Disclaimer:- Eh see chapter one for disclaimer:D
Authors Notes: Thank you all 9 reviews wow i didn't expect that much! And i am so, so, so sorry about the delay, there was a death in the family and i couldn't get to sit and write until friday! So this is an extra long chapter for you all of you lovely reviewers, i have to say that this is set somewhere season1, maybe after the storm im not to sure yet! But you do not have to worry about season2 spoilers:D All for now, just enjoy the fic and i look forward to more reviews:D
Chapter 2-Seriously?
"Are you telling me that two of my top people are now five year olds?" questioned Elizabeth incredulously.
"Aye I am saying exactly that," answered Carson, for the fifth time.
It had been three hours since they had rescued both Major Sheppard and Dr McKay from the rubble of the planet they had been investigating.
Yet word had spread fast around Atlantis that they had brought two children back instead of Sheppard and McKay. But after reassurances and even a DNA test it was found that the two children were in fact Sheppard and McKay.
Carson had checked both of the mover and despite them both having mild concussion and Sheppard having a bruise on his back, they were both perfectly healthy.
"This can't be possible Carson, they are…were some of the best people we had! Is there no way to reverse it?" asked Elizabeth, feeling like she was grabbing at thin air to come up with an answer.
"Not that I can find. If anything the answer would either lie with John and Rodney or back on that planet," answered Carson.
He understood what Elizabeth was feeling he had run ever test he could think of to try to find a reverse for them. But he could not find anything and was at a loss.
Sighing Elizabeth glanced over Carson's shoulder at the sleeping children, before asking, "What we going to do with them? I mean we can't exactly send them back to Earth!"
Placing a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder, Carson smiled and replied, "I'll watch 'em whilst they here, until something else can be arranged. Don't worry if they're anything like there older self's…well they'll be fine," Carson dropped his hand from Elizabeth's shoulder and turned to face his two patients.
It was true that they had only explored less then a quarter of Atlantis and it really was no place for a childe to be let loose. In fact even when the Athosians were living in Atlantis they would never let there children wonder around too much.
The children in the beds only half resembled the men that the people on the expedition recognised.
John who use to be quite tall, and had black messy hair was now a lot shorter and despite his hair being the usual mess it was, it was slightly lighter. Yet his face was less guarded than the older John, it was more stress free.
Rodney on the other hand was completely different, from his older self. He was shorter than John was, had what looked like a bowl hair cut. Yet his face was not the stress free five year olds face it should have been, it was as guarded as it ever was.
Carson who had been studying the two children realized that if they remembered where and who everyone was they would have a lot of explaining to do. Where as if they didn't know then it would be easier, they could choose what to tell them.
"I'm going to call a briefing see if we can't split some of there work load and figure out what to do," spoke up Elizabeth after five minutes of silence.
Glancing over his shoulder, Carson nodded his head and asked, "What you planning on telling everyone?"
"I guess the truth, so expect some people down here to check it out," answered Elizabeth.
"You don't think they'll believe you?" queried Carson quietly.
Smiling Elizabeth answered, "Well I didn't believe it! Let me know when they awake,"
"Aye I will do," agreed Carson.
Glancing once more at the sleeping at the sleeping boys Elizabeth shook her head at the predicament they were in, before leaving the infirmary.
She was half way to one of the labs when she ran into Ford and Teyla, coming the opposite direction.
"Ah Lieutenant, Teyla I was just coming to find you both," said Elizabeth.
"How is the Major and Dr McKay?" asked Teyla, before Ford could say anything.
"They...ah…they will be fine, Dr Beckett said they only have mild concussion," answered Elizabeth.
"Are they back to normal Ma'am?" asked Ford curiously.
"No Lieutenant, but I'm calling a briefing to explain a few things if you both would head that way now," replied Elizabeth.
She knew that the young Lieutenant looked up at the Major and not just as his CO either. Elizabeth noticed that out of all the teams they had that went off world, Major Sheppard's team had formed the closest bond between the members.
Which is why when Ford let out a sigh at her negative answer that Elizabeth realized just how much of a long day it was going to be on Atlantis base.
"Lieutenant, Aiden, I understand your frustration at the situation but at least they are not dead," added Elizabeth calmly.
"Yes Ma'am, its just we should have tried to help sooner," replied Ford quietly.
"From what you told me Lieutenant, there was no way you could have helped them. Don't beat yourself up over it, Major Sheppard or Dr McKay would not want that," reassured Elizabeth, "Now if you could find Sergeant Bates and ask him to join us, I will find Dr's Kavanaugh and Zelenka."
Without saying anything else Ford and Teyla nodded at Dr Weir before heading back down the corridor, they had just come from, in search of Bates.
