five tests

[valuedstrength]

[Room filter]

[Steve sadly is getting used to ending up with ladies mysteriously in bed with him so there's no awkward panicking this time. He simply pulls up the sheets higher so there's some decency going on here. He's happy this time it's his room too. It will make getting pants a whole lot easier. These small comforts quickly disappears when he notices the woman in bed with him is not one of his friends or even anyone he knows. Then there's the matter of a small girl next to her trying to wake her before noticing Steve. She jumps on him instead, wrapping her arms around his neck much to Steve's confusion.]

Daddy! [Yep... more confusing. Steve clears his throat. Please wake up Xena if you can possibly sleep through all this.] Ma'am? Is this your daughter?


[Much later on: Steve is in the kitchen cooking breakfast. This scene wouldn't be all that special if it weren't for the raven haired toddler sitting on the counter insisting she can help... and trying to sneak bacon. She's a growing girl.

Anyways, Steve will be dictating to the journal at some point during cooking time.]

So anyone want to explain to me how this works? [He's being purposely vague to spare Lysandra's feelings.] This isn't like waking up somewhere new. If you could write down your answers too that would swell.

[Lysandra is pouting at that for any observors. Steve gives her a winning smile and pats her head.] I've got company with me today.

[Friends]

Everyone okay?

Comments

[valuedstrength]

Yep. [He'll just keep frying that bacon.] You doing okay?

[atadiscoverer]

Aye. No problem at all. I've looked after bairns before.

[Scottish. You get used to it, Steve.]

He's not a pick of bother.

[valuedstrength]

[He's trying, but he doesn't get it.] Bairns? That's like a baby, right?

[Lysandra is definitely peeking at the baby while trying not to be obvious about it. It's really not working since she's half off the counter trying to get a better look. Thankfully Steve shoots his arm to catch her before she can fall and gives a bashful smile.]

Do you mind letting Lysandra see the baby?

[atadiscoverer]

Aye, it is. [He smiles.] I take it you're not used to speaking to Scottish people, aye?

[He starts as the kid's about to fall, before Steve has her and he relaxes slightly.]

Sure, of course. [He walks forward, showing the toddler the sleepy baby. He has brown-blond hair and Carson's blue eyes.]

His name's Rodney. [He looks to Steve.] And I'm Carson. Dr. Carson Beckett.

[valuedstrength]

No, sir. [Lysandra is smiling and pointing to Steve because look baby. Steve seems genuinely touched all this. Big surprise.]

Steve Rogers. This is Lysandra Rogers. [He claps a hand on her shoulder proudly.]

Nice to meet you, Doctor Beckett. Rodney.

[atadiscoverer]

Well, hello there, Lysandra. It's nice to meet you. [Carson smiles to the toddler, still cradling the baby. Rodney gurgles sleepily at Steve, and raises his hands up at him.]

I'd say he likes you. And, please. Carson's just fine.

[valuedstrength]

Nice to meet you too. [Steve touches his little hand.] Carson, then. You work at the Clinic?

[atadiscoverer]

Aye, I do. I've been on-call mostly because I've been working on a wee project of my own.

[valuedstrength]

What is it?

[atadiscoverer]

A gene therapy. Nothing big, just something I was working on before I left and the castle made me forget I actually completed. [Bittterness, there? Just a bit.]

[valuedstrength]

What are you trying to do with it?

[atadiscoverer]

The gene therapy I'm developing is designed to give humans one specific gene. The gene in question is very rare, and it's sole purpose is to activate a certain type of technology that prevents other people from using it. So, it's nothing too suspect.

[valuedstrength]

... Sounds complicated.

[atadiscoverer]

It is, unfortunately. Working on milennia-old genetics when I don't have any of the reference documents makes it a wee bit challenging.

But I'm close to figuring out the formula for the therapy. Should only be a wee bit longer.

[valuedstrength]

I'm impressed even if I don't really get it. Good luck with your work, Carson.

[atadiscoverer]

Thank you, but that'll have to go on hold a wee bit. Not while I have my wee visitor with me.

[He tickles Rodney under the chin and the baby giggles, grabbing Carson's finger, burbling happily.]

[valuedstrength]

[Steve smiles.] Yeah I'd say we're all in that boat. Not a bad one to be in at least.

[atadiscoverer]

[A slight smile.] I could care less about my research going on hold for a week or so...

[That smile has a sad quality to it.]

I've always wanted a wee baby. Despite everything this place has done, I'm thankful to it for this oppertunity.

[valuedstrength]

It's been rough on you?

[atadiscoverer]

I got turned into a wee blue crocodile for a couple of weeks.

...And I've only recently discovered what my loss is.

[valuedstrength]

Blue crocodile and a loss? [He'd pat you on the shoulder if it wasn't for the baby. That is rough.]