Chapter. Two

Over the next few days, everyone was busy, but at a slower pace, repairing the damage to the city from the Wraith attacks. Casie had been right about people wanting to kick Dr. Radek Zelenka for being so generous with his version of Atlantian/Czech vodka, but they still managed to choke down a glass or two each evening when the remnants of the populous would gather in the commissary for dinner and friendly conversation. John Shepherd was asked to transport Radek to the mainland several times so he could gather the native fruits and berries he had been fermenting and distilling into a very potent "pain killer as well as paint stripper" as Shepherd had called it. Actually, the libation was in so much demand Radek begged Casie for the extra distilling equipment she had for the Chemistry Lab. And since she was one of those indulging in the, not so harmless, evening pastime she not only felt the obligation to provide the glassware but also to help him purify the product, which managed to make it more palatable and a bit less detrimental to the human system. Hence, she, her children, grandchildren and any and all future decedents had been blessed for her generous intervention.

Rodney had not had a chance to talk alone again with Casie since that night on the balcony, but they had eaten meals together, along with Zelenka, Shepherd, Carson and several others all gathered around the corner table at the back of the commissary. Even though she had smiled and laughed with the others, he noticed that there was still a quietness about her that was not the norm. He was determined to find a chance to sit down together with her, just her and talk. He was sure she was still suffering from the blank spots in her memory.

After she had left the table after lunch the next day, John Shepherd watched her go and said, "OK, is it just me or is there something going on with Casie?"

"I was wondering the same thing," replied Carson. "Has she said anything to any of you?" The Scot looked quite worried, especially when everyone at the table had also said they noticed a subtle change in her. Everyone, that is, except Rodney, who was strangely silent on the matter.

Later that day, Rodney received a request from Beckett through his laptop computer to report to the Infirmary at his earliest opportunity. He sighed and sat back in his chair wondering how he was going to handle the ensuing conversation. Should he confide in Carson? He knew she, herself, didn't want to talk to him about it, but he was also worried about her. She had lost that sparkle in her eyes that, even at her sternest, belied the constant amusement she saw in everything and everyone around her. He wanted so much to see that again, and more. That's when he made the decision to tell Carson... and hoped that he could advise him so he could get Casie back to herself.

"WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YA TELL ME, RODNEY?" Carson got up and stomped around his office, furious with his friend.

"Because she came to me, Carson. I also thought that she would be over it by now. Obviously, I was wrong."

Carson raised an eyebrow at the confession, subtly amused, he thought he'd never hear that from, of all people, Rodney! "You still should have told me." He sighed and sat back down. "For that matter, why couldn't she tell me? I've known her since I was an intern in Edinburgh."

"Carson, she said she didn't want to talk to you about it. I even suggested it, or to go talk to Kate. She flatly refused. Stubborn, that's what she is!"

"Och! And her temper! You'd na think so, cause of her generally sweet disposition, but don't be around when she loses it."

Casie was right, even Rodney could see Carson cared a great deal for the 5'2", blue-eyed, brilliant Chemist. "Sheesh! NOW who's smitten?" Rodney thought.

"I'd give anything if..." Carson's voice trailed off. "But she's made it very clear that she has no interest in me. She calls me "the brother she never wanted"! He chuckled without humor. "So, I must let her choose her own," He looked sideways at Rodney. "Even if it ends up being my friend."

Rodney looked up to see Carson looking honestly into his eyes. At that moment, they both knew the other would accept what ever happened, if anything.

"Is there anything I can do to help her though this?

"It's called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and isn't something that's easy to treat. She has…well, traumatic situations in her past that no doubt have complicated matters. But, you can be there for her when she needs someone to talk to."

"I had already intended to do that."

"Casie is a very strong lady now, and getting her to open up isn't going to be easy, but she did go to you about it." Carson bit his lip, thinking, "There is one thing you could try. You know the people she was closest with... you could make comments that put her in mind of the one she might feel the most loss for. Don't be obvious about it. Mind you, when and if she does remember… it could be cataclysmic. We need to be prepared for the fallout."

"Maybe I should just leave this up to you."

"No, she seems to find you easier to talk to… Lord knows why! But we've all seen the change in her and we need our Casie back. Just try to be subtle with the reminders." Carson smiled at his friend as he walked him to the door. "I mean subtle, Rodney. I know it's not your forte', but it's worth a try."

Rodney tried to look indignant as he left the Infirmary, but he knew full well that Carson was right. How could he manage it though? Then an idea struck him and he stopped in mid-stride with "that" look on his face. Now all he had to do is get permission from Elizabeth to carry it out!

Before returning to his repairs, Rodney tapped his earpiece requesting time in Dr. Wier's busy schedule. As he entered her office, Elizabeth could see he was troubled about something.

"What can I do for you, Rodney?"

He paced in front of her desk and looked at her for a moment making strange pursing movements with his lips. This only managed to cause concern because Rodney was not one to hem and haw around any subject. "I need a favor, Elizabeth, and I can't tell you why."

She sat back and gave him her most puzzled look. "You've certainly earned any favor I can grant you, Rodney, but I would hope that you could confide in me if you have a problem."

"Normally, I could… and would." He sighed. "But the favor isn't for me, it's for a… uh… friend."

"Who?"

He sighed again. "I can't tell you. This friend has come to me with a rather… serious personal problem and it can't wait. Please, just trust me when I say that it in no way endangers Atlantis or us. But I need to do this and I need to do it now." Rodney looked into her eyes, trying to convey the importance of his request.

She got up from her desk and approached him. "What do you need?" Rodney exhaled, not realizing he had been holding his breath and asked.