Nodding her own head at Ford and Teyla, Elizabeth turned down a right hand corridor and headed right into Dr McKay's lab where she knew Dr Zelenka would be working away at something.
Clearing her throat Elizabeth spoke up, "Dr Zelenka,"
Stopping what he was doing Zelenka glanced up at Elizabeth and replied, "Ah Dr Weir, can I help you?"
"Yes actually you can. I'm sure you can have heard about Major Sheppard and Dr McKay by now?" responded Elizabeth.
"I heard something, they are children no?" answered Zelenka; straitening himself up completely from bending over some reading's he had been looking at.
"Yes five year olds to be exact. I need you to be in the briefing room in ten minutes I'll explain more there," explained Elizabeth.
"I shall be there Dr Weir," agreed Zelenka.
"Thank you," thanked Elizabeth.
As she left the lab she heard a few muttered words in Czech. Shaking her head again Elizabeth made her way back up the corridors and back to the control room where she found Kavanaugh standing there bag on the floor and arms crossed.
"Ah Kavanaugh just the person I need to speak to. Could you join us in the briefing room immediately please," said Elizabeth, not really wanting to get into another argument with him.
"Dr Weir just what exactly is going on here? First I was told I was going off world now I'm not!" exclaimed Kavanaugh noticeably irritable.
"Everything will be explained, please the briefing room," repeated Elizabeth.
With a sigh and a rolling of his eyes Kavanaugh turned around, picking up his bag and went off to the briefing room.
Twenty minutes later everyone was either seated or standing in the briefing room with Elizabeth stood near the doorway.
Clearing her throat Elizabeth began to speak, "Right if you could listen up! I'm sure by now that most of you have heard that an incident took place on P5X 597. Let me reassure all of you that both Major Sheppard and Dr McKay are fine, but they have regressed to the age of five year olds!"
Elizabeth stopped for a moment to let the news sink in both Sergeant Bates and Dr Kavanaugh looked rather shocked. Obviously not being told anything prior to the meeting.
"Is this some sort of joke, are they really five year old kids again?" questioned Kavanaugh suspiciously.
"Believe me Doctor I was just as shocked as you are now," answered Elizabeth.
"So what are we here for Ma'am?" put in Bates.
"I was just getting to that Sergeant," answered Elizabeth, before continuing on, "You are all here because I asked you here, Dr Zelenka, Sergeant Bates you two will both take over Dr McKay and Major Sheppard's work load. Dr Kavanaugh, Lieutenant Ford will be returning to the planet and see what else there is, obviously there has to be more. Teyla I want you to remain here, I have a feeling that once John and Rodney have woken up we are going to need to keep an eye on them. Is that clear to everyone and is there any questions?"
"Just one, what happens if the same thing happens to me on that planet?" asked Kavanaugh bluntly.
"Then Lieutenant Ford will bring you back here. If there is nothing else you're all dismissed," answered Elizabeth.
With nothing really changing in Dr Zelenka's, or Sergeant Bates' schedule they both left the briefing room to carry on with what they were doing. Teyla also left the room and headed back to the infirmary to await the boys waking up.
Which left Elizabeth, Kavanaugh and Ford still standing in the small briefing room.
Stepping forward Ford stood to attention and asked, "Ma'am when do we leave for P5X 597 again?"
"I want you both in the Gate room for 1300 hours," answered Elizabeth, checking what time it was on her watch.
"Yes Ma'am," agreed Ford before leaving the room.
"Is there something you wish to ask Dr Kavanaugh?" asked Elizabeth.
She had seen him cross his arms and glare at her ever since she had explained what he was going to be doing.
"Yes actually, there is. Just why do we have to go back, for all we know Sheppard and McKay will remember everything?" questioned Kavanaugh.
"Because Doctor there is every possibility they might not know everything. This way saves time that can be used to right this whole mess up!" answered Elizabeth, feeling annoyed at him again.
This wasn't the first time he had questioned her authority or orders and she assumed it would also not be the last time either.
"And if it can't be straightened up, we are going to be stuck with two five year olds. With no way of returning them to the Earth!" protested Kavanaugh
Glaring slightly at him, Elizabeth answered, "I am well aware that we could lose two of our top people Kavanaugh. The point is before we condemn them to living as five year olds I'd like to take a chance at saving them," just as Kavanaugh was about to cut in Elizabeth continued a little louder this time, "I don't want to hear anything else from you, you will be in the gate room at 1300 hours,"
"Very well then Dr Weir," replied Kavanaugh coldly.
He left the room without so much as a nod of his head before heading to get ready for his off world mission.
