Chapter 2
A/N: Thanks to all you sent feedback and suggestions. I guess I should add here that Boxing Day is a holiday in Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, occuring the day after Christmas.
"You can't be serious," snorted Rodney.
"Why not," replied Elizabeth with an amused grin as an idea began to take shape. "It will only be for a day. Might end some of the 'I could do a better job' mutterings I've heard every so often. Atlantis, despite being a small place, still has its divisions, you know between the science departments and even the disputes between the civilians and military."
"We've been talking about getting more of the science staff field trained," mused Colonel Sheppard, slowly warming to the idea. "Besides putting the senior staff jobs up for grabs, why not let anyone interested try something different for a day?" he added.
"There is no way I am going to let some overeager lieutenant run the physics lab for a day," protested Rodney.
"I hate to admit it, but he does have a point," added Carson. "I don't like the idea emergencies in the infirmary being dealt with by someone without a medical degree."
"I'm sure anyone can practice voodoo," Rodney snapped back.
"We'll leave a few regular personnel in each department, and if a real emergency occurs, it will be dealt with by the appropriate professionals. You never know, however, how resourceful people are, or what other talents they have," added Elizabeth after a couple moments thought. "Rodney, Carson, your positions will be up for grabs."
"Nobody's going to go for this," muttered Rodney as he stormed out. He was, however, quite wrong, for once. The majority of the staff, both science and military, embraced the idea of Boxing Day, or 'Job Swap Day' as the American dubbed it, enthusiastically.
Dr. Weir announced the rules during a lull in the Christmas festivities. "Ok, the first jar here is general assignments, military, biology, physics, kitchen staff, etc, Everyone's going to draw a job description. After that, I will draw for the senior staff positions, which means my job, and those of Colonel Sheppard, Major Lorne, Dr. McKay, and Dr. Beckett. Those who have the positions of power tomorrow, no abusing it, or at least not too much. Everyone else, you are expected to do your jobs as assigned." She smiled and wished that the Daedalus had remained. She would have like to see someone ordering Caldwell around. People shuffled forward to draw slips of paper. Laughter soon rang out as people determined their fate for the next day.
"What did you draw, Major," asked Colonel Sheppard, staring at the slip of paper labeled 'physics lab.'
"Military, sir," smirked a happy looking Major Lorne. "Don't tell me it's not fair, it's what I drew.
"Looks like I'll be in your company," sighed Carson, showing his matching slip of paper.
"This is totally unfair. I mean this borders on torture. We're talking cruel and unusual," whined Rodney. The small group looked at him. "Infirmary," he sighed. Everyone else just laughed.
"Ok, if I could have your attention again," yelled Dr. Weir. "The moment you've all been waiting for. Your senior staff for the day." Several people pounded on a table, imitating a drumroll. Major Lorne's position: Dr. Katie Brown." Most of the scientists cheered. "
Dr. McKay's position: Dr. Miko Kusanagi." More cheering from the scientists. Rodney just glared in her direction. She pretended not to notice him. "Your new chief medical officer," Dr. Weir continued after everyone quieted down. She stared at the piece of paper. "Ronon Dex." The man in question smirked at a couple people. People started laughing again after a minute.
Rodney whispered to Carson, "I bet no one comes to the infirmary tomorrow."
Carson shrugged. "The man was on the run for seven years, he must know something. Maybe he'll cure you of your hypochondria." Rodney shivered.
"Ok, Colonel Sheppard's position goes to Lt. Cadman," yelled Dr. Weir, who was quickly drowned out by the response. Laura and Katie exchanged high-fives.
"Something tells me with those two in charge, we're going to be shirtless tomorrow," muttered Major Lorne to Carson.
"Can they order that?" asked Carson a little nervously.
It took several minutes for the noise to die down again. "Now what you've all been waiting for, the person occupying my office tomorrow will be…."
"Please don't say Kavanaugh," more than one person hoped.
TBC
Yes, because I can.