Radek Zelenka, Kate Heightmeyer, Ronan Dex and Major Lorne watched as the hatch to the Daedalus was lowered, within seconds JJ Sheppard and Lauryn McKay were speeding from the large ship they'd been prisoner on for the past eighteen days. Lauryn instantly spotted her target and seconds later she was being hoisted into the Runner's strong tanned arms, proving he had a softer side, as he hugged the child in return.

John and Teyla were the next to exit the large ship, looking well rested but pleased to be home. John grinned at his friends, "JJ, don't go too far." He called before moving over to Ronan and greeting the man.

Behind Sheppard came Colonel Samantha Carter and Vala, Dr. Daniel Jackson. Daniel didn't look too thrilled as Vala trailed by his side with a wide grin on her face. "Perfect spot for a honeymoon," Vala determined, causing Daniel to throw his hands in the air as he rolled his eyes.

Next came Rodney and Elizabeth, looking better than they had in months, rested, and prepared to take over their city again. "Dr. Weir," Kate greeted her friend with a hug.

"Radek, I trust you kept the place in one piece?" Rodney greeted his friend.

"Of course Rodney."

"Good, Ronan, gimme my kid," reaching out Rodney took the precious cargo from his teammate and shook his head, "Come on Radek, we'll go over the reports."

Finally Carson and Laura descended the ramp to the ship, grinning as wide as they could. Kate instantly began to clap and cheer, followed by the others who stood on the pier.

"Thanks," Carson said smiling, "Its good to be home," his eyes trailing to his future wife.

"Yes, yes it is," she agreed squeezing Carson's hand.

"Carson and Laura seem very happy," Elizabeth spoke as she began to put her stuff away.

"They should be, they just had the first part of a honeymoon," mumbled Rodney.

"It would be nice to spend one night alone without Lauryn…you know just you and me…"

Rodney eyed his girlfriend and shrugged, "Liz, we're together all the time…we just spent the past eighteen days…"

"Rodney, I want to go on a date," she finally spat, stunned that even after nearly three and a half years he was oblivious to women and their hints.

"Oh…uh…" he smiled meekly and nodded, "I'm sure that could be arranged," he said turning just in time to eye her with a wicked grin.

Elizabeth shook her head, but was surprised when she felt him slip his arms around her waist, "I love you," he whispered pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"I know you do…so do I," she replied as she turned around in his arms, she leaned her head against his forehead and smiled, "I love you too."

"But why do I have to baby sit?" whined the eight year old boy glaring at his father.

John sighed again, returning the stare of contempt, "Because you're a big boy now. Look it's easy, she needs to be asleep by nine and you need to be in bed by ten. It's just so that we…the adults can go out and relax for a night."

"Dad…she's a baby…"

"Wow, you are smart," John chastised, "Jay, behave and I'll owe you big for this one. However, parents need a break once in awhile too, you wouldn't believe the crap I have to put up with when it comes to my kid… We just spent eighteen days on a space ship…we'd like a break."

"May I add that I just spent most of those eighteen days traveling with Lauryn! What if I want a break?"

"You don't get a break kid, life isn't fair, I'm sorry…if you'd prefer I can pay her for baby sitting you."

"Dad, seriously I don't want to baby sit, why can't she just sleep in her room, I'll stay here."

John groaned and knelt down in front of his son, hands on the boy's shoulders, "Look Jay, you're baby sitting and that's the end of this discussion. If you keep pressing this issue you're going to find yourself in bed a little earlier than normal and a few less rights. Clear?"

"Fine," mumbled JJ as he collapsed on the couch; heaving a huge sigh as though the entire world were against him.

"And do your home work," John called as he moved into the bathroom.

"Slave driver."

"Keep it up Jonathan Joseph and found out what a slave driver I can really be," he threatened.

"Oooh the whole name," with that JJ slammed the door to his bedroom.

John shook his head as he stared at bedroom door. He'd known this wouldn't be easy; if the kid was anything like his father he'd be a hell raiser. Of course, JJ was exactly like him, it made perfect sense that he'd drive his father up the wall…karma.

