Chapter 4:

A/N: Sorry to keep everyone waiting.

While Dr. Weir and Miko were admiring the view in the Gate Room, those personnel who had drawn 'military' assignments were assembling in one of the large rooms designated as gym space. Lt. Cadman and Dr. Katie Brown were standing near the front of the room.

'Oh bloody hell," whispered Carson to Major Lorne, when he noticed how both women were grinning. He wished he simply could have stayed in the infirmary, even if he did have to supervise Rodney all day. Heck, he'd even put with a couple escape attempts from the Colonel. The thought of what was going on in his absence was enough to further knot his stomach. Major Lorne simply smiled and shrugged at the fuming Scotsman. He was military, he'd had a lot of things thrown at him over the years, through training and the like.

Lt. Cadman whistled to get everyone's attention. "Ok folks, listen up. Physical fitness is important, and I think some of you have neglected your workout routines since coming here. So we're going to be doing some basic calisthenics and a short run." Several people groaned. "I'd like to know what I have to work with, so everyone, shirts off." Many more groans, mostly male echoed throughout the hall. In the next few moments there was plenty of furtive glances, as people began checking each other out.

"Cadman is going to catch it tomorrow, if I have anything to say," muttered Major Lorne, tossing his shirt aside.

"I think Dr. Weir said any reasonable orders would be tolerated," mumbled Carson, a little self-consciously. "However, I think we missed the memo," he added. The women in the room were wearing either tank tops or stand-alone sports bras, much to the disappointment of several men. For most of the population, the room suddenly gotten warmer, as upper physiques were bared, and various, usually hidden, tattoos were now on display. Carson had seen most of the room's occupants in various stages of undress before under medical circumstances, but he was sure that more than one person was a little embarrassed about having Taz or other symbols suddenly public. A few people seemed totally unfazed by the situation, mostly military, but some of the science personnel as well. "Jocks," muttered Carson under his breath.

"Wanna make something of it?" asked a familiar voice behind him. He turned around and grinned. Standing behind him was Dr. Kyte Randall, his present girlfriend who happened to be an avid runner and surfer, as well as one of those not embarrassed about her physique. Carson was trying to think of a retort, when Cadman and Brown called the group back to attention.

"Okay, we're going to start with some simple stretches," said Dr. Brown demonstrating. Over the next ninety minutes everyone stretched and went through the basic boot camp drills, such as jumping jacks and pushups. Lorne nodded approvingly when Cadman managed to coax a few more reps out of certain people and kept the complaining to a minimum with her all knowing glare. It was almost impossible to hate the two women, they were obviously having fun, maybe a little too much fun.

"Listen up folks, we haven't forgotten the run," continued Lt. Cadman after counting down the last set. "We'll split into two groups, the first group will be led by me and we'll be doing three miles at a fast clip. Those who don't feel up to the challenge can do two with Dr. Brown." There were complaints from a few people. "Want to make it three for everyone," Laura challenged.

"Better not," piped up one of the scientists. "Ronon and Dr. McKay are staffing the infirmary. Who knows how they'll deal with some strained muscles?" More groaning ensued.

"Good point. Know your limits and while I expect you to complete the full distance, don't hurt yourself. We'll be heading to the central part of the city and back. Afterwards, I think we can divide into teams and do a little off-world practice recon." At this several scientists perked up; they'd never been off-world.

Carson just grimaced at the thought. "Today can't get any worse," he muttered, as fell in behind Dr. Brown's larger group. To be fair she took it slow and easy, but there was an audience awaiting them in the central part of the city. Lt. Cadman's group seemed to take the cheering and whistling well, but quite a few people turned red, Carson included.

"That was interesting," remarked Colonel Sheppard as he took a break from checking yet another console.

"I heard that Lt. Cadman and Dr. Brown want to take a couple groups off-world," commented Dr. Weir, next to him.

"You approved that?" he asked.

"I didn't, but Dr. Zelenka did. I think all the planets are one ones you and your team have previously explored, and deemed as uninhabited, so there should be no problem, right?"

"I have a funny feeling about this," he replied, voice muffled by the next console he was underneath.

TBC