tentatively on her shoulder. She looked at him oddly, as if sensing his thoughts.
'Man, that would be scary. I wonder if she knows what I'm thinking about Elizabeth. Hopefully not.'
"Rodney?"
"Yeah?" he replied, bending down to her level.
"Thank you," she breathed, trying to keep her tears under control. "Uncle," she added without thinking.
He stayed crouched there, shocked, but, curiously, not entirely displeased.
"Wha-what did you say?" She looked at him with wide eyes.
"Rodney, Jessalyn, let's go get food," came Elizabeth's voice.
"Ok-ay," he drawled, stretching it out so that Jessalyn caught his meaning of 'we'll finish this later.'
XOXOXOXOXOX
There were very few people in the mess hall but, then again, it was only 06:50. After getting their pancake and egg substitutes, the trio sat, each lost in their own thoughts. Jessalyn was the first to break the silence.
"So, what has happened since…since you guys got here?" she asked cautiously, at least for a kid. Both Elizabeth and Rodney picked up on the nervous pause. Glancing at Rodney, Elizabeth spoke:
"Well, a lot of things, actually. Most recently, we were attacked by the Wraith. With the help of other military captains and lieutenants," she paused, giving a moment of silence for the departed, "We defeated. Right now, a member of my flagship team," she shot a look at Rodney, "has been compromised by the Wraith. And that's about it," Elizabeth finished, tucking into a pathetic thing posing as an omelet.
"The guy that Carson was talking about!" Jessalyn exclaimed, waving her fork in the air as a victory banner.
'She's quick,' Elizabeth thought, somewhat proudly. Maybe it was her "girl power" streak showing through.
"Hey, Kavanagh! C'mere," Rodney waved the long-haired and surly scientist over.
"Yes? Make it quick-I haven't had my coffee yet," he remarked acidly, looking warily over at Jessalyn, who was eating happily away.
"Just a question: who won the bet?" Rodney smirked at the other man's discomfort. At his feigned confused look, Rodney added, "Y'know, David, the one John made about…..us," he gestured to Elizabeth, who raised an eyebrow, and then to himself, giving Kavanagh a significant look.
"I believe," the latter responded bitterly, "That it is the Major who you should ask." He turned on his heel and strode away from the merry group.
"Whom! I believe it's whom I should ask," Rodney yelled to his back.
Jessalyn started giggling; her laughter was so infectious that the other two soon joined in, hooting hysterically. When they had calmed down, Elizabeth started in on Rodney.
"Why'd you ask him about the bet?" she asked, not really interested in the answer; she just wanted to hear him talk again.
'I could ask him to explain some scientific breakthrough and get the same result. Oh, well, this will just have to do,' she sighed inwardly, as he was beginning on his explanation.
"…..just because he's an asshole, oh, pardon me, doesn't mean we shouldn't keep him out of the loop, eh? I mean, if he knows, then the whole of Atlantis will know within the hour, so I figured….what?" he stalled, looking into Elizabeth's laughing eyes.
"Don't you think our dinner tonight will confirm everyone's suspicions?" she asked rhetorically, knowing that she was right.
"Well, yes, but that's not the point. My point is that I am, was perhaps, in a good mood and wanted to show it. Is that so wrong?" he mock-chastised her.
"What are you two talking about? Auntie…" Jessalyn stopped, fearing the worst. Her very deepest secret had just been revealed.
"Auntie? Ok, where's that from?" Elizabeth glanced over at the open-mouthed Rodney.
'It's not that bad,' she said to herself, slightly offended at the man's reaction.
"Do you mean-?" he started, but didn't finish, his question. Jessalyn caught the meaning and replied with a nod.
"Jessalyn? Rodney?" Elizabeth turned to each, trying to figure out what had just transpired to turn her, no, their, doctor that wonderful shade of red.
'I'm missing something. There's got to be more,' she puzzled.
"But….how? You said you came from Earth, right?" Rodney's question came out garbled both from nervousness over the answer and the act of trying to get information without Elizabeth catching on. He didn't want to jinx his relationship with her.
"I should probably tell you, then. Although, I don't know how or why; after all, you are the scientist, I'm not. But, can we go somewhere where people won't hear me?" Jessalyn said quietly.
"Sure; my quarters sound ok?" Elizabeth offered. Heads nodding in agreement, the trio rose, heading to her rooms.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Once inside, they got coffee, hot chocolate for Jessalyn, and settled in for a story.
"Well, my mommy and daddy told me not to tell anybody but I guess I have to," Jessalyn sighed, "I am from Earth, just not your Earth. I guess I'm from a, oh, what'd he call it, a parallel universe?" she questioned the terminology.
"Really? But that makes no sense. If you—" he cut off at Elizabeth's look.
"Let the girl talk, Rodney. Please, keep going," the woman said kindly.
"Well, where I come from Auntie Sammi and Uncle Jack are married-"
"Finally! Sorry, sorry." Rodney looked sheepish.
"You," Jessalyn gestured to Elizabeth, "are my Aunt. And you," she pointed to Rodney, "are my Uncle."
"Then who are your parents?" Elizabeth asked.
"My parents are John and Teyla Sheppard. Has that happened yet?" she questioned warily.
"No. John and Teyla have only just recently admitted their feelings for each other; although, I've known for quite awhile." Elizabeth answered.
"And you guys?" Jessalyn asked a slight mischievous look in her eye which, no doubt, she got from her father.
