IN THE CITY
Whoosh
"Welcome to Atlantis." Elizabeth looked over the seven new members of the expedition who had been beamed down, trying to locate John's sister. Her eye lit upon two figures to the left of the others, standing side by side. The redhead was tense as she scanned the steps holding the welcoming committee, but she relaxed and turned to whisper to the brunette standing next to her. Elizabeth sighed. She could only hope that those two were committed to someone because if they weren't then there would be fights among the marines, and possibly the scientists as well, over them.
A slightly chubby, sandy haired woman stepped forward, and turned blue eyes to Elizabeth. "Thank you for the warm welcome Doctor Weir, we are all glad to finally be here."
"It's our pleasure. These men will direct you to your new quarters, and will act as your guides for today. We will have a briefing later today, so I'll meet you all then. And once again welcome." She turned and walked back up to the control tower, where she was signaled that Colonel Sheppard and Rodney were returning.
"Make sure that they come directly here," she instructed, turning to head to her office. "And send a couple of marines to make sure Rodney gets here in one piece please." She added.
The airman nodded, and sent out the orders, only then did he give the puddle jumper clearance to land.
IN THE 'JUMPER BAY
"What is the meaning of this?" Halling asked, sounding outraged at the marines standing by the 'jumper ramp when it opened.
"Good question," John answered. "Marine?"
"Sir, we have orders to escort you and Doctor McKay directly to Doctor Weirs office. Halling and Jinto may come if they like, but no one is in trouble." One of the marines answered.
John immediately figured out what Elizabeth was up to. She was trying to protect his sister as long as she could. "Of course. Let's go McKay."
"But I have to…"
"You don't have to do anything. Let's go."
"But the lab…"
"The city's still floating so any explosions can't have been too bad. Let's go."
"But the new scientists…"
"Will still be there after Elizabeth's done with us." John grabbed Rodney's arm and began to drag him out of the bay toward the control tower offices.
"But they can't…"
"I have baby-sitters with them so they won't be near any of the labs, unless you're responsible for those culinary experiments turning up on our plates in the mess halls recently." John turned a corner, and pulled Rodney down a flight of stairs.
"Why would I have anything to do with that stuff they call food? And I really need to go! I need to try and talk sense into that scientist who says she's only here for voodoo medicine, she'll be wasted!"
The marines followed behind, hiding smiles at the loud protests.
Rodney continued to argue even as he was dragged into Weir's office.