Disclaimer: All characters, places, equipment, and the other stuff i borrowed whilst writing this has all be returned. Nothing belongs to me, never did and never will do.
Authors notes: Well this is it, the end, yup end of this fanfiction! Considering i started writing this a little over four months ago, it has finished relativly quickly, i hope you all enjoyed it. I need to hear a big round of applause for the wonderful ElementalSparky, for not only BETA'ing this, but also listening to me in msn when i rant about this. So if you want to head over to her profile and read some of her fanfictions i am sure she would love it:) Erm..thank you every that really reviewed, you all insipired me to continue writing and i hope to start writing again soon.
Chapter 7- A Meeting of Two.
"But I'm fine," protested John, for the fifth time.
"I do not call being concussed fine, lad," replied Carson. If he thought that having the older John around would influence the younger John to cooperate more, he was sorely mistaken. In fact the older John was encouraging his younger self, which despite at first being funny, it was just annoying now.
"But I promise not to get into any more trouble," John said sincerely flashing a smile.
"If you behave and I stress the 'if' then I will let you eat lunch in the Mess," sighed Carson, meeting the demand half way.
Smiling even brighter, John replied, "thanks."
Carson just shook his head and wandered over to John, who had watched the whole interaction and was chuckling away to himself.
Stopping at the end of the bed, Carson asked good-naturedly, "I suppose you're finding this all amusing Major?"
"I'm sorry Doc, but…he just…am I really that bad?" responded John smiling.
Carson was glad that the Major was in a good mood, ever since he had hobbled back into the infirmary the other day Carson had noticed a small difference in the mans attitude.
Glancing at the young John, Carson smiled and answered, "No Major I can honestly say you out grew that stage," turning back to face the older John, he continued speaking, "Must have been that military training, knocked some sense into you."
John just shook his head and continued to watch the five year old, it was weird to him it was like he was watching one of them home video's that your parents would keep and bring out when friends and family came over. Rodney doesn't know what he is missin' out on, thought John, which wiped the smile right off his face and made him turn away. He hadn't heard anything from Rodney since he had confronted him in the empty room. He wasn't quiet sure, which was worse, not talking to him or having to tell Elizabeth he needed Rodney off his team. John understood a bit of what Rodney felt, he himself had been freaked out by seeing his five-year-old self. But once he had a talk with him, it didn't feel so strange it felt kind of nice. After all how many people can say that they talked to someone that truly understood themselves?
"Major?" questioned Carson, now standing at the side of the bed.
"Sorry Doc, must have zoned out," John apologised.
"Are you alright?" asked Carson concerned.
"Yeah fine, perfectly fine," responded John shrugging.
Keeping his voice low Carson replied, "Look Major ever since you went to talk to Rodney you've not been yourself-"
"I'm fine," interrupted John sternly, he didn't want to get into it, not with Carson.
"Major I-" began Carson, only to see the resolved look on John's face, letting him know he wouldn't get anything out of the man, "I'll leave you be," finished Carson.
John just nodded and went back to watching the children. He had to smile as five-year-old Rodney proved something right to five-year-old John. Why aren't you here to see this Rodney? Thought John tiredly, you would be trying to tell them both what's right. What happened to you?
John leant his head back against the pillow the thoughts in his head had been the same for the last day. He had gone over and over in his mind to what he could have said to get Rodney to talk, but instead they had both ended up sniping at each other with more malice than was necessary. He didn't know when he had closed his eyes, but he felt himself drifting off to the welcome embrace of sleep, and he didn't try to fight it off this time.
"I said I'm fine!" retorted Rodney.
"This is third time you make mistake, in two days. You need rest!" snapped Zelenka.
The two men were standing in the middle of Rodney's lab with another burnt out crystal console resting on the table, along with two other already burnt out ones.
"I said-" began Rodney.
"Yes, yes I know!" exclaimed Zelenka; "You're fine, so why do we have damage console here? You can not work with no rest!"
"Hence why they invented coffee so I could work without sleep," snapped Rodney.
"You are exhausted, you need rest, even if you do not sleep," replied Zelenka calmly.
It was true Rodney had not bothered trying to sleep since John had told him to 'have a nice life'. He had wanted to work, to forget, forget there was a child in the infirmary that was him, forget the memories that he thought he had long ago forgotten. To forget the stupid argument he had had with John. And if all he had to do to forget about all of that was to work so be it. But even the coffee was not helping him at the moment. It was as if Atlantis was conspiring against him to sleep, by making him twice as sleepy than usual.
"Maybe I could get something to eat," responded Rodney, more calmly now.
"Yes you do that," agreed Zelenka.
"You going to be okay here with them?" asked Rodney, pointing to the consoles.
"Yes, yes go," insisted Zelenka.
"You sure I could always-"
"Go!" exclaimed Zelenka loudly.
Knowing there was no point in arguing with the Czech at that moment in time, Rodney sighed and left his lab. It was only as he walked the corridors to the Mess Hall did he realize just how tired he actually was. Scratching the bandaged arm, Rodney decided to forego food and headed to his quarters instead. He didn't intend to sleep, but he did plan on working on his laptop in peace where Zelenka wasn't watching his every move, that would be restful to him. Entering his quarters he let out another sigh, everything was just as he had left it. Grabbing the laptop from the desk he sat on his bed and began to work.