The couple glanced at each other, making a few "hems" and "haws," when Rodney finally answered.
"The same as the Major and Teyla," he mumbled, not quite meeting Jessalyn's eye.
"Ahhh," Jessalyn replied knowingly.
"Yeah, ok?" Rodney shot back defensively. Instinctively, Elizabeth grabbed his hand to calm him down.
"Where's your bathroom?" Jessalyn asked.
"Right down through there," Elizabeth answered kindly, pointing.
"For a little girl, she sure has a lot of wisdom," Rodney snarked, "And we don't even know how old she is or anything else for that matter!" he dropped his guard momentarily, letting his voice go beyond a whisper.
Jessalyn walked back out of the bathroom at that precise moment.
'They still don't trust me,' she thought, tears springing to her eyes. She heard Elizabeth sticking up for her but it made no difference. She wiped the tears angrily aside, hating the fact that she was so weak and young compared to these people around her. She remembered the fact that they weren't likely to trust her; after all, they had only her word to go on that she was who she was. They weren't her beloved Aunt and Uncle.
"Ma tante, mon oncle," she said, trotting back into the room. Surprise was evident on Rodney's face. "You taught me," she said quietly, sadly, as she passed to her seat. She was itching to hug them both; she had missed them so much. It hurt to be so alone.
"Rodney," Elizabeth said, drawing him away a bit, "Do you really dislike her or are you just afraid to show your feelings, again?" smiling a little, she added, "Remember, she did call you 'uncle.' And in French, no less!" At the indescribable look in his eyes, she knew she was right.
"Is there anymore you'd like to share with us? How, for example, you got here?" Elizabeth asked, more to break the awkward silence then anything else.
"I already told you, I don't know," Jessalyn sighed.
"No, to Atlantis itself. Now, tell me if I have this down right: You came from your Earth somehow to Macedonia, then stayed on a puddle jumper without food or water for weeks. I'd love to know how you managed all that and still seem to be perfectly healthy. Although, I don't know that for certain; we'll have to bring you to Carson to be sure." Elizabeth said, trying not to seem to much like it was an inquisition.
"Je ne suis pas malade. Rodney," Jessalyn turned on the doctor, "You remember when Da-John, reported that some supplies had gone missing and you immediately said rats? That was me," she finished, triumphant at having gotten away with it. Rodney gaped a little at the precocious child in front of him.
Elizabeth, however, was not paying attention; she was wrapped in her own thoughts. This adorable girl seemed so familiar but she couldn't place it exactly. Maybe it was because her parents were very close friends; a surrogate family, almost. Jessalyn also seemed to know them so exactly that it was only natural for Elizabeth to treat her like a daughter of her own.
'Not that I have much experience with that,' she thought bitterly, 'Simon wanted to adopt a baby girl but, no, you said she would "interfere with work" and other such worthless excuses!' Elizabeth had kicked herself over and over again for that decision.
"They don't know, do they?" the child asked, a bit sadly.
"How could they, we just found out a little while ago," Rodney answered quickly.
"I don't think so, though Teyla might suspe- Yes?" Elizabeth said into her microphone.
"Dr. Weir, I'm sorry to interrupt, but the Major and Teyla are back from the mainland." The faceless voice said into the air.
"Thank you, Sergeant. Tell them to meet us in the briefing room." And with that, she tapped off the annoying thing always stuck in her ear.
"Well, let's go, shall we?" Rodney proposed, getting up to put stuff away.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"Look what we found!" John taunted, holding some chocolate bars and a few bags of coffee.
"Mmm! It looks yummy," Jessalyn said, eyeing the chocolate with hopeful eyes.
"One for the li'l lady," John gave her a chocolate bar and was rewarded with a squeal of delight.
"Are you going to put that on?" Rodney asked, nodding to the coffee, "'Cuz if you weren't, I'd go do it. Y'know how much I need my coffee, so-" he stopped as he realized people were giggling, Elizabeth outright laughing, at his comments.
"Now that we're all here, let's get down to it. This girl, who you know as Jessalyn, told us that she originally came from Earth, but moved to a planet named Macedonia; a.k.a. P73-55221. You two left us, leaving Rodney and I to do the 'dirty work' of why and how," Elizabeth paused, her eyes seeking permission from Jessalyn to tell them. From the girl's steely gaze, Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak.
Unexpectedly, Rodney jumped in, "This kid told us that her parents were John and Teyla Sheppard. She asked us if that had happened yet-you two getting married and….yeah," he waved a distracted hand and continued, "But, the point is that she was from Earth, just not necessarily from the Earth we left. She came from an alternate reality; somewhat like the one Dr. Jackson found the first year the SCG was up and running. Although, yes, Dr. Jackson used a 'transportation' mirror or something like that, we know from personal experience," he glanced around, trying to remind them of the older Elizabeth, "that it is possible without that mirror. Now, we have another example," he finished.
Elizabeth sat, trying to gauge Teyla's reaction, which was much harder to find than John's. He just sat there with a look of utmost confusion on his face.
Looking between Jessalyn and Rodney, John tried to speak but found, with some horror, that he couldn't. Wetting his lips, he tried again, "So, I'm a dad."
"Yup," Rodney replied, smirking in his smug, self-satisfied way, "Looks that way."
A/N: please, please, please review! Flames need not apply, thank you very much.