Hey all! This chapter was dedicated to my Beta (Lyra) for her awesome victory over a project! It is also extra long in her honor ^^

Thank you to everyone who has subscribed for alerts and a BIG thank you to Moonlight83, SGA FAN, ladygris, and BMick who took the time to leave me a comment! They always make my day!

Warning: This chapter has HEAVY spoilers for the episode "Runner"

Enjoy!

Chapter 5

Ronon Dex was a big scary guy – and that fact hadn't changed even after he had learned to be somewhat social among other humans again. Being a Runner left him alone for the majority of seven years. Those he did meet along his way were in danger the longer they stayed with the Sateden, not to mention a danger to himself. Ronon had learned quickly that it was easier for everyone if he simply watched his own back. When he had met Sheppard and Teyla Ronon had explained that much to them.

Hope wasn't really the big man's style, especially after all he had been through. Still, the idea of not being on the run anymore was enough to make the Ronon pause. Maybe that was why, on that godforsaken planet, he had agreed to see their doctor friend. Still, even with that slight hope that he'd be free of his constant burden, Ronon had been less than pleasant towards the group of strangers. In fact he had been intimidating and bad tempered. He had stunned Teyla and Sheppard multiple times and vaguely remembered growling at Carson a few times as the man set up for the surgery.

However, beyond all reasons and ideas of self-preservation, Dr. Carson Beckett had not only agreed to help Ronon despite the shadowed circumstances – the impending threat of the Wraith showing up and Teyla being held hostage at gun point before and during the surgery – but began to order Ronon around with surprising authority the second he entered the scene. It was obvious the smaller man was afraid – even though Carson had done his best to hide it, Ronon had been able to sense the fear.

The doctor showed his inner bravery by saving the Runner. The act created a bond between the men, even if the doctor didn't realize it. Carson had given Ronon a new chance at life, and the Satedan owed Carson more than words or actions could express.

Most people would run away instead of trying to help him, and he'd been a Runner too long to not realize that a gun had been trained on his head the entire time the doctor was slicing into his back. John could have taken him out at any moment and left with his people safe and sound, but he didn't. It was Sheppard's honor that had captured Ronon's attention enough to join his team, but it was originally Carson's act that got him to stay. Not only had he vowed to find Ford, but also by saving his life he owed Carson a debt not easily repaid.

This – finding Rodney and dragging him to the infirmary – wouldn't even come close to clearing that debt. Since joining Atlantis, Carson had saved his life over and over again – not only his life, but also those of the people who quickly became Ronon's friends.

Ronon was quickly realizing he would probably never fully repay Carson for all he had done for him and Atlantis, however that didn't keep him form trying.

Rodney had given up on his equations. Like Radek had predicted, the formula had been a complete waste of time. It, along with several other projects Rodney had been working on when he had a super mind, were now too complicated and intricate for McKay to understand in a way that would be beneficial to him or Atlantis. It was very frustrating, but being alive was a decent enough consolation prize, though barely.

"McKay!" A loud, rough voice shattered the shield of solitude Rodney had built around himself in his empty lab. The physicist jumped out of his skin, knocking the plate of snacks he had gathered over, sending different items of food – including his beloved blue Jell-O – onto the floor.

"Ronon, ugh, look what you did!" He whined in a high-pitched, child like voice pointing an accusing finger at the Caveman's chest. McKay's arms began to flail around, signaling the start of what was sure to be a long-winded rant, stopped only when Ronon seized hold – none to gently – of his arm and forcefully began pulling him from the room.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" The whine turned to frustration mixed with annoyance in an instant as the scientific doctor struggled to free his arm while stumbling along, trying to keep his feet under him and match Ronon's quick, long-stridden pace. In the end Rodney found him self literally being dragged along. "Seriously, what the hell?"

Ronon growled, not bothering to slow his pace or even look at McKay as he spoke his simple three-worded response. "Carson needs you."

Rodney glared back at Ronon, still fumbling to match the giant's steps so he would have some control over his forward moving motion. Being dragged along like a rag doll was making his stomach queasy. In fact, Rodney was almost happy that they were headed for the infirmary. After this the physicist would need to calm the growing nausea, and probably something for the painful bruise 'Conon's' grip would leave on his arm later.

"Is this really necessary?" Rodney huffed as they continued their unyielding march down the corridors of Atlantis. Some people stopped and eyed the two as they staggered passed. Well, Rodney staggered, Ronon strolled. "You're cutting off the circulation in my arm! It's not like Carson's going anywhere, what's the rush – oh my God, Carson's dying isn't he?" And like someone had flipped a switch, Rodney went from annoyed and frustrated to concerned and panicked instantly. Instead of fighting Ronon he suddenly managed to get his feet righted correctly and surpassed Ronon's stride so he was actually the one leading the larger man to the infirmary.

