ShaViva's Stargate Fan ... Stuff

Chapter 07: The Rescue part 3
Thursday, 15^th January | Atlantis time 1100 Hours | Orion warship

Daniel's mind had wandered again as he stood staring at the still, seemingly sleeping form of Fran-Elizabeth. He registered John speaking to him and then Lorne responding but he was unable to break the semi-trance he had lapsed into. As they made arrangements for the technological retrieval of Elizabeth Weir, Daniel's mind continued...of its own volition...to try and seek a way into the nearby Virtual World that Weir had taken refuge in.

Elizabeth...Elizabeth? Daniel's eyes closed and he sought to make contact, to tell her what they were planning. He wanted to get her sense of whether or not she would go with the Replicator's body when they moved it or was she a fixture of this ship's virtual environment now. Would they be moving just a body or the body and the essence that made up Elizabeth Weir.

Elizabeth...they are making plans to move the stasis pod and the Replicator's body. What will happen to you? Do you know? Should we treat with the Gitano to take the Orion back? It was hard to know if the woman would have these answers and Daniel was feeling the strain of maintaining contact with her...yet his resolve to not abandon her at any cost did not waiver.

Elizabeth stirred in the back of Daniel's mind, listening, though the task was getting harder. 'Think I can retreat...into body. Think.' She 'spoke' as best as she could, given the energy requirements and the strain it would put on Daniel.

'Help them,' was her one request. "Kind. Want safe.' She hoped her broken words would be understood. These people had saved her life. She owed them everything. 'Fix ship,' she suggested. It would be the best thing she could do for them. Either they would be able to be given a new home world, or they could get the ship to a workable order for them. She approved of the plans Daniel put before her.

Jenn squeezed Daniel's shoulder. "Dr. Jackson, It's important for you to tell me if all this is affecting you. Housing Elizabeth's conscience must be draining at times."

Daniel blinked back to full awareness and smiled down at the concern in the petite CMO's voice and eyes. "I'm doing okay, Dr. Keller. This isn't my first dance at sharing my space with another. At least I'm not having to deal with being altered into an Ori Prior this time."

Turning to John and including Fidelis in his glance, Daniel continued, "Elizabeth wants us to aid the Gitano in exchange for their aid to her. Is there someplace we can talk...put an offer on the table?"

John pulled an odd face at Daniel and blinked at him. "Umm... isn't that what I just offered?" he asked.

Daniel blinked back at John, faint alarm showing on his face as he wondered how long he had been mentally absent and unaware of things going on around him. He glanced around noting that Major Lorne seemed to be missing. "Uh...yes...yes...I guess it is."

Fidelis shifted slightly and spoke up, "We've not much to hand as the ship has not drifted close enough to a inhabited star system to allow us to take our smaller vessels in for trade in quite some time. But you are welcome to all that we have. Perhaps we should adjourn to our gathering room?"

Sheppard looked back down at FRAN's body in the stasis pod and then nodded, stepping away from it. "Yeah, let's adjourn. Parker, Moreno you keep watch here... Dr. Keller, whatever you think is best," he told her meaning if she'd like to stay with the pod that was fine or she could come along with them. "After you," John told Fidelis and then followed him with the others falling in step behind.

Daniel trailed the group slowly as Fidelis led the way. The leader of the Gitano continued a friendly chatter pausing now and again to greet members of his people they passed. Every member of the Gitano seemed to have a job to do whether it involved just herding a few children around the ship or working on what maintenance they could manage. The people they passed usually nodded in a friendly fashion with stares of friendly curiosity.

They finally reached the chamber that Fidelis indicated was the Gathering Room....a large area for the Gitano to meet, share stories and meals, and generally socialize. At this time during their day it was not overly crowded. There were numerous family groups and some younger children playing off to one side.

Fidelis led them to a large table and gestured with a graceful movement of his hand, "Please...be seated. I'll see what Niya has for us in the way of nourishment."

Nourishment proved to be a fragrant stew made with mostly dried and preserved vegetables and a variety of herbs and spices for additional flavor. Tankards of chilled water were offered around along with a crusty, buttery bread. Never one to hesitate to break bread with new friends, Daniel broke off a small piece from the loaf and dipped it in the stew as he saw other Gitano doing.

"Excellent stew, Fidelis," Daniel said after he swallowed the first bites and took a drink of water, "Thank you for sharing your meal with us."

Fidelis nodded and smiled in return, "I will bear your compliments to Niya. She works magic with our meagre supplies."

That seemed to be the lead in that Daniel needed, he eased his bowl of stew aside and laid his hands on the table, palm up, a gesture meant to convey I have nothing to hide to Fidelis. "As to that, Fidelis, how do you survive on a ship that drifts from place to place?"

The older man leaned back and his eyes grew a bit misty and distant. As Daniel suspected the Gitano history was passed from generation to generation in story and song...much as the Gypsies of Earth did. When the man spoke, his voice was in sing-song, almost a chant, "Many eons ago the Gitano lived a peaceful existence on a world they shared with other tribes of Gitano and those of fur, feather, and scale. They used what they needed from the earth always careful to return in kind. The world was in balance."

"And then that balance was shattered as the Wraith came to our world...not once but many times and the Gitano were decimated. Technology was limited, but the Voice of the People rallied all those that would go and the Gitano took to space in their small ships that used to serve only for short trips to neighbouring worlds for trade and the Gatherings."

"Years passed and the Gitano roamed from world to world. Some chose to remain on these worlds, some from these worlds chose to join with the Gitano thus keeping new blood amongst the People."

"And then, the Universe led us to this vessel and the Voice encouraged the Gitano to settle and thus the People found a new home adrift amongst the stars," Fidelis blinked back to the here and now and spread his hands, "Now we depend on the solar and space winds to bring Orion near enough to inhabited star systems to allow us to take our smaller vessels and trade for what we can. More and more of the People have chosen to remain on some of these worlds that will allow it. Fewer and fewer join us. Childbirth is growing less as we cannot risk the decreasing of our bloodlines. Once proud and peaceful...we now simply subsist on as little as we can get by with. I fear that soon we'll no longer hear the children sing." The old man bowed his head for a moment, but when he looked up again, his eyes were steady and his face calm. Pride in his heritage still showed in the man's posture.

The story tugged at Daniel's heart. It was no effort for him to make a promise to Elizabeth that they would offer aid to these people. One thing that he had picked up on was that the Gitano were close to the earth and an inkling of an idea that would benefit all solidified in his mind.

Taking the lead, Daniel leaned forward, "Fidelis, you are the Voice of the People. Does that mean you make the decisions? Would you need to convene some sort of council?"

Fidelis nodded his head, "I am the Voice and speak for the people. As a courtesy I would call a Gathering so that I might hear my people speak."

Daniel smiled. So far it was as he thought. Glancing at John, he began to put his thoughts into words and formulate an offer he thought all could benefit from, "Fidelis, I would have to get my superiors' agreement to reveal our world...but if I can do that...my offer is this. We have need of ships as we continue to fight the Wraith, you need a world where your children can grow and a mingling of bloodlines so that isolation won't strip the Gitano of themselves..."

Without realizing it, Daniel had started to mimic Fidelis' mode of speech, making his offer something of a sing-song, his voice pleasantly rising and falling as he spoke, "Fidelis, you want your children to sing...we want that as well. Your people share much with the people of our colleague here...Teyla Emmagan...with her agreement and the agreement of her people...the Athosians...you could settle on our world. It is mostly open and unsettled. In return, we'd ask that you allow us to repair and return Orion to the service she was designed for. We benefit from the use of the vessel, Teyla's people would benefit from the added knowledge of farming and animal husbandry and all benefit from the crops raised...all the children could sing."

Daniel stopped and waited. Fidelis tilted his head and responded, "Your offer is fair and it would be good for the Gitano to bond with the earth again...and hear our children sing for eons to come....and perhaps to merge our song with the Songs of Athos. It is a good and fair offer."

"Yet it is one I would have to put before the People so those that wished to settle elsewhere could. Would this be permitted?" Fidelis asked, looking from John to Daniel with raised brows.

"Yes, of course it would," Sheppard offered. "We only want to do what is best for your people and your future. In return for your care of our... our friend." John leaned over the table, his eyes serious and sincere. As a military man his first concern for his own people was defence and having another warship in his grasp was something he couldn't let get away. "My people can use this ship. We can get it back into shape for defence of all our peoples and in return we can assist you and your people in finding roots on a plentiful planet of their choosing. Also... we do have access to the network of Stargates... all you need to do is ask and we can help you with that too."

Fidelis rose and extended his hands, palms up in a gesture of friendship, "Then, I provisionally accept allowing for those of the People that wish to settle elsewhere. Our rescue of your comrade was truly a fortuitous event for us...."

"For us, as well," John offered his hand and grasped the other's carefully.

Daniel held up his hand as his comm-link crackled in his ear, "It's Lorne...he's back with one of our technical experts." He glanced at John and got his nod, "We need to return to the stasis chambers, Fidelis."

Fidelis nodded in return, "Please...the ship is as yours, all I ask is respect for our people's privacy and rights until we can officially hand the Orion over to you. I will start arrangements on my end."

"Of course," John assured him. He, of course, didn't need to be asked for the courtesy of continuing their existence with dignity and respect by his people. That was the Lantean's goal in Pegasus, to try to assist the humans of this galaxy to develop their societies and ensure the safety of the human race here.

The old man watched as the visitors took their leave and then turned to gather his people to him, "I have such grand news...an offer of a home and earth to tend..."

oOo

Major Lorne made quick work of the return flight to Atlantis. One meeting with Colonel Carter, another with a nervous Doctor Zelenka, and an impatient half an hour wait for the other man to collect his equipment later and they were ready to head back again.

"Doctor," Evan glanced across to where the other man sat in the co-pilot seat. "You sure you got everything you need?"

"Yes Major," Zelenka replied, pushing his glasses back up his nose. "It's a pity Rodney is incapacitated, yes?"

"Are you saying that because you know he'll be impossible over missing out on this," Lorne asked teasingly, powering up the Jumper and taking her up to hover in front of the open wormhole, "or because you'd rather it was him and not you in the hot seat?"

"Both," Zelenka admitted freely before turning his attention to the task at hand. "You say Doctor Weir's replicator body is dormant?"

"Far as we could tell," Lorne replied, once they were on the other side. "That's part of what we need you here for ... to confirm the nanites are dormant. The rest ... working out how to separate the stasis pod without damaging it or Elizabeth, making sure we can power it for long enough to get the cloning thing off the ground ... depends on no nanite interference."

"Of course," Zelenka lapsed into thoughtful silence as Lorne took the Jumper from the space gate along the same heading as before. As the Ancient ship came into view Zelenka let out a sharp breath.

"Svatý kbelík," he breathed out in his native language.

"Yeah, she's a bit on the worn side," Lorne agreed, hazarding a guess as to what the other man had meant. "Think we can fix her up?"

"Not without considerable work," Zelenka craned his neck and half rose out of his seat to get a close up view of the vessel as Lorne piloted the Jumper over the ship and towards the landing bay.

"If we do get the chance to take her on I don't think there'll be a timetable," Lorne reassured the other man. "Not like last time ... hopefully no Wraith Hive ships to destroy all the hard work five minutes before it's completed either!"

"That would make for nice change Major," Zelenka agreed with a half smile.

Lorne set Jumper Two down lightly and powered off the systems. Getting up to open the back hatch he looked at all the equipment Zelenka had insisted on bringing. "Which of these is a definite?" he asked.

"All of it," Zelenka said, somewhat affronted the Major would think he'd brought anything other than the essentials. "For now though, I will need just my data pad ... to assess the condition of the pod and of FRAN."

"Fair enough Doc,' Lorne waited for the other man to grab the required item before hurrying him out of the Bay. "I'll take you straight to the stasis room," Evan said, striding down the corridor just fast enough that the shorter man had to partially trot to keep up. "This way," Lorne turned corners and walked further into the ship until he came to the room where Elizabeth's replicator body was being maintained.

"Here it is," Lorne motioned the other man inside. Looking at Parker and Moreno he raised an eyebrow. "Where's Colonel Sheppard and Daniel?"

Parker nodded his head in the direction of the doorway that Sheppard the others had left through. "They went with Fidelis to conduct negotiations, sir," he explained, adding a smile of greeting for Dr. Zelenka. Mentally, he was relieved that Lorne had returned. Even with Moreno for company, it was somewhat unnerving to be in a room with someone who looked like they should be dead and yet weren't quite.

"Daniel," Lorne tapped his ear piece to radio the other man ... assuming his CO would be actively involved in discussions with the Gitano leader, Evan felt it best to contact his team mate direct rather than risking an interruption at a crucial point. Daniel would then relay the information back to Sheppard when appropriate. "I'm back with Zelenka ... he's checking out Doctor Weir's stasis pod right now." Getting an acknowledgment from Daniel, Evan turned back to see Zelenka approaching Elizabeth's pod.

Doctor Zelenka ignored all the pleasantries, hardly seeming to notice the room’s occupants as he was drawn to the chamber. "She looks the same," he commented to no one in particular. Ripping out his datapad, Zelenka connected the cables to the stasis pod control system and powered up the link.

"Mmmm," he muttered, tapping keys as he frowned and muttered under his breath.

Daniel and John arrived back in the stasis chamber to see Zelenka muttering and working on hooking up his data pad to the ship's systems. Leaving the Czech scientist to his work they, followed by Teyla (and Dr. Keller) walked over to Lorne. Daniel took the lead in briefing him on their meeting with the Gitano, quickly reiterating the offer to the People and Fidelis' open acceptance.

The archaeologist shook his head, "I just hope the IOA doesn't throw any obstacles in our path. These people will be gone in another generation without help ... if they last that long. From what I saw of this ship during our walk with Fidelis ... it's not going to be space worthy without major intervention and soon."

"You got that right Daniel," Lorne replied. "I took the Doc here over the ship on our approach and she'd in bad shape on the outside as well. It's a wonder they've managed to survive as long as they have."

"It's a miracle," Zelenka commented, obviously listening to the conversation while working on assessing the status the pod. "It will take weeks to make sufficient repairs to bring her back to Atlantis ... months to make her space worthy."