There was a knock on the door, drawing John away from the bathroom as he moved to answer it, "Jay, front and center now!" John called losing his temper rapidly with the boy. He opened the door to their quarters and smiled at Elizabeth who looked to simply be radiating with excitement. "I'm just about to leave, where are you guys headed to?"

"Rodney picked out his favorite balcony on the South east pier…"

"Good, sounds like we're all going somewhere different. Hey Lauryn, you be real good for JJ okay," John said kneeling down in front of his niece.

"Kay Uncle John," the girl said holding up her thumb.

"Hi JJ," Elizabeth called as the boy appeared.

"Hi," he muttered as he looked at the toddler who looked bright eyed and bushy tailed.

"Be good Lauryn, we'll swing by before midnight and pick her up," Elizabeth offered.

"That's fine, have a good date," grinned John as he bid a goodbye to his superior and friend.

Quickly finishing up a few more things, John opened the door again and looked back at his son, who now sat occupying the couch as Lauryn colored in a book Rodney had bought back on earth. "Be good. I'll be back later tonight, don't leave this room buddy."

"Yeah," mumbled JJ.

"Love you too," grumbled John.

JJ stared miserably an hour later at the toddler, she'd been coloring for the entire hour she had been here so far. He was going crazy rapidly as he watched her. She was perfect, she was probably a better colorer than his dad. She was in the lines and everything.

"Lauryn, it's bed time," JJ lied as he decided he'd had enough of watching a two year old color.

"No," she stated simply and she shook her head.

"Yes, Lauryn I'm in charge and I say it's time for bed," he wasn't being fair, not by a long shot, but he was dying of boredom and he didn't want to be stuck with baby sitting her, a minute more.

"No time!" she cried as pointed to the nearest close, which clearly read twenty till nine.

JJ's eyes went wide, "You really are Uncle Rodney's kid. Look Lauryn please just this once will you go to bed early for me," he whined as he met her at eye level.

"Pay hide an' seek?"

"Lauryn…" he whined.

She cried out again at him,stomping her foot,"PAY!"

"Okay!" he yelled back, taking a deep breath he stepped away, "I'll play one game of hide and seek with you, but that's it."

"YAY!" she cheered. "Cwose eyes!" she quickly demanded.

JJ sighed, closing his eyes he slowly began to count, peeking every few seconds to see where she was going. He was stunned when she closed her eyes and suddenly the door between their quarters and the hallway flew open.

He couldn't move or speak before catching sight of her running out of the room as fast as she could. He felt his heart stop and his stomach jump, "You have got to be kidding me," he hissed. "Lauryn!" he yelled quickly running after her.

One would assume that an eight year old boy was faster than a two year old girl, however JJ was quickly discovering otherwise. She'd flat out disappeared less than ten minutes ago and suddenly he found himself unsure if she was even down the same corridor as him.

"Dad's gonna kill me…then Uncle Rodney's gonna kill me…then Aunt Elizabeth is gonna exile me…I'm so dead," he whimpered. "Lauryn! Come on, this isn't funny anymore!" JJ called out to his cousin.

He could just visualize the looks on his father and uncle's face when he told them the truth 'well ya see I closed my eyes because she wanted to play hide and seek…' JJ rolled his eyes at the mere thought of the anger that would be written all over their faces, "I bet this never happens to Uncle Rodney."

Continuing his one sided conversation as he stalked down the hallway he didn't notice the little form sitting in the darkness of a doorway. However he did hear the giggle, he turned around just in time to see her running off again.

His father would have cheered if he'd seen his son's dive. JJ lunged towards the transporter the child was headed for just in time to pull himself into a roll and avoid being taken out by the doors. He landed on his back, eyes looking up at his young cousin as she grinned before the white light transported them somewhere completely different in Atlantis.

"I better be getting paid good money for this," he groaned as he let his head drop back to the floor.

"So I've been thinking…" Rodney began as he and Elizabeth shared their spaghetti dinner, a bottle of champagne and the candle light as the night began to settle over Atlantis.

"Oh this can't be good," she replied chuckling.

"Be nice," he returned, "Anyway I've been thinking…with Carson and Laura planning their weddings…and us no doubt far behind, I thought it would be fun to discuss what we want for a wedding…here or on earth, all that stuff."

"You know Rodney…sweetheart, most men propose before they discuss their weddings."