Infirmary
"He's not dead, he's asleep, look," retorted Rodney, pointing at the rise and fall of John's chest.
"Yeah well I could not see that from over there," replied John.
The voices drifted through John's slowly waking mind, he recognized one of them as being his own, but the other voice he couldn't put a face to at the moment.
"Think we should wake him?" questioned five-year-old John.
"Maybe we should just leave him," answered Rodney, peering into the man's face.
"But the doctor said we could leave if he woke up," pointed out John
Older John had to suppress a chuckle as he realized that the two five year olds were right next to his bed.
Keeping his eyes closed, John spoke up, "You know talking as loudly as you both were was bound to wake me up!"
There were two collective gasps at the sound of a new voice cutting into the five year olds banter. Slowly opening his eyes John saw two shocked figures standing just a few inches away from his bed. Rolling onto his back, John winced slightly as he pulled on his leg, before sitting up in a comfortable position. It was the first time in over four days he had awoken and not felt much pain.
"Sorry," apologized Rodney, looking down at the floor.
"Don't be," replied both John's at the same time.
A small laugh escaped Rodney's mouth as he looked up at the two John's.
Smiling older John added, "You didn't wake me on purpose Rodney, and I couldn't sleep any more anyway."
"So can we go to the Mess now?" questioned Rodney hopefully as he was rather hungry.
"In a minute," spoke up Elizabeth from the doorway.
"Hey 'Lizabeth," greeted five year old John brightly, as Rodney just offered a small wave.
"John, Rodney, John," greeted Elizabeth nodding to each of the respected persons in turn.
"So what can I do for you Elizabeth?" asked John, fiddling with the bed covers. He knew she would come to see him at some point, especially after he managed to send a memo to her about wanting Rodney off his team.
"I'd like to talk to you in private Major," began Elizabeth before focusing on the children, "if you two would go back to your beds please."
Groaning the two children made their way back to the beds on the other side of the infirmary. Turning back to John, Elizabeth folded her arms and frowned at him but didn't speak. She knew he would say something first all she had to do was be patient.
John tried to ignore the intense stare of Elizabeth; he hated that stare and had only been on the receiving end of that 'stare' once before. Straightening, and then crumpling up the bed sheets didn't take his attention away from the stare. Straightening the sheets once more John sighed and began speaking at last, "Elizabeth look-"
"No Major," cut in Elizabeth sternly, "A memo John, a memo? That is all I got? Not even a reason? Now Rodney doesn't even know John! I mean who did you think was going to tell him, because I'm certainly not going to. So you best have a damn good reason for wanting him off your team John."
"Look it's nothing, just a conflict of interests, which means we can no longer work together," answered John, casting his eyes down wards.
"Not good enough Major!" exclaimed Elizabeth.
John didn't bother answering. How could he explain what had happened between them? Elizabeth's facial expression softened and she took a seat on the edge of the bed.
"John?"
"It's hard to explain I mean it's nothing to do with the mans brilliance…" trailed off John shaking his head, "It doesn't matter Liz."
"John you were the one who fought for his position on your team and now you're throwing him off it? I know you've been through a lot the last few days with you leg and all," explained Elizabeth gently, "But surely you can see the difference going off world has made to Rodney."
"Oh sure getting killed by the man wasn't enough!" snapped John, regretting his words the moment they left his mouth.
"John look-"
"No I'm not talking about it any more," interrupted John, defeated.
Sighing Elizabeth replied, "Very well then Major. You tell him he's off your team, because I certainly am not."
Getting up Elizabeth made her way over to the younger John and Rodney, leaving John to his own thoughts for the time being.
"Is he going to be okay?" asked Rodney, as Elizabeth sat on the edge of his bed.
Glancing at John, Elizabeth sighed and replied, "He needs to sort some thing's out."
Climbing up at the side of her John kneeled and put a hand on her shoulder, "did he make you sad?"
"No John," answered Elizabeth smiling at him, "he is just a an extremely stubborn man."
"Sorry," apologized John.
"Don't be," began Elizabeth, before changing the subject, "so you two want to get some lunch in the Mess Hall?"
"Yeah, I'm really hungry," put in Rodney, before blushing slightly at what he had just admitted.
"You're always hungry," sighed John, getting to his feet.
"Am not," retorted Rodney, following John.
"Are to," counted John.
Elizabeth just smiled good-naturedly at the banter between the two five year olds. She escorted them out of the infirmary and down to the Mess Hall making sure that they didn't get lost on the way.
John leant his head back on the pillows and stared at the plain ceiling. First he had lost a friend through an argument he had no idea was about, secondly the head of security was in a coma at the bed to the side of him and to top it off with he had just pissed off the expedition leader. So to say he was frustrated with himself would have been a slight understatement. He wanted to do something, anything to sort the whole mess out. He glanced up as the two five year olds and Elizabeth left the infirmary. He half expected an apologetic look from her, so he was sorely upset when none was forth coming.
"Ah, Major you're awake, good," greeted Carson, distracting John him his brooding.
"Yeah I'm awake, what did you want?" he questioned bluntly, not really in the mood for pleasantries.
"To let you know that your blood work came back clean, and you're free to leave," began Carson, picking up on the Majors not so pleasant mood, "On one condition, you are not to return to active duty for three weeks minimum."
"What?" questioned John, "I need to be on duty, the Wraith could show up here at any moment!"