"Oh my," before anyone could comment on his last statement Zelenka was reacting to whatever he'd seen on his data pad. "It's not good," he looked at Colonel Sheppard almost apologetically as he explained. "Power levels across the ship are close to critical levels Colonel ... the estimate is three hours, maybe four before the system drops all non essential functions to keep main systems online."

Sheppard's expression turned deadly serious. "What the hell does that mean?" he demanded to know. "We need to get these people off this ship now? What about Elizabeth? How long do you need to get the pod set up for transfer to the Jumper?" His questions came out nearly rapid fire before he let Radek attempt to answer even the first.

"The ships systems work the same as Atlantis Colonel," Zelenka replied hurriedly. "When main systems are under threat, protocols engage to protect them. The main protocol is to shut down anything not required to keep the ship functioning. There's time to shore up the current power problems ... give us time to fix the ship. But not in time to save Elizabeth if we leave her connected to the system. It just means there's little time for me to uncouple the stasis pod and rig up an independent supply."

Finished with that explanation Radek turned all purposeful, pushing his glasses firmly into place. "Colonel, I need my equipment to be brought from the Jumper immediately."

John listened intently, his gaze boring holes into Radek's eyes. When he explained and was finished, John grabbed at Parker's sleeve. "Let's go," he ordered, his eyes shooting to Moreno as well. "Fidelis, we need some of your men to help move some equipment. Now!" Sheppard turned and ran out of the room back to the Jumper with Moreno and Parker and anyone else he hoped was willing to assist.

Parker didn't even attempt to voice a protest as he was quickly dragged back. He wouldn't have argued with the Colonel anyway. Tobias might not completely understand the situation, but he could hear the urgency in his CO's voice. Dismissing his questions for later, he kept up the pace that Sheppard set back to the Jumper.

Lorne hung back with Radek, watching as Colonel Sheppard and the rest of his team ran from the stasis room with two of Fidelis' people. Daniel remained too ... it made sense for the only person who could communicate with Elizabeth to stay with her.

"Radek," Lorne waited for the other man to look up from his data pad. "You need help? I might not understand the basis but I can follow instructions."

"Thank you Major," Zelenka replied gratefully. "I need to take the cover panel off the stasis pod and make a more direct connection." Handing Evan a screwdriver from the tools he carried with him, Radek put the other man to work.

John loaded himself up the best he could with as much of the black cases as he could manage and still make decent speed back to Radek. Carefully he dropped them nearby as the others followed in his wake with the rest of the stuff. "Here. Here," he urged Radek. He tried not to sound panicked and it nearly worked, it was actually the look in his eyes that gave away his true feelings on the matter.

Parker was a little breathless from the mad dash for supplies, but had soon deposited his share of equipment next to the little scientist. He was about to ask what else he could do, but it seemed clear that what he really needed to do was not be a distraction. It was frustrating to stand there doing nothing, but it was all he could really do.

"Thank you Colonel," Zelenka replied, moving to the first case and opening it.

Within minutes he'd organized all the equipment and gotten down to some serious work. The guts of the stasis chamber were exposed, wires trailing from there to one of Radek's computers. Zelenka was muttering under his breath as he worked towards connecting an external power supply - in this case the usual naquadah generator. Lorne continued to assist him ... handing him things and being a second set of hands when Radek needed it.

It was slow going, and everyone could feel the sand slowly shifting in the hour glass.

"C'mon, Radek," Sheppard urged him as he leaned over the Czech's shoulder, "McKay would've been done by now."

"Do boží dar pro!" Radek cursed the repeating theme of being compared to Rodney McKay before answering.

Sheppard leaned back a bit, looking at Zelenka's profile. "I think I understood that," he warned the be speckled man.

"I'm going as fast as is safe Colonel," Radek assured John. "I'm sure you don't want me rushing and risking a power failure."

John sighed, knowing Radek was doing his best. "Right," he agreed reluctantly.

"There's still time," Zelenka pointed out, turning back to his work and refocussing his concentration.

Radek had gotten to the stage in the process where no one else could help him ... moving away reluctantly, Lorne crossed his arms over his chest as he stopped beside Daniel.

"How're you doing?" he asked in a low voice, loath to distract Zelenka. "Is Doctor Weir aware the power's gone critical?"

It was with visible effort that Daniel pulled his gaze from staring into space and focused on Evan. In an equally low, slightly strained voice, Daniel replied, "She is aware and trying to reintegrate with FRAN. It's hard, it takes a lot of energy and the Replicator's quiescent state is prohibiting an easy return. I am trying to act as the balance or safety net but this isn't my area of expertise." His reply ended with a note of wry humour.

"I won't pretend to understand what that all means in a real sense," Evan replied, still looking at Daniel with concern. "I'm not even sure what we can do if this gets too much for you ... that being the case though I still need to know if you're struggling ... all right?"

Getting the nod of agreement from Daniel, both men turned back to watch the proceedings.

Bending low over his datapad, Zelenka continued to run simulations to test whether the power generated from the naquadah reactor would deliver sufficient power fast enough not to interrupt the flow for the Replicator inside the chamber. It helped Radek to think of the situation impersonally ... thoughts that it was really Elizabeth, someone he admired and had missed greatly would only distract him.

Five minutes later he felt ready to take the next step.

"We are ready to make the power switch, yes?" he glanced at the other occupants of the room, seeking some kind of external approval before he just pushed the button.

"Yes!" John emphasized strongly but quietly, gesturing with a sweep of both arms as if to say "go!"

Lorne moved to put himself close to Zelenka again ... since the time they'd played that reality game together and subsequently been reprimanded by Elizabeth the two men had been firm friends. Evan knew enough to realize Radek was just as brilliant as Rodney in his own, less flamboyant way.

"It'll work," Lorne said confidently, lending his own support to that already given.

"Switching to naquadah generator ... now," Zelenka's hand shook slightly as he resolutely pressed the button.

Sheppard observed the goings on with a deep scowl etched on his face. His worry and concern couldn't be more apparent.

The diagram on Radek's screen showed the naquadah reactor building up power until it hit the critical level Zelenka had determined was required before he disconnected the stasis pod. At that point his second subroutine took over, overriding the ancient system programs controlling the stasis pod and replacing them with the programs on the data pad.

As the transfer of power completed, Daniel slumped against the wall a bit. Elizabeth had used the surge in power to aid her move from the virtual reality back to the Replicator's mind. Unlike the virtual world she had inhabited, her new surroundings were cold and dark...and hard to latch on to. In an instinctive move, Elizabeth had clutched onto Daniel's consciousness as an anchor against the unknown.

"Geesh! 'Lizabeth, warn a guy when you're going to do something like that!" Daniel murmured both aloud and along the mental conduit to Weir. The colour returned to his face and he straightened up, squaring his shoulders.

Sorry. Elizabeth sent the softly spoken word and a reassurance that she had made the transfer.

"Daniel?" Evan looked at him for an explanation of the one sided conversation.

"Elizabeth has made the move with the power transfer to FRAN's body. But without the body actually being alive or powered, it is hard for her to remain. I'm trying to offer her a lifeline ... an anchor of sorts," Daniel reported to the others.

"Ah, okay," Lorne returned uncertainly. "Just make sure she doesn't do anything to transfer power to FRAN ... the last thing we need is active nanites."

It felt to Radek as though everyone held their breath for the few seconds it took for the independent source to take over. Watching his power level readings closely Radek visibly relaxed as they showed the stasis pod was now successfully being powered by the naquadah generator.

"First crisis averted," Zelenka looked to Colonel Sheppard with a relieved smile.

Most of the tension in Sheppard's face disappeared as he looked disbelieving at Radek. "Yeah?" he asked, wanting reassurance before allowing himself to relax a bit.

"Yes," Radek confirmed. "There is still a lot of work required before we can physically move the stasis pod but with the generator in place we've bought ourselves sufficient time ... barring any unforeseen complications."

Zelenka didn't wait for anyone to urge him on to the next step ... luckily all the work they'd done on the stasis pod retrieved from the first Orion was about to pay off. Rodney and Radek had spent weeks working out how to get the stasis pod operational outside of the ships systems ... much of the equipment Radek had brought with him was the programs and associated infrastructure required to do the same with Elizabeth's pod. There was no way Radek would advocate removing the pod just because it was independently powered. He wanted to make sure all of its systems were working independently too. That way they wouldn't have to reconnect it back on Atlantis ... only find a more long term solution for powering it until the Odyssey could make it to Atlantis.

Getting down to work it took a few minutes for Radek to realise that everyone was still standing around waiting for something to happen.

"You should go do something," Radek suggested tactfully. "This is going to take hours."

Sheppard blinked at him then looked around the room briefly as if wondering what he could possibly go do.

Daniel stepped up and lay a gentle hand on Radek's shoulder, his blue eyes kind, "Elizabeth thanks you."

"She's welcome," Radek said with a pleased smile.

Sheppard felt totally useless at that point. He hadn't really helped out in any significant way and now he was being dismissed by ... Zelenka. He looked at Radek, then Lorne ... then he let his eyes rest on Dr. Jackson for a few seconds longer until the other spoke to Radek. John simply moved aside but continued to watch and listen.

Giving the man's shoulder a gentle squeeze of encouragement, Daniel turned to the others, "Perhaps we should break the news to Fidelis and the others about where we're from and see if they have any issues with the Ancestors we should know about and start ferrying them to their new home? Maybe get the Daedalus out here for the mass evac?" He raised his eyebrows at John and Lorne waiting for a go. If he got it, he could take a couple of people with him, contact Atlantis and get that ball rolling.

"That would make sense Sir," Lorne agreed, looking at his CO for the final say. "If it's all right with you I'd like to remain here to assist Doctor Zelenka. Lt.'s Parker and Moreno can escort Doctor Jackson back to Atlantis."

"Yeah," Sheppard agreed, nodding lightly. "Head back to the Jumper and get a message to Atlantis, see if they can contact Daedalus and get them out to our position." He moved toward the door and glanced at Ronon and Teyla, "You two come with me. I wanna check the bridge and the auxiliary control room. See what kind of power I can call up with... ya' know," he said, holding his hand up and wiggling his fingers.

"Okay," he said, squaring off his shoulders, "let's move out people, like we got a purpose." He stepped out and marched away with his teammates on his heels.

Once the room had cleared, Evan glanced around for a spot where he could get comfortable but still be on guard.

"Anything I can help you with Doc?" he asked, pretty sure he already knew the answer.

"Not really Major," Radek replied almost apologetically. "It's just a matter of duplicating the work Rodney and I did on that other stasis pod ... and then installing and uploading it to this pod."

"Sure thing," Lorne shrugged, finding a spot against one wall that still gave him good visibility on Radek and the entrance. "I'll just ...," trailing off Evan grinned at the slightly miffed look the other man threw him. He knew Evan hadn't stayed to help ... but rather to 'guard' him. Just because the Gitano seemed friendly didn't mean they'd relax enough to risk anything happening to the only person on board who could save Elizabeth.

Sitting on the floor, Lorne settled back for a long wait.

oOo

--- Orion ---

Trailed by Lt. Parker and Lt. Moreno, Daniel first headed back to the Gathering Room to find a flurry of people sorting and packing belongings. Fidelis was in the centre of the chaos encouraging his people to be quick but frugal in their choices of what to carry with them. Catching the man's eyes, Daniel nodded toward a private area just off the main room.

In as brief a manner as possible and being as concise as he could, Daniel gave Fidelis the bare essentials of who he and the others were and where the Gitano would be relocated to. It was with some relief that Daniel learned from the old man that while yes ... they knew of the Ancestors and held gratitude for their part in creating life in the Pegasus Galaxy ... their beliefs were far more Earth oriented. If they worshiped anything ... it was nature itself. Fidelis agreed also that there was no need for his people to have further details for the moment. Once they had reached their destination was time enough. He understood the need for Atlantis' secrecy and security.

--- Puddle Jumper Two and Atlantis ---

From there, Daniel and his companions headed for the hangar bay and Parker settled in the pilot's seat while Daniel rode shotgun this time. During their trip to Atlantis, the archaeologist worked feverishly on a briefing that he hoped Sam could sell to the IOA. Be that as it may, it was a done deal with the Gitano and Daniel would fight for their right to settle on New Lantea in exchange for giving up the Orion. All during his long talk with Fidelis and the flight back to Atlantis, Daniel was aware of Elizabeth almost slumbering in his mind. Since the exchange of power and her transfer out of the virtual reality of the ship, he felt her presence far more strongly.

The transit to Atlantis was completed far too quickly and Daniel's presentation to Sam with a full briefing was barely complete when he and his companions arrived in her office. As always with Sam, she carefully considered all angles before making her decision. Before he left, she was on the comm pulling all the pieces into place. As Jack had sometimes done, she chose to get forgiveness rather than permission and authorized the transport of the Gitano people to the mainland agreeing that details for them leaving in the future should they wish would have to be worked out dependent upon how much they could be trusted with the security of Atlantis.

The Odyssey had been summoned and was en route ... her ZPM powered hyperdrive would have her arriving in just under three days. Daedalus was given coordinates and a fast mission briefing from Daniel and broke orbit to rendezvous with Orion at best possible speed.

oOo

By the time Daniel, Parker, and Moreno were once again in space and retracing their flight to the Orion all three felt as if they had run several mental and emotional marathons. The strain of housing a portion of a second entity in his body was telling on Daniel physically and he could feel the overwhelming weariness creeping up on him. Yet so far the strain was not intolerable and he grinned gamely at his two younger companions as they made the trek back.

When Puddle Jumper Two once again docked safely with the Orion, Daniel headed straight for the Stasis Pod chamber. Reaching the room he gave Lorne a weary thumbs up and sank to the floor next to the other man, breaking out a power bar and his canteen of water.

"If it's all the same to you Evan, I'll brief you and John at the same time," Daniel said in a cross between a statement and question, "Short version ... all missions accomplished so far. Daedalus is en route to our location and should arrive shortly, ..." He gulped several swallows of water trying to push his weariness aside.

"Nice work," Lorne glanced across at the other man, noting his weariness and holding off on all the questions he wanted to ask ... they could wait until John and the others had returned as well.