"All in due time my love, all in due time. Seriously though Liz, would you want a big wedding, small wedding, one on earth?"

"You know what…in all honesty I don't really care, I want to be happy and I want to be with you. I don't have any family left on earth but Will…and he's generally too busy…I would love to have a wedding on a balcony in Atlantis…a nice white dress…just simple…have Carson or John as the best man, Teyla would be my maid of honor, have one of the priests on the mainland wed us."

"Good, because that's what I'd like as well."

"I've been doing a little of my own thinking…and I want another child…"

"Uh Liz…I thought we agreed we were going to get married before we had anymore kids…"

"We are, but…well Lauryn is growing so fast, and I realize she's more yours than mine since you're her adopted father but…I want another baby…I just remember holding her when she was so little, and before we know it she'll be three…and then she'll be five…and then ten…"

"Whoa…okay first off she's barley two, so lets not get her to ten yet, her dear old dad isn't ready to face the teenage years anytime soon. Second off, we just got the kid outta diapers…I'm not ready for another kid…not yet."

"Well I don't want one tomorrow, we get married in a year maybe two…and we'll have a kid nine months later, by that time she'll be five, it would be perfect."

"How many munchkins did you want?"

"Rodney, I'm being serious," Elizabeth whined.

"So was I…look I promise you'll we'll be married within two years, but are you really sure about three kids, and especially right after we've gotten married…I always wanted to wait a year or two after getting married then start making little McKay Jr.s."

"Rodney most women don't pop kids out after their forties as easily as they do in their twenties and thirties."

"You're not going to be forty for another four years…"

"Rodney."

"Okay, I'll make you a deal, we'll be married within the year, as promised, give me six months to at least get acclimated to being married…then we'll discuss children again, if we both agree we're ready…we'll take a shot."

"Okay…so does this mean I can expect a ring soon?"

"Gettin' antsy aren't we," Rodney chided, "Don't worry, sooner than you think. I just want it to be a surprise."

"I'm sorry Rodney…we've just been together for so long, it seems like it'll never happen."

"Oh, I wouldn't worry, it'll happen, before you know it, now…how about a dance?" Rodney stood up and held out his hand, pulling her into the middle of the balcony and close.

"So romantic…I love you Rodney," she whispered…they were words they said so frequently now, but at one point they'd been the hardest words she'd ever said to anyone.

"I love you too," he replied as he pressed a kiss to her lips.

"Okay, Lauryn, listen to me," JJ said holding the girl by the shoulders, "Stop thinking."

Lauryn's blue eyes were wide with that JJ could only assume was wonder and excitement. He shook his head, no one ever told him the important stuff. Barely four-seven JJ could scarcely reach the control panel for the transporters, where ever they had transported to…they were officially stuck there until someone found them or until he found stairs.

"JJ mad?"

"Uh…JJ's a little frustrated right now, yes," JJ replied in the most adult tone he could muster. Frustrated was putting it lightly, he wanted nothing more in the world than to scream, yell and pitch a fit. He looked down at his young cousin and wasn't surprised to see her lower lip jut out and begin to shake, "No…no…" JJ didn't get a third 'no' out before she started to squall like the two year old she was. "That's it!" he hissed, "I'm never babysitting again!"

The two stood in a face off, the two year old screaming and crying, and the eight year old only seconds away from breaking down as well.

Night had fully set upon Atlantis, JJ could only assume it was nearing nine-thirty or ten, since they'd obviously left before nine. Taking a deep breath he quickly tried to control his rampaging emotions and figure out what he needed to do. He quickly looked around, he had no idea where they were…Lauryn probably didn't know any better than he did. She'd just thought something, and boom that's where they appeared.

He didn't know any way to contact his father…and he wasn't really in the mood to get a major dressing down at the moment, so there was no chance of that. He took another deep breath and suddenly remember what he'd learned in boy scouts and from his dad, 'when you're lost, stay put, someone will find you.'

"Lauryn, stop!" JJ yelled.

Instantly the crying stopped, the tears disappeared and sniffles took their place. Two blood shot blue eyes looked up at him and she held out her arms. "You can stand on your own two feet, thank you very much," he replied. "Look Lauryn, we're lost okay, so unless you know how to get back to daddy…we're going to have to wait here until someone comes and finds us."