Sighing Elizabeth sat herself down in one of the empty chairs and closed her eyes for a moment. Three hours ago she had thought it was some kind of joke, three hours ago she was sure she had two grown men trapped under rubble.
Yet four hours ago she was actually enjoying five minutes of peace and quiet out on the balcony, just letting her mind wonder.
There was a tap on the side of the wall that brought Elizabeth's attention back. Opening her eyes she saw a youngish looking nurse standing at the door.
"Yes?" asked Elizabeth not really bothering with pleasantries.
"Dr Beckett sent me to find you Dr Weir, Major Sheppard's awake," answered the blonde nurse, in a very strong Australian accent.
"Thank you, I'll go see him now," replied Elizabeth standing up.
"No problem, Doctor," responded the nurse leaving the room.
Not wasting a second Elizabeth left the briefing room and made her way quickly down to the infirmary.
Entering the infirmary she saw John sitting up in the bed looking rather confused.
"Ah Elizabeth just the person I wanted to see," said Carson, spotting Elizabeth over by the door.
"Does he remember anything?" questioned Elizabeth hopefully.
"No, no he doesn't remember anything," answered Carson.
"I can hear you, you know!" spoke up a rather loud voice.
Smiling Elizabeth glanced pass Carson to look at John, "Well then you should not have been eavesdropping young man."
It seemed that Elizabeth's maternal instincts kicked in at seeing the young child, the only other time she was 'motherly' was with her nieces back on Earth.
The 'young man' in question just flashed her a winning smile, whilst a slight blush crept into his cheeks. Obviously he had used 'that smile' before, maybe at his own mother.
"Sorry miss," apologized the boy.
"I'll talk to you later Carson," whispered Elizabeth, before making her way over to the bed and perched on the end, "So its John isn't it?"
"Uh hu," answered John, nodding his head.
"What's the last thing you remember doing John?" questioned Elizabeth smiling softly.
"I was playing with Cade in the backyard I fell over hit my head…" answered John trailing off at the end.
"So you fell over then what?" asked Elizabeth gently.
Shrugging John answered, "Nothing,"
Elizabeth sat staring at the young boy in front of her. Obviously he could remember being at home, so maybe there was a chance that something from when he came to Atlantis had remained but he just had to look for it.
"Okay then John, I'm going to go over to talk to Dr Beckett, Teyla here will keep you company," replied Elizabeth, standing up she was surprised when a hand grabbed at her arm.
Looking back down at the young John she saw a momentary flash of fright to be replaced by pain in his hazel eyes.
"What is it John?" asked Elizabeth, helping him to lean back against the bed.
Looking down at the bed sheets John let go of her arm, "Uh…I'm not in trouble am I?"
Elizabeth was quiet taken back by that, the John she knew would never have considered he was in trouble. Even when he was in trouble, he wouldn't admit that he was.
Smiling softly at the young boy Elizabeth answered, "No you're not in trouble. But if you're in pain I'm sure one of the nurses will help you,"
"Yes miss," replied John quietly.
"Oh and John call me Elizabeth or Liz," added in Elizabeth still smiling.
Turning back around she half expected John to try to grab her arm again. After taking the first step and not feeling a hand grab her Elizabeth left his bedside and went to find Carson.
Elizabeth found Carson on the other side of the infirmary, thankfully out of earshot of John.
Looking up from his work Carson asked, "Ah Elizabeth what can I do for you?"
"More of what you can do for me. Would you possibly be able to keep John here until Rodney is fit for release?" answered Elizabeth quietly.
"Aye I can do, but I doubt John's going to like it much, he's already asked to leave once," replied Carson frowning slightly, "You thought what your going to tell them, about where they are?"
"To be honest I haven't a clue, I mean how do you explain a place like Atlantis to two people that can't even remember who we are," answered Elizabeth.
"I'm sure you'll think of something," reassured Carson.
"Yes hopefully, I'll be back in a short while keep an eye on them," replied Elizabeth smiling as she headed towards the door.
Carson just nodded his head as Elizabeth left the infirmary. Finishing off what he was writing down, Carson closed the file and made his way over to John.
John had managed to get himself onto his knees so he was kneeling on the bed with the cover pushed back. When the two children had been brought back the nurses had, had to dress them in some small hospital shirts and pants.
Since there original clothing had become six sizes to big for them. It seemed that john was talking animatedly to Teyla about-what Carson guessed to be-flying.
Teyla had been told not to divulge any information about where she had come from. So when John had started talking about helicopters, planes, anything that could fly she had just smiled knowingly and let him carry on.
After all what did she know about the ships that would-according to John-dominate Earths skies for hours at a time.
"Then there was one time when my dad took me to an air show and-" John stopped talking as he saw Carson approach.
