A/N: This started out as a short piece that described a possible start to the friendship between Jennifer and Lorne. However, it is slowly expanding into several self-contained chapters, each hinting at an evolution of Jennifer's and Lorne's relationship (either friendship or romance).
It takes place shortly after Missing in S4.
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Stargate Atlantis or the characters.
"You ready?" Sam asked jogging down the steps.
"No." Jennifer smiled weakly.
"You'll be fine." Sam assured her.
"You said that last time."
"And you were."
"You count fine as being attacked by the Bola Kai?" The doctor asked wide eyed.
"You came out uns….you survived." Sam corrected herself.
"I'll remember to lower my expectation of fine." Jennifer muttered as Lorne jogged into the gate room.
"Colonel, Doctor." The Major smiled. "All set?"
"Just waiting for your team." Jennifer said, trying to smile.
"Team? Today I am the team."
"Shouldn't there be more of you?"
"You'll be fine. It's a simple in and out and no Bola Kai." Lorne smiled. "Unless you don't trust me. I mean if you are questioning my skill an-"
"No no no. I didn't mean that." Jennifer interrupted looking and feeling embarrassed. "It's just that, well after last time it's just that-"
"Doctor Keller, I'm only teasing." Lorne grinned, trying to assure her he wasn't offended. "I have been to this planet several times with several members of your team as well as Dr McKay and there has never been a problem. But should for some reason something go wrong we have plenty of emergency procedures in place."
"Really?" Jennifer asked hopefully.
"Really. But I suggest we get moving. Leave it too late and we'll be returning in the dark."
"What happens after dark?" Jennifer asked getting worried again.
"Nothing sinister, but it is cold and dark and it kinda makes the walk less fun. Especially with all that kit." He commented looking at Jennifer's bags. "I thought it was just a routine day trip."
"It is. I just like to be prepared." Jennifer answered.
"For what? Armageddon?" Lorne asked, only half joking.
"You want to walk back to the gate and get some extra supplies when someone presents with abnormal skin infection?" Jennifer shot back.
"No ma'am." Lorne responded reaching out an arm to take the bag not on Jennifer's back.
"It's fine. I can take it." Jennifer assured him.
"The bag is nearly bigger than you." Lorne pointed out before adding whilst smiling. "Besides it will ruin my chivalrous reputation if I don't take it."
"Chivalrous reputation?" Jennifer asked.
"See if you spent more time outside the infirmary you'd know all about it."
"If you military guys stopped causing me so much work I could afford to spend more time outside the infirmary." Jennifer shot back.
"But then you'd miss us." Lorne grinned as he nodded to Chuck to dial the gate.
As the wormhole established Jennifer took a nervous breath before glancing at Sam, who nodded encouragingly, and followed Lorne through.
As the pair stepped through the gate they were hit by cold air and a stiff breeze. Lorne took a moment to look around the damp surroundings before relaxing and saying.
"Looks like we just missed the rain and no arrow wielding aliens, just a peaceful, albeit muddy, planet."
"So far." Jennifer muttered as she followed the Major.
"You always this paranoid?" He asked amused.
"It's only paranoia if they aren't really out to get you."
"And 'they' in this case are?"
"Wraith, Bola Kai, weird alien bugs, -"
"I get the point." Lorne smiled. "But seriously the chances of something bad happening are small, unless you're on Colonel Sheppard's team of course." The Major continued only to be cut off by a deep, loud, echoing, rumble.
"What was that?" Jennifer asked nervously.
"Thunder storm." Lorne answered looking round. "We should get going, standing near trees in a thunderstorm might test your luck."
"Actually being surrounded by trees, like we are, is better than being out in the open. You see the probability of a…" Jennifer said, but on noticing Lorne's face she changed direction and said. "Not the point. We should get going."
"Now we're talking." Lorne replied as something splattered on his shoulder. Looking up he felt more drops of rain hit him. "Let's go." He ordered beginning to think that maybe his co-worker was unlucky.
