I Do

Author: ShaViva

Rating: T+

Season: season 3, before Prodigal

Summary: Evan and Prue are called back to Earth, to answer to the SGC, the IOA, and ultimately, to Evan's family and friends. In meeting all challenges to their relationship they realise that the only place they really want to be is together ... forever.

Classifications: Romance

Pairings: Evan Lorne/Prudence Darnell

Spoilers for: minor for SGA and SG-1, nothing specific.

Disclaimer: I am unfortunately not associated in any way with the creators, owners, or producers of Stargate or any of its media franchises, which is obvious because one, SGA would still be on and two, Lorne would be there ALL the time! All publicly recognizable characters, settings, equipment, etc are the property of whoever owns them. Any original characters, plot, settings, and anything else I made up are the property of me, the author. No copyright infringement is intended.

Copyright (c) 2011 ShaViva

Authors Note:

I know I said Forlorn Hope was the last story in my Lorne AU series but I decided to add one more small story, I guess because it didn't feel quite complete to me. This one is a 'hats off' to ladygris, because she does an excellent Lorne herself and because talking with her had me going from 'no idea what to write next' to thinking this would be a good place to start. I've been working on this for a while and admit up front it's not complete - I decided to start posting in the hopes it would motivate me to finish the last couple of chapters.

Timeline wise, I've played with the gap between episodes a little. On the SG-1 timeline this is before S1002, Morpheus while on the SGA Timeline it is still before S0305 Progeny ... which takes place back on Atlantis during the story. So the gap between Irresistible and Progeny is now about three months, with Sateda taking place sometime since the end of Forlorn Hope. Time of the year is a guess too, so let's say it's around October *grins*. It doesn't really matter!

Lastly, it's a subtle thing, but hopefully you'll see where I was going with the title for this one, which isn't as blatant as it might seem!

Chapter 1: The SGC and the IOA

"Major Lorne?"

Evan turned to see Doctor Daniel Jackson further down the corridor. "Daniel," he stopped to wait for the other man to catch up, smiling a greeting.

"I heard you were in town," Daniel commented, "with a certain lady," he added, blue eyes alight as he teased.

"Then you heard right," Lorne returned, not minding at all. Prue had been returned to him from the dead, literally. No amount of teasing, red tape or jumping through all manner of SGC and IOA hoops could dampen his mood. And after all they'd been through Evan was proud to claim a place beside Prue.

Daniel's manner turned assessing as he looked at Lorne. "You look well," he commented simply. "I'm happy for you." Daniel hadn't been around the last time Lorne had been on Earth, when he'd been crushed by a grief so intense he'd genuinely believed he'd never recover. "General Landry filled us in on what happened," Daniel continued. "When you have a spare moment I'd really like to meet Doctor Darnell."

"She's in with the IOA reps at the moment but when she's done I'm sure she'd enjoy that too," Evan agreed. "We're still not sure what she's retained from being ...," Evan paused, waving a hand vaguely, still not sure how to describe exactly what had happened to Prue. "Maybe talking to you will help."

"Oh, I remember that feeling!" Daniel chuckled. "That 'you don't know what you know but you suspect it's something that could be really useful, if you could just remember it'." He put a hand to Lorne's shoulder companionably. "She'll adjust," he reassured.

The two men continued walking, turning the corner towards the commissary. "Coffee?" Daniel queried.

Lorne hesitated, aware that sitting with Jackson was going to result in more questions. With an inaudible sigh he nodded. "Sure, okay."

"So, how are things really going?" Daniel asked as soon as they were sitting, mugs of coffee on the table in front of them.

"You know how this works," Lorne shrugged. "They've already interviewed us a couple of times each, repeating the same questions over and over. Eventually they'll get the message that we don't have anything else we can tell them and then ...," he tried for a confident smile. "And then hopefully we get a few days for me to show Prue some of Earth before we go home."

"I'll talk to Jack," Daniel made the offer without having to be asked. "Not that I need to - he's more aware of what's going on around here than he makes out, and he has no fondness for the IOA."

"I can imagine," Lorne agreed. "Thanks Daniel ... we can use all the help we can get." Colonel Sheppard had already suggested Evan make use of any connections he had on Earth but he hadn't had the time to do anything about it in the few days they'd been back.

"You can't blame them for being careful," Daniel offered, "much as it pains me to admit it. But the Ancients haven't exactly been above board before. Trust is ... difficult, but they'll come around in time."

"Because all Prue's tests show she's human," Lorne commented. "From another planet sure, but no different than Teyla or Ronon ... or any of our allies here."

"Yes," Daniel smiled mirthlessly. "If she were anything more you'd have quite the battle on your hands."

"Wouldn't make a difference," Lorne's tone went flat ... there was no way in hell he'd let anyone take Prue.

Daniel smiled again but didn't comment. A part of Evan felt for the other man - he'd also lost a love to forces outside his control but where Evan had the miracle ending, Daniel hadn't been so lucky. "How's SG-1?" Lorne asked, keen to change the subject.

