Chapter Seventeen

Sheppard and Teyla had given Weir a basic rundown of what had happened and Kiki's accounts. Even Weir had remained quiet and they could have sworn that even she had began a little misty eyed at the tale. Not that she would have admitted it.

"So," she said sitting back in her sit, looking to them each in turn. "Now we know."

"Yes we do," Sheppard said with a nod of the head, swinging in his seat.

"We have to presume that her people did not survive their encounter with the Wraith," Weir continued. Teyla gave a very slow nod.

"Besides we do not know the gate address of Kiki's homeworld. It is doubtful she knows it considering she had never being through the stargate," Teyla replied calmly, leaning forward and resting her arms on the table in front of her.

"So what do we do?" Sheppard asked.

"I'd like Kiki to remain here," Weir said quickly, she had already made up her mind on that because she wasn't in the habit of just letting a young girl try and fend for herself. "I am sure Carson will want to become her guardian of sorts." Teyla smiled brightly and Sheppard just shrugged as if to say, fine, whatever.

"So with that dealt with," Sheppard continued. "This Z.P.M…"

Weir smiled genuinely as she turned to him. "Doctor Zelenka and Rodney plan on returning tomorrow morning. You're welcome to join them."

"Safety in numbers," Sheppard commented, glad to be getting back to normal.

--

McKay was nothing but true to his word, it was time for a very late lunch and instead of going to the messhall first and feeding his appetite. He made his way to see Beckett in order to get the bandage cleaned up, then there would be time for food. All the way he scratched at the bandage, glancing down to see that the rash was getting worse. "This is all I need," he complained to himself as he walked through the doors.

"Ahh Rodney, perfect timing."

"Carson," McKay said inclining his head and looking round. "Kiki not here?"

"No Teyla took her to the messhall. I want to go help prepare her a room after I'm finished with you."

"She's staying on Atlantis?" McKay asked, as he walked over to Beckett and took a seat while he got together all the things he would need. Beckett turned round with a bright smile and pulled up a chair, getting McKay to put his arm down on the arm of the chair. "Aye, Doctor Weir came and told me earlier. She wants me to be her guardian."

"You?" McKay asked. "What you mean like a surrogate father?" Beckett stopped reaching for the bandage a moment, actually giving it some thought and gave a nod.

"Aye I guess you could say that," Beckett answered, not at all unfazed by this.

"Well," McKay said quietly, mustering a small smile. "I'm pleased for you."

"Why thank you Rodney," Beckett said looking up to him. "Now then, let's get this seen to." He undid the bandage and started unwinding it, the wound looked like it was healing nicely but this rash concerned him and he frowned. "When did this appear?"

"Elizabeth noticed it this morning," McKay said, looking down at it then up to him. "It's just an allergic reaction to the bandage or something right?" Beckett pulled his arm closer to him and inspected it more closely, it did seem to indicate an allergic reaction and from what he could see the rash was only isolated to his arm.

"Well could be," Beckett said after a moment's silence. "I'll try a different material." He got up from his seat and searched through the box of supplies, pulling out a packet and tearing it open. McKay held out his arm again as the doctor began the task and re-dressing the wound. After he'd finished his task, he pushed his chair back and pulled off his gloves as McKay pulled his sleeve back down. "Now if it does get any worse and you have a reaction to that material, don't hesitate to come back."

"Don't worry Carson," McKay answered brightly, straightening up as he stood. "The only time you will see me here is if it's absolutely necessary."

"Glad to hear it," Beckett said with a smile. Without another word, which was very unlike him, McKay turned on one heel and left the good doctor to it.

Beckett proceeded to put the supplies away and dispose of any rubbish, cleaning any utensils and sterilising them for use. Then he went to the messhall to find Kiki and Teyla; he had wanted to inform Kiki of the news himself.

Instead of walking, Beckett found it upon himself to use the transporter today and stepped in, the screen lighting up and touched the screen for the transporter nearest the messhall. Moments later, the doors opened and he stepped out and smiled upon seeing Teyla and Kiki. He got himself a cup of tea then joined them. "Hello Teyla, Kiki."

Kiki smiled brightly. "Doctor Beckett. You have finished your work?"

"For now," Beckett said looking over to Teyla with a smile then back to Kiki. "I have very good news Kiki."

"Oh?" she asked curiosity in her tone.

"Yes," he answered, looking to Teyla who had a very bright smile on her face. Knowing what was to come. Beckett looked back to Kiki and placed his hand over hers. "Tell me, you like it here don't you?"

"Very much," Kiki said.

"Well, if you want to that is." Beckett stopped a moment, really wanting the best for Kiki and he just hoped he could provide it for her. "If you'd like to remain here in Atlantis, you are welcome to."

"With you?" Kiki asked with a lighter tone.

"Aye," Beckett answered with a smile, seeing her face light up. "Doctor Weir has asked me to be your guardian."

"Guardian, like a parent? Someone who will watch over me and look after me?"

"I suppose," Beckett answered; his response was Kiki shifted her weight and throwing her arms around him. Quickly she moved back and quietened down. "I'll take that as a yes then." Kiki smiled brightly and nodded her head with such enthusiasm, turning to Teyla and reaching out for her hand. "Did you hear that Teyla?"

"Yes I am aware," Teyla replied. "I am pleased for you." Teyla looked to Beckett. "For you both." Beckett looked at the young woman and gave a shy smile, before looking back to Kiki. For the first time in a long time, feeling a great sense of happiness and optimism. Watching over his patients was one thing, but this would be the first time that someone was relying on him alone and he vowed to try and keep her safe as possible. Who knows maybe he would even grow to love the lass like a daughter.

Kiki gave another bright smile as she took a sip of her milk and Beckett couldn't help but smile himself.