For the next ten minutes the duo trudged through the damp, muddy woods trying to avoid getting drenched. Every so often the Major turned to check on Jennifer who was clearly not at home in the conditions. He considered trying to make small talk, but on seeing how much concentration she was putting into walking and not tripping and slipping in the mud he reconsidered and continued in silence until he saw a familiar marker. Walking over to it he tried to keep a safe distance from the drop to his right as he waited for Jennifer to follow.
"Not much fur-" Lorne said before disappearing.
"Major." Jennifer called, instinctively stepping towards the ground where Lorne had been, only to suffer the same fate of the muddy ground giving way under her. Soon she was falling down the muddy, slippery slope after Lorne, unable to stop shrieking as she went. Eventually she was silenced by cracking her head on a branch.
-00-
As Lorne came round he was acutely aware of hurting all over and feeling cold. Trying to move he realised he wasn't just cold he was wet. Daring to attempt to lift his head he felt something hinder his movement. Tugging harder he managed to break free from what turned out to be a muddy prison. Shaking the fog from his mind he looked around unable to see anything other than mud. Shaking his head once more he remembered where he was and the fact he was responsible for a civilian. Whipping his head round he desperately tried to see the doctor, not even sure if she had followed him down.
Calling her name Lorne continued to scan his local area, unsure whether to be relieved on concerned when he eventually glimpsed a black heap poking out of the mud to his right.
"Doctor Keller?" Lorne called as he crawled across the thick mud towards the Atlantis rucksack, which was blocking his view of Jennifer.
"Major?" Jennifer asked groggily as she struggled to free herself from the mud.
"Yeah, you okay?"
"Great." Jennifer muttered as she tried to sit up.
"Anything broken?" Lorne asked.
"Don't think so. How about you?"
"Apart from my pride, no."
"How far did we fall?" Jennifer asked trying to get her bearings.
"You see that peak in the distance?" Lorne asked pointing to a distant geological feature. "That's where the gate is."
"That seems a long way away."
"It is. We got washed away by the mud slide." Lorne explained as he attempted to get to his feet. Having steadied himself he offered Jennifer a hand.
Reaching up Jennifer allowed Lorne to help pull her to her feet only to crumble to the ground. As Lorne swiftly swooped down to catch her he asked.
"You feeling dizzy? Concussion?"
"No, ankle. I guess it wasn't as healed as I thought." She explained as she lowered herself to the ground. "It's okay, just give me a minute to strap it." She added as she removed her bag and looked for supplies.
"You have anything useful in there, like blankets?" Lorne asked.
"They're in the bag you have."
"Had." Lorne stated as Jennifer pulled off her mud caked boot.
"Had?"
"I lost it when I fell." The Major said apologetically. "What do you have in your bag?"
"Antibiotics, painkillers, sterile water and some dressings." Jennifer listed. "Nothing particularly useful for our current situation."
"In that case," Lorne started as he lifted the bag, "I'm going to remove everything we don't need. No point in carrying dead weight."
Jennifer tried not to wince as she saw Lorne throw out her supplies. Failing she attempted to concentrate on her throbbing ankle. When she had finally strapped the joint she slowly got to her feet, the movement gaining Lorne's attention.
"Can you walk?" He asked.
"Yeah."
"You sure?"
"Yes, but a little support would be appreciated." Jennifer said sheepishly.
"No problem." Lorne said hooking Jennifer's arm over his shoulder. "You good?"
"Yeah." Jennifer said as she steadied herself. "So is there a plan?"
"Walk towards the gate and away from the mud. At some stage we'll find something that looks like decent shelter and rest for the night. Unless you have a better idea."
"No, that sounds good." Jennifer replied as they started their slow march.
-00-
"This is as good a place as anywhere." Lorne said after a couple of hours, coming to a stop and freeing himself from Jennifer.
"For what?" Jennifer asked wrapping her arms round herself, trying to keep warm.
"To set up a shelter. It's too dark and cold to keep going. We'll make a shelter and get some rest. I was hoping to find a cave or similar, but it looks like we'll have to make do with trees and a poncho."
"Poncho?" Jennifer asked.
"To keep the rain off."
"I got that, but I didn't think we had one."