The archaeologist regaled him with stories of the latest missions, including their various mishaps. The Ori were an ongoing threat, one that Daniel was still searching for the ultimate weapon to defeat. That entire situation was more trouble they could lay at the Ancient's door, because they were the source and because they couldn't do anything to help. Lorne had a unique perspective on why that was the case but it didn't make it any easier.

"So, you're going to show Prue some of the sights?" Daniel asked casually. "Anywhere in particular?"

Lorne was about to answer when he felt it ... that faint shift in awareness that said she was there. Looking up he saw her in the doorway, hovering uncertainly, clearing undecided on whether she should join him. Smiling he urged her over. "San Francisco, Cold Lake, maybe some of Kansas," he said absently, watching Prue approach. When she got close enough he stood, holding out his hand.

Prue took it, smiling the kind of smile she only had for him.

"Daniel, this is Prudence Darnell," he introduced her simply. "Prue, this is Doctor Daniel Jackson."

"Doctor Jackson, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," Prue held out a hand, shaking Daniel's with a friendly smile.

"You too," Daniel returned, "and please, it's Daniel. How are you finding the SGC so far?"

"About how Evan always thought of it," Prue replied, sitting down beside Lorne. "Although an IOA briefing is something you really need to experience for yourself to ... appreciate."

Daniel chuckled. "Yes, they do have a certain appeal," he said, sarcastically. "Evan was saying you're not sure how much of your prior knowledge you've retained. That's something I might be able to help you with ... if you're interested?"

Prue's eyes shot to Evan, getting a subtle nod, before she looked to Daniel again. "I am ... which is weird considering you're the reason I didn't come here with Evan last time."

"I am?" Daniel frowned.

"As far as we know you're the only other person formerly ascended who's returned," Evan said simply. "Prue's 'handlers' decided that was too big a risk, despite being able to convince Prue herself that she'd been saved directly from Occulus."

"Always inconsistencies," Daniel muttered, still frowning. "What do you recall about being ascended?" he asked Prue.

"The first time, very little now," Prue admitted. "My last clear memory of that time was the day that Occulus fell to the Wraith, when Fidesia and Devia - who I was then - broke the hold the Wraith had on the Stargate and dialled a safe planet, allowing many of our most noted citizens to escape."

"The 38 minute barrier?" Daniel queried, looking at Evan with a raised brow.

"That's the one," Lorne confirmed. "McKay is champing at the bit to talk to Prue when we get back to Atlantis."

"Grill me you mean," Prue said with a small smile. "I don't mind. I just hope I can recall enough of what we did that day to be useful."

"So you have no memory beyond the event that led to your ascending?" Daniel asked curiously.

"Before our confrontation with those who broke away from the main group I know I remembered my existence between Occulus and arriving on Atlantis," Prue explained, "but now ... it's all gone. I only know what my friend, Fidesia, told me, which was necessarily restrictive."

"You said that to her," Evan murmured. "When I was ...," he trailed off.

"When you were close to dying," Prue said starkly. "Yes. That was the moment - when Fidesia appeared. Seeing her that way was like having a veil lifted from my eyes. I don't know how I spent all those years but at the same time I am aware of the gap. It's very disconcerting to realise there are things I can't recall."

"You said the first time," Daniel returned to the topic of ascension. "What about the second time?"

"Everything," Prue said bleakly. "I was frustrated that they wouldn't even tell me if Evan was alive. I spent the entire time arguing, with Morgan mostly."

"Morgan Le Fay?" Daniel seemed fascinated by the emerging story.

"You know of her?" Prue asked.

"From Arthurian legend, yes," Daniel agreed, adjusting his glasses absently. "Half sister of Arthur and arch rival of Merlin himself. Maybe it's just a coincidence but we've also found references to many of the characters from the same legend – connected to the origins of the Ori. I've been looking for planets where Arthur searched for the Sangraal."

"The Sangraal?" Prue looked thoughtful. "The closest Ancient equivalent would be something like Holy Blood, is that right?"

"Yes, but the word has a history within the Arthurian legend itself," Daniel's vocal pace got a little quicker as his academic interest was engaged. "The Sangraal or san-gre-al was the name given to the chalice used by Christ at the Last Supper – later referred to as the Holy Grail. As an object, the search to find it dates back to the 12th century."

"Really? That's what you're trying to fi-," Evan began.

"Major Lorne, Sir?"

Evan turned to see Chief Master Sergeant Harriman, more commonly known as just Walter, trying to get his attention. "Yes?"

"General Landry would like to see you Sir," Walter announced.

"Right, sure," Evan exchanged a glance with Prue, both of them thinking the same thing. Were they finally going to find out the official position on Prue's new status? "Tell him I'm on my way."

Walter nodded, spinning smartly and disappearing again.

Lorne stood, putting a hand on Prue's shoulder. "Stay and talk to Daniel. I'll come find you when I'm done." Evan met Daniel's gaze, silently asking for the other man to look after Prue. Daniel nodded, earning Lorne's gratitude. Leaning down Evan spoke close to Prue's ear. "It'll be fine ... no matter what, okay?"

