Chapter Twenty Two

Weir walked into her office and slid behind her desk, resting her head in her hands and letting out a deep and long overdue sigh.

"Knock Knock."

Elizabeth looked up quickly to find Sheppard staring back at her, leaning in the doorway casually. "John," she found herself saying surprised, had he seen her? There was no time for that, if he had seen her trying to compose herself, Weir only hoped that he would be sincere enough not to mention anything. Instead of giving Sheppard time to speak, she straightened up and motioned for the seat in front of her. "Please have a seat."

Quickly and quietly, he did as she had asked. "Any news?" he asked, the first words leaving his mouth.

"Carson has some more tests to run before he is able to determine anything…" Weir replied, then hesitated which Sheppard didn't fail to catch.

"But…?" he pressed gently.

"He seems to think that Rodney's condition is consequential with what happened on the planet, that he could have picked up some sort of infection," Weir answered as best as she understood it herself. Sheppard gave a slight frown to that information but for some reason, he didn't feel as surprised as he thought he would be and proceeded to tell Weir the exact same thing.

"You're not surprised?" Weir asked, basically repeating the man.

"Nope," Sheppard answered, it was simple and effective yet completely honest. "McKay has been acting weird since we returned, figured that it had to be down to that."

"I think I know what you mean," Weir replied getting up out her seat and turning to look out at the gateroom. "It does seem strange for Rodney not to make something out of nothing, especially when it comes to his health."

"Yeah surprised he weren't practically begging Beckett to do something about it."

Weir offered a simple nod to this as she watched everyone going about their daily routine, one of the scientists were setting up the MALP ready to go to yet another address where hopefully they could make new discoveries. Her shoulders lowered a little then tensed back up again.

Sheppard decided to resume the conversation as he stared at Weir's back, he felt that she really wanted to be alone at the moment but he really wanted to voice his opinion about the whole thing and the expedition leader was the best person to do it to.

"I've got a theory."

Weir didn't turn round; instead she folded her arms and gazed intently at the impressive looking gate. "Go on," she said quietly.

"Beckett thinks it's something to do with what happened on the planet right," Sheppard said even though she already knew all this and as she turned on her heel to face him, he got that message straight away. Her expression clearly told him to carry on. "Well what if this infection just happened to occur because of the knife that was used."

"What are you saying?" Weir asked in a defensive tone.

"There could've been some poison on it," Sheppard said then his tone lowered incredibly. "Or something." Weir went to open her mouth. "Come on even you could admit it's a possibility."

"It's speculation John."

"We can't afford not to speculate," Sheppard argued, once he had his mind set on something; he damn well followed it through to the bitter end. "McKay's life could depend on this." Weir tore her gaze away from the floor and regarded him a moment, she had to admit that it was a definite possibility.

"Why wouldn't have Kiki told us about this," Weir replied quietly with a small shrug. "Considering it was her weapon. Unless she didn't know about it…"

"Or she did know about it," Sheppard concluded.

"Do you know what you're insinuating," Weir asked in a stern tone.

"Yes I do," he answered with a nod of the head, getting out of his seat. "You've gotta admit that this is pretty suspicious." Sheppard knew that he was right about Kiki, about staying on guard around the girl. He should have gathered that by the way she had tried to take him down when they were supposedly sparring.

"So what do you want to do John?" Weir asked, letting some sarcasm into her tone. "Interrogate her?"

Sheppard regarded her with a steady look. "Yes," he replied. "That is of course after I get an analysis run on the weapon to see if there is some kind of toxin on it."

"Oh my God, you're serious."

"The security of Atlantis is important, as is the safety of all personnel. If there's a possible threat we should be more aware of it."

"Kiki is not a threat."

"How do we know that?" Sheppard retorted, trying desperately not to raise his voice. "I mean really. And not just because Beckett and Teyla say so."

Weir had to take a few moments to think about this one and give it some serious thought but she couldn't come up with anything. It was her weapon and she had attacked McKay but hell, that didn't mean she was guilty was she? "I think," Weir said in a calm and even tone. "That you should at least get the facts together before you start throwing unjustified accusations around Major."

"Fine," Sheppard said passing her by, that he could deal with. He quickly headed for the door.

"John," Weir said just before he got there. Sheppard stopped but didn't look back at her. "I hope you know what your doing, what this could lead to."

He didn't need to say anything in acknowledgement, he knew what she was talking about and all he offered was a look to her. Sheppard's eyes said it all before he left her office.

--

Teyla had taken it upon herself to find Kiki, not only because of Beckett's request but because she thought that it would be useful to help get to know the young girl some more. With no news on McKay, it was the least she could do and Carson seemed to appreciate the sentiment. The Athosian soon found her in the quarters that had been prepared for her, the door opened. "Kiki?"

Kiki looked up from her bed and over to the direction of the door. "Teyla," she said with a grim expression. "I heard about Doctor McKay while I was in the messhall with Jinto. May I enquire about his health?"

"I am unsure as of this time," Teyla answered, trying to keep the regret from escaping in her tone although her body language clearly said it all. Thankfully for her this girl was blind and could not read that. She stepped in further so the doors closed behind her, giving them some sort of privacy. "I am sure Doctor Weir will inform us as soon as Doctor Beckett is able to determine his condition."

"Doctor Beckett will be very busy won't he." Kiki said, it wasn't a question.

"Yes," Teyla answered looking down at her before taking a seat next to her on the bed. Her own instincts told her to try and comfort Kiki in some fashion so she started stroking the girl's long hair softly.

"If anyone is able to help Doctor McKay," Kiki replied with some optimism. "It is him."

Teyla smiled at her with a thoughtful expression. "Of that, I am sure." Kiki turned her head, then her body so she would be facing her and Teyla was happy to see something that resembled a smile.