“Idiot, idiot, idiot,” Rodney muttered to himself as he sat in the lab, trying to study while unable to get his mind off the slap he’d just received. He should have known better than to actually open his mouth and make a comment after they’d met but he had, which led to his now stinging cheek and amazingly stinging heart.

She’d been beautiful with shoulder length blonde hair, bright blue eyes and an absolutely bewitching smile; someone far too good for an idiot like him.

Glancing up at the clock, he realised he had at least another three hours before his lecture so he could either sit here and feel sorry for himself or study what they were doing today.

Looking down at his books, he grimaced and dropped his head onto the desk, “Rodney, you’re an idiot.”



Alisa Bonner shook her head in annoyance at the guy who’d just called her a ‘dumb blonde’ seconds after meeting her. Her best friend, Margo was dating his friend Tim and they’d assured her he was a nice guy, that’s what she got for listening to them. She had decided to take a shortcut past the physics labs and frowned, hearing someone talking.

“Idiot, idiot, idiot,” the familiar voice ranted, “Rodney, you’re an idiot.”

She stopped, a little surprised at the voice; moving she managed to look into the room while still hiding from his sight.

“All you had to do was say hi, nice to meet you,” he continued berating himself, “But could you? No. You had to insult her in the first ten seconds, the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen and you offend her.”

A blush covered Alisa’s face; he thought she was beautiful; surprised he seemed so upset by it, he didn’t seem the type.

“Come on, Rodney,” he said sternly, “Get over it. She never would have gone out with you anyway.”

“Says who?” Alisa asked, walking in seeing him jump in shock.

“Alisa,” Rodney gasped, “Oh I…well…I…”

“Stop before you hurt yourself,” she couldn’t help smiling at his look of confusion.

Rodney took a deep breath, “I’m sorry about what I said. I really didn’t mean to say that to you, I just…my mouth sort of runs on automatic sometimes. I didn’t mean to call you a blonde… I mean a dumb blonde because of course you’re blonde but you seem really intelligent though…” he stopped as she placed a finger onto his lips.

“Do you have a class just now?” she asked him, stopping him from speaking, “Just nod or shake your head,” at the shake of his head, she smiled, “Alright then you can buy me a cup of coffee and apologise some more.”

A little shocked, he nodded and grabbed his books, tossing them in his backpack before following her out.



“You know for an English Major you’re actually easy to understand,” Rodney teased, grateful that she laughed instead of slapping him again.

“And you’re not as pale skinned as the rest of the science club,” Alisa retorted, sipping her coffee, “Tim was right, you’re not that bad.”

“I’m flattered,” the automatic sarcastic response shot out before Rodney could stop it, “I didn’t…”

“Stop apologising,” Alisa told him, “I get your sense of humour. I’m no dumb blonde remember?”

Rodney narrowed his eyes before tossing the cookie he had at her; Alisa deftly caught it and smiled.

“Chocolate, you know the way to a girl’s heart,” she took a bite before he could say anything.

Rodney laughed, his eye catching the clock on the wall, “Oh no, I’ve got a class in ten minutes.”

Alisa shrugged, “Oh. I suppose I’ll see you around,” she finished her coffee and grabbed her bag.

“Will you have dinner with me tonight?” he blurted out.

“You took long enough to ask,” Alisa grinned, “Of course I will.”

Rodney felt a grin spread across her face, he impulsively kissed the side of her mouth before he ran out of the café. Alisa shook her head, amazed at how different he was now that he had relaxed around her.

“Where will I get you?” he asked, reappearing suddenly.

“Meet me at Margo’s at seven,” she smiled, watching as he nodded and ran out again now late for class.

*********************************************

Alisa sat cuddled up to Rodney on the couch after everyone else had left her surprise birthday party, she’d been amazed he’d organised all this with her parents without her even suspecting but she had come to realise, over the few years they’d been dating, that Rodney was full of surprises. Despite the fact that he hated his parents, he got along wonderfully with hers; in fact they absolutely adored him. Her mother just mothered him incessantly while her father seemed to have made Rodney the son he’d never had.

“Thank you,” she murmured to Rodney cuddling closer, “I never suspected you for a minute.”

“You’re lying,” he laughed, gently kissing her forehead, “But I forgive you.”

Alisa giggled, snuggling closer frowning as he moved away from her, “Rodney?”

“I have another present for you,” Rodney said, pulling a small jewellery box out of his jacket, “Actually, I have a question.”

“A question?” she frowned, more than a little confused.

Rodney sat beside her again and took her hand, “You know how much I love you right?”

“I have an idea,” her blue eyes sparkled.

Rodney took a deep breath, “I don’t mean we have to do this straight away. I mean we both have to graduate then find jobs but I never want to lose you.”

“You won’t,” Alisa touched his cheek, confused by how serious he was being.

Rodney smiled and opened the box to reveal the small diamond ring, “Then say you’ll marry me one day?”

Alisa gasped in amazement; unable to speak, she covered her mouth with her hands taking several deep breaths and Rodney waited for her to answer him. After a moment, he realised she was crying.

“Lis?” he whispered, thinking he’d upset her, “What’s wrong? I didn’t mean to…” she stopped him talking by placing a finger on his lips.

Alisa took a deep breath, sniffing back tears, “Yes.”

“Yes?” Rodney asked in astonishment.

Alisa launched herself into his arms, hugging him tightly laughing, “Of course yes.”

Rodney laughed, wrapping his arms around her for a few moments before he pulled back and pulled the ring from its box. Taking her hand, he slipped the ring onto her finger, “I love you.”

Alisa kissed him softly, “I know and I love you too.”

As they kissed, Rodney didn’t think he’d ever been so happy and was content to hold her for the rest of his life no matter where he went.



Alisa sat staring at the ring on her finger, wondering if this would change his decision to be with her. It was something she definitely hadn’t expected but it was happening and she was terrified.

“Hey,” Rodney appeared, quickly kissing her cheek before dropping into the seat beside her, “What a day, my computer decided to crash as I was working on my paper. I think I saved everything so hopefully I won’t have to spend all night rewriting it. What about you?”

Alisa looked up at him, “Oh…I had my doctor’s appointment.”

“I almost forgot,” he grimaced, “Is everything okay? You were pretty sick yesterday.”

Alisa shook her head, “I…em…I…”

“Lis, honey,” Rodney took her hands, “What’s wrong? Tell me.”

“I’m pregnant,” she whispered, seeing shock fill his eyes.

Rodney stared at her for a long time before finally managing to ask, “Are you sure?”

Alisa nodded, “Doctor confirmed it. I’m three months pregnant,” she started to cry, allowing all her fear and confusion out after holding it in all day.

Rodney wrapped his arms around her, rocking her murmuring to her, “Its okay, we’ll be fine.”

“I won’t give up the baby,” she told him sharply.

Rodney frowned that she thought he would suggest such a thing, “I wouldn’t ask you to but we’ll need to think of something. And we have to tell your parents.”

“I don’t know if I can,” Alisa whispered, burying her face against his chest, “How do I tell them this?”

Rodney held her close, “With me.”

She nodded and just stayed in his arms, only moving when he lifted her face up to his.

“We’re going to have a baby, Lis,” he smiled at her, “This is a good thing, this is something I want…I expected maybe in a few years but I can move my timetable up.”

“Timetable?” she asked suspiciously.

He nodded, “This means you’re due to write your best selling novel next year though.”

Alisa laughed and for the first time since she’d been given the news, she felt hopeful; looking into her fiancé’s eyes, she smiled seeing her future in there.

*********************************************

Rodney looked down at the tiny bundle, sleeping in his arms; he laughed as she yawned, her tiny nose wrinkling before she settled back into slumber.

“Hey,” a tired voice made him tear his eyes away from his child.

“Hey,” he grinned back, “Here’s our daughter, Lis.”

Tears welled up in her bright blue eyes as Rodney rested the baby in her arms, “Oh Rodney, she’s beautiful.”

“Yes, she is,” he pulled the seat up beside her and sat watching them together, “Alisa,” he breathed into her thin blonde hair, not wanting to wake the child, “Marry me now.”

Alisa stared at him, “Really?”

“We’ve just had a baby and I want to be able to say my wife and child,” he teased weakly, “Your parents are here and when they kicked me out earlier I met the Chaplin. I know it won’t be the wedding you had in mind but…”

“Yes,” Alisa told him, “Please. You get the priest and send in my parents.”

Rodney leaned in and gently kissed her, being careful of both the baby and how fragile she was these days. The cancer had taken its toll on her body and although none of them wanted to say it, they knew Alisa would not see the next morning.



Running out of the room he met Alisa’s parents who both hugged him tightly.

“Well?” Andrea asked him.

“It’s a girl,” Rodney told them, “Andrea, Arthur, we’re going to get married now. I’m going to get the priest.”

They both nodded and disappeared inside Alisa’s room leaving him alone. Rodney leaned against the wall for a moment, taking in a deep shuddering breath; no matter how long they’d been expecting this, it still felt like someone had punched him in the gut. She had been six months pregnant when they discovered she was sick and by then there was nothing they could do. If she was treated it would harm the baby and neither of them wanted that, unfortunately now she was too weak to even be treated which was why he wanted them to get married now.

It wasn't hard to find Father Harris, they’d spoken earlier in the day and he was actually waiting for Rodney to come by. Rodney wasn’t religious in any way but Alisa was, so at her request he’d lit a candle in the small chapel earlier in the day.

“Rodney,” the older man greeted him with a nod when he entered the chapel again, “Has the baby been born yet?”

“It’s a girl,” Rodney told him.

“And do you have a name for her yet?” Harris continued.

Rodney shook his head, “Father, I was hoping you’d marry us. Alisa is not going to make it and…and…”

Harris rested his hand on Rodney’s shoulder, “It’s alright, son. Do you have rings and witnesses?”

Rodney pulled out a small jewellery box; he’d stumbled across the rings when trying to get a birthday present for Alisa’s mother and had been carrying them around with him for the past few days.

“Her parents are here,” Rodney explained.

Harris nodded, “Then let’s go.”



Rodney sat at Alisa’s side his arm around her so that they were both holding the baby who was fast asleep, completely unaware of the excitement in the room. The wedding had been quick as Alisa was getting weaker and weaker.

“Rodney,” she whispered.

“Yes, Lis?”

“I’m sorry,” Alisa sighed, her head resting against his shoulder.

Rodney frowned confused, “For what?”

“Leaving you and the baby,” Alisa cried, “I wanted so much to be able to stay with you both.”

“You just need to get your strength back,” Rodney told her.

“Liar,” she sighed, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Rodney felt his tears starting to slip along his cheeks, “I was thinking, for the baby’s name.”

“What?”

“I want to call her Alisa,” he told her, “After her mother.”

A faint smile touched Alisa’s lips, “I like that,” she looked down on the little girl resting against her, “Little Lissa.”

“What do you two think?” Rodney asked Alisa’s parents who were sitting at their sides.

“I think it’s perfect,” Andrea whispered as she tried to hold back her own tears.

Alisa sighed, “I’m so tired.”

Rodney swallowed hard, “Go to sleep honey. Just rest.”

Alisa’s eyes closed as she leaned against him, “I love you,” she murmured.

He could feel her breathing slow and soon she was at peace.

Rodney shook with grief, relieved when Andrea took the baby from them; he pulled Alisa close, sobbing into her hair, feeling his world crash down around him.

“Rodney,” Andrea whispered, touching his shoulder, “Rodney.”

He pulled away from his wife; looking up at his mother-in-law who stood beside him, the baby in her arms, tears flowing freely along her cheeks. Andrea placed the little girl into his arms as he stared at her confused.

“She’s yours, Rodney,” Andrea reminded him, “And you need to be strong for her.”

Rodney stared down at the baby who was still fast asleep, “I don’t know if I can do this.”

Andrea gently stroked his hair, “Yes, you can and we’ll always be here for you, you know that.”

Rodney nodded, moving his daughter to rest against his shoulder as she started to fuss slightly, “I promise that I will do everything to be the best father to you,” he murmured to the warm bundle resting against him, “You are the most important thing in my life, Lissa,” he gently kissed her, “My little Lissa.”

“Dr McKay,” Elizabeth called as he headed past her, through the Antarctica Base, “Rodney, I need to speak to you.”

Rodney turned with a sigh, knowing what she was going to say, “Yes, Elizabeth? What can I do for you?”

“I need you to come with us, Rodney,” she told him, “You are the most qualified person for the job; you know more about Ancient technology than anyone. We need you.”

Rodney sighed again, hating this, “I’m flattered, Dr Weir but I’ve already explained that I can’t,” with that said he turned, heading back to work.

“General O’Neill told me your reason,” she called after him, making him turn back to her, “I understand.”
“If you did you wouldn’t ask me to come,” Rodney snapped, “Don’t you think I want to, Elizabeth? This is the opportunity of a lifetime but I have responsibilities I can’t walk away from.”

Elizabeth sighed, “Is there nothing I can do to persuade you?”

“No,” he replied sharply, leaving her standing.



“Hi, Lissa,” Rodney smiled for the first time in over a day when she answered the phone.

“Hi, Dad,” the cheery voice of his fifteen year old daughter greeted him; “You’re a day early for your weekly call.”

“Is that a bad thing?” he asked with a laugh, talking to her always cheered him up.

“Course not,” she replied, “I just didn’t expect to hear from you till tomorrow.”

They talked for a while; Rodney questioning her on school, making sure there were no problems that he’d need to deal with when he arrived home and he smiled indulgently as she told him about things that were happening in her social life.

“How are things in Antarctica?” she asked after she’d finished.

“Cold,” Rodney laughed, “You’d hate it here but the good news is I should be home for good sooner than I expected.”

“That’s great!!” she exclaimed before pausing, “Does that mean your job’s finished?”

“Kind of,” Rodney sighed, wishing he could join the others heading to the Pegasus galaxy but leaving Alisa was something he could never ever do, “I’ll be back to my old job though.”

“Don’t think I’m trying to get rid of you or anything,” Alisa said, in a manner very similar to his, “But weren’t you really excited about this thing in Antarctica?”

“And I’ve been, saw and solved everything for them,” he lied, “I should be home by Saturday so I’ll see you then okay?”

“Great,” she told him.

“I love you, kiddo,” Rodney told her with a fond smile.

“Love you too, Dad,” Alisa replied, “I’ll see you soon.”

With that they hung up and Rodney sat down annoyed, both at not getting this opportunity but also having to lie to his daughter.

“Rodney?” Carson’s voice brought him back to reality, “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” he sighed, “There’s still a lot to do before you guys head to Pegasus.”

“It’s a shame you can’t come with us,” Carson told him, “But your daughter does come first.”

“Could you tell Elizabeth that?” Rodney grimaced, leaning back against the wall, “I want to come but her mother’s parents died a few years ago and, if I could ever even contemplate leaving her while I did this, they would be the only ones I’d even consider to care for her.”

Carson clapped his friend’s shoulder, “Come on, your team are looking for you. You’ve got some things to wrap up.”



“General,” Elizabeth caught up with Jack O’Neill, “We need to talk.”

“Look, Doc,” Jack rolled his eyes at her, “One, you can’t take Daniel with you I need him here. Two, I’ll talk to Sheppard about going with you. Three…I don’t have a three just now but give me time.”

“I had no intention of even trying to take Dr Jackson along, I only pick the battles I can win,” Elizabeth said, “And I know you’ll talk to Major Sheppard, which I’m grateful for. This is about Dr McKay.”

“What about him?” Jack asked suspiciously.

Elizabeth took a breath, “We need him. He’s the best person for the job, he has the most knowledge of Ancient technology but he says he won’t come.”

“He has a kid,” Jack reminded her, “He’s not going to abandon her and I for one think that’s the best reason in the world.”

“Could she come too?” Elizabeth asked.

“Are you nuts?” Jack demanded, “A kid? On an expedition of this kind?”

“From what he’s said, she has his brains,” Elizabeth continued her pitch, “We need Dr McKay if we’re going to have any hope of returning home; you know this as well as I do.”

Jack sighed, “Alright, Doc you win. You give him the choice but if he refuses then that’s it. He has the final say on it and everything to do with her.”

“Thank you,” Elizabeth smiled, disappearing to talk once again with the man she wanted as her head scientist.



“Lissa,” Rodney called as he entered the house, although she had been staying with her best friend’s family while he was away, he knew she’d be home since he’d called her from the airport, “Hey, Lissa where are you?”

“Dad,” his whirlwind ran down the stairs, jumping into his arms; her dark blonde ponytail swinging, “You’re back.”

Rodney hugged his daughter tightly, he always missed her when he was away working but this moment almost made up for it.

She looked up at him, her blue eyes sparkling, “What did you bring me?”

Rodney rolled his eyes, “Some ice,” he pulled out the bottle of water he had and tossed it at her.

Alisa stuck her tongue out at him before taking one of the bags he handed her as they headed into the lounge. He watched her, wondering how to bring this up, still reeling from being told it himself. Elizabeth had cornered him and explained everything to him, leaving him to make the decision. Now he was here with his daughter not sure how to bring up the subject, thankfully he didn’t need to.

“What happened with your job?” Alisa asked, taking a seat, “You said you could be there for a few more months.”

“Something…” Rodney paused for a second, “We found something that is going to take us in whole new directions.”

“That’s great,” Alisa said before frowning at his gloomy expression, “So what’s wrong?”

“I’ve been offered the job of head scientist with an expedition,” Rodney explained, “But it’s far away and we don’t know how long it’ll be for so…”

“So because of me you can’t go,” Alisa sighed, upset that her father was obviously upset by it.

Rodney took a deep breath, “I’ve been told, if we agree, you can come too.”

*********************************************

Elizabeth stood in arrivals, waiting for Rodney to arrive with his daughter; she’d decided to come pick them up herself, mostly so she could meet Alisa before they were in the intimidating interior of the SGC.

After a few minutes she saw her Head Scientist walking towards her, deep in conversation with the girl at his side. She didn’t look like him much, Elizabeth decided as she studied Rodney’s daughter. Alisa was slightly chubby with long dark blonde hair that was hanging down around her face; her eyes were the one thing that spoke of any connection to the man beside her.

“Elizabeth?” Rodney asked, confused to find her there, “What are you doing here?”

She smiled, “I thought I’d come pick you up so I could get out of the base for an hour or so,” she turned to the girl standing there, “And you must be Alisa.”

“Lissa,” Rodney smiled at his daughter, “This is Dr Elizabeth Weir, the head of the…team.”

“Hi,” the girl said quietly, shyly Elizabeth realised which was strange considering who her father was.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alisa,” Elizabeth offered her hand, not missing the look that the girl gave her father before shaking it.

“Come on you two,” Elizabeth told them, “The car’s outside.”



Jack O’Neill watched as Rodney walked through the corridors, a teenage girl at his side, clutching his arm looking more than a little overwhelmed.

“Dr McKay,” Jack greeted him, “And this must be your daughter.”

Rodney smiled proudly, “General Jack O’Neill, this is Alisa.”

“Nice to finally meet you,” Jack offered the girl his hand, smiling as she shook it, “Doc, I’m going to steal her for a bit while you get ready to open the Gate.”

Alisa looked at her father confused but Rodney simply nodded and squeezed her arm whispering, “Don’t worry, honey. He’s in charge.”

Alisa followed the General through the corridors to his office and took the seat he offered.

“So, Alisa,” he started before frowning, “Mind if I call you Alisa?”

“Of course not, General,” the girl replied softly.

“Well,” he dropped into his own seat, “Call me Jack. Anyway, I was wondering why you agreed to do this.”

“Do what?” Alisa asked confused.

“Go to Atlantis,” Jack clarified, “You’re leaving your home and going to a completely new world with nobody your own age.”

“Gen…” she paused as he held up his finger in warning, “Jack, I know this must be hard to understand but I’m doing this for my father.”

“Really?” Jack asked, leaning back interested.

“I was born when my Dad was twenty one, my Mom died not long after,” Alisa explained, “And because of me, he lost out on a lot of opportunities to use his brilliance. He wants to do this and I don’t want to be the reason he doesn’t get to.”

“Alisa,” Jack said, “You understand that we don’t know if you’ll be able to return, that we have no idea what’s on the other side of the Gate, don’t you?”

“Yes I do,” Alisa told him, swallowing hard, “I am scared, General but I don’t want to be the reason my father doesn’t get to follow his dreams.”

Jack smiled at her, “It’s an absolute pleasure to have met you, Alisa.”

She stood up when he did; following him, gasping in amazement as she saw the Stargate for the first time.

“There you are,” Rodney appeared, smiling at his daughter, “There are some people you need to meet. Are you finished, General?”

Jack nodded, “You have a great kid, McKay.”

Rodney grinned, wrapping his arm around Alisa’s shoulders and squeezing, “I know.”

*********************************************

Alisa followed her father through the corridors, finding herself in the commissary where there were several people sitting around eating; in one corner there were three men sitting ,wearing a sort of uniform similar to what her father was wearing.

“Lissa,” Rodney pulled her over to the three men sitting around, “I want you to meet some of the team,” he motioned to the man nearest who Alisa noted had a Scottish flag on his sleeve, “This is Dr Carson Beckett, he’s the head of the medical team.”

“Pleased to meet you, Dr Beckett,” Alisa said politely.

“It’s nice to finally put a face to all the boasting,” Carson smiled at her, “And call me Carson.”

Rodney motioned to the next man, “Dr Peter Grodin.”

Grodin gave a gentle wave and a grin as Rodney turned to the third man.

“Dr Radek Zelenka,” Radek introduced himself; one McKay who couldn’t remember his name was bad enough, he didn’t want two.

“It’s nice to meet you all,” Alisa smiled, taking the seat Rodney pushed her to.

“Well we’ve all heard so much about you,” Carson grinned, “Are you excited about where we’re going?”

Alisa laughed, “More scared but I doubt there’s anybody else my age can claim this sort of trip.”

A call for Rodney made him frown, “I have to go, Lissa…”

“She can stay here,” Carson waved him away, “She’s going to be stuck wi’ us for the next while so…”

“Sure,” Rodney nodded, squeezing his daughter’s shoulder, “Be good and I’ll see you later.”



“General, I don’t agree with bringing this…child with us,” Sumner was saying as Rodney reached the briefing room, “We have no idea what we’re heading into, not to mention having someone who has no actual function within this expedition…”

“She’s coming so I can come,” Rodney stopped the marine mid-rant, “I am the foremost expert on the technology we will be walking into and if I’m not there it is more than likely you’ll get yourself killed within minutes.”

“And there’s no one to leave her with?” Sumner demanded.

Rodney’s eyes narrowed, “I am not under any circumstances abandoning my daughter, Colonel. The only reason I’m coming on this expedition is because she has been given permission to join us. If she is refused this now then I’ll just unpack my stuff and head home.”

“That won’t be necessary, Doctor,” Jack interrupted them, “The President has already agreed with Alisa McKay joining the Atlantis mission. Dr McKay, Siler is waiting for you to hook up the ZPM. Let’s get everyone ready to go. People it’s show time.”

Rodney nodded and left the room, if he hadn’t been extremely worried about bringing Alisa on this expedition before Sumner he was now.

*********************************************

John fixed his pack, looking around the room filled with the expedition team. His eyes fell on a girl standing with three men looking nervous, a backpack almost dwarfing her. He recognised at least two of the scientists with her, one being Dr Beckett who’d shot that drone thing at him.

John grabbed one of the marines, “Who’s that?”

The kid, Ford it said on his jacket grinned, “She’s Dr McKay’s daughter.”

“McKay?” John frowned, he knew that name.

“Scientist, Canadian,” Ford listed, “Sarcastic, arrogant.”

“I know him. And she’s here why?” John asked confused.

Ford glanced around, “Rumour has it the only way Dr McKay would come with us was if she came too. Apparently she’s meant to be as smart as him anyway.”

“Great,” John muttered; that was all they needed a smart-alec kid on hand to piss people off.



Alisa listened to Dr Weir’s speech, feeling Carson rest his hand comfortingly on her shoulder. The Doctor had been really nice to her since they’d met; apparently her father had talked about her to him all the time. She stared in amazement as she watched the Stargate dial, jumping at the explosion of what looked like water from the centre.

“Oh my God,” she breathed, looking at the three men she was standing with, “We’re going through that?”

“It’s not so bad,” Carson told her with a grimace.

“You’ve never be through it have you?” Alisa noted.

“No, I haven’t,” he smiled at her, “But as far as I know it’s easy.”

Alisa looked at him slightly panicked, relieved as her father arrived. He placed his hand on her shoulder for a second before picking up his pack and moving her forward.

“Dad,” Alisa whispered worriedly.

He turned to her “If you want we won’t go. We’ll just turn around and head home. It’s your choice.”

She stared at the ring that people were walking through before looking up at him, “Let’s go.”

She smiled at the relief that filled his eyes, gripping his hand tightly as he led her forward. With a glance back, she saw General O’Neill standing watching them; he gave her a quick encouraging nod before she turned back and with a deep breath stepped through with her father holding onto her tightly.

Alisa stared in amazement as they entered Atlantis, she found herself moved away from the Stargate and her father dropped his pack before removing hers and placing it beside his. This was home now.



“Lissa, stay with me,” Rodney told her as he started up the stairs with one of the military guys.

The lights came on with every step they took and Alisa fought the urge to grab her father’s hand. She needed to be as brave as possible considering he had things to do.

She glanced around the room they were in; the place felt so clean, so sterile and so cold.

“Lissa,” her father’s voice brought her back to the group standing there, “Can you grab my laptop, honey?”

She slipped over to his bag and pulled out his computer for him, switching it on quickly before handing it to her father. He gave her a quick smile before turning to work, Alisa found a seat and pulled it over watching as her father pulled up schematics of the city and she gasped.

“Wow,” she breathed, leaning further over her father’s shoulder who turned and frowned at her, “Move back?” she asked.

Rodney nodded but he was smiling fondly at her.

“Holy hell,” he muttered, he put the computer down and turned to Peter, “Keep working,” Alisa was a little shocked as her father grabbed her arm, “Come on, Lissa. Stay with me.”

They headed down until they found who Rodney was looking for.

“Colonel, Doctor Weir,” Rodney called finding them.

“We’re under water,” the man they’d walked up to the control room with called back.

“Yes I was just, uh, coming to tell you. Fortunately there is some sort of a forcefield holding back the w...water,” Rodney stopped and stared out the window, “Oh, that is impressive, isn't it?”

Alisa stood at her father’s side and stared, “Wow,” she breathed again.

“I second that,” the other man murmured.

“Dr Beckett has found something you should see,” Rodney told them moving them away from the window.



Alisa found herself walking beside the unknown man who looked down at her.

“Hi,” he said.

Alisa looked up at him confused, “Hi.”

“I’m John Sheppard, he introduced himself.

“Alisa McKay,” she replied softly, “But I’m guessing you already knew that.”

John grinned at her, “I did. Having fun so far?”

Alisa looked a little confused but nodded, “It’s interesting.”

He gave her another grin as they entered the room where Carson was standing watching some sort of hologram. Alisa turned and studied the man who’d been talking to her as they all listened to the Ancient recording. He was the only military member of the expedition who actually looked at her. The marines she’d met so far especially Sumner would give her a quick glance before dismissing her from their thoughts but Sheppard actually seemed interested that she was there.

“Stop,” her father yelled suddenly, “Turn it off. Power levels throughout the city are dropping like a stone.”

Sumner frowned, “What does that mean?”
“That if we don't stop everything we're doing right now, we are dead,” Rodney replied, motioning his daughter as he left the room, “Lissa.”

Alisa followed him, quickly aware that everyone else was coming as well. She listened as her father explained to the group exactly what was going on making sure she was in no ones way.

As the team assembled to go through the Stargate, Peter opened a case; he handed Alisa several devices.

“Give these out,” he told her as he turned to the team, “For now, we're going to use the tried and true system for identification for inbound Gate travellers.”

When Alisa handed him the GDO, John grinned at her, “Don’t worry. We’ll find something.”

“My dad’s the best,” Alisa replied with a shrug, “He’ll work it out.”

“Alright,” Sumner yelled, “Move out.”

*********************************************

Alisa sat with a laptop in front of her, rhyming off numbers for her father and Peter as they worked to keep them alive. She’d never actually had the opportunity to witness her father’s genius but at this precise moment in time, she’d rather have forgone the pleasure. Every so often the city would shake and a deep rumble would fill the room, making Alisa shiver with fear.

Rodney glanced over at his daughter, smiling proudly at how calm she was being in the middle of all this. He was interrupted as the city started shaking again. He reached out and caught her by her wrist until the shaking stopped.

“Dad,” she whispered softly.

Rodney pulled her into a quick hug, “It’s going to be okay,” he whispered into her hair.

She nodded nervously as they went back to work.



“We can't wait,” Rodney snapped at Elizabeth, “It is time to go now.”

Frustrated, she walked away from him then activated her radio as Rodney returned to the console where Alisa was sitting.

“Attention all personnel, this is Weir,” she started as the base began to shake violently, “Stand by for immediate evacuation,” she turned to Rodney who was waiting, “Dial the Gate.”

Rodney started dialling but before he could get through the sequence the Gate dialled in.

“We've got an incoming wormhole,” Rodney called, switching on the force shield as the Gate activated.

“I'm reading Lieutenant Ford's identification code,” Peter called from his console.

Elizabeth smiled in relief, “Let him in.”

Rodney lowered the shield and Alisa sat watching as John came running through the Gate, followed by the rest of the marines and several villagers.

“Step in folks, move away from the puddle,” he called, motioning the frightened people forward as Elizabeth ran down the steps towards him.

“Major Sheppard?” she demanded as the last people come through and the Gate shut down, “Major Sheppard, who are all these people?”

John managed to keep himself steady as the city continued to shake violently, “Survivors from the settlement,” he reported, “We were attacked. Sumner and some of our men were taken. What's going on?”

Elizabeth glared at him; “We are in no condition to help anyone right now.”

“What the hell's going on here?” John demanded.

“We are about to abandon the city.” Elizabeth explained her voice sharp.

“Going back there is a really bad idea.” John replied.

Elizabeth frowned at him, “Major Sheppard, the shield is about to fail and the ocean is about to come crashing in on us. Do you have a better place for us to go?”

“Jinto,” John grabbed a boy standing behind him, “Do you have any other address we could gate to?”

“Yes,” the boy replied enthusiastic at the man requesting his help, “Many.”

“He's just a boy,” Elizabeth stared at him confused.

“I am Jinto,” the boy introduced himself to her as John yanked the boy past her.

“She's pleased to meet you,” John told him, dragging the boy up the stairs.

-

Rodney glanced at the screen finding their time had run out, “The shield is collapsing,” he cried.

The entire base jolted and everyone was thrown to the ground. Rodney grabbed the console with one hand, pulling Alisa to him with the other. Alisa wrapped her arms around her father’s waist, burying her face against his chest. Rodney rested his cheek against her hair, wishing he could go back and stop himself from being so stupid as to bring his child to this place.

“I'm dialling an address,” Peter yelled as he gripped the console trying to stay upright.

Elizabeth glanced up at him, “No, wait!”

“She's right,” Rodney called; he was managing to keep his eyes on the computer screen as his daughter held onto him tightly.

John held onto Jinto, keeping the boy from falling down the stairs, “We're moving!”

“Lissa,” Rodney whispered as light suddenly flowed in through the windows while water ran down the panes, “You can let go.”

“What happened?” she whispered to him.

“We're on the surface,” Ford answered her question from his position, staring out across the ocean.

Rodney and Alisa moved to join them. Rodney kept his arm around his daughter hugging her tightly; they were safe.

“I was hoping for another day,” Elizabeth breathed as she stared out with a smile before turning to the others, “Looks like we just got a whole lot more than that. Let's not waste it.”

*********************************************

Alisa stood at the balcony; watching as the members of the expedition and the Athosians mingled, sharing in the relief of being alive and the excitement of the city.

“Here,” her father handed her a mug, “Just don’t get used to it.”

Alisa looked at him confused, smiling to find some of the champagne sent through for them by General O’Neill.

“So,” Rodney leaned beside her, “What do you think?”

“It’s incredible,” Alisa breathed, “I mean…the technology…just everything.”

Rodney laughed, wrapping his arm around his daughter’s shoulder, “I know.”

“This is going be great, Dad,” she told him as she looked across the crowd of people, “I’m actually looking forward to what we’ll find.”

“Just don’t let anything get in the way of your schoolwork,” he reminded her, “I expect you to work on that while we’re here.”

“Dad,” Alisa frowned, “School doesn’t start for at least another two weeks back home. I should at least get the rest of my vacation.”

Rodney laughed, “Alright. Two weeks and then work.”

They stood side by side watching everyone eating, drinking and enjoying themselves. Rodney gently stroked his daughter’s hair, actually quite relieved that they’d met the Athosians as that meant there were at least some people the same age as his baby. Looking down at her, Rodney wished he knew if he had done the right thing but they were here now. Alisa looked up at him and smiled, she looked so like her mother sometimes it made his heartache. Smiling back down at her, Rodney hoped that bringing her here had been the right thing.

John Sheppard strolled through the corridors of Atlantis, mulling over his conversation with Elizabeth Weir concerning his team. He was still having problems with the fact that he was in another galaxy but now he was the superior military officer, he was in charge.

He didn’t want to be the one making the decisions, John never had but here he was. He wanted Teyla for the team, that was an obvious choice since she knew the place and had contacts they could use. Next he was musing over having Ford on the team; even if he was one of the youngest marines, he’d already shown himself to be smart and John liked the kid. Finally was Weir’s suggestion of Rodney McKay, which John was balking at quite a bit. Not only because he was arrogant and annoying but there was also the teenage girl he’d brought along with him. John didn’t want to be responsible for making the kid an orphan…assuming the mother was dead but John didn’t have a clue about that. Nobody knew anything about Alisa’s mother, in fact though rumours were already flying thick and fast over her parentage.



“Lieutenant,” he greeted Ford as he appeared from round the corner before smiling at the teenager who followed, “Alisa.”

“Hi, Major,” Alisa greeted him looking tired but she managed a grin.

“I need to talk to Ford for two seconds,” John told her.

“No problem,” she shrugged.

“I’ll catch up,” Ford told her before turning to his CO, “Something wrong, sir?”

“What you doing?” John asked curiously.
Ford grinned, “I was running and Alisa was hanging around looking bored, so I asked her to join me.”

“Okay,” John replied with a shrug, “Well, I’ll see you at the briefing tomorrow.”

“Briefing tomorrow?” Ford asked confused.

“You’re on my team,” John told him, “Get going; I like my team members to be fit.”



John continued along the corridors, frowning as he heard someone laughing gleefully. Moving closer, he was surprised to find Rodney standing grinning.

“What?” John demanded, sure that he was the butt of some joke.

“It works,” the grinning scientist announced, “The gene therapy works.”

John stared in amusement at the other man who was still congratulating himself.

“What is that?” John asked as he noticed a strange jewelled device on Rodney’s chest.

He laughed again, “It’s a personal shield. Hit me.”

“Don’t tempt me,” John replied.

“Seriously,” Rodney told him, “I won’t feel it,” he somehow produced an iron bar, “Use this.”

John was sure his eyes were the size of saucers but he took the bar, sure that he could do this without actually hurting the guy. He swung it, gently hitting the scientist on his arm; a sudden green glow covered the Canadian.

“Cool,” John grinned before he decided to try again.

“I told you,” Rodney bounced, barely flinching as John slammed the bar against his stomach.

“Ow,” John winced as pain shot through his arm, “Damn that hurt me.”

“But I didn’t feel it.”

John dropped the bar and pressed his lips together in thought, his hand straying to the gun before letting it go.

“Try it,” Rodney told him with a grin.

“Are you serious?”

The scientists nodded, “I’m protected. Just shoot me.”

John sighed and pulled out his gun before aiming it at Rodney’s leg, “Ready.”

“Go for it.”

John fired then flinched as the bullet ricocheted off the green glow and into the wall.

Rodney’s grin grew even wider.

*********************************************

John looked out across the black expanse that was filling the Gateroom. It wasn't taking the bait and as soon as it finished feeding on the generator, it was going to finish up with them.

Movement caught his eye and he turned in time to see Rodney start down the stairs and into the cloud a faint green glow covering him.

“McKay!!!” he yelled, stopping at the edge of the cloud as Weir yelled for the scientist.

The next few moments were achingly long as they waited, finally the black disappeared leaving Rodney unconscious on the floor. As he ran down with the others, John knew he’d made his decision; he’d be happy to have Rodney on the team…possibly.

All he had to do was make sure the scientist wanted to be on it.



“What?” Rodney demanded as his daughter gave him a worried look while he sat in the infirmary as Carson poked him with needles.

“I’m wondering if insanity skips a generation,” she replied dryly.

He rolled his eyes at her, “Aren’t you meant to be doing something?”

“I am,” Alisa told him sweetly, “I’m guarding you for Carson so you don’t disappear.”

“Brat,” Rodney muttered affectionately, frowning as John wandered in, “What is this? Show and Tell.”

“Alisa,” John turned to the girl, “Could you give me a minute to talk to your father.”

She shrugged, “Just make sure he doesn’t leave until Carson says so.”

“Out,” Rodney told her, smiling to himself as she disappeared before he turned to John, “What do you want?”

John folded his arms, “Just thought I wanted to see how you were doing after your…little adventure.”

“I’m fine,” Rodney replied suspiciously, “Is that all?”

An amused smirk covered John’s face, “Elizabeth suggested you for my team. I wasn't precisely sure about it though.”

“Why?” Rodney snapped annoyed.

John shrugged, “Are you in or not?”

Rodney stared at him, for the first time since John had met him he didn’t have anything to say, finally he nodded.

“Sure.”

John nodded, “See you tomorrow for the briefing.”



“Rodney, is there a reason you wanted to see us?” Carson asked as he and Elizabeth stood in his lab later that day, “Or did you just want some protection from the sunlight?”

“I need to ask you both something,” Rodney turned to them, “And it’s extremely important.”

Intrigued, Elizabeth took a seat as Carson grabbed the one beside her.

“I walked into the cloud today,” Rodney said softly, “When I saw Alisa arrive in the infirmary, I realised that I have nothing in place in case something happens to me.”

“Rodney…” Elizabeth started.

“Let me finish,” he cut her off, “Alisa is the most important person in my life, she’s all I have and I don’t know what I’d do without her but life here is dangerous,” he took a deep breath, “If anything happens to me, I want you two to be her legal guardians.”

“Us?” Carson asked, a little surprised.

“Alisa will be sixteen in a few months so she won’t need a guardian but who knows what will happen before that,” Rodney explained, “I trust you both and Alisa knows you. If you don’t want…”

“Rodney,” Elizabeth cut him off, “I think I speak for us both when I say we’re honoured you asked us.”

“Aye,” Carson smiled, “And we’re more than happy to do it.”

Rodney gave a half-smile, “Thank you. Now go away I have work to do.”



“You’re going on missions?” Alisa demanded in astonishment as they sat eating dinner that night in the mess.

Rodney nodded, “Elizabeth suggested it.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?” worry creased the teenager’s forehead.

Rodney licked his lips, “It can be but there’s more chance that there’ll be a ZPM on a planet somewhere and I’m the best person there is, in case we need to work around any Ancient technology.”

Alisa shrugged, “It’s not like I’m not used to you being away working.”

“Lissa,” Rodney frowned.

The girl dropped her eyes; focussing on her dinner, ignoring her father’s attempts to catch her eye.

“Lissa,” he caught her hand, “You know I never wanted that.”

She nodded slightly, still not looking up.

“Lissa.”

“I know, Dad,” she sighed, “But…I guess I thought since we were here, I might actually see you more than once a month.”

“It won’t be the same as it was I promise,” Rodney told her.

Alisa gave a small smile, “Okay.”

“Good,” Rodney smiled at her, “Finish your dinner.”

Elizabeth turned from the latest report she was being given on the progress of the teams to glance down to where Alisa was sitting, silently hunched into a little ball on the stairs, her blue eyes filled with fear. She’d originally been there waiting for her father to return so she could find out how his first mission had gone but since the accident she couldn’t be moved by any of them.

Elizabeth tried, Carson tried, Peter and even Bates had tried but Alisa had her father’s stubbornness and refused to be moved from her spot until her father arrived back or the Gate shut down.

Elizabeth was worried about how this was affecting the teenager, especially as Alisa had also unfortunately witnessed Halling’s request to perform the Athosian death ritual. Elizabeth knew someone would have to talk to the girl about this, though she knew it would be better for it to be Carson if Rodney didn’t return. Elizabeth in the past few weeks had become very fond of the teenager; it was hard not to be. She was smart and as witty as her father but a hell of a lot nicer, which Elizabeth attributed to Alisa’s mother whoever she was. However, Alisa didn’t interact much with the female members of the expedition, spending most of her time with Carson, Zelenka and Ford when she wasn’t with her father. She wondered if Alisa even knew that Rodney had asked herself and Carson to be Alisa’s guardians if anything happened to him.

When the Puddle Jumper finally appeared through the Gate, a gasp of relief sounded from Alisa.

“I’ll be in the Jumper bay,” Elizabeth told Peter, “Alisa, come on.”

Alisa jumped up, jogging alongside the commander of Atlantis; the moment she saw her father though she ran, throwing herself into his arms. Elizabeth smiled slightly as Rodney gripped the girl tightly; quickly kissing the top of her head, murmuring softly into her hair before turning to check on John.



Alisa stood with her father and the rest of his team as they waited for the nurse to be finished with the Major. Rodney was in a surprisingly good mood, considering they’d been almost been killed less than two hours ago.

“How are you feeling?” Elizabeth asked as she walked over to the bed.

“Starving,” John told her with a frown.

“He's got quite the hickey, but Doctor Beckett says he'll be fine in a few days,” Rodney spoke up with a grin.

“Could start a few rumours with that,” Alisa noted.

John grimaced at her before looking up at Rodney, “Why did you teach her to talk?”

“There was no way to stop it,” Rodney shrugged, “She is my kid after all. Genius remember?”

Elizabeth grinned as Teyla moved forward, “We should let you rest.”

“You should get me food,” John replied.

“I think we can arrange that,” Elizabeth told him.

“Good,” John muttered, waving away the rest of them, “Go away.”

“With pleasure,” Rodney replied, “You may be stuck here but I have better places to be than here. Come on, Lissa; let’s go get some proper food.”

“Bastard,” John muttered after the scientist before grinning at Elizabeth once they’d left, “You were right.”

Elizabeth gave him a smug smile, “I know.”

*********************************************

John woke up when he heard movement near his bed and blearily watched the girl who was cleaning up.

“Hi,” John mumbled.

“Good morning, Major,” Alisa gave him a bright smile, “How’re you feeling?”

“Better than last night,” he threw her a crooked smile back, “What are you doing?”

“I’ve to help Carson for today,” she shrugged.

“Oh,” he rubbed his eyes and sat up, “I think this is the first time I’ve talked to you properly since the first day here. Weird.”

Alisa shrugged, “Not really. You’ve all got a lot of things to do; I’m not military so you don’t have to worry about me.”

John looked confused before shaking his head, “I just meant since your Dad’s on my team.”

“I don’t think he expected that,” she told him.

John laughed, “So, is it true the only reason he came was because you were allowed to come too?”

Alisa shrugged, “He told me I had the choice, I decided to come.”

“That’s quite a burden to place on someone your age,” John pointed out.

“Dad wouldn’t leave me,” Alisa sat on the bed across from him, “It’s just been us for a long time.”

“You got no other family?” John couldn’t help probing since Rodney didn’t talk about himself much, not that you could get him to shut up on any other subject.

Alisa shrugged sadly, “My Mom died just after I was born and my grandparents were killed almost five years ago in a car crash.”

“What about Antarctica?” John asked, “Where were you when he was there.”

“My best friend’s mother made some sort of arrangement with Dad so I stayed with them for the three weeks and Dad would come back home for the last week of every month,” Alisa explained before frowning, “I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, Major.”

John laughed, “Don’t worry about it. And call me John.”

“You know it’s funny,” Alisa noted, “Everyone has told me to use their first name but if we were back on Earth no one would ever think of it.”

“Well this isn’t Earth,” John reminded her.

Alisa laughed, “I’d better tell Carson you’re awake.”

“Hey, Alisa,” John called after her, “Make sure he gets me some food. I’m starving.”

She grinned, “I will.”



Alisa left the infirmary for lunch; she’d arranged to meet her father and was heading to his lab to make sure he would have lunch. The events of the previous day had been weighing on her mind almost constantly. As she entered the lab, she was greeted by the sound of her father yelling at a few of the other scientists. Leaning against the doorframe, she waited until he finished before going up to him.