"Aye I know that Major, that's why you're to rest and not over exert yourself," replied Carson. "The more you rest, the quicker you get better. I can easily have you stay here for three weeks."
John just sighed and shook his head; the last thing he wanted right now was to be stuck in the infirmary, with people disturbing him every hour throughout the night making sure he was okay.
"Good now I want you to use the crutches for the time being to get around, just until you can walk on your leg without causing yourself any pain," explained Carson.
"I can do without them thanks," protested John. To him walking around Atlantis with crutches was a sign of weakness. It was a sign to his men that he couldn't do his job, a sign he didn't want to give.
"Well I could always have you wheeled out in a wheel chair, we got plenty to spare," responded Carson.
John just stared at the doctor; he couldn't believe that the doctor was not being his usual sympathetic self.
"Alright I'll take the damn crutches!" exclaimed John.
"Good, then if you're ready you can leave," replied Carson.
John nodded as he took hold of the crutches that had been at the side of his bed since the other day. Getting slowly to his feet, John nodded his thanks to Carson once more before hobbling out of the infirmary and to his quarters.
The sound of the door chime distracted Rodney from his work on the laptop.
"It's open," called Rodney as he saved his work and closed the computer down.
Looking towards the door, it slid open and he was rather surprised to see the small frame of Teyla standing there.
"Teyla," greeted Rodney.
"Doctor McKay," responded Teyla pleasantly.
"Please come in," replied Rodney, "what brings you here?"
"I have come to see if you are well. Several people have said you look tired, and I was concerned," answered Teyla, as she stepped into the room. She held high respect for the doctor; he had saved the entire expedition team many times. Not to mention he had saved their lives more than once. Teyla did not give out respect to many people and only to those she knew well.
"Yes I'm fine," replied Rodney, dismissing the assumption that he was exhausted.
Frowning slightly Teyla responded, "Then I was miss informed, I am sorry. I shall leave you be." Teyla turned away and headed for the hallways, yet she only got as far as the door when Rodney spoke again.
"Who…who told you?" asked Rodney.
Turning back around Teyla smiled softly and answered, "Doctor Zelenka mentioned it and I was coming to let you know Major Sheppard was released from the infirmary."
His features hardening Rodney folded his arms and retorted, "good for him."
"Is everything alright between the two of you?" questioned Teyla.
"Yes everything is fine," snapped Rodney not willing to go into it.
Lowering her head Teyla responded calmly, "very well then, I shall leave you be Doctor McKay."
Without waiting for a reply Teyla turned around and left Rodney's quarters and headed towards John's. Obviously something had happened between the two men, and Teyla resolved to figure it out.
Reaching the Major's quarters Teyla pressed the chime and waited until she heard she could enter before opening the door and going in. The sight that met her was a pleasant one; John sat on his bed, legs stretched out and the book from Earth he had brought with him, resting open on his knee.
"Teyla," greeted John.
"Major it is good to see you out of the infirmary. How is your leg?" replied Teyla, pushing her brown hair out of her face.
"It's getting there," began John, marking his place in his book and self consciously pulling at the bandage on his leg slightly, "What brings you here?"
"I wished to speak to you about Doctor McKay," answered Teyla, watching his face for any indication that words had been exchanged between them.
John blanched slightly as Teyla mentioned Rodney's name, he was immediately concerned. He knew what the man was like when working on something.
"What has he done this time?" asked John, pushing the thoughts out of his mind for now.
Teyla had not missed the thoughtful look on John's face as she responded, "he has not done anything."
"So what exactly do you want to say about him Teyla?" questioned John, leaning forward.
"Major I do not wish to get into the middle of this but…" trailed off Teyla, unsure if she should continue.
"Teyla!" urged John.
"Has something been said between you and Doctor McKay?" asked Teyla quickly.
Sighing John answered, "Look it's nothing, just a…a misunderstanding."
"That is why he is not sleeping?" replied Teyla frowning in confusion. Why are people from earth so conflicted in what they say to each other.
"He's not? Well that's just stupid. Someone should talk to him before he ends up in the infirmary," explained John, trying to think of whom Rodney would listen to.
"Then I suggest you talk to him soon," suggested Teyla.
"Yes I…what? No not me, Doctor Weir would be the best person to speak to him," replied John shaking his head.
Frowning Teyla responded, "If this is your disagreement, then should you not see him? Then you can apologize whilst you are there."
"What makes you think it's my fault?" questioned John sharply. Damn what has Rodney been telling everyone? Thought John, running a hand through his already mussed up hair.
"I never said that Major," began Teyla apologetically, "but since you are both at fault should you both not apologize to one another? The only way to sort out an disagreement is to talk it over calmly and rationally."
John just stared at Teyla, he realized in that moment that the Athosian was much more perceptive of things going on around Atlantis than he was. He also remembered that she was wise beyond her years.
"He won't listen to me, even if I tried," admitted John.
"Then try harder. This can obviously not continue Major, especially if we are to work together," responded Teyla, now determined to get him to talk to Rodney.
"That is easier said than done," replied John, feeling guilty that he had not told her of his wanting Rodney's removal from the team.
Smiling Teyla said, "You and Doctor McKay stood up for me when I was accused of giving information away to the Wraith. Despite everyone else's objections you both believed in my innocence, so I do not believe for a moment that you both cannot figure this out. You have been friends since your arrival here."
