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.

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 Two

And so it came to pass, that Colonel Sheppard and his team accompanied Halling and Jinto, along with Wex, and his father, Myro, through the 'gate. As they stepped onto the soil of Athos, Teyla looked around her, her face impassive, but her quiet demeanour revealing apprehension at the return to this planet. The Athosian men also seemed anxious, and Colonel Sheppard got the group on the move. It would be a good day's walk to the foot of the mountain, and they had little time for reminiscence.

"Tell me again why we can't take a puddlejumper…" McKay muttered to Sheppard.

"Because…" explained Sheppard with exaggerated patience, "that would be cheating."

McKay just grunted.

Jinto and Wex were actually very excited, and the weight of their packs didn't seem to affect the boys at all. At first, they walked close to Colonel Sheppard and Dex, but slowly their curiosity led them to the side of Dr McKay, who had all manner of fancy gizmos on his person.

"What does that do?" Jinto asked, looking up at McKay, who was holding a small device.

"It detects life signs. Go away." replied the man.

Jinto was unconcerned by the brush off, and continued to walk alongside, studying the actions of the adult.

"Has it detected any life signs?" Jinto tried again.

McKay groaned. "Why don't you ask if we're there yet?" he replied, and marched on with more speed.

Jinto frowned with puzzlement, and hurried after.

It began to rain as they began to discuss stopping for lunch. Halling described a cave not far ahead that would provide suitable shelter for their midday meal.

0o0o0

"I thought that Simpson person said the weather was going to be good?" Ronon asked McKay.

"Dr Simpson is not from the meteorological office. A little rain hardly constitutes hazardous conditions." McKay rejoined.

"A little rain?" echoed Sheppard incredulously. "You haven't checked outside recently, have you?"

McKay dropped his ration pack and peered towards the mouth of the cave. He could hear it now. The rain was torrential. His shoulders sagged. "Oh, great. Don't suppose it's just a passing shower…?"

Myro spoke up, "This rain is common at this time of year. It does indeed pass quickly. We may find it has passed before we set off again." The large man grinned widely, unperturbed by the downpour.

Halling was nodding in agreement. "It may be wiser to wait a few moments more until it is over. That will make the rest of the day less unpleasant."

Sheppard and Ronon were communicating with shrugs and facial expressions. The Colonel made his call. "We'll give it another thirty minutes, then we need to get going, rain or no rain."

"We could go back…" McKay offered.

Teyla was the only one to even give McKay a civil answer. "We need to make the journey today, or the Tar-Nat will be missed."

McKay rolled his eyes; he already knew his suggestion would be dismissed out of hand.

0o0o0

By the time they reached the lower slopes of Mount Tar-Shen, the two young boys were really very tired. They had hiked hard all afternoon, as Sheppard was keen to make up time after they had waited for the rain to stop. And stop it had done, right on time. The afternoon had been a dry walk, but they had felt like they were following the weather front. They could see the rain falling out of the sky ahead of them as they walked. Ronon and Teyla had remained constantly vigilant against any hostile presence, but there had been nothing so far.

Myro drew alongside Sheppard. "It is getting late, Colonel. I feel we should camp near here, and make the climb just before the dawn."

Sheppard considered the words of the Athosian. Everyone was certainly tired, the rain had set them back, and it would be safer to leave the rough scramble for the morning. "Agreed. Pick a site and we'll get set for the night."

Myro and Halling began studying the terrain for a good place to rest before the final climb. As the lower slope turned into a rockier incline, the Athosian men indicated to Sheppard a suitable campsite, and the Colonel told everyone it was time to call it a day. They began to take off their packs and got to work.

Wex watched McKay dragging kit from his Bergen. "What is your name, McKay?"

The Canadian stopped what he was doing and stared at the kid, his face twisted in contempt. "What do you mean, 'What is my name?' It's McKay, obviously!"

"Yes, but I have heard Dr Weir call you Rodney." His eyebrows were raised.

McKay froze for a moment, and then faced his accuser. "Well, that's because my name is Rodney McKay. Doctor Rodney McKay, actually. You should call me Doctor McKay, got it?" He stared down the boy.

"Okay, Rodney." Grinned Wex, and ran off to join Jinto, leaving McKay cursing under his breath and shaking a fist, after he'd checked everyone else was busy with other things.

0o0o0

"Are the young men bothering you, Dr McKay?" Teyla asked as they settled down for the night in the group of two-man tents. She always enjoyed the chance to discuss the day with the civilian on the team, and their accommodation sharing provided the perfect opportunity. She found he had…interesting insight into the progress of a mission. Jinto and Wex had been circling the scientist all day, and she knew he was not always comfortable around the children of her race.

He was scowling, and his reply was a little forced. "No. Not at all." He continued to tug at his sleeping bag zipper, even although it seemed to be all the way up.

Her mouth twitched, as she rested her head on her bent arm. "They like to learn. And you have much to teach. That is why they like to be close to you."

He stopped fiddling, and looked at her. "Well, understandable of course. I probably know more than anyone else here about more subjects than anyone else. Goodnight, Teyla." He pulled the bag up to his chin and shut his eyes.

"Indeed, Dr McKay. Goodnight."

TBC

A/N: Hope you are enjoying...I'll try not to let you wait too long for the obvious...