"Radek," Evan used a louder voice to draw the scientist's attention ... Doctor Zelenka tended to get absorbed to the point of obliviousness when working. Radek looked up and Evan gave him a questioning look. "Any idea on how much longer?"

"Ah ... two hours to finish the duplication, yes?" Radek estimated, "and maybe two, three more to implement the new infrastructure."

"Take a break then Doc," Lorne put enough steel into his voice that Radek would know it wasn't just a suggestion. "Another fifteen minutes won't make a difference."

Radek sighed before reluctantly putting aside his data pad and joining the other two men, seating himself awkwardly beside Lorne. Evan drew a power bar from his pack and handed it to the other man.

"How's Elizabeth?" Lorne asked Daniel, sure that Radek wouldn't mind a progress report on her condition either.

Daniel took a last long swallow of water before answering, "The transfer back to what amounts to a dead FRAN was a jolt. I feel her more firmly established in me although right now she's ... dormant or sleeping ... but I'm more aware of her presence if that makes sense? She wasn't harmed but with the FRAN out of commission it is harder for her to make the connections she needs to survive."

The archaeologist paused again and then smiled faintly, "Don't worry. I'll do whatever is necessary to protect her." And, Daniel realized, he would. Nothing like having another's consciousness living in your head to seal a permanent bond of friendship.

--- Orion Auxiliary Power Room ---

John had remembered the way to the APR as if he'd been on the ship only yesterday. He'd had quite the tour of these Ancient warships from the previous two times he'd been aboard one and as luck would have it they seemed to be built off an assembly line much like Earth ships were.

Ronon and Teyla casually milled about, looking over the consoles and systems as they tried to figure out what was what. Sheppard had first taken them with him to the Weapons Platform Chair but even after tinkering with the power crystals in the base of the control chair he couldn't get it to power up. That's when he decided to start in the APR.

He made his way around the room, touching consoles or simply waving his hand over them. Only a few came online and at best nothing they could really use at this point. It was good to see there was still some juice in her system but he shut it back down again to stifle any more drain on the systems that were left.

Everyone else on the ship was aware of his endeavours when all the overhead lights flared on briefly and then dimmed but stayed lit with an unnerving hum. Then they went black again as Sheppard commanded them off. The man Fidelis had asked to go along with Sheppard's team watched in amazement as John caused some of the dormant systems to come up without even having to touch some of them.

Once Sheppard was satisfied with what he'd seen, he picked up his P-90 from where he'd left it lying atop a dead engineering console and turned to Fidelis' man. "Okay, I've seen enough. We can head back to the others." Looking at Teyla and Ronon he mentioned, "Lorne's team should be back by now." He looked at his watch to affirm and nodded, "Unless they've hit a snag, we should be well on our way. But we do have to get these people off this ship."

With a nod from his teammates, Sheppard led them all back to the stasis chamber housing Elizabeth's pod.

--- Stasis Chamber ---

John walked into the chamber and halted as Teyla and Ronon came in behind him. They looked at him as he stared at the pod and then looked to where Lorne, Jackson and Zelenka were sitting on the floor.

"What happened?" he asked, barely holding panic in check. "Why aren't you working?" he asked.

Teyla had also scanned the equipment Radek was using and had already determined that all was going well. She placed a calming hand on John's arm. "I believe all is well, John. They are just taking a needed break," she offered with a slow nod to the men on the floor.

"What?" he asked as if not comprehending the idea.

"A needed rest break, I believe. This entire endeavour is exhausting everyone, Colonel ... emotionally and physically ... including you."

John looked at her as if she was daft. Teyla looked back steadily, her brown eyes clearly stating he was pushing them just a tad too hard. He stared back and finally relaxed a bit and nodded.

"Okay ..." he assented and bit down on his lip as he thought for a moment. Then he looked at Daniel directly. "What's going on with Daedalus and the, uh ... the Odyssey?"

He figured an updated report would give him something else to focus on.

"I will get back to work," Radek announced before Daniel could begin, giving Sheppard an apologetic smile even though Major Lorne had practically forced him to take a break.

As Radek turned to his work, Daniel briefed everyone, "Sam has authorized us to bring the Gitano to Atlantis, get them full medical checks and see to any of their health needs before conveying them to the Mainland. Colonel Carter chose to seek forgiveness rather than permission and is counting on us acquiring the Orion to mitigate any upset with the IOA. Daedalus is in transit and should arrive shortly. I sent several of the Cultural Sciences staff with Colonel Caldwell to aid in initial evacuation and transit of the Gitano. I recommend that we take Fidelis with us so that he can be at the off loading point to greet his people. Perhaps Edanis can be designated to facilitate the evac on this side?"

Daniel had to pause for another sip of water before finishing, "Odyssey is in route and pouring on the gas ... so to speak ... she should arrive within three standard days. Sam is already on the research into the Asgard cloning and transference technology ... as much as she can be without being hands on right now ... so we should be very close to being able to initiate the cloning of Weir's original body as soon as Odyssey arrives. She was going to request that Dr. Beckett isolate the best DNA samples from Elizabeth Weir on file at Atlantis. Other than that it is just a case of getting all of us back to Atlantis and keeping Elizabeth intact until the final operation can proceed."

Listening with half an ear to Daniel's report Radek went back to duplicating and amending the vast array of program code needed for the pod to run without a direct connection to any of the ancient systems.

Lorne sat back, amazed at how much his team had gotten done in the relatively short time they'd been gone.

Four hours later, still inside the estimate he'd given Lorne, Radek stepped back from the stasis pod, stretching the kinks out of his back as he checked the results of his final simulation.

"I'm ready to cut the final connection to the Orion," he told Lt. Moreno, currently the person on 'Radek' guard duty.

"Colonel Sheppard," Moreno tapped her radio to make a connection. "Doctor Zelenka says he's ready to disconnect the stasis pod."

Radek watched as the Lieutenant listened for a moment and then nodded. "Acknowledged Sir," before turning back to him.

"They'll be here in a few minutes Doctor," Moreno reported.

"Thank you Lieutenant," Radek busied himself checking and rechecking everything ... the time only serving to make him nervous ... if this didn't work and he ended up damaging the pod in some way, or worse Doctor Weir ... well, he didn't even want to contemplate the consequences. Perhaps it would have been better if Rodney could have come along on the mission as well ... snarkiness aside, having a second set of eyes checking everything would have been very reassuring at that point.

Just then Colonel Sheppard and his team walked into the room.

"I am ready to cut the stasis pod connection to Orion, Colonel," Radek told him, restating where he was at. Waiting for Colonel Sheppard's approval as before, Radek pushed his glasses up his nose and added "this is good, yes?"

"Yeah, it's good. Good job, Radek." Sheppard replied.

Turning back to his data pad Radek pressed 'Enter' ... the system code began whizzing forward on his screen while on the stasis pod lights flashed. A few seconds later everything stabilized and the data pad screen showed all readings in the green.

"The stasis pod is now running independent of the Orion Colonel," Radek reported his success with only a faint smile. Phase one was complete but there was still much to be done, most of it never before attempted for a human being. The rest of it would have to take place back on Atlantis. "I will need to get the stasis pod back to Atlantis as soon as possible to switch power to one of the stronger, longer lasting generators," Radek pointed out.

"I'm taking my team back to Atlantis along with Fidelis. Let him meet the gang and get him set up on the Mainland to receive his people when the Daedalus arrives," Colonel Sheppard replied.

"We can take Doctor Weir as well, yes?" Radek asked hopefully. "The sooner we get the pod hooked up for longer term power supply the better ... I am sure the pod will fit in the back of the Jumper and still leave room for your guest." The little scientist spoke respectfully, not wanting to push the other man but at the same time seeing clearly that for the moment there was nothing more he could do on the Orion.

John was pulled up short at the question and the subsequent commentary. He hadn't thought the pod was ready for transport quite yet. He took a deep breath and stared at Radek for a moment. His thoughts kept jumping back to having a replicator in the Jumper. For whatever reason, Sheppard was beginning to let his memories color his feelings on the matter. It seemed like one by one all of his friends were becoming clones or, like Ford, something not quite human.

"Fine," he finally said. Then turned to the others. "Dr. Keller, you'll remain with the pod to monitor the patient. Lorne? You got command here. Keep in touch," Sheppard prattled off and turned on his heel to get ready to leave. Ronon and Teyla gave a silent nod to Lorne and Daniel and the team then followed John back to the hangar.

It had been abrupt for the Colonel but Lorne wasn't surprised ... this mission had been hard on his CO ... too many memories, too much hope. Having Elizabeth on her way back to Atlantis was a positive step forward but everyone knew her return was by no means certain as yet.

Lorne shared a glance with Daniel before they both turned to Radek. "Help you get organized?" Lorne asked the scientist.

"Thank you Major," Radek replied gratefully. It only took a few minutes to organize cables and equipment so that it could be moved easily. Radek, knowing he'd have to shift everything at the end, had kept eventual transport at the forefront of his mind the whole time he'd been working.

"Parker, Moreno, help Radek wheel everything down to Colonel Sheppard's Jumper," Lorne ordered half his team. "Then report back here for clean up duty."

"Is this separation from the pod going to be a problem for you Daniel?" Lorne asked, moving to stand beside Daniel as the hive of activity that surrounded Radek made its way slowly from the room.

Daniel glanced at Evan, "Honestly? I don't know. We'll...uh...I'll manage one way or the other."

"Let's go talk to Edanis ... see what we can do to help with the evacuation," Lorne suggested.

The two men left the stasis chamber as it was ... bits of equipment still scattered on every surface ... and a big, gaping hole in the wall that declared to anyone who knew its history that Elizabeth was on her way back to them.

Chapter 08: Return to Atlantis
Wednesday, 21^st January | 0900 Hours | Atlantis Conference Room

Daniel walked into Atlantis' main conference room and took a seat. It had been just over six days since the mission to the Orion. So far, FRAN was being safely maintained in the stasis pod currently housed in the Infirmary. There had been no signs the nanites were arousing from their dormant state and the pod's systems were intact and operational.

The Odyssey had arrived in orbit on schedule along with a few visitors and new personnel for Atlantis. Colonel Sam Carter, Dr. Radek Zelenka, and Jeannie Miller had immediately gotten to work on deciphering the Asgard cloning technology and learning how they could apply it to this situation. Dr. Keller had remained on Atlantis to aid Dr. Carson Beckett in retrieving and cleaning up the best of the DNA samples they had on file from Elizabeth Weir.

Daniel, along with his temporary team, had stayed busy debriefing and orienting the Gitano to their new home. This had involved numerous trips to the mainland with medical personnel that had given physical exams and tended to health concerns before integrating the Gitano in with the Athosian population. As Daniel had hoped, the two peoples had a great affinity for one another and the Athosians threw themselves enthusiastically into aiding the Gitano in setting up their new village.

Through all of it, Daniel had maintained his connection with Elizabeth Weir and had carefully kept the strain it was putting him under control. He had taken to resting a lot more than was his normal needs or wants. They, he and Elizabeth, were hanging on and dealing with the situation as best they could.

Now, Daniel was waiting for the meeting Sam had called to start. She had requested Lorne, Sheppard, Dr. Keller, Dr. Beckett, her science team of Zelenka and Miller, and Daniel himself to attend.

As if summoned by his thoughts, Sam walked in and laid her datapad down beside the seat at the head of the table before coming to stand near Daniel. She rested her hand on his arm gently for a few beats before speaking, "How are you doing?"

"Good," Daniel nodded with a smile, "We're good."

Carter nodded and did not delve further. Too many years and too many crisis shared had taught her how to read Daniel ... and vice versa. She simply walked back around the table and assumed her seat. "We'll begin momentarily."

Major Lorne walked into the room on the heels of Colonel Carter, taking a seat next to Daniel.

"Daniel, Colonel," sparing the other man a quick glance, Lorne went with a casual greeting. No point in asking Daniel how he was ... like the fifty other times he'd asked in the last week no doubt his teammate would put him off with a smiling 'fine'. In any case, the circles under the eyes and general air of weariness spoke its own tale. With any luck, part of the coming meeting would be Colonel Carter announcing that they were finally ready to do the transfer. Settling back in his seat with legs outstretched, Lorne relaxed in wait for the others to arrive.

Sheppard walked into the conference room a moment later and barely spared the others a glance except to give them a quick nod and a grumbled "good morning". He placed his own laptop on the table to the right of where Sam would sit and went straight to the coffee maker.

He kept his attention on the mug as he poured and the aroma of the fresh brew filled his nostrils. He inhaled the steam deeply and then shifted to put the pot back on the hot plate. As he struggled to get it to slide under the filter carriage, he fumbled the mug and it glanced off the countertop and spun onto the floor a few feet away, drenching his pant legs with the hot liquid.

"Dammit!" he cursed and jumped backward a step, still holding the offending pot in his hand. He took a deep breath, nostrils flaring as he scowled deeply and snatched up another mug. Filling that one he was able to replace the pot easily this time and he turned to go back to his seat.

Placing the mug on the table he glanced at the others and turned to fetch the other mug off the floor. "Sorry... fumble fingers this morning," he excused himself to the others and placed the cracked mug on the tray on the credenza on its side so no one would mistakenly grab it. He then grabbed a handful of napkins and blotted his clothes and then mopped up the splashes on the floor.

Once that was done he spun around looking for a waste basket, then thought to look under the credenza inside the doors. He tossed the sopping towels in the basket and returned to his seat. He kept his eyes toward the table, trying to act nonchalant but wasn't sure if it was working. He couldn't wait til this entire situation was done. One way or another.

He wasn't sleeping well and it was beginning to show, he knew that. From the looks of Jackson, neither was he. John had taken to not asking for information anymore. Daniel was always friendly about replying but John simply got to the point where he felt impotent to help in any real way... and really wasn't sure at this point if he wanted to get his hopes up at all.

"Who're we waiting for?" he asked, as he looked up at the small group. He tried to sound casual but his tone came out more like impatience.

Sam had started in alarm when John spilled the coffee, afraid that he might have scalded himself. As the man set about fixing a new cup and cleaning up the mess, she relaxed back in her chair.

"We still need Doctors Keller and Beckett, Dr. Zelenka, and Mrs. Miller." Sam replied, her blue eyes sparking with concern, "Are you okay, John?" She lowered her voice and allowed the concern she felt to show.