“Dad,” she grabbed his attention away from glaring at the poor souls, who took advantage of her arrival to sneak out of the lab.

“Is it that time already?” Rodney frowned, “I’ve barely got anything done thanks to those idiots.”

“Before we go,” she stopped him moving, “Can I talk to you about something?”

Rodney frowned at how worried she looked, “What’s wrong, Lissa?”

“Yesterday,” she started, hesitating slightly, “It’s just…”

“Lissa, tell me,” Rodney encouraged, worried by her hesitation.

“If I asked you never to go on another mission would you?” she blurted out.

Rodney stared at his daughter, “What happened yesterday was not the norm.”

“I know,” she replied, tears filling her eyes, “But there will be something else and you could be the one in the infirmary or you could die and I don’t want to be alone, Dad. I don’t, I can’t…”

“Sh,” Rodney pulled her into his arms, rocking her gently, “Lissa, its okay,” he continued to soothe her until she calmed down enough to continue the conversation, “I know you were scared yesterday and I’ll admit I was too but I am going to do everything in my power to come home fine. I want us to get back to Earth at some point and that means finding a ZPM. I am, especially after the evidence shown by this morning, the best person on Atlantis to find it.”

“I know,” Alisa whispered.

Rodney rested his hand on her cheek, “If something does happen to me, and I’m not saying it will, but if it does I spoke with Carson and Elizabeth, they would be your guardians until you were old enough.”

“It’s not the same,” she sighed before frowning in confusion, “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

“I didn’t want you to worry,” Rodney gave a slight smile, “You obsess on things you shouldn’t you know. Just like your mother.”

Alisa smiled at this; she always did when he compared her to her mother.

“Do you want me to stop going on missions?” Rodney asked seriously, his eyes intense.

“Yes,” she glanced down before looking back up at him, “But I know you can’t.”

“I will be careful,” he promised, her wiping away the tears on her cheeks before pulling her up, “Come on, let’s go get lunch.”

“Dad,” Alisa asked as they started walking, “Do I have to work in the infirmary this afternoon?”

“It’s that or you start studying,” Rodney replied.

Alisa made a disgusted noise, “Fine, infirmary it is.”

Rodney laughed and settled his arm around her shoulders, guiding her through the corridors.

John was grinning as an almost bouncing Ford walked along beside him towards the Jumper Bays. The moment Rodney had told them the ceiling had retracted, he’d been eager to get the Jumper out and check out the planet they were on. Ford has bribed his way on the trip with a turkey sandwich.

“Alisa?” he heard Ford say, pulling him out of his thoughts, “What’cha doing?”

The teenager looked up at them from her spot on the stairs, a grimace on her pale face, “Studying.”

“Explain that one to me,” John told her, folding his arms.

Alisa gave a sigh, “Dad, somehow, managed to get everything he’d need for me to be home-schooled. I thought I’d try study here since I can’t get any work done anywhere else.”

John picked up her book and grimaced, “History, yeuch.”

Alisa laughed, “That pretty much sums it up.”

John glanced at Ford and grinned, “We’re going for a little jaunt around the planet. Want to come?”

Alisa’s eyes lit up, “Really?”

John nodded, “Sure. Have a break from studying and get back at it refreshed.”

“That sounds great,” she grinned before hesitating, “I don’t know if Dad will…”

“I’ll talk to your Dad,” John assured her, motioning her to move, “Come on.”

Alisa bounced up and joined the two men. As they entered the Jumper, her eyes ran over everything before she took the seat behind John, watching everything he did intently.

“Flight, this is Jumper Three,” John called over the radio, “We're go for bay launch.”

Alisa and Ford tilted their heads round to see the roof as it slid open, both grinning openly.

“Jumper three, you are good to go,” Peter replied a hint of a grin in his voice.
John motioned Alisa to sit down, “Yes we are,” he murmured as he lifted the ship slowly off the ground.
“This is so cool,” Alisa breathed as they started to speed through the clouds.

“It's strange, not pulling any G’s,” Ford noted after several minutes of skimming the clouds.

“Yeah, kinda miss it,” John nodded in agreement, “Although at this rate of acceleration, we'd be dead by now.”

“Yeah?” Ford asked as he and Alisa shared a glance.

“Oh yeah,” John grinned, staring out into the clouds, “Without inertial dampening we'd be hit by so many G’s our eyes would pop, the skin would pull away from our faces, our brains would squish up to the back of our skulls and our internal organs would be crushed into these chairs.”

“Thank you so much for that image,” Alisa grimaced at the pilot who grinned back at her before turning to Ford.

“What about that sandwich?” John took the offered bag and opened it, removing his prize with a grin, “Flight, we're gonna take a low orbit around the planet. We'll advise when we're back in radio range.”

“Copy that, Jumper Three. Good luck.”



Rodney was getting annoyed. Alisa was meant to be in their quarters, studying as today constituted what would have been the first day of school. His daughter was bright; in fact she was incredibly bright, to his level possibly more but if it didn’t interest her, she couldn’t be bothered to even pretend to learn about it. It was one of the reasons he had to make sure she actually studied everything so she could graduate High School, especially here in the Pegasus galaxy.

However when he’d gone to check on her, she was nowhere to be found. As he checked the few places he could think of where Alisa would have gone, Rodney started to panic because she was nowhere to be found.

“Okay,” he took a deep breath; heading up to the main control room, reasoning that maybe she’d come to see him, he’d told her he’d be there most of the day. However when he reached there, his daughter was nowhere to be seen.

“Where the hell is she?” he snapped to himself, trying very hard to not panic.

Peter glanced up from his console at the question, “Who?”

“Alisa,” Rodney replied, “I can’t find her.”

Peter nodded, “I think she’s with Major Sheppard.”

Rodney sighed, feeling a little better.

“They’re out in the Jumper, looking around the planet,” Peter continued, “They’ll be back soon.”

“What?” anger filled him before he turned to the other man, “Tell me when they’re going to land.”

“Of course, Rodney,” Peter nodded from the console, sighing in relief as the scientist left.



“That was so cool,” Alisa grinned excitedly as she exited the Jumper with John and Ford.

“Alisa Jennifer McKay,” her father’s angry voice made her stop dead.

“Uh oh,” she whispered; turning to where he stood arms folded across his chest, his eyes blazing.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Rodney snapped.

“Rodney,” John started, “It was just a…”

“I will deal with you in a minute, Major;” Rodney cut him off before turning back to his daughter, “What are the rules?”

“Dad…”

“What are the rules, Alisa,” his use of her full name made her wince.

“That if I go out, I tell you where I’m going,” she replied, keeping her eyes down, “And I ask permission for any trips…like that.”

“And did you?” Rodney held up his finger to keep John from answering.

“No,” Alisa replied, still not looking up.

“You’re grounded,” Rodney told her, “One week.”

“Dad,” she protested, looking up for the first time.

“Do you want two?” he snapped.

Alisa dropped her eyes again, “No.”

“Room. Now,” he ordered, watching her until she had left the bay. Once he was sure Alisa was gone, he turned on John, “What the hell did you think you were doing?”

“Come on, McKay,” John replied, “I just took her along for a ride.”

“Without my permission,” Rodney yelled, “How dare you? Alisa is my daughter and you do not ever take her out of this city without first talking to me.”

With that he turned on his heel and strode out of the Jumper Bay.

John let out a long breath, turning to Ford, “I think he was a little mad.”



Rodney headed back to his labs, knowing that going anywhere near his daughter right now was not a good idea. He was in too bad a mood to deal with her. Once he was in the solitude of the lab, he sat down and rested his head in his hands.

He could only think of a few times he’d ever been so scared. Not knowing where she was terrified him to a degree Rodney didn’t know had existed until she’d been born.

*********************************************

Rodney couldn’t actually remember the ride back from the hospital; he wasn’t sure which route had been taken or even how long it took but one minute he’d been in front of the hospital, the next he was back at his apartment building.

Vaguely aware of the man walking beside him carrying a bag; Rodney shifted his daughter to one shoulder as he pulled out his keys, letting them both in. Once inside the apartment, he stopped and felt his heart clench.

“Rodney,” Arthur said softly, worried at how pale the young man had become, “Are you alright?”

Rodney nodded, “Fine,” he managed to say, “I just forgot how much of Lis was in here.”

“I know,” Arthur whispered, the pain of losing his daughter fresh.

“I should put Lissa down,” Rodney murmured absently, heading towards the bedroom where they’d curtained off a corner for the nursery.

Arthur put the baby’s bag on the couch, wondering if they were doing the right thing leaving Rodney alone tonight. It wasn't that they didn’t trust him with the baby, he’d already demonstrated how attached he’d already become to the child but Arthur worried that he would give in to the anguish he was feeling.

“You should probably get home to Andrea,” Rodney’s voice was quiet, filled with melancholy, “We’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay for a while?” Arthur asked.

Rodney shook his head, “I need to get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Arthur reached out and placed his hand on the back of Rodney’s neck, “If you need us son, just call. Okay?”

Rodney nodded, not trusting himself to speak as his father-in-law hugged him tightly. He forced back the tears threatening to overwhelm him as Arthur let him go.

“We’ll see you tomorrow,” Arthur sighed before he left Rodney alone.



“We’re not in just now,” the message told him, “But leave a message after the beep.”

Rodney sat with the phone to his ear, listening to the message for about the fifth time but this time, instead of hanging up, he managed to speak.

“Mom, Dad,” he said, “I don’t know if you’ll care but two things happened to me recently that I think you should know. My fiancée, Alisa died. She had cancer and she died,” Rodney stopped, taking a deep breath before continuing, “Before she died she was pregnant and now I have a daughter. I don’t know if you care but if you do you have my number.”

With that said he dropped the phone back into its cradle exhausted. They’d met Alisa once at Jeannie’s birthday party and hadn’t been too receptive to the fact they were engaged, his father had muttered something about them being far too young. Rodney wasn't sure why he’d called them, he hadn’t spoken to them in a long time but he needed someone to be there for him just now, he needed to feel that he had support and they were the only ones he could think of.

He was jolted out of his thoughts as his daughter started to cry. He quickly headed into the room and lifted her from her cradle. Her pink face was screwed up, her tiny fists clenched as she used her powerful lungs to show her displeasure. Rodney brought her into the lounge and picked up her bottle, settling on the couch he began to feed her smiling slightly as he watched her guzzle down the milk. He never expected this, never expected to be alone on her first night home. Once she finished, he gently rested her on his shoulder rubbing her back, after a while he realised she was asleep again. Rodney moved to place her back in her crib before stopping and using the pillows created a small safe space on the bed before he lay beside her. As Rodney lay watching his baby girl sleep, his eyes drifted shut and sleep finally claimed him until Alisa started screaming a few hours later.



The rain battered down upon them as they stood in the graveyard, watching the coffin being lowered into the ground. Andrea and Arthur stood beside him Arthur’s arm was wrapped tightly around his wife holding her as she cried, Rodney stood beside them with his daughter held close to him, thankfully fast asleep at this moment in time.

He sat silently in the car heading back to Andrea and Arthur’s house for the wake, his eyes constantly on Alisa and he refused to let anyone else hold her. Only Andrea was allowed and that was only because Rodney had to fix her dinner.

Finally everyone left, their condolences whispered and Rodney sat in the lounge with his mother and father in law, simply staring into space. He looked up when Alisa was taken from his arms.

“I’ll put her down,” Andrea told him, leaving the room before he could protest.

“Have you thought about what you’re going to do, Rodney,” Arthur asked, jolting him into the room again.

“Do?” Rodney asked.

“Alisa told us you were offered a job recently,” Arthur replied softly.

Rodney nodded, “I don’t know how I’ll be able to do it though. I can’t leave Lissa for such a long time each day and if I’m in a lab…”

“She will be fine with us, Rodney,” Andrea reminded him as she re-entered the room.

Rodney frowned, “I guess I just don’t want to leave her.”

“We understand,” Arthur reminded him, making Rodney wince.

Rodney licked his lips, “If I do take it, I’ll make sure I am here for her as much as possible. That I’ll…”

“We know, Rodney,” Arthur cut him off, “Go and get some sleep and we can discuss it properly tomorrow morning.”

Rodney gave a sad smile, “Thanks. Goodnight.”



Rodney was woken up a few hours later by his daughter screaming. Tiredly he got out of bed and picked her up, changing her quickly before rocking her back to sleep. He sat watching her; amazed that he’d had a part in making this little angel.

“I can’t do this,” he frowned, “I can’t. You’re going to end up hating me, I know it.”

Rodney didn’t know how to raise a kid; he didn’t know what to do when he had to discipline her or how he was going to talk to her. He was awful when it came to dealing with kids and they hated him just as much.

Rodney reached into the crib and touched his finger to her hand; smiling as even in her sleep, she gripped it tightly, “Guess I have absolutely no choice in the matter,” he laughed softly to himself. There was no way on Earth he could give her up and he was just going to have to find out everything the hard way.

*********************************************

The past few days had been hell, Rodney decided, especially the stress Bates’ suspicion of Teyla had on the team, to them going after and capturing the Wraith and the fact that Alisa had been ignoring him since he’d grounded her, wasn’t making his home-life any easier.

Entering their quarters, after being released by Carson after their mission to capture the Wraith, Rodney wasn't surprised to find her sitting flipping through a book staring out across the ocean not bothering to turn to acknowledge his presence in the room.

“Lissa,” he greeted her, not surprised that she didn’t even look at him, “Alright, that’s enough.”

“What?” Alisa asked quietly, still not looking at him.

Rodney sat next to her and took the book making, her glance up at him, “I’m sick of you ignoring me, Lissa. We agreed on the rules a long time ago and you broke them meaning you have to take the consequences. Here in Atlantis, they are more important than ever before; do you understand that, Lissa? This place can be very dangerous and I need to know that you understand that fact.”

“I do,” Alisa murmured.

“Good,” Rodney replied, “Because the work I’m doing is important.”

“Yeah,” she snorted, “More important than anything else.”

Rodney stared, realising what she meant, “Nothing is more important to me than you, Lissa. Nothing. Do you have any idea how terrified I was when I couldn’t find you?”

Alisa looked up at him surprised.

“Lissa, why didn’t you come and ask me?” Rodney asked, deciding to try another way of talking to her.

Alisa shrugged, “I don’t know. Major Sheppard said he’d talk to you and…”

“And you hoped that’d be enough,” Rodney finished for her, “because I couldn’t object if you’d already been.”

Alisa nodded, not looking up at him.

“I would have said yes to you going by the way,” Rodney told her, making his daughter look up at him confused.

“Really?” disbelief covered her face.

Rodney nodded, “The database told me there were no threats that could take down the Jumper on this planet when we first got here. Not to mention, I do actually trust Sheppard.”

“I’m sorry, Dad,” Alisa sighed.

“I know, kiddo,” Rodney smiled and pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly, “This time, and this time only, your grounding is revoked but the rules are there for a reason and the next time you break them, there will be no reprieve.”

“Thank you, Dad,” Alisa smiled, hugging him back.

Rodney sighed in relief before pulling away, “Okay, let’s go get dinner.”

“One thing, Dad,” Alisa said with a hopeful look, “I can’t study like this. I’m bored and I was hoping you could find some way for me to help out in the labs?”

“Well I could use…”

“Not with you,” she cut him off.

“How about Zelenka?” Rodney suggested as they left the room.

Alisa nodded, “That’d be good.”

“I’ll talk to him,” Rodney promised her, “But you still have to do the rest of your schoolwork. Deal?”

“Deal.”

“Okay,” Ford lifted the kid, Casta up and put him down a few feet away from Rodney who was still glaring at the kids, “Okay? Okay?” he nodded to the kids before turning back to Rodney, “You got a real gift with kids. You do birthday parties? How the hell did you manage to raise Alisa into a real person?”

“Look, I have a purpose here,” Rodney snapped, “You deal with them,” he stalked away, shoving his way through the two kids, “Excuse me. Thank you.”

Ford rolled his eyes as he led the kids away from Rodney and bribed them with chocolate.

Rodney stood working, frowning at Ford’s question. How the hell had he managed to raise Alisa into a real person? He mused over this as he examined the device. He didn’t remember Alisa ever being that annoying, yes she asked a lot of questions, yes she always demanded answers from him but she had never annoyed him like the brats Ford was loading up on sugar.

Alisa had changed in the few months they’d been here. She had lost a lot of weight for one thing; it showed mostly on her face, making her resemble his wife more and more with each passing day. He discovered a few days ago she went running every morning with Ford, which he had to say surprised him. Alisa had never, under any circumstances, liked exercise; she was like him in that respect, very laid back and lethargic when it came to exerting herself but she went running every morning.



“So what are you doing?”

Rodney glanced round to where his daughter had jumped up onto the table and was swinging her legs.

“Aren’t you meant to be helping, Radek?” he asked, tapping her shoulder so she moved off the table.

Alisa shrugged, “He told me to take a break. Apparently it’s not healthy to work so long at my age.”

Rodney laughed softly at the roll of her eyes, “So shouldn’t you be relaxing?”

“I am,” Alisa leaned over and looked at the ZPM, “I’m here to see you and see what you’re up to.”

Rodney glanced round at her before turning back to the ZPM; “I’m seeing how much power is left in this thing.”

Alisa nodded pulling over a seat and settled down to watch him work, listening intently as he explained everything he was doing.

*********************************************

Rodney wasn't sure he was happy about having Alisa along on this visit back to M7G-677 but they had the shield protecting all the villages. She was excited about being off-world for the first time and since this was definitely safe, Rodney wasn’t too worried.

As they entered the village, Keras appeared and smiled at them, “Welcome back.”

“Just thought we’d pop in and see how you were doing,” John replied, “How’s the arm?”

“It is fine, Major,” the young man told him.

“Good,” John grinned, he rested his hand on the leader’s shoulder, “So what’s been happening?”

Rodney ignored John as he continued speaking to Keras instead he glanced over to where Alisa was standing with Ford; a crowd of teenagers were surrounding her, making Rodney frown. The boys were all a bit too interested in her but before he could open his mouth, Ford rested his hand on Alisa’s shoulder; the look he gave them warning them to back off.

A tugging on his pants leg made Rodney look down and he grimaced to find Cleya standing there, looking up at him with a hopeful smile.

“What?” Rodney demanded.

The girl rolled her eyes at him, spreading open her hands waiting.

“What?” he demanded again before he realised what she wanted, “I don’t have any chocolate.”

Cleya pouted, “Who has it?”

“How should I know,” Rodney waved her away, “Go away.”

The pout deepened and he saw tears well up in her eyes, making him sigh, “Stop it.”

Cleya started to sniff.

“I don’t have any chocolate,” he cried annoyed, wishing someone would come and get the brat away from him.

“Here,” a bar was pressed into his hand; Rodney looked round, smiling to find Alisa standing there.

She crouched in front of the little girl, “Hey, what’s up?”

“He’s mean,” Cleya pointed to Rodney before sticking her tongue out at him.

Alisa laughed, glancing up at her father who was frowning, “He can be,” she agreed, wiping the girl’s tears from her cheeks, “But he can also be really nice sometimes.”

Rodney rolled his eyes at his daughter when she looked up at him before he crouched down beside her in front of Cleya.

“Here,” he handed her the chocolate bar which she took, skipping away to rejoin her friends.

They stood up together looking at where the girl had gone before Alisa turned to him and gave him a smile.

“You’re a brat,” he told her. “You know that don’t you?”

Alisa leaned into him, “I learned from the best.”

“Yeah, your grandmother,” Rodney wrapped his arm around his daughter’s shoulder and kissed the top of her head, “By the way, if I catch any of those boys near you…”

“Don’t you trust me?” Alisa asked him with a small pout of her own.

Rodney frowned at her, “I don’t trust them.”

*********************************************

John watched as Rodney glared at any teenage boy who came within ten feet of his daughter. Alisa was having a great time, being on another planet as well as spending time with people her own age. Rodney didn’t need to worry anyway; Alisa had her own personal bodyguard in the form of Ford who had become the teenager’s shadow since they stepped out of the Jumper on Elizabeth’s orders.

“Come on so you can look at this thing,” John tapped Rodney’s shoulder, stopping him from calling his daughter over, “Let her stay and have some fun. Ford’s watching over her.”

Rodney grimaced before nodding, “Fine, let’s go.”

John signalled Ford they were heading back to the ruins, the young Lieutenant nodded back quickly as John steered their antsy astrophysicist towards the ruins so he could do a few tests.



Alisa glanced up from the group of girls she was talking with to see her father and John walking away. With a quick look over at Ford, she returned to her conversation. One of the girls, Hinta touched her arm.

“Come and we’ll show you the river,” she said, “There’s lots of flowers.”

Alisa shrugged, “Sure.”

The group of girls walked with her chattering away. Alisa was amused that the main topic of conversation was the ‘full-growns’.

“The one called McKay is mean,” one of the younger girls said, “Cleya told me.”

Alisa gave a soft laugh, “He’s not that mean.”

“Really?” disbelief covered the girls face.

“Yes, really,” Alisa replied, “In fact all of the…‘full-growns’ are nice people,” she stopped and smiled, looking around at the menagerie of flowers covering the river bank.

Alisa had been raised in a city; the closest she normally got to nature was the park near her school, so she moved away from the chatter which was slowing beginning to annoy her and towards the trees. Closing her eyes; she took a deep breath of the sweet scent, stepping towards it before screaming when the ground disappeared below her and she fell.



Alisa cradled her right wrist close to her as sharp pain shot up her arm; she shook her head, trying to get rid of the foggy feeling in her head. She seemed to be in some sort of underground cavern but she could barely see anything other than the circle of light that was streaming in from the hole she’d fallen through.

“Dad’s going to be mad,” she groaned to herself as she managed to pull herself to her feet. She shuddered as she saw a spider, the size of her best friend’s hamster, scuttle away.

“Alisa?” Ford’s voice filled her ears.

“Aiden, I’m down here,” she cried back, looking up to see him leaning over looking in, “Wherever here is.”

“I’m going to go get the Major and your Dad,” he yelled down, “Don’t move.”

“No chance of that,” she moaned, wincing as she jarred her wrist again.

It was about half an hour later when she could hear her father’s voice from nearby and he didn’t sound happy.

“Lissa?” he yelled down.

“I’m okay,” she called back, “Mostly. I may need to sleep with the light on for the rest of my life though.”

“Are you hurt?” Rodney called.

Alisa winced, “I’ve hurt my wrist.”

“Alisa,” John took over, “The ground around where you fell is kinda unstable. We’re going to have to get some equipment to get you out.”

“Okay,” Alisa grimaced at how weak and pathetic she sounded.

“Do you want anything?” Rodney called down to her.

“A flashlight would be nice,” Alisa replied.

“Stand back,” John called before tossing in his flashlight, Alisa grabbed it and flicked it on feeling a little better with a source of light. She stood in the circle of light and slowly moved around the cavern; the beam fell across what looked to be a leg, so Alisa moved the light up and screamed at the sight before her.

“Lissa?” Rodney yelled, worry filling his voice.

“It’s alright,” she hurriedly assured him, her voice still shaking, “It’s dead. I’m not going to sleep for the next hundred years but its dead.”

“What is?” her father yelled.

“A Wraith,” she squeaked.

“Just a few more minutes, Lissa,” Rodney soothed, “Just a few more minutes.”

Alisa nodded, even though he couldn’t see her; making sure she kept herself in the circle of light. She bounced nervously on the balls of her feet, the beam from the flashlight bouncing up and down as well. Suddenly it hit something and Alisa stopped, staring as she moved closer to the small cylindrical object.

“Dad,” she called up as she examined it, “I’ve found something.”
“Something?”
“I think it’s an Ancient device,” she called back; “You might want to have a look at it.”
“Once you’re up then I’ll investigate whatever you’ve found,” Rodney told her, “Now get back where I can see you.”

John finally arrived back with the gear to get Alisa back up. Once they’d set everything up, he stopped Rodney.

“I’ll go down and get her,” John told him.

Rodney frowned, “This is my daughter.”

“And I’ve had experience of doing this sort of rescue,” John replied, “Have you?”

Rodney frowned at him again but moved over to the entrance again.

“Lissa,” he called, “Major Sheppard is coming down to get you. Stay back, okay?”

“Okay, Dad,” she replied, sounding calmer than he was.

John made sure he was secure before he started slowly down the rope and into the cave beneath them. As he made it to the ground, he grabbed Alisa into a quick hug.

“You okay?” he asked, checking her quickly.

Alisa nodded, giving him a watery smile, “My wrist is really sore.”

John gently touched her arm, wincing at how swollen it was, “We’ll get you back to Carson.”

“Dad’ll want to see what I found,” Alisa reminded the Major.

“We can come back,” John reminded her as he fixed the harness around her, “Okay, hold onto me and we’ll be up in no time.”

Alisa nodded and keeping her hurt arm close to her chest, she held onto John, closing her eyes tightly as they ascended; she’d never been big on heights since she’d been seven and she really didn’t feel like throwing up over the man who was rescuing her.

“Lissa,” her father’s relieved voice sounded just before she felt two hands grab her and she opened her eyes to see him, “I’ve got you.”

Alisa felt her father hold onto her tightly and after he checked her just as John had Rodney started them to the Jumper. Alisa tried to say goodbye to the other kids she’d been talking to but Rodney kept her moving.

*********************************************

Carson met them as soon as the hatch to the Jumper opened, John had been watching Rodney mother-hen his daughter and wandered out behind them; waiting until Carson motioned for him to get the overbearing father away from the patient.

“So,” Carson said, once he’d x-rayed the arm, “This looks pretty nasty.”

Alisa nodded, “Hurts pretty bad too.”

“Well, it’s just a very bad sprain,” he told her.

“It didn’t feel broken,” Alisa replied, wincing as he moved it slightly.

“And you know how that feels because?” Carson asked, crossing his arms and looking interested.

“I was seven when I broke this arm,” Alisa waved her left arm; “I fell out of a tree.”

Carson shook his head, trying not to laugh, “Okay, you tell me the story while I wrap this.”

The teenager nodded, “I was seven and I’d made a wind generator for my school science project, Dad said it was very advanced for my age and I was dying to test it out. Except it was a really hot day and there was no wind. I looked up and I could see the wind moving through the tree in our back garden. Except it was a bird but I’ll get to that,” she winced as Carson wrapped the bandage tightly round her wrist, “So in my logical seven year old brain, I climbed the tree so I could test it. Unfortunately I got to the top, the bird flapped at me scaring me. I let go and I fell.”

Carson laughed suddenly, “I take it your dad went crazy.”

“He was pretty upset,” Alisa shrugged, “I spent six weeks with a cast on my arm and six months being watched like a hawk.”

Carson laughed again, “And I’m pretty sure that will happen again. There you go,” he finished wrapping her arm and fixed it in a sling, “You’ll have to wear that for a few days and take the painkillers. I’ve given you something already which might make you a little drowsy.”

Alisa nodded, “Thanks, Carson.”

“And enjoy being wrapped in cotton wool for the next few months,” he told her as he left to let Rodney know he was allowed in.



Alisa looked over as Rodney entered the room.

“Hi,” she smiled, hoping to avoid getting yelled at.

Rodney sat beside her, “At least you didn’t break anything this time, especially a prize project.”

She smiled slightly, leaning into her father’s side sighing tiredly.

“It’s just typical you finally let me out of the city and this happens,” she glanced up at him.

Rodney frowned down at her, “I was sure I told you not to go wandering.”

“They were showing me some things,” Alisa sighed tiredly, “I was looking round at the trees when suddenly…”

“You were under the ground,” Rodney finished for her.

“Uh hu,” she yawned, curling closer to him as the painkillers Carson had given her kicked in, “I’m s’rry daddy,”

Rodney stood up and moved her so she was laying down, “It’s okay, Lissa,” he covered her with a blanket, gently kissing her forehead as she fell asleep.

He stood watching her for several minutes, smiling to himself. That was how he’d raised her into a normal person because she questioned and badgered him and made him talk to her.

Because with her, he was a real person.

“Hey,” John arrived and Rodney turned.

“You wake her,” Rodney warned in a harsh whisper, “And you have no hot water for a month.”

“Just wanted to see she’s okay,” John whispered, “And I see she is.”

Rodney grinned, “Yeah.”

“Come on,” John grabbed his shoulder, “They still have some hot food in the mess. And I want something to eat.”

Rodney nodded; he took one more look at his little girl and smiled before following his friend.

Carson sat on the balcony; staring out across the ocean, his mind continuously going over the events of the past few days, wishing he knew what he could have done to persuade the Hoffans that they were wrong.

“Here,” a mug was thrust into his hands and Carson looked up, surprised to find Rodney standing above him, another mug in his hand.

The scientist slid down the wall to sit beside him as Carson sniffed the clear liquid in the mug, wincing at the fumes.

“Athosian alcohol,” Rodney noted, “Possibly able to be used as industrial cleaner, Radek’s looking into that but you need it.”

Carson sighed, placing the mug down, “Look, Rodney I appreciate the gesture but I prefer to be alone just now.”

“You may want to be alone,” Rodney told him, taking an experimental sip before wincing and placing his own mug to one side, “But it’s not exactly the best thing for you.”

Carson frowned confused by how Rodney was acting like…well a real person, “And since when did you become the expert?”

Completely unfazed by Carson, Rodney pulled out a power bar and started eating looking out across the waves.

“Rodney!!!” Carson snapped.

“I know how you’re feeling, Carson,” Rodney’s voice was almost so soft Carson didn’t hear him, “I’ve watched someone I care about fade away while I was completely helpless to stop it.”

Carson swallowed as he realised what Rodney was saying, “Alisa’s mother.”
His friend nodded, not looking round; Carson wanted to ask what had happened but he knew that Rodney telling him this much was unusual.

“Yes,” Rodney turned to him.

“Perna made her own choice,” Carson sighed, “She knew the consequences.”

“It doesn’t mean you can’t hate her for that,” Rodney told him.

Carson was amazed by how well Rodney was reading him; Rodney didn’t understand people at all. This meant the other man had experienced it all.

“Do you hate Alisa’s mother?” Carson couldn’t stop himself from asking.

Rodney turned away from him and for a moment Carson thought he’d pushed too far but he wanted to forget everything he’d done on that planet.

“Every so often, yes,” Rodney answered before sighing; he took a swig from the mug at his side, gagging at the taste, “Forget fighting the Wraith, just let them try that once and they’ll run screaming,” Rodney pushed the mug away.

“In that case I’ll pass,” Carson pushed his own further away, leaning his head back against the wall.



They sat in silence for several minutes, both men caught up in their own thoughts.

“Lis was six months pregnant when we found out she had cancer,” Rodney suddenly spoke up, making Carson turn to him, “We had no idea she was sick. I just thought she was tired because of the baby and the fact she was still studying late into the night.”

Rodney stood up and moved to lean against the railing; “The doctor thought she was probably anaemic so they took some blood. I went with her to get the results, cause we were going to get some stuff for the baby and when he told us we were both overwhelmed.”

He stopped again the events from such a long time ago crushing him but he knew that telling Carson this was the only way he could help his friend. Looking over to where Carson sat watching him, Rodney sighed softly.

“I reacted badly,” Rodney continued, “I threw myself into my studies while Lis dug up every piece of information she could on her condition. Telling her parents was hell but Lis, as always, took charge and told us all she wasn’t doing anything that could hurt her baby. The baby she could feel move every day, the baby I talked to every night.”

Carson stood up moving to stand at his friend’s side.

“She was so strong,” Rodney told him, “But…” he stopped, swallowing hard, “But she deteriorated so fast that by the time Lissa was born, she wasn't strong enough to handle the treatment.”

“I’m sorry, Rodney,” Carson told him, “You didn’t need to tell me this.”

Rodney frowned at him, “The point is, Carson, you did everything you could on Hoff but those people were never going to listen to you. Perna made up her mind and once someone like that makes up their mind, there’s nothing you can do.”

Carson sighed, “Did her mother get to hold Alisa before she died?”

Rodney closed his eyes and nodded, “She died holding her,” Rodney pushed himself off the railing and left Carson standing.

The doctor stood watching his friend’s back who, for the second time, had let Carson know something he never spoke of.

*********************************************

Rodney sat going over reports from his team ‘s latest test results on the outpost, checking his watch he realised he was to meet Carson soon for a working lunch as it was the only time they could both get in their schedules.

“Dr McKay?” a timid voice made him look over to find one of his staff members standing, a young woman with bright red hair and large glasses.

“What?” he snapped, he had very little time and a lot of work to do before he headed home for his one week with Alisa.

“There’s a call for you,” the woman told him, gratefully disappearing now her message had been imparted.

Rodney frowned, the only reason anyone would be calling him here in Antarctica was there was something wrong with his daughter, considering how hard it was to get through to him.

Leaving his work, Rodney headed to find out what had happened, trying to keep his worry at bay.



“McKay,” he barked sharply.

“Rodney, its Diane,” the woman on the other end told him, “There’s nothing to worry about, I’m just calling you because…well…”

“Is Alisa alright?” Rodney demanded.

“She’s fine,” Diane replied calmly, “She was however suspended from school today for a week.”

“What?” Rodney shook his head in disbelief, not noticing Carson arrive behind him, “Put her on would you.”

He waited impatiently as his daughter came on the phone.

“Dad,” she said nervously.

“What did you do?” Rodney demanded.

“Ah…” she hesitated.

“Alisa, you have been suspended from school the week I’m home and you are already now grounded for a month,” he snapped, “If you want to persuade me not to make it two then start talking.”

Rodney listened in astonishment as she explained to him what had happened and Rodney had to cover the mouthpiece so she didn’t hear him laughing. When she finished her explanation, Rodney took a deep breath.

“Alright,” he said, keeping his voice level, “We’ll talk about this when I get home. You know the rules for being grounded and I’ll be talking to Diane about it. I’ll be back soon.”

“Yes, Dad,” she whispered.

“Put Diane back on the phone,” he ordered; relieved he hadn’t laughed while talking to her, since he didn’t want to undermine how serious this was.

“Rodney?” Diane came back on.

“I’ll be home in a few days, I’ll call when I can give you an actual time,” Rodney explained quickly, “She’s grounded for a month. So this includes no TV, no movies and no internet. She is to study during the day and don’t let her out of it.”

“Don’t worry, Rodney. I can handle Alisa’s punishment,” Diane told him, “They want to see you at the school as well, so I’ve made an appointment for you for Wednesday.”

“Thanks, Diane,” Rodney sighed, “Tell her I’ll see her soon.”

Rodney placed down the phone and rubbed the bridge of his nose; turning he stopped, finding Carson standing watching him looking bemused.



Carson hadn’t been surprised to discover Rodney was late for their meeting, the man ran on his own time system. Deciding to look for him, Dr Spears one of the biochemists told him where Rodney was, so he’d gone to catch him after the call.

“How long have you been there?” Rodney demanded when he saw his friend.

“A few minutes,” Carson replied, dying to ask who Rodney had been talking to but knew better, “Something wrong?”

Rodney let out bark of annoyance, “I was talking to my daughter.”

“You have a daughter?” disbelief filled Carson’s voice, despite what he’d overheard.

“Yes.”

“Really?”

Rodney grimaced at the incredulity that his friend had in his voice, “Yes.”

“Well that explains where you disappear to every few weeks,” Carson mused, “So, is something wrong?”

Rodney rolled his eyes, “She’s been suspended from school.”

“That’s bad,” Carson sympathised.

“It’s incredible,” Rodney laughed suddenly, “I just wish I could find some way to get her to focus on her homework as much.”

Carson stared at him bemused.

“Alisa, my daughter,” Rodney explained, “Is extremely smart. If she’s interested in the subject but if she isn’t then she doesn’t even try.”

Carson pulled over a seat, “How old is she?”

“Fifteen,” Rodney pulled out a picture of the two of them, “This was taken at her birthday about a month before I came here.”

Carson took the picture; smiling at the image of Rodney and his friend’s daughter, suddenly realising how much of a mystery his friend was to him. He handed back the picture to Rodney who looked at it for a few moments before putting it away.

“Where is she while you’re here?” Carson probed gently.

“She’s staying with her best friend’s family,” Rodney explained, crossing his arms defiantly as Carson opened his mouth, “Not exactly the ideal situation I know but it was the best I could arrange at such short notice.”

Carson decided to change the topic, seeing his friend about to stop talking, “What did she do to get suspended?”

Rodney laughed suddenly, “You understand, officially I’m mad as hell.”

“And unofficially?” Carson asked interested.

“One of her friends was being bullied by an older boy,” Rodney explained, “So Alisa took it on herself to get him back.”

Carson leaned forward, “How?”

“She fixed his locker so that it sprayed foam when he opened it, managed to soak his things while he was in the gym and my absolute favourite,” Rodney laughed again, “She superglued him to his seat in English class, despite the fact she wasn’t even in the same class.”

Carson looked confused, “How…”

“She created a small pellet of some sort that she dropped onto his seat in the cafeteria,” Rodney told his friend proudly, “It was designed to stick to his pants originally but it didn’t do anything until it heated up. Once at body temperature, the packaging disintegrated and superglue.”

“That’s brilliant,” Carson laughed, “How did she get caught?”

“That’s the thing that’s keeping me from grounding her for life,” Rodney continued, “She confessed. Apparently the boy was blaming her friend so Alisa stepped forward.”

“You must be proud of her,” Carson noted, before laughing at his friend’s grin, “I mean for stepping forward not for the tricks she played.”

“I am,” Rodney checked his watch, “Aren’t we meant to be eating?”

Carson laughed and led the way for them to get some food.



When Rodney arrived back after his week away, Carson found that the scientist openly talked about his daughter to him now, except if there was anyone else around. Carson had always known Rodney was a private man but the fact he kept his child a secret confused him.

“Alisa is mine,” Rodney snapped at him when he dared one day to ask the question, “My life is no one else’s business. I am here to help discover the secrets of this place not to let every Tom, Dick or Harry wander through my private life.”

“Surely it’s hard on you not to talk about her,” Carson replied, “I mean, you’re very proud of Alisa.”

Rodney shrugged, “You know now.”

Carson rolled his eyes but never brought it up again.

*********************************************

Carson could hear the sound of laughter as he entered the mess, looking over he saw Rodney sitting with John, Zelenka, Peter and Alisa. Alisa was gesturing wildly, similar to her father’s usual method of talking, obviously in the middle of a story.

Rodney glanced up and saw him standing there; the scientist tilted his head slightly questioningly.

With a sigh, Carson walked over to join his friends. As he took a seat, they all acknowledged him; they all held the question in their eyes, wanting to know how he was.

Carson took a seat beside Alisa, “What did I miss?”

“Alisa was regaling us with how she was suspended from school,” John answered with a laugh, “With Rodney adding a few details.”

“I remember that,” Carson grinned, settling in to enjoy the rest of the story.

As the girl continued, he looked around the table; his friends were here and he had people he could turn to. He would never forget what had happened on Hoff but sitting with the people he cared for he felt the weight lift.

“So?”

Rodney frowned; looking over to where his daughter stood, staring at him expectantly.

“So what?” he asked confused.

“You were on a Wraith ship,” she cried excitedly, “And you got to use their technology.”

“And?” Rodney grimaced at her.

“What was it like?” she demanded, a little petulant that he was being so unforthcoming with the answers she wanted.

“Terrifying,” he replied blandly, “Lissa, this wasn’t a fun trip.”

His daughter rolled her eyes at him, “I’m not talking about that,” she folded her arms across her chest, “I’m talking about the actual technology they use which you were able to operate. I mean how cool was that?”

“You have to stop hanging around with Ford,” Rodney muttered as she continued to wait expectantly.

Alisa rolled her eyes at him again, “Dad, this is a completely alien technology that there has been no one working on before you to give you any ideas on how to use unlike the Ancient tech around us which was studied on Earth...” she trailed off as he smiled at her, “What?”

“And you still say you’re not going to be a scientist,” he laughed.

“I’m just interested is all,” Alisa sniffed slightly in derision; “You know I want to follow in Mom’s footsteps and be a writer.”

“Of course,” Rodney replied flatly, “Despite a few little experiments that are in your permanent record from school?”

Alisa spread her hands and gave him an innocent smile, “I’ll use it in my book.”

Rodney laughed, “Go, it’s time to get some sleep.”

“What about you?” Alisa asked concerned.

Rodney smiled at her, resting his hand on her head, “I’ve just got some stuff to finish then I will get some sleep myself.”

“Really?” she frowned suspiciously at him.

Rodney nodded, “Yes. I promise. Is that okay?”

Alisa shrugged before stretching up and kissing his cheek, “Night, Dad.”

Rodney watched her wander out and smiled, “Night, Lissa.”



“Help us!!”

Rodney gasped as he woke up from the nightmare. He’d seen them trapped in one of those Wraith cocoons, both Lis and Lissa, his wife and daughter screaming at him to help them. Shakily, he went to the sink and quickly threw some water on his face before he had to check on her.

When they’d arrived on Atlantis, John had found this apartment for them which had two bedrooms and a lounge, Alisa had tried to argue that she should get a room of her own but Rodney vetoed it instantly. This thankfully, hadn’t been a long argument; Atlantis had been frightening at night at first. It sometimes still was.

Rodney stumbled through the lounge, swearing under his breath as he hit his foot on the table that shouldn’t have been in that position.

“Lissa, move things back,” he muttered as he slid it across the floor, out of his way.

Rodney continued to hobble over to his daughter’s room, gently pressing the panel and opening the door.

Sliding in, he smiled to see his daughter fast asleep, curled around her pillow. Her pale face was relaxed as she dreamed what he was sure were good dreams from the smile on her face. She didn’t wake up; she almost never did when he watched her sleep. It was something he had done more often than he would admit to anyone; he got a great deal of comfort just watching her like this.

After a few minutes; he slipped out and after pulling on some clothes went wandering the corridors of Atlantis, in search of a little peace of mind.



“Dr McKay?”

Rodney stopped as he entered the mess to find Teyla sitting eating some chocolate pudding, staring out at the starlit sky.

“Sorry,” he said, “I didn’t think anyone else would be here.”

“I could not sleep,” Teyla told him, offering him the seat beside her.

“Tell me about it,” Rodney sighed; grabbing one of the puddings, taking the seat at her side, “So, why can’t you sleep?”

Teyla didn’t flinch at the bluntness of his question, she was getting used to Rodney’s nature, “I cannot stop thinking of what happened to Tyrus,” she told him sadly, “I knew him for a long time…even if I did not truly know him.”

“Yeah,” Rodney sighed, leaning back against his seat.

Teyla turned to him, “His daughter Sora is now without her father, do you worry about this yourself?”

Rodney blanched.

“I apologise,” she said quickly, “I didn’t mean to…”

“Its fine,” Rodney cut her off.

They sat in silence for several minutes finally Teyla turned to him.

“I hope you do not take offence to this,” she spoke softly, “But when we first met, I would never have suspected you to have a child.”

Rodney snorted amused, “Nobody does.”

“Is that why you never speak of her to those who do not know?” Teyla asked.

Rodney dropped his head for a second.

“You do not need…”

“Alisa is my world,” Rodney told her, “I have given up a lot of opportunities because I had to raise her and I know that I wouldn’t change that for anything. The reason I don’t talk about her is because I don’t want anyone trying to use her against me.”

Teyla looked a little shocked, “Have people tried…”

“Once,” Rodney replied, dropping his eyes back to his pudding before looking up at her again, “And I won’t let it happen again.”

Teyla smiled softly at him and as they both turned back to look at the stars, she rested her head against his shoulder; Rodney sighed and tilted his head to rest upon hers, both of them taking comfort from a friend.

“Alisa?”

The teenager glanced up as Radek came onto the balcony, “Hey.”

“Is there something wrong,” the scientist sat beside her.

“No,” she replied lightly with a shrug.

Radek frowned, “Then why are you sitting out here when you were due in the lab half an hour ago?”

“Huh?” Alisa looked confused before she checked her watch and grimaced, “I didn’t realise it was so late, I’m sorry, Radek. I…”

“It is alright, Alisa,” he cut her off, “I did not come here to scold you,” he smiled as she rolled her eyes, “But I would like to help with whatever is troubling you.”

Alisa glanced up at him, “I’m fine, Radek. I just lost track of time that’s all.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, resting his hand on her shoulder.

Alisa smiled at him, “I’m fine. Come on, I should get to work.”

She bounced up and left Radek standing on the balcony frowning, he’d talk to Rodney once he arrived back from trying to fix the Stargate on M5S-224 to connect back to Earth.



Alisa sighed as she played with her dinner, it’d been a long day wondering if her father had managed to make the connection to Earth and wondering what would happen if he did.

A tray being placed on the table made her look up.

“Hey, kid,” Peter Grodin slid into his seat, “Is the food that bad?”

“The usual,” Alisa replied, shrugging at him, “I was just thinking.”