John sat there mulling over what Teyla had said. It was true; they had stood together on various agreements many times. Both understood each other than anyone else and despite all their bickering and sniping at each other, they had formed a friendship, a very strange friendship, but a friendship none the less.
Sighing John gave in and replied, "Fine I'll talk to him."
"Thank you Major," Teyla said, lowering her head and heading to the door.
"Teyla thanks," he called.
"No problem…John," replied Teyla softly, slipping out of the door.
Shaking his head John just smiled at the use of his first name by Teyla. Carefully he pushed himself around so his legs were hung over the side of his bed. Slowly John pushed himself into a standing position careful not to put too much weight on his injured leg. Once he was standing in a comfortable position, he slowly took a step towards the crutches. Exaggerating every move he made, wrapping his hands around the cool metal of the crutches John pulled them towards him. With the crutches nicely tucked under his arms, John pushed himself out of his quarters and down the corridor towards Rodney's quarters. But he only got half way towards Rodney's quarters when he bumped into Ford. Who was heading to the Mess Hall.
"Lieutenant," greeted John, moving around the young man intent on carrying on his trek.
"Major, good to see you up and about," began Ford, "Are you heading to the Mess?"
"No Lieutenant, just going for a walk," answered John resting on the crutches for a moment.
The cheerful look dropped slightly from Fords face as he replied, "Oh…okay then Major."
"Lieutenant?" asked John curiously.
"Major?" mimicked Ford.
"Something you wish to tell me?" questioned John.
"Sir if you don't mind me asking. Has something happened with you and Doctor McKay?" asked Ford quickly.
Great does everyone on Atlantis know? Thought John as he rolled his eyes.
"Let me ask you Lieutenant have you spoken to Teyla?" questioned John.
Frowning in confusion Ford shook his head, "No sir, I haven't spoke to Teyla."
"So what makes you think something has happened?"
"With all due respect sir, you and Doctor McKay haven't spoken to each other since you returned. Doctor McKay has also not been sleeping, I was just concerned was all," explained Ford, hoping he hadn't over stepped his mark.
John just stared at the young Lieutenant before him; guess Teyla isn't the only one who can pick up on these things. Although it didn't surprise him that Ford had noticed something. Normally the four of them would have a meal together in the Mess after a mission, but obviously due to John's injury they had not been able to. Although he had hoped that Teyla, Ford and McKay still went ahead with it.
"Sir?" prompted Ford, concern crossing his face.
Shaking away his thoughts John replied, "Just get yourself to the Mess Lieutenant."
"Yes sir…and sir."
"Yes Lieutenant?"
"Good luck with sorting things out with McKay," Ford offered, before taking off back on his way to the Mess.
John just nodded and began again pushing him self down the corridor towards Rodney's quarters. He hoped no one else would stop him, he was on a mission to 'knock some sense' into Rodney. He breathed a sigh of relief as the door to Rodney's quarters came into view. Hobbling a little bit faster to the door, he realized he had no idea what he was going to say. Just remember stay calm and it should be fine, John thought as he pressed the chime on the door. Hearing the usual mutterings of Rodney's voice when he was disturbed, John willed the door to open. Once it had John hobbled inside and instantly took note of Rodney's appearance. The man was obviously dishevelled, he had dark circles under his eyes from the lack of sleep, and his clothes also looked a size too big for him, hanging loosely off his body.
"Planning on staring all day Major, or did you actually come to tell me something?" snapped Rodney, now standing facing John with his arms crossed.
"Hmmm…what? Oh yeah right, I…uh…came to talk to you," answered John stumbling with his words slightly.
"And what could you possibly have left to say to me Major? Last time we talked you told me to 'have a nice life,'" sniped Rodney annoyed. His anger was still there and was more fuelled this time by his lack of sleep. Yet he has the nerve to say he wants to talk to me.
"Look I dealt with that poorly McKay, but you got to admit you were acting a little weird," pointed out John, trying to keep his voice neutral.
Rodney glared at the man before him, before retorting with, "Of course I was, there is a child with my name in the infirmary. Does anyone besides me find that just the least be odd at all?"
"What is your problem with them McKay? You can not blame that child-as you call him - for being here!" exclaimed John his voice rising a notch.
"Of course not, yet again it's my fault that I did something!" responded Rodney.
"Nobody said that McKay, but the child, the five year old you has little over a day before they some how leave," explained John.
"That child is not me!" interrupted Rodney, pointing at his door.
"Yes he is," countered John, "Beckett confirmed it!"
"THEN BECKETT IS WRONG!" shouted Rodney.
"HE RAN BLOOD TESTS MCKAY AND DOUBLE CHECKED THEM! THAT FIVE YEAR OLD CHILD IS YOU!" repeated John, also shouting now.
"YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND!" shouted McKay, totally losing control of his anger now, "THAT CHILD IS NOT ME, NOT AS YOU SEE ME NOW! BUT THEN YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND THAT MAJOR WOULD YOU, GROWING UP IN A PERFECT FAMILY, FEELING WANTED!"
The silence was deafening once Rodney had finished speaking. Rodney was breathing heavily from the shouting, with a slight red tint to his cheeks. John was stood there in shock, letting everything Rodney had just shouted at him sink in. Rodney grabbed his jacket from the chair and made to leave the room again, but John grabbed his upper arm and stopped him from leaving.
