Chapter Nine

"Well. I must say that is good news."

"Yeah," Sheppard agreed with McKay, with the latest revelation they could rest more easily. At least, more easily than was possible when exploring strange new worlds and alien civilisations. Before the Atlantis expedition, he'd never imagined that something like this was held in store for him because basically, his career was going nowhere fast. It was strange what a difference that trip to Antarctica had actually made.

"Then why don't you look pleased?" McKay asked, feeling in much better spirits despite the dull ache in his arm and slight hunger that came from only living on the protein bars that they had brought with them. He only hoped Sheppard planned on going back to Atlantis sometime soon or else he would waste away and become nothing.

"I'm pleased," Sheppard answered a little defensively, he was trying to think and McKay's constant chirping didn't help. "It's just, how the girl got here. I mean Teyla said she was what? Seventeen? And she nearly kicked Teyla's ass, let alone doing a number on you." Sheppard nodded his head towards McKays now bandaged arm. "And from what Teyla told me, the girl was in a weakened state from being in the forest for too long."

McKay remained quiet as if though quietly contemplating this scenario, sure he was completely embarrassed upon learning who his actual attacker was but even he was beginning to question who she was. Most girls of that age didn't have the strength to attack and bring down adults, especially grumpy scientists. Besides, who the hell let their children play with knives, it was absurd.

Ford chose this time to pipe up; he crouched down next to McKay, his weapon loosely in his grip and aimed at the floor. "I guess we'll find out when Teyla and Doctor Beckett bring her along with them. Maybe she's just scared, people do some crazy things when they're threatened."

"Yes because we all obtain tremendous strength and violent tendencies," McKay said sarcastically, lifting his chin slightly and glancing to Ford.

"Or we just run," Sheppard cut in, looking at McKay with a smile. Once again, that smug amused expression was plastered on his face. "Like you."

"I like to think of it more as oh," McKay said raising his voice ever so slightly as he delivered the last two words. "Common sense."

"And that's why Rodney," Sheppard said evenly, putting his hands in his lap and offering a genuine smile. "You are the brains of this outfit." McKay didn't know whether to take that as a compliment or a criticism.

"And you're what? The comic relief?" McKay spat back.

"You know what sir, you two remind me of Pinky and the Brain."

Both Sheppard and McKay stopped and stared at Ford, completely forgetting their own conversation, or debate or whatever the hell it could be called. "Pinky and the Brain?" Sheppard asked quietly, giving Ford a scrutinising look.

"Yes," McKay answered. "You know the cartoon mice, the one who's hell bent on taking over the world and the other who is his stupid companion."

"I know what it is," Sheppard shot back before looking back to Ford. "Pinky and the Brain?" Sheppard repeated.

--

The stargate came into sight as Teyla guided Kiki by the hand and offered a smile to Beckett, who seemed relieved just by the mere sight. It meant they were close to joining up with their team, they left the safety of the forest and headed out into the open where three figures were clearly visible. The sight of Sheppard, McKay and Ford was a welcoming one and Teyla squeezed Kiki's hand a little bit more, "We are almost there Kiki."

The young girl allowed a small smile, all through their journey Teyla had spoke of her companions and stories of other worlds they had visited and of Atlantis. Kiki had been brought up with stories of the Ancients and how they fought the Wraith but she never knew such a place existed. It sounded like a paradise to live in, the actual home of the Ancients. Such greatness. It gave her a sense of hope for the first time in a long time.

--

Ford really wished he hadn't opened his mouth, ever since he mentioned "Pinky and the Brain" both McKay and Sheppard had been explaining all the reasons why they were nothing like the mice. McKay even mentioning, more than once, that if he did intend to take over the world, he'd make a better job of it than Brain ever did. He happened to look over to the forest to see three figures. "Major," he said without taking his eyes of them.

Sheppard turned to see what it was Ford was looking at, gave a small smile and got to his feet.

"Doctor McKay, Lieutenant Ford it is good to see you," Teyla said with a smile as they finally approached them. McKay offered something that looked uncomfortably like a smile before looking at the girl. She was ever so thin, her hair was unkempt and oh yes, this had been the thing that had caused him pain. Sheppard caught the look.

"I'm glad you and Beckett are all right," Sheppard said before casting an eye over Kiki, it was true though. She didn't look like she could cause a lot of damage to anyone; McKay was a good 50 pounds heavier than she was. "And this must be Kiki."

"Kiki," Teyla said, never taking her hand of Kiki's shoulder. "This is Major Sheppard whom I spoke to you of. And Doctor McKay and Lieutenant Ford."

"You might remember me," McKay said holding up his bandaged arm. "From such incidents as when you attacked me."

"You. Were. Injured?" Kiki said, eyebrows knitting together in a frown. Teyla looked to McKay and at the wound then back to Kiki.

"You did not cause him major harm," Teyla said with a comforting tone.

"What? Does my arm have to be hanging off for you people to consider it a major injury?" McKay asked annoyed. Beckett just looked at McKay and shook his head; the man did have a tendency to exaggerate.

"Hey," Sheppard said with a friendly tone and a smile, holding his hand out. "I'm John." The girl didn't make any attempt to do anything, she didn't even look up at him and he was concerned. He thought Teyla was going to gain her trust and she didn't even want anything to do with him. Teyla clearly saw the confusion.

"Do not worry Major, she is not being unpleasant." Kiki looked up and round, her eyes searching frantically as Teyla looked back at Beckett.

"Kiki is blind Major," Beckett replied simply.