"Fine," he replied shortly, still focused on wiping down the legs of his uniform, now angry at himself about that. Then he suddenly stopped his pre-occupation and looked up, pinning Sam with a scowl. "Who are we waiting for??" he asked again.

Sam frowned at her 2IC's tone and manner, but tried to make allowances. Everyone was tired and more than a little tense. The situation was hard on everyone, hardest of all on those that had been especially close to Dr. Weir.

"We're waiting on Doctors Keller and Beckett, Dr. Zelenka, and Mrs. Miller," Sam answered again, keeping her tone patient and light. "They should be here soon. If not I'll start the Briefing without them."

John's face released its tension when he saw the reaction of his CO to his response. "Sorry, Colonel," he apologized sincerely and lowered his eyes to watch the steam float out of his mug.

Lorne kept his eyes on the table, frowning at the obvious tension in the room. If he hadn't needed Daniel to tell him he wasn't exactly fine, Evan also didn't need to ask his CO how he was going either. The uncharacteristic show of emotion just displayed by Colonel Sheppard wasn't the first clue either ... the other man had been tense and distracted ever since they'd come back from the Orion. If the situation wasn't resolved soon Lorne honestly didn't know who would break first ... the Colonel or Daniel.

Dr. Beckett came in, carrying a handful of files and looking more than a little harried. He had been up most of the night trying to finish his work on Elizabeth's DNA. The last thing he wanted was for something to go wrong because he had forgotten something. "Sorry, I'm late," he said, a little breathlessly. He took a seat at the conference table and set his papers in front of him. "Have I missed anything?"

Radek arrived on Dr. Beckett's heels, raising his eyebrows in question as well. Sam shook her head at both men, "You're in good time, gentlemen. We have not started yet."

Jenn trailed in right behind him. "Sorry about this. I hate being late." John looked like a wreck. "Are you alright, John?"

Sheppard looked up, a bit surprised then schooled his own response to be sure he didn't snap again. "Fine, Doc. Thanks."

The door opened again and Jeannie Miller arrived casting an apologetic look to the others in the room before taking a place at the table.

As everyone got settled, Sam coughed slightly and brought the Briefing to order. She nodded to each member present, her eyes lingering in concern on John and then Daniel. Both men looked tired and strained. She remembered when they had lost Daniel. Her life had seemed shattered. She could only imagine how hard all of this had been for everyone involved.

"Well ... as you all know ... our plan was to clone a replacement body for Dr. Weir using the Asgard cloning technology installed on the Odyssey. Using samples of Dr. Weir's DNA that we had on file, Dr. Beckett cleaned it up and made sure it was viable. Dr. Keller has been closely monitoring FRAN's condition as well as aiding Dr. Beckett in his efforts," Sam paused and smiled, acknowledging their contributions to this most vital project.

"I have been working on the actual cloning technology along with Dr. Zelenka and Mrs. Miller ... as most of you know, Rodney has been laid up with a severe case of bronchitis. He has looked over our work and aided where he could and his illness allowed." There was another pause as Sam took a moment to acknowledge the rest of the team.

"Before continuing, I want to say that making it as far as we have in this mission ... and make no mistake, it has been a mission dear to all of us to save Dr. Weir and restore her to Atlantis ... making it to this point could not have been done without the contributions of each person in this room and some that are not attending this meeting. Colonel Sheppard and Major Lorne's Teams performed beautifully under a crunch of time and ... not for the first time ... going into the unknown to save and bring back one of our people. This is an amazing testament to our mandate that we leave no one behind.. Thank you all and thank your team members that are not present for me," Sam stopped and sighed. The next part would not be easy.

Sheppard's expression shifted slightly at Sam's words. He'd do what he needed to do to help the team bring Elizabeth home, that was never in question. He simply felt that his efforts were hardly worth mentioning to this point. He felt useless and he hated that feeling. He wasn't a big brain like the others and his military expertise was hardly needed at this point.

Major Lorne had that sinking feeling inside ... the fact that Colonel Carter was doing the positive reinforcement up front could only mean one thing ... she was about to give them bad news. Pinning Radek with a questioning look, Evan wasn't reassured when the scientist shook his head subtly before turning his own eyes firmly back to Sam.

"Now ... back to what I'm sure everyone is most interested in hearing ... were we successful in cloning a replacement body for Elizabeth Weir?" Sam continued. "With Daniel's aid in translating the Asgard database and our science teams' dedication ... yes we were. Elizabeth is ready for us to begin the next phase ... moving her consciousness into the clone." Sam stopped and met each person's eyes.

"And we have hit a road block. The Asgard technology was not designed to transfer or download a free-floating consciousness or one inhabiting what is virtually a deactivated machine ... i.e. FRAN. Dr. Zelenka and Mrs. Miller have looked at every permutation of code and have written numerous algorithms in an effort to bypass the code. It cannot be done. In all simulations the transfer lost cohesiveness and failed. Dr. Weir's essence, her consciousness, must be moved from a living being to her new, living cloned body."

John's face screwed up into a completely confused and disappointed scowl as he stared at his mug. He shifted in his chair and then rubbed a finger and thumb of one hand hard against his eyes.

"I'm sorry Colonel," Radek looked at John apologetically. "We will continue to work at the problem, but ..." he trailed off uncertainly, not wanting to admit he thought it unlikely they'd succeed.

As expected, Sam's announcement fell like a lead balloon and the room became desperately silent. She intended to assure them that no one had given up and no one would give up, but time was against them. Before she could speak, Daniel shifted his long legs and leaned forward. He stared at his hands for several moments and raised his head and locked eyes with each person in the room, his gaze coming to rest at last on Sam.

"Let me do it. We can use the Kel'no'reem or some other type of method to pull Elizabeth the rest of the way into my consciousness. Then you can transfer her from me to the cl...," Daniel stopped. He hated referring to the body waiting for Dr. Weir as The Clone as if it were a mere commodity, "Transfer her consciousness to her waiting home ... body."

Sam's brows furrowed, "Daniel, I don't know that it's that easy. The Asgard technology depends on recognizing and extracting the brain wave energy of the person to be downloaded. I don't know that we could isolate Elizabeth from you. You could be damaged ... killed ... we could lose both of you."

Daniel shook his head, "Maybe working with our medical staff, you guys can find a way to isolate Elizabeth's patterns from mine or maybe give me a drug that would suppress ... me ... something." He looked around at all the brain power in the room hoping someone would speak up.

Sheppard had looked over at Jackson as the man spoke up to volunteer. Inside his feelings churned and roiled around from one extreme to another. He had no idea why he felt so mixed up about this entire thing; his feelings racing from hope to jealousy. He'd had no idea he felt this strongly about Elizabeth or getting her back home. His own internal sensations were confusing him, but they were so strong he was having a hard time pushing the aside and he knew it showed. So he simply lowered his eyes again and tried to meld into the furniture.

Although he frowned at Daniel's willingness to put himself so much at risk, Lorne refrained from protesting ... for the time being. Evan was just as keen for Elizabeth to return as anyone ... for the bonds of a friendship forged during too many hours waiting for Sheppard's team to return safely ... but also for the well being of their military leader, who still blamed himself for leaving her behind in the first place. Lorne felt responsible for Daniel's offer because it had been his idea the other man join his team for the mission ... resolving to step up in protest if he thought it necessary, Lorne sat back and let the scientific minds ponder how to mitigate the risks.

Elizabeth, who had been resting in the recesses of Daniel's mind, brought herself to a light level of consciousness, afraid of burdening Daniel even more but desiring to 'hear' what was going on around her. The news did not bode well with her. Taking a risk she "spoke" to the doctor for the first time since her initial anchoring, excluding when he tried to address her specifically.

A moment of silence passed as everyone seemed to be thinking over the quandary and then John mentioned, "Don't people as individuals have different brainwaves? Like a fingerprint? Just the fact that she's female and he's male, wouldn't their brain waves be noticeably different? Or what about ... the ... difference between beta, delta and alpha waves? Would, or does she, read as not quite a conscious wave?"

'No. Too dangerous. Rather die than kill.' She protested. She had already caused so much pain. She wasn't willing to do anything that might hurt the man who had made her survival during this part of the process possible.'

John had no idea if what he was asking even sounded intelligent. He was just trying to pull together information he'd heard at one time or another through the years.

"Shut the hell up!" Daniel replied sharply.

Sheppard's head snapped up and he looked at Jackson wide-eyed. Everyone was looking at Jackson wide-eyed. John was truly at a loss for words.

Silence fell over the room and Sam looked at Daniel quizzically, "You have something to add, Dr. Jackson?"

Daniel blinked, "Did I say that out loud?"

Sam, John... and several others nodded.

"Uh...no...nothing to add," Daniel said while he mentally clamped a hand over Elizabeth's mouth. He could hear her continued muttered protests and muffled arguments, but he clamped down hard, pushing her to the back of his mind. You can listen...but no speaking. Daniel thought to the entity sharing his mind.

Sheppard continued to frown at Daniel, tilting his head a bit as he regarded the archaeologist. This was almost deja vu. He remembered this sort of thing happening to Rodney when he had Cadman in his head. "Did you just tell... Elizabeth... to shut the hell up?" he asked, his expression pinched as if he didn't know whether to grin or pity the man for the retribution he was sure Dr. Weir would hand out later.

Daniel tried his usual wide, blue-eyed blink of innocence. When that failed to have any noticeable effect on his audience, he slouched down in his chair with a plaintive, "We've really got to get her out of my head...really."

Sam's eyes sparkled at the humour of the situation before turning serious again, "Back to what you said earlier, John. It is my understanding that human brain patterns are distinct from one another. Whether it is possible to write a macro around the Asgard programs that would isolate one from another...we won't know until we try. I would be more sanguine in permitting this if we did have a medical way to suppress Daniel's brain waves...brain pattern...during the transference...just as a secondary precaution."

Turning direct blue eyes on her two chief medics, Sam asked, "Doctors Becket, Keller...is this possible. Would an induced coma put Daniel deep enough that Elizabeth's consciousness could become dominant?"

There was more discussion with Daniel occasionally weighing in that the possible gain was worth the risk. Sam shushed him as she listened to the doctors describe the process and the risks. At last she looked at John and then at Daniel...long time friend and...well no and...just long time friend. Making her decision, Colonel Carter rose to her feet...

"Doctors Beckett and Keller, I want to know that Daniel is in peak physical condition and that all risks are minimized...you will need to work with Dr. Zelenka and Mrs. Miller to get everything in place and ready. Test as thoroughly as you possibly can. I want updates on the hour. Dismissed."

Chapter 09: Moving Day
Wednesday, 21^st January | 1030 Hours | Odyssey Infirmary - East Pier, Atlantis

Doctor Zelenka muttered to himself as he completed the final adjustments to the programs he and Samantha Carter had written to assist with the transfer process. The infirmary on the Odyssey was quiet for the time being ... his only real company the constant presence of Carson Beckett quietly going about the business of monitoring his patients.

Ever at the forefront of Radek's mind was the still form of Doctor Daniel Jackson ... waiting in a medically induced coma for them to take the next step.

Of course, the infirmary did have another occupant ... but Zelenka could hardly bring himself to look at the cloned body of his friend. It looked like Elizabeth Weir but the blankness, the lack of everything that made her who she was disturbed Radek. He could not wait for the whole thing to be over ... for Elizabeth to be herself again ... and for Rodney to get better enough to be the one in the hot seat next time.

Rather than a standard infirmary bed, the two patients were enclosed in pods reminiscent of stasis chambers ... in fact they'd been forced to modify two of the pods from the Atlantis stasis room for the transfer because the Asgard ones were too small to fit even the smallest human adult on Atlantis. Daniel resided in one of the altered pods and Elizabeth in the other. Between them stood the Asgard clone transfer 'machine' ... each pod hooked into the device, as well as into the host of Earth based monitoring equipment Zelenka had rigged up with Sam and Jeannie's help.

Radek wasn't concerned about what came next. The theory behind the idea was sound ... suppress Daniel's consciousness and let Elizabeth Weir rise to the surface. The Asgard clone transfer technology he and Mrs Miller had spent days adjusting for human usage was designed to take the active consciousness into the new body. The only uncertainty lay in whether Elizabeth could be active enough ... Daniel subdued enough ... for the process to take all of her and none of him into the clone. That's what Radek's latest programs were for ... to monitor both sets of brain waves - before, during and after the process.

"How's it coming Radek?" Samantha Carter walked into the infirmary a few moments later.

"Is good ... we are ready to proceed," Radek's accent was more pronounced than usual - something that always happened when he was overtired and stressed.

"Good work Doctor," Sam complimented with a smile. "Carson, how are our patients?"

"Daniel's brainwaves confirm someone in a deep coma state," Carson replied, looking again at the pod status screen showing brain wave activity. "The clone is self sustaining ... all it needs is someone in the driver’s seat."

"Let's get this done then," Sam decided. Accessing the ships intercom, she requested the presence of Colonel Sheppard, Ronon, and Teyla as being the closest to Elizabeth, adding in Major Lorne for security purposes and Jennifer for added medical backup.

Zelenka noted the way Team Sheppard arrived together, as though they'd been keeping a vigil somewhere in the ship, just waiting for the call. Major Lorne and Jennifer were only a few paces behind.

Sheppard and his team strode into the room with purpose. They'd all been sitting quietly together in the mess hall nursing cold coffees in silence. John marched over to the pod holding Elizabeth's body. He stared down at her through the canopy. If he could will the success of this experiment all by himself, he was certainly sending all the right energy her way.

Ronon entered behind John and Teyla. He too walked into the centre of the room but remained a few feet back, letting Sheppard have his moment with Elizabeth out of respect for both of them. They'd been through a lot together even before Ronon had joined the team, he knew the kind of bonds that type of thing created between two people. He watched the goings on as John scowled down at the face beneath the glass.

"Everything is as ready as it can be," Sam announced to the watchful group. "Doctor Zelenka and Doctor Beckett have checked and rechecked everything possible ... there's nothing left to do now but initiate the process."

Lorne glanced at his CO and saw the worried fear the other man struggled to hide. "What happens next Doc?" he asked Zelenka, hoping an explanation of the practical aspects would alleviate some of those fears.