"Not this time Rodney," said John quietly.
Pulling his arm from the tight grasp that John had it in he threw the jacket on his bed. He wasn't sure what had made him stay this time but he was staying.
"You want to explain that?" asked John calmly.
He had no idea how John was going to react, but he hoped it was calmly and rationally. Rodney didn't know how to explain what he had just revealed. It was also the most he had ever told anyone.
John shifted slightly as the crutches dug into his under arms and the silence stretched further. He was growing more concerned as Rodney still didn't speak, yet had the same haunted look on his face.
"It is hard to explain," spoke Rodney, looking at the floor hands clasped together.
"Obviously the child has made you remember something," replied John, trying to figure out how to even approach such a topic.
Glancing up Rodney shook his head, "not something, Major, everything."
John cringed as Rodney used his rank, instead of his name to address him, "Rodney as a friend I'm asking you, what happened?"
Friend, thought Rodney, letting that word sink in. He had never really had a proper friend until he had come to Atlantis. Sure he had, had work colleagues, but he had never seen them outside of work before.
"Major what ever I-" began Rodney.
"It's John," he interrupted sighing.
"What?" asked Rodney confused.
"I'm asking you as a friend, which means you use my name," he explained.
Rodney stared at the taller man for a few minutes before trying to explain again, "John, you've got to promise what ever I tell you, it goes no further than me and you."
Shifting slightly again John responded, "I won't tell a soul Rodney."
"Good," replied Rodney, before collecting his thoughts together and explaining, " I have certain memories that I…uh…normally wouldn't remember. When I saw him in the infirmary he brought them back. You have to understand John that me as I am here I…I changed a lot to be me."
"But why get so pissed off Rodney?" asked John, still feeling confused.
Sighing Rodney answered, "My childhood wasn't the best, I've accomplished more than I was told I could. I did not want the reminder of what a failure of a child I was."
"You are not a failure Rodney," replied John sternly, "But how do you know that not talking to him, won't change you?"
"It's not possible. I learnt to…well to pride myself on my work to make sure it was right. I didn't need any one else praise when I got my work right all the time!" exclaimed Rodney.
"Alright then Rodney, then I guess I owe you an apology for talking to you as I did the other day so, I'm sorry," apologized John.
Rodney just nodded, accepting the apology; it was the first time he had actually told someone about his life and not get ridiculed for doing so. John one the other hand, felt like he knew his friend better, turning around he made to leave the room.
"How did you cope with it?" questioned Rodney, sounding slightly out of character.
Turning back around John shrugged and answered, "I talked to him I guess I don't actually now how to react to him at times. But it's nice you know having someone understand what you are thinking."
John left the room then, he knew Rodney needed to think things over, but he was glad they were talking again. Hobbling down the corridor, John made his way to the Mess Hall to let Elizabeth know he was revoking the memo he had sent to her.
Rodney let John leave he had no more questions for the Major and it was only as the door slid close that he remember his tiredness. Pushing himself back on his bed, so he was laying down, Rodney closed his eyes and let sleep wash over him.
"Oh please you would roast like a lobster on that planet if you sunbathed!" exclaimed Rodney as he drink some more of his coffee.
"What is a lobster?" asked Teyla, swallowing her mouthful of bread.
Teyla, Rodney, Ford and John were sat at one of the small tables, late in the evening enjoying a meal together. The Mess Hall was mostly empty, except for the odd scientists coming and going. John's leg was still bandage tightly but he had stopped using the crutches that morning. Rodney, having gotten some sleep and food in him was almost back to his usual self. Sure he had not attempted to deliberately avoid the five year olds, but he had also not made an attempt to see them.
Twirling some of the pasta around his fork John explained, "Lobster is a fish, that lives in the sea's on Earth."
Arching an eyebrow at John, Teyla responded, "and you would turn into one if you sunbathed?"
That sent Ford into a laughing fit, and he nearly choked on his own dinner, before taking a sip of water.
"It's a metaphor Teyla, some people on Earth sunbathe for too long, burning their skin causing their skin to go red," said Ford, trying to get the Athosian woman to understand, and to try to stop laughing.
"And lobsters are red?" asked Teyla.
"Yes they are, tasty as well," answered John, tearing a piece of his bread.
"So you would roast a lobster to eat it, yet look like one if you sunbathed?" replied Teyla.
"Yes that's about it," answered Rodney, rolling his eyes at Ford who was still trying to cover up his laughter.
The people from Earth have some very strange metaphors, thought Teyla, remembering the 'Hail Mary' one that John had tried to explain to her when she had first set foot upon Atlantis.
The four of them lapsed into a comfortable silence whilst they finished off their respected meals. This is how it had always been at these meals; they would start joking around then try explaining something to Teyla before turning in for the night. The three of them that were from Earth were pretty sure that at the end of the year Teyla would have a fairly good grasp on Earth cultures. All three of them had promised to show Teyla something of Earth if they could ever get back home. Despite the brief glimpse of Earth Teyla had had in the hallucination she shared with John, she had very much agreed to their promises eager to see more of a world that had never been culled by the Wraith.
Pushing the plate away, Teyla sat back in her chair, "That was…tasteful."
"Pasta always is," commented Rodney, also finishing off his dinner.