Prue nodded, giving him as much of a smile as she could manage. "I'm nervous," she admitted, shaking her head at herself. "Which is completely silly because this meeting might have nothing to do with me at all."

"True," Lorne smiled.

"I hope it does," she said firmly. "You're tired of being couped up down here and I ... I just want to know."

"We'll be fine," Evan reiterated. Hardly aware of Daniel's watchful presence he pressed his cheek to Prue's for a moment before shifting away enough to place a chaste kiss to her lips. "Stay out of trouble," he ordered with only a hint of teasing.

"That's rich, coming from you," Prue shot back, smiling.

"Children," Daniel murmured, his expression full of fond amusement. He'd always liked Evan Lorne, despite their first meeting, and their easy banter had a familiar, SG-1 feel to it.

"Okay, I have to go," Evan leaned down to kiss Prue again, straightening and running a hand over her hair before he made himself leave.


"Major, have a seat," General Landry invited.

"Sir," Evan nodded, his posture formal as he took a seat in front of the General's desk.

"The IOA have finally handed down their final report on the incident that occurred on Atlantis three months ago," Landry began. Evan kept himself from rolling his eyes. That's what they were calling it? 'The incident'? He'd almost died ... twice! And Prue had been gone for two months. That made it a little more than an incident!

"And?" Lorne couldn't help but ask when the General stopped.

"And as far as they're concerned Doctor Darnell is no longer a person of interest," Landry announced. "No offence intended, of course."

"I'm sure she'll be more than happy with not having that label Sir," Lorne said as expressionlessly as he could manage. Inside he was hit with the desire to go find Prue immediately and tell her the good news.

"Given the outcome, and the results of all the testing Doctor Darnell has completed over the past few days, we're lucky to have her on board," Landry continued. "As of today she's eligible to become a registered civilian member of the Atlantis expedition, reporting directly to Mr Woolsey on civilian matters and Colonel Sheppard for everything else. That is of course if she accepts the post," Landry smiled.

"I'll pass on the offer Sir," Lorne replied. "I won't speak for her but I think you're already aware of how much we both want to return to Atlantis to continue our work."

"Of course," Hank didn't seem surprised. "Have her come and speak to me if she has questions." His expression turned serious as he regarded Lorne for a moment before speaking again. "I'm sure you don't need me to caution you not to become complacent Major. Doctor Darnell now shares a similar status to Ms Emmagen and Specialist Dex. As representatives of Pegasus races ... with very little power to influence decisions made here."

Evan pursed his lips, his expression shifting to resigned. "Understood Sir," he said, his reply covering a whole unspoken conversation. Just because the IOA weren't interested in Prue this week, didn't mean they wouldn't be next week or next month, or next year, if something came up that pointed them in her direction. They'd also cut Prue off from Earth, from him should he be recalled, without even blinking an eye. It was that thought that worried him more than anything else.

"As for you Major," Landry continued, "the IOA are more than a little interested in what can now be achieved with the ATA gene. I'm afraid they'll have a full research team set up and making requests of you before you've had a chance to settle back on Atlantis."

"Requests Sir?" Lorne asked, not liking the sound of that.

"Research Major," Hank clarified. "Probably in line with the kind of activities you've been undertaking with Doctor Darnell's guidance for some time. The IOA would like to formalise a research program, with your active participation, in an effort to learn more about the Ancient gene."

Evan sat for a moment, considering the implications. He was going to be the IOA's research guinea pig? "Ah ... I'm guessing refusal isn't an option Sir?" he asked hopefully.

"I'm afraid not Major," Landry said kindly. "Lucky for you Atlantis isn't next door. Weekly check-in along with an 18 day one way transit time naturally creates barriers. We'll try to keep the requests to a minimum. As long as you consider each request and provide some kind of report on your actions to address it I think we'll be fine."

Lorne nodded, feeling a small measure of relief. He wasn't going to be at the IOA's beck and call and he'd still be able to do his job. Of course he hadn't had the chance to talk with McKay before he and Prue left. In all likelihood Rodney had his own set of requests for Evan, now the ATA cat was well and truly out of the bag.

"Buck up Major," Landry said bracingly. "It won't be that bad. Now, clear out of here. You and Doctor Darnell are off duty for the next 10 days. I suggest you give serious thought to how to use that time wisely."

"Yes Sir, thank you again Sir," Lorne stood, straightening into a more formal posture until the General dismissed him.

"Oh, and Major?"

Evan turned back, his brow raised. "Sir?"

"Do you think you could stay out of trouble this time?" Landry asked, more teasing that serious.

"I do Sir," Lorne returned, a faint smile playing over his face, "we do," he added, feeling comfortable speaking for Prue in that regard.

"Very well," Hank nodded, his eyes kind. "Enjoy your vacation Major."

Heading back to the Commissary, Evan was thoughtful. The result was a good one, in some respects better than they could have hoped for. But he wouldn't take the General's warning lightly ... he'd need to do everything possible to ensure they couldn't justifiably separate him from Prue, something that could occur if his usefulness in the Pegasus galaxy became less than his usefulness on Earth. They weren't out of the woods yet.