Holding a hand to the crook of his arm John seemed to deflate a little bit. Last time the doctor had come over to him was to take some blood.
Teyla glance over her shoulder as John stopped talking and saw Carson walking over, "Dr Beckett, I take it you have something important to tell us?"
"Aye I do, don't look so worried John," answered Carson smiling at the young lads frown, "Everything came back fine, but we're going to keep you in the infirmary until Rodney wakes up,"
Tuning back to John Teyla smiled and said, "Is that not good news John? You shall soon be out of the infirmary,"
"But why can't leave now?" asked John still frowning, "I mean, I'm fine,"
"Actually son you're not fine, you've got quite a nasty bruise on your back. Now it may feel fine but that's the medicine in your system. Not to mention that you had a mild concussion," explained Carson.
John crossed his arms over his chest and glared at both Teyla and Carson before diverting his glare to the bed.
"It only means that you'll be here another few days John. And I'm sure a few other people will be in to visit you," explained Teyla softly, making a mental note to get Ford to visit.
It seemed that John was thinking over Teyla's words because a few minutes later the glare disappeared from Johns face and he uncrossed his arms.
"Okay then," replied John smiling, before asking, "So who's Rodney?"
Teyla and Carson shared a look; they both had no idea how to exactly explain that.
"Uh…well…he's another boy that's here same age as you," answered Carson thinking quickly.
"Can I talk to him please?" asked John, flashing his charming smile again.
It seemed that John didn't want to know where 'here' was, for the time being anyway.
"I'm afraid not lad," answered Carson.
The smile dropped from John's face as he replied, "Why, he is okay right?"
"Aye he's fine, he just needs to rest. Speaking of which, I want you to get some more rest as well," replied Carson.
Sighing John responded, "Okay then."
John un-tucked his legs from beneath him, laid himself down on his right side before pulling the covers up to his shoulder. It was only after he had rested his head on the pillow did John realize that he was slightly tired.
Letting his eyes drift close the last thing he heard was Teyla wishing him a 'peaceful slumber', which even in his sleep ridden mind that sounded strange.
Pushing it to the back of his mind for now John just pressed his face further into the pillow and drifted off to sleep.
Meanwhile the other side of John's bed Carson was checking over Rodney, who still had not woken up yet. Teyla who was standing the opposite side of the bed was watching as Carson worked.
"Well the bump on the back of his head has shrunk slightly," spoke Carson, straitening the covers ever so slightly around Rodney.
"Is that a good thing?" asked Teyla.
"Aye that's defiantly a good thing, but he's going to have one hell of a head ache when he wakes though," explained Carson.
"Then would it not be wise to try to wake him now?" questioned Teyla.
"No, not really you see he has a concussion so once he wakes I'll want him to be awake for an hour. Waking him now he is more likely to fall back to sleep ten minutes later," explained Carson, "Why don't you go get something to eat Teyla, neither of them will be awake for a while yet,"
"I would prefer to stay, unless you wish me to leave?" asked Teyla quietly.
"No, not at all lass," answered Carson.
Teyla nodded her head and sat down on the one chair that was between the two beds. It was not the first time she had sat a vigil at children's besides. After many cullings, most of the children had either lost parents or relatives. Most of them did not feel safe to sleep without an adult there, therefore herself and others had taken to sitting between beds. Bringing peace to the children's minds whilst they slept.
Carson watched as the young woman sat down between the two beds, smiling softly at her, he carried on with his work.
At 1300 hours Lieutenant Ford, Dr Kavanaugh and Dr Weir were stood in the gate room waiting for the Stargate to finish its dialling sequence.
"I want you both to be careful," began Elizabeth, "I know neither of you have the ATA gene but we also are not sure if the thing that did that to the Major and McKay was push button activated,"
"So basically we're to go and try not to get ourselves turned into kids," spat out Kavanaugh.
He was still annoyed at earlier, when had had confronted Elizabeth about even going back to the planet.
"Yes basically Kavanaugh," retorted Elizabeth folding her arms.
"Ma'am if we don't find anything amongst the rubble do you want us to return or try somewhere else around the planet?" questioned Ford, cutting in before any form of argument could surface.
Turning her attention to Ford, Elizabeth answered, "Return home and we'll go from there. But Lieutenant make sure you look thoroughly, we have two of our people needing us to help them!"
"Yes Ma'am, we'll do our best," agreed Ford.
Besides Ford, Kavanaugh just rolled his eyes he was less hopeful that they would find anything useful. But he had to admit he would have sooner had Sheppard and McKay as adults instead of kids.
The Stargate did its usual dramatic opening, and Ford and Kavanaugh made there way towards the gate before stepping through the wormhole back to P5X597.