"Mommy!" cheered the girl.

"No, Lauryn, I'm not kidding around, we're stuck here until someone finds us…now I need you to be a big girl and sit down here beside me. No more running around, we have to sit down and cool out for awhile…okay?"

He waited, and was pleased when she nodded solemnly. "Good girl, now…come here," JJ patted the floor as he sat down and waited for her to take a seat beside him. "It's gonna be fine, our dads' will find us…hopefully," he mumbled.

John sighed as he opened the door to his quarters, after bidding Teyla a wonderful evening he had ever intention of taking a nice cold shower to melt away his frustrations. Unlike Rodney and Carson, John wasn't quite as ready to let go of bachelordom. He loved being a bachelor for all it was worth…course he'd already been married once.

He turned the corner towards his room and stopped short, surprised and a little worried to see the door to his quarters were wide open. He broke into a sprint, get skidded into his quarters and took a look around. It was just before eleven, and the way JJ had been acting earlier, John was fairly sure the boy wouldn't be in bed yet.

He peeked into the bedrooms only to find his assumption correct, neither child was present in the room…or in the quarters for that matter. "Oh this can't be good," he mumbled.

He reached over the couch and swiped his ear piece from the side table, "Lorne," he beckoned.

"Yes sir," came a quick response.

"Have you seen JJ or Lauryn around this evening?"

"No sir…I thought they would be with you or in your quarters."

"Uh…their neither actually…could you contact Ronan and Teyla for me please…I'm going to round up the rest of the crew…we've got two missing persons on our hands…and they're both under the age of ten."

"Yes sir!"

John took a deep breath, trying to slow his suddenly speeding heart down, "JJ, where the hell are you," he mumbled. Tapping his ear piece again he paused, "Rodney…Liz…."

The likelihood of any of the couples having their head sets on was probably slim to none, however he was hoping for the best at this point. "Rod…Liz…Carson…Lieutenant Cadman come in," he called again over his head set and waited.

"Lieutenant Cadman here, what's wrong Colonel," came an answer at last.

John raised an eyebrow, "Lieutenant…why do you have your ear piece with you?" He could just see Carson and Laura rolling their eyes.

"We just got back from our date, what's wrong Colonel?" she asked again.

"Sorry…uh, we've got a minor problem Lieutenant, it seems that we're missing…a couple of people…"

"Sir?"

"Just report to the briefing room…we've got a serious problem."

"We'll be right there sir," Laura replied.

"JJ…" whispered Lauryn from the floor beside him.

"What?" he grumbled, still trying to figure out how they were going to get out of this.

"I'm code," she whimpered looking up at her cousin.

JJ sighed and reached over, lifting her into his arms, he pulled his legs close again, enveloping her in his warm embrace. "Try to get some sleep Lauryn…our parents will be here before we know it."

"Love JJ," she whispered as she closed her eyes and dozed off as soon as her head hit his chest.

JJ looked down at her and smiled; he suddenly felt guilty for yelling at her, and making her cry. She looked up to him, she was always following him and trying to be like him: he had done the same thing with Lisa when he'd been her age, always following his older sister around. JJ hugged her closer, it felt good to have someone look up to him, want to be just like him, "I love you too kid," he whispered in return.

"Are you telling me that our children are missing and you have no way of detecting them?" yelled John as he glared at the Canadian technician.

The younger man grimaced slightly, "Sir, I can't explain it, they're not giving off the slightest signal…"

"Where's my DAUGHTER?" growled Rodney as he barged into the control room, Elizabeth followed him looking frantic and worried.

John looked at his brother, suddenly unsure who the anger was directed at but he took a deep breath, "Look Rodney, I came back to my room and neither of our kids were there…"

"We can't find her sir…she's not on any of the radar, neither is Colonel Sheppard's son…"

"Well you'd better start looking!" hissed Rodney.

"Where's Ronan…" Elizabeth said suddenly.

"He's already searching Liz, I told him to get back to us as soon as he found them…we'll find them," John offered.

"Forgive me if I'm not reassured at the moment," she whispered.

