Author's Note 9/7: I've done a second pass on chapters 6-8. The plot hasn't changed, just tightened up a few things and worked on some areas that were bothering me. Let me know what you think.
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"Rodney!" Elizabeth needed a word with Dr. McKay. She had left him pretty much to himself while he got used to working with Dr. Grayson, but now she needed to know how the arrangement was working out.
"Yes, Elizabeth?" Rodney was trying to get back to his lab.
"How's everything going?" Elizabeth inquired.
"Fine, fine. Why do you ask?" He wasn't sure what she was getting at.
"How is Dr. Grayson working out?"
"Oh, fine, fine." Rodney tried to sound as convincing as possible. "Why, have you heard otherwise?" He was starting to get a little paranoid. Carson had asked him the same question just yesterday. He wondered if Emma was unhappy working with him. Perhaps she had asked for a transfer.
"No, nothing specific." Elizabeth had indeed checked up on the situation. She had talked with Dr. Zelenka who had nothing but the highest praise for Dr. Grayson. She had also talked with Emma herself. Although Emma had nothing but good things to say about working with Dr. McKay, Elizabeth felt she was holding back. She thought it was time to go directly to the source.
"I was looking at your team for tomorrow's expedition down to Level 6. I noticed Dr. Grayson's name wasn't on the list."
"Oh? Well, uh, I have some work I need her to do in the lab." That was a flat out lie.
"I think you should include her," Elizabeth replied.
Rodney tried to look like he was considering the idea. "I'll think about it, Elizabeth, but the team's pretty full as it is. I don't think there'll be room for her."
"Make room. I want her to get some field experience." Elizabeth turned and walked away, not waiting for Rodney's response.
Rodney walked toward the lab frustrated. He couldn't tell Elizabeth he didn't want Emma on the expedition because he still felt awkward around her. Or that he still didn't understand her abilities and was afraid she might accidentally activate something down there – like flood doors. He had hoped he would have more time to work with her before she accompanied him outside the lab.
Things had been running reasonably well the past week, considering Emma still wasn't able to fully control her Ancient genes. There had been a few minor disasters when Rodney had let her tie in to the Ancient mainframe, mostly related to the overhead lighting. Luckily Radek had put in an extra supply of light bulbs.
Now he found himself forced to take Emma with him on their latest expedition. He wondered how long that supply of light bulbs would last.
Rodney entered the lab to see Radek and Emma going over some technical files. He was amazed at how easily Radek could talk with her. The two had quickly become fast friends. Since most of Rodney's attempts at small-talk had been less than successful, he had pretty much given up trying to converse with her about anything other than work. But he did enjoy sitting back and watching her talk. Emma could get animated over the littlest things.
"Dr. Grayson," Rodney said, "You'll be accompanying us tomorrow down to Level 6."
Emma had no idea what had changed his mind. She had been trying all week to convince Rodney to take her with him on the mission. She was just glad he had. Emma wanted desperately to explore the city she had seen in her visions when she had been connected to the mainframe.
Emma had even employed Radek to help her cause, but he had had no better luck. She had hoped that by the next trip she could prove herself competent enough to come along.
Without thinking Emma threw her arms around him, "Thank you, Rodney!"
"Okay, Okay," Rodney froze. The feel of Emma hugging him put his body on overload.
Emma felt Rodney's body tense. "Sorry, I was just..." She released him, embarrassed at her sudden outburst of enthusiasm. She quickly brushed his chest trying to straighten his shirt.
"That's enough." Rodney felt little shocks of electricity course through him each time Emma touched him.
"Sorry again," Emma blushed. Rodney was obviously not one for physical contact. "I'll make sure to be more professional tomorrow."
"Yes. And you should probably call me Dr. McKay in front of the other scientists."
"Of course. Dr. McKay." Emma suppressed her delight and returned to her station, but not before flashing Radek a big smile.
Radek smiled back then turned to Rodney. The look on Rodney's face spoke volumes. Radek started to chuckle.
"Don't you have something to do?" Rodney shot at him.
"I think I can find something," Radek turned away still laughing. Score another victory for Emma. Radek couldn't wait for tomorrow.
