Disclaimers: I do not own these characters; this is written for fun, I make no money etc.

Spoilers: Hide and Seek, Hot Zone, Season 2 character.

A/N: I wondered if I could write a fic involving Rodney and children, as he seems to loves them so much ;) … I'm getting in the mood for the BBC Children In Need Appeal, on Friday 18th November…

Summary: What does Rodney actually do when he is faced with some children who need saving? Season 2 setting.

Chapter One

"Well, Halling, I'm not sure. I'll need to consider it…When exactly will this…Tar-Nat occur?" Dr Elizabeth Weir formed her sentence carefully. She was leaning forward on her desk, a sign that she was much more relaxed now with the revered Athosian elder. Only a matter of months ago her words would have held much more diplomatic reluctance, her posture more authority.

The tall, humble man could see her genuine consideration, and smiled. "It will occur at the next conjunction of two sacred stars. I have talked with friends, we think it will be not much more than one of your weeks."

Elizabeth knew when he said 'friends', he meant members of her team who had been able to calculate the astronomical patterns for his original homeworld. That was OK. She didn't need to know everything her people worked on. She expected them to use their own judgement, and make their own decisions when they could. That's why they were chosen, after all.

"Well, I'll want to discuss it with Colonel Sheppard and so on. I can let you know in a few days. I'm glad you asked for help." She was standing now, holding out her hand to shake. To her surprise, he quickly drifted to the side of the desk, and held her shoulders firmly, opening her to his offering of intimate greeting.

Their foreheads touched, and then Halling stepped backwards, his head bowing again. "Thank you, Dr Weir. Until we speak again…" With that, he turned and swept from her office.

Elizabeth cocked her head thoughtfully. It obviously meant a lot to him. Tar-Nat…some sort of rite of passage for Jinto and the other young Athosian boy of a similar age. She wondered what everyone else would think.

0o0o0

"They want to what?" shrieked Rodney. The others in the conference room sighed audibly.

Sheppard's mouth quirked at the reaction of the Canadian. "Piece of cake, Rodney. If they want to take a camping trip into the hills with the kids, that's fine by me."

"Hills? These look like the teeth of hell! And is it absolutely necessary to do it in the dark?" retorted McKay.

Ronon snorted, earning him a glare from the agitated chief scientist.

Simpson was standing by the display on the wall, and cleared her throat to gain everyone's attention. "The correct star positions will occur in four days time. The location of the Tar-Nat stone is here, on Mount Tar-Shen," she pointed, "and the ritual is supposed to be carried out when the sun rises. Halling says they can go up the day before," she shot a glance at McKay, "and wait for the dawn. Initial data suggests good weather." She folded her hands together, indicating the end of her contribution.

Teyla gave her a gracious nod of her head, accompanied by her smile. "Thank you, Dr Simpson."

The scientist nodded to acknowledge the appreciation, and sat down.

Elizabeth looked around, "Any questions?"

"What do they need us for? Can't they just go on their own, like they must have done for years?" McKay still wasn't buying it.

Sheppard leaned forward, almost lying across the desk, and looked up into his neighbour's face. "In case you hadn't noticed, McKay, until we came along, they didn't have the Wraith around every corner. They just need a bit of back-up, that's all."

"Why do I have to go?"

Ah, the truth of the matter was revealed, everyone could see.

"Rodney, are you, or are you not, a member of Colonel Sheppard's team?" Elizabeth was going to enjoy this, she knew.

"Yes." McKay was not enjoying this.

"And I want Colonel Sheppard's team to protect our special friends. Do I not?"

"S'pose," he muttered.

"Good. Well, it all seems straightforward enough. I'll let Halling know the good news. Thank you, gentlemen, ladies." The leader of the Atlantis expedition rose and left the conference room.

TBC