The main hot serving for that day had been pasta, but it was also the only thing that was left by the time the four of them had entered for their evening meal. Each of them had taken it instead of being stuck with nothing but power bars for the evening.
"Yes wonderful," added in John, wiping the slice of bread around the edge of the bowl, picking up the leftover sauce before eating it.
"Do you have to do that?" questioned Rodney grimacing, as he ripped another piece of bread off.
"What I like to savour my food, especially since we don't know when the next time they serve pasta will be," answered John, now folding the slice of bread in half before eating it.
Ford just shook his head, before rising to his feet, "I think I'll call it a night. Major, Teyla, Doctor."
With a chorus of 'Night Ford', the young Lieutenant left the Mess Hall and headed along the corridors back to his quarters for the night.
"I shall also turn in for the night. Sleep well Major Sheppard, Doctor McKay," put in Teyla. Lowering her head to both the men, she also left the Mess Hall and went to her own sanctuary that was her quarters.
"Night Teyla," called John at her retreating back. He fell silent after that; he had to ask Rodney to see the children. Especially his five-year-old self, but John was not exactly sure how to bring the subject about. Ever since he had apologized he was careful as to what he said to the scientist.
"Major!" exclaimed Rodney.
Shaking his head, John asked, "What McKay?"
"I said I am leaving for the night as well. But you didn't answer, everything okay?" questioned Rodney.
"Yes everything is fine," answered John.
"Good, then good night Major," repeated Rodney, already out of his seat.
"Actually Rodney, hold on a second," called John.
Rodney stopped and turned around; he knew it must have been serious because John had used his first name.
"What?" asked Rodney folding his arms.
Limping slightly as he made his way over, John explained, "Elizabeth is thinking of showing them the Puddle Jumpers and I-"
"No," answered Rodney, not giving him time to finish.
"You don't even know what I was going to ask," replied John.
"Yes I do, you want me to tag along. Well I'm sorry Major babysitting isn't in my job description," snapped Rodney.
Sighing John replied, "Rodney, I think it will help you. Besides five-year-old Rodney has been asking after you."
"Look-" began Rodney lowering his voice to a whisper so no one else would hear, "I don't think I can Major."
"You don't think, or you won't?" questioned John quietly.
"What's that meant to mean?" sniped Rodney quickly.
"The Jumper leaves at ten tomorrow morning," replied John, "I'd like it if you were there."
Not waiting for a reply John limped out of the Mess Hall leaving a rather confused Rodney behind.
Next Morning
"He agreed to this?" asked Elizabeth, leaning on her desk.
"Well no, but I told him I would like him to be there. Elizabeth this will be good for him," explained John, sitting in the chair.
"But you can't tell me why?" repeated Elizabeth frustrated.
The two of them had been discussing the five year olds and Rodney for the last hour. John had suggested, Elizabeth order Rodney to come if he didn't show. But Elizabeth had stuck to her guns and declined to order Rodney anywhere.
"No, but you've noticed he doesn't go to see them. This way he can," replied John calmly.
"He's a very busy man John," pointed out Elizabeth.
"So am I, but I've spent at least an hour each day with them!" exclaimed John.
Pushing her self up right Elizabeth folded her arms and turned towards the Gateroom that was visible from her office.
"All I can do is ask him John you understand that right?" asked Elizabeth not moving.
"Elizabeth-" began John.
Turning around she cut across him, "No this is not a mission John nor is he a military man." What was frustrating her more though was the sudden change of heart John now wanted him to stay on his team. She still had not got the full story from him and doubted she would.
Giving in to defeat John finally replied, "Okay then. But you will ask him?"
"Yes John I will ask him," answered Elizabeth before changing the subject, "Have you found a pilot for us yet?"
"Yes," answered John vaguely.
"Who is it?" asked Elizabeth.
"Me," replied John, preparing for her to start a rant about how he should be taking it easy.
Smiling at him Elizabeth responded, "Okay then, go get ready."
She figured that since he had done everything Carson and she herself had told him, she would let him have the luxury of flying. After all the Puddle Jumpers were hand and mind controlled not foot controlled.
"Really? I mean yes Doctor Weir," replied John getting up.
He limped out of the office in a good mood and made his way down to the Jumper bay to away the other arrival. Opening the rear hatch of Jumper 3, John stepped inside and stopped at who was already there. Getting over his shock, John hobbled towards the co-pilots seat and put a hand on the back of the seat.
"Rodney?" asked John.
Not looking up from the laptop that was on his knee Rodney answered, "I thought I might as well tag along, take some readings from the planets atmosphere."
"Well glad you could make it then," replied John, taking the other seat.
"I'm not here to see them I'm here to-" began Rodney sharply looking up.
"To take some readings," interrupted John, "You don't have to justify yourself."
Rodney just stared at John for a minute before turning back to his readings. John shook his head and started to go through pre-flight procedures before the other three turned up.
The sound of three annoyed voices ten minutes later brought both John and Rodney's attention back to the present. Turning to the back of the Jumper, John waited for them to enter, he had recognized the voices immediately.
"But he can't tell you what to do!" exclaimed five-year-old John.
"He can try," replied Elizabeth, "In here."
Pointing to the open hatch, Elizabeth guided John and Rodney into the Jumper. Whilst the two children stared at the ship in awe, Elizabeth glanced at the grown up Rodney who was sitting in the co-pilots seat.