"The process is completely automated Major," Radek replied. "Assuming we have Doctor Jackson's consciousness sufficiently suppressed, and have the two of them hooked into the system correctly, all that remains is to press the button."

Radek looked to Colonel Carter, hopeful she'd volunteer either herself or someone else to do that part.

"Do it," Sam ordered instead.

The tension in the room ramped up as those words echoed into the silence. Swallowing nervously, Radek looked at Carson, got the nod that he too was ready to react should it prove necessary, and then pressed Enter on his datapad interface.

Everybody's eyes shifted to the large display screen currently showing the brain wave patterns of both subjects. At first it seemed that nothing happened. The clone brainwave patterns showed the minimal level required to keep body functions operational. Daniel's showed the dominant activity of Elizabeth with the suppressed echo underneath of Daniel himself.

In the dark recesses of Daniel's mind Elizabeth waited patiently. She knew roughly what was going to happen, gleaned from what she could understand with Daniel's mind being as reclusive as possible. Still that hadn't prepared her for the sudden loosening of grip Daniel was beginning to have. She knew, somewhere, that this was his body being taken under.

She wanted to struggle, to make sure that Daniel would be alright. Yet, she couldn't. She felt herself not caring where her spirit was carried. There was a warmth somewhere behind her. It felt nice, gentle, and welcoming, almost like a dear one's embrace. No resemblance did it have to the frigid expanses of space and what she assumed death was. It felt so...human.

There was nothing more that she wanted then to fall into that feeling, that comfort. Within it she could hear them. Promises of light, warmth, friends, and tender welcomes whispered in her ears. She found herself smiling, reaching out towards that wonderful place.

The change occurred gradually, bursts of different patterns shifting through the clones standard waves, like pouring food colouring into a glass of lemonade. The 'colour' shot downwards, swirled, fizzed and then eventually mixed to become fully flavoured. Where there had been blandness, now there was interest and randomness within the brain activity.

Daniel's brain waves in contrast slowly settled from the interesting into a basic low level pattern. Physically there appeared to be no ill effects from the transfer ... no pain, no trauma ... nothing to indicate that either patient had suffered in any way during the process.

With a suddenness that had everyone flinching, the lids on both pods slid open abruptly, exposing the occupants to the room at large. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the next event ... but nothing further happened.

"Well?" Sam looked at Carson expectantly.

"Based on a comparison of these brain waves with what we saw in Daniel before, along with what we have on file for Elizabeth ... the transfer was successful," Carson announced after assessing the displays. "This is Doctor Elizabeth Weir - well as much as we can determine from brain waves alone."

Sheppard listened closely, staring at Carson up close as he moved nearer his patient. When he confirmed that the woman before them was again Elizabeth Weir John turned sharp eyes back to her as the others continued to talk.

"And Daniel?" Sam asked, letting her personal concern for her friend shine through.

"He's still in the medical coma Colonel," Carson reported. "We'll bring him out of it gradually over the next few hours." Seeing Sam's obvious disappointment Carson added with a smile "don't worry ... he'll come out of this none the worse for wear."

John continued to stare down at Elizabeth's body and only blinked when her lashes seemed to flutter. He didn't speak because he wasn't sure if it was his own wishful thinking.

Lorne stood back, saying nothing as he felt the tension drain from the room at Carson's prognosis. It was only because he had his eyes trained in the right direction that Evan even noticed the movement ... eyelashes flickering, breathing patterns changing.

"Ah Doc?" he drew Carson's attention his way. "I think she's waking up."

Hurrying quickly to the pod and placing himself beside it directly in her line of sight, Carson put a gentle hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "Elizabeth?"

As Beckett came forward, John took a couple of steps back from the pod. He kept watching her but lowered his head as the uncertainty of it all suddenly hit him. What if she wasn't herself? What if she wasn't the Elizabeth they used to know before her brain trauma and all that stuff that the nanites had fixed...?

Jenn worked in silence. She kept her focus on the task at hand ... saving Elizabeth Weir. She wouldn't fail this time.

In a cloud those voices that were so far away became clear, sharply. Elizabeth flinched with her eyes closed. The prickling of surface below her was strange to her senses. The weight of something around her shoulder felt very intense, not painful, but very alarming.

She blinked her eyes opened, closing them again with a slight hiss. The light was so bright. While it was likely only normally levelled, for someone who had drifted in the darkness, weightless, it was all overwhelming. The very movement of a finger felt so very foreign as she slowly fit back into her body.

"Carson?" She felt her voice crack. She froze. That voice. her voice. Her throat tightened up. Was this some cruel joke from the replicators? Would she open her eyes to see Oboroth looming over her? Could it be, even possibly, that this was real. Could she truly be back, be home, be her, be ... whole?

Elizabeth pushed past her fears as she squinted her eyes open. Slowly, Carson came into focus. Blinking several times she rolled her head to the side to see Daniel, unconscious, and frowned slightly before looking up to those who were watching over them. She choked up a little more as her eyes settled on them one by one, exhaling sharply choosing to close her eyes again for a moment in relief. A smile spread across her lips.

As she looked around, to each of them and smiled, Ronon and Teyla both grinned back but John simply frowned and then chewed lightly on his bottom lip. He averted his eyes toward the floor as his thoughts tried to unnerve him from what he thought would be a really exciting moment. But he was afraid to get his hopes up. He couldn't take that disappointment again.

Jenn watched anxiously, not knowing if it was too good to be true. One of the newer nurses was monitoring his vitals in case any possible problems. "Elizabeth?" She needed to know how aware she was.

"Jennifer," Elizabeth responded just as tentatively, her head turning back towards the other. "I see you have new help ..." She observed the nurse standing close by. She hoped that would be a little bit of a testimony to her memory.

Her eyes flickered over to the side of all the doctors, finally seeing John. She blinked several times, her lips parting slightly like there was something she wanted to say but froze in doing so. Instead she managed to form his name, her expression caught between reluctance and respite. "Thank you." She mumbled, knowing that she owed the same words to Dr. Jackson, but he was still in a coma. Words stumbled in her brain, but this wasn't the time or the place. Right now she had something to prove, that she was truly herself. Being able to see him there provided a cushion. If she could trust in them, in him, they would trust her.

Jenn smiled in relief. "I can't believe it’s you."

"Alright," Carson stepped back up purposefully. "I know you all want to talk with Elizabeth but there are still a number of tests I need to run - just to confirm that the transfer didn't create any unexpected side effects." At the obvious disappointment on all the faces in the room, Carson smiled understandingly. "We'll have Elizabeth and Doctor Jackson transferred back to the infirmary on Atlantis as soon as possible ... you'll all be able to talk to my patient ... one at a time mind ... tomorrow. For now we need to allow Elizabeth some time to rest."

The room was filled with a strange mix of disappointed grumbling and happy well wishes for Elizabeth as everyone filed out.

"It is good to see you back to yourself Doctor Weir," Zelenka paused at her bedside to offer his comments, knowing he probably wouldn't get the chance to speak to his former leader given the greater claims the others would have on her time.

"Thank you Radek," Elizabeth said in a low, somewhat rusty voice.

"Ah ... what he said," Lorne followed up, watching Radek walking quickly from the room. Aware of Carson waiting pointedly for him to vacate the room too, Evan looked down at Elizabeth. "Listen ... if you need anything ... if you want me to take care of anything for you ... just ask, okay?"

"I appreciate that Major," Elizabeth replied softly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Lorne grinned. "It'll be good to see you back on Atlantis."

"Alright lad," Carson urged Evan to leave the room, turning back to Elizabeth with a smile of his own once it was just them. "We'll have you back there before you know it."

Chapter 10: End Song Part 1
Thursday, 22^nd January | 2100 Hours | Balcony off Control Room

Elizabeth leaned into the light night breeze, closing her eyes to feel it brush against her warmed skin. She inhaled deeply letting the salty sting of brisk ocean flood her senses. She leaned into the cold metal of the balcony’s railing. She clutched to it with fervour not minding the sting it caused. If anything it was comforting to feel, actually FEEL.

It had been so long since she had done that. Even as Fran, her sensory inputs were just that: mechanical readings. She had nearly forgotten what small things such as this meant towards being human. She let her mind focus on the sensations and sounds around her attempting to forget the world around her.

Since her revival and confirmation as herself she had people flocking to her. She had been touched by their kindness and concern, but it was all a little much. It hadn’t been until now that she was able to escape away for a moment to herself. Inhaling deeply she opened her eyes once more when the faint sound of the balcony doors sliding open made her stand up straight.

Glancing over her shoulder she smiled to see Sheppard walking slowly toward her, as if concerned that he might be intruding. She nodded her greeting to him before turning her gaze back to the ocean’s horizon and then up to the sky. John knew her well enough to know that not addressing him was not ignoring his company, but accepting it with comfort and her simple smile and nod made him relax a bit too. She smiled at the two moons that shone down on them. This place was possibly even more gorgeous then the ocean she had first come to know and love.

“I missed this…” she whispered, not specifying what exactly she had longed for.

John looked up at the sky and gave a crooked grin and said with an attempt at wry humour, "You never actually knew this planet or this view." He paused just behind her shoulder, looking at her and then decided to step up to the rail beside her.

The corners of her mouth tugged up slightly as she attempted to smile a little at his words. He had a point. She just wasn't sure how to say this.

"Not this specifically." That part of her speech was more light-hearted in response to his attempt to lighten the moment. "Just this. Standing here, the peace that it brought me. The company." She added slowly before continuing. "Seeing. Smelling...just..feeling."

He looked out over the ocean too, not really seeing it as his eyes slowly tracked over to look at her profile. John looked at her for so long it could have been considered an all-out stare. He finally shook himself from the act and looked back out over the city. "We missed you too," he added, as if that really was more important than missing the scenery.

His second sentence made her grip the railing harder as the truth of his words sunk in. The metal pressed deeply into her palms, but she didn't quite mind. It was helping her keep control. She had never shaken the mindset of a leader. She not be as rigid about it as some, but she still felt the need to keep her cool around the people who depended on her for one thing or the other.

"I..." She stopped mid sound, swallowing hard. John didn't deserve this. He had been through the wringer himself. Not to mention the fact that she knew he didn't like or even necessarily know how to deal with the emotions that had been swirling insider he mind for so long. She had to be strong for just a little longer.

"I missed you too." Her voice cracked a little. She promptly cleared it, looking down her gaze's direction unreadable, unsure if she had taken a focus to the waves below or to her feet.

"John?" She whispered barely a breath above a whisper as she forced out the one question she hadn't dared to ask. "This is real." She said firmly though the uncertainty leaked through. She had spent her time since she awoke assuring others of it but the truth is, she was only praying it was. She wasn't sure she could survive anymore of the Universe's inhabitants' cruel jokes or pranks on her mind. It became she had been savouring the simple feelings that came with being human not from a longing for sensation itself, but as a way to convince herself she truly was home, that she was human and most importantly, safe.

She was so tired of running.

John looked to her as her question came out more like a statement that would make it true if it wasn't already. This is real, she said, and in his usual manner John grinned at her and said, "Thanks for that reassurance. I was afraid to believe it myself."

He let that attempt at humour hang between them and waited for her to smile a bit and she did. He knew she would. She was Elizabeth. He could always make her smile even when she felt desperate and unsure. John let the moment still and then he touched her shoulder, laying his warm hand there gently but with firm determination and support. "This is real, Elizabeth. You are real. You have a real human body again. I am real. This city is real. It's your home," he told her clearly. "You're home, 'lizabeth."

His expression was tense even though his voice was a soft half-whisper as if his own voice failed him when he needed it the most. It often did that when his emotions were running higher than he could handle. He swallowed thickly and let his fingers lightly squeeze the round of her shoulder.

John's joking did make her feel a little lighter. But the morose looming that had been hanging in the back of her mind still floated in the back of her thoughts. Then she had felt the weight of his hand and inhaled sharply. It was a hook, his words soothing. For the first time since her battle began she felt like they might actually be true.

Home. real. The words coming from someone else echoed throughout her. Her throat constricted so that she couldn't speak to thank him as she normally would, grateful beyond imagining for this anchor.

Instead she turned to him, her eyes as close to tears as he was ever likely to see. It was not of sadness, but of a relief far too long in coming. Looking conflicted for a brief moment she then did something she hadn't done in years, pushing through the fear of making him uncomfortable. She guided herself into the hand on her shoulder to hug him tightly, burying her head into his shoulder silently. She closed her eyes there, hoping he'd understand that she needed this simple gesture.

John watched her closely, connecting with her as their eyes met. He saw the tears in hers that nearly brought up his own but he was a near master at holding those back. She hesitated briefly but he kept his hand on her shoulder as she turned toward him. He knew it was the touch that would invite her in if she wished.

When she dipped her head and stepped up close to him he dropped his hand from her shoulder. He felt her arms encircle his body and she held onto him tightly. John closed his eyes as the scent of her hair filled his nostrils and his heart pounded in his chest and he was sure she could feel it.

He moved slowly and pulled her into him carefully, gently, as he placed his hands upon her back. It wasn't the first time they'd hugged. She'd hugged him the first time when she found he was alive and not killed by his own device during the siege of the city by the Wraith. The return and the person returning from "death" was different but the embrace felt decidedly the same.. a desperate welcome home.

"Thank you..."she said, his now slightly damp shoulder muffling the sound. She had lost the battle against tears, if only a few had escaped. Yet she remained silent about it. Her breathing became even as she closed her eyes for a moment, listening to the heartbeat that wasn't her own.

"For believing in me...for saving me," she elaborated. "It...It was worse than death..." she confided in him with her fear leaking through. She knew she was hanging onto him for too long to be considered appropriate to anyone who might walk by, but she felt safe there. Listening to his heartbeat she felt calm and protected.

She reluctantly loosened her grip on him, her eyes red being the only trace of her emotion. She cleared her throat needlessly in an attempt to regain her composure. Yet she couldn't bring herself to move too far away. Not yet. She missed this particular feeling far too much.

