Missing scene from "Inferno".

FEEL THE HEAT

"This is the Daedalus. Are there any survivors aboard?"

"Yes, sir. In fact, we have a pretty big passenger list," Sheppard announced happily. He could hear the Daedalus crew cheering in the background and allowed the triumph of their success to wash over him for a few seconds. "Teyla and Ronon?"

"We're here as well, Colonel," replied Teyla.

Sheppard returned Rodney and Beckett's relieved grins, then shot Norina a smile for good measure, which she mirrored. The euphoria was contagious. "One big happy family again," he quipped.

Caldwell, though, was all business as usual. "Any injured?"

"A few bumps and bruises," said Sheppard. "…and a slightly bent fingernail." McKay turned to narrow his eyes at him.

"Please repeat, Orion. I didn't catch that last?"

"Nothing."

"What about damage? Can you fly the ship back to Atlantis?"

"I was wondering that myself," he said, turning back to Rodney.

The scientist rolled his eyes in disbelief. "Haven't I managed enough miracles for one day?" He continued to gripe as he checked some readings on the control board, "And did I even hear a 'thank you'?"

Approaching the scientist, Norina laid a hand on his arm. "I, and my people, thank you," she said, simply and sincerely.

"Oh, um…it was nothing...well, of course it was something…"

Sheppard shook his head in amusement. "Looks like we might need a tow," he told Caldwell.

"I'll have Hermiod contact Dr. McKay to work out the particulars."

"Great. Orion out." Sheppard rose and walked over to Norina, offering her his arm as Rodney continued to flounder. "Care to check on the rest of your people and reassure them that we're relatively safe?" he asked, ignoring McKay's scowl.

It took several hours for Rodney and Hermiod to work out a system that would allow the Daedalus to tow the ship through hyperspace, but they managed to make it back to Atlantis without further incident. When they arrived, the control room was awash with people. Family and friends greeted the latest arrivals, rejoicing to find them alive and well. Beckett had already headed for the infirmary, leaving Rodney, Sheppard, and Norina standing on one side of the control room while people flooded by.

"Now that we're back on Atlantis, there are several ancient devices I'd think you'll find very interesting," Rodney told Norina, his eyes roving over her in a very unscientific manner.

She was peering through the crowd, acknowledging familiar faces, and only half paying attention. "Thank you. I'm sure I will."

Sheppard flashed her his most charming smile. "Some of the views from the towers are breathtaking. I'd be happy to show you around once things settle down."

"I would enjoy that," she replied, still somewhat distracted. Suddenly her smile grew more luminous. "Seelene!" she shouted as she broke away from their group and ran toward one of the women in the crowd.

Rodney watched the two women hug. "Blondes must run in the family," he said approvingly as he admired Seelene's golden hair and sexy figure. Sheppard nodded in appreciative agreement. Both men's faces both took on a puzzled expression, though, as the two women kissed passionately before embracing again.

"Huh," said Rodney.

Sheppard crossed his arms in unconscious duplication of Rodney's posture as he tried to wrap his mind around the unexpected development. "Something tells me they're not sisters."

Norina brushed the back of her hand along Seelene's cheek and they kissed again.

Mouths slightly agape, the men continued to watch the couple's joyous reunion with unabashed fascination.

"Hot and steamy enough for you?" asked a voice behind them.

"Oh yeah. Ow!" said Rodney as Sheppard's elbow to the ribs finally succeeded in getting his undivided attention. It was only then he realized that Weir and Teyla had approached them unnoticed. "I'm sorry …um…" He squinted at them, trying to regain his bearings. "What?"

"I asked if it was hot enough for you," prompted Weir. She frowned in bemusement when she saw a look of panic on both men's faces. "You were trapped in an erupting volcano…"

"Oh! Yeah. The volcano was…um…hot," Sheppard agreed quickly. "Lots of lava."

"Lava turns water into steam," blathered Rodney. "So yes, it's hot and steamy here…there…well, um, that is to say it was…on Taranis, I mean…because of the volcano."

Weir raised an eyebrow at their disjointed replies. "Maybe you two had better let Carson check you out. I hear there was a lot of toxic gas."

Sheppard coughed unconvincingly into his hand a couple of times. "Good idea." Grabbing Rodney's arm, he gave the scientist a firm tug toward the doorway. Somewhat slower on the uptake, McKay took a couple of stumbling steps before he caught on and followed Sheppard's lead.

Weir turned back towards the two young women. They were standing side by side now, hands clasped, fingers entwined. Norina was talking animatedly to the chancellor, no doubt reporting the details of her adventure. Glancing over her shoulder at her men's quickly disappearing backs, she gave a tolerant but pitying shake of her head before shooting her companion a knowing look.

"Men," agreed Teyla.

END