Peter laughed, “And killing your potatoes.”

She looked at the plate disgusted, “It was mercy killing,” she pushed it away, “I guess I’m just a little worried.”

“Your Dad is the best,” Peter reminded her, “He won’t break the Gate beyond repair.”

“That’s not what’s worrying me,” Alisa sighed.

“What is?” he pushed.

Alisa grimaced at him, “Do you miss Earth?”

Peter looked a little amazed at her question but nodded, “Occasionally. I miss my family and proper food. Little things like that. Why? Don’t you?

“Not really,” she told him, “My family is here. And for once Dad isn’t some place where I only see him a few days a month. I know people don’t really like him but I do.”

“It’s not that people don’t like your Dad,” Peter told her, “It’s more he scares them.”

Alisa grinned, “He’s a teddy bear.”

“To you maybe,” Peter laughed, “But he has teeth and claws.”

Alisa gave a sharp laugh before sighing sadly, “I don’t want to leave here, Peter.”

“What makes you think that you will?” Peter asked.

“Because they’re not going to let a kid stay here when the Wraith are coming,” she replied before leaving.

*********************************************

“It didn’t work,” Alisa said softly when her father entered the main room of their quarters, “Did it?”

Rodney sighed annoyed, “Thought we were back on Earth and everything but it wasn’t real.”

“Good,” she murmured.

Rodney frowned at her, “What do you mean good?”

“I…”

“We have to be able to contact Earth,” Rodney snapped, the exhaustion of the day catching up with him and shortening his temper, “We need to let them know we’re still alive and that the Wraith are coming.”

“I guess,” Alisa muttered.

Rodney turned to her, “You guess? Lissa, is something wrong?”

“Why would there be anything wrong?” she snapped back, “Life is wonderful.”

“That’s enough,” Rodney barked, “I am not in the mood for you to have a tantrum right now over nothing.”

“I’m not the one yelling,” Alisa shot back at him.

Rodney drew in a deep breath, trying not to lose his temper, “Alisa, stop acting like a child you’re almost sixteen.”

“Well stop treating me like one,” she cried.

Rodney stared at her astonished, “When have I treated you like a child? When I gave you the choice to come here, when I let you work in the lab or when I give you the freedom you have around here?”

“Freedom?” Alisa laughed harshly, “Your little network of spies keeps tabs on me no matter what I do.”

“That’s nonsense,” Rodney replied sharply, “You think I’m treating you like a child then fine that’s what you’ll get. As of now, you’re no longer working with Radek. Any projects you were working on are on permanent hold. You are grounded; you study and leave the room only for meals. Your computer is also confiscated.”

“What?” Alisa yelled.

“If you’re bored, read a book,” Rodney snapped, “Major Sheppard has War and Peace with him. Borrow it.”

“This isn’t fair,” she cried.

“Tough,” Rodney turned away and headed to get cleaned up, “Go to bed. You now have a nine o’clock curfew as well.”

*********************************************

Rodney felt guilty for taking his bad temper out on Alisa but her bad mood had only heightened his own. They had similar temperaments so it was now a matter of time to see who cracked first and since Rodney had given in last time, he had no intention of backing down this time.

“You know I haven’t seen Alisa recently,” John noted as he entered the lab, “Something wrong?”

“Why would there be anything wrong?” Rodney muttered his eyes never leaving his computer.

John frowned, “Because she’s usually floating around.”

“Alisa is grounded at the moment,” Rodney told him sharply, “I would appreciate it if you didn’t do anything to undermine this.”

John looked a little confused and leaned against the bench, “What did she do?”

Rodney turned to him, his eyes flashing with anger, “It’s none of your business and unlike you I have work to do. Leave.”

Deciding to make a dignified exit; John nodded and slipped out of the lab, leaving Rodney alone.



John opened the door to Rodney and Alisa’s quarters; not surprised to find the teenager sitting, her nose buried in a book.

“You know Dad’ll go insane you’re here,” Alisa noted, looking up at him.

“Maybe,” John dropped to sit beside her, “Mind you, I’d prefer to find out what’s going on with you.”

“Nothing,” she snapped, looking back at her book.

“Both Dr’s Zelenka and Grodin don’t agree,” he replied, “You’ve been moping around for days now. And it’s not your normal personality.”

“What do you know…”

“Alisa,” John cut her off, “We have been here several months and I actually take note of the people around here. You are brilliant and bright but, unlike your father, you are also a cheery person.”

“Cheery?” Alisa looked at him bemused.

“Yeah cheery,” John grinned, “So, want to tell me why the little black cloud is hanging over your head?”

She dropped her eyes back to her book.

“Or better yet,” John continued, “You could tell your father.”

Alisa sighed, “I don’t know how.”

He squeezed her shoulder, “Alisa, I have never known anyone to have a relationship with a parent like you have with your dad. I could barely talk to mine. Just talk to him.”

Giving her shoulder another squeeze, John left her alone.



Alisa stood outside Rodney’s lab, trying to get the courage up to go in and talk to him. There were very few times she found it hard to talk to her Dad; most things were easy, the only things that weren’t had been things she’d talked to Diane about.

Finally she walked in and stood waiting to be noticed.

“Why are you here?” Rodney didn’t look up, “You’re meant to be studying.”

Alisa grimaced, she hated when he was angry at her.

“When you said you could contact Earth,” she blurted out before she could lose the nerve, “I was afraid.”

Rodney looked round at her, “Afraid of what?”

“That when you tell them about the Wraith, they’ll find a way to come here and I’ll be made to go home,” she sighed, dropping to sit on the stool.

Rodney frowned, “What makes you think that would happen?”

“Because,” Alisa said, slightly sharper than she meant, “They’re not going to let a kid stay somewhere so dangerous.”

“You know I…”

“Dad,” she cut him off, “You won’t be able to stop it and what’s more you know you wouldn’t want to leave everyone here without you to help save them.”

Rodney stared at her, knowing she was right and couldn’t find a way to refute her words.

“I’m sorry I was so bad tempered,” Alisa continued, “I just…I don’t want to be sent away from here and one day be contacted by someone from the SGC telling me you’re dead.”

He rested his hand on her shoulder, pulling her close to him, “Lissa, it’s not going to happen.”

Alisa glanced up at him, tears streaking her cheeks, “You can’t promise that.”

Rodney closed his eyes sadly as Alisa slipped away from him.

“Goodnight, Dad,” she sighed.

“Lissa,” Rodney called after her, “Go see Radek tomorrow morning,” he told her as she looked back, “You’re no longer grounded.”

She nodded silently before she left him alone, brooding over her fears which were now his.

Alisa stepped out of the Gate and back into Atlantis; relieved as her father walked over, catching her in a tight hug.

“You did it,” she grinned, a little unnerved by how tightly he was holding her.

“Of course,” Rodney finally released her and looked down at her intently, “And did you behave?”

A small smirk appeared on her lips, “I did as you said and stayed with Radek, Peter and Sergeant Bates.”

“Really?” suspicion filled Rodney’s voice and he turned to find Bates, nearby supervising the populations return, “Bates?”

The sergeant looked up at the call and walked over to join them, “Yes?”

“Did anything happen?” Rodney demanded, his arm still wrapped around his daughter.

Bates shook his head, “Nothing,” he replied, turning to leave before looking back, “But I’m putting out a warning about your card shark.”

Rodney turned to Alisa who had an innocent smile on her face, “How much did you fleece?”

“Enough,” she grinned, laughing as he did, “I’ll be buying dinner when we get back to Earth.”

“Come on,” Rodney started to move her from the Gateroom when she noticed the bandage wrapped around his jacket.

“Dad,” worry filled her voice, “What happened to your arm?”

Rodney hesitated for a second before he shrugged, “Just a slight accident it’s nothing to worry about.”

“Has Carson looked at it?” Alisa demanded, trying to get a better look.

“It’s nothing, Lissa,” Rodney assured her, keeping his arm away from her probing eyes, “Really,” she continued to look worriedly at him and Rodney sighed, “Alright, we’ll go see Carson okay?”

Alisa smiled relieved, “Okay.”



“Rodney…” Carson started as he stared at the cuts in Rodney’s arm.

“Just fix it and tell Alisa it was only a cut,” the scientist stated sharply.

“But…”

Rodney glared at him, “I am not worrying her over this. So…please just do it.”

Muttering under his breath; Carson gently cleaned, stitched and then wrapped Rodney’s wounds. He wanted to find out how these had been made because he knew knife wounds when he saw them.

“Good,” Rodney yanked his arm back the moment Carson had finished, “You should get some rest, Carson you look like hell.”

Before the doctor could reply, Rodney was off the bed and pulled open the curtain to where Alisa was sitting waiting for him.

“Is he alright, Carson?” she asked instantly, worry creasing her face.

Rodney turned to the doctor waiting.

“It’s just a cut, Alisa,” Carson told her reassuringly, “It’s clean and wrapped. There’s no reason to worry.”

A smile covered the girl’s face, “Good.”

“Are you happy?” Rodney asked with a frown.

Alisa nodded, “Now I am. Let’s go for dinner.”

*********************************************

“You have a daughter I’m told,” Koyla breathed in Rodney’s ear; twisting the knife in his arm, making him grit his teeth even harder, “Just imagine everything I could have done to her, Dr McKay…just imagine.”

Rodney covered his face with his hands, trying desperately to get those words out of his head. The ache in his arm started again and Rodney reached out, grabbing the painkillers Carson had given him, throwing two back dry. Once before someone had done this to him, they’d threatened to take Alisa away from him and that time too Rodney had done what had been demanded of him.

Angry with himself and the universe, Rodney threw back his covers and started to pace the room. He’d given up so easily, the people here were his friends but when it came to his daughter…

After a few minutes he headed to Alisa’s room, just wanting to check she was there and safe, despite knowing how stupid it was.

Opening the door to his room, relief filled him to see her sleeping and Rodney leaned against the wall, taking a few deep breaths.

“Dad?” Alisa groaned, blinking at him sleepily.

Rodney grimaced, annoyed he’d woken her, “Its okay, Lissa, go back to sleep.”

“You sure?” she yawned, sitting up.

Rodney nodded; “I was just…it was a long day and I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Alisa slid across her bed to one side, giving Rodney room to sit beside her; once he was there, Alisa rested her pillow against his leg and cuddled in, falling back asleep quickly.

Rodney couldn’t remember the last time he’d sat with her like this, she hadn’t needed him to watch over her sleep for a long time. His hand rested lightly on her head; gently stroking her long blonde hair, thinking back to when this was to comfort her from nightmares and not him.



It was about half an hour later Rodney moved, making sure he didn’t disturb her this time. He gently kissed her forehead, fixing her covers. Slipping out, Rodney decided to go for a walk, hoping to tire himself out.

“Rodney?” John was sitting against a wall in the darkened mess when Rodney entered, hoping to find some hot chocolate, “I thought you were sleeping.”

Rodney snorted, “Can’t. You?”

“Can’t sleep either,” John replied, he reached over across the floor and found a chocolate bar, “Want one?”

Rodney took the chocolate, tearing into it like a starving man.

“How’s the arm?” John took a bite of his own bar.

Rodney winced at the thought, “Fine.”

“Are you going to tell me what happened now?” John pushed, “Or are you going to wait.”

“John…”

“Rodney,” John cut him off, “Koyla was an absolute bastard. Elizabeth told me you were alone for a while then she came back, you had that wound and he knew the plan.”

Rodney swallowed, feeling his stomach roll and pushed away the rest of his chocolate.

“It wasn't your fault,” John continued, “I’ve had a knife in me, there’s…”

“I didn’t give in because of the knife,” Rodney cut him off.

John turned to him confusion in his eyes, “What?”

“I wasn't speaking,” Rodney continued, “No matter how many times he cut me, I stayed silent.”

“What happened?” John asked softly.

“He threatened Alisa,” Rodney whispered achingly, “He threatened my daughter and at that point, I would have done anything he wanted.”

John’s eyes widened in horror, “How the hell did he know about her? You never mentioned her when we were there, none of us did.”

“I don’t know,” Rodney snapped, “But he did. They had the Iris codes, John; I didn’t know…”

“If he could get to her,” John finished for him.

Rodney dropped his head against the wall, “I thought that being here, I’d never have to worry about this again.”

“Again?” John stared at him horrified, “Someone has done this before?”

Rodney’s eyes were dark, “And I did exactly what they wanted because I was terrified someone would take her away from me.”

“Who was it?” John demanded darkly.

Rodney shook his head; refusing to speak anymore, pulling himself off the ground, “Goodnight.”

“Rodney,” John called after him, making him turn, “I’d do the same for her. You know that don’t you?”

A slight smile touched Rodney’s lips, “Yeah.”

*********************************************

“Good morning,” Alisa bounced into the mess and took her seat at the table with her father, his team and Carson a few days later.

“Who let her at the coffee?” John muttered, tossing her a grin.

“Happy birthday honey,” Rodney leaned over and hugged her, “How can you be sixteen?”

“Happy birthday,” the rest of the table called, making the girl grin.

“What you doing today?” Ford asked.

Alisa shrugged, “I was planning on doing nothing, unless someone wants to take me flying.”

John and Rodney swapped grins at her hopeful look.

“You know,” John drawled, “I was planning on taking Jumper three out for a quick flight to make sure it’s working fine, if you want to come?”

Alisa grinned, “Dad?”

“What are the rules for your birthday?” Rodney asked, one finger in the air.

Alisa grinned, “I get what I want…within reason,” she rhymed off, “What time?”

“We leave after lunch,” John told her.

“Cool.”



Alisa sat in the co-pilots seat, watching the clouds skim by a grin on her face.

“You’re as bad as your father,” John laughed, “He loves to fly.”

Alisa turned to him, “I never knew that.”

“Can you believe it?” John dipped the Jumper, bringing the mainland into view, “I’d let you have a go but you need the gene.”

“Yeah and Dad refuses to let me get it,” she rolled her eyes, “I could always try today. He finds it hard to say no to me on my birthday.”

“I can believe that,” John told her, “Where to now?”

Alisa bit her lip slightly, “Can I see the stars?”
John grinned at her enthusiasm, “Hang on,” he told her, aiming the Jumper up towards the outer atmosphere.

Alisa let out a breath of amazement as the blue sky became a black star field; she leaned forward to get a better view, her mouth wide open as she stared at the view.

“This is incredible,” she whispered, tears filling her eyes, “I wish…”

“Wish?” John pushed.

“I wish my Mom was here,” she told him sadly, “But I make the same wish every year. It’d make Dad so happy if she was with us.”

John gently squeezed her shoulder, “I know, kid. Let’s do a complete orbit of the planet then we’ll head home.”

Alisa sat back again, “You’re the driver, let’s go.”



Rodney watched Alisa exit the Jumper with John, both were laughing and Rodney felt relief fill him again that everything had turned out fine after the storm. And now she was sixteen; he found it amazing so long had passed since the day she was born, yet he could recall that day so clearly.



“Rodney?”

He looked up from studying to see his extremely pregnant fiancé sitting on the hospital bed, frowning at him.

“What’s wrong, Lis?” he asked worriedly.

Alisa rolled her eyes, “There’s nothing wrong,” she laughed at him, “My waters just broke.”

“What?” Rodney cried shocked, “I should call…I should get…”

“Rodney,” Alisa caught his hand, “Take a deep breath. Now go to the nurses’ station and tell Christina I’m having the baby.”

He nodded but Alisa held onto him, pulling him back to her.

“What?” Rodney asked, worried at how tired and pale she was already.

“I love you,” Alisa reminded him, kissing him before waving him away, “Now go get Christina then call my Mom and Dad.”



Rodney stared at the bundle in his arms, aware of the warmth and nothing else for a few moments. He knew that in his arms was someone he was now responsible for and would be forever. He couldn’t believe that he had this kind of responsibility when he could barely take care of himself.

“Dad,” the rich voice of his daughter interrupted his musing.

Rodney turned and smiled, finding the sixteen year old version of the baby he remembered so well standing there expectantly.

“Enjoy the ride?” he asked, walking with her.

“It was incredible,” she enthused.

“You’re not getting the gene therapy,” Rodney cut her off.

“I thought I got what I wanted today?” she groused.

“Within reason,” Rodney shot back instantly, “Not reasonable. Now come on and get ready for your party tonight.”

Alisa stopped suddenly, “What?”

“Oh didn’t I tell you,” her father shrugged, “We’re throwing you a party,” he walked back to her and took her by the shoulder, moving her forward again, “Come on, this place doesn’t need statues.”

*********************************************

Rodney stood in the corner of the room, watching as Alisa danced with Ford. The party had been going on for several hours now and Alisa was obviously enjoying herself. Everyone had either given her presents they’d managed to get made by the Athosians on the mainland, while others gave her parts of their chocolate rations and a few gave IOU’s for when they returned to Earth. Rodney had a few things to give her but not until they were alone however neither was a proper present and he felt guilty he didn’t have an actual gift for her.

He fiddled with his wedding ring as he watched Alisa laugh, the beauty from her mother shining through. Rodney took one last quick look at her before he slipped away from the party.



“You know there’s a party going on,” John said, making Rodney look up at him.

“I’m well aware of it,” Rodney replied sharply, “So why don’t you head back to it.”

John moved to sit beside his friend, “I would but that leaves you sitting here alone in the dark.”

Rodney refused to answer and continued to sit staring at the stars.

“Come on, McKay,” John snapped annoyed, “Your daughter is in the middle of her party and will more than likely be looking for you.”

“She won’t,” Rodney replied softly, twirling the gold band on his finger, “It’s after midnight.”

John stared at him confused, his eyes drifting to the ring and back to Rodney’s face, “Can you give me a straight answer.”

Rodney sighed softly, “Five hours after Alisa was born her mother died. Yesterday I celebrated my daughter’s birth, today I mourn her mother.”

“Rodney, it’s been sixteen years,” John whispered.

“You think I don’t know that?” Rodney snapped, pulling himself to his feet, “Because I have lived every day missing her and raising the child we should have raised together.”

“What happened?” John asked gently, “You’ve never told me.”

Rodney sighed again before sitting again and telling his friend about the best and worst night of his life.



“Dad,” Alisa beamed as he returned to the hall just as the party was ending, “Thanks for this.”

Rodney shrugged, “I can’t take the credit. Ford and Teyla suggested it.”

Alisa hugged him tightly, “Do you want Mom’s ring?”

Rodney gently kissed the top of her head, “Yeah. You know…”

“I do,” Alisa cut him off as she reached under her top and unhooked the chain holding the gold ring she wore around her neck at all times, “I’m going to bed.”

Rodney took the band and held it tightly in his fist, “I have some thing to give you for your birthday, honey but it can wait until tomorrow.”

Alisa grimaced at him, “Sure. Night, Dad.”

Rodney gently touched her cheek, “Night, my little Lissa.”

Alisa gave a soft laugh and left him standing, staring at the ring in his hand.


*********************************************

Rodney sat with Alisa the next morning, nervously playing with a DVD case as she looked at him confused.

“This is for you,” Rodney said softly, handing her the case, “I was told to give you it when you turned sixteen. I did transfer it from tape but I haven’t watched it.”

“Okay,” Alisa stared at it.

“I’ll leave you to watch it,” he stood.

“Dad?”

Rodney turned back to her, “Yes, Lissa?”

“You don’t need to leave.”

He nodded with a sigh, “Yes, I do.”

“Is this thing working, Rodney,” a voice asked as the DVD started, “Alright good, now go away because I don’t want you hearing this.”

Alisa turned from where her father had just left and stared at the woman on the screen before her, “Mom?”

“Hi, baby,” her mother smiled at the camera, “You just turned sixteen and I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. If you’re watching this then I died not long after you were born because otherwise you wouldn’t be watching this tape but another and I’d know your name.”

Alisa curled into her chair tighter, feeling tears slip along her cheeks.

“I know you’re a girl because I got the doctor to tell me but your father doesn’t know,” she smiled mischievously, “He’s so smart, it’s nice to be able to surprise him every so often, especially as his stunned face is so funny.”

She rested her hands on the large bump and smiled again, “So, I’m going to tell you a few things I think you should know and you’re old enough now to understand.”



Rodney was sitting in his lab, worrying about how Alisa would react to the DVD. He only knew his wife had wanted her to have it when she was sixteen and not before. Rodney had been tempted so many times to watch it, just to see it and hear her voice again but he’d always managed to be strong enough not to. The only thing he had done was transfer it from tape to disc so that it would survive.

“Dad.”

Rodney turned to find Alisa standing in the doorway, her eyes were red from crying but she wore a smile that he hadn’t expected, “Hey.”

“Did you really knock yourself unconscious at Mom’s first scan?” she giggled.

Rodney frowned, “She told you that story. Thanks, Lis,” he muttered but with a smile. He looked concerned at his daughter, “Are you okay, Lissa?”

Alisa nodded, sniffing slightly, “She…she told me why she chose not to have the treatment and a few stories about you and…” tears started to trail down her cheeks and Rodney drew her into a tight embrace, “And how much she loved us both.”

Rodney dropped his head, resting it on his daughters’ as she continued to hug him tightly, “She did, honey. I debated a long time about giving that to you because I was afraid it would upset you too much.”

“I’m glad you gave me it,” she whispered smiling at him.

Rodney nodded, “So am I.”

Rodney sighed in relief as he landed the Jumper; glancing over to where John was sitting beside him, looking in desperate need of sleep and painkillers and not necessarily in that order. He opened the rear hatch, allowing Carson and the medical team in so they could check out the injured Major.

Rodney waved away any help from the medics; he had no physical injuries from the encounter with the Wraith and stood to follow them out, finding Elizabeth waiting for him.

“Rodney?” her voice was filled with concern.

“I’m fine,” he sighed, “Look I want to get the medical over with so I can get some rest.”

“Of course,” the leader of Atlantis said, motioning him past.

Rodney walked to the infirmary, knowing Carson would be too busy stitching up ‘Major Insanity’ to notice how long it took Rodney to get there.



He couldn’t believe what Gaul had done, he couldn’t fathom it. And he couldn’t get it out of his mind. Finally he trudged into the infirmary and took a seat on one of the beds, waiting for Carson to notice he’d arrived.

“Dad?”

Rodney turned, finding his daughter at his side looking concerned. He studied her, aware of the differences in her since they’d come to Atlantis; the most obvious was that she was slimmer than she had been back home. A combination of the food rationing and running with Ford every morning when he wasn’t on a mission had been instrumental in this. The casual jeans and bright green t-shirt were a counterpoint to the uniforms worn by everyone else.

“Dad?” she asked again, worry in her eyes and voice.

His hand came up to rest on her cheek, “I’m fine.”

He saw the concern in her eyes and pulled her close to him; hugging her tightly, feeling relief fill him that he’d survived.

“Are you sure,” she pulled back from him.

Rodney smiled at her softly, thinking once more that he couldn’t understand what Gaul had done.

“Just need some sleep, Lissa,” he murmured, squeezing her shoulder affectionately, “I just need some sleep.”

*********************************************

“Dr McKay,” Kate greeted him, “I see Dr Weir has finally persuaded you to come see me.”

“It’s not like I had a choice, Dr Heightmeyer,” Rodney replied sharply, dropping into a seat, “I have exactly one hour for this nonsense.”

“You think talking about what happened to Dr Gaul and Abrams is nonsense?” Kate rolled her pen in her hands, trying not to be unnerved by his piercing stare.

“I feel that talking about my feelings is a waste of time,” he snapped, “I am fine.”

“That’s good to know,” Kate told him; “However, I also have to talk about other events, including how you got that scar on your arm.”

Rodney flinched, unconsciously wrapping his hand around the reminder of the Genii invasion of the city.

“Dr McKay…Rodney,” Kate said gently, “I know you feel this is a waste of your time but it is a requirement. It’s not like you haven’t spoken to a counsellor before.”

Annoyance covered his face, “I don’t see why that’s relevant.”

“Seeing a grief counsellor is nothing to be ashamed of,” Kate told him.

“And I only did that because it made my in-laws happy,” he snapped.

“Of course,” she wasn't even ruffled by his anger which irritated him more, “Rodney, you have to remember you have a stressful job, not to mention the added stress of having to care for your daughter.”

“Now it’s coming out,” Rodney declared angrily, “You’re assuming that Alisa causes stress.”

“She’s a teenager,” Kate laughed, “I believe it’s a requirement.”

“Alisa is not a problem for me,” Rodney continued, “I actually like having her here. It means I get to see her more than once a month.”

“Like when you were in Antarctica,” Kate finished for him.

“Exactly.”



Kate watched as he took some water, weighing up how to approach him next; she decided the best way was to approach him as he approached others bluntly.

“I noticed last week you wore a wedding ring,” she said, seeing him stiffen, “Just for one day.”

Rodney turned away to look out of the window, trying desperately not to hear her question.

“What made that day so special, Rodney?” her soft voice floated through, despite his mind trying to block it.

He stared across the city, “What does it matter?”

“It matters because your wife died sixteen years ago,” Kate’s voice remained gentle but firm, “It matters because your daughter stayed away from you for most of that day when she usually eats dinner with you every night you’re here.”

He turned to her, a question in his eyes.

“I was with Carson when she went to meet him for dinner,” Kate explained.

Rodney continued to stay silent.

“I understand how it feels for you, Rodney,” Kate told him, “I can see why you feel you need that one day but you need to let your wife go.”

“I let her go,” Rodney breathed, absently rubbing his where his wedding band would sit.

“No, Rodney,” Kate continued, “You haven’t. You hold onto her memory like a lifeline because you’re afraid what will happen when you let go. But you have to let go.”

“I can’t,” he closed his eyes.

Kate moved to sit at his side, “Look at me.”

Slowly he opened his eyes, Kate could see so many emotions running through them that he normally kept so well hidden from the world and her heart ached as she got to see the depth of pain he carried.

“Rodney,” she took his hands and separated them, “You have friends here who care a great deal for you, you have a life here in Atlantis and you have a daughter who idolises you. Your wife wouldn’t want you to be clinging to her like this.”

Rodney laughed suddenly, the laugh filled with bitterness, “Then she shouldn’t have left me a daughter who is her spitting image.”

“That’s not something she could help,” Kate reminded him, “And she did leave you with an amazing gift. Alisa is brilliant and sweet, she has the ability to come out top no matter who she’s talking to. She is the future, Rodney. You have to let her be and stop holding onto your past.”

He let out a long sigh, staring past her for several minutes before turning back to her, “Lis, my wife left Lissa a video telling her things.”

“Did you ever watch it?” Kate probed gently.

Rodney shook his head, “I couldn’t because then I’d be admitting she really was never coming back. I’d have to say goodbye to her completely.”

Kate, amazed he was talking this much, did something she was sure would normally get Rodney angry or defensive. She took both his hands in hers and looked into his eyes.

“Have you had anyone in your life since your wife died?” she asked, straight to the point, “Has any woman come close to even being more than a casual girlfriend?”

She was expecting instant defence at the question but instead he just shook his head sadly.

“And I’ll bet being a single parent didn’t help much either,” Kate gave a small smile, relieved he smiled as well.

“Lissa was always my first priority,” Rodney told her, taking his hands back as Kate released him, “And even when I did manage to date, the instant they found out about her…”

“Vamoose,” Kate finished for him.

“A lot of the times…except once but that was even worse.”

“Rodney,” Kate moved back to her desk, noting their time was almost up, “If you want to talk to me some more my door is always open, even if it is just to rant when Alisa has annoyed you. But I do have one suggestion for you.”

“What?”

“I believe that if Alisa allows it, you should watch the tape your wife left for her,” Kate told him, “You have to say goodbye to her and this is the best time to do it.”

*********************************************

Rodney stood at the door to Radek’s lab where Alisa was sitting at her own space in the middle of a project; he wasn’t precisely sure what it was. He’d promised her he wouldn’t interfere in anything that she was doing as a ‘school project’, Radek was supervising and, despite Rodney’s tendency to berate and belittle everyone who worked under him normally, he trusted Radek to do this.

“Dad?” the surprised voice brought him back to reality.

“Hi,” he smiled at her.

Alisa looked at him waiting, “Why are you here? I thought you had stuff to do?”

“I…” he hesitated and tilted his head to look at her, for once not just seeing Lis in her but also a little of himself, “I wanted to know if you minded me watching the video your mother left.”

Surprise covered her face at his request, “Of course not.”

“Where is it?”

Alisa gave a sad smile, “My top drawer. It’s just sitting on top of everything.”

Rodney moved over and gently kissed the top of her head, “I’ll see you for dinner.”

Without another word he left.



“Is this thing working, Rodney,” a voice asked as the DVD started, “Alright good, now go away because I don’t want you hearing this.”

Her voice hit him like a hammer and Rodney felt his eyes tear up instantly. Wiping the tears away, he smiled as he saw her the way he remembered her most; short cropped blonde hair, bright mischievous blue eyes and heavily pregnant.

As the video continued, Rodney found he was remembering things that he’d forgotten in his sadness about her. Lis had brought out a side of him that no one had ever seen before or since. She’d found parts of him that he hid away from the world because of his parents and childhood.

“That’s really all I can think of to say, baby,” Lis continued from the screen, “So I just want you to know I love you and nothing could make me change the decision to have you. Take care of yourself and your Dad, he needs someone to keep him out of trouble. Ask him what he said to me when we first met, if he hasn’t already told you that one.”

Rodney laughed softly, reaching out to switch it off.

“And, Rodney,” Lis interrupted him, making him stare at the screen, “I’m assuming you will watch this at some point because you can’t not. I’m hoping you waited till after our baby’s sixteenth. I’m going to assume you did and be proud of you. If you didn’t then I hope you’re feeling guilty pal.”

Rodney laughed amazed that she could do it to him from so long ago.

“I want you to know that the time I spent with you was the happiest of my life,” she told him, “And this baby,” she gently stroked her stomach, “Is the best gift you gave me. I just want you to remember I love you, darling and I want you to be happy.”

She smiled at the camera for a few seconds before she reached up to switch it off.

Rodney paused it and stared at her, his fingers gently brushing her face.

“Thank you, Lis,” he sighed, “I love you too,” deliberately he held out the remote and pressed the stop button, “Goodbye.”

Alisa rolled her eyes as she listened to her father and Radek playing their favourite game, Prime-Not Prime.

She gave a long sigh as she walked beside her father, not surprised when he turned to her.

“What?”

“It’s a sad, sad day,” Alisa said as she moved to Radek’s side, away from her father, “When you realise your parent is insane.”

Rodney glared at her, “Why are you here?”

“I believe the conversation went something like this.” Alisa said, slightly dramatically, “You said you were all going to check out to see what damage the storm had caused out here in the outer reaches of the city, I mused aloud at what I could do with a free day, maybe ask John to take me out on a Jumper again and you said I was coming too. So ask again.”

Rodney shook his head disgusted, turning to Radek, “You know, it was so much nicer when she couldn’t talk. I miss those days of peace and quiet.”

“You taught her too well, Rodney,” Radek patted his shoulder in mock sympathy, “It is a tragedy for us all.”

“Hey,” Alisa cried indignantly but was interrupted as Elizabeth called Rodney.



The day had turned into a nightmare that Alisa wanted to waken from but she couldn’t. Her father was going to die, this time it was for certain because they’d watched the people before him die. Just like Hays had moments before.

“How are you feeling?” Ford asked Rodney, while keeping a comforting hold on his daughter.

Rodney swallowed, “I'm ... I'm ...” he trailed off and his eyes firmed decisively, “Listen, I have a sister.”

“What?” Alisa breathed in shock.

Rodney looked at her sadly, “We're not close, I don't even know how you'd find her.”

Ford frowned at him, “Don't talk like that.”

“She's the only family Alisa has,” Rodney snapped, his eyes rested on his daughter’s pale face, “So someone should tell her what happened.”

“Dad…”

“I just want you to have someone, Lissa,” he told her, “Jeannie will be there for you,” he swallowed again, “Zelenka, I've got some theories on looping the power on the Gate to charge a dummy ZedPM. It probably won't work, but-but you should have someone look at it cause it might lead somewhere else.”

“We'll look at it together,” Radek told him.

“Look,” Rodney snapped getting angry, a few tears welling in his eyes, “You seriously have to stop interrupting my last thoughts. I mean, this is important stuff you need to hear. Now, if you're here for more than a year, I've left some notes on how to roll blackouts to effectively maintain your power requirements and-and, oh, tell everyone that I was, I was inches away from a Theory of Unification but uh, uh, the notes, they were lost when I died saving…”

“Kids?” Radek suggested.

“Yeah,” he paused; looking around the room, expecting ghostly visions to start. He turned around slowly staring towards the ceiling, but still the horrors didn’t come. After a long moment Rodney looked confused, “OK. I should be dead now.”

Carson moved over to him interest in his eyes, “You ran into Dumais at the same time?”

“Exactly the same time,” Rodney confirmed.

“Then, yes,” Carson told him. “You should be dead.”

Rodney stared at the others in the room astonished, “Oh, God!” he grinned at his daughter, “I'm still here.”

Ford nodded, holding up Alisa who was taking deep breaths, “Yes you are.”

“Interesting,” Radek mused.

Rodney turned on him “Interesting?”

Carson looked at him thoughtfully, “Don't take this the wrong way, but...”

“Why?” Radek finished for him

Carson nodded, “Exactly. “

Rodney started to laugh, “Well, I don't care.” he moved and grabbed his daughter in a tight embrace, “I mean, I really don't care!”

“Me neither,” Alisa breathed, hugging him just as tightly.

*********************************************

Alisa had travelled back to the main part of the city, just wanting to crawl into her bed and sleep for a week. Unfortunately her mind kept going over and over something her father had said when he thought he was dying.

She had an aunt.

There was actually more to her family than just herself and her father, it was something she’d never dreamed of. As much as she loved him, she’d always desired there to be more than just the two of them. A lot of that was because she wanted there to be someone her father could talk to.

It niggled at the back of her brain that he’d lied about that, what else hadn’t he told her.



“Lissa?” Rodney called; entering their room, finding her curled up in the chair with the laptop hooked up so she could watch a movie.

“Hey,” she paused the film, “Are you finished playing with the virus?”

He frowned at her, “We had to study it while we could.”

“Yeah,” she muttered sharply.

Rodney sighed; he really wasn’t in the mood for a fight just now, “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong,” Alisa cried incredulously, “I don’t know. Let’s try the fact that I have an aunt.”

“Oh,” Rodney groaned.

“Yeah,” Alisa continued with a roll of her eyes, “And you know, I’m not angry, anymore. I just want to know if I have any other relatives running around you’ve forgotten to mention.”

“Lissa…”

“Dad,” she stared at him confused, “Why did you never tell me? Were you ashamed of me?”

“Honey,” he sighed, moving to her, “No, never. Sit down.”

Alisa sat cross-legged on the couch, facing him as he sat across from her.

“Alright, Lissa,” Rodney started, “What you have to understand is that my parents didn’t actually like me.”

Alisa spread her hands, waiting for the punch line, “Meaning.”

Rodney rubbed his eyes, “They had very definite plans for after they were married, that were ruined when my mother found out she was pregnant. They always made sure I knew this.”

“So you were an accident,” Alisa shrugged, “So was I.”

Rodney laughed fondly, “You were an accident, I was a mistake.”

“Ow,” Alisa muttered.

“Anyway, they met your Mom when we went to your aunt’s birthday party one year,” he continued slightly wistfully, “They both went on and on about how we were too young to get married, to young to even think about it.”

Rodney paused and sighed, “My father is…the only way I can put it is ultra-religious, though I don’t think he even follows a specific religion.”

“That’s why we’re not,” Alisa noted.

Rodney nodded, “Anyway, if I’d told them your mother was pregnant without us being married, would not have been a good thing.”

“Do they know I exist?” Alisa whispered.

Rodney moved and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, “I called just after you were born, I still don’t know why. I think I was still in shock, anyway I got the answering machine so I left a message.”

“They never called back,” Alisa saw the sadness in his father’s eyes, “Did they?”

Rodney shook his head, “And just after your 1st birthday, I took you to see them.”



Rodney stopped the car outside the house he’d grown up in, wondering once more why he was doing this. He rolled his eyes as he remembered, it was because Andrea had told him continuously that Alisa’s other grandparents should get to know her.

Getting out he went to the back of the car, opening the door he smiled down at his sleeping daughter. Gently he disentangled her from the car seat, lifting her onto his shoulder, being very careful not to wake her before pulling her bag onto his shoulder. Slamming the door shut, he turned to the house and swallowed hard, he could do this.

Shifting the slumbering child on his shoulder to a slightly more comfortable position, Rodney started towards the door.

He heard the ominous footsteps of his father coming and held onto his daughter as she snuggled closer to him.

The door opened and Rodney found himself face to face with his father.

“What are you doing here?” Stuart McKay demanded, his eyes falling on the baby asleep on his shoulder, “What are you doing with that?”

“This is my daughter,” Rodney snapped back, his voice quiet so not to wake her.

“Get out of here before your mother sees you here,” Rodney’s father yelled at him, “And take your…bastard with you.”

Rage flowed through Rodney, how could this son-of-a-bitch not want this little angel that slept on his shoulder? How could he not want his own granddaughter?

Rodney glared at him, for the first time in his life not afraid of the man who’d terrorised him throughout his childhood.

“I came here,” Rodney forced out through gritted teeth, “To let you see your first grandchild. Look at her because you’ll never see her again. I will not put my daughter through the shit you put me through.”

With that said he turned and headed back to the car, putting his daughter safely into her seat before he drove away, refusing ever to return or contact them again.



Alisa stared at her father once he’d finished telling her the story. After a few seconds, she moved and wrapped her arms tightly around him.

“Dad, I don’t want to meet them either,” she said, “They can go to hell, we don’t need them.”

Rodney hugged her back, “Thanks, Lissa,” he sighed, “But your aunt more than likely didn’t have a choice then I didn’t contact her.”

“Then maybe we should try once we find a way to contact Earth,” Alisa told him decisively, “Because…I’d like to meet her.”

Rodney smiled and gave her one more squeeze, “Alright, honey. I have to go and try find out more about the virus.”

Alisa nodded, “I’m going to get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning, Dad.”

Rodney smiled and waved her away, “Night, Lissa.

*********************************************

“Good morning,” Alisa greeted John the next morning as she dropped to sit across from him, “I hear you got your ass chewed out by Weir for what you did yesterday.”

John frowned at her, “What happened to respecting your elders?”

“Yeah, keep hoping for that,” she took a bite of her toast.

John watched her for a few minutes, “How are you, after the scare you had yesterday?”

Alisa shrugged, “I’m getting kinda used to it, which I think has to be the strangest thing of all. Fear he’s going to die, then he’s okay and life goes on.”

“That’s a pretty weird thing for a teenager,” John told her, “I mean…”

“John,” she cut him off, “I’m sixteen. I’m not a kid anymore. Especially after everything I’ve seen here. And yesterday is just one more thing I have to tell my therapist.”

John laughed, “Heightmeyer is always available.”

“I’m waiting till I can send the therapist to therapy,” she grinned, “More fun that way.”

“You’re seriously weird,” John told her, smiling as she gave him a cheeky grin while munching on the remains her breakfast.

Alisa shrugged.

“What are your plans today?” John asked, as they both finished eating.

Alisa shrugged, “The dynamic duo are still working on the nanite thing so I am free from any actual work today.”

“Cool,” John told her as they started walking along the corridors, “I’ve not got anything either, some rubbish about flying too near a nuclear explosion.”

“Oh yeah,” she laughed at him, “That’s rubbish. Of course.”

They continued through the corridors, neither had anywhere particular to be so they started to randomly meander through the city.

“I overheard your Dad mention he had…”

“A sister,” Alisa cut him off, “Yeah, he told me about it last night.”

John looked at her confused, “You seem pretty okay with it.”

“I am,” she replied, “Now. I mean when I first found out he was dying, so I couldn’t be angry then I was relieved he wasn’t dead. Then I thought about everyone else here and I realised I’m lucky.”

“How?”

“Do you have any family?” Alisa asked him.

John stopped walking, “What?”

“It’s ‘cause you don’t talk about anyone, John,” Alisa told him, “Carson, talks about his Mom, Peter about his two sisters even Bates talks about his brother. But you…you never talk about anyone. Do you have anybody back on Earth who gives a damn about you?”

John shrugged, “It’s not important.”

“Why not?”

“Here,” John waved his hand around, “This is where my family is. I have your Dad and Carson who somehow have become like brothers to me, while Ford is a younger brother. Weir, who is an older sister but tell her I called her older I will kill you.”

Alisa giggled, “What about Teyla.”

John mused, “The good-looking cousin who intimidates me.”

Alisa continued to laugh.

“Then,” John draped an arm around her shoulders, “There’s little old you.”

“What am I?” she asked with a worried grimace.

“Annoying as hell,” John told her, “But I guess I kinda think of you as a niece, if you don’t mind.”

Alisa smiled at him, “You do realise the downside to having a brilliant and talented niece like I, is the fact…I will hit you for cash.”

*********************************************

The night sky was clear with the stars bright above them. On the balcony, Alisa lay next to the railing waiting for the meteor shower that had been predicted. Rodney was sitting leaning against a wall sipping coffee, John was sitting beside him with Teyla at his side. Carson was leaning on the rail beside Ford, who was trying to name some constellations.

“Is there any room out here?” Elizabeth asked, appearing at the door.

John turned round to look at her, “Grab a spot. Apparently there’s about five minutes before the show.”

“Peter better move his ass or he’ll miss it,” Alisa said from her spot on the ground, “What?” she cried as Rodney nudged her shoulder slightly with his foot.

“Language,” he told her.

“I’ve been living with Marines for months,” Alisa shot back, “Be thankful that’s the worst I came out with.”

“She has a point,” John laughed.

“Point or not,” Rodney replied, elbowing John, “Watch your language.”

“Yes, Dad,” she smiled at him before looking up at the stars again.

“Am I late?” Peter arrived, his arm filled with snacks.

Alisa looked up, “Not yet.”

“Good,” he squeezed onto the small balcony, managing to find a space in the corner and started handing out the last of the chocolate, “This is a pretty tight squeeze.”

Rodney gently nudged his daughter’s shoulder again, “If someone would sit up there’d be more room.”

Alisa batted his foot away, “I’m one tiny person. You take up more room sitting than I do lying here.”

“She’s got you there, Rodney,” John noted.

“It’s starting,” Carson called before Rodney could retort.

The eight people on the small balcony all looked up into the cloudless sky, watching in awe as the meteors lit up the sky.



From his seat on Rodney glanced around the group of people there, his gaze landing on his daughter. For many years he’d wondered if he’d done the right thing in cutting all contact with his family, if he’d done the best thing by lying to his little girl about them. He’d become afraid as she grew up and found out she’d resent him. But she didn’t hate him.

Alisa took the information in her stride because she did have more family than just him. Everyone on this balcony adored her, she was treated by them as part of the family, they treated him as part of the family and it was something he hadn’t had in a long time.

Alisa gave him a cheeky grin before returning to watch the sky and Rodney grinned back before looking up again.

Rodney marched through the corridors towards his room, still fuming with John over the ‘Ancient’ woman. He couldn’t believe the man, who was supposed to be in charge of their safety, had spilled his guts on everything to the bimbo. Fine, she was an Ancient, but the Major hadn’t known that from the start.

“Lissa?” he called sharply when he entered the lounge, “Lissa, are you in here?”

Rodney let out an annoyed huff, she was supposed to be studying today. He had all the exams for her so she’d be able to pass the school year and he’d planned for her to do them within the next few weeks. The last thing he needed, today especially, was his daughter to start acting up.

“Lissa?” he yelled again.

The door to her room slid open and his daughter staggered forward, looking pale and weak.

“Dad, I’m not feeling well,” Alisa groaned, leaning heavily against the doorframe.

Rodney strode forward and gently touched her forehead, he frowned at how hot she was.

“Let’s go see Carson,” he placed his arm around her, starting her out the door.



Carson came over the instant he was told Alisa wasn’t well. He already had met Rodney the mother-hen from hell; he was not giving the other man the chance to bitch about Carson’s medical skills.

“Well, Alisa,” Carson greeted her with a gentle smile, taking the thermometer from her mouth, “You have a fever. Have you had any other symptoms?”

Alisa sighed, “My head hurts, I feel really cold and I was sick.”

“Have you been sick more than once?” Carson asked, checking her blood pressure.

“No,” she replied, “But I’ve felt like it most of the day.”

“Well,” Carson turned to Rodney, including him in the conversation, “There’s a bug going round the Athosians. A few of the science team that were on the mainland a few days ago caught it. It’ll probably make its way round everyone over the next few weeks.”

“So,” Rodney started, “There’s nothing to worry about?”