Ronon made no attempt to correct McKay about Carson's condition – although the big man was pretty sure the good doctor was in no danger of immediate death. They were almost to their destination anyway. Besides, if it got McKay to shut his mouth and hurry up, it couldn't be all bad – at least in this situation.

The two men entered the infirmary and turned the corner, and when Carson came into view – sitting up and chatting with Dr. Nortan – Rodney glared at Ronon again, stopping in his tracks immediately. "You made it sound as if he had his two feet in his grave and Nortan was getting ready to close the casket! What kind of man are you? That's right you're not a man! You're a Neanderthal!" The physicist huffed, crossing his arms over his chest like a disgruntled teenager.

"Rodney!" The panic in Carson's voice distracted Rodney enough to leave mid-rant and hurry the last few steps to Carson's bedside. Even though Carson was sitting up and talking, McKay quickly realized something was still wrong with the man. Beckett's skin was ghostly pale and beads of salty sweat were evident on his forehead. Even his breathing was off, too rapid and uneven, like he was having some sort of panic attack – one that had obviously gotten worse since Rodney's arrival.

The panic was clear in Carson's blue eyes as he stared up at Rodney, moving to get up as he spoke, only to be held down by Ronon who immediately appeared at Dr. Nortan's side. "Och, Ronon, I need to check the man out!" Carson complained in a growl of frustration, but managed to pull Rodney closer to inspect him. "Lad, are you alright? Yer suffering no ill effects from whatever that thing did ta ya?"

At the same time as Carson checked Rodney's vitals, Olivia was checking on Carson. "His heart rate is getting too fast," she muttered to herself more than to the boys. Shaking her head finally, she ducked away from the bed for a moment, coming back with a syringe filled with clear liquid.

"What's wrong with him?" Rodney squeaked, shocked at the sight of the needle.

Carson turned his eyes to her as well and glared, "And what exactly do you think yer gonnea doing with that?" The distressed Scotsman demanded, wondering why they were all fussing about him when Rodney was the one dying moments ago. Well, hours ago, Carson realized when he added the time he had been unconscious together.

Not wanting to cause Carson anymore unnecessary fear, Olivia set the needle aside on a conveniently placed medical tray table, though keeping it well within reach. "Carson, it's only a mild sedative, it won't even put you to sleep. However, your heart is beating too fast and if you don't calm down on your own – " she shook her head again, barely containing her own growing panic, "you're heart is going to arrest from the strain."

Carson's breathing was coming in panting hiccups by that point, and he knew she was right. He was just so panicked, which didn't make any sense since he had confirmed that Rodney was fine with his own eyes. "I'm s-sorry lass, just-just give me a-a minute." Carson shook his head, visibly concentrating on taking slower, deeper breaths to slow his speeding heart rate. The minute passed and it was clear to everyone watching on with concern that Carson was unable to make a difference as the panic raged through him; reluctantly Beckett finally nodded to Olivia, signaling his consent for the drug to be injected into his IV port.

It took longer than any of them wanted for the drug to kick in, but eventually the strains afflicting Carson started to ebb away until he was breathing evenly once again, laying heavily back against the bed.

"Thanks, lass." Beckett breathed out, closing his eyes as he spoke the words but opening them up again to glance at Rodney.

Rodney stared back at his best friend, eyes still wide from what he had just witnessed. "Are you sure yer alright, Rodney?" Carson asked again. Even though he could see Rodney was fine, something inside of him still kept telling him – no, demanding – that he throw the man on a gurney and take him down to the room that had started this entire mess.

"I'm fine," Rodney promised sincerely, though his voice squeaked from his own rollercoaster of anxiety. "Are you okay?"

At his friend's rushed question Carson closed his eyes again and slowly shook his head, "I don't believe I am." He admitted honestly, "My mind is still racing, och, I feel rather dizzy love." Beckett switched the person his words were directed to quickly, turning his head towards the younger doctor.

"I'll give you something for that," Olivia promised, patting Carson's arm lightly. "Are there any other symptoms?"

"My head is pounding," Carson replied easily, then paused before adding, "And I'm a wee bit queasy." A tickle at his nose brought Carson's hand up to rub it, red liquid staining his fingers as he pulled them away. "Olivia," Carson paled further, looking from his own blood up into the young woman's deep green eyes. "What's happenin ta me?"

Cliff Hanger!

More will come soon!

Also, tonight's weather is frightening. I have several friends that live in the paths of the storms and I wish them and you all safety.

- Strawberrywaltz