The comment drew a grin from Lorne who pulled one out if his tac vest. "Always be prepared."
"Boy scout as well as Air Force Major?" Jennifer asked.
"Something like that. Now sit down and rest your ankle whilst I set it up." Lorne instructed.
Too tired to argue Jennifer found a muddy rock and perched on it as Lorne attempted to create a shelter. After a few minutes the Major returned to Jennifer.
"Okay, the biggest danger is going to be the cold. Unfortunately neither of us have spare clothing or blankets and there is nothing round here that is dry enough, or mud free enough, to sustain a fire. So we're down to body heat." Lorne explained carefully, half expecting an argument. "But if anything feels inappropriate or you feel uncomfortable just let me know."
"It's okay Major I know the drill." Jennifer said.
"Good." Lorne said as he helped Jennifer towards the shelter. "But seeing how we're stuck here in close quarters for the next few hours you could drop the Major."
"And call you what?" Jennifer asked as she lay down.
"Lorne or Evan if you prefer."
"Okay." Jennifer said as Lorne lay down behind her and wrapped his arms round her.
"So Dr Keller-" Lorne started only to be cut off.
"You could call me something other than Dr Keller." Jennifer said through chattering teeth.
"Like?"
"Jennifer."
"That's only one less syllable." Lorne pointed out as he held the shivering doctor against him. "How about doc?"
"Efficient and transferable?" Jennifer pointed out.
"It's what the air force is famous for."
Sensing Jennifer was struggling to keep her spirits up in the cold, damp and muddy conditions Lorne said.
"So tell me about yourself?"
"What do you want to know?"
"Who you are. I only ever see you in the infirmary and all I get from that experience is you're a good doctor. You've been here for months now and I still don't know anything about you."
"There's not much to tell." Jennifer said wrapping her arms tighter round her. Only child, social outcast and I hate the whole outdoors thing."
"If that is how you see your life you really need to get out more. When we get back you're coming to movie night. No arguments." Lorne said.
"If we get out of this I will go anywhere it is warm." Jennifer shivered.
"When not if. Worse case Sheppard's team will get us in the morning."
"If they find us and if we haven't been buried in another mudslide."
"They'll find us. Between McKay's tech and Ronon's tracking they'll get to us in no time. When they do we'll get you some where warm."
"And free from mud."
"You know some people pay a fortune to get encased in mud." Lorne pointed out.
"Really can't see why."
"Neither can I." Lorne admitted, happy that Jennifer seemed to be shivering less.
"So what's your story?" Jennifer asked.
"Have a sister, have a great team and love the outdoors thing."
"Short and sweet."
"Didn't want to show you up."
"That your chivalrous side?" The doctor questioned.
"How'd you guess?" Lorne asked.
As Jennifer fell silent Lorne tried to think f another topic of conversation, wanting to keep Jennifer's mind off the cold.
"So you seeing anyone?" Lorne eventually asked. The question taking Jennifer completely by surprise.
"What? Why are you asking?"
"My intentions are purely honourable." Lorne assured her. "But seeing how we are going to be lying like this for the next few hours I'd like a heads up as to whether or not my six is going to get kicked by a jealous boyfriend."
"No."
"No what?"
"No I'm not seeing anyone."
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why aren't you seeing someone?"
"I don't do the whole social thing very well. Dating and me never got on and now it's just complicated."
"I don't buy that. I think you're just picky." Lorne teased.
"Picky?"
"Yeah being outnumbered by men twenty-five to one means you should be able to find one decent person to date."
"Lorne?" Jennifer asked tensing.
"Yeah."
"You said I should tell you if I thought your behaviour was inappropriate and I think you just crossed a line."
"Sorry, no more questions about your love life."
"I was talking about your hand."
"My hand?" Lorne asked confused.
"The one running up my leg."
"My hands are up here doc." Lorne said.
"Then what is crawling up my leg?" Jennifer asked, on the verge of panic.
"Hold still." Lorne instructed as he pulled away from Jennifer, shining his flashlight on Jennifer's leg.
"Well?" Jennifer asked, trying to keep calm.