John stood quietly with his own thoughts as Elizabeth let go but didn't attempt to move away. He kept his hands on her back, holding her close to him but not tightly. Then he looked at her up close... hazel to hazel they met and he said softly. "You once saved me. You believed in me... when nobody else would..." he reminded her of that detail he would never forget. "I promised to bring you home... how could I leave you there like that?" he asked, knowing the answer was 'he couldn't'.

Elizabeth was slightly stunned. His words were so honest, without disguise. She had the distinct feeling that she was witnessing yet another exceedingly rare John Sheppard moment. Her eyes fell down and closed but out of being completely touched as opposed to bashful.

"John...I..." She wasn't sure what to say. She recalled briefly hearing him once say that when she was speechless he was concerned. "...I stood up for you because I was seeing what they all needed to see. You're a remarkable man, Colonel. You need to believe in yourself."

"And you need to know..." She looked up to meet his gaze again, removing her hands so that they were touching the front of his shoulders, gently commanding his attention. "You're only human." She could see the guilt of what could have been, what almost was, as plain as day. It killed her to witness it in his face.

He looked at her, his eyes full of sadness for what had been, for all the time lost to her... to him... to both of them. He took half a step back so that he wasn't so much in her space. Dropping his eyes he told her, "I may need to work on believing in me... but I've always believed in you... without question. I know that..." he paused, remembering the few times in their years together when his actions had caused her to doubt his belief in her, "I know that I made you doubt my trust in you a couple of times in the first couple years... but I've always believed in you, Elizabeth. It was so empty around here... without you."

Chewing on his bottom lip a bit, he'd veered a bit from coming out and saying that he personally had been empty inside, but that was too heavy to say right now. She could see it in his eyes, his expression... everyone could. No one ever had to ask John Sheppard how he was during the time Elizabeth Weir was missing or presumed dead or lost to them. It was clearly written in his face, his stance, his entire closing up to those around him. He'd become a darker, harder, more serious person without her around. Everyone had seen the change in him, they just never told him they could see it.

Elizabeth swallowed with some difficulty the weight of his words was comforting. But the expression that extended from his face through his entire posture was simply shaking. She didn't know how to read it. She wasn't sure she wanted to, or if she could. All she knew was one thing. If the mood stayed like this...she didn't trust herself.

"You gave me no more reasons to doubt your judgments then I did for you." After all, a lot of decisions they made were based on personal morals. A military figure head and one of diplomacy were bound to clash. "Our professional opinions aside, I have never doubted that you have kept the city first most in your mind. And its people. Myself included." He need to know that she trusted him just as much, that she had felt that emptiness herself. That to hear his voice when she made contact in her bodiless form the first time was something she had desperately needed.

"But..." she said, with a a small smile and the clearing of her throat. "I suppose this just means that Atlantis will always be in capable hands. Well..." she paused, " as long as the military or IOA find a way to say different." She frowned slightly, realizing that she would have to deal with them soon. There was a gnawing feeling in the back of her mind that she might be seeing the inside of one of the prison cells disguised as a guest room at the SGC for a very long time soon. She just hoped it wouldn't be for good.

John continued to hold her, his hands lightly pressed against her back as they talked it over, up close and personal. He stared at her, his heart pounding against his sternum. He felt a strong urge to just lean forward and kiss her but that frightened him into stillness. Without realizing it, he slowly leaned forward, coming in close to her. So close she could feel the warmth of his breath on her face.

His head seemed to list to the side as his thoughts focused on kissing her. Then she looked up at him; her hazel eyes meeting his and that broke him from his reverie. John snapped his head up and licked the dryness from his lip. Shakily he took half a step back and dropped his hands. He had no clue how she'd feel about him doing such a thing. All Colonel Sheppard knew right now, this day, this moment, was that he wouldn't survive losing her again and that realization steamrolled over him and left him floundering inside himself.

Elizabeth had gone silent, lost in her own thoughts when she felt him draw closer. She froze. She wasn't imagining this, and yet, she knew John Sheppard was not a man to get into someone's personal space. He kept to his own unless his contact was playful or for necessity. Unless...

Her mouth grew dry for a moment. Her thoughts were completely dangerous. She had a dear friend back, one she cared for quite deeply. She didn't want to scare him with what she had been trying to tame. Yet she couldn't help it. Heart pounding wildly in her ears, she looked up with hope and fear both mixed in her eyes. For a split second it seemed as if her hope wasn't unfounded until he snapped away, completely dislodging himself from her. She inhaled sharply.

She adverted her gaze, turning back to the balcony and leaning against it to support herself and to hide the unbalancing she suddenly felt. She was really a fool. Even if it hadn't all been in her head, of course he'd be as cautious of her if not more so. Besides, this would be the worst of times to dive into such thoughts what with the eyes that would be coming to her. She was fine with dealing with their reactions to her. However, the last thing she wanted was to bring him more pain.

He watched her grip the railing as she turned away from him and his mind reeled a moment. Taking a step toward her in concern, he said, "Elizabeth? You okay?" He hoped his actions hadn't made her uneasy. "I'm sorry..." he offered. "I didn't mean to... I apologize if I... if that was... if I was being too forward."

"No!" She turned around a bit too quickly, her voice a bit too sharp. She corrected. "No, you were fine. Promise." She said with a soft smile, hoping that he'd understand. Just so he knew that she didn't mind, she reached out to squeeze his hand for just a moment before letting it go. He made her comfortable. She didn't want him shying away from her because of a mistake on her part.

"I just felt a little dizzy." She decided to add, trying to give a reason to her sudden reaction.

At that unexpected information, John stepped forward quickly in concern. He gripped her elbow gently but firmly to help steady her as he came up alongside her. "Let me walk you to your quarters," he offered. "Or would you rather go to the infirmary?" he offered a choice.

Elizabeth smiled softly. For as much of a flyboy as he could be, John was a very sweet man. He took peoples' well being most seriously. "I'll be fine." She reassured him.

"Though, perhaps I should head to bed..." She said thoughtfully, not really looking forward to sleeping. Falling asleep was far too much like just being a consciousness. But she'd have to face it some time. "If you don't mind, I'd rather not have any more needles or scans at the moment." She decided to add.

John gave her a small smile. "Aww, I understand." He began walking with her toward the door that led from the balcony. "It's great having you back....." he told her in the brief seconds before they entered the City again and were surrounded by milling techs and soldiers.

"It's brilliant to be back." She confirmed as they stepped into the rush of activity. Her mind immediately resetting to her old default. In here she was Doctor Weir, the commander. Her posture snapped immediately into one of authority as she walked side-by-side with her former second in command with nostalgia, something that felt incredibly natural. It really was wonderful.

oOo

John had kept good to his word. Once they had made it through the control room, and the various people who stopped them to say hello to Elizabeth, he had stayed by her side until they had reached the quarters they had supplied for her. Her old one had, of course, been picked apart and reassigned. She inhaled deeply once she reached the door.

It was strange. While this was home, she knew this one place would feel like anything but. The room would be standard, untouched by a person's natural presence. Lonely. A ball of dread curled up in her stomach. She hated that feeling, that emotion. She swallowed, waving her hand in front the lock. It lit for access but did not open. Placing on a smile that wasn't quite genuine she turned to the Colonel.

"Thank you for your company. It's nice to have people around." Even though it was a bit overwhelming she'd gladly take all of them if it meant she didn't have to be alone with her thoughts. It felt too much like not being there at all if she had too much time alone.

John Sheppard preferred it when most people just looked at him as some "airhead" pilot, but there were a few people who did know that he went a bit deeper than that. Elizabeth was one of them and the meaning of her words didn't escape his notice. She was lonely and perhaps even afraid to be alone again so soon.

"Elizabeth," he said softly, before glancing around to be sure his offer wouldn't be overheard and taken out of context by anyone nearby. "Would you like me to stay with you? I mean, would having someone nearby make you feel better? I can sleep on the couch..." he mentioned then added, "Sometimes just knowing there's someone there can help a person feel at ease. You've been through more than I can even attempt to imagine..."

"Would you?" Elizabeth asked meekly before she could filter her words. She looked down, red tainting her cheeks ever so slightly. She felt a little childish. "I'd appreciate it..." she admitted. She had already slipped. She might as well be honest.

"Yes, of course," he told her.

With that she opened the door and stepped inside. Her assessment was correct. It was a standard room. Though felt the need to smile. Teyla and Jenn had obviously been a part of the room choice as she saw tell tale signs of their decorative styles. Her heart warmed a little as she was reminded again of how caring her friends were.

"Well, welcome..." she chuckled to herself, looking around. She was glad to see a rather spacious couch with soft cushioning and a throw on it. The room itself was split into three, a common area, a bedroom, and a bathroom. Quite spacious, all things considered. There was a table by the couch and some standard furniture in the bedroom as well. She'd have to thank them for going through all that work for something that may not be permanent.

Elizabeth wasn't quite sure how to proceed. It was a very strange circumstance after all. She would have to actually prepare for sleep, a routine she wasn't used to having someone around while doing for a long time. She also wanted him to feel as comfortable as possible.

"My home is yours..." she decided to offer, letting him decide what he'd like to do.

John stepped inside with her and looked around. He'd been in Dr. Weir's room before and this was nothing at all like hers used to be. He felt bad about that. He had insisted that her things not be touched until it was confirmed whether she was dead or alive, but the SGC had insisted on her things being returned to Earth.

Teyla had offered to pack her things so that it would be done by someone who cared about her and her belongings. John had, however, stopped by that day and Teyla had allowed him to look at a few things; a book, her journal, and the watch that he'd seen her toy with in her office when she had heavy things weighing on her mind. He'd taken those things, with Teyla's approval and he kept them safe in his quarters for her. He'd never given up hope that he'd find her and bring her home even when others told him to give it up and move on.

He'd placed the book and her journal, unread and sealed in a clear bag, on her bedroom nightstand with the hope that finding them, and having something of her own there with her, would make things a bit easier for her. She'd also now have something to bring to the SGC to bring her a bit of comfort as well while she was gone.

Before she could move away from him, John put his hand on her arm and she turned toward him. "Elizabeth... I have something for you... I thought you'd like to have it here for when you came home."

He pulled his hand from his pocket and a silver chain hung loosely from his closed fist. John watched her closely as he turned his hand over and opened his fingers, revealing her father's watch that he had left her at his death. "When the SGC ordered all your things be sent back... I held on to a couple items for you."

Falling into silence she reached down, her fingers tracing over the closed face of the watch delicately. Her touch was light, almost as she was afraid to take it. After a moment she took the chain, pulling it up to cradle it in both of her hands. She swallowed, staring down at it.

"I thought..." She paused. "I thought they would have locked this up, kept everything I had just in case something had happened to it here. I thought they wouldn't even give it back to my mother..." She turned her head up to John, her eyes soft.

"Thank you. You have no idea..." She closed her eyes. "How much this means." She found herself wanting to laugh past the ball of emotion that clogged her throat.

"Mmmm," John hummed with a grin, "I think I have a pretty good idea. Otherwise I wouldn't have held onto it for you. Right?" he pointed out, smiling at her.

"I know you don't like it when I'm speechless but..." She shrugged her shoulders, not sure exactly how to express how much the salvation of this item meant to her. It was the one object she truly held dear above all others. Though a certain Athosian pot was surely climbing the ranks.

"Well, I'll give you this one time," he said, still smiling. Then he tapped her arm in a friendly casual manner to break the depth of the moment. "How about you make me a pot of coffee...?" His eyes sparkled as he begged for caffeine. "Then I'll let you get some sleep," he offered as a compromise.

Elizabeth nodded in agreement, walking over to the small mini kitchen at one end of the open common room. She was pleased to see a fresh stash of Coffee was there, pouring it into a filter she went through the motions to put it to brew. She inhaled at the first waft of the beverage, turning back to him while the pot filled.

"How do you like it?" She asked as she reached for a mug. She realized that as many meals as they had shared, she never noticed how he liked his coffee.

John grinned at her. "Same as you," he told her, because he'd noticed years ago.

Raising her eyebrows for just a moment she smile and went about preparing his cup when she heard the maker gurgle to a stop. A welcome signal, she was sure.

John stood behind her to the side and watched her as she prepared the mug. He was somewhat amazed to see just how much the human mind retains even after two years of limbo. He gave her an appreciative smile as she turned to hand it to him. "Thanks," he said softly and took it from her.

Sipping the steaming liquid, he hummed in pleasure and grinned again. "It's good," he assured her. The cup safely in his hands she pointed over her shoulder.

"She's all yours, though it smells divine. But you really should try to get a little rest yourself," she said in a nearly motherly tone. She was sure that none of the staff around her had been at ease. And from the tension she saw in his posture. She only hoped that maybe her being a room away would be a little comforting to him if her safety had been the reason he had lost sleep.

"Yeah, I will," he assured her even though he really didn't see that happening.

"Right. Well, I'd tell you where everything was but, I'm not sure myself," she chuckled. "But the couch is open and if anything happens, if the city's on fire or the wraith come knocking, you know where I'll be," she added slightly pointlessly and John nodded slowly, his eyes glued to her. She felt a little awkward but she hadn't exactly been in a position like this before. She supposed she should just go about her normal nightly routine, though she thought she'd skip the bath she normally took on the overly stressful nights.

Moving around him she headed to the bathroom delighted to see a toothbrush and toothpaste waiting for her. Plopping the brush in her mouth and scrubbing with it closed she walked over into her bedroom, trying to ignore the colonel. After all this was awfully undignified. Scrambling through her drawers she found a set of sweat pants and a tank top someone had dug up for her. A little smaller then she'd normally wear to bed as far as the shirt was concerned but nothing too outrageous. She'd have to remember to thank whomever had donated them to her.

Returning to the bathroom she closed the door, finished her business, and came out changed with better breath. "Sleep well," she offered in passing just so he knew she hadn't forgotten about him.

John looked up at her from where he sat on the couch perusing a magazine. "You too. Sweet dreams," he wished for her sincerely.

Elizabeth placed her hand on the edge of the bedroom door, pausing for a moment, contemplating closing it. But she simply walked forward, opting to leave the doorway open to the rest of the complex, before sliding into bed.

John looked up again as movement to the side caught his attention. He saw Elizabeth's back as she disappeared into the room. He continued to watch, waiting for the door to close, but it didn't. He looked at the open doorway and listened in the quietness of the night as she slid into bed.