Carson smiled reassuringly, “Of course not. However, with your work schedule I’m going to keep Alisa here. It means she won’t be alone and I can keep an eye on her.”

Alisa’s eyes fluttered as she tried to stay awake and concentrate on the conversation

“Good,” Rodney told Carson before gently stroked his daughter’s forehead, “Go to sleep, Lissa. You’ll feel better for it.”

“Uh hu,” she sighed; sliding down on the bed, curling up and falling asleep quickly.

Carson draped an extra blanket over the girl then motioned Rodney away from the sleeping teenager.

“You’ve no need to worry,” the doctor told him again, “It’ll make her sick and she’ll be tired for a few days but it’s not that bad.”

“You’re sure?” Rodney demanded.

Carson smiled, “Aye, Rodney she’s gonna be fine. And since she’s here, you don’t have to worry about her being alone.”

*********************************************

Alisa opened her eyes blearily and smiled seeing who was sitting at her bedside, thumbing through a comic book.

“Hey, Aiden,” she murmured, her throat dry and rough.

“Hey,” Ford dropped his reading material and handed her a glass of water, “Here.”

Alisa sighed in relief as the water cooled her burning throat, “What’re you doing here?”

Ford laughed, “Thought I’d see how you were feeling. You look terrible by the way.”

“Thanks,” she replied wryly, “You know you’ll probably catch this if you stick around here.”

Ford shrugged, “I’ll take my chances. Doc Beckett’s got some orange juice; I think that’s what it is, if you want,” he frowned in thought, “That is if you can have that.”

Alisa looked a little confused but realisation dawned quickly, “I’m not allergic to citrus,” she told him, “I was lucky.”

“Considering how many allergies your Dad supposedly has,” Ford laughed, finding her frowning at him, “What.”

“It’s not supposedly,” she rasped annoyed, “It’s serious.”

“Really,” he looked at her in disbelief.

“I’ve seen him go into anaphylactic shock,” Alisa whispered.

Ford stared at her horrified, “When?”

“It was my best friend’s thirteenth birthday party,” Alisa explained, a slight shiver went through her at the memory, “He took a bite of a cake, there was a tiny bit of lemon juice in the mix for flavouring,” her blue eyes fixed sharply on her friend “It was terrifying.”

Ford looked contrite instantly, “Sorry.”

“S’okay,” she sighed, yawning again despite having just woken up.

“Are you allergic to anything?” Ford couldn’t stop himself asking.
Alisa laughed, which turned into a slight coughing fit; she took the water he handed her quickly, sighing as she leant back against her pillows.

“I’m actually allergic to the one thing he’s not,” Alisa told Ford.

“What’s that?” he grinned.

“Cats,” Alisa replied, “Which sucked, ‘cause Dad wants one. He seems to like them for some reason.”

She yawned again closing her eyes for a moment, falling asleep within seconds.

“And the sleeping beauty awakens,” a voice made her turn, blinking at the man at her bedside.

“Peter?” she pushed herself to sit up, looking confused at the man glancing down at the laptop sitting in front of him, “What are you playing?”

Peter looked down at his screen and back at her with mock horror, “I happen to be working on something of great importance.”

“Solitaire or Freecell,” Alisa smiled as she took a drink of the water at her bedside cabinet.

“Actually,” Peter grinned back, “Minesweeper. Need some actual skill to play.”

Alisa coughed, still managing to keep the amused smirk on her lips.

“Is there a rota or something?” she asked, waving at the chair he was sitting in.

Peter looked at her innocently before nodding, “Your Dad can be a right bastard when he’s in a bad mood and with him worrying about you as well…let’s just say it’s to stop him being pissed at one thing.”

“Is he in bad mood?” Alisa asked, she hadn’t actually seen her father since the teams return from Proculus, other than when he’d brought her here.

Peter winced, “He and Major Sheppard appear to have had…a disagreement.”

Alisa frowned at him, “What do you mean by disagreement?”

“All I know,” he told her, “Is that when they’re not talking everyone else is happier. Because when they are talking, they’re yelling.”

Alisa grimaced, “Do you know why they’re arguing?”

Peter shook his head, “I’m not precisely sure,” he checked the time, “Sorry, kid. I’ve got a meeting in a few minutes”

“I’m going to sit and stare at a wall for a while,” she said, noticing a book sitting on her bedside cabinet, although unsure where it came from she picked it up.

Peter gently squeezed her shoulder, “I’ll see you later, Alisa. Feel better.”

“Thanks, Peter,” Alisa smiled softly, she waited until he was gone before she opened the book and started it.

*********************************************

“Ow.”

John frowned, confused when he heard Alisa cry out slightly as he walked into the infirmary to see her.

“Stop moving and it won’t hurt,” Rodney was saying when John arrived at the teenager’s infirmary bed.

The picture that greeted him was something he never in his life would have imagined. Alisa, dressed in scrubs was sitting cross-legged in the middle of the bed with Rodney behind her, braiding her hair.

“John,” Alisa smiled when she saw him, wincing as her father pulled on her hair slightly.

“What do you want?” Rodney glared at the Major.

John grimaced at the venom in the other man’s voice but couldn’t resist baiting him, “At the moment, to see if you’ll do my hair.”

Alisa swallowed her laugh, choking slightly.

Rodney fixed an angry glare on him, “You try having a five year old daughter with hair to her waist and a tendency to crawl through hedges. The day you have to untangle that then you can make fun of me.”

Alisa let out another yelp of pain, returning Rodney’s attention to her, “Stop complaining, Lissa. You were the one who wanted your hair fixed.”

“Fixed,” she replied, her voice still rough, “Not yanked out by the roots.”

Rodney leaned forward, “Then stop squirming,” he muttered into her ear.

Alisa let out a sigh but stayed silent as Rodney finished and moved to the chair beside her bed. She slid back against her pillow, sliding back under the covers which Rodney fixed properly.

“How’re you feeling, Alisa?” John moved to the other side of her.

She turned to him, “Much better. Carson’s going to keep me here for a few more days though.”

“I’ll be back later, Lissa,” Rodney said suddenly standing up, he leaned over and gently kissed her forehead, “Get some more rest.”

Alisa waited until he was gone before turning to John, “What the hell is wrong with the pair of you?”

He looked at her confused, “What?”

“You guys are friend,” Alisa reminded him, “Why are you acting like grade-schoolers?”

John sighed, “It’s complicated…”

“No,” she cut him off, “It’s not. You just like to think it is so you can justify being bitchy to one another.”

“Bitchy?” John raised a questioning eyebrow.

“You know what I mean;” Alisa sighed, leaning back tiredly, “Dad doesn’t have many friends. You need to talk to him.”

“Alisa…”

“Please,” she pleaded, her big blue eyes beseeching.

John winced at the emotional blackmail he was getting. It was hard to believe that this girl had ensconced herself so deep into his heart in such a short time but she had and he hated disappointing her.

“Alright,” he cried after a few moments.

The teenager gave him a small smile, “Thank you,” she sighed before yawning, turning away from him to get some sleep.



John had avoided Rodney for the past few days after the Chaya thing. Anytime they had been in the same room ended with one or both of them yelling. With a sigh, he headed to find Rodney.

“What do you want?” the sharp question came from behind the computer when John entered the lab.

“To talk to you,” John moved and grabbed the spare stool.

“Why?”

John winced, he hated trying to talk to McKay when he was in this kind of mood but he had promised.

“Because your daughter looked at me with big sad eyes and asked me to,” John replied with a grimace.

He noticed the tiny smirk that appeared on Rodney’s face so John decided to stay on that track.

“Yep,” he mused, “That girl of yours has the emotional blackmail bit down pat. She knows I find it hard to say no to her.”

Rodney finally looked up at him, “You’ve talked to me, now go away.”

“Look, Rodney,” John sighed, “I’m sorry alright. But I knew what I was doing.”

Rodney snorted, “Like hell you did.”

“I knew I could trust her,” John countered, “Just like I knew I can trust you.”

“Bullshit,” Rodney yelled, “You didn’t trust me until after I stepped into that cloud. I know that; I’m not stupid, Major.”

John grimaced but before he could think of an answer Rodney jumped off his seat and left the lab.



“I’m trying to sleep, Dad,” Alisa sighed, seeing her father march into her room.

“Well that’s tough,” he replied taking a seat, “I want a word with you.”

She groaned, “About what?”

“Your interfering ways,” he frowned at her.

Alisa looked innocently at him, “I haven’t done anything.”

“Major Sheppard came to talk with me and said you sent him,” Rodney glared at her.

“Dad!!!” she moaned, wanting him to go away.

“Alisa, I do not need you telling John Sheppard to talk to me,” he snapped, “I am the adult, not you.”

“So act like it,” she snapped back; biting her lip, worrying she’d stepped over the line.

Rodney sat beside her, “Lissa, this is complicated.”

Alisa rested her head against his shoulder, “You’re the one who always said talking about things clears the air.”

Rodney snorted, “You were ten and you and your best friend had fallen out over a rock. Of course I told you to talk.”

Alisa gave a soft laugh before sighing, “I hate when you’re angry, Dad. I hate when you’re so obviously unhappy and I hate that I can’t do anything to help,” tears filled her eyes, “You are happy here, Dad and I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen you content. Major Sheppard is the first friend of yours I’ve ever met and I hate that you’re not talking to each other because you’re sad again.”

“Lissa,” he sighed, pulling her into him, “I never realised you thought of me like that.”

“All I knew was that you worked and you spent time with me,” she murmured drowsily, “I never got to see you laugh at stupid things, play practical jokes on people and swap insults playfully. I never saw that side of you till we got here.”

Rodney frowned, gently stroking his daughter’s hair as she fell asleep again; once he was sure she was completely asleep, Rodney moved and rested her back against the pillows. He’d never thought about how his isolated existence affected his daughter. Rodney stood watching her sleep thinking about how life was before they’d come here, he did work most of the time and had only acquaintances. The closest thing he had to a friend was Diane and that was only because their children were best friends. It saddened him that the only person before Atlantis he could possibly call friend had a distinct function.



John entered the infirmary to try one last time to talk to Rodney; finding the other man standing, watching his teenage daughter sleep.

“Rodney,” John said very softly, not wanting to wake the girl.

“She’s right,” Rodney turned to John, folding his arms across his chest, “We both said things that we shouldn’t have. I’ll forget if you will?”

John looked at him amazed, finding his voice after several moments, “Sure.”

Rodney nodded before leaving the infirmary and John standing over the girl.

“Damn,” John murmured amused, “You’re good, kid. You’re really good.”

With that he left her alone, not noticing the self-satisfied smile on Alisa’s face.

“Radek!”

Alisa’s scream mingled with the explosion that rocked the small lab and threw Zelenka against the wall. Elizabeth grabbed the girl, pulling her away from the console as it showered flames and sparks over them. Ford batted at the flames with his jacket, sighing in relief when the fire was doused.

“Is everyone okay?” Ford asked, turning back to them; wincing finding Zelenka unconscious. He tapped his radio, “Dr Beckett, we have a medical emergency.”

Alisa’s attention was pulled from Ford as he called for help for her unconscious tutor; she looked past the marine to the doors. Ignoring Elizabeth calling her name, Alisa started to study the controls and grimaced.

“We have a problem,” she said, turning to the other two still conscious in the room.

“Another one?” Ford demanded.

“We’re locked in here,” Alisa told them, “I don’t think they’ll be able to get to us.”

“Doc, did you hear that?” Ford called over the radio.

“Aye,” Carson’s voice sounded in all their ears, “Rodney and Sheppard will there soon.”

“Dad’ll get us out,” Alisa completed for him.



It was almost ten minutes later when their radio’s clicked.

“Rodney?” Elizabeth said, “Tell me you’re almost done.”

A long sigh came over the radio, “I can’t. We can’t get near the lab, Elizabeth. Whatever Radek was doing locked and sealed the corridors surrounding you.”

“Can you open it?” Elizabeth demanded, glancing down at the unconscious scientist.

“It’ll take a long time,” Rodney explained, “But there should be a way within the lab.”

“Radek is unconscious,” Elizabeth replied softly, trying to stay as calm as possible considering Rodney’s daughter was trapped with them, “He can’t do anything; even when he wakes up, I doubt he’ll be able to focus.”

There was a long pause on the other side of the radio before Rodney came back on, “Alisa can.”

“What?” Elizabeth demanded as Alisa frowned.

“Lissa,” Rodney ignored Elizabeth, “You know all the systems.”

“Dad…”

“I know I’m putting a lot of pressure on you here, Lissa,” Rodney continued, “But if we have any hope of getting you out of there anytime soon then you have try.”

Alisa’s chin firmed and she nodded to herself, “Alright. I’ll try.”

“That’s my girl,” Rodney said, “When you need help I’ll be here.”



Alisa stared at the console for a second, frowning at how dark it was. This lab had been filled with records on the tactics the Ancients used against the Wraith and they’d been excited about showing it off to Elizabeth.

Her father’s team had come back from the first address given to them by the Alternate Weir with the Jumper covered in strange green goo. Alisa had watched, doubled over with laughter as Elizabeth managed to trick John and Rodney into betting against her for cleaning it.

A bet they promptly lost.

That was why it was just Elizabeth, Zelenka, Ford and herself that had come to the lab.

Alisa grabbed the toolkit Zelenka carried with him at all times and settled down, pulling off the first panel.

“Alright,” she said, taking a deep breath, “Here goes.”



John was pacing the balcony outside Elizabeth’s office, waiting to hear if Alisa had managed to release them from the lab. What really surprised him was how calm Rodney was. Considering his daughter was trapped, with no way for him to get to her without her doing something, Rodney was incredibly laid-back.

Heading back to the control room, John found Rodney sitting at one of the consoles, he was concentrating on the readouts in front of him with a slight smile on his lips.

“Alright,” John snapped, “What are you so happy about?”

A little taken back by the demand, Rodney shook his head, “Nothing. But…”

“But?”

“I’m interested in how Alisa will deal with this,” Rodney explained, leaning back in his seat, “Having to put something back together she hasn’t first taken apart.”

Suspicion filled John, “You didn’t…”

“Don’t be an idiot, Major,” Rodney rolled his eyes, “Do you think I would do anything like this…not to mention I don’t think there’s any way I could do that making sure no one was hurt.”

John thought back to what Rodney had originally said, “She takes things apart?”

Rodney rolled his eyes, “Has done ever since she was a child. The amount of times I walked in to find her pulling apart her TV or stereo. I got so sick of fixing them I finally gave in and made her fix it herself.”

“Dad,” Alisa called over the radio softly as John stared at Rodney, “The whole thing is fried. I can’t reconnect the power.”

“There should be something in the lab,” Rodney told her, “It’ll be well hidden but it will allow you to bypass that connection.”

“Did you get it?” Ford’s voice came over the radio.

An annoyed sigh came from Alisa, “Aiden, if I’d fixed it, the doors would be open. Just stay there and don’t ask me any more stupid questions.”

John, who had been taking a quick drink started to choke at her words.

“Great,” Ford muttered, “There’s two of them.”

This made John laugh even harder ,especially when he saw the smirk on Rodney’s face.

*********************************************

Rodney grabbed the phone on the third ring, “Hello?”

“It’s Andrea,” the voice came, “We were just calling to talk to Alisa on her first day.”

“Hold on a second,” Rodney pulled the phone away from him, “Lissa, your Gran wants to talk to you.”

A smile touched his lips as his daughter bounded into the room, she had been up since five that morning excited about going to school for the first time. Rodney handed her the phone, unable to stop grinning as she started telling Andrea everything about starting school.

Rodney couldn’t believe she was old enough to be going to school, it barely seemed like yesterday she was just a baby. Now she stood there in purple denims, a pink and purple sweatshirt with her long blonde hair in bunches.

“Daddy,” Alisa turned to him, offering him the phone, “Gran wants to talk to you.”

He smiled at her, taking the phone, “Go get your jacket, Lissa.”

Alisa disappeared still bouncing.

“Is anything wrong, Andrea?” Rodney asked.

“No,” she laughed, “I just wanted to know what you were doing today.”

“She’s only in school for the morning,” Rodney told his mother-in-law, “I’ve to be there today as well. I’m just going to have to take her to the lab this afternoon.”

“Rodney…”

“I can’t afford to put her in daycare for the next few weeks until she’s at school full time,” Rodney reminded her, “Andrea, she’ll be fine. I have things for her to do and I can watch over her.”

“Alright,” the woman told him, “I’ll call tonight and find out about her first day.”



Rodney sat tapping his nail on the chair arm as he sat with the rest of the parents, for some reason it was asked that they be there for the first day. Rodney had no idea about the reasoning behind it but he came.

“I guess being a single parent can be a pain in the ass,” a woman with dark brown hair beside him said making Rodney turn, “Means there’s no one else to do these things.”

“Yeah,” he replied, a little confused.

“I’m Diane Walker,” she introduced herself.

“Rodney McKay,” he struggled to think what to say now, he didn’t do idle chatter.

Diane smiled at him, “I think this is insane having us here for the first morning when we’re supposed to be getting rid of the kids. I mean, I could actually be shopping without my daughter trying to grab every bar of chocolate at her height.”

Rodney couldn’t help but smile, he knew the feeling.

“If my husband was in town I would have sent him,” she continued with a smirk.

Rodney glanced down at her hand, noting the presence of her ring; he didn’t want to put his foot in it.

“He’s a doctor,” Diane explained at his curious look, “Works with the Air Force. They paid for medical school and he gives them a few years service.”

“Can’t be easy,” Rodney finally contributed to the conversation.

Diane shrugged, “At least I have him some times.”

Rodney winced, “I guess I kinda stand out,” he glanced around the room full of women.

“Just a little,” she laughed sighing; whatever this was, was about to start.



Rodney was relieved when the lecture on how they were going to educate the children was over. Standing up he moved to look out the window, smiling to see Alisa playing with another little girl, both grinning as they ran about.

“That’s my daughter,” Diane joined him, “Red jumper and short dark hair. That’s my Kirsty.”

Rodney smiled, “She’s playing with Alisa.”

“Your daughter,” Diane grinned.

“Excuse me,” a voice interrupted them, they both turned to find the girls’ teacher standing, “Dr McKay, could I speak to you?”

Rodney looked a little confused; Diane gave him a smile before returning to watching the girls play as Rodney joined the other woman. They entered a small office and she motioned him to take a seat.

“I’m Mrs Ellison,” she introduced herself, “And I need to speak to you about Alisa.”

Rodney felt worry fill him, “Is she alright?”

“She’s fine,” Ellison assured him, “However, when we gave the children their work for the morning she was finished very quickly. I gave her the next level and she finished that also.”

“Is that a problem?” Rodney asked annoyed.

Ellison smiled, “Of course not. It’s the fact that I skipped several levels and when I gave her that to do…Your daughter is extremely intelligent.”

“I know,” Rodney replied with a shrug, “She takes after me. If you’re wanting to move her forward then the answer is no. She’s just made a friend and I won’t take that away from her.”

Ellison nodded, “In that case, I will keep her with the class but her work will be angled more towards her gifts.”

“Good,” Rodney nodded smartly, he checked his watch, “I need to get to work.”

“I hope you’ll continue to be involved with Alisa’s schoolwork,” Ellison smiled at him.



“Daddy,” Alisa ran over to him, smiling as he picked her up.

“Hey, Lissa,” he grinned, putting her down after a hug, “Did you like school?”

She nodded enthusiastically, pointing over to Diane and her daughter, “That’s Kirsty. We were having fun and her mommy is taking her to the park and she asked us to come and…”

“Okay,” Rodney cut her off, “Lissa, I have to go to work.”

“Daddy,” she moaned, her bottom lip jutting out.

Rodney sighed, “You know I have to work.”

“Rodney,” Diane interrupted them, “She can come with us to the park and you can pick her up once you’ve finished.”

He stared at her surprised; he’d never had anyone other than Alisa’s grandparents who would offer such a thing, “Are you sure?”

Diane nodded, “I’ll even feed her.”

Rodney finally nodded. He leaned down till he was at Alisa’s level, “Now you be good. Do everything Mrs Walker tells you and I’ll come collect you later.”

Alisa nodded, hugging him before returning to talk to Kirsty.”

Rodney stood up to find Diane handing him a piece of paper.

“My address and a phone number in case you get lost,” she explained.

“Oh,” Rodney realised he needed to give her a way to contact him, he quickly scribbled down the number to the lab for her, “Thanks for this,” he quickly checked Alisa before heading to his car stopping in his tracks and turning, “Oh, I should warn you. Don’t leave her unattended with your stereo, TV or things like that.”

“Why?” Diane asked confused.

Rodney grimaced slightly, “She has a habit of taking them apart to find out how they work. If she does it to anything, I’ll fix it for you.”

*********************************************

Alisa chewed her lip as she looked around the lab, trying to find what her father assured her would be there. Finally she noticed the small, almost invisible line indicating the backups she needed. However this released a new problem.

“How the hell do I get up there?” she questioned aloud.

Ford appeared at her side and Alisa looked up at him, a thought entering her mind.

“Do you think you get me up there?” she asked him.

Ford looked up and nodded, “Sure,” he moved so that he was in the right spot before crouching and creating a foothold with his hands, “Go.”

Alisa placed her right foot in his hands; gripping his shoulders, she pushed up as he lifted. They wobbled slightly but Ford managed to stabilise his stance.

“Okay,” Alisa breathed once she was as settled, as much as she could be considering she was standing on Ford’s shoulders, in front of the panel, “Dad, I found it. To bypass…”

“Good,” her father’s voice was comforting, “You’re looking for….”

“No,” she cut him off, “Let me work it out,” Alisa told him, “I know this, Radek showed me once.”

She skimmed over ideas as she stared at the crystals before her, “Okay,” she breathed to herself, “I know this. I know this.”

“Alisa?” Ford called, “No offence but can you hurry this up?”

“Just give me a minute,” Alisa snapped before giving a cry of victory, “That’s it.” With a grin, Alisa confidently moved the crystals to bypass the damage circuits.

“Did it,” she told them, wincing as Ford moved slightly, “Getting up was easy, what about getting down?”

“Lieutenant,” Elizabeth took over, “Ease yourself down, I’ll catch you, Alisa.”

Alisa grimaced but didn’t say anything as she felt Ford slowly crouch; she used the wall to keep her up right before feeling Elizabeth’s hands on her waist.

“Step down,” Elizabeth told her.

Feeling nauseous at the thought, Alisa never the less moved her foot from Ford’s shoulder and slowly lowered it until she felt him catch her in the same foothold he’d used to get her up there. Once she was sure he had a secure grip on her, Alisa placed her hand on his shoulders, moving her other foot finding it on the ground amazingly.

Once on the ground, Alisa headed back to the control console.

“Alright,” she said decisively, “Let’s get this thing fixed.”



“I’m really sorry about this,” Rodney sighed as he sat putting Diane’s stereo back together, “I’ve warned you, many times.”

She laughed, handing him some coffee, “I took my eyes off them for a few minutes. They’re watching a movie just now and after your scolding, I don’t think she’ll be trying to pull apart anything else tonight.”

Rodney shook his head irritated, “I wish she’d get out of this phase,” he snapped the casing back on, “Phase. That’s what her grandmother calls it. It’s being going on for at least three years now.”

Diane sat across from him with her own mug, “Alisa is brilliant. Maybe you need to let her have the consequences of her actions.”

Rodney frowned, “Meaning?”

“Don’t fix things,” Diane told him, “Once she’s pulled something apart, make her be the one to fix it. She’ll soon stop.”

“Huh,” Rodney mused, “That’s a good idea.”

“But,” Diane told him, “Fix my things.”

Rodney laughed, “No problem.”



Alisa gave a cry of delight as the power came back on and the doors opened.

“Well done, Lissa,” her father said in her ear, “I knew you could do it.”

Alisa started to laugh, grinning at Ford as he pulled her out from under the console.

“You did it,” he smiled at her.

Alisa bounced to her feet and dusted her hands off, “Did you have any doubt?”

Ford rolled his eyes, “I shouldn’t have. You’re definitely your father’s daughter.”

Alisa continued to smile smugly before worry slid over her face as Carson and his medical team arrived.

“Is he going to be okay?” she asked as Carson checked Zelenka over.

“Aye,” Carson told her, “Maybe a bit of a headache but he’ll be fine.”

“Well done, Alisa,” Elizabeth said warmly, squeezing her shoulder, “I suggest we get out of here.”

Alisa nodded in agreement, walking out behind the medical team.



“Lissa,” Rodney laughed gleefully as his daughter ran over to him and jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly.

“I get it,” Alisa cried as he let her go, waving hi to John who was standing there with a grin, “I totally get it now.”

“Get what?” Rodney asked, watching her amused.

“You,” she explained, “I totally get why you love this.”

“Really?” Rodney folded his arms across his chest, watching her beam.

“Totally.”

“How many times has she said ‘totally’ now?” John asked from Rodney’s side.

Rodney shrugged, “No idea.”

“Dad,” Alisa let out an annoyed sigh, “I’m telling you something.”

Rodney smiled affectionately, “And what is that?”

“I want to do it,” Alisa told him determinedly, “I want to follow in your footsteps.”

Pride filled Rodney and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, moving her along the corridors, “I think you already have.”

Rodney stood looking at the large mural on the wall before him, studying it with interest as he mused over their mission here.

“It’s a layout of the Sudarian villages,” Alina appeared at his side with some bread, smiling at him, “The walls of this monastery have protected it for 10,000 years.”

“Hmm…it’s ah beautiful,” Rodney told her.

Alina nodded, “It is,” she looked at him with a gentle smile, “And yet my eyes are drawn elsewhere.”

“Hmm…” Rodney looked back at wall, then to a spot over his shoulder to find out what she was looking at. Seeing nothing, Rodney turned back to her, “Elsewhere?” his voice was soft, confused.

“I’d like to restore it one day,” she continued smiling, “But I’m afraid of damaging it. Perhaps you could help me, doctor?”

“Really…you have to start calling me, Rodney,” he told her heading to take a seat.

Alina followed him and placed the bread down as she sat beside him, “Very well.”

Rodney unable to stop himself yawned.

Alina frowned at him, “I don’t bore you do I?”

Rodney shook his head, “No, its not you. No… suddenly I feel so tired.”

“You’re a scientist,” Alina said confused, “Are you not used to this by now?”

Rodney laughed, “Ah but my kind of science is the good kind of science,” he took a deep breath, trying not to yawn again, “The kind you can do sitting on a chair or lying on a couch.”

Alina laughed a little before changing the subject, “What was it like growing up in the city of the Ancestors, Rodney?”

“Sorry?” Rodney asked, a little thrown by the sudden change in topic as well as the question.

“Atlantis,” she clarified.

“Oh,” Rodney realised, “No no no no, we didn’t. We come from a planet called Earth in an altogether different galaxy. We only just recently made Atlantis our home.”

“How recently?” she probed with a frown.

Rodney shrugged, “Well, it’s a matter of months really.”

Alina grimaced very slightly, “You’re tired,” she said suddenly, “Do not let me keep you from sleep.”

Rodney was a little confused, “Well, if you insist, I’ll um…ok…”

He left her sitting and wandered towards where his team was sitting round a table talking, “I’m heading to bed.”

“Which bed might that be?” John asked, with an extremely unsubtle grin.

“Hmm,” Rodney sighed before stopping and staring at his friend. “What?”

Ford grinned at him. “Think the leader might have a little crush on you, Doctor.”

Rodney turned in astonishment to where Alina was still sitting, “She does?”

“It is very clear to us all,” Teyla told him with a smile of her own.

“It is?”

John grinned at him even more, “To everyone but you apparently.”

Rodney swallowed, completely perplexed, “Well, should I have um…I mean…are you sure about this.”

“Yeah,” John told him, “Pretty sure.”

Sudden panic flicked through him, “What should I do?”

John raised an eyebrow at him,” You don’t know what to do?” he asked, not even bothering to hide his grin, “Rodney, you have a kid. What happened there? Did you find her under a bush?”

Rodney fixed a glare on John, “I know what to do eventually. I mean what should I do now? Should I say something tonight?”

John glanced at Teyla who was trying hard not to laugh out loud, “Tell you what valentine. Wait till tomorrow,” he told Rodney, “You’ll be more on your game after you get some rest.”

“Oh…right,” Rodney nodded, “Right… Good answer. Good night.”

As he headed to his room, Alina glanced over watching him. Once Rodney was out of hearing range, the rest of the team started to laugh.



“Good morning,” John greeted Rodney who was standing, staring at the wall again.

“Yeah,” Rodney murmured before turning to his friend, “What do you think of letting Alisa help us?”

John was stunned by the request, “It’s your choice.”

“I wasn’t asking your permission, Major,” Rodney told him scathingly, “I was asking your opinion. Do you think it’s safe to bring her here to help?”

John mused over the question for a few moments, there hadn’t been any sign of danger and they’d been here for several days now. Finally he nodded.

“Yeah, she should be fine,” he replied, “Why this sudden urge to let her offworld? Would it have something to do with the woman whose been eyeing you up?”

“It has to do with my daughter wishing to learn more about what I do,” Rodney replied coldly, “Nothing more.”

John squashed his urge to laugh and simply nodded, “Of course.”



Alisa smiled as she exited the Gate; she was dressed in a uniform borrowed from Lieutenant Selena Johnston which pleased her no end. Johnston was about the same height but had been a few sizes smaller than her when they’d arrived in Atlantis.

“Nice look,” Rodney greeted her with a fond smile, “You know what we’re doing?”

“I was given the full briefing,” his daughter replied with a roll of her eyes, “We’re looking for stone tablets which should in turn lead us to the ZPM.”

“Brat,” Rodney playfully shoved her in the direction where everyone else was waiting for them.

They made it to the most recent site they were excavating. Alisa gave John a quick wave hello as Rodney moved her over to Alina who was waiting for him with the eight stones.

“Rodney,” Alina gave him a warm smile before she glanced at Alisa standing at his side, Rodney’s arm slung around her shoulders, “Who is this?”

“Alina,” Rodney pulled Alisa in front of him, “I’d like you to meet Alisa, my daughter. Lissa, this is Alina, she’s the leader of the people of this planet.”

“Hi,” Alisa grinned.

“It is nice to meet you,” Alina said softly before turning to Rodney, “Your wife does not mind you bringing her to another world?”

“My wife died a long time ago,” Rodney swallowed, “Lissa, why don’t you go see if Ford needs some help.”

“Sure,” she nodded heading to where her friend was digging, “Sixteen years old and being forced into manual labour,” she murmured just loud enough for Rodney to hear.



Alina looked at the eight stones they had in front of them, “It doesn’t look much like a map. I guess I was wrong.”

“Possibly,” Rodney murmured before continuing as she glanced at him, “Although just cause you…you thought it was a map. It doesn’t make your initial assumption bad…or incorrect. Incorrect yes but… it was a good guess.”

“I’m sorry,” Alina frowned at him.

“You’re very,” he glanced over to where John and Alisa were standing watching, both looking amused, “very smart…and uh…and attractive and what not and…” he saw John coming towards them and glanced back at the stones, “You know…when things aren’t going through…when things don’t…you know…”

“Is everything alright?” Alina even more confused than before.

“Yeah it’s great,” Rodney stammered slightly, “Its great…you know everything’s really…why wouldn’t it be?”

John arrived at that moment, “You sure we’re in the right place. We’ve almost doubled the size of the dig. And we haven’t found anything yet.”

Rodney frowned at him for daring question, “This has got to be the right place. The other eight stones were exactly where we thought they were going to be. Why would this be any different?”

“Major!” Ford’s call interrupted them

“Tell me you found the stone,” John yelled over.

“Not quite sir,” Ford replied, “But I think McKay should take a look at this.”

Everyone headed to where Ford stood and dusted off a large stone, sunk into the ground.

“It carries the mark of the Brotherhood,” Alina told them.

“The writings in ancient,” John noted glancing up at Rodney, “Can you read it?”

“Lissa?” Rodney turned to his daughter; she grimaced at his question, moving to get a better look.

“Only the something of fifteen could…should something something?” she looked up at him hopefully.

“It’s a warning,” Rodney told them, giving her a small smile; “It says only the brotherhood of the fifteen should enter the chamber of…” he trailed off, not knowing the final word.

“Of the Quindozum,” Alina finished for him, receiving a smile.

“What chamber?” Teyla asked.

With a shrug, John motioned them to take up position and they heaved the panel off revealing a chamber, Ford threw down three night sticks and as soon as they hit the bottom, the group looked at one another questioningly.

“So who wants to go first?” Rodney spoke up first, “Seems like more of a Sheppard thing.”

*********************************************

“Easy, Ford,” Rodney ordered as his daughter was lowered down, he caught Alisa when she was close enough to him.

“You know, I really hate caverns,” Alisa muttered as she started to look around.

“Alright she’s down,” John called up.

“Alright I’ll stay up here,” Ford called down, “Keep an eye on the descender.”

“Stay sharp,” John ordered.

The group wandered around the cavern to see what they could find, Rodney saw Alina set the stones into a pedestal and moved to join her as she was dusting away the centre indentation.

“Do you see this,” Teyla said, “This is the whole pattern.”

“So the ninth stone must integrate into this centre piece,” he looked at the sides to two hand prints. He placed his hand in the first hand print before turning to Alina, “May I?” he asked, giving a slight smile as she moved out of his road so he could press his hand in the other one.

“I think we can rule out a map,” Teyla noted.

“You’re right,” John said to her before turning to Rodney, “Any ideas?”

“I’m getting there,” Rodney sighed.

They stood staring at the stones.

“It looks like a Gate address,” Alisa noted, twisting her head from side to side.

Rodney nodded proudly at her, “It is a Gate address. A six symbol gate address.”

“Gate symbols?” Teyla mused.

“I see them now,” Alina smiled over at Rodney, “Yes.”

“Do you recognize the address?” Teyla asked them.

Rodney frowned, “No.”

Alina shook her head, “I am not familiar with this one either.”

“So,” John said, “The ninth stone’s on another planet?”

“You’re fast,” Alisa murmured to him.

“Little respect kid,” John gently shoved her, “We’ve got company.”

Alisa shrugged before frowning, “What’s that noise?”

John wandered over to the entrance and looked up, “Ford?”

“Major Sheppard,” a man yelled down, “I’m afraid the Lieutenant has had to step away for a moment.”

Rodney looked up worry in his eyes, “Who’s that?”

“It can’t be,” John’s eyes widened in horror.

Teyla gasped as she also realised, “Sounds like…”

John’s eyes narrowed, “Kolya!”

Rodney moved, grabbing Alisa to him,;keeping his arm wrapped around her shoulders as Kolya appeared above them.

“Surprised?” the Genii leader asked a smile on his face.

John glared up at him, “You’re alive?”

“As far as I can tell,” Kolya spread his arms with a grin, “Did you actually think a single bullet to the shoulder would kill me? I always thought you were smarter than that.”

John glanced back to where Rodney was keeping a good grip on his daughter, “What’d you do to Ford?”

“He’s fine,” Kolya replied dispassionately.

John folded his arms, realising they were stuck, “So what do you want?”

“Same as you, Major,” Kolya’s lip curled with a sneer, “The lost treasure of the Quindozum.”

John heard Rodney’s sharp intake of breath, “What possible use could that be to you?”

“The Daganians have informed me that this ZPM…what ever it might be, is an object of great power,” Kolya told them, “And great power is of use to all people, especially the Genii.”

“Sunira,” Alina snarled, turning on the other native of the planet with them.

“They offered us a great reward, Alina,” Sunira defended herself, “They agreed to let us keep the treasure if we…” she stopped suddenly as Alina slapped her, the sound echoing round the small bunker.

“They’re no use to you, Kolya,” John shouted up, “ZPM’s only work on Atlantis.”

Kolya shrugged, “Perhaps but I prefer hearing that from a Genii scientist.”

“We do not have it yet,” Teyla spoke up, “We have not found the ninth stone.”

“We have an unbelievably large tactical advantage over you,” Kolya reminded them, “Now if you would rather I just covered the mouth of the chamber up and forget about the whole thing. I’m more than willing to consider it.”

Rodney let out a sigh of annoyance, “She’s right. We’re close, but we’re not there yet. Look the ninth stone is hidden on another planet. All we have is the Gate address.”

A vicious grin covered Kolya’s face, “Dr McKay!” he laughed, “So wonderful to hear your grating voice again. How’s the arm?”

Rodney winced as Alisa spun to him, horror filling her eyes; her mouth opening and shutting silently.

“Stay here,” Rodney told her, softly kissing her forehead, “Just stay here and do whatever John tells you.”

Before she could protest, Rodney stepped forward so that Kolya could see him, “You wanna keep trading barbs or do you want to find the ZedPM?” he challenged, “Look let me out of here and I’ll help you find it. But then you let my team go.”

“Shut up, McKay,” John snapped in a harsh whisper.

“Have you got a better idea?” Rodney whispered back.

“No,” John sighed in annoyance glaring at him.

“Look after her,” Rodney murmured to John before looking up, “Do we have a deal or not?”

“You and one of the Daganians will be raised out,” Kolya told him, “Along with everyone’s weapons and radios. The rest of you will remain here. Oh and your daughter is more than welcome to come too.”

“She stays here,” Rodney snapped.

“Very well,” Kolya laughed, “If Dr McKay finds the ZPM you will all be let go. I give you my word.”

“Well we have his word,” John muttered.

Rodney grimaced at his friend. “I don’t see that we have much choice,” he glanced over to where Alisa was standing; he gave her a soft nod before shouting, “Coming up.”



“Hey, kiddo,” John moved to where Alisa was pacing as Teyla helped Ford, “Your Dad will be fine.”

“This is the guy who took over Atlantis,” the teenager’s voice was dull, “And that cut on Dad’s arm wasn't an accident, was it?”

John looked down into the frightened blue eyes; he slipped his arms around her and hugged her tightly.

“It’s goin’ to be okay,” John murmured into her hair, feeling her shake in the embrace, “You gotta trust me.”

Alisa nodded pulling back and sniffing back the tears that were threatening her. John gently squeezed her shoulder before he started moving around the chamber.

“This is pointless,” he snapped after several minutes of studying their cell.

“No way out,” Alisa asked softly from her position at Ford’s side.

“You think they’d have given us a trapdoor or something,” John pushed his hand through his hair.

“So, what do we do now?” Alisa asked very softly.

John looked at them. “What you got that we can use?”

They started to rummage through their bags, Teyla pulled up her pant’s leg revealing a knife.

John grinned, “That’s a start.”

“I got a couple of flash bangs,” Ford spoke up with a grin before shrugging, “I think that’s about it though.”

“Flash bangs?” Teyla asked, exchanging confused glances with Alisa.

“Kinda like grenades,” Ford explained, grinning again, “Pull the pin, press the trigger, once you let the spool pop you’ve got about 1.5 seconds before the room’s filled with 2.4 million candle power and a bang about 175 decibels.”

“It will stun anyone with they’re eyes and ears open for about 10 seconds,” John finished the explanation, a smile spreading across his face.

“You’ve got an idea?” Alisa asked, looking hopeful.

“Yeah,” John nodded as he started dragging his foot through the dirt floor. “Come over here and give me a hand.”

*********************************************

The moment Rodney hit the bottom, he moved to Alisa, “Are you okay?”

She nodded, her eyes widening as Kolya arrived. He motioned to his men who forced Alina, Ford, Teyla and Sheppard to kneel and place their hands behind their heads as one of the men moved to Alisa, Rodney pulled her behind him.

“Leave her,” Kolya ordered, “It’ll be better if she’s with her father.”

Rodney glared at him before moving to the pedestal again Alisa in tow, “I just assume that we put the stones on the pedestal, someone puts their hands on the palm prints and hopefully we will get the ZedPM. The question is what order do we put the stones in?”

“I think it’s pretty straight forward,” Kolya’s second in command said.

Alisa snorted in derision; Rodney turned to her and smiled, noting that Kolya was smirking.

“Well nothing’s been straight forward yet,” Rodney sneered at the man, “What makes you think this would be?”

“The last stone is the only one with grooves that match the centre position,” the Genii man challenged

“So?”

“So it fits snugly into place, complete the pattern, get the ZPM;” the man stepped forward, “Why would they continue to play games at this point?”

Rodney rolled his eyes, trying to stop the man but couldn’t. Rodney kept Alisa at his side as he was pushed to one side while the Genii man tried his theory.

“He’s dead,” Kolya growled, moving towards Rodney, “You knew this would happen.”

Rodney let out an annoyed breath, “Yes. Yes I did. In fact, I was in the middle of telling you as much when you ordered him to activate the pedestal. You killed him not me!”

As Kolya moved towards him Rodney kept Alisa behind him, she gripped her father’s hand as she stared at the dead man laying not that far from her feet.

“What is the correct order of the stones?” Kolya demanded.

Rodney shook his head, “Not sure yet.”

Kolya walked over to the other members of the team, “Well you have five chances to get it right,” he told Rodney, he grabbed Alisa and pushed her to stand with Ford and Teyla, “The girl will be last. But Sheppard, you go first.”


“Alright. We tried 1 to 9,” John mused, glancing over to Rodney, “How about 9 to 1?”

“Possibly,” Rodney mused before nodding down at the dead man, “He was right. The centre stone is the only one that locks into place, all the others must move around it. I’m just trying to think of a combination that makes sense with 5 in the middle.”

“Fifteen,” John mused. “It’s got to be something to do with 15. Or…9 or…5…”

“Shut up, please,” Rodney snapped, “I’m trying to think.”

John glared at him heatedly, “Don’t tell me to shut up, Rodney. My life’s at stake.”

“Exactly so simmer down and let me save it,” Rodney snapped back.

They argued back and forth for a while before Kolya got tired of it, “This is taking too long. Choose and go.”

“You got somewhere you got to be?” Rodney turned on him.

“Choose and go,” Kolya threatened; aiming his gun at Alisa’s head, making her gasp in horror.

Rodney stared in horror at the gun pointing at his daughter’s head before turning to John, “I got nothing.”

“Thanks for the pep talk,” John grimaced; his mind went over and over the possibilities responding to Rodney automatically.

“I got it,” he cried suddenly.

Rodney gasped, “What?”

“The brotherhood of fifteen,” John told him before explaining as Rodney questioned him, “The numbers 1 to 9 have been put in 3 by 3 grids with fifteen in every direction.”

Rodney frowned at him before realisation struck, “Oh You’re right,” he looked at his friend confused, “How’d you know that?”

“It was on the Mensa test,” John waved the question away.

Rodney stared at him in astonishment, “You’re a member of Mensa?”

John grinned, “No. I took the test.”

“When?”
John rolled his eyes, “You wanna talk about this now, Rodney?”

Together they moved the stones into position before glancing at each other. John let out a long breath.

“Good luck,” Kolya told him with a sneer.

Swallowing hard John placed his hands to the imprints in the pedestal, grinning as the ZPM came out of the wall. Kolya and Rodney simultaneously walked towards it then chaos broke out.

As Ford let off the flash grenade; Alisa moved against the wall, keeping away from the fighting as ordered by John, watching in astonishment as the people she loved and trusted as family calmly took out the men that had been holding them at gunpoint.

“What the hell just happened?” Rodney yelled, rubbing his eyes.

“You ok?” John turned to the others.

Alina nodded, “Yes, thank you.”

“Yeah,” Alisa nodded, still shaking slightly.

“Sorry, Rodney,” John apologised, “I had no way of telling you what was coming?”

“My eyes,” Rodney yelled at him, “I need my eyes for seeing.”

“Get the ZPM, Rodney,” John ordered with a grimace.

Rodney did as ordered, muttering under his breath as he headed to get the ZPM, when he saw Kolya glaring at him Rodney rolled his eyes, “Don’t look at me.”

“Alright we’re getting out of here,” John told them, “Alisa, you’ll go up straight after Ford.”



“I’m gonna be up all night,” Rodney grinned, holding his prize tightly to him, “Lissa, just wait, I’ll be getting every system I can online,” he moved forward, “Alina, I don’t think we’ll ever be able to properly repay you for this.”

“You won’t have to,” she told him, stopping as villagers appeared behind her weapons pointing at them.

Rodney stared at her, “I’m sorry?”

John moved Alisa between Ford and Teyla, “Alright, easy.”

“Alina?” Rodney stared at the woman, hurt in his blue eyes, “You’re involved with the Genii?”

She pulled herself up, “This has nothing to do with the Genii. I’m a member of the new brotherhood.”

“Then what is this about?” Rodney snapped; Alisa moved to him, standing at his elbow.

“Ten generations ago, after a severe culling the brotherhood was destroyed. Many of us found their writings and decided to complete the task handed down to us by the ancestors. I am the new master handler. We thank you for helping us find the Potentia but it must go into hiding again,” she explained.

