Just a short chap... more on its way.

oOo

"Major Lorne? Can ye open yer eyes for me?"

"I need to know you can hear me, Major. Open your eyes."

oOo

"Open your eyes."

Four syllables; three words; an order... directed at him, he was sure of that. He was also sure it was Beckett speaking. He still felt a hand in Teyla's warm grasp and it was comforting. Whatever the words meant he ought to respond, let them know he wasn't out for the count yet.

His mouth was dry, tasted like old blood and antiseptic, but he managed a few words.

"Good... to be back, doc...", and he opened stinging eyes to bright light and indistinct shapes.

More words came back at him then, tumbling into his consciousness, but meaning little.

Raising his free hand to his head he had just enough time to detect bandages and a flare of sharp throbbing pain, before his hand was caught by a blurry shape at his right, and redirected to lie back at his side.

It was Dr Beckett, standing by the bed, smiling down at him, still holding his wrist loosely. The doctor spoke several words, then patted his hand. Evan saw him glance across the bed and nod slightly, continuing to speak. Lorne dragged his head around to the right and the face of Colonel Sheppard loomed up. He, too, was speaking, a grin on his face. Beyond him, seated on the bed was Teyla, looking as serene as ever.

Evan felt his brow wrinkle; how was it he could hear them but couldn't understand them?

He'd been injured, knocked out maybe, but he was recovering; he knew the people around him; remembered his own name; knew that this was the infirmary of Atlantis and that his Mother's name was Evelyn.

The first tendrils of fear tugged at him as he slowly realised that whatever had happened to him, it was affecting his mind.

His heart picked up its pace, beeping out its alarmed rhythm on the monitor. His eyes darted back and forth, his breathing rough.

Beckett had lost his smile and was now frowning at him, worriedly. The physician looked questioningly at him and then bent to snap his fingers first next to his left ear and then next to his right.

So, Beckett thinks I'm deaf?

Evan waggled his head, no.

"Can.. hear you. Don'... un'stand... you.", he explained slowly.

Beckett's expression froze for a split second and then seemed to soften slightly, and he locked his eyes with Evan's and nodded reassuringly. Evan watched as the doctor brought a finger to his lips and breathed a shushing sound. He placed his hands together palm to palm, tilting his head. Then he laid his hands beneath his right ear, closing his eyes for a moment, and pointing a finger in his patient's direction.

He said just one word and although Evan did not recognise it, he knew its meaning; rest, sleep, take it easy, don't worry.

And so, as Beckett stood back, an empty syringe in his hand, Evan Lorne slept.

oOo

"It's not uncommon to have some delay in perception. I think he will improve, and we should all be ready to support him through this."

Beckett had brought them all to a quiet corner of the infirmary, away from the sleeping major. Rodney had joined them, along with Ronon, who had obviously come straight from the gym. Rodney sniffed and made a face as the Satedan came to slouch next to him, arms folded. McKay was nursing an empty coffee cup, and looked dejected.

"But he can speak, Carson, and he is making good sense", said Teyla, sounding tired and worried.

"Aye, love, but they're actually two very different skills, governed by different parts of the brain.", explained the doctor.

Rodney had crept up behind Beckett as he spoke, and was now quietly filling his coffee cup from Carson's jug.

"Is there anything we can do to help?", Sheppard asked, giving Rodney a disapproving glare.

"Well, you could talk to him... read to him. Although, really, the brain will heal in its own good time anyway."

Sheppard looked around at his assembled team and gave a tired but satisfied grin.

"We can do that... can't we?"

And there were nods from everyone. Carson smiled and turned to go, but he had a parting comment for the scientist, who was gulping loudly, nose in his coffee cup.

"..and bring your own coffee next time, Dr McKay."

oOo

I'm not a neuro-surgeon... can you tell? Hope it doesn't detract too much!