"Rodney," spoke up Elizabeth.
"What?" asked the five year old.
Smiling Elizabeth replied, "Not you, the other Rodney,"
At that both five year olds whipped their heads around to see Rodney. Grown up John just smiled at the children and glanced at Rodney who looked rather pale.
Dropping his smile, John asked, "Rodney you okay?"
"Hmmm…yes…in fact this was a bad idea. Excuse me Major, Elizabeth," answered Rodney exiting the Jumper.
Bewildered Elizabeth watched him go, before turning back to John about to ask him what that was about but she never got the chance to say anything as John was heading towards her, then passed her and left the Jumper.
"Major!" called Elizabeth.
"Give me a second," called back John.
He managed to catch up with Rodney at the Jumpers bay doors. Again he grabbed the mans arms and stopped him from going much further.
"McKay, what was that?" questioned John, pulling Rodney around to face him.
"I refuse to remember Major, end of story!" snapped Rodney, trying to pull his arm free.
"No McKay not end of story! You've got to deal with this!" retorted John holding on tighter, he was pretty sure he was bruising Rodney's arm.
"I don't have to deal with anything!" snapped Rodney angrily.
Just as John was going to reply, Elizabeth rushed out the Jumper panic written across her face as she called across the room, "John! Rodney! You best come here!"
Letting go of Rodney's arm, John limped as fast as he could back over to the Jumper. Rodney rubbing his arm, jogged back over as well. Rounding the open hatch John stopped dead in his tracks as his eyes landed on the two children. They were both lying on the floor fitting violently.
"Get Beckett down here!" exclaimed John, entering the Jumper.
Rodney followed John into the Jumper as Elizabeth keyed her radio to Carson. He watched as John manoeuvred himself so he was sitting on the floor, trying to help the five-year-old John.
Spotting Rodney still standing there, John snapped, "Help him!"
"What? How?" questioned Rodney.
"Just sit with him Rodney, they're kids, they're probably scared!" exclaimed John, when Rodney didn't move he ordered, "Get on the floor McKay!"
Rodney glared at John as the order was issued but didn't argue back as he knelt down next to five-year-old Rodney and tried to stop him from banging his head on the seat. The two five year olds continued to fit for several more minutes before they slowly stopped shaking and just as Carson and Elizabeth entered the Jumper they fell unconscious.
"Just what the hell is going on?" questioned Carson, taking in the site before him.
"They stopped fitting about two minutes ago," answered John.
Carefully John got to his feet holding the unconscious five year old in his arms. Guess it is time for them to leave, thought John as a shiver ran down his spine. He had thought they would just vanish peacefully, but obviously he was wrong.
"Right get them down to the infirmary I can check them over more thoroughly there," instructed Carson.
Elizabeth noticing the look on Rodney's face stepped forwards and picked up the five year old before following John and Carson out of the Jumper Bay and down to the infirmary. Rodney stayed sitting on the floor for a few minutes longer before getting up dusting himself down before following the others to the infirmary.
Infirmary
"Doctor Beckett, their blood tests are back," said one of the nurses handing over the paper.
"Thank you," thanked Carson taking the paper.
He scanned over the results and they definitely were not what he wanted to read. Glancing up he saw the anxious looks on John's, Elizabeth's and even Rodney's face.
"What is it?" asked Elizabeth worriedly.
"They are…well…dying," answered Carson quietly, "we knew this was going to happen, we just weren't sure when."
"Dying!" exclaimed Rodney, glancing at the child.
"Yes the texts that Doctor MacKenzie translated said they died, because there counter parts ascended," explained Elizabeth, "We know you two ascended, but you came back."
Rubbing his forehead, John replied, "he said they would return home unharmed," trying to remember more but nothing came to him, in fact it was disappearing the more he thought about it.
"Who said that?" asked Carson.
Shaking his head John answered, "Sorry I can't remember anything else."
"It's okay John," responded Elizabeth gently, before asking, "Will they wake up?"
"I doubt it, and I hate to say it, but they may only have a few hours," explained Carson.
Elizabeth just nodded not trusting her voice at the moment. She knew they weren't meant to be here, knew she shouldn't have gotten close, but she had, she had been given a chance to understand two people better. She and Teyla had worked as surrogate mothers to the two boys. They are so young, thought Elizabeth swallowing the lump in her throat; they don't deserve to die in pain. Everyone in Atlantis knows the children, how am I meant to tell them they just died?
"Elizabeth," said John, softly, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Pushing her thoughts away for now Elizabeth realized Carson had retreated back to his office and Rodney was sitting besides Rodney just staring at him.
"You still have the grown up me and Rodney," smiled John.
"I know," whispered Elizabeth, "Teyla should be told and Lieutenant Ford he should be here."
"I'll get them, you be with John," insisted John, frowning at his own sentence.
"Thank you," Elizabeth responded quietly.
John just nodded and left the silent infirmary. It didn't take him long to track down Ford and Teyla and explain what had happened.
John, Teyla, Rodney, Elizabeth, Aiden and Carson stood at a vigil that night at each of the beds. The two children had been stabilized for now. But they all knew it was only a matter of time.
1 am
"He's got not pulse!" exclaimed Carson, "I need a crash trolley here! NOW!"
It was one in the morning, they had taken it in turns to sleep and keep watch, but when Carson had shouted they had all woken up suddenly.