He let out a deep sigh and went back to the periodical, trying to focus on the pages as he continued to listen to the sounds of her tossing slowly under the sheets. There was no illusion on his part that all of this must be disquieting for her and he wanted to be here for her in whatever way she would need him, but he really didn't know if he should offer anything specific and, if so, what. He chose to give her time to relax and fall asleep. If she needed anything more she would know all she had to do was ask.

The moment Elizabeth's head hit the pillow she felt at ease. She had missed this, an actual proper bed. That was one thing that had to be said about the SGC provided mattresses. They understood the importance of a good night’s rest, but for all its blissful softness, she felt restless inside. Closing her eyes she could still hear John in the open part of the room. The sounds of life were comforting, but at the same time, something felt off.

She had gotten over the awkwardness of having someone else in her room. Now she just felt, well, disconnected. She hadn't realized just how much she had missed his company. And though she tried not to over analyse it, she knew exactly where she wished he was. Right here, curled up beside her. It almost hurt that he was so close and yet so far away.

Elizabeth may be guarded, but she did appreciate and like human contact. The hug she had given the colonel lingered in her mind. Burying her head in her pillow and drawing her legs up slightly she tried to recall the feeling, the undeniable scent that was him. It felt strangely inappropriate, but it was an innocent desire. She couldn't help but think back to when she was four and had been sick when the worst thunderstorm of her memory had kicked up. Her parents had come into her room and stayed with her through the night. That was what this feeling reminded her of.

But she had been too greedy as it was. Inhaling deeply she kept her eyes closed and focused on the sounds out in the apartment. Someone was here with her. Someone was there. Even if he decided to sleep, and she hoped he would, he would only be a call away. They'd keep her here. Easing some of her thoughts away she lulled in between sleep and alertness.

oOo

Throughout the first couple of hours, after Elizabeth went to bed, John flipped the pages of the half dozen magazines that had been left on her coffee table, drank three cups of coffee, stared at the ceiling as he reclined back to stretch out, used the bathroom briefly once to pay rent on the coffee and stood at her open door twice just to look at her.

He let out a soft sigh, as he stared up at the ceiling again, and sat up. He twisted his neck hard one way and then the other, feeling the tension loosen just a bit. Standing up he looked around the room slowly until his gaze settled on her open door again.

Unknowingly, every time he stood as a silhouette in her doorway, Elizabeth stirred a bit and opened her eyes enough to make out his form watching her. It was much the same image of him she'd had the first time the nanites took over her mind and body and took her back to Earth and placed her in a mental hospital. It was John's image that kept coming to her from the real world, trying to make contact with her, to save her and bring her home.

He turned away from her doorway again and walked to the balcony door. It opened on his approach and John stepped out into the night's warm breeze. The sound of the ocean's waves breaking against the city piers was a distant lullaby below. He craned his neck to look up at the stars and the twin moons and finally felt most of the tension release him. He stayed there for a while, leaving the door open in case she called for him or came out looking for him she'd be able to see him on the terrace.

Elizabeth didn't dream. Her nightly visions are blank, and that was more terrifying then anything. Just when they'd become a little too much she would stir only to see Sheppard standing there. He was protecting her. Just as always. But when it happened again and her eyes opened there was nothing. He wasn't in the doorway or on the couch. She shot up in bed, a rush of panic flooding over her until the light sounds of the ocean came in from far away.

Looking around her room she found a robe and threw it on over her shoulders. Slipping out of bed she quietly walked out into the room. She paused, seeing his form on the balcony. Her heart churned. He was still restless. She raised her head. He deserved to relax just as much as she did. As quietly as possible she padded across the room to walk out onto the balcony.

"I thought I asked you to get some rest," she said playfully, walking over to stand beside him.

John turned to smile at her and stood up from where he rested on the rail. "Actually, I think I'm starting to relax," he assured her.

While it was a nice night out, the breeze made her glad for the robe. She looked up at the moon thoughtfully, closing her eyes. "There really isn't anything more peaceful, beautiful, then this." She said in a voice barely above a whisper.

"Maybe nothing more peaceful..." he replied, his voice a raspy whisper. He let the sentence trail off as his gaze pinned her, making his point silently that he could think of something more beautiful but he wouldn't say it. For both their sakes he couldn't say it. Not now. Not right now. Uncomfortably he shifted and turned back to look out over the ocean before his stare told her more than he was able to right now.

She read his silence and decided to keep her peace though her mind swam. She kept her eyes on the sky, afraid of what she'd do if she looked down. Her mind was yelling at her, but she told it to sush. Another breeze caused her to break free of the spell her thoughts had put on her.

"It's getting late," she noted and John nodded. Looking over she reached out to take his hand and give it a little tug. "Let’s go in," she suggested. As much as she loved the view, and the sea, she felt the need to at least make him sit down.

Entering the room again, she went over to the kitchenette. Seeing the coffee was almost depleted and cold she quickly poured what was out to start a fresh pot. As she waited she turned back to him. "This makes me wonder..." she stated and John looked to her in query. "Do you always get this little sleep when things get rough? If so I believe you owe me an apology, sir!" she said with a smirk.

John smiled sheepishly and shifted a bit. "It can be a sleepless endeavour," he informed her with a bemused grin. "Being in charge, I mean."

When the beverage was finished brewing she poured herself a cup and offered him one before going to set down on the couch herself. Curling her legs up with her she leaned back. Rubbing her neck with one hand she took a sip and let out an approving noise; from which of the two actions was undecided.

John followed her back to the living area and sat down on the opposite end of the couch, keeping both feet firmly on the floor he rested his mug atop the arm of the sofa, fully aware of the three foot space between them. He slid his eyes her way but looked straight ahead again when he noticed her bare feet sticking out from under the hem of the robe.

"Say, where do you think you'd be right now if we hadn't found Atlantis?" she asked. She had had a lot of time to think while in space. It happened to be one of the things she had considered.

He thought about her question for a moment and his expression smoothed out as if distancing himself from the answer. "Oh... either doing my twelfth tour in the Antarctic... or in Leavenworth, I suppose."

He pursed his lips with that thought and took a deep breath, letting it out. He couldn't imagine spending years behind bars but that's the way he'd been heading until they took mercy on him and sent him to McMurdo instead. As if dear old dad didn't have something to do with that, oh he was sure he had. But the station allowed him to keep flying and that's all he cared about when it was all said and done.

"John..." Elizabeth's fingers travelled along her mug. She wasn't sure if she should push him right now. She understood that the colonel needed his space to feel comfortable. But there was something so resigned about his words. She had to ask. "Why?"

It was a loaded question, but it was a perfectly clear one. Why was he so isolated, so angry? Why had he closed himself off. He had such a big heart.

John looked over at her, his eyes intense and a slight frown on his face as he considered that one word. Why?

"You've proven here a thousand times over that you are a capable leader. A compassionate man. A wonderful friend. What is it that you can't forgive yourself for?"

She hoped she wasn't being too forward. But he had seen her at almost her worst. There were so many things left unsaid when she had been taken away from the city. She was almost afraid that if she didn't ask now she would never get the courage to do so again.

He dropped his gaze and turned his face forward again. His chin dipped down as he thought about how to answer that... or if he even could. His facial muscles jumped as he tensed and clenched his jaw, his mind racing back over memories he often conveniently left locked up in his foot locker back in his room. Memories though that he carried in his breast pocket, never allowing himself to forget the things he'd done and what consequences were paid by others for his actions and decisions.

His silence stretched out as Elizabeth waited for him to decide whether to tell her or not. Instead she helped him out by telling her own story first. When she began to share her own tale with him, John turned to her again, his expression was heavy and serious as he gave her all his attention.

"We all have our demons," Elizabeth added softly. "The reason I became a diplomat, instead of just a lobbyist. I was overseas as a graduation present to myself. We ended up taking a detour. A family had offered to take my friend and I in for the night. The turmoil I saw in those cities was heart breaking. It was all because political leaders couldn't get along. They accompanied us on the way out of town. On the bus, one rebellious man decided to take the passengers as hostages. I tried and tried to reason with him..." She stopped to clear her throat. "He was eventually subdued... by a bullet to the head. But not before the family we'd stayed with had lost their little girl."

She grew silent. The only other person who had heard that story had been her mother. "I kept thinking after that, that there had to be something I could do to help them as a culture as a whole. Even that man had his reasons to hijack us. They probably weren't his fault. After seeing so many war zones..." Elizabeth shook her head.

"I guess that's why I have a hard time with the military. Even if they're protecting, so often lives get caught up in the crossfire when they never should have been. The more violence that is exerted is repaid it seems." Her eyes grew sad. "But I've also come to realize that there needs to be security as well."

"So I changed my career path. Instead of becoming a politician's wife as my mother would have adored...I decided to work with them. As far as I can see it's the same job description. I keep them from ripping one another apart and if possible act as the one keeping them civil."

He continued to listen completely focused, gearing up his own will power to share a piece of his own story with her. No one but those in rank above him know his story and that's why so many ranking officers seem to snarl at him when they come to Atlantis. He'd often wanted to spit back at them for their judgments they made of him without having even met him.

"Thank you," she added after a few minutes. "For keeping us safe. You and this team have shown me the human side to the forces. And Ellis and his ways have shown me how the stubbornness continues." She tried to keep her bitterness to herself. She really did not enjoy that man.

Her comment about Colonel Ellis made John bite his lip and then he told her, "Even men like Ellis have a purpose. Usually they're the ones who keep the boundaries for those like me who don't seem to recognize any."

He didn't seem proud of that fact at the moment. He was a maverick; he knew it... a lot of people knew it. It was just his way and his way didn't always turn out right, even Elizabeth knew this firsthand. He'd messed it up when he went against her orders during the hazmat lockdown of the city. It nearly cost them the city and their lives, but it was out of pure luck that his bad choices turned out to have the best outcome that day.

"I, umm... I did something once... that I thought was right... against orders... and a lot of people paid a high price..." he began with great hesitance. He was scared to death that if anyone had found out what he'd done, they'd turn away from him - like his family had, like his wife had, like the Air Force had.

He went silent for a moment and then decided to bite the bullet and just tell her. "It was back in 2001... I was stationed in Afghanistan... Kandahar. Flying missions in and out of hot zones, med-evac flights, personnel drops, supply runs, ammo drops, whatever our boys and girls needed..."

"I'd just run a string of sorties and my bird was cooling its rotors on the pad when a call came out over the comm center's field radio. Three Rangers were caught behind the lines and the bad guys were on them. They needed help and they needed it now. I grabbed my gear and headed out when I was ordered to stand down..."

His fingers tightened around the mug he held as he paused, his expression turning down into a deep frown. "I argued..."

"I was ordered to stand down but I got my bird airborne, leaving my crew behind. I headed to their coordinates and took ground fire. I circled the area, firing on the Taliban troops I could see gaining ground on our boys. I could see they had wounded and tried to cover their backs and let them gain distance on their pursuers so I could do a touch and go.

"While I played with the rebels on the ground my ship took hits I knew I'd have to answer for but I didn't care. We don't leave our people behind. We don't," he stated, his hands trembled a bit as he relived the memory playing out in his head. "These boys took their own hits while running for their lives and by the time I was able to get on the ground it was for a quick "touch-n-go" literally. Wounded, carrying their own still... I got the three on board and told them to hang on.

"They were thanking me profusely even as the shots rang through my chopper. The Ranger leader took one to the head, was killed instantly. I took small arms fire to my tail rotor and it put me into a spin. While I tried to get it under control two rounds pierced the cockpit and I took them both... one in the thigh, the other in the shoulder. That pretty much took away any control I had, which was minimal..." John paused, grinding his teeth together as he prepared to tell her how it all ended.

"I was shot down. The impact killed the only surviving Ranger I had on board... and four civilians on the ground. Debris from the crash wounded seven other Afghan civilians and I ended up in the hospital for nearly a month. I lost my bird and three American lives... and injured or killed a lot of innocent people that day.

"At my court martial, my lawyer argued in my defence, that even though the rescue was against orders and cost us a million dollar helo and numerous lives, it was in fact a successful rescue mission. I didn't know that these Rangers were on a covert, highly classified mission. The information they carried on them was recovered by our government and saved thousands of lives on the ground in the months following its recovery. If I hadn't gone out to get them, we would've lost them AND the information they were charged to bring back.

"So... the military compromised with the government officials... the military wanted to lock me up for good... the U.S. government wanted me rewarded for bringing back "the box". So I was given a reprieve and no prison time for disobeying orders... again. It wasn't my first time, but it was the first time lives were lost because of it. The government stepped back and the Air Force stepped forward... they promoted me to the rank of Major in return for my unending silence in the matter. But Major is where I would stay for the rest of my career... and that career would be lived out at McMurdo. Exiled to the ends of the Earth, literally. They washed their hands of me... a thorn finally plucked from their side... until one fateful day when... you invited me to do something out of this world..."

He went silent. Unsure of what she would think of him and unable to raise his eyes to meet hers. He felt the tremors of nerves in his belly and his arms and hands shook as he lifted the cup to take a swallow from it. And he waited.

Elizabeth listened intently to his story and her heartstrings tightened throughout it. Even though Atlantis was a mode of survival nearly constantly, she couldn't imagine being in the battlefields of their world's warring areas. The remnants and outskirts were almost too much for her as it was and it apparently was difficult on those involved as well.

When he finished Elizabeth did what she had wanted to do the entire time. She reached out to take his hand. He needed to know she wasn't going to leave, that she wasn't truly repulsed. She was an expert talker and, if she wanted to, she could say exactly the opposite of how she felt, but she wouldn't lie to him. She had to reassure him of that.

As she touched his hand and took it into hers, John looked over at her and curled his own around her fingers. His brow furrowed but his eyes lit with hope as her touch reassured him of their friendship.

"It's decisions such as those that help to keep us alive here. We all know that even I have gone against protocol and standing orders myself, as well as some very distinct and direct ones. It's the primary reason the IOA dislikes me being here now," she told him and John listened carefully. "I know it's not the same thing. I know that I wasn't there, with you then and I wasn't affected by it personally. But I do believe that everything happens for a reason and many times directly as a result of the choices we make."