After the Stargate shut down Elizabeth stood there staring at the empty room before her. Wraith, Genii, and Rising cities, I can handle, thought Elizabeth, yet two people turning into five year olds. Why would the Ancients want to be that young…again? It doesn't make sense, then again not a lot around here does make sense.
"Dr Weir?" asked a voice, shaking Elizabeth out of her thoughts.
Turning around Elizabeth smiled and replied, "Yes Peter, what can I do for you?"
"Dr Beckett was looking for you, he's in your office," answered Peter.
"Thank you Peter," thanked Elizabeth.
Sighing she sidestepped Peter and headed to her office, it was only the middle of the day and she had already had enough.
Entering her office Elizabeth smiled at Carson and took her seat, "Carson what can I do for you? Has Rodney woken up yet?"
"Not yet no, but the bump on his head has gone down and John has fallen back to sleep," explained Carson.
"Well at least that is one good thing today," replied Elizabeth her voice showed just how tired she felt now.
"Aye there is that, Teyla is with them both at the moment so I thought I should let you know what had gone off," responded Carson, before asking, "Elizabeth are you alright?"
"Yes I'm fine thank you Carson, just tired and its only mid-day," answered Elizabeth a bit to sharply.
"Ah yes it has been a long day, not to mention the shock of earlier. Why don't you go get something to eat or drink?" suggested Carson concerned.
Smiling tiredly at the Scottish doctor in front of her Elizabeth answered, "I would but there is still a lot I have to do first,"
"Well just make sure you do," added in Carson standing up, "Elizabeth,"
He left her alone in her office and headed back to the infirmary. As he passed through the control room, he spotted Peter tapping away on a laptop.
Going over to him Carson said, "Ah Grodin, have you got a second?"
Looking up from his work Peter answered, "Of course, what can I help you with?"
"Could you make sure that no one disturbs Dr Weir for an hour unless it's an emergence?" questioned Carson quietly.
"Yes I can do, is everything okay with her?" answered Peter, worriedly.
Most of the staff in Atlantis knew that when it came to medical matters Carson out ranked them all. So as soon as the questions was asked, Peter assumed something had happened.
"She is fine, I just think she needs some time to let all of this sink in," responded Carson softly.
"Of course I will then," agreed Peter.
Smiling at the Dr Carson left the control room and headed to the infirmary to wait for Rodney to wake up.
As the Stargate closed down behind Lt Ford he recognised the deserted, dusty planet. Only this time it was what could only be classed as evening time.
The sky was a nice deep purple as the sun lowered in the sky. It also was not as hot as it had been when they had first visited and Ford was pretty sure it would only get colder.
"Oh look at that! How am I suppose to find anything in that wreckage!" exclaimed Kavanaugh irritated, pointing out the stone wreckage.
"By looking, now lets go," instructed Ford bluntly.
Ford strode past Kavanaugh and made his way towards the crumbled stones, he didn't bother looking behind him to see if the doctor was following.
So when he reached the wreckage and kicked over a couple of the stones he caught site of Kavanaugh walking over at the slowest pace possible.
"Do you want to pick up the pace a little!" called Ford loudly.
"I am not military Lieutenant, so there for I do not take orders from you. Also this pack is rather heavy," retorted Kavanaugh, coming to a stop besides Ford.
Losing some of his patients with the man Ford snapped back, "Your right you're not military, but if I remember correctly Dr McKay is Chief Science officer. So when we get them back to normal, they are going to want to know why it took us so long. I don't think either Major Sheppard or Dr McKay would be please to hear that you decided to 'take your time' do you?"
"Threats do not work with me Lieutenant," answered Kavanaugh.
"Then work!" ordered Ford.
The two men seemed to be locked in a glaring contest for a few minutes before Ford shook his head and headed off in the opposite direction around the rubble.
Kavanaugh still glaring and mumbling under his breath started to clear some rubble away to try to find any type of intact console.
After several hours of pulling out stones, Kavanaugh came across what looked like a rather smashed up console. It seemed it had sank into the ground.
Ford who had also been making a dent in moving some stones, glanced up as Kavanaugh stopped working. He was just about to tell him to get on with it when he spotted why Kavanaugh had stopped.
Going over Ford asked, "Does it work?"
"I'm not sure, it doesn't look that way yet," answered Kavanaugh, pulling out a laptop from his pack and hooking it up to the console.
"Yet?" questioned Ford confused.
Sighing Kavanaugh answered quite civilly, "It seems the console is still lit up, but that could mean anything from its power nearing depletion or the power is still highly charged. I don't know until I've at least run a few tests,"
"Well get running them, maybe we can have the Major and Dr McKay back to normal tonight," replied Ford smiling brightly.