“We come from the City of Ancestors,” John yelled annoyed, “That ZPM was intended for us.”

“No,” Alina retorted, “You live in Atlantis but you are not the Ancestors.”

“What’d you tell her?” John demanded of Rodney.

Getting slightly desperate, Rodney turned to Alina, “Atlantis might fall if we don’t take this back and it would serve no purpose. You really think the Ancestors would have wanted that?”

“None of us can know their plan,” Alina replied with conviction.

“Oh you’ve gotta be kidding me,” Alisa muttered, annoyed with the stupidity of what was going on.

“They don’t have a plan?” John demanded incredulously. “You think getting attacked by the wraith and getting chased out of the galaxy’s something they planned for?

“Alina,” Rodney pleaded, “You’re far to smart to think that.”

“Apparently not,” Alisa murmured, receiving a shove on her shoulder from Ford.

“The Potentia will be put into hiding on another world,” Alina told them sharply as she took the ZPM from Rodney’s hands, “When the Ancestors return our people will be greatly rewarded.”

“Alina, you can’t believe that,” Rodney pleaded, “Look come back with us. Let me prove it to you.”

She shook her head, “This is how it must be,” a catch developed in her voice, “Now it is time for you to leave.”

Rodney stared at her back before spinning and marched towards the Gate. The rest of them followed him in silence.

*********************************************

Alisa peered into her father’s lab; finding him sitting, staring at his computer screen. He’d been upset by Alina’s betrayal and now the news the Wraith would be here within two weeks had everyone going crazy.

“What do you want?” her father’s question made her jump.

“I…” she hesitated, “I wanted to know how you were. After…you know.”

Rodney sighed, “I’m fine, Lissa. But I have a lot of work to do.”

“I know,” Alisa moved to his side, “I just wanted to…about Alina.”

“What about her?” Rodney grimaced.

“You liked her,” Alisa noted.

Rodney frowned at her.

“I’m just saying,” Alisa defended herself.

Rodney sighed, “Alisa, look…”

“Mom died a long time ago,” Alisa reminded him, “You are allowed to date, you know. I’m not exactly going to have a tantrum about it.”

Rodney looked into her eyes and smiled slightly, “Maybe once we survive the Wraith.”

“And assuming you can find anyone crazy enough to take us on,” she grinned at him, sliding out of the room before he could retort, heading back to her own work.

Rodney watched her for a few minutes before sighing. If only they’d got the ZPM, if only she’d listened to reason.

If only’s slipped through his mind before he shook his head and grabbed his mug, needing either coffee or at least the Athosian tea stuff they’d been drinking.

The Wraith were two weeks away.

Two weeks was all he had to come up with a way to save them all.

Two weeks to keep his daughter safe.

And Rodney had no clue how to do it.

“Oh come on,” Ford cried.

“The man hasn’t slept more than six hours in days,” Alisa stood with her arms folded across her chest, her blue eyes flashing with annoyance, “And you’re going to abuse the trust placed in you to send these messages home?”

“Alisa,” he tried to appease her, “He gave me the tape and told me to send it.”

“And as you recall he’s sleep deprived,” Alisa settled her hands on her hips challenging, “Alright, Aiden. You want to send the entire tape? Fine. But just so you know if you do then there will be extreme retribution.”

Ford’s grin faded slightly at the thought, “Retribution?”

“And if you think my Dad’s bad then remember he taught me,” Alisa’s grin widened, “And I’ve also had the Major’s input. So tell me, Aiden. Do you really want to go up against me?”

Ford frowned and handed her the tape, “Fine. You win.”

“Of course I do,” she grinned at him.

*********************************************

Diane Walker was extremely surprised when the package arrived for her from the Air Force. Inside was no note but a tape. Confused, Diane slid it into the player, smiling as the familiar face appeared on the screen.

“Hi, Kirsty,” Alisa greeted, “Dr and Mrs Walker, I know it’s been a while since I’ve contacted you and there is a reason for it. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you.”

Diane smiled at the rueful look on the teenager’s face; she looked so much slimmer and healthier than she had before they left.

“I just wanted to let you know both Dad and I are fine,” Alisa continued, “I’ve got some great friends here and I’m learning so much more than I ever would at school,” a frown creased the girl’s face, “I…I hope you guys are all okay and I hope to see you soon.”

Alisa stopped speaking for several moments’ sadness filling her eyes.

“I want to thank you guys for always being there for me,” she finally continued, “And…thank you. Goodbye.”

As the screen went blank, Diane frowned confused by the way Alisa had finished her message. Taking the tape out of the machine, she replaced it in the box so that it was safe.

*********************************************

“Excuse me, General?”

Jack looked up from his computer screen to the man standing in his doorway, “Yeah, Walter?”

“These are the messages for you from Atlantis,” the sergeant told him handing him a DVD.

Jack took the disc and waited until the door had closed before he slipped the disc into his computer. He went through Weir’s and Sheppard’s messages before he came to the last one.

“Hi, General,” Alisa smiled at the camera, “I thought I’d let you know you made the right choice letting me come here. Dad’s been instrumental in saving everyone quite a few times. As for me, I’m working with Dr Zelenka and learning amazing things I’d never get to learn back at home.”

Jack grinned at the smile on the teenagers face.

“Dad won’t let me get the gene therapy though,” Alisa rolled her eyes; “You’d think he doesn’t trust me to learn to fly a Jumper.”

Jack laughed as she stopped speaking momentarily.

“I know the Wraith are coming,” Alisa became serious suddenly, “And I know we have very little chance of getting out of this but…I don’t regret coming here. If we get through this and you can make it here, I’ll give you the tour,” she took a deep breath and Jack could tell she was trying to remain composed, “Goodbye, General.”

As the screen went blank Jack sighed, he knew they had to find a way to help the expedition team.

“And if we do and I make it there,” Jack murmured, “I’ll hold you to that promise, kid.”

*********************************************

Jeannie stood holding the tape in her hand; wondering who it could have come from, wondering who would send her something via the US military without even a note.

However, she had always been curious so Jeannie slipped the tape into the machine, letting out a small gasp at who appeared onto the screen.

“Rodney?” she gasped, staring at the man in complete shock..

“Ok? Jeannie? This is your brother, Rodney...obviously,” he rubbed the back of his neck nervously, “I wanna s…say, um...I wanna say something. Uh...family is important. I…I've come to realise that because the people here have become a sort of a kind of a surrogate family to me,” he gave a quick smile, “Now, I know what you're thinking: I've never really been the poster child for that kind of sentiment but when...when one's contemplating ones own demise, one tends to see things more clearly. I really do wish you the best, you know, and I'm sorry we weren't closer. Perhaps, if by chance I make it out of this, perhaps one day we can be, and I would like that.”

Jeannie smiled at him; wishing he was there in person so she could hug him, then smack him round the head.

“What are you doing?” a new voice came from off-screen. “Shouldn’t you be getting some sleep, Dad?”

Jeannie froze, Dad? When did Rodney become a father and why didn’t she know about it?

“Lissa,” Rodney reached out to the source of the voice, “Come here and say hi to your aunt.”

Jeannie felt her breath catch as the teenager appeared on screen, she was the image of Alisa. Jeannie had met Rodney’s fiancé only once and started to wonder what had happened to the woman because the girl was definitely hers.

“Hi,” the girl gave a slightly sardonic smile, “I’ve never met you so I have no idea what to say.”

“Lissa,” Rodney scolded, making Jeannie laugh at how…parental he sounded.

“What do you want from me?” the girl…Lissa rolled her eyes at him before refocusing on the camera, “I’d like to meet you and I hope we get the chance.”

“That’s my girl,” Rodney murmured proudly.

“I’ll see you later, Dad,” Lissa told him, “Get some sleep.”

Rodney smiled as the girl left before he turned back to the camera, “I don’t know if you know what happened. I don’t know if Mom and Dad told you, so I’ll give you the quick story.”

Jeannie found herself leaning forward.

“Lis got pregnant, she had cancer,” Rodney explained softly, “She had Alisa…Lissa and…and…and she died. So, I have a daughter who’s amazingly brilliant.”

“Oh,” Jeannie sighed, “Why didn’t you call?”

“Hopefully you’ll want to see us if…when we manage to get back,” Rodney shrugged, “Bye, Jeannie.”

As the picture disappeared, Jeannie continued to stare at the blank screen. Finally she managed to pick up the phone and dial.

“Mom,” Jeannie said the moment it was answered; “There’s something I need to know.”

“You feel powerless,” Kate said softly as she handed Rodney the mug of coffee, “I don’t think anyone can blame you.”

Rodney took a long drink, “We’ve got less than a week and then the Wraith will come here and kill us all and…”

“Okay,” Kate stopped him with a now practiced ease, “I know this is hard for you Rodney but you need to remember that there are many people on Atlantis. All of whom are counting on you to come up with something.”

“This isn’t just about Alisa,” Rodney sighed, “But…she’s always been my first priority.”

“And it’s hard to change that,” Kate finished for him.

He nodded silently.

“Rodney…”

“If anything happens to her,” Rodney cut Kate off, “If I lose my daughter then I will never forgive myself, no matter who survives.”

Grabbing a tissue from her desk, Rodney headed out the door, running onto Teyla on her way in.



Rodney headed back to his lab, finding Alisa already there. She’d been floating around quite a bit for the past few days. As everything was focussed on the incoming Wraith ships, all projects had been put on indefinite hold.

“Hey, Dad,” she said softly as she shoved the small device she was working on to one side.

“How’s it coming,” he sat at her side.

“I got nothing,” she sighed, leaning into his shoulder, “Dad, we’re going to do this. I know you’ll find a way to keep us safe.”

“You can’t always…I’m not…” Rodney sighed, dropping his head against hers, “I don’t know how to do this. I don’t know what to do.”

She turned looking up to him with the gentle blue eyes, the one thing she’d inherited from him in the looks department.

“Don’t,” he frowned at her, “Don’t do that to me.”

“Do what?” Alisa looked confused.

“Emotional blackmail,” he replied, “Alisa, I’m trying…

“I know,” she told him, “Dad, let me help.”

Rodney nodded, “Sure, sweetie.”

Alisa rolled her eyes at him; he hadn’t called her that since she was about five years old.

“Come on,” Rodney pulled her to her feet, “Chair.”

“Chair?”

“Now,” Rodney let out a very soft laugh, “Brat.”

Alisa bounced up and moved to his side, “You know you look like hell,” she shot at him running ahead.

*********************************************

“Hi,” Alisa said softly as she stood near Teyla’s bed.

“You can come closer, Alisa,” Teyla said, “I am not going to harm you.”

Alisa shrugged sheepishly, “I know but you did throw Carson across the room. And he’s not exactly a lightweight.”

Teyla sighed, “The Wraith can not connect with me unless I connect with them first. You are perfectly safe.”

“Okay,” she pulled over a stool and took a seat.

“Have they made much progress?” Teyla asked, pulling herself to a more comfortable position.

“Dad threw me out,” Alisa replied with a shrug, “He’s allowed to work himself to death but I have to take a break every few hours.”

Teyla laughed, “That is what Fathers do, Alisa. They create rules for us that they ignore themselves.”

Alisa looked at her puzzled, making Teyla laugh again.

“I was also raised by only my father,” Teyla explained with a fond smile, “My mother died when I was very young.”

“Did you know her?” Alisa questioned, leaning closer to the woman.

Teyla nodded, “I have many memories of her, most of them are of her singing to me.”

Alisa tilted her head thoughtfully, “My Dad can’t sing. He used to try every so often but, according to my Gran, when he sang he made me cry.”

“Did no one sing to you?” Teyla asked her.

“My Grandmother,” Alisa smiled sadly, “I learned all the songs my Mom loved from her.”

“They do not miss you now you are in Atlantis?” Teyla questioned softly, wincing as sadness covered the girl’s face.

“They died,” Alisa stated blandly.

Teyla frowned, “I am sorry, Alisa. I didn’t mean…”

“You weren’t to know,” the teenager shrugged sadly, “They died when I was eleven. I sort of…I had a lot of problems after that.”

Teyla reached out and gently stroked Alisa’s cheek, Alisa gripped her hand.

“Sorry, Teyla,” Alisa apologised, “I didn’t mean to get so maudlin. This place is like a morgue as it is.”

“We will defeat the Wraith,” Teyla told her, “The people of Earth, your people are ingenious in a way I have never known possible. They will do this.”

Alisa sighed, falling into a thoughtful silence.



“Coffee?”

Rodney and Radek turned to where Alisa was standing two mugs in her hands.

“Thanks, Lissa,” Rodney gave her a warm tired smile, “I think we need this.”

“Yes, thank you, Alisa,” Radek smiled, looking just as exhausted as her father.

Alisa moved to one side watching them as they stood side by side and drank their coffee, continuing to discuss what they could do.

“Do you need any help?” Alisa spoke up, making both men turn to her.

Rodney nodded, “That’d be great, Lissa. Help Radek there, he’s having trouble reading the results.”

“Trouble?” Radek cried before muttering under his breath in Czech as he moved away from father and daughter.

Rodney wrapped his arm around his daughter’s shoulders, “You don’t need to be here, Lissa. I’m sure…”

“I’d rather we stick together, Dad,” Alisa whispered, “I…I don’t want to be with anyone else.”

Rodney hugged her before gently kissing her forehead, “Okay. Come on, we’ve got work to do.”

Alisa gave him a weak smile following him back to the Chair, “The Wraith are coming.”

The briefing room was filled with both scientists and marines.

“Not only has Teyla been able to ascertain that the Wraith are more interested in Earth than Atlantis,” Rodney was explaining, “Which is...you know, terrifying, she realised that the hive ships will go right past the only surviving LaGrange point satellite.”

“The last of what we assume were dozens of defence satellites,” Zelenka interrupted, “Destroyed during the Ancients' last stand with the Wraith.”

Rodney hit the other scientist with a sharp glare. “Yes, yes, yes. The point is we think we can use it to our advantage.”

“I thought you said it was dead,” John spoke up from his seat.

“It is,” Rodney grinned, “But Alisa has been working on it with Zelenka and they’ve learned enough about it so we can bring it back.”

“If we are right about what is wrong with it,” Zelenka reminded him.

“Yes, of course if we're right about what's wrong with it!” Rodney rolled his eyes, “But if we're right and it's just out of power…”

“We can make the ships go boom,” Alisa threw in; making the others in the room laugh, relieving the tension a little.

Zelenka smiled at her slightly before continuing, “Our preliminary estimates indicate a single Naqahdah generator would be enough to bring it back online.”

“Why can't we use our generators to get the weapons systems of Atlantis working?” Ford asked.

“This place needs the ZPM,” Alisa spoke before Zelenka did, “The satellite doesn’t.”

“And you think it's powerful enough to take out a Wraith hive ship?” John leaned against the wall.

“According to the Ancient database, it should be able to take out all three when fully charged,” Rodney reminded him, “Keep in mind that the Ancient technology was far superior, they only lost the war because they were vastly outnumbered.”

John shrugged, “Well, we're vastly outnumbered!”

“And outgunned,” Bates added.

Alisa grimaced at them, “You two are a bundle of joy.”

“But they don't see the satellite as threat,” Zelenka reminded them, bringing the conversation back to its original direction.

“In military parlance,” Rodney grinned, “Surprise...is an element on our side.”

Alisa rolled her eyes at her father as he frowned at the end of his sentence.

Elizabeth stood silently before nodding, “What do you need?”

“The satellite's fifteen hours away by Puddlejumper,” Rodney reminded her, “I recommend that we put together a small crew, say myself, Grodin and a pilot,” he turned to his daughter, “You’re not coming.”

Alisa grimaced at him, “I help work out what you need and I don’t get to see it through.”

“When you’re older,” he replied pointedly.

“You were saying,” Elizabeth interrupted.

“Right,” Rodney nodded, “A pilot.”

“I'll go,” John volunteered.

“No,” Elizabeth replied, “Miller can handle it. Major, I need you to keep searching for alternate Alpha sites, just in case this fails.”

“The hive ships will be in range of the satellite in forty-nine hours,” Rodney told them, “We're gonna need every last second of that time.”

Elizabeth looked around the room, “Questions?” silence greeted her, though she did note that Rodney placed his hand over his daughter’s mouth, “OK, let's get on it.”

The meeting broke up and soon only Elizabeth, Rodney, John, Zelenka and Alisa were left in the room.

Zelenka put his arm around Alisa’s shoulders, “Come on, we need to make sure they have everything they need. It is the only way they’ll get things right.”

The moment they were out of hearing range, Rodney turned to his friends, “I want her sent to the Alpha site as soon as you have one,” Rodney told Elizabeth and John, “I don’t care what she says, you send her there.”

“Of course, Rodney,” Elizabeth nodded to her Head Scientist, “And I don't mean to put any undue pressure on you but at this moment, that satellite is the only thing standing between the Wraith and Atlantis.”

As she left the room John stood up, “No undue pressure?” he murmured as he left the room leaving Rodney standing alone.

“This will work,” he murmured to the empty space, “This has to work.”



“Rodney, I should go,” Zelenka told him as they got the equipment together.

“Yes,” Rodney rolled his eyes annoyed the other man’s insistence to help, “I agree. Go.”

Zelenka frowned at him, “I mean on the mission.”

“Why?” Rodney asked confused, continuing with his packing

Zelenka grimaced, “Sure, you probably know a little bit more about the satellite than I do…”

“Generous of you,” Rodney cut him off.

“But you know a lot more about the city than I do,” Zelenka continued.

Rodney stopped working and turned with a smug grin on his face, “Ok, I think I see where this is going now.”

“If, for whatever reason, there is problem there, it should be me, not you,” Zelenka finished.

“There's not gonna be a problem,” Rodney waved him away.

“Rodney, you don't know that.”

“If it seems like we can't fix it,” Rodney reminded him, “We'll just turn round and come back. Now, I realise I am invaluable everywhere…”

Zelenka snorted in annoyance, “You know what? Forget about it. I take it back.”

Rodney was smug, “Sorry…”

“No,” Zelenka snapped.

Rodney laughed gleefully, “You can't take it back because you've just admitted that I am smarter than you are.”

“I admitted no such thing,” Zelenka told him indignantly.

“It was hard for you to say,” Rodney sighed dramatically, “But the truth shone through and you were compelled to speak.”

Zelenka poked a finger at him, “You are a miserable little man.”

“Hey-hey-hey-hey-hey, let's not ruin the moment here, huh?” Rodney closed the lid on the case, “If anything happens to me, please be there for her,” he said just loud for the other man to hear while keeping his eyes on the case. Finally he turned to Zelenka, “Now,” he shook the other scientist’s hand, “Keep an eye on my city for me while I'm gone, huh?”

“Good luck,” Zelenka told him.



“You know I’d be able to help?”

Rodney smiled slightly as his daughter stood in front of his door, her arms folded across her chest.

“I know,” he told her, “I know how brilliant you are and I know that you can fix almost anything, especially if you’ve taken it apart first though.”

A small smile touched her lips; quickly she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest.

“Don’t worry, Lissa,” Rodney soothed, “I’ve got a good team with me and you know me. I’m a…”

“Genius,” she looked up at him.

“Got it in one,” Rodney kissed her forehead, “Now, you are to obey Elizabeth until I get back. Alright?”

“Yes, Dad,” Alisa replied before giving him a final hug, “Please be careful.”

Rodney hugged her quickly once more before starting towards the Jumper Bay, leaving her standing watching him.

“He will do this,” Zelenka came to her side.

Alisa sniffed slightly before turning to him, “But I might never get to know.”

He stood silently, not knowing how to respond to that so instead he placed his hand on her arm, “Alisa, there is still work to be done.”

“While I’m still here,” she let out a sigh of annoyance and started towards the lab.

*********************************************

Alisa had headed up to the control room to listen in to her father’s report from the satellite. Silently she joined Zelenka, hoping no one would notice her, she’d so far managed to avoid being sent to the Alpha site with the rest of the science team who were going.

“Doctor Weir, it’s McKay,” Rodney’s voice came over the radio clearly, despite how far away he was, “Satellite is armed and ready. It should fire within the next minute or so. Keep your fingers crossed.”

“Fingers crossed,” Elizabeth replied, managing not to show her anxiety, “Good luck.”

“Switching over from manual to automatic firing mode,” Peter’s voice came through next, “Stand by.”

“Standing by,” Rodney replied.

Alisa sat her fingers interlaced tightly, the knuckles almost turning white.

“Yes,” Miller’s voice came through the radio.

The entire room held their breath waiting.

“We have a kill,” Rodney cried joyfully.

A cry went out around the room and Alisa grabbed Zelenka in a hug, as several others embraced.

“We copy that, Rodney,” Elizabeth laughed in amazement.

“One down,” Rodney called, “Two to go.”

Silence filled the room again as they waited for the satellite to take out the other two ships. Alisa frowned, something had to be wrong or they would have been in contact again.

“Atlantis,” his voice came again, this time however it was cold and hollow, “This is McKay. We have lost the satellite.”

“Did you manage to take out any more ships?” Elizabeth called hopefully.

“Negative,” Rodney replied efficiently, not showing his feelings, “Two of the hive ships are intact.” He paused, “Elizabeth, Peter Grodin was aboard the satellite.”

“What?” Alisa’s horrified cry filled the room.

“Lissa?” Rodney’s voice was sharp, “Elizabeth, what the hell is she still doing there?”

“She made a good case about how it was pointless to leave if you succeeded,” Elizabeth told him.

“Get her out of there now,” Rodney snapped.

“Dad…”

“Alisa,” Rodney cut her off, “You are to leave Atlantis now. If I find you there when I get back…”

“She’ll be gone,” Elizabeth assured him, motioning Alisa to go get her things before refocusing, “Rodney, what's the status of the other two?”

“They're not coming any closer,” he reported tiredly, “Looks like they're rethinking their plans. At the very least, he's bought us some time.”

Elizabeth nodded to herself, “You can't do any more out there, Rodney. Return to Atlantis.”

“On our way.”



Alisa stood at the bottom of the stairs, thinking about the speech Dr Weir had just given to the city; her stomach was churning at the thought of what was coming towards them and her cheeks were stained from the tears she’d cried over her friend’s death while she packed.

“Hey, Alisa.”

She turned to find Ford jogging over to her.

“Hi, Aiden,” she whispered, “I’m going soon.”

“I know,” he replied softly, “And I know you hate the thought of leaving us here.”

Alisa covered her eyes with her hand as more tears threatened her. Ford wrapped his arm around her and hugged her tightly.

“I’m okay,” she pulled back, sniffing slightly. She quickly wiped her eyes, surprised as Ford pressed something into her free hand. Alisa looked down at her hand, “What…”

“My dogtags,” Ford told her, “I want you to hold onto them for me and I’ll get them back once this is over.”

“I…I…” Alisa struggled; the Gate opening saved her from trying to say anything else.

“Time to go, kid,” John appeared on the stairs.

Alisa swallowed, nodding slightly; she fastened the chain around her neck before picking up her bag and turning to them.

“Go,” John ordered, giving her a gentle push, “Dr Biro is waiting to meet you on the other side.”

The teenager did as she was told but just before the event horizon she turned back. Her eyes wandered the room, catching Elizabeth and Radek talking up at the controls with Carson while John and Aiden stood watching her, Teyla entering the room just at that moment. Finally she turned and walked away.

*********************************************

Alisa was sitting near the medical building under a tree, her laptop open on the ground in front of her as she tried to focus on something, anything other than what was happening in the city. She’d been banished here by Dr Biro after she’d firstly scared away the Athosian children playing near her then called Dr Kavanagh a pretentious pratt.

With a sigh, she turned off the computer and closed her eyes, “If only I’d said no,” she whispered over and over, “If only I’d said no.”



“What do you mean you’re going?”

Alisa sighed, turning back from the window to look at her best friend who was sitting at her computer desk.

“Kirsty,” Alisa bit her lip slightly, “Dad’s got a new job that’s out of the country.”

“He was in Antarctica,” her best friend cried, “How much further away can he go?”

Alisa turned away, wishing Kirsty could understand.

“Come on, Alisa,” Kirsty continued, “Why can’t you stay here while he’s away. You’ve done it plenty of times before.”

“Kirsty,” she took a deep breath, “This is different from before. When Dad starts working with these people, he doesn’t know when he’ll be able to get back home. You’ve always had both your Mom and Dad. When one wasn't here the other was. I only have my Dad. I hate that I only see him for one week every month so I agreed to go with him.”

“What about school?” Kirsty demanded sadly.

“Come on,” Alisa laughed, “You know I don’t really need it. Dad’s getting stuff so I can be ‘home-schooled’.”

“I’m gonna miss you,” Kirsty moved and the two friends embraced.

Alisa hugged her best friend tightly, “I’m gonna miss you too.”



“Alisa,” a voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

She glanced up to see Biro standing over her with some food, “Hey.”

The older woman sat beside her and handed her the plate, “You need to eat.”

“Thanks,” Alisa took the plate and without really tasting anything, she ate it.

Biro gently touched the girl’s arm, “I wish I could tell you everything’s going to be alright, I wish I could say something to make any of us feel better.”

Alisa rested her head back against the tree, “I just want it to be over, so that I can know one way or another.”

Biro nodded, “You’re too young to worry about anything like this. When I was your age, all I worried about was if the boy I liked was going to ask me out and if the outfit I was wearing looked alright.”

“They’re not exactly high on my list right now,” Alisa murmured.

“Did you have a boyfriend?” Biro asked, trying to distract Alisa from worrying.

The girl shook her head, “Nah, the guys were a little intimidated by me. Dad’s temperament and all.”

Biro laughed, “Nobody?”

Alisa shrugged, “There was one guy. Kirsty was determined to set us up but then I left,” she let out a long sad sigh, “You know I was thirteen before I realised something could happen to my Dad and I might be left alone.”

“Alisa…”

“You know for someone who’s meant to be smart,” Alisa laughed bitterly, “That’s pretty dumb.”

Biro pulled the girl into an embrace, “No, Alisa.”

“Yes, it is,” Alisa replied, relaxing into the comfort being offered, “My Mom died hours after I was born, my grandparents died when I was eleven. I should have known he wasn’t immortal by then but I didn’t.”

Biro hugged her tightly, rocking her gently as they fell into silence.



“I want to come back,” Alisa demanded, when John called to recall all military personnel.

“And you know your father would send you right back,” John reminded her, “Alisa, you’re not coming back until this is over.”

“Don’t even try to argue,” her father’s voice came through the radio, “Stay there, Lissa.”

“Dad,” Alisa sighed, relieved to hear him, “Are you okay?”

“Fine,” Rodney’s reply was short, terse.

Alisa frowned, “Dad?”

“He’s had to go do something, Alisa,” John came back on, “He’s pretty wound up with everything that’s going on. Don’t worry about it.”

A yell came from John’s side of the radio.

“I’ve got to go,” he told her, “The Calvary’s here, Alisa. We’re fighting them.”

With that, the Stargate shut down again and Alisa was left alone.

*********************************************

Alisa glanced up from the film they were watching, seeing her father wander in behind Kirsty’s mother. He gave her a small wave as he passed by, smiling at her wry smile.

“Sorry I’m early,” Rodney apologised to Diane as they entered the kitchen, “I finished…” he trailed off, seeing several other women in the room.

“It’s okay, Rodney,” Diane laughed, handing him a mug of coffee, “Here, come and relax for ten minutes. Everyone’s leaving once the movie’s over.”

Rodney smiled at her, hesitating as he looked at the others in the kitchen. Diane took his arm and moved him to a seat. He was never comfortable around people in general and the mothers of Alisa’s friends were the worst. For some bizarre reason, they all had this bizarre interest in him.

“How are you, Dr McKay?” Regina Dell smiled at him, “We’ve all heard how well Alisa is doing at school.”

“She is very intelligent,” Rodney said, wishing the movie would finish quickly so he could get Alisa and escape. Regina especially was one of the people Rodney wanted to get well away from.

Diane passed him and gently rested a supportive hand on his shoulder for a few seconds.

“Are you not having some cake?” Regina offered, turning to retrieve a plate of fairy-cakes.

Diane leaned into him, “Apparently I’m not capable of having enough food here for my daughter’s birthday,” she muttered, making him smile slightly.

Regina turned back and offered him the cakes. Rodney took one, forcing a smile onto his face.

“Sally’s excelling in music,” Regina chattered away, watching closely as Rodney ate his cake.

Rodney frowned as he felt a familiar tingle in his throat, “What…wha…” he struggled to force the words out.

“Rodney!!” Diane called shocked before she ran to the stairs, “Scott, get down here.”

Rodney could hear the sound of Scott running as he tried to breathe through his rapidly closing throat.

“Dad, the movie’s o…” Alisa called appearing at the door, stopping in horror when she saw him turning blue, “Oh my God,” she saw the cake in his hand, “What was in that?”

Regina shook her head, “Nothing. Just cake mix.”

“What else?” Scott appeared with his bag.

“I…” the woman hesitated, “I put some lemon juice in the mix, for flavour.”

“No!!!” Alisa screamed, “Dad’s allergic to citrus.”

“It’s alright, Alisa,” Diane pulled the girl to her; “Scott’s going to help him.”

Alisa stared in horror as her father gasped for air.



“Dad!!”

Biro caught the teenager as she woke up from her nightmare, “Alisa, calm down. It’s only a dream.”

Alisa fought with the woman; still caught up in the dream, calling for her father. Biro motioned to the nurse nearby.

Quickly Biro gave the teenager the sedative, holding her until she fell asleep again.



Rodney woke up feeling like someone had sandpapered his throat. Forcing open his eyes, he saw Diane looking down at him with a wry smile.

“Wha’ happened?” Rodney forced out.

“Regina tried to poison you,” she told him, “She put lemon juice in her cakes.”

“Lissa?”

Diane squeezed his arm, “She’s down in the cafeteria with Scott and Kirsty. She was pretty freaked out.”

“I’ll probably be here for a while,” Rodney murmured, he was exhausted despite just waking up.

“Don’t worry,” Diane told him, “She can stay with us.”

Rodney sighed in relief as he fell asleep again. When he woke up, Alisa was sitting at his side.

“Lissa,” he smiled, catching her hand as she moved to him, “Its okay,” he soothed, seeing her eyes fill with tears, “I’m okay. It was just an accident.”

“I thought you were going to die,” she whispered, holding his hand tightly, “Like Gran and Granda, I thought I was going to be alone.”

Rodney pulled his daughter into a tight hug, “I’m not going anywhere, Lissa.”



Alisa opened her eyes to find Biro standing there, a smile on her face, “What’s going on?”

The older woman smiled even more, “We’ve been recalled to Atlantis.”

“What?” Alisa sat up sharply, staring at her in amazement.

Biro squeezed her shoulder, “We can go home.”

*********************************************

Rodney was exhausted, actually he was beyond exhausted. He knew the only reason he was still upright at this moment was because of the excess adrenaline and stimulants left in his system. After the events of the past few hours, all he wanted was to collapse on his bed and sleep for several days, but not just yet. There was one thing he needed first.

“Dad!!!”

Rodney smiled as Alisa came flying out of the Gate towards him; her arms fastened around his neck, holding onto him tightly. After several minutes, she let go of him, “What happened?”

Rodney managed to grin at her, “Earth sent a ZedPM.”

“Really?” Alisa’s eyes lit up at the thought, “How?”

“I’ll show you,” he told her, deciding sleep could wait for a little while longer.

Before they could move John appeared on the stairs, “Alisa,” he grinned at her, shocked as she moved and hugged him tightly.

Rodney smiled as Radek arrived also, to talk to Alisa who hugged him too.

“Excuse me, Dr McKay,” Dr Biro spoke softly, “I wanted to speak with you quickly about Alisa.”

Worry gripped him, “Did something happen?”

“Not really,” Biro replied, “But I finally managed to persuade her to get some sleep and when she did…”

“Nightmares,” Rodney grimaced, “How bad?”

“I couldn’t calm her,” Biro replied.

“Damn,” he muttered, “Did you give her a sedative?”

“It was all I could think of,” the woman told him apologetically.

Rodney nodded, “Don’t worry about it,” he turned and joined Alisa with John and Radek.

“You were going to show me something?” Alisa told him.

Rodney dropped his arm over her shoulder, “Come on.” He led her up to the control room and brought up the picture of the Daedalus, “What d’you think?”

Alisa stared at it before turning to him, “That’s a spaceship. Earth has a spaceship.”

“Yeah,” he replied.

Alisa smiled at him before frowning, “You know you look appalling, don’t you?”

He rolled his eyes at her, stifling a yawn.

“Where are the others?” Alisa asked suddenly.

Rodney frowned and rested his hand on her shoulder, “There’s something you need to know.”



Alisa stared at Ford’s unconscious form.

“What happened?” she whispered, her hand clutching at the tags round her neck.

“It was the Wraith,” Carson explained softly, “We’re not sure what it’s done to him yet.”

“Can I sit with him?” Alisa asked.

“Only for a few minutes,” Carson replied, “I need to do some tests.”

“Lissa…” Rodney started from his position behind her but was unable to say anything else as he yawned.

“Dad, you need to sleep,” she reminded him, “I’ll be here for a few minutes then I’ll go see if Radek needs any help. Okay?”

Her father nodded not even trying to hide his yawn; he ruffled her hair quickly before disappearing.

“Just a few minutes, Alisa,” Carson reminded her as he guided her to a seat by Ford’s bedside, leaving her there.

Alisa sat and looked down at her friend’s face which now looked so different and she wasn't sure how to react. After a few moments, she took off the dogtags and placed them in his hand.

“You said give them back once this was over,” she whispered, swallowing hard, “So here you go.”

He didn’t move and Alisa took a deep breath, “I’d better go or Carson will be chasing me. He’ll fix this,” she continued, “He’ll make you…you again.”
A
lisa stood up but before she left she leaned over and kissed his forehead, “Don’t give up.”

*********************************************

“You still look like hell Dad.”

Rodney glanced over to the seat Alisa was taking up, “I’m kinda busy here, Lissa. Could you stop with the wisecracks?”

“I was just…” she shut up as he glared at her. She knew better than to continue when he looked at her like that.

“Are we ready?” Elizabeth asked as she walked in, followed by someone Alisa didn’t recognise.

He obviously didn’t know her either because he was instantly focussed on her.
“Who is this?” the man demanded.

“Colonel Steven Caldwell,” Elizabeth smiled turning to him, “This is Alisa McKay.”

“McKay?” Caldwell asked, an eyebrow arching.

Rodney looked up from the computer screen he was studying, “She’s my daughter and the reason she’s here, is so I can be.”

Alisa spread her arms wide and grinned at Caldwell, “Hi.”

“She has no business being in this meeting,” Caldwell told Elizabeth.

“I’m here to assist.” Alisa spoke up, her smile never wavering.

Rodney was focussed on the computer screen so Caldwell couldn’t see his smirk. There were other reasons Rodney had for keeping Alisa with him but he wasn't letting anyone else know, especially a man who didn’t even know them.

“Okay,” John said as he entered the room, “Let’s start.”



“I don’t think he likes me,” Alisa noted as Caldwell left the room.

“I wonder why?” John murmured under his breath as he passed her.

“Lissa, could you please refrain from antagonising the man with the big ship?” Rodney rolled his eyes at her, “He’s possibly going to stop the Wraith.”

“John will be on the ship,” Alisa replied, “I trust him, more than I trust this other guy.”

“Me too,” Rodney replied, rubbing her shoulder, “Look, go and see Radek. He needs some help.”

“With what?” Alisa asked amused.

“With everything,” Rodney replied, “Go.”

Alisa stopped and stared at him, “You want me out of the way so I don’t hear what happens if it’s not good.”

Rodney frowned at her, “I’m your father. It’s allowed.”

Her lip twisted slightly before she sighed, “Okay.”

“Good girl,” Rodney murmured, squeezing her shoulder before giving her a push towards the door, “And behave.”

Alisa turned and gave him a mock salute before disappearing.

Rodney sighed, “Have to stop letting her hang around with Sheppard and Ford.”

*********************************************

“I’m not leaving.”

Rodney let out an annoyed growl, “You are getting on that ship so that I know you’re safe.”

“Dad,” Alisa folded her arms, “I am not leaving again. I don’t care what you say.”

“The city is going to be completely unprotected,” Rodney reminded her, “You are not going to be in it when that happens.”

“If you try make me leave, I’ll run,” she told him desperately, “I know enough hiding places in this city that mean no one will find me…”

“Stop it,” he snapped, making her jump slightly. Rodney took a deep breath, resting his hands on her shoulders, “I don’t want you here. I want to know you’re safe, I need to know you’re safe.”

Alisa took a deep breath, “And I need not to shoved somewhere out of the way. Dad, I…I can’t be somewhere else again,” tears filled her eyes, “Please.”

Rodney wrapped his arms around her, “I’m sorry, Lissa. I’m sorry,” he rested his cheek against her hair, “I want to protect you, Lissa, I’ve always wanted to protect you.” He hugged her tighter, “Let me.”

Alisa sagged against him, “I believe in you, Dad. I believe this will work.”

Rodney let go of her and looked in her eyes, seeing the pig-headed stubbornness she got from both her parents, “Alright,” he sighed, “Zelenka is working in the Jumper Bay to hook up the cloak. Help him.”

Alisa smiled at him before slipping away, not giving him a chance to change his mind.

Rodney watched her leave, “You want to know why I let her stay.”

“I’m interested,” Elizabeth said from her position in the doorway, “I thought you’d have her sedated and on the Daedalus before she could blink.”

Rodney rubbed his hand across his eyes, “After Alisa’s grandparents died she had some…problems. Mostly due to what happened that day. For several months after it, she had trouble sleeping if I wasn't there; she was withdrawn and sullen refusing to talk to anyone but me. She recovered well but there have been times over the past year when I saw it starting again.”

“It’s better if she’s close to you,” Elizabeth sympathised, “Did she see anyone?”

“Not officially,” Rodney replied, “Her best friend’s father is a Doctor. One of his friends worked with her over the few months,” he shrugged, “Kate knows but Alisa’s not needed to talk to her yet.”

“We have to get started,” Elizabeth reminded him.

Rodney nodded, “Let’s save the city.”



Alisa stood with Radek in the Jumper Bay as the Shield switched to the cloak. His arm rested around her shoulders, his fingers tight on her shoulder.

“We seem to be safe,” he murmured to her after a few minutes, “I need to check some things.”

“I’ll keep an eye on the cloak,” Alisa rolled her eyes at him.

Radek nodded and started out the Jumper, his eyes on his computer pad. Alisa turned and jumped as he fell back.

“Radek?” she called running to him, stopping as Ford stood there, “Aiden, what are you doing?”

“I have to leave,” he told her; Alisa saw his hand tighten around his gun, “They want to kill me.”

“They wouldn’t do that,” Alisa tried to calm him, “Please, Aiden. Just go back to the infirmary. Carson…”

“Carson,” Ford yelled, making her jump, “He wants to take this away from me.”

“He wants to help you,” Alisa licked her lips, glancing at the unconscious Radek, “Aiden, we’re your friends.”

“No,” Ford snapped, “I am stronger than ever, Alisa, I am better and if I go back they’ll try and change me back.”

He grabbed her by the arm, yanking her out of his way.

“Aiden,” Alisa tried once more, “Please, please don’t do this. You’re my friend; I don’t want you to go. Please, Aiden.”

As he stared at her, Alisa felt a shiver run down her spine at the way one of his eyes was completely black and expressionless. Finally, he pulled off his dogtags and placed them in her hand, folding her fingers over them.

“Look after these for me,” Ford told her, he leaned in and gently kissed her cheek before shoving her back.

Alisa cried out as she slammed into the wall, all the air from her lungs was forced out and she could only sit there gasping as Ford took the Jumper. After several minutes, Alisa was able to crawl over to Radek to see if he was okay, not knowing if she should use the radio to call for help yet.

“Everybody,” Elizabeth Weir’s voice came over the city’s comm., “The Wraith are gone. We did it.”

Alisa let out a sigh of relief and hit her radio, “Medical team to Jumper Bay.”



Rodney walked into the infirmary, he’d been anxious to get there the moment he realised that Ford had attacked Radek and needed to check on Alisa, despite Carson’s assurance she hadn’t been harmed.

He found her sitting on a bed with her knees pulled up to her chest, her arms wrapped around them, gripping something tightly in her hands. She glanced up at him, her blue eyes filled with confusion and sadness.

Rodney smiled slightly as she moved to one side of the bed so he could sit beside her; he grabbed a pillow from the bed across from her and placed it behind his back as he moved onto the bed sitting at her side. Looking very childlike, Alisa pulled her own pillow from behind her back and placed it against her father’s side, cuddling against him. Rodney rested his hand on her back, feeling the tremors running through her; gently he stroked her back feeling her relax more and more.

When he was sure she was finally sleeping, Rodney closed his eyes and surrendered to his own exhaustion.

Earth.

It felt strange to be back, Rodney mused as he lay staring at the ceiling in the VIP room he’d slept in. He had a meeting with the new General in an hour and a half so was waiting half an hour before going to get Alisa for breakfast.

The past few days themselves had been surreal, he’d woken up in the infirmary after a full twelve hours of sleep to find Alisa had slipped away and was helping in the clean up. They’d held a memorial service for all the dead while Ford was officially noted as MIA then he, Alisa, Elizabeth, John and Carson had returned to Earth via the Stargate.



“Come in,” came the voice after Rodney knocked on the door to his daughter’s room.

He walked in and smiled slightly seeing that she’d fixed Ford’s dogtags around her belt instead of her neck where she had worn them since he’d left. He’d been worried that, after losing two of her friends so quickly in succession, she’d have nightmares again but she hadn’t.

“Ready for breakfast?” Rodney asked.

“It depends,” Alisa replied, she pulled her long blonde hair back quickly into a ponytail, “What are they serving.”

“Real food,” Rodney smiled slightly as they started walking through the grey corridors of the SGC.

“I remember that,” Alisa grinned, “Hope they have pancakes.”

Rodney slung his arm over her shoulders, “Let’s go see.”

Breakfast was quiet, Rodney was musing over what he was going to say at his briefing with Landry while Alisa brooded.

“Dad,” her voice cut into his thoughts, “You’re going to be late.”

“I’ll be as fast as I can,” Rodney promised, “Then we can head home.” He paused looking down at her concerned, “Will you be okay?”

Alisa nodded, “Don’t worry. I’m in one of the most secure installations in the world. I think I’ll survive an hour on my own.”

“Brat,” Rodney rolled his eyes at her before disappearing.



Alisa sat browsing through a magazine she’d procured from the infirmary during their medical the night before. It felt strange being back on Earth, or it would once they got out of the base.

“Mind if I join you?” a voice made her look up.

“Sure,” she said, looking bemused at the man standing there, “I know you.”

“Daniel Jackson,” he introduced himself as he sat across from her, “We didn’t get a chance to talk before you left.”

Alisa smiled in recognition, “You opened the Stargate.”

“Guilty,” he shrugged, he started attacking his own breakfast, “So, tell me what it’s like?”

“Atlantis?”

Daniel nodded rolling his eyes slightly, “I wasn't allowed to go with the expedition.”

“You weren’t allowed?” Alisa asked, a little confused, “Did you not clean up your room or something?”

Daniel grinned, “You’ve met Jack, he decided I was to stay and help here. But, since he’s no longer in the SGC I’m coming to Atlantis.”

“Cool,” Alisa smiled, closing her magazine, “Alright, let’s see…”



Rodney returned to the commissary after his meeting, relieved it was over. He heard Alisa laughing as he walked in the door, finding her sitting across from Daniel Jackson who was in the middle of a story. A year ago, he knew that she wouldn’t talk so openly to someone she didn’t actually know, but the time on Atlantis had changed Alisa a great deal, giving her the confidence she’d lacked.

“Dad,” Alisa grinned up at him, “Dr Jackson was telling me some stories from his missions.”

“In exchange for hearing a few stories from Atlantis,” Daniel added with a grin.

Rodney nodded slightly, personally he’d never really gotten along with Daniel that well, mostly due to the combative nature of Rodney’s relationship with Sam Carter.

“Lissa, I’m finished here,” Rodney told her, “We can go now.”

Alisa grinned and jumped up, “It was nice to meet you Daniel and I’ll see you on the Daedalus.”

“Bye, Alisa, Rodney,” Daniel grinned back as they walked away.

Rodney led the way out of the SGC and to the car that was taking them to the airport.

*********************************************

Alisa stepped inside their house and paused. It felt strange to be here, strange that it didn’t feel like home anymore. Even when she stayed with Kirsty and her family, this house had always been her home.

It had taken them a lot longer to get here than she thought it would. First the flight then they had to hire a car, which her father had been less than amused at the options available. Finally they’d stopped off to get some groceries, shopping as usual turned into a battle of wills that was played out as always.

