"Secrets and Challenges"

Ch. 44

(Atlantis, Gate Room)

John's team came in hot. Wraith blast's coming from everywhere. One of the stray blasts hit Elizabeth.

"Activate the shield!" Stacey ordered.

The shield went up and then the Stargate shut down. Stacey turned to the medical team and told them:

"Let's get them to the Infirmary,"

(Infirmary)

Elizabeth, Ford and Rodney were hit by the Stunners. Stacey paced back and forth at the foot of Weir's bed, thinking hard. Elizabeth was hit full blast of the Stunner. Which causes minor brain damage and numbness through out her entire body. She would be in the Infirmary for several days at best.

Stacey healed the brain damage easily. But, Elizabeth would need several days to rest, either way. They would need someone to be in charge of the city until Weir would be back on her feet once more. Stacey decided to have an emergency meeting in the Infirmary with all of the Senior Staff. She was about to call them when she heard a faint yet familiar voice.

"Stacey,"

They turned to find Elizabeth awake. Stacey went to her.

"You need to rest," she told her.

"I will. Trust me. I'm looking forward to the rest," Dr. Weir told her. "I want you to be in charge of Atlantis while I'm here."

"Really?" Stacey was rather taken aback, but tried not to show it. "Why?"

"You are most qualified for the job. You know what needs to be done," Weir took in a deep breathe. "Good luck."

She closed her eyes and went back to sleep. Stacey turned to her radio, city-wide.

"This is Dr. Grayson. As of right now, I will be in command of Atlantis while Dr. Weir is in the Infirmary. All problems or new discoveries will be reported to me. My temporary command will not change how the city is run," she took in a deep breathe. "And to clarify, Dr. Weir gave me command herself. Anybody who feels I shouldn't be, you're going to have to deal with it. Dr. Grayson out."

(Weir's Office)

It was a little strange to be city in Elizabeth's seat. Stacey sat with her head on her hands. She had just gone through three Mission Briefings and Cavanaugh arguing about her newly, temporary command. John stepped into the room, holding Adam in his arms.

"Somebody misses you," John said, giving the baby to Stacey.

Stacey happily took him. She sat the baby on her knee and began to play with him.

"How's your day been?" John asked conversationally.

"Not too bad," Stacey bounced Adam on her knee. "Can I send Cavanaugh to some deserted planet?" she said with a sigh.

John gave a laugh. "You can do anything you want. And you'd be doing Atlantis a favor."

Stacey gave it some thought. "Naw, I better not. Yet."

"You wanted to see me about something?" he asked.

"Yes. I'm having your team being on Stand Down until Liz is back on her feet. I need you to take care of Adam," She told him, kissing the baby. "Time for you nap, Baby Cakes," she told the infant. Stacey than turned to her husband, "There are fresh bottles in the Commissary Fridge."

Stacey got up and gave the baby to John. John took him and kissed her lightly.

"Dinner in a few hours?" he asked her. She nodded. "Don't work too hard now."

"Right," Stacey sat back down and began going through the afternoon's schedule. "Oh, look, two more Briefings," she said dully to herself. "Yay."

To be continued . . .

(A/N: Okay, that took forever! Sorry about that. Stupid Writers Block and Real Life getting in the way. grumble grumble)