Surprisingly the two of them managed to work side by side for over the next two hours. Until, that is, when Kavanaugh let out a sigh stopped working and leant back on his hunches.
"What? What is it?" asked Ford urgently.
"Two things really depends you want the bad or really bad news first?" answered Kavanaugh.
"Kavanaugh!" exclaimed Ford
"Alright, alright the thing is the console is not fully charged in fact it's the opposite the power is depleting," began Kavanaugh, "That's not the only thing, it seems there is no reverse way to restore Sheppard or McKay. There is other stuff here that the linguists can work on but…"
"But what?" insisted Ford.
"But nothing Lieutenant, we…I can't help any more not here. I have the majority of the stuff on the laptop other than that this is just a pile of rubbish," answered Kavanaugh bluntly.
Sighing Ford took a look at the ruins before saying, "Okay pack it up lets get back to Atlantis, let them know what's happened,"
Whilst Kavanaugh packed up his stuff Ford took a minute to look at the wreckage. He had hoped that they would find something, anything really to help Sheppard and McKay out.
Yet two hours of search had turned up nothing useful, unless he counted the fact that Kavanaugh managed to get everything on the laptops hard rive.
The two of them walked back to the Stargate in silence, both tired and disappointed they hadn't found anything. Once the wormhole established back to Atlantis both Lt Ford and Dr Kavanaugh stepped through to deliver the not so good news.
Atlantis 2 hours before
Carson didn't have to wait much longer for Rodney to wake up; in fact he had only been back at the infirmary for thirty minutes, when a quite moan was heard.
Going over to Rodney's bed, he noticed the young boy was shaking his head from side to side as though he was in some sort of pain.
Carson placed a hand on Rodney's small shoulder expecting it to calm the obviously up set child, but instead of it calming him down, Rodney went stock-still.
At first Carson thought Rodney had, had some sort of fit, until the five year olds eyes flew open and he sat up straight.
But sitting up was not the best idea Rodney had, had as the whole room seemed to topple over and his stomach turned at the sensation. As sick rose up his throat Rodney leaned over the side and emptied his stomach contents.
Obviously Carson had anticipated some sort of violent reaction when the boy had sat up because he already had a basin ready, as Rodney threw up into it.
Once Rodney had finished being sick, he closed his eyes and swallowed a couple of times to get rid of the taste in his mouth.
Helping Rodney lay back against the bed Carson spoke quietly, "You just lay back Rodney, you're perfectly safe here,"
"Safe?" questioned Rodney, his voice hoarse from just throwing up.
Carson was actually shocked by that question, that the young boy in front of him had even asked it.
"Aye, safe just rest lad," answered Carson softly.
He knew Rodney hadn't ever spoken of his past, well if he did it was never to Carson, so they were maybe going to end up dealing with a totally different Rodney.
Opening his eyes slightly Rodney looked about the room and asked, "Where are we?"
"In an infirmary, hospital," answered Carson.
"I know what a hospital is," responded Rodney bluntly, "Where is 'here'?"
"Here would be a hospital, out in a different state," spoke up Elizabeth.
Elizabeth had spent a while in her office before she spotted Peter sending a couple of people away. Curiously she had left her office and asked why the two people had been sent away. After getting an answer out of Peter, Elizabeth had set off for the infirmary.
So when she reached the infirmary and saw Rodney awake, she just knew she would be explaining where they were soon.
"Which state, I memorized each state you know?" questioned Rodney smugly.
Raising an eyebrow at the young boy, Elizabeth replied, "Really you must be very smart to memorize all the states. And it doesn't matter which state just concentrate on feeling better."
Rodney didn't seem to be too satisfied with the answer but wouldn't argue back. Closing his eyes he was all ready to fall back to sleep when a voice distracted him, causing him to open them again.
"Can I leave yet?" called out John, sounding bored.
Turning his attention to the bed that had a curtain around it, Carson smiled and answered, "No lad you can't leave," before turning to Teyla and whispering, "Bring him over."
Teyla just nodded and pushed back the curtain slightly to reveal John sat on the edge of his bed feet dangling several inches above the floor.
John flashed his cheeky smile again, obviously he hadn't been awake long as his hair was still tousled and his cheeks were still flushed. Also his scrubs were slightly twisted and full of wrinkles.
Smiling kindly Teyla said, "You can not leave yet, but we have someone you might like to meet,"
"Who?" questioned John, obviously his disappointment about leaving forgotten again for now.
"Just come over and see for your self," spoke up Elizabeth, hoping to intrigue John further.
And it seemed to work as well, as John pushed himself of the infirmary bed wincing slightly as he pulled his back muscles- and wondered over to the others.