Rodney slid an arm around her shoulders supportively, "We have to find her…"

"We will…Put me on city wide," John said suddenly. He waited, allowing the tech to switch quickly. "Lauryn, Jay, if you two can hear me…stay put guys, we'll come to you okay," he called to them, praying they heard him.

"JJ," Lauryn whispered again from her curled position in his arms, "You mad?"

He weighed his response, he was scared, and he couldn't deny that he was annoyed…but he wasn't angry, at least not at her. "No," he replied looking down at those big blue eyes, "This wasn't your fault Lauryn…you're just a baby," he replied softly.

"I scared," she whimpered.

Drawing her closer he smiled sadly, "Don't be scared Lauryn, you stick with Cousin JJ and you'll always be safe," he murmured, cuddling her closer.

"Lauryn, Jay, if you two can hear me…stay put guys, we'll come to you okay," JJ smiled at the sound of his father's voice over the system, it helped the sudden anxiety he felt towards being lost.

"Trust me dad…I have no intention of going anywhere anytime soon," he replied softly as he leaned his head against the wall. The planet's moon was beginning to cast an eerie glow in the empty hallway. He groaned as a chill began to settle on him, his young imagination beginning to create terrorizing thoughts as shadows moved.

"Dad's gonna kill me," whimpered JJ as he pulled his legs in tighter, curling further around the frail body in his grasp. He had to protect her, above all else, he had to protect her.

"Sir I really need you to calm…."

"Calm down?" hollered Rodney as he glared at Major Lorne, "My two year old is stuck in a city bigger than New York!"

"Who knows what could be out there," continued John, he was terrified. Had JJ gotten their message? Was he hurt or separated from Lauryn…was he near the water…was he okay?

"John," Teyla's voice interrupted John from his further advance on Major Lorne.

"What?" Growled both men.

She took a deep breath, then continued. "We have searched the quarters, and many hallways near you…we've had no success."

"Could they have used a transporter?" Lorne asked from where he sat in front of the city schematics they had pulled up nearly two hours ago.

"No…Jay isn't tall enough to reach it yet…besides he only knows where one is, and he doesn't have a clue where the stairs are," John replied crossing his arms in front of his chest.

Elizabeth lowered her face into her hands, "We need to search everywhere in the city…" she mumbled.

"Dr. Weir…this place is huge…" began Lorne.

Her hands suddenly hit the desk with a resounding smack, "I'm aware of that Major!" her tone sharp with fury, "What dumbfounds me is you're wasting valuable time telling me that…while our children's lives are at stake! That's my daughter and we WILL find her!"

The room was silent, Major Lorne sighed as he looked down at his feet, "Yes ma'am," he replied finally.

Rodney felt his heart thumping in his chest as e ran, yet another, scan of the city. They were trying to comb every inch, but there was so much to search. Taking a deep shuddering breath, to calm his nerves, he closed his eyes and focused on the task at hand. Teyla, Lorne, four other AR teams, Ronan and Cadman were all out looking, leaving Elizabeth, John, Carson and Rodney to wait for any news.

'Daddy' Rodney's eyes shot open. Had he imagined her small voice simply out of worry and fear. Casting a quick glance around, his eyes fell on Elizabeth. She sat in her office looking at a picture John had taken of their small family. Lauryn was her little girl too, there was no question how deeply Elizabeth loved Lauryn.

Elizabeth chose that moment to look up, catching his glance. She must have noticed his flustered glance because her eyebrow rose in questioning.

Taking another deep breath Rodney closed his eyes and refocused on Lauryn again, 'Lauryn…it's daddy…are you all right?'

'Daddy?'

'Honey…are you with JJ? Are you both all right? Yes or no angel?'

'Yes…want momma,' came the shaky voice in return in his head.

'I know angel…Lauryn do you or JJ know where you are?'

'Uh uh…'

'Lauryn….do you see anything near you? That could help us find you?'

Rodney jumped when he felt a hand fall against his shoulder. He looked up into Elizabeth's blood shot eyes, "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

"There's…a very distinct possibility that our daughter…is telepathic…and I mean that in the utmost seriousness."

"What happened?"

"Uh…I…I just closed my eyes and suddenly I heard her…she says they're fine…and together."