“I miss it too,” Rodney said, standing behind her, “What do you want to eat?”

“What you making?” Alisa asked, with an innocent grin.

Rodney rolled his eyes, “Whatever the take-away has on its menu.”

“Pizza,” Alisa tossed over her shoulder as she headed up to her room to dump her bag. She got to the door and stopped, staring inside it.

“It helps if you go in,” her father came up behind her.

Alisa turned and shrugged, “It just feels…weird.”

“Weird?” Rodney shook his head before just ignoring her, “What do want on your pizza?”

Alisa grimaced that he was brushing away her thoughts, “Pepperoni, onion and cheese, lots of cheese,” she replied before calling after him, “And it is weird.”

“Dump your stuff,” Rodney shouted back up at her.

Stepping into her room, Alisa glanced around thinking to her room in Atlantis. She missed the place already.

They both pottered around the house as they waited for dinner to arrive, going through mail, email and checking messages. Finally food arrived, Alisa grinned as they sat on the couch watching a movie they’d both seen a dozen times, eating their pizza.

“Still feel weird?” Rodney asked, grabbed one more slice.

Alisa shrugged and stealing the final slice; “Not anymore.”



Alisa stared at the ceiling as she tried to sleep, she’d slept fine the night before in the SGC, but that could have been due to excess exhaustion. She smiled as she heard her Dad moving around the house, trying to be quiet and not doing a very good job of it. Finally she threw off her covers and staggered downstairs, Rodney was already there watching reruns of The Twilight Zone.

He saw her standing in the doorway and motioned her to join him. Alisa curled up on the couch beside him, smiling as her father pulled the blanket over the both of them. They watched old TV shows until they fell asleep.

*********************************************

“You’re quiet for a change,” Rodney noted as he drove them through the streets.

Alisa shrugged.

“What’s wrong?” he demanded.

Alisa let out a long sigh, “I’m just wondering what I’ll say when they keep asking where we’ve been.”

“That I’m working on a classified project,” Rodney reminded her, “And you can’t talk about it.”

Alisa rolled her eyes, “And that’ll mean I won’t get asked anything else.”

Rodney frowned at her sarcasm, “Lissa, you can talk about the others but you can’t say where we were or what exactly we were doing.”

“I know, Dad,” she replied, turning to stare out the window, “It’s just not going to be easy.”

Rodney knew how she felt and the rest of the drive was in silence. Finally, they reached the house and Rodney parked.

“Here,” he handed her a cell-phone, “Keep this with you.”

“Dad, I’m sixteen,” Alisa took the phone and tucked it in her pocket, “When have you ever known me to not have my phone with me?”

“Remember we have a month so don’t go overboard with the shopping,” Rodney ignored her, “And don’t bankrupt me with any computer equipment.”

“Yes, Dad,” she smiled at him before taking a deep breath, “You called and said we were coming, right?”

“Alisa,” Rodney said annoyed, “Get out of the car.”



“Alisa,” Diane grinned as she opened the door to them, “I’m so glad you’re here,” she pulled Alisa into a tight hug, glancing up at the man standing there, “Hi, Rodney.”

“Hi,” he replied with a nod, “Lissa, I’ll call when I’m on my way.”

She turned to her father, “Okay. Have fun.”

“Rodney,” Diane held up her hand for him to wait, “Alisa, Kirsty’s upstairs. I want to talk to your Dad for a second.”

“Sure,” she looked a little worried but gave Rodney a quick wave before disappearing.

“Is something wrong?” Rodney asked, folding his arms across his chest.

Diane bit her lip slightly, “I know you’ll say this is none of my business but it’s been about a year since we’ve seen you and the only contact there’s been is a very strange video-message.”

“Your point?” Rodney demanded.

“This isn’t healthy for Alisa,” Diane told him, “Keeping her away from her friends and school while you do whatever you’re doing.”

“Alisa is quite happy,” Rodney replied sharply, “She was the one who made the choice that we should go.”

Diane let out an annoyed sigh, “And Alisa would do anything to make you happy. Look, I want you to think about this. Scott and I are more than happy for her to stay here again while you’re away.”

Rodney’s expression blanked slightly, glancing down at the ground, “Diane…I’ll think it over.”



“For the last time, Kirsty” Alisa snapped, her hands resting on her hips, “I can not tell you where we’ve been. It’s classified and if I tell anyone Dad’ll kill me.”

“Not even a tiny clue?” her best friend asked hopefully.

Alisa glared at her, “Knock it off.”

“For now,” Kirsty shrugged, “So, what do you want to do?”

Alisa grinned, “Let’s go shopping.”

“Yes,” Kirsty grinned at her, “Give me a minute and I’ll get my jacket together.”

Alisa moved to the window as her best friend buzzed around, they had no idea about what was out there, no idea the horror that lived out there. Unconsciously, Alisa reached to the tags hanging around her neck, she knew the enzyme had affected him but the loss of Ford had slammed it home to all of them that the Wraith could affect them in more ways than the life-sucking.

“What’s that?”

Kirsty’s question made Alisa jump and tighten her grip on the tags.

“Oh my God,” Kirsty cried, getting a good look as Alisa tucked them back under her top; “They’re dog-tags. Where did you get them?”

Alisa hesitated for a second before replying, “A friend. He’s gone now.”

“I’m sorry,” Kirsty whispered, seeing how upset her friend was.

Alisa shook her head, “Its okay. Let’s go, I haven’t had a chance to shop in ages.”

*********************************************

Alisa sat waiting to be called in to see the General, wondering why she was here. They’d been home for three weeks and in a few days were heading back to Colorado before returning to Atlantis by ship. Her father had arrived back from his meeting the day before, asking if she had something to do the next day.

“Kirsty has stuff to do,” Alisa replied with a shrug, “I plan on doing nothing but watch TV.”

“How about coming with me?” Rodney asked.

Alisa frowned at him, “Why?”

“You have a suspicious nature,” he gently squeezed the back of her neck.

Alisa laughed, “I wonder where that comes from? Come on, Dad. Why am I coming with you?”

“General O’Neill wants to talk to you,” Rodney told her.

Alisa let out a long sigh confused before shrugging, “Sure why not.”



“Hello, Alisa,” Jack O’Neill grinned at her, “It’s good to see you.”

Alisa couldn’t help but smile back, genuine pleasure at seeing him filling her, “You too, General.”

“Ah,” he raised a finger in warning.”

“Jack,” Alisa laughed, “It is great to see you again.”

He motioned her to sit down, “Well the stories I’ve heard about you, you’ve done pretty well on Atlantis.”

“It’s an incredible place,” Alisa told him, “And I’ve learned amazing things, including what I want to do with my life.”

“We’re going to have another Dr McKay on our hands at some point,” Jack grimaced.

Alisa laughed, “We are the best.”

“Do you know why I asked to see you?” Jack became serious suddenly.

Alisa shrugged, “No.”

He smiled slightly amused; she was very different from when he’d met her the first time. Not as shy, her confidence in herself had been built in Atlantis and Jack knew this was going to be perfect for her.

“The reason I wanted to talk to you,” Jack continued, “Was to discuss your position on Atlantis.”

“I’m not staying here,” Alisa snapped venomously, “I won’t let you do that to me. I won’t let you…”

“Alisa,” Jack spoke softly, as she trailed off, “I’m not going to make you stay on Earth but,” he held up his hand to stop her speaking, “Your status has to change.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Now that we have the Daedalus and Atlantis is no longer cut off from Earth, people are very interested in who is there,” Jack explained, “When asked who Alisa McKay is, the answer just the daughter of the Head Scientist isn’t going to be enough.”

“I still don’t get it.”

Jack laughed, “You are brilliant, Alisa and from what your father brought back, you’ve graduated High School early.”

“And?”

“And normally you’d go to college,” Jack was unable to stop his grin, “Since it’s a hell of a commute, your father and I have come up with another idea.”

Alisa frowned, confusion creasing her brow, “Which is what?”

“According to the records you’ve been working with Dr Zelenka,” Jack reminded her, “So, we’re just going to make it official. You’ll be noted as Zelenka’s assistant, given the salary to go with this. He will oversee your studies, since Dr Zelenka has privileges at several Colleges. This does mean you’ll have to wear the uniform so I hope you didn’t go overboard in your shopping.”

Alisa stared at him as everything sunk in, “Hold on. You’re letting me go back, giving me basically a college education and you’re going to pay me for this?”

Jack nodded.

“Dad must have been ecstatic,” she laughed, “Not having to pay for college.”

“I doubt he would have had to pay for your college education, Alisa,” Jack reminded her before frowning; “There is one more thing. Hold on while I get your Dad in here for this.”

When Jack disappeared, Alisa rubbed her hands over her face in disbelief; the joy that she was getting to go back to Atlantis was now tinged with worry.

“Lissa,” Rodney arrived and sat at his daughter’s side; taking her hand, he squeezed it gently, “What do you think?”

“It’s great,” Alisa smiled, “But what’s the one more thing?”

Rodney winced and turned to Jack wanting him to explain to her. Jack nodded and returned his attention to the teenager sitting waiting.

“Not everyone connected with the Stargate are good people,” Jack explained.

“Like the Gould,” Alisa stated.

Jack shook his head, “I’m talking Earth based. We had a lot of problems with a group called the NID. Not as much anymore but there are another group called The Trust.”

Alisa bit her lip, “What does this have to do with me?”

“You would be a valuable asset to them, Lissa,” Rodney squeezed her hand tighter, “You have knowledge of Atlantis, Ancient technology and more importantly you’re loved by the entire command crew.”

“If they got their hands on you,” Jack took over, “It could be disastrous.”

Alisa stared at them, “Why are you telling me this?”

“Lissa,” Rodney settled his arm around her shoulders, “We’re not trying to scare you but to make you understand what we need you to do.”

“And what’s that?” Alisa whispered.

Jack moved and sat at her other side, “We’re not going to advertise who you are, everyone knows you as simply Alisa anyway and we’re not asking you to stop calling him Dad.”

This earned him a slight smile of amusement from both McKay’s’.

“All we’re going to do,” Jack continued, “Is list you under a different surname here, pay your salary into an account under that name also. It’s just a precaution.”

“What name?” Alisa asked.

“Bonner,” Rodney answered her, “I thought using your mother’s name would be easiest.”

Alisa was struck speechless for a while before she nodded. As they stood to leave Jack caught her by the shoulder.

“We’re not trying to frighten you, Alisa,” he told her, “This is just to keep you safe. Come on, in two days you’ll be back in the SGC and then you’ll be on your way to Atlantis. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Alisa nodded warily, “Okay.”



“Lissa,” Rodney said as they walked through the corridors, heading for the car, “I hope we didn’t scare you. We just needed you to understand.”

Alisa smiled at him, “I’m okay, Dad. I’m guessing General O’Neill’s had someone watching me since we got back.”

Rodney laughed, “You’re sometimes too smart for your own good.”

“Family trait,” she shot back at him, stopping suddenly as a familiar man appeared in front of them, “John,” she cried, moving and hugging him tightly.

“Nice to see you too, kid,” John laughed, hugging her with a smile.

“I didn’t know you were here,” Alisa grinned.

John shrugged starting them walking again, “Well, I had some stuff to do. So your dad offered the spare room till we head back to Colorado.”

“That’s great,” Alisa grinned.

“Carson’s flight is due in soon,” Rodney told her, “We’ll pick him up then go have dinner.”

“Cool,” Alisa smiled.



Carson stepped into the arrivals lounge, smiling to see Rodney, John and Alisa standing waiting for him. He hugged the enthusiastic teenager before turning to the two men.

“Rodney, Major,” Carson smiled.

“Actually,” John grinned, “Its Lieutenant Colonel now.”

The other three stared at him in surprise.

“They promoted you?” Alisa demanded amused.

John gently cuffed her shoulder, “They gave you a job, kid. Let’s not question their sanity too much.”

“A job?” Carson asked.

“How about we get out of here and we can fill each other in on all our news,” Rodney suggested, throwing John a dark look.

The newly promoted Lt Colonel nodded and grabbing one of Carson’s bags, started out of the terminal and back to the car.



Rodney pulled up to Diane’s house a few days later and sat for a few seconds in the car. They were leaving for Colorado and had to be at the airport soon.

“Rodney,” John’s voice made his look to his side, “The trick is to open the door and get out.”

Rodney threw a dark look at him before getting out the car, hearing Carson and John laughing. Hitting the doorbell, he nodded hello to Diane when she opened the door.

“She’s upstairs, Rodney,” Diane told him, motioning him inside, “Have you thought over what we talked about?”

“Yes,” Rodney told her, folding his arms across his chest, “I’m taking her with me. I won’t leave her behind and Alisa would never forgive me if I did.”

Diane sighed, “Just tell me we will hear from you before this time next year?”

“I promise,” Rodney nodded, “Give her a yell, we have to leave soon.”

Diane smiled slightly, “Take care of yourself, Rodney.”

“Dad,” his daughter cried, making him turn, he stared as she appeared before him. “So,” she said hopefully, “What do you think?”

Her long blonde hair had been cut to just above her shoulders and she now had copper streaks through it.

Rodney felt sad, she’d never had her hair this short since she was a little girl and it hit him, his baby was now a grown up. He looked into her eyes, seeing worry that he’d be scornful of her new look, which melted away as he smiled.

“It suits you,” Rodney nodded, “And we have to go.”

“Oh yeah,” Alisa turned to her friend and quickly hugged her tightly before hugging Diane, “I’ll write.”

Rodney rested his hand on her shoulder as they walked out of the house.

“Dad,” she murmured softly, “Thanks for not leaving me. I know Diane wanted you to.”

“Lissa,” he squeezed her shoulder, “You know I could never do that. Come on, John and Carson will be getting restless.”

Alisa turned back for a second to where Kirsty and Diane stood; she gave them a slight wave before jumping in the backseat beside Carson.

*********************************************

“Adams, Arthurs, Brennan, Buchanan, Cadman, Cedar,” John listed, groaning with annoyance, “How the hell am I supposed to remember all of them?”

“Go back,” Rodney told him, “I recognised one of those names.”

“Which one?” John asked, looking back through the list, “Cadman?”

“No, further back,” Rodney replied, “Brennan. Any relation to Sergeant Brennan.”

“Stair surfer Brennan,” John grinned, laughing at the memory, “If only Elizabeth hadn’t banned it.”

“He dislocated his shoulder and nearly knocked Zelenka out,” Rodney rolled his eyes, “Is it a relation?”

John scanned the sheets in the folder before nodding, “Younger brother.”

“Great,” Rodney muttered, “Just what we need.”

John laughed, continuing to go over his list as Rodney worked on his own list of new recruits. They were due to board the Daedalus in five hours and were going over everything they needed before heading back to the Pegasus Galaxy.



Elizabeth Weir glanced over the new recruits coming with them to Atlantis. The mix of beige and dark blue uniforms made her smile. They’d survived a full year alone and now they were returning with so many more resources. Especially one she’d been very pleased to hear about. Her eyes focussed on Alisa McKay, noted in the personnel files as Bonner, who was standing talking with some of the new scientists. With her new hairstyle and wearing the uniform, she looked much older than her sixteen years and Elizabeth made a mental note to talk to John about making sure it was known she was just a teenager.

“All ready, Doctor?”

Elizabeth turned to General Landry, “Just waiting on Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard and Doctor McKay to join us and then we’ll start the dialling sequence.”

He nodded quickly, moving to one of the technicians before turning back to her, “I’m afraid Dr Jackson won’t be joining you.”

“I heard,” Elizabeth replied, “When he wakes up, tell him I’ll miss having him on Atlantis. And I’m sure he’ll be able to join us on the Daedalus’ next run.”

She heard the familiar sound of Rodney and John arguing, smiling as they arrived in the Control Room.

“Are we ready?” John grinned; he looked out across the people standing there, “Look at the new kids.”

He turned to Rodney, amazed the scientist hadn’t hit out with a sarcastic remark, finding the other man watching his daughter.

“What happened to the quiet kid you brought with you last year?” John asked, his own gaze falling on confident young woman talking away.

Rodney shook his head sadly, “I wish I knew.”



The Daedalus was no longer quiet, every bunk was filled and John, Elizabeth and Rodney found themselves extremely busy orientating the new members of the expedition, while Rodney also worked on the ships systems.

“Hey,” Alisa appeared at his side as he was heading to the engine room, “You wanted to see me?”

Rodney smiled down at her, “I want to show you something.”

Alisa gave him a suspicious look, “What?”

He laughed and pushed her forward, “You’ll love this, Lissa.”

They continued towards the engine room and as they entered, Alisa stopped dead, staring in astonishment.

“Lissa,” Rodney grinned at her expression, “This is Hermiod, the liaison of the Asgard.”

“Dad, that’s an alien,” Alisa gasped, stepping back slightly as the grey being turned and studied her.

“I am Asgard,” Hermiod told her, studying the young woman, “You are smaller than the other humans.”

Alisa folded her arms across her chest, “Because I’m only a teenager.”

Hermiod tilted his head, “You are a child?”

“This is my daughter,” Rodney interrupted.

The Asgard gave him a look before returning to his screens. Alisa rolled her eyes at her father moving over to have a look.

“I do not like being watched,” Hermiod told her as she peered over his shoulder.

“I was just seeing what you were doing,” Alisa replied, not backing down to Rodney’s amusement.

Hermiod gave her a brief glance, “You would not understand it.”

“Then what’s the harm in me looking?” the girl asked innocently.

The alien looked at her for a few moments before nodding. Rodney watched, unable to keep the smile from his face as Alisa asked a question making the Asgard realise she was much smarter than he believed.

With a smile, he turned back to his own work. There were only sixteen days until they reached Atlantis and a lot to do.



“I want everyone confined to their quarters,” Caldwell ordered after the death of Lindstrom, he turned to Rodney, “Especially your daughter.”

“Hermiod has requested she work with him,” Elizabeth spoke up, Rodney was still using the oxygen mask, “He seems to enjoy imparting knowledge to her.”

“It’s the whole…they can’t have kids thing,” Rodney gasped slightly, “They’re clones, so no new members of the species to mould.”

Caldwell didn’t look happy but nodded, “Very well. But keep her out of the way of the investigation.”

Rodney nodded, annoyed as Carson pushed the mask back onto his face. He shuddered as he thought that the only reason Lindstrom had been there was because of him. Another death he was responsible for.

“I don’t think Alisa made a very good impression on Caldwell,” Carson murmured as he checked Rodney again.

“I’m not exactly worried about that,” Rodney said, his voice still scratchy, “I need to check on her.”

Carson patted the other man’s shoulder, “I know, Rodney.”



“Isn’t a full system shutdown pretty dangerous?” Alisa asked, watching as her father move from console to console.

“Maybe,” Rodney replied, “But not doing it is even more dangerous.”

At the side of the console, John turned to Elizabeth, “This is what I do when I have problems with my laptop. I turn it off, and then I turn it on again.”

“I think this is a little bit more complicated than that,” Elizabeth told him, seeing Alisa smirk at her.

“I'm just saying,” John told them, “That if we're taking a page from the John Sheppard Book of Computer Repair, we're really desperate.”

“Alright,” Rodney finished what he was doing, “Colonel, we're ready.”

“Thank you,” Caldwell’s voice came over the radio before he started talking over the comm. system, “All personnel, this is Colonel Caldwell. Prepare for a full system shutdown.”

Alisa took a deep breath and returned to her spot beside Hermiod to watch what he was going to do.

“Alright, Doctor, go ahead,” Caldwell ordered.

Rodney took a deep breath, “And.”

He motioned to Hermiod, who activated the sequence on his console. Everything shut down and the ship was plunged into darkness.

*********************************************

“How long can they survive those radiation levels?” Elizabeth asked Hermiod anxiously as they watched the small ship on the screen.

“I believe it has already been too long,” the small grey alien noted.

Elizabeth turned to Alisa; she reached out and gently squeezed the teenager’s shoulder, seeing the fear in the girl’s eyes. She touched the button for the radio, “John, can you read me?” she waited for several seconds, “Rodney, come in?”

“Daedalus, this is Sheppard,” John’s voice came over the radio, making Alisa and Elizabeth sigh in relief, “Target is destroyed. I repeat, target is destroyed. If you try one more shutdown, I think it might just work.”

“Well done, both of you,” Elizabeth laughed slightly, “You had us a little worried there for a minute.”

“Sorry about that,” John said.

“You will be,” Alisa murmured slightly, shaking as she relaxed.

“This is Caldwell,” the Colonel interrupted, “We'll rendezvous as soon as we've eradicated the virus once and for all.”



Alisa ignored the rest of the chatter and sank into the nearest seat, rubbing her hand across her eyes.

“You are ill?”

She looked up to see the Asgard looking down at her, with what she assumed was either concern or curiosity.

“No,” she told the grey alien, “I’m not. We just haven’t even got to Atlantis yet and my father has managed to almost get killed…again.”

“And this upsets you?” Hermiod asked.

Alisa looked at him incredulously, “Of course it does. Look, I know the risks of Atlantis,” her hand crept to grip the dog tags that sat round her neck, “But we’re not even there yet.”

She was surprised as the alien patted her arm, “He did a very brave thing.”

“You think?” Alisa smiled slightly, “I didn’t think you liked him?”

“Your father is an annoying man,” Hermiod moved back to his console, “But it still was a very brave thing to do.”



Alisa grinned as she stepped out onto Atlantis. She walked with the rest of the command crew towards the Gateroom, it felt good to be home and as they reached the Control room.

“Radek,” she grinned, moving to hug the scientist while the others headed up the stairs to join Teyla.

“Ah, my young apprentice,” Radek smiled back at her, “Being on Earth agreed with you, Alisa. I like your hair”

The teenager flicked her hair back slightly with a grin, “You’re sure you don’t mind about becoming my tutor?”

“Alisa,” Radek wrapped his arm around her shoulders, leading her up to join the others, “I am very happy to teach you.”

“Good,” Alisa grinned, “Because, I intend to be Head of the Science contingent one day.”

Radek laughed, “I have no doubts that you shall be.”



Night had fallen on Atlantis, the new recruits were settled in and the command crew had caught up on everything. Rodney found his daughter standing on a balcony staring out at the stars.

“Glad to be back?” he asked, moving to stand at her side.

Alisa nodded, “It feels different though, without Aiden and Peter.”

“I know,” Rodney sighed; he placed his arm around her shoulders, pulling her to him, “We’ll find Ford. John won’t give up on him.”

“I know,” she leaned into her father.

“One more thing,” Rodney said, taking a deep breath, “Since technically you’re at college now, there’s no reason for you not to have your own room.”

Alisa turned and stared up at him, “This is part of making sure people don’t guess who I really am, right?”

“In a way,” Rodney shrugged, “But, as much as I’d prefer we keep the same arrangement, Elizabeth did point out, you aren’t a little girl anymore. If you want you can stay where you are.”

“I think a place of my own sounds good,” Alisa grinned, before adding, “But not too far away from you.”

Rodney smiled and leaning over he gently kissed the top of her head, “Your mother would be so proud of you, Lissa. I know I am.”

Alisa grinned at her father before they turned their attention to the stars laid out before them both lost in thought.

“Did you tell her?”
Rodney gave John an ‘are you completely stupid’ look, “Do you think I could have gotten off Atlantis without a major argument if I had?”
“Good point,” John shrugged, “I know she’d want to come if there was a chance we find Aiden.”
Rodney nodded sadness in his eyes, “She’s not taken off his dog tags since he left.”
John mused over this, “They were pretty close. How’s things going with her, considering the new arrangements?”
Rodney snorted slightly, “Alisa is…happy with everything. No one other than the old team knows she’s my daughter, yet. And now she’s living on her own…”
“She’s about six rooms down the hall from you, Rodney,” John laughed, “It’s not that far.”
“Still feels weird,” Rodney sighed, “Like she’s left me behind.”
John clapped his friend on the shoulder before he readied the Jumper to land. It was time to focus on the mission.

“Ok, you've had your fresh air,” Lorne said, standing looking annoyed at Rodney who was sitting with the full radiation suit on, “C'mon, let's go.”
Rodney frowned, “Well, shouldn't we be headed back? I mean, it must have been half an hour.”
“It's been fifteen minutes,” Lorne told him, sounding bored.
“Oh, really? I thought…” Rodney glanced at his watch, scowling that the other man was right, “It feels longer.”
“Wow,” Lorne mused, “You must really be some kind of genius.”
Rodney stood up and started to follow, “Well, as a matter of fact, I,” he hesitated, confusion entering his thoughts, “Um…wait a minute. See, why would you say that now?”
“Something has to have kept Colonel Sheppard from shooting you all this time,” Lorne smirked as he continued on.
“Yeah, yeah,” Rodney grumbled to himself, “Like I didn't see that one coming.”
Rodney jumped as Lorne was suddenly struck by a Wraith beam, the Major dropped like a stone and Rodney grabbed his radio.
“Mayday! Mayday!” he yelled looking around, “We are under attack. Lorne's been hit. I repeat, we are under Wraith attack.”
He pulled out his gun, nervously aiming it in the direction the blast came from, stopping and staring as he saw Ford standing there, aiming a Wraith stunner at him.
“Will you relax, McKay?” Ford grinned.
Rodney stared at the man before him, “Ford?”
“Why don't you drop your gun?” Ford suggested, moving closer, “I know what you're like with weapons. I wouldn't want it accidentally going off while it's pointed at me.”
Too shocked to move, Rodney only let go of the gun when Aiden grabbed it away from him. Ford pocketed the gun and grinned at him.

“Good. Now you and me can catch up,” he playfully pummelled Rodney on the shoulder, then moved over to the unconscious form of Lorne and took his spare clips as Rodney continued to stare.

“Doctor McKay, what is your position?” a voice called over Rodney’s radio, “Please respond. Major Lorne, come in?”

Rodney glanced at his radio wondering how the hell he could answer but Ford took it from him as easily as he had taken the gun, switched it off and tossed it to one side where it landed on top of Lorne.

“Let's go,” Ford told him.

Rodney swallowed, “We can't leave Major Lorne.”

Ford waved his hand, “He'll be fine.”
“No...” Rodney hesitated and Ford, looking much more menacing than he had seconds before, aimed both Rodney’s gun and the Wraith stunner at him

“You know that the sunlight on this planet is kinda dangerous?” Rodney tried to stall, hoping the Calvary would arrive and help him.

Ford shrugged, “Not for me.”

Rodney winced, “Actually, if you ...”

“Listen,” Ford cut him off, “McKay, you guys all think I'm crazy or something.”

Rodney shook his head vehemently, “No, no-one thinks that.”

“Sure,” sarcasm filled the younger man’s voice, “Here's the thing. I'm not just fine, I'm better than fine. Really,” he told Rodney at his surprised look, “This is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Rodney continued to talk, hoping he could persuade Ford to go back to the Jumper or at least contact the rest of the team. He winced as he discovered Teyla and John had been grabbed by someone but tried to continue to talk the lieutenant back to the shuttle.

“Anything else happen since I've been gone?” Ford asked.

Rodney mused, wondering what to say, “Ah, Major Sheppard got promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” Rodney nodded.

“Good for him,” Ford grinned, “How’s Alisa?”

Rodney hesitated, he thought about saying she’d been left on Earth but decided against it quickly. Ford had always been a big brother to Alisa; this could be a way to get him to come back with him.

“She’s good,” Rodney started, “She’s now officially Radek’s assistant. He’s handling her education. They’re paying her and everything.”

“That’s great,” Ford nodded cheerfully.

Rodney decided to try his idea, “She misses you. She hasn’t taken off the dog-tags since you left.”

Ford stopped for a few seconds, sadness covering his face and Rodney was sure he’d got through to him.

“Yeah,” Ford sighed, his expression changed suddenly, “Come on, let’s go get the Major…Lieutenant Colonel and Teyla.”

As Ford started walking, Rodney glanced over his shoulder at Lorne and hoped he got out of this in one piece.

*********************************************

“Dad.”

Rodney looked up from his infirmary bed to see Alisa jogging in; she looked worried but relaxed a little seeing he wasn't bleeding.

“Hey, Lissa,” he smiled at her, the painkillers Carson had given him for his leg making him quite loopy.

The teenager rolled her eyes and settled onto the seat beside him, “What happened?”

“Ford set a trap thing and I got my leg caught in it,” he explained, his voice was slightly slurred from the drugs.

“Aiden was there?” Alisa asked softly, astonishment in her voice.

Rodney caught her hand, “Sorry, kiddo,” he murmured, losing the battle with the exhaustion pulling him down.

Alisa smiled as he father fell asleep before she slipped away to talk to John.



“What happened?” Alisa demanded the moment she reached the Colonel.

John sighed, “Ford isn’t the same guy you knew, Alisa. The Wraith enzyme…”

“I did the reading,” Alisa cut him off; “I know this.”

“Seeing it is different though,” John reminded her.

Alisa folded her arms across her chest, “I had a pretty impressive bruise on my back when he shoved me into a wall before stealing the Jumper. Remember?”

John shrugged.

“How did Dad end up alone with him?” Alisa demanded, “Because if I remember correctly, he went off-world with you and Teyla.”

“You know I’ve already had to listen to Caldwell yell at me,” John snapped, annoyed that this kid was having a go at him, “I don’t have to answer to you, Alisa.”

Alisa stepped back slightly, her blue eyes darkening with anger, “If you get my father killed, yes you do.”

With that said she spun and marched away, making John groan.



“Sir?”

John turned to find Lorne watching him.

“Something bothering you, Major?” John snapped; he was not in the mood right now.

Lorne looked a little taken back by John’s annoyance but continued with his question.

“I was wondering who she was,” Lorne motioned to where Alisa had just been.

John sighed, Lorne was pretty much the second highest ranking officer on Atlantis and it was more than likely he’d come up against the wrath of the younger McKay at some point. Best to warn him.

“That,” John stated, unable not to smile, “Is Alisa McKay, Rodney’s daughter.”

“Oh,” Lorne stated, “Then that’s what he meant.”

“What?” John asked.

“When we were on the planet and Dr McKay was…talking about the effects of the radiation,” Lorne explained, “He mentioned something about being happy he’d already contributed to the gene pool. I wasn't quite sure…”

John laughed slightly, “I’m sure you’ll check this out yourself, Major. Alisa is known under the name Bonner to protect her and by telling you this, I am trusting you with her life. Alisa is as smart as her father, not as arrogant…yet but she is, as you saw, very vocal in her opinions. Be careful around her.”

“Careful?” Lorne asked amused.

John laughed, “She’s one of the most dangerous things in Atlantis. Trust me.”

*********************************************

Alisa sat in the commissary brooding, she’d known that the drug had changed her friend but finding out that he was going to kill her father had terrified her. The only reason he hadn’t been killed was because of the man John had brought back with them. She was so angry at John and Teyla for leaving him with someone who didn’t know both her father and Ford.

The big guy was being followed around by armed guards, but Alisa wasn't sure what good they’d do if he wanted to get away from them.

“Colonel,” Alisa greeted John coolly as he approached her.

He frowned annoyed before ignoring her cool greeting, “Alisa, this is Specialist Ronan Dex. It’s looks like he’ll be sticking around for a while.”

Alisa glanced up at the large man, “Hi.”

Ronan looked down at her, “You’re an adolescent.”

“You’re very perceptive,” Alisa noted coldly, “For a caveman.”

“Alisa,” John barked, “Enough.”

She turned her cool blue eyes on him, distaste in them, “What did I say?”

To both their surprise, Ronan let out a low rumble of laughing.

“She speaks her mind,” the Satedan noted to John, “Is she your child?”

Alisa gave a snort of derision at the question as John shook his head.

“Thankfully, not mine;” he returned her look of annoyance with one of his own, “That bundle of opinion belongs to McKay.”

Alisa looked up at him; surprised he was giving this information to a man they didn’t know.

Ronan nodded understanding, “I see the resemblance.”

“How nice for you,” Alisa replied, standing up she turned to John, “I have work to do. Colonel, Specialist,” she nodded to both of them before walking out of the commissary.

“Interesting,” Ronan noted.

John sighed, “She’s a little pissed. She was very close to Ford.”

“I can tell,” Ronan replied, he watched the girl as she left the room.



Alisa returned to the infirmary, finding her father was awake now and complaining.

“How do you feel?” she took the seat beside the bed.

“I just need to get away from Carson,” Rodney snapped, “Who seems to think that poking me with needles is going to help.”

“I gave you some painkillers,” Carson appeared at Alisa’s side, “And a few other things to make sure you’re able to walk again. You were damn lucky that you didn’t end up with a worse injury from that trap. I’m shocked it’s just a few pulled muscles.”

“Does it mean I have to sit here?” Rodney demanded.

Carson rolled his eyes annoyed, “Since your daughter is here, I shall happily release you to her care. Assuming she wants you.”

Alisa smiled slightly.

“Good,” Rodney snapped.



“I met the man-mountain John brought back with him,” Alisa noted as she pushed Rodney through the corridors to his room.

“A new project for him,” Rodney murmured, “Lissa, this is ridiculous. I can walk.”

“Dad, you barely made it from the bed to the wheelchair without falling on your ass,” Alisa reminded him, “I don’t see you making it from here to your room.”

“What have I told you about your language?” Rodney reprimanded her.

Alisa rolled her eyes, “It’s been a bad day.”

Rodney reached up and caught her hand, “I know, kiddo. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring Aiden back.”

“I don’t blame you for that,” Alisa whispered, “What I’m mad at is the fact John left you hanging, literally.”

Rodney didn’t say anything, he was just as mad with the Colonel but he didn’t want Alisa to be.

“He wanted to get Ford back,” Rodney reminded her, “Back here where we can help him.”

Alisa sighed, “Yeah,” she took a deep breath and they started towards his room once more.

When they finally reached Rodney’s room, Alisa helped him in and smiled slightly at it. Rodney limped to the bed and relaxed against the pillows.

“Go,” Rodney told her, “I’m going to get some rest and you need to go get something to eat.”

“Okay,” Alisa gently kissed his cheek, “I love you, Dad.”

Rodney pulled her into a tight hug, “I know, Lissa. I love you too. Now, go away and let me rest.”



Alisa left her father’s room and wandered through the corridors. She saw the new guy walk onto a balcony, the two guards stayed outside. Unsure why, Alisa walked over to them.

“Hi, Alisa,” Greaves, one of the marines who’d been on Atlantis from day one greeted her, “How’s things?”

Alisa shrugged, “The usual.”

Greaves grinned, “Haven’t had the chance to say congrats on the job and I love your new hairdo.”

The other guy looked a little confused as Alisa blushed slightly.

“Meet Evans,” Greaves introduced the other marine who nodded at her, “New guy. Evans, this is Alisa. Watch her; she’s not someone you cross.”

Alisa rolled her eyes at him, “Just because you lost a ton of money to me.”

“What are you doing here?” Evans asked.

“I wanted to talk to the caveman,” she told them, turning to Greaves who knew her.

“You know Colonel Sheppard…” Evans started but Greaves stopped him.

“Ten minutes,” he told her, “And this means I owe you nothing.”

Alisa smirked at him, before slipping through the doors, “You wish, Greaves.”



Ronan turned as he heard someone join him on the balcony. He’d been expecting Sheppard, not the girl he’d met earlier who’d been in a very bad mood.

“Hi,” she said softly, leaning back against the wall near the door.

Ronan looked at her for a few seconds, she was actually older than he’d originally assumed but not by much.

“I thought my bodyguards were keeping people away,” he noted.

Alisa shrugged, “I usually get my own way around here.”

Ronan let out a soft snort of amusement, “You’re not afraid of me.”

His statement made her smiled, “You saved my father from Ford trying to kill him. And I know you wouldn’t hurt someone you deem a child.”

Ronan stared at the girl, “What makes you think this?”

Alisa laughed, “Mostly the way you looked at me. Concern that there was someone so young in this place.”

“Why are you here?” Ronan was getting annoyed.

“John wants you to stay,” Alisa noted, smiling slightly in amusement, “And you have nowhere to go. From what I’ve heard your home is gone and you’ve been running from the Wraith for seven years. We’re safe here and we’re looking to kick their asses.”

“You think I should stay?” he was quite confused by this child.

Alisa shrugged again, “It’s your choice. I should go; I have stuff to do.”

Ronan watched her start to walk away, “You believe I should stay here, what would suggest I do?”

Alisa laughed at him, “You join the team to kick some ass. I thought that was kinda obvious,” shaking her head, she left him alone.



John watched Alisa leave the balcony and waited until she was gone before he moved over to Greaves.

“Told you she’d talk to him,” John grinned, “I believe you now owe me double.”

Greaves grimaced, “Yes, sir.”

Evans was staring at them completely confused.

“Lesson number one,” John told the Marine, “When you need to persuade someone of something, send the kid. She’s smart, she’s sassy and she speaks her mind.”

“Just don’t play her at cards,” Greaves added, nodding at his superior officer as he headed to speak to their guest.

Laura Cadman had known strange things happened when you worked on either Stargate project but nothing had prepared her for this. She was now residing in the body of Dr Rodney McKay and neither of them was happy about this.

He was still bitching about the fact she’d taken his body for a run the night before when a call from behind them caught her by complete surprise.

“Dad!”

“That would be me,” Rodney growled at her, as she fought to keep them walking in the same direction.

“They let you breed?” Laura blurted out, instantly regretting saying it.

“Would you just…” he trailed off as he turned to where the call had come from.

Laura stared at the girl smiling at them. She knew her, Laura was sure about this, the girl was one of the lab techs.

“Dad,” the girl said again, looking a little confused, as Laura finally remembered her name, Alisa, “Are you okay?”

Rodney frowned, “Who’ve you talked to?”

“Paranoid, Rodney,” Laura laughed.

“Shut up,” he hissed, making Alisa stare at him in confusion, “Not you,” Rodney told her.

“Then who?” Alisa drawled.

“You’ve not seen anyone?” Rodney asked her.

Alisa shook her head in confusion, “I got off the Jumper, I said hi to Lieutenant Smith and walking back to my room,” she showed him her backpack, “I saw you.”

“Told you,” Laura laughed.

Rodney let out a sigh of annoyance, “Would you stop talking for two seconds.”

“What did I say?” Alisa stared at him.

“I’m not talking to you,” he replied, waving his hand at her.

“Okay,” Alisa pressed her hands over her eyes for a second, “Is there a conversation going on that I’m completely unaware of?”

“She’s got you there,” Laura told him, making Rodney growl in annoyance.

“Come on, Lissa,” Rodney took her arm, “There’s something I have to tell you.”



Alisa was staring at them, complete astonishment covering her face as Rodney explained what had transpired the day before.

“So,” Alisa said after several minutes’ silence, “You’re telling me that one of the new security officers, Lieutenant Laura Cadman is stuck inside your head.”

“Exactly,” Rodney replied.

“You can hear her,” Alisa continued, her head tilted to one side, “And she has the ability to take over your body.”

Rodney nodded again, both of them watching as the teenager took in everything she’d been told.

“Okay,” she nodded slightly, “This has to be the weirdest thing I’ve heard since I got here.”

“Lissa,” Rodney reached out to touch her shoulder, frowning in confusion as she pulled back away from him, “What’s wrong?”

“I…I don’t know her,” Alisa whispered, she was shaking slightly.

Rodney slowly pulled his hand back, “Lissa.”

“I should go see if Radek needs me for anything,” she murmured softly, slowly backing away, “I’ll come see you later.”

With that she fled the room.



“Well thank you so much,” Rodney snapped.

Laura frowned, wishing she could pace, “What the hell did I do?”

“Because of you, my daughter won’t come near me,” Rodney snapped, his pain at her rejection coming through.

“It’s not like I did this on purpose, Rodney,” Laura snapped back. She sighed, “Look, she’ll get over this. She just has to get her head round it because let’s face it, Rodney; ‘By the way, I’ve someone in my head’ is not the average thing that your Dad tells you, even around here. And if it is ever said, most kids would be calling a shrink and having you carted off.”

Rodney turned and looked in the mirror, so in a sense they were looking at each other.

“You really think she’ll be alright with this?” Rodney asked, his voice soft.

Laura smiled at seeing the depth of this man she’d had pegged as an unfeeling arrogant bastard, “If she’s as smart as you say she is.”



Several hours later, as they were arguing over what he was to wear on his date, there was a soft knock.

“I am telling you,” Alisa stated as she walked in, “Dr Moss is an idiot.”

Laura was completely confused as Rodney grinned.

“What did Moss do this time?” Rodney asked, watching as Alisa sat cross-legged on his bed.

“He made so many mistakes while we were setting up the generators on the mainland,” Alisa cried, her hands waving about wildly in annoyance, “And guess who had to fix them? Why are you dressed up?”

Rodney grimaced slightly at her segue way, “I’m having dinner with Dr Brown tonight.”

Alisa stared at him, “Are you insane?”

Rodney folded his arms across his chest, frowning at her.

“Okay, wrong thing to say,” Alisa acknowledged, “I’m just questioning the intelligence of having dinner with a woman when you have another’s consciousness in your head.”

Rodney turned to her, “Is this because I have a date?”

“Dad,” Alisa laughed, “I’m sixteen, you haven’t had a date since I was eight that I know of. Trust me; I’m not having a tantrum over this. I’m actually worried about you.”

“Lissa,” Rodney replied, trying to ignore Laura’s laughter in his head, “I have cancelled on her far too many times and trust me, I have someone in my head is not the best thing to say when cancelling dinner with someone.”

“Oh, I’m so going to need therapy when I leave this place,” Alisa jumped up and moved to the door, “I’m going to get something to eat then I’ll see what else I can do with the Wraith ship. See you later…you too, Lieutenant.”

*********************************************

Rodney and Laura woke up with an extreme headache; the last thing they remembered was being in Heightmeyer’s office and arguing with each other. Opening their eyes to see the infirmary ceiling had them completely bewildered.

“Dad?” the gentle voice of his daughter came from their bedside, “Dad?”

“What happened?” Rodney moaned, as Laura murmured the same question but only he was heard.

“You had a seizure,” Alisa whispered, squeezing his hand tightly.

“Why?” Rodney frowned confused.

Carson moved over to stand behind Alisa, “From what we can tell,” he explained, resting his hands on the teenager’s shoulders in comfort, “The constant fighting over the dominance of your brain is having a deleterious effect on its lower functions: heart rate, respiration, organ function…”

“That's not good,” Laura said through Rodney.

“Of course it's not good,” Rodney snapped back at her.

Alisa turned to Carson with a look of sheer desperation, the entire situation confusing her completely.

“I'm not sure how long you can go on like this,” Carson told them

Rodney looked at him sharply, “What do you mean?”

Carson sighed, “These misfires will only increase in frequency and severity over time.”

“Well fine,” Rodney waved his hand, dismissing them, “She'll stop trying to take over control of my body.

“It's not as simple as that, Rodney,” Carson told him, he turned motioning Heightmeyer over to them.

“One of you has to release control,” Kate told them, “One of you has to let go completely.”

Laura felt sick, she didn’t know how since she had no physical body before she realised that Rodney was feeling as sick as she was.

“Ah, well, maybe if someone…say you…hadn't told her to try and take control in the first place,” Rodney snapped at Kate, “None of this would have happened.”

“Dad,” Alisa breathed, “You can’t blame Kate for this.”

“I was just trying to help both of you,” Kate reminded him.

“What happens to the person,” Rodney whispered, Laura could feel his grip on Alisa’s hand tighten even more, “The one who “lets go”?”

Carson hesitated, “Well, we're not certain, of course. We've not often run into these situations before…”

“They would disappear,” Laura took over as Carson trailed off, she squeezed Alisa’s hand this time, “I know they would, ‘cause I can already feel it happening to me. It's getting harder to be in here. It's taking more of an effort.”

“Has it always been like that?” Rodney whispered.

“Past few hours,” she sighed, tears filling her voice, “You haven't felt it too?”

Rodney hesitated, “Well, of course I have,” he replied, “I just thought I was fighting with you,” he glanced down as Alisa giggled slightly, “Look,” Rodney turned to where Radek was standing, “Where're we at?”

“Well,” Radek said, chewing his lip, “We've successfully rematerialized a pair of mice. They were whole and correctly reconstructed…”

“But?” Rodney demanded, knowing the tone.

“They didn't survive,” Radek admitted with a grimace.

“I'm afraid if one of you doesn't let go,” Carson moved the conversation back to its original direction, “Both of you will die.”

Alisa let out a shuddering breath and swallowed hard, for once not saying anything.

Laura slowly raised Rodney’s hand, “I'll do it.”

Carson frowned, “Which one of you said that?”

“It was Laura,” Alisa whispered, her voice shaking, “Laura volunteered.”