John stopped at Rodney's bedside and just stared at the boy lying in the bed.
"What?" snapped Rodney, irritated by John's staring.
Smiling John shook his head and answered, "Nothin'"
"So stop staring," retorted Rodney, folding his arms.
Even as a five year old it seemed Rodney could make himself intimidating. But it also seemed that John didn't seem to care as he kept on smiling.
"Why?" asked John.
"Why what?" questioned Rodney confused.
"Why stop staring, you never know I might have said somethin'," explained John, mimicking Rodney and folding his arms across his chest.
Frowning slightly Rodney replied, "Then you should have spoken earlier,"
"Maybe I didn't know what to say," countered John lightly.
As the exchange unfolded Teyla, Carson, and Elizabeth had taken several steps away from Rodney's bed obviously wanting to give the two boys their space.
"You still shouldn't 'ave stared," protested Rodney, he had spotted the adults stepping away but it didn't bother him.
To Rodney the further away an adult was to him the better that way they couldn't upset you. And it certainly wasn't his fault that he was smarter than his sister was at his age.
John on the other hand had not seen the three adults move away, was still smiling and started to clamber up onto Rodney's bed.
"What are you doing?" questioned Rodney, as he moved his legs to the side.
Getting up onto the left hand side of the bed, John sat crossed legged.
"Sitting down," answered John simply, "You know I don't know your name?"
"What?" questioned Rodney, astounded that this boy in front of him could flip topics so fast.
"A name, like my name is John," pointed out John smiling, "You must have a name?"
"I know what a name is," replied Rodney, rolling his eyes.
"Well then what is it?" repeated John.
"Rodney," answered Rodney, sitting up a little straighter.
He had to admit that despite how tired he did feel a few moments ago, he was definitely wide-awake now.
"Nice to meet ya then," replied John cheerfully.
The two five year olds sat in silence on the bed it was if the two had ran out of things to say. Which wasn't exactly true, they were indeed not talking, but still were enjoying the others company.
"So know how to play Rock, Paper, Scissors?" asked John, breaking the silence.
Looking slightly started Rodney stuttered out a reply, "Uh…y-yeah sure. Why?"
"Want to play?" asked John brightly.
"Uh…I don't know," answered Rodney shrugging.
No one had really asked him to play such a trivial game as Rock, Paper, Scissors before. Yet the boy in front of him had asked him to play within five minutes of knowing him.
"You may as well, there's nothing better to do except sleep," encourage John.
He had always had away of getting people to join in on games, after all that was how he had made friends with Cade. And Rodney reminded John of Cade, rather quiet and not really wanting to try anything new.
Rodney seemed to think it over for a minute before answering, "Sure okay then,"
"Cool!" exclaimed John happily.
Whilst the two boys began a small tournament of Rock Paper, Scissors, Teyla, Carson, and Elizabeth had been watching them but also talking quietly.
"So Rodney actually asked if he was safe?" asked Elizabeth, rather shocked.
"Aye he did, now that got me thinking that maybe he was miss-treated as a kid," explained Carson, he hated the thought of anyone being miss-treated its one of the reasons he became a doctor. But he especially hated it, if it was one of his friends.
"I do not believe I understand when you say miss-treated? Are children not treated with respect on Earth?" questioned Teyla confused.
"Back on Earth some parents would hit their children for discipline," began Elizabeth, "Now some people believe that hitting a child when it has done wrong is the right thing to do. In some cases it goes beyond that, and in very rare cases a parent will kill his/her child, unintentionally of course."
After finished her explanation, Elizabeth noticed the look of utter disbelief and disgust on the Athosian woman's face.
"And no one stops this?" questioned Teyla shocked.
"Occasionally an adult has stepped in and stopped it yes," answered Elizabeth before adding, "But we are not here to actually discuss that. Carson you believe we could be dealing with a more…hostile Rodney than before?"
Sighing Carson answered, "Aye we could, especially if all he knows at the moment is hurt. I mean we don't necessarily know what caused Rodney to be like he is today,"
"So should it not be just a matter of befriending him again?" asked Teyla, glancing at the two boys.
"Aye we can but you have to remember this may not be the same type of Rodney as we're use to," answered Carson.
"What about John?" asked Elizabeth.
"Well he seems to be his usually cheeky self and I've not seen him react differently. So I think we still have same happy-go-lucky Major under there somewhere," explained Carson.
"Well that is good then," replied Elizabeth, smiling, "What did-"
"THAT'S CHEATING!" cut in a shout from Rodney.
All three of them went back over to Rodney's bed to see what all the commotion was about.
"IS NOT I CAN CHANGE MY MIND IF I WANT!" shouted back John.
