Sheppard must have dozed off because he didn't hear McKay come in. It wasn't until the scientist got up to go that the tapping of his crutches got the major's attention. "McKay?"

The scientist resumed his seat next to the bed. "Right here, major. What is it? Beckett said you wanted to see me."

"Yeah." Sheppard smiled. "I wanted to thank you. And to tell you that you were right."

"Of course I was." McKay paused, then asked, "What was I right about?"

"Dialing the gate. Beckett said I wasn't in any danger of dying, but another hour or so and I might have lost my sight for good." The major faltered, feeling a little sick at the thought of being blind. It was almost a death sentence for a pilot, and he had to take a moment before he went on. "It was still a stupid thing to do. You could have been killed."

"Well, I wasn't. The creature didn't even notice me dialing the gate and as I said, the vortex frightened it away." McKay fidgeted with his crutches. "So you're going to be all right?"

"Yes, I am. Beckett says it'll be a few weeks before my sight is 20/20. That should be about as long as it takes for you to get that cast off." McKay was silent and Sheppard went on easily, "So we should both be ready to go offworld about the same time. Works out good."

Sheppard couldn't see McKay well enough to read his expression but the scientist sounded a little shaky when he spoke. "I thought you didn't want me on your team, major. Remember? SG-1, stargate malfunction..." He hesitated, then went on. "Teal'c."

"Oh, right. I did want to talk to you about that. I don't remember if I said anything about it."

"You did," said McKay quietly. "I don't need to hear it again."

"Good, because I don't need to say it again. You're on my team, McKay."

The scientist sounded surprised. "You mean it?"

"Sure I mean it. We can discuss where our first mission should be another time. Right now you'd better go. Beckett said a few minutes and he'll probably throw you out if you stay much longer."

Sheppard felt McKay take his hand and shake it. "Thank you, major. I promise I won't let you down." The scientist left abruptly and Sheppard sighed. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but one thing he was sure of. Rodney McKay was the only man on Atlantis that he wanted for the fourth member of his team.

The End