Laura opened her eyes and shifted slightly, she rested her hand against her forehead before gasping slightly as she realised that it was her hand.

“You should relax,” a now familiar voice came from her side, Laura turned to find Alisa sitting between the two beds, “Carson says everything’s fine.”

Laura sighed before smiling at the teenager, “It’s nice to meet you properly, Alisa.”

“You too, Lieutenant,” Alisa gave a soft nod.

“I thought you were calling me Laura?” she noted.

“After what you did before the separation,” Alisa grimaced, “Which by the way is going to add several years to my therapy, I think Lieutenant is fine for now.”

Laura winced, remembering the kiss, “Sorry about that.”

“John covered my eyes after a second,” Alisa told her, before clarifying at Laura’s confused look, “The Colonel.”

“Do you know absolutely everyone by their first names?” Laura laughed.

Alisa shrugged, “When we were cut off from Earth, this place and the people became family. I was the baby, I still am.”

“And adored by everyone,” Laura laughed.

Alisa blushed slightly, “I’m going to go get Carson and let him know you’re awake. I think he’ll be very interested in that.”

Laura opened her mouth but before she could say anything the girl had disappeared.



“Feeling better?” Laura grinned when she noticed Rodney awake in the bed beside her.

She bit her lip to stop herself from laughing as he looked the wrong way, finding the empty bed at his side.

“Oh no,” Rodney groaned.

Laura laughed and called, “Over here.”

Rodney turned, on seeing her he let out a deep sigh, “Oh, a little less crowded. You?”

“Same,” Laura grinned, “It's nice to have my own body back.”

“I’ll second that,” Alisa spoke up appearing at her father’s side. Rodney motioned her over and hugged her tightly. He let her go after several minutes and turned to Radek who was standing close by, “Nice work.”

“Well, it was your idea,” Radek reminded him.

Rodney was about to agree but his daughter stopped him. Laura watched, amazed as the teenager gripped his hand and sat beside him. The scientist gently rubbed the back of his daughter’s neck comfortingly as they talked and Laura watched, smiling.

*********************************************

“Morning, Alisa,” Laura greeted

The teenager dropped into the seat across from Laura, setting her tray down, “Good morning, Lieutenant.”

Laura sighed. Alisa had joined her for breakfast almost every morning for the past week and a half and yet still refused to call her by her name. She’d seen Rodney the day before, scowling that his daughter was eating with the woman who had spent several days driving him insane.

Laura loved it.

But she also enjoyed talking to Alisa. The girl was smart, sarcastic and noticed almost everything about Atlantis.

“What are you working on?” Laura asked, watching as the younger McKay rolled her eyes.

“Radek has stuck me with Moss, again,” she rolled her eyes; “How that idiot managed to get himself on the team is beyond me.”

“Is it that bad?” Laura bit her lip, watching the girl stab at her breakfast.

Alisa rolled her eyes, “I knew more than he did when I was five.”

“But you’re the daughter of a genius, as well as a genius yourself,” Laura reminded her.

“Fine,” Alisa laughed, “You knew more when you were five.”

“Do you know how much you sound like your father?” Laura mentioned as she chewed her toast.

“I’m going to take that as a compliment,” Alisa grinned, making Laura roll her eyes. Alisa quickly finished her drink before jumping up, “See you tomorrow, Laura.”

With a cheeky grin, the teenager strolled away.



“I like her, Dad,” Alisa sighed, glancing up from her computer at her scowling father.

Rodney tutted slightly, “That’s typical.”

Alisa glanced up, “So, she borrowed your body once or twice.”

“Do you want to know exactly what she did?” he snapped, his arms folding across his chest.

Alisa held up her hands, “No. Please, I have enough things to give me nightmares.”

She pushed aside her laptop and turned to him properly, “Dad, she knows that I’m your kid, she’s smart and she doesn’t look at me like I should be in a straight jacket when I mention I know how to blow things up,” Alisa cried, “She gets excited.”

At his confused look, Alisa rolled her eyes, “Laura is an explosives expert, didn’t you check her file?”

Rodney grimaced at his daughter, who was laughing at him, “I would prefer to forget all about Cadman.”

“I doubt that’s going to happen,” she reminded him, going back to work, “Considering she’s dating Carson, and she’s my friend.”

Rodney rolled his eyes before starting to leave, “You need to get better taste in friends.”

Alisa smiled softly, watching her father before returning to her work.



“Hi, Rodney,” Laura grinned, as he stepped onto the balcony she was sitting on.

“You had to be here, didn’t you?” he muttered annoyed.

“Sit down,” Laura told him, “And stop being an ass.”

He glared at her before taking a seat on the ground, making sure she was a good distance away from him.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Laura told him, “I wanted to talk to you.”

“About?” Rodney demanded sharply.

“About Alisa,” Laura saw she had his complete attention.

Rodney scowled at her, “What about her?”

“She’s a great kid,” Laura smiled, seeing the smile curl Rodney’s lips, “I know you don’t like that she talks to me but you seriously have to get over it.”

“Thank you so much for your advice,” Rodney snapped at her.

Laura turned to face him, crossing her legs and rested her hands on her knees, “Have you ever thought she might need someone to talk to, someone who isn’t in the higher echelons of command around here?”

“Alisa is just fine,” Rodney told her agitated.

Laura frowned at him, “I’m not saying she isn’t, Rodney. Alisa’s a great kid and she loves being here but she sat beside me the first morning. She was looking to talk to someone.”

“Alisa is known as Bonner in every record we have,” Rodney reminded her, “And for a very good reason.”

“Alisa is brilliant,” Laura said, smiling at Rodney, “One day she will outshine you and with her knowledge of Atlantis makes her the perfect candidate for someone who wants to blackmail the entire command staff,” she stopped suddenly, looking shocked, “That’s the reason she was allowed back to Atlantis.”

Rodney glared at her, “It wasn’t the only reason but it was the one thing that managed to convince the top brass that she should be allowed back here.”

“Listen to me,” Laura told him, “I’m not going to put your daughter in danger. I like her and I want to be her friend. You’re just going to have to accept it.”

With that said, Laura pulled herself to her feet and patted his shoulder, leaving him alone.

“Cadman,” Rodney called, giving her a slight smile when she turned back, “Thank you.”

Laura grinned at him before strolling away.

If you want to blow up this city,” Alisa yelled, her hands planted on her hips, “Then fine

“If you want to blow up this city,” Alisa yelled, her hands planted on her hips, “Then fine. But I’d prefer you wait until I wasn't in it.”

“I have had enough of your attitude, Bonner,” Dr Moss snapped at her, “I am the one with the PhD. I am the one in charge of this experiment.”

“And you’re the one,” Alisa retorted, “Who’s going to send us all to hell, if you don’t fix the equations.”

“Get out,” Moss snapped, “You’re off this project.”

Alisa glared at him, “If you don’t listen to me then that’s your choice,” she told him, “I may only be an assistant but I sure as hell know more about this city than you do and I am telling you, you are wrong!!!”

“Get out,” Moss yelled, pointing at the door.

“Gladly,” Alisa told him, “But wait until I have time to get to minimum safe distance before you start killing everyone in the city.”

Angrily, she stalked out before he could reply. Once she was a few feet along the corridor, Alisa broke into a run. Her father was off-world on a mission so she couldn’t go to him, which meant that she’d have to disturb Radek. She knew he was sleeping after working late but considering he’d rather be disturbed than dead, she quickly changed direction and headed to his room.

 

“Alisa?” Radek murmured, annoyed to find the girl at his door, “What are you doing here?”

“I need you to look at something,” she walked past him into the room and quickly brought up Moss’s work on the laptop, “Is it me, or is this wrong?”

Radek frowned as he scanned the page, “When is he doing this?”

“Probably now,” Alisa told him.

Radek grabbed his jacket, “If he does this, he could make the ZPM explode.”

“Why do you think I’m here?” she reminded him.

Radek bit back any comment, instead he motioned her out of the room and together they headed back along the corridors. When they reached the lab, they found that the experiment had already begun.

“Control,” Radek hit his radio, “This is Dr Zelenka, disconnect the ZPM now.”

“What?” the confused technician asked.

“Just do it,” he snapped. Quickly Radek started to shut down the power systems.

“We need to get everyone out of there,” Alisa told him.

“Of course,” he nodded, he was concentrating on the screen in front of him he almost missed the small blur as Alisa ran into the lab, “Alisa!!”

He grabbed the radio, “Everyone out now,” he yelled, “Moss, disconnect the artefact.”

Moss turned to him, “I can fix this.”

“No you can’t, you idiot,” Alisa snapped, as she reached him.

Radek grimaced, annoyed at the girl for running into the room, he saw the energy spike, “Get out of there now,” Radek yelled through the microphone.

Moss started to run but Alisa hesitated, glancing back at the device.

“Alisa, now,” Radek snapped at her.

She started out of the lab but before she reached the door, the device let out a pulse of energy. Radek yelled her name as Alisa went flying across the lab, smacking into the wall before she slid to the floor unconscious.

                        *********************************************

Rodney was tired; it had been a hell of a day. He’d been in a Jumper that crashed, been shot at, tied up, threatened and now all he wanted was to get something to eat, get some rest and talk to his daughter, not exactly in that order. Ignoring John’s irritating quips, Rodney marched towards the infirmary. Getting there ahead of the rest of the team, Rodney was a surprised to find Carson standing with Cadman and Radek. All three were standing talking quietly, looking worried.

“Rodney!!” Cadman gasped suddenly, when she glanced up.

“Rodney,” Carson turned to him, his face grim, “I didn’t realise you were back.”

“What’s going on?” John asked when he arrived behind Rodney.

Radek stepped forward as Teyla, Ronan and Elizabeth joined them, “Alisa was working with Dr Moss on his latest project. She realised the equations were wrong and although she told him, he ignored her.”

He paused and Rodney clenched his fist, “And?” he demanded.

“Alisa and I went to stop the experiment and…” Radek swallowed, “She ran in, the device sent out an energy pulse. She was thrown against the wall with some force.”

“What?” Rodney’s face paled, “Where is she?”

“Rodney, listen to me,” Carson caught his arm, “She is alright. Alisa has a concussion and her arm is broken but she will be fine.”

Rodney took in several deep breaths, “Moss was responsible?”

“He…” Radek started, unable to continue as Rodney suddenly marched away before he could say anything else.

“Rodney?” Carson called after him.

John frowned before it dawned on him where Rodney was going, “Damn,” he snapped; running out with Ronan, Radek and Laura on his heels.

 

John had never known Rodney to move this fast as they ran through the corridors towards the labs. The four of them arrived just as Rodney grabbed the other scientist and flung him against the wall.

“You stupid son of a bitch,” Rodney yelled, “You could have gotten her killed.”

“Ronan,” John snapped.

The former Runner grabbed Rodney pulling him away from the other man; Rodney struggled against his team-mate, who was having problems holding onto the scientist.

“Rodney,” Laura moved in front of him and caught his face in her hands, “Rodney, you need to go back to the infirmary. Lissa needs you. You have to be there for her not here.”

Rodney stopped struggling and stared at the woman before him, “I…”

“Come on,” she said softly, nodding at Ronan to release Rodney. As Ronan stepped back, Laura took Rodney’s arm and moved him out of the room.

“He’s insane,” Moss yelled, rubbing his neck, “I’m going to report this, you all witnessed him attacking me.”

Ronan, Radek and John all shrugged, knowing the last person in the room more than likely would agree with Moss.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Kavanagh replied, before looking back down at his work.

 

“Here,” Laura placed a mug of coffee in Rodney’s hands, taking the seat beside him.

“Thank you,” he mumbled.

Laura smiled at him before she turned to the girl lying there, “No problem, Rodney.”

“I mean for everything,” he looked up at her, “I shouldn’t have brought her here. She’s isolated from people her own age and…you became her friend.”

“Lissa is a great girl,” Laura reminded him, “And she loves Atlantis. I’m honoured she comes to me for advice.”

“She never had a mother for that,” Rodney wasn’t even talking to her, “And she never had anyone here to really go to for advice on things I know nothing about.”

Laura smiled and squeezed his shoulder, “You raised a wonderful daughter.”

He gave her a slight smile back.

“Has it always been just the two of you?” Laura probed softly.

Rodney sighed, “Mostly. Her grandparents died several years ago so it’s been the two of us for quite a while.”

Laura hesitated slightly, “Were they your…”

“Her mother’s parents,” Rodney shrugged, “I haven’t seen mine for a long time. They know she exists but wanted nothing to do with us,” he waved away the thought, “It’s a long, long story.”

He sipped his coffee leaning back in his chair not wanting to talk anymore. Laura took the hint and slipped away to talk to Carson.

                        *********************************************

Scott Jenkins grimaced as he called his bosses name.

“What?” the man turned on him.

“Dr McKay, there’s a call for you from Chicago,” Scott told him, holding out the phone to him, “It’s the hospital.”

Scott had seen a few expressions on the other man’s face but never one like this; sheer terror filled the other man’s blue eyes. McKay grabbed the phone from him and started talking. Scott watched as he scribbled down several notes before dropping the phone in its cradle.

“I…I have to go,” McKay muttered, his face pale as he tried to gather his scattered thoughts.

Scott moved and took the paper from McKay, a little worried that the other man didn’t resist at all. He read over the information and frowned.

“Dr McKay,” Scott said, “You should go and get your things together I’ll sort this.”

McKay nodded, “Okay, yeah,” he muttered as he left the room.

Scott quickly phoned the airline, reserving a seat on the next plane for his boss, knowing this definitely had to have something to do with the man’s daughter.

Scott had worked here for two months before he discovered McKay had one and it was only when McKay had come in on his day off to pick up something he’d left that Scott had met the girl.

She was only eleven but she had sat at Scott’s computer and softly pointed out an error in his calculations. Astonished, Scott had stared at her and asked if he’d done anything else wrong, she’d pointed out a few more errors shyly. She’d been a great kid and he didn’t want anything to happen to her.

“Dr McKay,” Scott said, the moment the other man reappeared, “There’s a taxi waiting for you, your flight leaves in an hour and a half.”

McKay looked at him, taking the details before murmuring, “Thank you.”

 

 

Rodney sat on the never-ending plane journey, desperately wanting to march to the cockpit and yell at the pilot to go faster. They wouldn’t give him any information, all they’d said was there’d been an accident.

Rodney was sure the only thing that was keeping him breathing right now was the knowledge Alisa would need him awake when he got there. Assuming she was…he stopped that thought then and there.

Finally the plane touched down and Rodney grabbed the first cab he could. When he finally made it to the hospital, he charged to the reception and grabbed the attention of the first person.

“My name is Rodney McKay, I was called about my daughter,” desperation filled his voice, “Where is she?”

“Dr McKay?” a tall, thin, balding man appeared at his side, “I’m Dr Mitchell; I treated your daughter.”

“Is Alisa alright?” Rodney demanded.

“She’s fine,” Mitchell assured him, “The car they were in was hit by a drunk driver. Alisa was trapped in the back seat and although we thought her leg was broken initially, it is just very badly bruised.”

Rodney rubbed his hands across his face, sagging a little in relief, “Oh thank God,” he sighed, looking back at the doctor, “What about Arthur and Andrea?”

“Mr Bonner was killed instantly,” Mitchell told him gently, “While Mrs Bonner had severe internal bleeding. She should be out of surgery now. If you want I’ll take you up to see her, once you’ve seen your daughter.”

Rodney nodded shakily, following the doctor to the room where his daughter lay. Rodney glanced in to see her staring at the ceiling, she was curled up into a ball and her eyes were slightly glazed.

“She’s had some painkillers,” Mitchell explained, “Her leg is going to be quite tender for a while.”

Rodney nodded and entered the room, “Lissa.”

She turned to him and tears filled her eyes, “Daddy.”

Within seconds Rodney had her wrapped tightly in his arms, every part of his body aching as the tension left him.

“Its okay, Lissa,” Rodney murmured soothingly, his daughter crying in his arms, “I’m here, its okay.”

“Gran and Granda were hurt too,” Alisa clung to him, “Are they okay?”

Rodney licked his lips as he moved so he was sitting on the bed, resting Alisa against his chest, “Your Granda was hurt really badly,” he told her, his eyes wet with unshed tears, “And the doctors couldn’t help him get better.”

“He’s with Mom isn’t he?”

The stark question reminded Rodney how smart his daughter was, “Yeah. He’s with your Mom, honey, where they can both watch over you.”

“Where’s Gran?” Alisa asked, fear in her voice.

Rodney took another deep breath, “Your Gran is in another part of the hospital. The Doctors had to do a lot to help her. I’m going to go see her soon.”

Alisa gripped him tighter, “Please don’t leave me.”

“I’m not leaving you,” Rodney soothed, “But I have to go see your Gran. I’ll be back soon, I promise.”

“Dr McKay,” Mitchell spoke up from the door, “I’ll stay with Alisa until you get back. We’ve been talking about how best to fix my computer.”

“Don’t you have other patients?” Rodney asked, continuing to gently soothe his distressed daughter.

Mitchell shook his head, “I finish in five seconds. Go and see her grandmother.”

Rodney gently kissed Alisa’s forehead, “I will be back very soon.

 

 

Andrea was lying still in her bed, Rodney had listened to the nurse explain he had only a few minutes before he moved to her bedside.

“Rodney,” Andrea murmured softly, “Alisa?”

“She’s fine,” Rodney assured his mother-in-law, “She was hurt and is pretty upset but she’s going to be fine.”

“Arthur’s dead,” she cried, “I saw him as we waited to be pulled out. He’s dead and I couldn’t do anything.”

“I’m sorry,” Rodney reached out and held her hand, “Now you have to get better and then you’ll come back home with Alisa and me.” He watched as she took several deep breaths, her eyes closing, “You know she’ll love having you with us.”

Rodney frowned as she didn’t answer him, “Andrea?” he whispered worried, gasping in horror as the machines started to beep. Someone grabbed his arm and pulled him back out of the way, as several doctors and nurses scrambled in.

“No,” he breathed, “Please, don’t leave me too. I need you, Andrea. I’ve no one else to turn to. Please.”

The commotion stopped suddenly and as Rodney heard the words, ‘Time of Death’, he left the room. Dropping into a seat, Rodney covered his eyes with his hands, allowing his grief to spill out before he returned to his daughter.

 

 

The funeral and cleaning out Andrea and Arthur’s house had been the most horrible thing Rodney felt he’d ever had to do. Alisa was not doing well, her leg still hurt her quite badly, she only really spoke to him and she wasn't sleeping. In fact now Rodney wasn't sleeping because the only way Alisa would actually get any rest was if Rodney sat with her during the night.

The first few nights he’d waited until she was a sleep before slipping away, only to be woken in the middle of the night by her screaming. She thought he was going to leave her too and Rodney had given up moving from the bed after she was sleeping. He was tired and cranky almost all day, his back hurt from the way he half-slept each night and he was worried about his daughter. The only person spared from his bad mood was Alisa.

                        *********************************************

“How’d she know something was wrong?” John asked, leaning over Rodney’s shoulder while Rodney was going over the equations Moss had been using.

Rodney glanced up, he quickly highlighted several lines.

“This,” he explained, “Is the first thing both Radek and I ever showed her. We did it purposefully to make sure she never accidentally triggered an overload.”

John nodded, “Makes a lot of sense.”

Rodney turned to look at his unconscious daughter, “She was meant to be safe here,” he whispered, his hand gently covering her uninjured one that sat next to him.

“It was an accident, Rodney,” John reminded him, “There’s no way anyone could have seen this.”

“I know,” Rodney sighed.

John watched his friend, he decided to ask the question he’d asked a long time ago but had never received an answer to.

“Who used Alisa against you, Rodney?” John asked, “Who made you so afraid?”

Rodney looked back at the laptop, John thought his friend was going to avoid the question but after a second Rodney closed the computer down.

“Okay…”

                        *********************************************

“Dr McKay,” a man boomed, making several of the others in his lab grimace.

Rodney turned to the sound, starting a little as he recognised the man entering the room, “Senator Kinsey.”

“I have something I need you to do,” the Senator as always got straight to the point, he looked around at everyone, “This would be better spoken of in private.”

Rodney nodded to his staff to leave; once they were gone he folded his arms across his chest, “What can I do for you, Senator?”

“You’re our current expert on Wormhole technology,” Kinsey reminded him as he handed Rodney a file, “And you estimated that the Stargate can only retain information for 48 hours.”

Rodney frowned, “And?”

“I expect you to make sure that this time limit is kept to,” Kinsey told him.

Rodney flicked through the file, “You want me to help kill Teal’c of SG1?”

At the disgust in Rodney’s voice, Kinsey laughed, “Of course not. All I want is your cool head to prevail against Major Carter’s irresponsibility.”

Rodney handed him back the file, “I can’t go anywhere just now.”

“Ah yes,” Kinsey mused, “Your daughter. A very intelligent child from all I’ve heard. I also heard about the accident that killed her grandparents.”

Rodney felt his stomach twist into a tight knot.

“It would be terrible if someone called social work claiming you were abusing her,” Kinsey sighed softly.

Rodney felt ill, “What?”

“Even when proved wrong,” Kinsey continued to muse, “She’d be out of your care for several months and in her current state…”

Rodney snatched the file back, “When do I leave?”

Kinsey smiled, “Now.”

 

 

Rodney sighed in relief to get away from SG1 and the way they were looking at him; the disgust and anger at his part in almost losing their friend made him ill. He was going to have to resign when he got back as well because now they’d be trying to assign him to Russia.

“Dr McKay,” a random technician called to him, “You have a phone call.”

Rodney entered the room he was motioned to and grabbed the phone, “Yes.”

“It’s Diane,” the calm voice answered him, “Rodney, I’m so sorry to call you while you’re working but…”

“How is she?” Rodney sighed.

He heard Diane sigh as well, “Not good. She hasn’t slept since you left and she barely says a word, even to Kirsty.”

“Put her on,” Rodney told her, he waited for a second as he listened to Diane coax Alisa over to the phone.

“Daddy?”

“Hey, Lissa,” he smiled, relieved and comforted to hear her voice, “What’s wrong?”

“Are you coming home soon?” she whispered.

“I’m just on my way,” he promised, “I’m sorry I had to leave so quickly but it was very important.”

“But you’re coming back?” Alisa asked, fear and worry filling her voice.

“Of course,” Rodney promised, “And the moment I get home, I will come and pick you up no matter what time it is. I promise.”

Alisa let out a long sigh, “Okay.”

“Let me talk to Diane again,” Rodney told her, “And I’ll be home soon.”

“Rodney?” Diane asked when she took the phone back.

“Give her half the sedative,” he said, “So she can get some sleep. I should be home soon.”

“I will,” Diane promised, she hesitated for a second, “Are you alright, Rodney?”

Rodney sighed, “I think I might need a new job,” he told her, “It doesn’t matter. I’m heading home now so I’ll be back soon.”

Hanging up the phone, Rodney leaned against the wall for a second.

“So,” a voice came from behind him, making him spin to find Jack O’Neill standing leaning against the door frame, “You’ve got a kid.”

Rodney swallowed hard as he nodded.

“And I’ll bet,” O’Neill mused, “That someone, who will remain nameless, pointed this fact out to you recently.”

The knot in Rodney’s stomach loosened just a little.

“Got a picture?” the Colonel asked.

Not sure why, Rodney passed over the picture of his daughter to the other man. O’Neill looked at it for a few seconds.

“Cute kid,” he handed Rodney back the photograph, “Smart?”

“Extremely,” Rodney replied, unable to hide his pride in his daughter.

“You should get going,” O’Neill told him, starting to leave, “And I wouldn’t start looking for a new job just yet, I doubt Russia needs you as much as we previously thought.”

Rodney watched the other man leave. With a sigh of relief, he grabbed his stuff and started home.

 

                        *********************************************

 

“Dad.”

 

Rodney jerked up from his doze in the chair, wincing at the pain in his neck, “Lissa, you’re awake.”

 

“Can I go back to sleep?” she groaned.

 

Rodney smiled, his hand gently cupping her cheek, “Not just yet,” he told her, “Got to wait for Carson. How’d you feel?”

 

“Sore,” she murmured, “What happened?”

 

Rodney saw a nurse nearby and waved her to get Carson, he turned back to Alisa; “You made friends with the wall. You have a concussion and broke your right arm again.”

 

Carson arrived at his side and Rodney moved out of the road watching the doctor check his patient.

 

 

 

“How is she?” Elizabeth appeared at Rodney’s side, concern in her eyes.

 

Rodney nodded, “Seems to be doing alright. I have some issues with Moss however, which I’ll need to sort out.”

 

“Try not to do anything rash;” Elizabeth placed her hand on his shoulder, “You’re very lucky there was no one to back up his claim that you attacked him.”

 

“The man’s a moron,” Rodney snapped, folding his arms across his chest, “The only way he got on this expedition is because his father gave the Oversight Committee a lot of money.”

 

“Rodney,” Elizabeth scolded gently, “I think Carson wants to talk to you.”

 

He turned to where the doctor was standing waiting for him.

 

“Is she okay?” Rodney demanded instantly.

 

Carson held up his hands to stop the overbearing father, “As I said when I talked to you originally, she is fine. Her headache will probably last for a few days, her arm will heal in time and I want her to rest for the next few days.”

 

“She’ll rest,” Rodney assured his friend, “Even if I have to tie her to her bed.”

 

“I know that,” Carson laughed; he patted his friend on his shoulder, “Go keep her company.”

 

Carson turned to Elizabeth and grinned as Rodney headed back to his daughter’s bedside.

 

“You should tell the masses she’s awake,” Carson said to the Expedition Leader, “And that I’m allowing only two visitors at a time just now. Since Rodney’s going to be a permanent fixture until I release her, that’s one of them.”

 

“You know that’ll last until the moment you turn your back,” Elizabeth laughed.

 

Carson rolled his eyes in despair and headed back to work. Elizabeth glanced over to where Rodney sat talking with Alisa; she walked over and joined them.  She’d tell the others later.

Alisa sat on a stool, watching her father bounce around his lab.

“Just wait, Alisa,” he grinned, he was grabbing things he’d need for Dornada, “This will work, it’ll keep us safe from the Wraith. And I’ll show you everything once I get back.”

“Dad,” Alisa laughed, “You seriously need to get off the caffeine.”

He frowned at her. Alisa bounced off her seat, handing him his jacket.

Rodney smiled at her, “How’s your arm?”

Alisa shrugged, “Still sore. And I haven’t worked it out yet.”

Rodney laughed, where everyone had signed her cast, Rodney had written out an equation that she would see every time she looked down at it.

“I want it solved by the time the cast comes off,” Rodney reminded her.

“Yes, yes,” she rolled her eyes at him, “Aren’t you meant to be in the Jumper bay by now?”

Rodney leaned over and dropped a kiss on the top of her head, “I don’t want you doing too much. Not while your arm’s still in plaster.”

“I know, I know,” she replied, “Radek has given me some work; I’ll do that then watch a movie and I’ll see you when you get back.”

Rodney squeezed her shoulder before he headed to the Jumper Bay.



Alisa rolled her eyes, the movie had been awful. Checking her watch, Alisa knew her father should be back soon and wondered how it had gone; he’d been so excited about this working. After the death of Collins, he wanted this to work even more so that the man’s death meant something.

With a sigh, Alisa decided to get something to eat; she knew he’d come see her the moment he could. Wandering through the corridors, she absently wondered how she could scratch her arm that was driving her nuts.

“Hey, Bonner,” Donaldson, one of the new scientists, greeted her as she walked into the mess, a gleeful grin covering his face, “Did you hear?”

“Hear what?” she asked.

“McKay screwed up,” he laughed, not noticing her stiffen, “And I mean seriously screwed up. Blew up half a solar system and the only reason he’s still here, is because the Daedalus pulled his ass out of the fire.”

“Really?” Alisa said sharply.

Donaldson was oblivious to her anger, “Apparently Weir chewed him out for a good half an hour. Rumour has it; he’s somewhere licking his wounds.”

Alisa folded her arms, “Donaldson, you’re an ass,” she snapped, turning and marching out.



Alisa walked through Atlantis, hoping to run into her father in the corridors because she had a feeling he wouldn’t go anywhere near his lab. He also wouldn’t be in his room, after…the mission; he’d be too wired to sleep.

Her arm itched, the damn cast was driving her crazy. She glanced down at it, seeing the formula he’d written on the cast.

“I want that solved by the time the cast comes off,” he told her before grinning at Zelenka, who simply grinned back.

She could really hate them at times.

However, she was more concerned with finding her father than solving his riddle just now. Trying one of the balconies near his lab, Alisa was relieved to find him standing staring out across the ocean.

“Dad?” she called softly.

He turned and she was disturbed to see him wipe at his eyes before he faced her. Without saying anything, she walked over and hugged him tightly.

Rodney smiled down at her, “How’s the arm?”

“Still sore,” Alisa groused, knowing he was deliberately avoiding finding out if she knew anything about what had happened, “And it itches like crazy.”

“Well, no using knives to scratch this time,” he told her.

Alisa snorted with disdain, “How old was I then?”

Rodney smiled genuinely, “You should go get something to eat. It’s late.”

“You need to eat too,” she reminded him.

Rodney let out a deep sigh, “I…I don’t need…”

“I can always grab something for us both,” Alisa told him, “And we can watch a movie in my room. I have it all set up from being made to do very little work for the past few weeks.”

At her wry look, Rodney nodded, “That sounds great, Lissa.”



They walked through the corridors in silence until Alisa couldn’t stand it anymore.

“By the way,” she broke the silence, making him look down at her, “Ronan thinks I should be learning self-defence.”

Rodney rolled his eyes, “You have a broken arm.”

“That’s what I said,” she cried with a laugh, “But I don’t think he’ll take that as an excuse much longer.”

“Well,” he mused, “It might be a good idea for you to be able to protect yourself.”

“It’s one thing to learn to protect myself,” Alisa told him, “It’s another to put me in a situation where Ronan can hit me.”

Rodney was about to say something but stopped and caught her shoulder.

“Wait here,” he told her before he jogged after the man in front of him, “Colonel! Colonel! I've been looking all over for you.

“I heard,” John said coldly.

Rodney winced, “I suppose I deserve that,” he paused, “Look, I just…um…I wanted to apologise about what happened. I was wrong. I'm sorry. And I wanted to assure you that…uh…I intend not being right again, about everything, effective immediately,” John folded his arms, keeping his face blank, “That was a joke

“Good one,” John deadpanned before he turned and headed into the transporter, Rodney moved after him, stopping as John turned back to face him.

“I've already apologised to Elizabeth,” Rodney told him, “And Radek. And I thanked Colonel Caldwell for caring enough to spy on the experiment from orbit. I sent him a nice little email, actually. But I saved you 'til last 'cause…ah…honestly, I would…I would hate to think that recent events might have permanently dimmed your faith in my abilities, or your trust. At the very least, I hope I can earn that back.”

“That may take a while,” John told him, his face blank.

“I see,” Rodney swallowed.

“But, I'm sure you can do it, if you really wanna try,” John replied, the door closed leaving Rodney standing.

He stood staring at the door for several seconds before he turned back to his daughter. Alisa moved under his outstretched arm without hesitation and Rodney hugged her close to him, grateful that she didn’t judge him the way everyone else was doing.

*********************************************

Rodney sat in a corner of the mess; his daughter had forced him to come with her for breakfast and he wished he hadn’t. He could feel everyone staring at him; everyone knew what had happened the day before.

“Here,” Alisa set the tray down, “I managed to get the fruit rolls you like.”

Rodney smiled at her, “Thanks.”

They sat in silence as they ate. Rodney watched his friends, those who had been his friends, walk past the table he was sitting at. He also saw Alisa’s eyes narrow each time someone who normally would sit with them didn’t.

“Do you have much work to do?” Rodney forced himself to start a conversation.

Alisa shrugged, “It depends what Rad…Dr Zelenka has for me.”

“Well,” Rodney sipped his coffee, not missing her use of the formal title, “Just wanted to know if you’d be meeting me for lunch?”

Alisa gave him a bright smile, “Sure, I may need some help with my homework.”

Rodney laughed slightly, sighing as she checked her watch, “You’re due in the lab.”

“Yeah,” she nodded, “I’ll see you at lunch, Dad.”



Alisa wasn’t happy at leaving her father alone today, he insisted he was fine but Alisa knew he wasn’t. Her father was not the bastard everyone seemed to think he was. She knew absolutely everything Rodney had done throughout her life, everything he’d sacrificed for her.

“Morning, Alisa,” John greeted her.

She continued past, ignoring him.

“Alisa?” John caught up with her, catching her arm, “What’s up?”

The teenager turned to him, her eyes filled with ice, “What do you want?”

“I just said good morning and you didn’t answer,” he said perplexed, “I wanted to make sure you’re alright.”

“And you care why?” she snapped.

John was taken back by her question, “Because I give a damn about my friends.”

“Yeah, right,” sarcasm flowed from every word.

“Alisa,” John frowned, “If this has something to do with what happened yesterday…”

“And why would it?” she cut him off, “Why would it have anything with you being a smug, self-righteous bastard over a mistake.”

“It was one hell of a mistake,” John reminded her.

“And you’ve never made one?” Alisa snapped, “Of course not. The great John Sheppard has never done anything wrong.”

“Look…”

“No,” she cut him off again, “You look. He made a mistake, and yes, it was big but considering everything else he’s done for this city and for you, you’d think he’d be cut just a little slack from someone who claims to be his friend.”

With that said she marched away, leaving him staring after her completely stunned.



“Something wrong, Colonel?”

John turned finding Laura Cadman standing behind him.

“You’re blocking the hall,” she told him, as he moved out of her way. Laura continued on before she stopped and turned back to him, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

John sighed and caught up with her, “I just had the pint sized physicist yell at me.”

Laura winced, “I heard what happened yesterday. It’s only natural Alisa will be upset that people are so happy her father made a mistake.”

“I guess,” he sighed, “Thanks, Cadman.”

“No problem, sir,” Laura smiled at him, before walking along the opposite corridor whistling to herself.

John frowned, going over what Alisa had yelled at him as he headed to his meeting. Sighing, he decided to just let it go. It would blow over in a few days.

*********************************************

“Rodney?” Elizabeth called anxiously as she waited in the torch lit Control Room.

“I’ve almost got it,” he replied sharply over the radio, “Just two more minutes.”

Elizabeth grimaced down at the console in front of her, “We may not have that.”

“And I was overestimating,” he told her, “Radek, do it now.”

Radek initiated the sequence and a sigh of relief went through the room as the lights returned to normal.

“Well done, Rodney,” Elizabeth told him, “You fixed the overload.”

There was a pause over the radio, “Was there any doubt?”

Radek looked up at Elizabeth and smiled slightly.

“Of course not,” Elizabeth laughed.

She glanced round and saw Alisa standing, her arms, now cast free, were folded and her blue eyes cold. Without a word, she left the room.

Laura wandered into the mess; she had the day off and was looking forward to doing nothing. Unfortunately, Carson was off-world at the moment, so that killed the possibility of spending time with him meaning she’d have to find something else to do. After grabbing something to eat, Laura spotted Alisa sitting at a corner table. She was picking at one of the Athosian fruit roll, her feet up on the opposite seat while her laptop was open in front of her.

“Hey,” Laura grabbed the seat across from her young friend, “Busy?”

Alisa glanced up at her, “Freecell.”

“Really?” amusement filled Laura’s eyes, “I thought you studied constantly.”

Alisa let out a snort of annoyance, “Nice to know what you think of me.”

“I’m teasing,” Laura frowned; she took a drink of her coffee watching Alisa as she stabbed at the keys, “Is something wrong?”

“Why would something be wrong?” Alisa’s voice was filled with boredom as she kept her attention on the screen.

“Alisa,” Radek’s sharp voice stopped Laura’s next question, she turned to find the scientist walking over to them, annoyance and irritation covering his face.

“Yes, Dr Zelenka?” Alisa glanced up at him briefly.

“You are supposed to be in the lab,” he frowned at her, “The experiment you were working on is at an important stage.”

“Yeah well, what you going to do?” Alisa shrugged; she kept her eyes on her game.

“Alisa,” Radek snapped.

She rolled her eyes and closed her laptop down; she slipped it under her arm and walked away, leaving Radek standing. He dropped into the recently vacated seat.

“That was unexpected,” Laura murmured, “Wonder what’s wrong?”

Radek shook his head, “So do I.”



Elizabeth winced at the loud music coming from the balcony. She stepped out of the doors to talk to the teenager, currently staring out across the ocean.

“Alisa!!” she called over the music, “Alisa!!!”

Annoyed, Elizabeth crouched down at the computer and managed to turn off the music. Alisa spun at the sudden silence, “What the hell?”

“I wanted to talk to you,” Elizabeth said, standing to face the girl, “And it was hard with that on.”

“Tough,” Alisa retorted and hit the music back on, turning to lean on the railing again.

Elizabeth gritted her teeth and switched the music off again, “Alisa, I’m not in the mood for this.”

“Like I am,” Alisa retorted, she hit the music on once more but this time fixed it so Elizabeth couldn’t switch it off.

The leader of the expedition let out a long sigh and decided it would be better to wait for Rodney to get back. He could always get her to talk to him.

*********************************************

Rodney sat on one side of the room watching the Wraith-girl as she helped her ‘father’. It was strange how much it reminded him of his relationship with his own daughter, his daughter who had become increasingly more quiet and withdrawn over the past week or so.

“Rodney,” Teyla’s soft voice made him turn away from the scene before him, “Are you alright?”

He shrugged, “This is just bizarre.”

“Are you comparing this relationship to your own with Alisa?” Teyla asked with a smile.

Rodney rubbed the bridge of his nose, amazed at how intuitive she was, “It does mirror our lives quite a bit. It was just the two of us for several years, Teyla. He just reminds me of myself more than I would like.”

“We cannot compare Ellia to Alisa though,” Teyla reminded him, squeezing his arm in comfort.

“Lately,” Rodney sighed, “I’m not so sure.”

“Is something wrong with her?” Teyla probed, she didn’t spend much time around the teenager. In fact she never had, Alisa had always spent more time around the male members of the expedition, her friendship with Lieutenant Cadman an exception to this.

“I don’t know,” Rodney admitted, “Ever since Doranda, she’s been moody. Sometimes she seems to be fine but there are times when…” he trailed off and looked up at his team-mate, “I think I’m completely out of my depth with this one. I don’t know what’s wrong, I don’t know how to get her to tell me and I don’t have a clue how to help her.”

“Alisa loves you, Rodney and I know we shall all help,” Teyla gently took his hand in hers, squeezing it in comfort, “I’m sure between us all; we can deal with one teenager.”

*********************************************

“What?” Alisa snapped when she entered the Daedalus engine room.

Hermiod looked a little confused, “I am sorry?”

“What did you want me for?” she folded her arms across her chest, her eyes narrowed in annoyance.

The small alien tilted his head at her, “You told me last week that you had acquired the next episodes.”

“Oh,” a small smile touched her lips, “I’ll go get them. I’ll be back soon.”

Hermiod watched her leave; he had been surprised when Dr Weir had contacted him concerning the daughter of Dr McKay but could not refuse to help. He was intrigued by the young girl, had been since he met her. His race did not have youths, any more and this had been the only time in their entire alliance with the humans that any of the Asgard had met the offspring of any human. During the first journey back to Atlantis, she would spend time in the engine room, either helping her father or asking questions of the other members of the crew. Then one day he had seen her sitting in a corner focussing on her laptop. Curiosity prompted Hermiod to ask what she was doing and thus he discovered pop culture. Alisa returned not long after, carrying the DVD boxset she’d borrowed from one of the marines.

“Got it,” she grinned as she pulled out the first disc, “Buffy, Season Two.”

“There is a chair waiting for you,” Hermiod told her, taking the first disc from her and setting it in computer.



“Hermiod,” Alisa spoke up during the third episode, “Do you ever feel that you’re…”

“That I am what?” the Asgard asked, turning to her as she trailed off.

“Never mind,” Alisa sighed, “It doesn’t matter.”

“It obviously mattered enough for you to pose the question,” Hermiod replied concerned.

Alisa shook her head, “Let’s just watch Spike try to massacre everyone.”

Hermiod looked as though he was about to say something else but instead he returned back to watching the show. It had surprised him that he enjoyed watching the primitive entertainment the teenager had shown him but he found it an interesting insight into the human culture. When disc one finished, Alisa started to put on the next one but stopped.

“I don’t want to be here anymore,” Alisa suddenly whispered, “I can’t continue not being me.”

“That does not make sense,” Hermiod said, he turned so he could see her properly, “Why do you believe you are not you?”

“How can you be yourself,” Alisa posed, “If no one knows who you are?”

Before Hermiod could answer, he was called by Caldwell. Alisa put the discs away.

“I should go,” she told him, “You’re busy.”

“Alisa,” Hermiod called after her, “If you wish to talk, I am available.”

The teenager smiled at him slightly before disappearing. Hermiod watched her leave, agreeing with the worry the others had, there was a great deal worrying the youngest member of Atlantis.

Rodney drummed his fingers on the table, Teyla, who was sitting just beside him, placed her hand on his to stop him. He glanced over to where Alisa sat on the floor, her back against the balcony Ronan was leaning on.

They all glanced up as Elizabeth walked over to them.

“You guys are up late,” she noted softly.

Rodney shrugged, giving her a questioning look, “Can't you sleep either?”

Elizabeth shook her head, her hands resting against the back of a chair.

“Any progress?” Teyla asked hopefully.

Elizabeth shook her head, “No. He's still in a coma,” she gave them a half smile; “At least he isn't in any pain.”

Alisa let out a soft snort of derision; Rodney turned to her and gave her a sharp look.

“Maybe if I went alone, maybe ...” Ronan pointed out.

“It's not open for discussion,” Elizabeth told him sharply, cutting him off.

“I'm not good at sitting still,” he replied darkly.

“I understand,” Elizabeth sighed, “Believe me, I appreciate how you feel,” she held his gaze for a few moments before addressing them all once more, “Look, we have closed down that section of the Infirmary but if you feel the need to…” she paused, Alisa moved from her spot on the floor to her father, who wrapped his arm around her waist, holding onto her, “What I mean to say is, if you would like,” Elizabeth took a deep breath, “To have a private goodbye, you should probably do it soon.”

“What?” Alisa’s voice shook with unshed tears.

“Are we really there?” Rodney asked, his voice and eyes were dull.

Elizabeth swallowed hard, “I think we might be.”

“Doctor Weir,” Carson’s voice came over the radio, stopping anymore conversation, “I need to speak to you immediately.”

Elizabeth looked up hopefully, tapping her own radio, “What is it?”

“Meet me in your office,” Carson told her, “I think I have an idea.”

Elizabeth gave them a nod before leaving, seconds later the four of them followed on.



Carson appeared from John’s room and over to the small crowd waiting for news, “It's not gonna happen overnight,” he told them, “You can bet on that, “ he stopped anyone from speaking, “But the transformation has begun to reverse itself.

“So,” Caldwell spoke first, “Eventually he'll be back in uniform?”

Carson nodded with a slight smile, “Eventually.”

“That’s great,” Alisa breathed quietly.

“Well done, Carson,” Rodney smiled, “For once again elevating medicine to actual science.”

Carson rolled his eyes, “Well, thank you, Rodney!”

“We'll all finally be able to get some sleep,” Elizabeth said pointedly, she turned to Carson, “Keep me posted.

“Aye,” Carson nodded.

Elizabeth left the room, Caldwell following her. Carson turned to find the team and Alisa standing there.

Ronan coughed slightly, “We might, uh…”

“Stay a while,” Teyla finished for him

“Well, if that's alright,” Rodney added.

“Of course,” Carson smiled at them and headed away as they all looked through the curtain at their recovering leader.

*********************************************
“You wanted to see me?” Rodney entered the Daedalus Engine room.

Hermiod looked up at him, “Of course, Dr McKay.”

“And?” Rodney demanded annoyed, he wanted to get back to the infirmary.

“It concerns your daughter,” Hermiod replied, “Dr Weir asked me to spend some time with her, to see if she would talk to me.”

“And,” Rodney asked again, more worried this time.

“Have you spoken with Dr Weir and Dr Zelenka recently concerning her?” Hermiod asked.

“Not had a chance since everything that’s happened with Sheppard,” Rodney replied.

Hermiod tilted his head slightly, “I believe it would be a good idea for you to talk with them. Alisa is upset; I believe it concerns her own sense of herself.”

Rodney frowned, “What the hell does that mean?”

“I am unsure,” Hermiod replied, “I find myself confused by her often.”

“Thank you,” Rodney murmured, he headed out and went looking either Elizabeth or Radek, whoever he could find first.