"NOT AFTER-" began Rodney before Elizabeth cut him off.
"Okay enough!" exclaimed Elizabeth.
Both of them turned bright red and looked down at the bed. The thing was the way Elizabeth had said it, she didn't need to raise her voice.
"Thank you, now what's going on?" asked Elizabeth firmly.
"He cheated," replied Rodney, looking up and pointing to John.
"I did not cheat!" protested John, crossing his arms, looking up and frowning.
"Did too," retorted Rodney mimicking John's actions.
"Enough!" cut in Elizabeth again.
Again they turned red but this time their frowns were punctured by two yawns, one from each of them.
Obviously the two of them had grown tired and who could blame them. Not to mention Elizabeth noticed that Rodney looked a little pale again and John's face was slightly pinched-as though he was in pain-.
Obviously she was not the only one as Carson spoke up, "Right lads you can both get some more rest. John back to your own bed,"
Sighing John uncrossed his arms, smiled tired at Rodney and climbed down from the bed. He grimaced as he stretched his back, but kept his mouth shut. They were already angry with him, so he figured the less fuss the better.
Stumbling back to his own bed he climbed in got comfortable on his left side pulling the covers around his body like a cocoon. He closed his eyes tight to try to block out the pain from his back; obviously the painkillers had worn off.
With his eyes closed he never saw Teyla sit in the chair besides his bed, until he felt a hand on his head, stroking his unruly hair.
Opening his eyes he was just going to say something but Teyla spoke softly first, "Just rest John, Dr Beckett is just getting Rodney comfortable then he shall come to you. Just rest,"
Teyla being use to calling people either their ranks or titles was still shocked she could use both John and Rodney's given name out loud. Of course she was still worried that she might slip up, but she had done well so far.
On the other side of the infirmary Carson and Elizabeth were sorting out Rodney who was feeling sick again.
Rodney who hated being sick with a passion, was trying to hold back his tears as his stomach twisted and knotted, making the urge to vomit even worse.
But he was lying down on his back, staring up at the concerned gaze of Elizabeth, who had taken to rubbing his arm.
Elizabeth saw the stamping down of Rodney's emotions in his eyes. She didn't like to think that a boy as young as five couldn't express emotion. In a bid to get him to forget about his stomach for a few minutes she had started rubbing his arm.
Carson who was looking for something to give to Rodney, spotted both Teyla and Elizabeth's actions, he smiled at the sight. At least he knew that if they couldn't reverse what had been done to them, they would have two strong people looking after them.
Finding what he was looking for Carson took it over to Rodney. Unfortunately the only thing he could find to give to Rodney was a mile pain relief. It weren't as strong as morphine or Tylenol but it did have a counter part of settling the stomach down. The bad thing it was only in needle form.
"I'm sorry lad I could only find this to give you," spoke Carson, pushing Rodney's pyjama sleeve up.
Despite not liking needles much, Rodney didn't dare open his mouth and complain for fear of throwing up. Instead he clamped his eyes shut, and waited for the pain.
A few seconds later there was a sharp pinch in his arm, then nothing. Opening his eyes Rodney caught Carson throwing the needled away.
"See nothing to worry about," said Elizabeth smiling, "You just try to sleep."
Deciding it was best not anger the woman in front of him further, Rodney re closed his eyes and let himself drift off to sleep.
Carson had also taken the same pain relief over to John, he could tell the young lad was in a lot of pain so decided to give the pain relief quickly.
Ten minutes later and both John and Rodney were fast asleep, whilst Teyla, Carson and Elizabeth stood near the doorway talking quietly again.
"I'm going to see if a team can't find us a bigger set of quarters," said Elizabeth, quietly.
"Well I don't mind them staying here, its just if we get any kind of emergency they may get in the way," replied Carson.
"Can they not be flown to the mainland, my people do not mind taking them in?" asked Teyla.
"That is kind of you Teyla but I want them to stay on Atlantis. I think if worse comes to worse we can try to remove beds from here to some quarters," explained Elizabeth.
"That seems fair enough to me," added in Carson.
Just as Elizabeth was going to speak her radio went off tapping the ear piece she heard Peters voice, "Dr Weir,"
"Yes Peter?" responded Elizabeth.
"I thought I should let you know that Lieutenant Ford and Dr Kavanaugh have returned they're waiting in the briefing room," explained Peter.
"Very well I'll be right there, Weir out," replied Elizabeth letting go of the radio, "If you'll both excuse me I think we may have some more information."
Turning around Elizabeth left the infirmary and headed back to the briefing room hoping that the Lt and Kavanaugh would have some good news for her.
But she knew as soon as she entered the room and spotted Fords frown that they had not uncovered anything positive from the rubble.