A/N: Actually, it doesn't seem like enough comfort, sorry… Anyway, I hope the rest of the fic is enjoyed in some way by all…this is the penultimate chapter.

HD – high dependency
dex. – dexamethasone

Chapter Nine

"Right. On my mark." Carson directed his technicians, who were lifting Myro. He was completely immobilised on a red backslab, padded cushioning around his head and legs, straps everywhere. The two medical staff carried Myro into the back of the 'jumper, where Halling already lay, similarly trussed.

Beckett rubbed his forehead with a damp hand, and spoke to the doctor next to him. "All right, Ken. You take this jumper and get those two into the HD beds. Give Myro the I.V. dex., and get Halling into surgery after he's been through imaging. OK, son?"

Ken, although clearly at least a decade older than Beckett, gave his boss a big grin, and a squeeze on the shoulder. "You've got it."

"Tell Sally and Lynn to bring out blankets and a pack. They can stay with me. We'll deal with the boys and the others." Carson continued to talk over his shoulder as he turned his attention to Wex.

Kneeling next to the shivering child, Carson began his examination. Careful hands roamed over the boy's head and neck. "Do you know where you are, Wex?" Carson's soft brogue caressed Wex's jumbled thoughts.

"I…Rodney…we…" he mumbled in reply.

McKay was sitting next to him, his head down between his lifted knees, one hand clasped across the back of his neck.

"It's OK, son, I know. I just want to make sure you've not broken anything before we fly home." Carson continued to check the boy over, his flashlight working overtime. "Where are those blankets?" He called over his shoulder at the medical technician who was heading in his direction.

Sheppard grabbed a blanket from the technician as he hurried over from the other 'jumper. He hunkered down next to McKay and draped it around the man's shoulders, leaving one hand on the man's back.

"Jeez, McKay, you…"

McKay lifted his head from his knees. Sheppard could see ugly grazing down one side of McKay's face. The Colonel suddenly tried to take in what his friend looked like. McKay was completely soaking, thoroughly filthy, and there seemed to be bloody rips in his clothing everywhere.

McKay's mouth trembled a little as he spoke quietly. "I jumped."

"I saw." He put his head close, making eye contact. "You did it."

McKay's shoulders shook as he gave a half-laugh. "Did it? Nearly did it!"

Sheppard frowned, confused. "Nearly…?"

Wide, fearful eyes were very close. "Yeah. Nearly died saving them."

Sheppard let out a deep breath and leaned his head on McKay's shoulder, a smile daring to grace his mouth.

"Ow! Ow! Shoulder!" McKay pulled away, grimacing.

"Oh, jeez, sorry! What…?" Sheppard held his hands up as he leaned back, terrified he was hurting him.

"It's OK! Just…a bit…I got a bit of a rocky ride, that's all. I hurt…everywhere." He trailed off, suddenly looking very pale, and in pain.

"Beckett! A little help here!" Sheppard called, a little panicky.

Carson patted Lynn on the shoulder as she was helping Wex to stand up, and shuffled over next to the two men. "All right, Rodney. How are you faring?" He began another examination, mentally following his own set pattern.

McKay was not protesting as he usually did at the flashlight in the eyes, or the hands probing the back of the neck. Carson concentrated hard, knowing his friend must be genuinely in need of this careful scrutiny. He could see the shock in the man's eyes.

"Wex looks well, considering." Carson comforted, and tried to get McKay talking so he could see how he was doing. "Rodney, tell me what happened."

Sheppard and McKay shared a look. The Colonel spoke, but Carson kept his eyes on McKay as he continued his work.

"Wex slipped into the gulley. McKay jumped in after him."

Carson froze. "You bloody fool." He smiled, fearful. "You could have…"

"I know, I know." McKay shrugged, and then winced in pain.

0o0o0

With Pudsey at the controls, the 'jumper headed back to the 'gate. Teyla sat on a rear bench, with one arm around Jinto, and the other around Wex. They were huddled in blankets, faces staring and etched with worry for their fathers.

Ronon and McKay had shrugged off their blankets, and sat facing the boys. They both shivered occasionally.

"I spent seven years running from the Wraith." Ronon announced. No one was sure who he was addressing. "I fear I may spend the next seven running after all of you."

McKay looked up at his neighbour. "That would be fine by me, Ronon. Er…thanks…you know…" He waved his good arm. "Thanks for pulling everyone out."

Ronon looked down at him. "It's OK. Teyla told me what you did. You did well."

McKay glanced about uncomfortably. "Well, yeah." He felt as if he could have said, 'It was nothing', or 'There was no one else', but nothing seemed to fit, so he didn't really say anything much.

0o0o0

When the rear hatch lowered into the 'jumper bay, Elizabeth was waiting, with the other 'jumper pilot, and more medical staff. The anxious leader of Atlantis rushed to the two boys and laid a hand on their faces. "I'm so glad you are OK. Let's get you warmed up and seen to in the infirmary." She stood aside to let the medics at them, and turned to see the other passengers.

"Ronon." She took a step close to him, and took hold of his hands. He towered over her. "Thank you so much. Myro and Halling would surely have died if you had not been there."

The Satedan nodded, and gave her a small smile. "I know."

Elizabeth stepped back a little awkwardly, returning his smile as best she could.

McKay was staring at her, his expression one of relief and also expectation. Elizabeth held out a hand to him and drew near. She carefully held his free hand; he had tucked the other one in his jacket.

"I can't believe what you did, Rodney…no, wait…let me rephrase that. I…we are very proud of you, Rodney, you probably saved their lives." She looked down, gripping his hand tightly. After a moment, she composed herself, and said more loudly, "Here, you all need to change and get looked at. Don't let me keep you." She withdrew her grasp of McKay's hand, and stepped out into the bay. She sighed as she watched them all filter away into the corridor. That hadn't gone quite the way it should have, she thought.

A/N: Final chapter up soon. No ship, I promise!