She shifted her position toward him so she could look directly at him and John met her eyes.

"If you hadn't gone back there... if you hadn't tried to save them," she shrugged, "you wouldn't be the John Sheppard we all know and love. Your belief in others, your loyalty to those who depend on you, your desire to protect us and to keep us safe, your need to do what you believe to be the right course of action..." Elizabeth paused to think about how she wanted to end that thought then she looked to hima gain and smiled a bit. "Those are qualities so many people lack... and yet those are the exact qualities that we need from someone in your position. We need to know, John, that you won't leave us behind... and that you won't allow us to BE left behind. Do you have any idea how comforting it is to be able to put faith in that belief?" she asked him and he lowered his eyes.

It was obvious that he didn't know what it was like to have that kind of faith in others. He'd been told so often to NOT go after the missing or the lost that he found it difficult to believe that anyone would come for him if it were him who was lost or missing. It was that very sense of insecurity that John Sheppard could not bring himself to leave hanging over someone else's head. He had to find them and bring them home.

"Those events... are horrible. I am truly sorry you have to carry that burden with you. But, John... if they hadn't occurred, you wouldn't be here with us right now. You never would've been sent to McMurdo and we never would've met or found out that you have the gene we so needed for this expedition. We never would have met you. And we'd most likely be dead right now. Maybe another leader would have done a better job as far as the SGC is concerned, but there would be something missing from us that we would have never known."

She paused again for just a moment and John waited silently, his eyes resting on their joined hands.

"Those men thanked you for a reason, John. You came for them. You didn't leave them to die in a strange country alone, surrounded by hostile strangers. The people they fought for, those who represented the backing of the country they served, were going to abandon them. No matter how you're conditioned to that possibility, no matter how much you think you've accepted it, knowing that someone is there to defy that..."

John lifted his head and looked at her. He believed that too. He believed that knowing someone would come for them was what every soldier or hostage needs to believe in... and not falsely.

"If you hadn't gone in there, they would have been dead anyway. Those on our side who were in that immediate area, with the enemy that close, would have been dead or tortured. Or both. End of story. You gave them the hope they needed, not only in themselves, but in the people they died protecting. You made their final moments worth living to them. Yes, others died. Life is precious, but war is an ugly, bloody, thing. As horrible as this sounds, things like that happen."

She paused for a moment to scoot a little closer, and to breathe. She needed to give him time to let all her words sink in, so she could compose herself, before she continued to the second part.

"John, those ghosts stand behind you. They're a part of you and they will never leave you. I understand that. But you need to see what they have led you to. You're here. The effect you've had on all of us... we'd be lost without you."

Sheppard listened to her, trying to make himself believe all her words. He really wished he could because that belief would make his life day to day just so much easier. Even though he couldn't let himself off the hook that easily, he did appreciate her saying the words. He smiled softly at her as she continued.

"All of the good you've done here, is so much more. Yes, the Wraith were woken up. But they were always a constant threat even before I brought you here. At least now, with their internal wars, they're much less stable than they've been in the history of this galaxy. And who's to say that someone else wouldn't have woken them too? We still would have gone to the Athosians without you."

"But it was my touching the necklace that alerted them to our presence," he reminded her.

"True," she agreed to that fact. "But you're discounting that perhaps someone else wouldn't have initiated it. The attack still would have happened." Her words were forward and firm.

"There are many things I'm sure you regret. I know I have my own list of "what ifs". But if you honestly can't see past your mistakes to forgive yourself, please just know one thing... asking you to come here with us has never been something I doubted or regretted. Ever. Knowing you has been something many of us wouldn't exchange for anything in the galaxy. I know I wouldn't."

Elizabeth inhaled, falling back a little against the couch so that he wouldn't feel as though he'd been attacked or broadsided. He could have heard these words a million times, she just hoped that he'd begin to believe them.

"Thanks," John replied in a bare whisper. He didn't know what else to say. He'd already told her more than he'd ever told anyone before.

"You’re welcome," she responded customarily, lowering her gaze. She knew that hadn't been easy for him to reveal. At the same time she felt honoured that he had opened up to her.

Smiling softly she slid toward him, covering the distance between them, their still connected hands acting as an axis for her. John's eyes moved toward her and one brow raised in curious attention. He didn't look toward her though as a tiny grin played on his lips.

Leaning over she playfully nudged his shoulder with her own. She couldn't quite explain what it was about John Sheppard that brought out the child in the people around him, but she certainly enjoyed that sense of freedom it made her feel inside. The nudge made his smile grow and he seemed to colour a bit with a boyish quality.

"Don't worry. You can't shake me off that easily," she said, her eyes twinkling slightly. John finally glanced at her sidelong and held her gaze for a second before averting his eyes again.

Close to him like this she felt those same butterflies spring up that had invaded her nerves on the balcony earlier. She tried to recall the last time she'd felt like this with someone? Far too long, she realized and she'd be damned if she was going to let this feeling escape without a fight.

"That is, as long as you don't mind me here." Her voice lowered, the duality of her words clear.

John shot her another glance, then looked to where she was leaning on his shoulder, her face up to his rather close actually. He turned his face forward again and shook his head as he answered. "Oh... no, no not at all. I don't... mind you here. I mean it's... your place... anyway..."

The only time John Sheppard spoke in broken sentences or stuttered was when he was overly excited or... in over his head. He swallowed thickly and then relaxed a bit as she let her weight settle against him. That was nice. This... felt real nice.

"Getting tired?" he asked her as she slipped down beside him and rested her head on his shoulder. "You should be. I heard you didn't rest much in the infirmary... but then who could, huh."

John shifted a bit and Elizabeth raised her head to give him some room. He raised his arm up over her and invited her to cuddle up against him. "Come here," he told her, his eyes soft with sincere friendship. He really seemed okay with all this close contact stuff as long as he didn't put too much thought into it or how it really made him feel inside.

She smiled at him softly, thankful for his understanding ways, and moved into his warmth as he pulled a blanket from the back of the couch and draped it over her. Elizabeth smiled and helped pull the blanket around her and then some extra to drape over his legs to include him.

John shifted himself down lower into the cushions and they both let the couch take their weight and cradle them in its plush softness. He leaned his head back and took a deep slow breath and let it out along with all the tension in his body. Elizabeth's slight weight and incredible warmth against his right side and chest brought a soothing comfort he hadn't been ready for and it wasn't long at all before exhaustion took him into a deep, sound sleep with her lying against him.

Surrounded by the blanket and John's arm made her relax considerably. The moment her head had touched him she had begun to feel the weight of her waking hours. He'd been right, her rest so far had been fitful at best. The fear was constantly lurking, except right here, right now.

Here was warm and inviting. Here there was the steady flow of breath and the muffled pounding of a heart. The sounds of life consistent and close to her ear, she let her eyes droop. Half conscious she nuzzled her head against the front of his shoulder as she curled up against the colonel. The last thing she recalled was muttering gratitude before slipping off into sleep. This time, her mind cast away the menacing darkness that seemed constantly at her heels. Instead she was bestowed with dreams of warmth and love, a sea breeze, fond memories, and the etchings of hope. 

Chapter 11: End Song Part 2
Friday, 23^rd January | 1020 Hours | Atlantis, Private Room - Infirmary

General Jack O'Neill had wanted to Gate into Atlantis as soon as he'd been informed that the mission to restore Doctor Elizabeth Weir to her old self - at least as close as they were ever gonna get - had been successful. He'd been particularly keen to finalise his travel plans when said report had come with the added news that Daniel Jackson had yet to make it back to the land of the awake.

Not that Jack was surprised at the turn of events that had led up to that news ... Daniel had made many habits for himself over the years - putting himself at risk to help another and sharing his mind with mental company just a couple of them.

Yeah, he'd wanted to get there the day before but the IOA in its infinite wisdom had decided he couldn't possibly leave without at least three meetings to talk about ... well Jack didn't know what the hell they'd wanted to talk about. He'd tuned out and continued compiling his mental list of the greatest Simpson's episodes ever while Richard Woolsey had prattled on about Atlantis politics and how important it was that Doctor Weir return for a debrief as soon as possible. If Jack had his way, Elizabeth would get at least a couple of days grace before he passed on that request!

Colonel Carter ... Sam ... had met him at the gate, her expression telling him that although Daniel was still unconscious there wasn't anything specific for them to worry about. She'd personally escorted him to Daniel's private room too ... the way she'd paused at Daniel's bedside, the hand she'd placed gently over the unaware man's arm enough to have Jack raising his eyebrows in surprise.

"Something you're not telling me Sam?" he asked pointedly.

"No Sir," Sam replied, her face flushing slightly in embarrassment.

"Right," Jack replied with open scepticism. "Nothing going on here."

"I'll leave you to sit with Daniel, Sir" Sam replied evasively. "Let me know if he wakes up."

"Go ... run your empire," Jack waved a hand expansively, urging her to get back to work.

After Sam left, Jack stood beside Daniel's bedside, his own visual examination confirming that at least on the surface his friend was no worse from the experience of housing Weir's consciousness for so many days.

Satisfied with his own diagnosis, Jack slouched down into the Atlantis equivalent of a vistors chair, glad he'd gone with the green BDU's that morning instead of his more impressive looking but infinitely less comfortable 'General O'Neill' get up.

When the sitting got a little tiring Jack switched to standing by the window ... the view interesting for a while before the novelty wore off. He'd done the whole tour the city deal the last time he'd been here - admittedly under less relaxing circumstances. Casting an impatient glance at his friend he returned to the bedside chair.

"Any time Daniel," he announced ... loudly. "Any time you want to give up the lazy act and open your eyes ...," he trailed off, waiting for a reaction.

Sighing when there wasn't one, Jack shook his head. "Shoulda brought today's crossword," he muttered under his breath.

Daniel was not sure when awareness had actually returned and stayed. He remembered being awakened briefly after being brought out of the medically induced coma, assured that he had suffered no harm and that Elizabeth Weir was doing fine as well. After that exhaustion had quickly won the day and he had almost immediately gone back to sleep. Now, along with feeling sensation creeping back into his foggy brain came the feelings he knew too well ... too many hours asleep ... or unconscious ... in a hideously uncomfortable Infirmary bed.

That voice ... No ... It could not be! That voice and that unique presence it belonged to was a galaxy away ... not here on Atlantis.

Blue eyes slitted open slightly and a sigh escaped his lips. Slouched in the visitor's chair ... that actually looked more comfortable than Daniel's hospital bed ... was the owner of that voice. How many times had Daniel awakened from some injury or illness to find that man sitting at his side, waiting ... never patiently ... for him to return to the land of the awake and living? How many times had Daniel stood ... or sat ... vigil by the other man's hospital bed? Some bonds went beyond words and description and while his friendship with Jack had often been stormy and always difficult ... it was one of those bonds that meant each man would be there for the other ... no matter what the circumstances. Jack was a combination of friend, mentor, sometimes big brother, sometimes father-figure. He had been one of the strongest influences and forces in Daniel's life ... and always would be.

"Jack..." Daniel acknowledged slowly. "What are you doing here?" It was the usual opening. The denial of the expectation that when he needed his friend most that he would really be there although the tone of voice clearly stated the gratitude that it was once again O'Neill sitting there ... waiting.

Jack sat forward abruptly when Daniel spoke. "Well finally," he returned impatiently, completely ignoring Daniel's question because there was no way in hell he'd admit he'd been concerned ... that only led to other confessions about feelings and frankly, who needed that?! "I'm pretty sure these chairs weren't comfortable when the Ancient's were still around," he quipped. "It's a pretty safe bet that ten thousand years hasn't improved them." Looking closely at his friend he continued. "You look ... awake. Not feeling lonely in there are ya?"

Daniel fell silent for a moment as he did an internal mental inspection. There was no vestige of Elizabeth left beyond a few echoes. He grinned at Jack as he pressed the button to lever the head of the bed upward some more, "No ... not in the least lonely. This," he indicated his head, "was only meant for single occupancy. How is Dr. Weir ... by the way?"

"Well maybe you should take down that vacancy sign then," Jack quipped, holding in a faint smirk at the different interpretations Daniel could place on that. "As for Elizabeth, as far as I know she's fine. I haven't seen her personally yet - hanging here with you was so ... riveting. Besides, she could use a break before we have to talk about all the official stuff." Jack slouched back in the chair, crossing his feet as he stretched out his legs. "What about you ... everything upstairs still ... there?" Jack waved a hand vaguely towards Daniel's head, his casual tone designed to hide the genuine concern he'd yet to completely let go of.

Daniel rolled his eyes at Jack's vacancy comment, knowing full well that it was designed to get a comeback. He chose to ignore the bait, however, in lieu of answering Jack's other, barely disguised concerns. "I'm fine. The Daniel Jackson database has once again survived unscathed ... and I can still whip your butt at Chess ... providing they let me out of here soon."

"See now I know you're back to yourself ... delusions and all," Jack returned with an amused twinkle in his eye. Getting up from his chair with a groan, he added "Listen, I promised Carter I'd let her know when you're awake so ..." Not missing the way Daniel's face reddened slightly and how his eyes immediately dropped to the bed sheets he was clutching Jack raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Okay - what's the deal here? First Carter's tiptoeing around your bed like you're made of glass and now you're acting like a kid too embarrassed to ask a girl out for prom. What gives Danny boy?"

The archaeologist looked in every direction he could...except at Jack. "Nothing gives, Jack...nothing at all," Daniel stated adamantly. THE KISS loomed in Daniel's mind and he almost groaned, but stopped the sound from escaping his lips. "Uh ... could you send a doc in ... I'd like to get cleared and get out of here...maybe meet you at the Thirty-Nine for dinner...?"

"That has to be the worst evasion I've ever seen," Jack scoffed at the other man's poor attempt to deflect attention. "Still ... pot ... kettle ...," he trailed off, wondering if he should push it and deciding not to. Daniel knew he could talk to Jack if he needed to ... Jack had never needed to push that in the past. "Fine - I'll go talk to Keller."

Pausing at the door, Jack looked back at Daniel. "And sure, dinner is good ... I can always eat. I'll see you at the ... Thirty-Nine was it? Who the hell named it that?" Muttering to himself Jack disappeared out the door.

The End.

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