"No leave him!" replied Rodney, he had been the only one of them not to be asleep at that moment. He had stayed at the child's bedside all night not sleeping at all. Around eleven that night Rodney realized he had been talking to him, nothing in important, just generally talking.
"What?" asked John stepping forward.
"I said leave him," repeated Rodney looking sick, "you can't save him!"
"Let us try," responded Carson.
"No," repeated Rodney again. He just turned back to the child on the bed he took a step backwards, when the child seemed to start fading before his eyes. Until nothing was left except for the Athosian clothing that he had been wearing. They all turned to five-year-old John who was also now fading until nothing but the clothes remained. It seemed that the children went back home, peacefully.
Folding the clothes up Rodney said, "Teyla these…um…belong to you. I need to leave."
No one tried to stop Rodney as he brushed past everyone and left the infirmary and headed back to his lab to bury himself in his work for a while.
"I have to do things," muttered John also leaving the infirmary.
Ford and Carson left next not saying a word to Elizabeth or Teyla. Going over to the bed that John had been in, Elizabeth sorted the clothes out, putting them in a neat pile.
"Doctor Weir they are home," said Teyla, gently.
"Teyla would you give me a moment please," replied Elizabeth.
"Of course," acknowledged Teyla. Lowering her head she left the infirmary and headed to one of the piers to be alone for a bit.
Elizabeth let the material of the clothing run through her hands, she felt like something was missing from Atlantis now. The children had reminded her of just how cut off from Earth they really were, not being able to see relatives. Putting the clothes in to one pile she left them at the end of the bed, turning away from it Elizabeth left the infirmary.
Heading back to her office, she made a detour towards the control room, where she found Doctor Zelenka looking at a screen in front of him, with a frown creasing his face.
"Doctor Zelenka?" questioned Elizabeth.
"Ah Doctor Weird, we have problem," answered Zelenka turning to her.
"Problem what kind of problem?" asked Elizabeth, dread filling her stomach, what else can go wrong today?
Zelenka tapped a quick sequence on the lat top before a picture flickered up showing three large shapes.
Frowning Elizabeth said, "What am I looking at?"
"They are Hive Ships, Wraith Hive ships," answered Zelenka.
"What?" exclaimed Elizabeth, "Are you sure?"
"Yes certain, we got the information from deep space sensors," replied Zelenka.
"How long until they reach us?" questioned Elizabeth.
"They will be here in few weeks," responded Zelenka.
Elizabeth just stared at the images on the screen, thinking over several scenarios in her head on ways to defend Atlantis…
Several Years Ago
Five-year-old Rodney blinked open his eyes, his head hurt and his arm felt heavy. Turning his head to the side, he was surprised to see his sister sitting in the chair besides his bed.
"Jeannie?" asked Rodney quietly.
Turning her head towards the source of the voice, Jeannie smiled at her younger brother and replied, "Hey you gave us all a scare back there."
"Scare? Is dad?" questioned Rodney. His head hurt and he couldn't seem to from proper sentences. Jeannie just put a hand on his head offering a small amount of comfort.
"Dad is taking her out. Yes you've been in a coma for a week, you fell out of a tree hit your head and broke your arm, you remember?" explained Jeannie.
Rodney just closed his eyes and fell back to sleep, happy to be back home even if his dad and step-mum didn't care.
Five-year-old John slowly opened his eyes and immediately saw the concerned looks of his parents. His mum immediately engulfed him in a tight hug
"Thank god," she whispered quietly in his ear. Kissing him on the side of his head, Emma pulled away from her only son and wiped her tears away.
"Mum, dad?" asked John confused.
"Yes on you've been unconscious for a week. You got into a fight at school some kid knocked you flying. You smashed your head open," explained his dad, Mark.
"Casey?" questioned John. He tried to sit up to look around, but his mum stopped him by placing a protective hand on his shoulder. It was then he realized he was in a hospital. He hated hospitals.
"Casey was in earlier. You just rest John, we'll talk later promise," promised Emma, kissing his unruly hair.
John just nodded, settled himself back against the pillows, pulled the covers around his chin and let himself fall back to sleep happy to be home…again.
Reviewers:-
elemental-sparky: lol you have no idea who carefully i had to read the first few sentences of your review not to get it muddled up in my mind.:P But yes i did indeed pick it up from the Master. and eh I have not seen much of Lorne at the moment, although i hear he is very good. Thank you for the work you have done on this BETA'ing and Reviewing, and i owe you a big thanks, for telling me to post when i first completed my first chapter. So A Very Big Thanks To You!
Silverthreads: Thank you, it took a while to think how i was going to make it work. Glad you liked it:)
Drakcir: The last update I'm afriad, this is it, the Fic is completed. Glad you enjoyed it though:)
puddles1311: Heehee thanks and it was rather hard to write him in that type of mood, god knows how many times I watched him in Runner when he was talking to Ford. And yes I did learn from the best, I think if everyone read Sparkys fic then they would be writing Angst to the best!
angw: Heehee now did you ever doubt me to not make them friends again. Thank you for the review.
em: Yes I have to agree with you, there banter is just wonderful to watch them and thenwhen a good author comes along it is good to read it on the computer screen. Thank you for the review:)
Rachel Kirk: Here is your answer/Points upwards to the fic/ Thank you for the review:)