"Best case, dinner." Lorne said as he reached down and grabbed a furry rodent.
As Jennifer caught sight of the creature in Lorne's hand she instinctively leapt away from where she had been lying and frantically brushed herself down.
"It's okay." Lorne assured her as he watched the rodent scamper off. "It's gone."
"What if there are more of them?"
"On the bright side they'll be warm. Now get back here before you freeze."
Reluctantly Jennifer crawled back over to Lorne and stiffly lay down once more.
"You should get some sleep." Lorne commented trying to warm Jennifer up again.
"After that. No chance." Jennifer said.
"In which case you were about to tell me who it was you are interested in. I refuse to believe no one has caught your eye."
"How about you tell me about your love life. You dating?"
"You asking me out?" Lorne asked.
"What? No. That's not what I meant." Jennifer said embarrassed.
"I know. And in answer to your question no I'm not."
"Why?"
"It's complicated. I can't date military on the base, it's not fair to date anyone who's on Earth, and the rest of the base personnel are complete…what I mean is they're…"
"Like me?"
"Not what I was going to say. Anyway I'm not dating anyone. And I'm not interested in anyone, unlike you."
"I'm not-"
"Doc, there is no way that someone hasn't caught your eye. Hang on I know why you won't tell me. It's me isn't it?"
"You? How big is your ego?" Jennifer asked.
"So not me?"
"Not you."
"But there is someone?" Lorne probed.
"Why exactly is my lack of love life so important?" Jennifer asked.
"You kind of remind me of my sister and seeing I can't badger her, you'll do." Lorne smiled.
"You miss her? Your sister that is?"
"Yes I do, but don't change the subject. You know we're not going anywhere so you might as well tell me."
"If I told you there was someone would you leave it alone?"
"No."
"Does your sister like you?"
"Of course." Lorne replied, surprised by the question.
"Even though you bully her?"
"I tease her and she loves it really. One day you'll look back on this night fondly. So, who is it?"
"You'll laugh." Jennifer said.
"No I won't. Unless it is Zelenka. If it were him I might have to." Lorne joked, happy that Jennifer was relaxing.
"It's not Zelenka. Zelenka I'd have a chance with."
"I'm sure you'd have a chance with whoever it is."
"No…I'm pretty sure I wouldn't. Ignoring the fact I can't speak to him, without making a fool of myself, I am so not his type. To be honest I'm not sure he's my type. He is so different from anyone I've ever interacted with and it's not exactly as if he's nice to me. Maybe my hormones are rebelling against my brain."
"Rebelling hormones?" Lorne asked amused.
"Hey, I'm sharing something very personal here, no need to mock."
"Sorry doc." Lorne grinned, trying to sound sincere.
"You don't sound it." Jennifer pointed out, shivering again.
"Sorry." The major repeated, holding Jennifer closer trying to warm her. "So you were about to confess to having a crush on Ronon."
"I do not have a c- I never said Ronon."
"No, but you said he wasn't nice, which implied Ronon or McKay. Then you said he was outside your usual social circles, which ruled out McKay, leaving Ronon."
"Very good Sherlock, but there is a flaw in your logic." Jennifer said through chattering teeth.
"What's that?"
"Don't know. Too cold to think of a lie."
"Hang in there doc." Lorne responded, holding Jennifer closer to him. "Sunrise isn't far off."
"That isn't going to dry me. I don't think my feet will ever be warm again."
"You could always ask Ronon to massage them when we get back." Lorne suggested earning him an elbow to his stomach.
"I'm going to regret telling you aren't I?"
"Technically you didn't tell me, I guessed. And I promise I won't tell anyone. My lips are sealed."
"Thank you." Jennifer said, backing herself closer to Lorne for warmth. "So tell me more about your sister."
Smiling Lorne started to recall childhood memories as Jennifer started to drift off.
-00-
Jennifer struggled to open her eyes, vaguely aware that something was standing over her. Straining her neck she looked up and saw boots. As her eyes worked their way up the boots to the legs she heard Lorne say.
"Sir."
"You okay?" Sheppard asked.