Rodney left his meeting with Elizabeth angry, even angrier than he had been after he talked to Radek. He then went looking for his daughter, finding her after an hour or so on one of the balcony.

“Alisa,” he said, managing to say calmly.

She glanced up at him, “I was just going to bed. Night.”

“Alisa,” Rodney called after her, “I want to talk to you.”

She sighed and turned back to him, “About what?”

He stood in front of her, arms folded across his chest, annoyance written all over his face, “Both Radek and Elizabeth have spoken to me recently, concerning your behaviour.”

“Really,” Alisa returned his glare.

“Alisa,” Rodney snapped, “I have let this go on longer than I should but this attitude of yours has to stop and right now.”

“Fine,” she turned and started walking away from him.

“Alisa, get your ass back here right now,” Rodney yelled.

“No,” she snarled as she spun back.

“What did you say?”

“I don’t care,” Alisa told him, “Alright. I just don’t give a damn and I am going to my room.”

“You may be living on your own,” Rodney shot back, anger filling every word, “But you are still my daughter…”

“No, I’m not,” she yelled at him, “Alisa McKay doesn’t exist anymore. Remember?” she took several deep breaths, trying to control herself, “There is no such person on Atlantis.”

She spun again and ran, leaving Rodney standing staring at her.

“Son of a bitch,” he breathed anguished.

*********************************************

John Sheppard wasn't sure what he’d expected Rodney’s house to be like but it wasn't this. The place was…nice. Actually, really nice.

“My mother-in-law decorated when we first moved in,” Rodney explained when he saw the look in John’s eyes, “And since I’ve never had the time, I’ve never changed it.”

John shrugged; he grabbed a seat on the couch across from Carson and stole the remote control from the doctor who simply picked up his book again.

“Alisa, get off the phone,” he heard Rodney yell up the stairs.

“Two minutes, Dad,” the teenager called back.

“That means she’ll be on for another hour or so,” Rodney rolled his eyes.

“So,” Carson said, “What’s this about her having a job?”

Rodney quickly explained the outcome of his conversations with O’Neill over the past few days.

“That’s interesting,” Carson mused.

“But it’s a hell of a responsibility to put on her,” John argued, “She’s still just a kid, Rodney. Fine, she’s brilliant and a lot more confident than she was when we first went but she’s still only sixteen.”

“And you don’t think I know this?” Rodney snapped.

“Calm down, Rodney,” Carson said, “John’s making a valid point.”

“Fine,” Rodney replied, “But we talked about this with her,” Rodney reminded them, “Both myself and General O’Neill and she’s fine with it. Hell, she’ll probably prefer the newbies not knowing I’m her father.”

“I’m just saying,” John leaned back, “That I think this might blow up, big time.”



“You were right,” Rodney sighed, taking the seat by John’s bed, “I’ve screwed her up, completely.” He looked over to the lump in the middle of the bed that hid his friend from sight, “And I bet you’re not even awake.”

“Put the light off,” the scratchy voice ordered from under the mound of sheets.

Rodney did as ordered and saw the sheet move again; John’s head appeared, hooded by the sheets.

“What happened?” John murmured.

Rodney could barely hear his friend’s voice; his face was hidden by the sheet but he related the conversations he’d had with Hermiod, Elizabeth and Radek before telling John about what had happened when he talked to his daughter.

“Told you it wasn't as clear cut as you thought,” John muttered, his hand slid out for a second revealing the extent of recovery that was ahead of the Colonel.

“I don’t need you congratulating yourself,” Rodney snapped at him, “I’m asking for your thoughts on how to fix this.”

John laughed softly, which changed to a cough.

“Are you okay?” Rodney asked worriedly, “Do you want something to drink?”

“I’m fine,” John waved him away, “About Alisa, she’s always responded to you talking to her. So talk to her.”

Rodney rolled his eyes irritated, “Thank you so much, Colonel. That’s your advice.”

As Rodney waved his hands in anger, John snatched one of Rodney’s wrists, gripping it tightly.

“She’s your daughter, you idiot,” John growled at him, he needed to sleep again, “Act like it. Be her father.”

Rodney sighed, “Thanks.”

“Now go away,” John pulled the covers completely over his head again, leaving Rodney to muse over what to say to his daughter.



“Cadman?” Rodney called after the woman who was walking out of the gym.

Laura turned, shocked that Rodney was the one shouting her, “Something wrong, Rodney?”

Rodney hated that he had to ask Cadman for help, he hated having to talk to the woman at any time but she did spend time with Alisa.

He grimaced slightly at her cheery grin, “Have you noticed anything wrong with Alisa lately?”

“Something wrong?” Laura looked innocent, “I don’t know, maybe the fact she’s moody, bad-tempered, rude and almost as arrogant as you. Is that what you mean?”

Rodney glared at her, “A simple yes would have sufficed.”

Laura shrugged, innocently batting her eyes at him, “Really?”

“Have you seen Alisa?” Rodney ignored her.

“The last time I saw her, she was cutting a path of destruction towards her room,” Laura told him before becoming serious, “She’s really upset, Rodney and anybody who says anything to her, just gets their head bitten off.”

Rodney sighed before heading off to talk to his daughter, “Thanks, Cadman,” he murmured to her as he walked by.

Laura smiled to herself, despite just barely hearing his thanks, “No problem, Rodney.”

*********************************************

Alisa lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She was trying to find the inclination to do anything but couldn’t. Someone rang the chime on her door and she grimaced, turning over so she could ignore it. It rang again and she jumped up, opening the panel at the side of the door and disconnected it.

Just as she reached her bed again, the door opened.

“I didn’t let you in for a reason,” she snapped at her father.

“Sit down, Alisa,” Rodney told her sharply.

“Dad…”

“Sit!!” he yelled angrily.

Alisa slowly sank onto her bed, her father very rarely snapped at her like that and she automatically obeyed. Rodney sat beside her and took a deep breath.

“Do you remember when you were six,” Rodney started, “And one of the other kids told you there were monsters in the school basement that would follow you home?”

“It’s one of my favourite memories,” she replied sarcastically.

“Alisa,” he growled warningly, she shut up instantly and he sighed, “That night you got up in the middle of the night, climbed in beside me and told me there was a monster under your bed.”

“I remember,” she said softly.

Rodney rested his hand on her cheek, “I said I was there to protect you from the monsters,” he sighed, letting her go he rubbed his hand over his face tiredly, “That’s what this whole thing was about, protecting you but I screwed it up.”

“Dad…”

“I wanted to make sure that no one could hurt you,” Rodney continued, “I wanted you to be safe but I went about it the wrong way.”

“Dad,” Alisa whispered, “I know why I can’t be your daughter.”
“Come here,” Rodney pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly, “Yes you can, Lissa. I don’t care anymore about what we talked about. I want Alisa McKay back,” he whispered into her hair, “I want my daughter back and I’ll sort out whatever O’Neill suggests to protect you when we’re on Earth.”

“Really?” Alisa looked up at him with wide eyes.

“Of course,” Rodney replied, smiling as she squeezed him tightly.

“Thank you, Dad,” she breathed, “I’m sorry I was such a…”

“Brat,” Rodney suggested with a smile.

“Uber-brat,” she corrected, she sighed in annoyance before trying to explain, “When Donaldson told me how wonderful it was that you’d got things wrong on Doranda, I realised that last year no one would dare say something like that to me. Everyone knew who I was, they all respected that boundary.”

Rodney took in a deep breath, “You have to apologise to a few people as well.”

“I know,” she stayed rested against her father’s shoulder, feeling safe as he rocked her gently, “Dad,” she said after several minutes.

“Yeah?” Rodney asked, startled out of his reverie; he was enjoying holding his little girl again.

“Can I stay with you again?” Alisa looked up at him hopefully, “I know it’s every kids dream to move out but…”

“But?”

“I don’t like staying alone,” she confessed, “I like knowing you’re only in the next room if I need you.”

“Yes,” Rodney laughed, “I prefer you being there too.”

“Love you, Dad,” Alisa hugged him tightly.

He hugged her tightly, “Love you too, Lissa.”



“Dr Weir?” Alisa stood at the door to the office.

“Come in, Alisa,” Elizabeth said, glancing up from her work, “I’ll be finished in a minute.”

Alisa walked in slowly and stood behind the desk, she’d come here after talking to her Dad knowing she had to apologise to everyone she’d been rude to over the past few days.

“Take a seat,” Elizabeth told her, she closed her laptop, “What can I do for you?”

Alisa winced, “Nothing, actually. I’m here to apologise.”

“Ah.”

“I just want to apologise for…” she hesitated, “Well basically everything. I shouldn’t have been so rude to you and I should have shown you the respect your position, as well as you deserve.”

“Thank you, Alisa,” Elizabeth nodded, “I accept your apology. Is there anything you need to talk about?”

“No, Ma’am,” Alisa smiled slightly, “Dad and I talked. We’ve worked it out.”

“Good,” Elizabeth smiled, “However, you do know you can talk to me, or any of us, Alisa, right?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Alisa ducked her head slightly.

“Am I interrupting?” Caldwell’s voice stopped Elizabeth’s next comment.

“No,” Alisa stood up, “I was just leaving. Thank you, Dr Weir.”

With that said she left the room and Elizabeth sighed.

“I interrupted something?” Caldwell asked, taking the seat she motioned him to.

Elizabeth shook her head, “It’s strange,” she mused, “I’m the only member of the original senior staff whose first name she doesn’t use.”

Caldwell shrugged, “Have you ever asked her to?”

Elizabeth looked at him, realisation hitting her before she smiled, “Anyway, we have a meeting…”



Alisa headed to the lab; she wasn’t looking forward to this apology. She’d been an extreme bitch to Radek.

“Are you here to finish your experiment?” he asked, spotting her standing there.

“Not just now,” she kept her eyes down, “I didn’t know if you’d still want me working with you.”

He didn’t say anything, just watched her waiting for what she wanted to say.

“I’m really sorry, Radek,” Alisa apologised, “I…I wasn’t happy so I was taking it out on absolutely everyone I could.”

Radek leaned against the bench, “Are you happy now?”

She shrugged, “Dad and I had a talk. I’m sorry, Radek, I’ll make up everything I missed. I promise.”

Radek nodded, “Very well, Alisa. Tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you,” Alisa smiled in relief, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”



“Well?” Rodney asked when Alisa joined him on the balcony.

“I made my rounds,” she told him.

Rodney nodded, “Good girl. Now, tomorrow you have to admit to being my daughter again.”

“I can handle that,” she told him, “Assuming you can.”

“Brat,” Rodney muttered, resting his arm across her shoulders and hugging her.

“Like Father, like Daughter,” she shot back, leaning into his hug.

Alisa smiled, as for the first time in weeks, she felt like she was herself once more.

“Come on, Dad,” Alisa cried, “It’s not like I’ve not been on the Daedalus before. I’ll stay with Hermiod; you won’t have to worry about me. Come on.”

Rodney tried not to groan aloud, from the moment Alisa heard they were going to look at the Ancient ship she’d been all over him to bring her along. True, it had only been a week since he’d managed to repair the rift between them, the rift he really hadn’t been completely aware of but the thought of taking her off-world…

“I agree to you coming on one condition,” Rodney said.

Alisa perked up, “What’s that?”

“If Sheppard and Elizabeth agree to you coming,” he told her, sure this would end the discussion. To his annoyance, Alisa grinned even more.

“They already said yes,” Alisa replied with a smirk, “If you said I could come,” she darted out of the room, leaving him standing.

“Manipulative brat,” he muttered to himself before smiling, he’d taught her very, very well.



“You know,” Rodney said as he and John stood looking out the window at the bright lights of hyperspace, “We really have to communicate little details to one another, considering Alisa just ran all over the three of us.”

John laughed, “I was sure you would say no.”

“Alisa can whine,” Rodney reminded him, “And it gets really annoying after a few hours.”

“I wonder where she gets that from,” John murmured, looking innocent as Rodney turned his glare on him.

“Next time, tell me,” Rodney told him.

“Don’t worry, I will,” John replied, “We can’t let the kid beat the three of us more than once. It’s embarrassing.”

Rodney laughed, turning back to look at the lights; it had been an interesting week. Everyone becoming aware of who Alisa really was had caused a few ripples in the entire city, especially the science department. He’d heard that there were a few people who made some snide comments within Alisa’s earshot but his kid was tough and simply put them in their place with a few well chosen words. Something that left many wondering how they hadn’t noticed the family resemblance until it had been pointed out.

“Dad,” the object of his thoughts appeared, “Hermiod is questioning my hacking skills.”

Rodney rolled his eyes, “Don’t even think about it.”

John looked at them confused.

“Long story,” Alisa smirked, “And one you’re not getting told, yet.”

“And why is that?” John demanded.

“Colonel Sheppard and Dr McKay report to the bridge,” Caldwell’s voice came over the speakers as Alisa smirked.

“That’s why.”

Rodney deliberately messed her hair as he walked passed, smiling as she rolled her eyes at him.

*********************************************

Alisa stood at Hermiod’s console, her fingers tapping nervously.

“They’re cutting this a little close,” Alisa noted, her voice twanging with panic that she was trying to hide.

Hermiod tilted his head slightly in a nod, “I agree. The Wraith Cruisers have arrived.”

Alisa’s grip on the panel tightened, she heard Caldwell’s order to beam them on board and let out a sigh of relief. Ignoring everything else, she shot out of the engine room to find her father. She found him as he and John were heading towards the infirmary, without a word he pulled her into a hug.

“We’re fine,” Rodney assured her, “Little Wraith trouble but nothing to worry about.”

Alisa smiled, missing the sad look that passed between the two men. She walked with them and stood patiently as they were checked over by the doctor.

“I don’t know about you,” Rodney said from the bed he was sitting on, “But I’m starving.”

“Me too,” John agreed, “Wonder if they have any good pie.”



“So,” John turned to Alisa, his mug of coffee held close to him in comfort, “What is this about your hacking skills?”

“Nothing,” Rodney replied quickly, “Absolutely nothing.”

Alisa smiled, “Dad wasn't too happy with the one time I showed them off at school.”

“I believe Ronan and I are once again on the wrong side of the cultural bridge,” Teyla noted, “Can you explain hacking?”

“It’s when someone gets into a computer system,” Caldwell appeared taking a seat, “Something like that and I have no doubt Miss McKay is a master of it.”

Rodney rolled his eyes, “So much so, it almost got her expelled. At about the same time I was heading to join the project.”

“That wasn't my fault,” Alisa defended herself, receiving a dark glare from her father.

“Of course not,” Caldwell laughed, he grabbed some coffee.

“Just tell us,” Ronan demanded, “It’ll be faster than everyone making stupid comments.”

Rodney sighed, “Alright, just a few weeks before I headed to Antarctica…”



“Dr McKay,” Jennifer, his assistant poked her head through the door, “You have a visitor.”

Rodney frowned, he hated being interrupted when he was in the middle of a project but Jennifer wouldn’t have interrupted him unless it was important. The fact she didn’t use his first name as normal, meant it was someone high up in the food chain.

“Fine,” he told her.

She disappeared for a few seconds and Rodney ran a hand through his hair. Jennifer was good at her job; she had worked here for years and was one of the few people here that knew about Alisa. He would go to her for help every so often when his daughter was trying to drive him crazy, the fact she had about twenty grandkids helped.

“Hi there, Doc,” the cheerful greeting made him blink.

“Colonel…sorry General O’Neill,” Rodney stared at the man, “What are you doing here?”

Jack O’Neill stepped into the room and grabbed the only free seat, “I am here to offer you a job.”

Suspicion filled Rodney, “A job?”

“You’ve heard about what happened in Antarctica, right?” Jack asked.

Rodney nodded, “Yeah, there’s some sort of Ancient base there.”

“Well,” Jack leaned back, “Since Weir’s taken over she’s been looking for someone to take control of the scientists. There’s no real order for what’s going on just now. She’s trying to get a Dr Radek Zelenka on board as well, ever heard of him?”

“Czech scientist,” Rodney mused, “I’ve read some of his work.”

“So,” Jack said, “Do you want the job?”

Rodney stared at the General, “Antarctica?”

“Yep,” Jack grinned at him, “Your name came up as one of our top scientists.”

“What? Carter not have a look at the list?” Rodney snapped, his mind was reeling at the thought. He sighed as he knew what his answer had to be, “I can’t.”

Jack raised an eyebrow, “Really?”

“You know why,” Rodney snapped, “You know exactly why I can’t.”

“I have a solution to that,” Jack told him, “As best as I possibly can. You have three weeks there and spend a week at home. I’ll find some way for Alisa to be watched.”

Rodney wanted this; he wanted this so much but… “I need to think about it.”

“Sure,” Jack nodded, “Give me a call when you’ve made your decision.”

The door opened again and Jennifer appeared, “I’m sorry, Dr McKay but there is an important call for you from Dr Tutor.”

Rodney closed his eyes at the coded message, “School, great what’s she done now?” Jennifer looked a little shocked but Rodney waved her away, “It’s alright he knows.”

“I’ll let you deal with whatever this is,” Jack told him, “You have a week to make the decision.”



Rodney arrived at the school and found Alisa sitting outside the Principal’s office, looking extremely angry.

“What did you do this time?” Rodney demanded.

“This isn’t my fault,” Alisa told him.

“Dr McKay,” Mrs Elliot, the Principal appeared from her office and motioned to him, “Please come in.”

Rodney threw his daughter an angry look and entered the office, “Mrs Elliot,” he took the seat she motioned him to, “What happened this time?”

“Alisa hacked into the school’s computer system,” Elliot told him seriously.

Rodney knew his mouth fell open, “She what?”

“During her computer class, she hacked into the school records,” Elliot explained, “She became quite agitated when she was caught.”

Rodney sighed, “I prefer she be in here while we talk about this.”

Elliot nodded; she headed to the door and motioned Alisa inside. The teenager sat beside her father, folded her arms and glared at them both.

“Alisa,” Rodney said as patiently as he could muster, “What happened?”

“Sikes was talking about how the school computer systems had been hit by a virus,” Alisa explained.

“That would be Mr Sikes,” Elliot snapped.

“Fine, ‘Mr’ Sikes,” Alisa replied, “I pointed out that the schools system didn’t have adequate security for their important records.”

“And?” Rodney asked.

“I simply pointed out that I could get into my own records in under five minutes,” Alisa told them, “He said, he didn’t think that was possible and to tell him when I’d done it.”

Rodney bit the inside of his lip so he wouldn’t laugh, “So you did.”

“I just wanted to help,” she explained, “I didn’t mean…”

Rodney gently squeezed her shoulder, “I understand. Mrs Elliot, I suggest you get Mr Sikes in here to explain why he felt the need to punish Alisa for something he authorised her to do.”

Elliot frowned; she hated dealing with the McKay’s.



“I’m sorry, Dad,” Alisa said as he drove them home, “I didn’t expect to get into trouble for this one.”

Rodney let out a deep sigh, this made his decision about O’Neill’s job offer easier to refuse. He couldn’t leave Alisa when she so frequently got into trouble. Her brilliance meant she got bored easily, especially in school and he remembered what it was like, he remembered the way he’d felt at her age.

“Dad, do you have something on your mind?” Alisa asked nervously, “Or are you really mad?”

“What?” Rodney asked, he shook his head, “It’s nothing for you to worry about, Lissa.”

Alisa grimaced, not believing him but she stayed silent until they got home and after dinner.

“Dad?” she called as they were sitting watching TV, pulling him out of his thoughts, “Are you listening to me or not?”

“Sorry,” he turned to her, “What were saying?”

Alisa looked at him worriedly, “Dad, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he told her, “Just watch the movie.”

“We’re watching the Twilight Zone,” Alisa replied sharply, “Are you mad about today?”

Rodney shook his head, “No, I’m not mad. I was in the middle of a meeting when I got the call.”

Alisa winced, “You know I tried to get them not to call you at work.”

“Anyway,” Rodney continued, “I was being offered a job.”

Alisa brightened at this, “Really? That’s great, you said you were getting bored…” she trailed off at his look, “It’s not great?”

“It’s in Antarctica,” he told her.

“Antarctica?” Alisa gasped, her eyes wide, “Oh.”

Rodney reached out and gently squeezed her arm, “I’m not going, Lissa. I told them no.”

“Why?”

Rodney stared at her, “You know why.”

“Dad, I’m fifteen,” she reminded him, “I’m not a kid anymore. You don’t have to refuse jobs because of me.”

“Where would you stay?” Rodney demanded, “Who would you stay with because you’re not staying here alone.”

“We could find something,” Alisa assured him, “Dad, do you want to do this?”

Rodney sighed as she looked at him with wide eyes, “Yeah. I do, Lissa”

“Then do it,” she told him.

Rodney stared at his daughter, he chewed his lip thoughtfully, “Three weeks there and a week here. That’s what I was offered. Do you think you could stay out of trouble for at least three weeks every month?”

Alisa smirked at him, “Of course I can.”

Rodney laughed, and pulled her into a hug, “I’ll believe that when I see it.”

*********************************************

“You know it doesn’t surprise me,” Caldwell laughed, “You being so much trouble.”

“I would take offence to that,” Alisa cried before shrugging, “Except I told that story.”

The other around the table laughed at her wry look.

“She wasn't always trouble,” Rodney noted, he reached out and affectionately squeezed her shoulder, “Weeks went past without me being summoned to the school.”

“And I was never expelled,” Alisa reminded him, “Just suspended a few times.”

Caldwell shook his head, “Dare I even ask what got you suspended?”

Alisa grimaced, “When Dad’s not around. He gets a little annoyed when I tell those stories.”

“Not stories,” Rodney reminded her, “Tales of mischief.”

Alisa turned to the commander of the Daedalus and gave him an innocent smile. Caldwell couldn’t help but smile back at her. He’d never liked the fact that there was a teenager on Atlantis, disliking even more how much access she had to important information as well as the fact she could move freely through every system in the city. However, he had to admit she was an endearing young woman.



“Colonel.”

Caldwell turned to the call, surprised to find Alisa jogging after him.

“Yes, Miss McKay,” he stopped, “What can I do for you? This isn’t the time for a tale of mischief.”

Alisa rolled her eyes at him, “Trust me, I’m going to save that for while. I just wanted to speak to you for a second.”

Caldwell tilted his head, intrigued, “About?”

“You don’t like me being here,” Alisa stated, “And I know why.”

Caldwell frowned, “I have nothing against you being in Atlantis, what I disagree with is the amount of knowledge you are given concerning essential systems.”

Alisa smiled slightly, “Have you ever wondered why Dad and Radek let me have this?”

Caldwell shrugged.

“I’ll take that as a no,” the teenager laughed softly before becoming serious again, “Colonel, I’m going to be working in Atlantis when I’m older, in fact I plan on having Dad’s job and he knows it. Best way for me to train is to learn now.”

Caldwell shook his head, “I can understand why they think you’re too dangerous to be left on Earth unsupervised.”

Alisa gave him an innocent smile, “Good.”

“Miss McKay,” Caldwell called after her as she started away.

“Yes?” she turned back to him.

“Just because I understand,” he told her, “Doesn’t mean I like it.”

Alisa laughed, “You know that’s exactly how I feel a lot of the time. It’s called being a teenager with an overprotective father,” she threw over her shoulder.



John and Rodney stood on one of the balconies near Rodney’s lab, each holding a mug of coffee.

“You did good today, Rodney,” John told him, “I know how much you hate enclosed spaces.”

Rodney glanced at the other man, wondering if this meant John’s trust in him was nearing the way it was before Doranda, “I needed to warn you.”

John sighed, “I wish we could…”

“Me too,” Rodney said as his friend trailed off.

John stared up at the sky, “It was a fantastic ship, wasn’t it?”

Rodney laughed, “I would love to have spent several months taking her apart.”

John nodded, “Would have had fun trying to fly her.”

The two men continued to stare at the night sky, a comfortable silence between them.

“Colonel Sheppard, Dr McKay,” Radek’s voice came over the radio, “We need you both in the Jumper Bay. We have a problem.”

John groaned, “I guess it was too much to hope for a full night of peace.”

Rodney dropped his head, “”Let’s go and see what they’ve done this time.”

With a sigh, the two men pulled themselves to their feet turning their back on the night sky just as one star twinkled slightly brighter.

“Well?” Alisa asked.

Radek glanced over at her, before returning to reading the paper she’d given him, “Interesting,” he told her, “However, I am not going to grade you while you wait.”

Alisa grimaced at him, “Fine. I’ll head up to the Control Room and go see if Dad and his team have deigned to contact us.”

“Good,” Radek called after her, “Leave me so I can try and decipher the nonsense you have handed me.”

Alisa turned and stuck her tongue out at him before disappearing. The scientist laughed to himself, he looked at the paper he had to grade, a task he had always hated when lecturing. However from what he’d read so far, this would be very interesting.

Radek refilled his coffee mug and relaxed back.



“Alisa,” Elizabeth smiled at her when she arrived in the Gateroom, “I thought you were in the lab?”

“I finished my paper for Radek,” Alisa explained, “He gave me the rest of the day off. I thought I’d see if Dad and the motley crew have called yet.”

Elizabeth opened her mouth to tell the teenager that they couldn’t find the team but was interrupted as the Gate dialled.

“It's Doctor McKay's I.D.C.,” the technician stated.

“Lower the Shield,” Elizabeth ordered; she started down the stairs aware that Alisa was following on.

“I know what I need to do!!” Rodney cried as he entered the Gateroom

“Rodney,” Elizabeth called to him, “What's happened?” she grabbed him arm as he walked past her, “Where are the rest of them?”

“There's no time, no time,” Rodney rambled, his hands flailing wildly, “The planet, not Ford's, the one the, uh, ship's headed towards, we need to get there and we don't have much time.”

Elizabeth glanced over at Alisa who was staring in horror at the way her father was pacing frenetically, his hands waving and his breathing fast.

“I was barely able to escape myself, but I managed to take out the guards,” Rodney stopped and grinned at them, “Oh, you should have seen me! I was amazing! I wish we'd got it on camera because…” he stopped again, shaking his head, “That's not the point.”

“Rodney, slow down,” Elizabeth tried to get him to talk coherently, “Are you alright?”

“Yes, yes. I mean, um…” he shrugged and giggled, “I dunno,” he started pacing once more, “I mean, I did take out the guards and they were huge and dumb and stupid and…”

“What guards?” Elizabeth asked.

“Ford's guards!” Rodney clarified, looking a little stumped, “Haven't I mentioned Ford?”

“No, you didn't, and you haven't even mentioned Sheppard, Teyla and Ronan either,” Elizabeth was beginning to lose her patience.

“Yes!” he cried triumphantly, “They were there too, and there were the two guards. They were huge and massive and I had to take 'em out, so I had to inject some of the enzyme.”

“What?” Alisa snapped, shock reverberating through her voice.

“You took some of the enzyme?” Elizabeth demanded; her voice as shocked as Alisa’s.

“No-no-no-no-no-no-no,” he continued, “I didn't take some of the enzyme. I took a lot of the enzyme, because I had to, because I had to take out the guards, which I did, and you should have seen me,” he turned to Elizabeth and Alisa, “I was amazing!”

“Are you insane?” Elizabeth cried.

“Is that a trick question,” Alisa muttered.

“Yes, yes, now that I've taken the enzyme, yes,” Rodney was breathing hard now.

“Rodney, focus,” Elizabeth snapped, “Where is Colonel Sheppard?”

“No, no, no, I had to take the enzyme because, because I had to take out the guards!” he frowned again, “But that's not the point -- the point is we don't have enough time,” his pacing started again, “We need to stop the ship from getting to where the ship is going.”

Elizabeth put one arm through his and the other around his shoulder to turn him around as Alisa moved to his other side.

“Come on, come on. Let’s take a walk to the Infirmary, alright?” Elizabeth started them out to the Gateroom.

“Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa, what are you doing?” he pulled away from them, “No-no-no-no, I don't wanna go to the Infirmary. I wanna go to the, to the, uh…the um…”

His knees buckled and Alisa let out a cry as her father dropped to the floor unconscious.

“Dad,” she dropped to his side as Elizabeth called the infirmary and several guards rushed to help.



Alisa snuck into the infirmary when she saw Carson move away to talk to Elizabeth and Caldwell. Her stomach lurched as she watched her father twist in pain on the bed, an oxygen mask on his face and restraints around his wrists.

“Why did you do this?” she whispered.

She sat heavily on the closest chair and stared at him. She’d never seen her father in so much pain.

“You shouldn’t be in here, Lissa,” Laura spoke softly from her side.

Alisa looked up at her friend, “I needed to see him.”

Laura rested a hand on the teenagers’ shoulder, “Carson’s doing everything he can. Besides your Dad is a fighter and won’t leave us here without him to tell us all what to do.”

Alisa bit her lip, forcing back tears, “What if he can’t beat this?”

Laura hugged the girl tightly, wishing she knew what to say. She rested her cheek against Alisa’s head as she felt the girl shaking in her arms.

“Lis?” Rodney moaned softly from beside them.

Alisa pulled away and moved over to her father, “Dad?”

“See, he’s calling for you,” Laura soothed, her hand never leaving Alisa’s shoulder.

Alisa shook her head, “He’s calling for my Mom.”

“Lis,” he murmured again, his eyes opened and focussed blearily on his daughter, “She’d be here if you weren’t,” Rodney muttered darkly before he closed his eyes, slipping back into unconsciousness.

Alisa gasped and spun, running out of the infirmary.

“God, Rodney,” Laura sighed, resting her hand on his forehead, “You’re really going hate yourself when you wake up.”

With that said, Laura headed out to inform Carson before she went to find Alisa.

*********************************************

Rodney left John and the rest of his team in the infirmary where Carson had told them they were all staying the night at least.

“Rodney,” Carson caught up with him, “I want you back in the infirmary as well.”

“I need to see my daughter, Carson,” Rodney said softly, “I think…I think I said something horrible to her.”

Carson dropped his head, “Aye, you did.”

Panic covered Rodney’s already pale face, “What? What did I say?”

Carson grimaced, he’d hardly believed it when Laura had told him, “You told Alisa that…that your wife would be here if she wasn’t.”

Rodney closed his eyes and groaned, “No. I have to find her.”

Carson nodded, “But I want you back here. Just so I can keep an eye on you at least for tonight.”

“Fine,” Rodney rolled his eyes before he left.



Rodney was becoming worried, he couldn’t find Alisa. He tried everywhere she usually hid when she was upset or in a bad mood…everywhere except one place.

“You took your time,” Laura folded her arms across her chest.

Rodney glared at the woman, “Have you seen her?”

Laura nodded, leaning against the doorframe.

“Where is she?” Rodney snapped.

Laura smiled slightly, “She’s been staying with me,” Laura stopped him from walking in and moved them both into the corridor, “Rodney, she’s taking this pretty hard. Both what you said to her but I think most of it from the fact you did something that meant you nearly died.”

Rodney dropped his gaze to the floor, “Cadman, I have to talk to her.”

Laura nodded, she rested her hand gently on his arm as she opened the door, “I’ll see you later,” she told him and disappeared to give them privacy.



Alisa glanced up from the seat she was curled up in as Rodney stepped into the room.

“Hey,” he greeted her softly.

“Hi,” Alisa replied, her own greeting barely audible.

Rodney grabbed the seat across from his daughter and fidgeted, how did you start a conversation like this?

“I know it wasn't really you,” Alisa murmured, “I know that.”

“Lissa…”

“I also know that if she’d had the treatment she’d be here,” Alisa continued.

Rodney sighed, “Oh, Lissa,” he moved and knelt in front of her, “Yes, I miss your Mom and I always will but I would never ever give you up for anything. You are the best thing in my life; you have to know that by now.”

A small smile covered the teenagers’ face before she moved to her father, Rodney wrapping her in his arms tightly. He rocked her gently wishing he could erase the past few days from her memory.

“I guess this birthday sucks,” Rodney noted to her, smiling at her laugh.

“Not what I imagined,” Alisa giggled as she continued to hug him.

Rodney gently kissed the top of her head, “I’ll make it up to you, Lissa. I promise.”

Alisa smiled, not moving from her father’s embrace.

*********************************************

Alisa sat on the balcony, the cold metal sliding through her fingers as she stared out across the ocean. The past few days had been quiet; the team were recovering from the recent disaster and mourning the possible total loss of Ford.

“What’s that?”

Alisa glanced up, surprised to see Ronan standing above her. He looked interested at what she was sliding through her fingers.

“They’re Ford’s dog tags,” Alisa replied softly.

“Ah,” the large man slid down the wall to sit at her side.

Alisa gripped the flat metal rectangles tightly in her fist, “I’m contemplating tossing them in and never thinking about him again.”

“Why?” Ronan asked, never one to waste words.

“Why?” Alisa demanded hotly, “After what he just did to you, to Teyla, to…”

“To your father,” Ronan finished, “You blame Ford for your father taking the overdose.”

“Don’t you?” Alisa stood and started to pace the balcony, “I want…I just…” she stopped pacing, letting out a cry of frustration she hurled the dog tags at the wall, “Damn him!”

Ronan reached out and picked them up, he studied them as they spun catching the light.

“He was my friend,” Alisa sighed, tears trailing along her cheeks, “You know, he was the first of the military other than John who actually talked to me. He saw me sitting around bored, everyone else just wandered past but Aiden he sat down beside me and he started talking to me. He became my big brother and best friend, I trusted him.”

Ronan stood up and handed her the tags back, “You know the enzyme has changed him but it isn’t his fault.”

“My Dad could have died,” Alisa snarled, “Because Aiden drugged all three of you. Aren’t you angry?”

Ronan nodded, “But one day Sheppard will get him back and I know you’ll regret it if you can’t give those back to him.”

“What do you suggest?” Alisa asked, sarcasm dripping from each word.

“Put them somewhere safe,” Ronan replied, he folded her fingers over the tags, “Until you can give him them back or you’ve forgiven him enough to wear them again.”

John took a deep breath as he stepped out onto the balcony. He’d finally managed to escape Carson and decided to wander around before removing all trace of the past six months.

“Love the look,” Alisa’s amused voice came from beside him.

John looked round, a little startled he hadn’t even noticed the teenager sitting just behind him. He scrubbed his hand across his bearded cheek, “It’s only temporary.”

“Good,” she pulled herself up to stand beside him, “Cause I don’t think it’s really you.”

John laughed slightly before sighing; he’d spent six months away from his family and because of who he was, he hadn’t been able to reach out and hug any of them when he saw them on the planet but there was one person he’d never had a problem with hugging. He reached out and pulled the young woman to him, squeezing her tightly.

Alisa hugged him back, her head resting against his shoulder as John relaxed finally. He was home.

“Miss us?” Alisa asked when he finally released her.

John shrugged, “Maybe a little.”

“So,” the teenager’s eyes were bright with curiosity, “What were they like?”

John sat down against the wall, “The Ancients?”

“No, the birds,” Alisa said sarcastically, “Of course the Ancients.”

John laughed, “Boring as hell.”

“You’re kidding,” Alisa cried astonished, “Aren’t these the people we came here to meet? Who built this city?”

“Not this bunch,” John replied, smiling as Alisa took a seat beside him, “They were all trying to ascend. Spent a lot of time meditating.”

Alisa’s nose wrinkled in bemusement, “How? I don’t get how people can sit still and be quiet so long.”

John laughed, “Do you have any idea how much you take after your father?”

“People keep saying that,” Alisa looked at him, pure innocence covering her face, “I don’t see why.”

John laughed softly. He leaned his head back and sighed, “I’m heading back to my room and I’m going to have a shower, get rid of this,” he tugged at his beard, “And then go get some proper food.”

Alisa stood up, “I’ll meet you for lunch.”

John pulled himself to his feet, “Half an hour in the mess. See who else you can round up.”

She gave him a cheeky, mock salute before disappearing.

John watched her leave; he leaned against the rail again and took in a deep breath of the salt-filled air. It was good to be home.



John entered the mess. He’d been gone for six months but only a few hours had passed here. He hadn’t seen this place or his friends in such a long time but to them they had breakfast together this morning.

He saw Alisa across at the usual table the team used; she was sitting with Ronan obviously in the middle of a story, considering the way her hands were flailing about.

“Hi,” John dropped into a seat, dropping his tray in front of him, “You have no idea how good this stuff looks after six months of rabbit food.”

“And the first thing you choose is a cheeseburger?” Alisa noted with amusement.

“There was no steak,” he replied through his mouthful of food. He finished the mouthful and glanced around, “Where’s everyone else?”

“McKay and Zelenka are arguing about something in the lab,” Ronan noted, “Teyla and Lieutenant Cadman are sparring.”

“Carson and Dr Weir are talking about some project he wants to do,” Alisa added, stealing a fry from John’s plate, “So, it’s just us for lunch.”



John didn’t know why he couldn’t sleep but he’d been lying on his bed awake for the past few hours.

Finally, he got up and pulled on some clothes before heading out to wander the city. He smiled as he could feel the city hum slightly to him, it was something that had always comforted him but now it just felt wrong. Somehow, he ended up at Rodney’s lab. He was surprised to see father and daughter sitting there at this time of night. Alisa had her head propped up on her hand as Rodney talked to her. John wasn’t sure what they were talking about but he smiled to watch them together. This was something he’d always found interesting, the easy interaction Rodney had with the teenager. It had always amused him that the scientist reduced grown men to nervous wrecks, couldn’t go anywhere off world without insulting almost every native but this girl changed him into a good person.

“Sheppard?”

John looked up as Rodney called his name, “Yeah?”

“I thought Carson told you to get some rest,” Rodney demanded, a frown covering his face.

“Couldn’t sleep,” John shrugged, “Thought I’d wander about for a bit.”

“Well you might not be able to sleep,” Alisa commented, “But I’m tired. Night, Dad,” she leaned up and kissed her father’s cheek, “Night, John.”

John reached out and squeezed her shoulder, “Night, Kid.”

Once she was round the corner, Rodney headed back into his lab and sat down watching as his friend wandered around.

“Don’t break anything,” he said, as John reached out to pick up one of the random devices scattered around the lab.

“When have I ever?” John asked; a hint of a smirk on his face.

Rodney rolled his eyes at him but for once remained silent. Rodney continued to watch John as he reacquainted himself with the city he’d missed.

“It’s good to be home,” John sighed after a while.

Rodney smiled slightly, “Coffee?”

John nodded and they both started out of the lab.

“You know you were only gone for a few hours,” Rodney reminded him, “Right?”

John rolled his eyes, “Wonder if there’s any doughnuts left.”

Alisa stared at the two people glaring at each other, wondering if she could use her belt to swing from the balcony to get away from them.

“You accused me of trying to kill everyone,” Laura yelled, “You stood in Weir’s office and told them I should be the prime suspect.”

“Oh please,” Rodney shot back, “Your reason for staying was something came up. How suspicious is that?”

“Oh. Dear. God,” Alisa muttered, she leaned against the wall and dropped her head back.

“Suspicious?” Laura yelled, “That’s the lamest excuse you could come up with.”

“I could come up with?” Rodney snapped back.

“Okay,” Alisa yelled, making both of them turn in shock to her, “Would you two stop it?”

They stared at her.

“I feel like I’m stuck in the middle of two divorcing parents,” she snapped at them, “And I can’t take it anymore.”

“Lissa,” they said in unison.

“Dad,” Alisa turned to him, “Accusing Laura was stupid. You know her better than that,” Alisa spun to the woman grinning at Rodney, “And Laura, stop purposely antagonising him. Why can’t you two admit that you’re friends? When you were stuck together, when we thought you would fade away, Laura, what the hell did he do? And Dad, when I was hurt Laura was there for you. Why do you have to keep fighting?” she shook her head.

With a sigh, she walked out of the room leaving them standing staring after her.



Laura closed her eyes and turned to the man across from her, she sighed.

“Rodney,” she started, “Look, she’s right. We do have a habit of fighting with each other and putting her in the middle.”

He frowned, remaining silent making Laura sigh again.

“Rodney,” she snapped.

“What do you want me to say?” Rodney snapped back.

“How about an apology,” she rested her hands on her hips, her eyes filled with annoyance.

“An apology?” Rodney looked at her like she was insane.

Laura stared at him, “Do I have to remind you what you said?”

“Strangely enough, Cadman,” Rodney replied sharply, “I do remember everything I said yesterday. And I still think I have nothing to apologise for.”

“You accused me of trying to kill everyone,” Laura yelled at him, she clenched her fists in annoyance, “You know what, Alisa was right.”

“Right about what?” Rodney asked confused.

“I would divorce you,” she spun on her heel and walked out of the room.

*********************************************

“Hey, Carson,” Alisa greeted the doctor when he sat beside her.

“You look a little annoyed,” Carson noted, he leaned back in his chair and sipped his tea.

Alisa rolled her eyes, “I was stuck between Dad and Laura again. They’re driving me crazy.”

“Aye, I know the feeling,” Carson sighed, “If I thought I could get away with it, I’d lock them in a room until they sorted out their differences.”

“That’s one way to make the city explode,” Alisa noted with a grin, she tilted her head thoughtfully, “How’s Colonel Caldwell?”

“He’s resting now,” Carson told her, “Hermiod used the beaming technology to remove the Gould.”

Alisa nodded, “I heard,” she bit her lip, “Could I go see him?”

Carson looked a little surprised but nodded, “If you want. He might not be very receptive to having a visitor though.”

The teenager nodded, “I can understand that.”

Carson smiled slightly before something occurred to him, “Aren’t you meant to be in the labs just now.”

“I’m avoiding Radek,” Alisa declared, “He’s still pissed after his trip to M7G-677.”

Carson laughed, remembering the look of the science teams second in command as he glared at Rodney, “I was surprised you didn’t go with him.”

Alisa laughed, “Dad refused to let me go again, something about what happened last time I was there.”

Carson rolled his eyes; the memory of Rodney’s panic when they’d arrived back still made him shudder.

“Dr Beckett, please report to the infirmary,” a disembodied voice called.

Carson sighed in annoyance; he grabbed the muffin from his tray and jumped up.

Alisa smiled at him, “I’ll put that by for you.”

“Thanks,” he grinned before disappearing.



Alisa walked slowly through the city. Everyone was still running around after the excitement of the day.

“Hey,” Laura greeted her as she came around the corner to where the Lieutenant was working.

“Well, well, well,” Alisa folded her arms, “If it isn’t Dad’s ex.”

“You’re funny,” Laura frowned at her.

Alisa smirked at her friend, “So, did you tell him why you actually stayed here?”

“Lissa,” Laura frowned, her arms folding across her chest, “I don’t have to justify myself to Rodney McKay or anyone else. I asked Colonel Sheppard if I could stay and the only person I need give a reason to is him.”

Alisa’s smirk disappeared and her grin faded to a grimace, “I didn’t ask you to justify yourself. I’m just sick and tired of you two fighting all the time. Laura, you put me in the middle of it and you do it purposely.”

“Lissa…”

“Do you know you’re the only other person anywhere that calls me that?” Alisa asked softly, “Laura, you’re one of the people in my life that I think of as family.”

“I know,” Laura sighed and wrapped her arm around the teenager, “Lissa, I adore your Dad, most of the time and I think of him as a friend but it’s just so much fun to tease him. I’m sorry about putting you in the middle,” she smiled slightly, “And it’s because of him I call you Lissa, you know that.”

“Yeah.”

Laura gave her a gentle shove, “I’ll see you later, especially if Carson has to work through dinner again.”

*********************************************

“Wow,” Alisa mused as she looked over the equations Hermiod was showing her.

“You are impressed?” the alien asked her, amusement in his voice.

Alisa glanced over at him and nodded, “I can’t believe you managed to do this. This must have been…”

“Alisa,” Rodney’s voice sounded in her ear, “Where are you?”

“I’m on the Daedalus, Dad,” she replied, “Hermiod’s showing me how they got the Gould out of Caldwell’s head.”

“Well, the Daedalus is leaving in a few minutes,” Rodney told her, “So, unless you feel like a trip to Earth then get back here now.”

“Yes, Dad,” Alisa rolled her eyes; she switched off the computer and turned to the Asgard.

“I have sent it to your email,” Hermiod told her, “You can study it in your own time.”

“Do you want a paper on it?” Alisa asked sarcastically.

“Yes.”

She grimaced at the alien, “What?”

“I believe Dr Zelenka would not mind and I would be interested in what you have to say,” Hermiod told her.

Alisa rolled her eyes, “When do you want it?”

Hermiod mused this over for a few seconds, “I expect it sent to me the moment we arrive back in Atlantis.”

Alisa nodded and grabbing her jacket she headed back to the city.

As she wandered through the corridors she saw her father and Laura arguing, again. Alisa was about to turn and head the other way when she noticed something. Although they were fighting, there was something in their eyes. They were enjoying the argument and Alisa laughed to herself.

It was nice to have things back to normal.