Elizabeth eyed her scientist in doubt, "Are you sure?"

"Uh…sort of…it's worth the try Liz…unless you've got other plans. We know Lauryn has special abilities…I knew before hand she could possible read minds…apparently she can do more than that."

"Do they know where they are?"

"She's only two…she doesn't know this place that well. However, I might be able to keep a connection with her…while Radek runs another scan of the city…kind of the same way you'd trace a phone call. Maybe she'll give off some type of signal."

"You're stretching it don't you think?"

"Liz…it's worth the try," he repeated.

Hope shone in her eyes, "Do it," she ordered quickly with a nod.

Closing his eyes again he waited, 'Lauryn…are you there sweetheart?'

'Where you go?'

'I'm here now baby…are you safe?'

'Want momma,' Her mind must have faltered for a moment, Rodney could tell she was getting sleepy, he took another breath, 'I know you do sweetie…mommy and I are going to try and get to you as soon as we can…I need you to stay with me a little longer.'

"We've got a signal!" cheered John snapping Rodney from the conversation abruptly. "They're two floors down from the quarters….just out side one of the old labs."

"Let's go!" Rodney said pushing away from his chair and running for the nearest transporter, "Cadman, Teyla, meet us two floors down from our quarters, we think we've got 'em!"

The parents, Teyla, Carson and Cadman rushed into the hallway, "Lauryn?"

"JAY?" John and Rodney yelled at the same time.

"Dad!" cried JJ as they came into sight.

"MOMMY!" cried Lauryn as she tore out of JJ's arms. Elizabeth cried in relief as she caught the toddler and latched onto her as tightly as she could without suffocating the baby. "Oh honey, don't ever scare mommy and daddy like that again," whimpered Elizabeth as she hugged the stuffing out of her daughter.

Lauryn clutched at her mommy with equal gusto, crying on her shoulder. She buried her head in Elizabeth's shoulder. Elizabeth completely enveloped the child in her arms, whispering to her that she was safe.

JJ ran to his father, who immediately swept him into his arms and pressed a kiss to the boy's cheek, "Don't you EVER do that to me again," huffed John as he hugged his son as well.

"I'm sorry dad," whimpered JJ as he clung to John's neck. He sighed, relieved that he was safe again in strong familiar arms. Wrapping his legs around his father's waist, he decided he didn't want to walk the distance back to their quarters; he'd take the opportunity to catch a much needed ride.

Lauryn clung to Elizabeth a few more minutes, until she turned her head and saw Rodney standing near by. She reached out to him, pleased when he scooped her into his arms. "You're amazing angel," he whispered pressing a kiss to her nose.

"Love daddy."

"I love you too sweetheart."

Two sets of content and relieved parents made their way back to the assigned quarters with sleepy children and smiles on their faces. Elizabeth watched as Rodney walked into Lauryn's bedroom. She took up a spot in the door way and watched Rodney have his moment with their little girl, "You've had a busy day my dear," he whispered as he gently rubbed her back and hummed her to sleep. Once he was sure she'd drifted off to sleep he placed her in the crib and looked down at the angelic face.

Grinning he turned around, exhaustion written all over his happy face and joined Elizabeth in the doorway, after a few seconds of watching her sleep they slipped into the main room. Both parents collapsed onto the bed and smiled weakly, "Really want more of those?" Rodney asked as he folded his hands behind his head.

Elizabeth smiled as she rolled over on his side and propped her head up with her hand. "Someday; not soon though….I don't think I've ever been so scared in my entire life."

"If we have one…you realize this fear thing will never end. We'll always worry about both of them."

"It would be worth it," she whispered, "Come here," she patted the pillow beside her head and smiled as he scooted close. He pressed a kiss to her forehead as they lay on the pillow, looking into each other's eyes.

"Three," she whispered as she closed her eyes.

"Hmm?"

"I want three more."

"All at once or one at a time?" he joked.

"Cad," she replied in exhaustion.

"Love you Liz," he mumbled falling asleep, his breathing beginning to even out, "Love you...and our four future McKays."

Elizabeth chuckled softly as she stroked his cheek, "We all love you too," she replied. Eyes closed, they're dreams took over as they slipped away from awareness…all was right on Atlantis again.