Chapter 4
Back on Atlantis Rodney's temperature had risen to 105 and was showing no signs of subsidence. She changed the IV bag again and just watched over Rodney. The restraints were still in place, for every time the sedation had worn off completely Rodney had gone back into a panic and she feared he would do more damage to himself. As Dr Sheila Jacobs was about to leave the monitors began to beep erratically and Rodney started to convulse. The seizure caused his whole body to shudder and the restraints barely held him in place. Sheila managed to call out for assistance and two soldiers help her to keep him still. Rodney's body slowly stopped convulsing and sweat soaked the bed as if it were a sponge. Dr Jacobs was aware this might have been caused by a hypoglycaemia reaction due to Rodney being in a sedated state but she still wished she had the CMO's opinion.
Carson woke suddenly as the plane landed and he called out automatically for Rodney. He glanced next to him to see Daniel Jackson looking concerned for the doctor. "I'm alright thank you," he reassured him, "I just had a bad feeling that Rodney's condition had deteriorated, but I couldn't help." He shook his head slowly and looked out of the window. "After all this I thought I would want to stay away."
"Funny what love does to us," Daniel replied quietly.
When Carson finally arrived at Stargate Command he barely spoke to anyone, even Major General Landry; he waited in the gate room until the gate was dialled and then he gave just a small wave to Daniel as he stepped through the gate. On the other side Elizabeth Weir was waiting and her smile was obviously trying to hide the sadness she was holding back.
"Welcome back Carson, I'm sorry your break wasn't longer."
"Aye, I better go see him." As he went to walk past her, Elizabeth laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Carson just be aware you may not like what you will see," she said quietly. "Rodney has become a threat to himself." Carson could only nod as he walked quickly on towards the infirmary. He was just outside when he met Sheila Jacobs. He was surprised at how pale her face was. He carried on without a word into the small separated room where he found Rodney restrained. Both his arms and legs were strapped to the each side of the bed and a small tube with a nosepiece hung around just below the nose. Carson stared at the monitors and read the charts; the notes had been thorough.
Carson placed a cool hand below Rodney's cheek, who whimpered slightly at the touch, but he was still heavily sedated. Carson called into the main infirmary,
"Sheila, stop the sedatives and give him something to reverse it; I think it may have caused him to have that seizure because he isn't eating. Also a bowl of water and a towel, please. I'm gonna be here a while," he added quietly.
Carson rolled his sleeves up and began to undress the scientists. He saw beads of sweat clinging to Rodney's body like morning dew on blades of grass. Quickly Sheila returned with the items Carson had requested and left the two in peace. Carson injected the reversal drug in to the IV bag and hoped it would take effect soon. He began to wash the man's chest and arms and he smiled as soft noises came from the drowsy scientist.
Rodney's eyes fluttered open to see a figure bathing him; he whispered, "Hmmm who are you?"
"There Rodney don't ya worry. It's just me, Carson."
"Carson? You're back, you came back for me I… I didn't mean to scare…."
"Hush Rodney you need to sleep and you need food. I'll be here in the morning to sort everything out but you still need to get over this fever."
"Carson don't go," Rodney pleaded weakly, "I can't let you go again." He tried to struggle against the restraints and his eyes bulged when the feeling of being unable to move had registered. "Carson, please, let me out, I need these off."
"SSShhhhh love, I will, as long as you promise not to hurt yourself?"
"Okay," Rodney agreed quickly and Carson began to unbuckle the straps. Finally Rodney was free and he held onto Carson's hand. Carson lowered the sides and climbed on the bed next to him and whispered into his ear; "I love you, but you need to get rid of this fever. Will you do that for me? Fight my love, fight for us. I'm sorry Rodney."
Carson closed his eyes and slightly snuggled into the scientist though still giving him some distance to fidget. The familiar smell of antiseptic filled his lungs. He looked at Rodney who now seemed to be sleeping peacefully. They still had their problems to overcome but Carson knew somehow that together they could overcome anything, be it marriage, fever or whatever the Pegasus galaxy decided to throw at them. He smiled to himself as he could smell the scent of Amber that Teyla used while meditating above the hospital smells.
He was in fact home at last.