"Kinda cold." Lorne explained as Jennifer saw the legs above her bend. As John dropped down to make eye contact with Jennifer he commented.
"You know doc you're nearly as much work as McKay." Before either doctor could protest John went on. "You ready to go?"
"You have no idea." Jennifer mumbled as Ronon reached down and helped her to her feet.
"Ronon." Lorne called. When the former runner looked over to him he explained. "The doc has re-busted her ankle, she shouldn't be walking on it."
"I'm fine." Jennifer started to argue, glaring at Lorne, only to find herself being lifted into Ronon's arms and carried towards the Jumper.
"Is something amusing?" Teyla asked, noticing the smirk on Lorne's face.
"No." Lorne denied clambering stiffly to his feet.
"Any other injuries I should know about?" John asked looking at his muddied second in command.
"Mainly bruised bodies and pride." The Major summarised.
"So what exactly happened?" John asked.
"Ground gave way and we were caught in a mud slide."
"Fun. You really need to reconsider how you look after civilians." John pointed out. "I don't think Carter meant a spa day."
"I'll remember that for next time."
"Make sure you do. Can you walk or would you like me to get McKay to carry you?" The Colonel asked.
"I'm fine." Lorne assured his commanding officer. "Just looking forward to a shower and dry clothes. We should get the doc to the infirmary, the cold hit her hard."
"Understood. The flight will only be short and there are blankets in the Jumper." John said walking towards the craft. As he walked in he saw Ronon wrapping Jennifer in a blanket.
"Keep her warm." The Colonel ordered the Satedan before walking towards the cockpit, briefly turning towards Lorne adding. "Stay back here Lorne, I don't want mud on my seats."
"Yes Sir." The Major responded wrapping himself in a spare blanket and sitting opposite Jennifer grinning when he saw how much attention Ronon was showing the doctor.
-00-
As Jennifer woke she cracked open her eyes surprised to see Lorne sitting at her bedside.
"Hey." She greeted.
"Hey." He returned standing. "How are you feeling?"
"Feet still cold. When did we get here?"
"A few hours ago. You fell to sleep on the flight back."
"I did?"
"Yeah."
"And that's funny because?" Jennifer asked noticing Lorne's smirk.
"Because you fell to sleep on Ronon, who then carried you down here personally."
"I'm never going to live that down." Jennifer groaned before asking. "What are you doing here?"
"They're worried I could have a concussion from the blow I took during the fall. So we are both stuck here for another couple of hours. Unless you want to sign my release?"
"No."
"Then I guess I'm hanging round here until we are both released. On the bright side that's enough time to discuss your problem."
"What problem?"
"Your rebellious hormone problem." Lorne grinned.
"You promised you'd leave it alone."
"No I promised not to tell anyone. I never said I wouldn't help you with it."
"Help?" Jennifer asked looking worried.
"Yeah, get you interacting, mingling, let him get to know you."
"Can't you leave it alone?" Jennifer pleaded.
"Where's the fun in that?" Lorne grinned.
"Can I get your sister posted here so you can harass her instead?" Jennifer asked.
"I'm not harassing, I'm helping." Lorne smiled.
"And how long is this help going to last?"
"Either until your hormones get their way or until they stop their rebellion. Like it or not doc you're stuck with me. Starting with team dinner in two hours."
"Team dinner?"
"Yes, you're joining my team for dinner."
"I am?" Jennifer asked confused.
"Yes, it's about time you ventured out of the infirmary."
"I don't want to intrude…" Jennifer started only for Lorne to cut in.
"Doc, you're not intruding. Sharing dinner with friends is not intruding. Unless you don't consider me as a friend."
"Friend?" Jennifer asked confused before confessing. "I didn't think you'd want someone like me as a friend."
"In the same way you don't think a big Satedan would be interested in you?" Lorne asked grinning. "This is why you need to get out more. Anyway I'm going to get Dr Cole to come take a look at you and make sure you're good to leave in two hours." He added backing away.
"Evan?" Jennifer called.
"Yeah."
"Thanks, for everything."
"No problem doc." Lorne smiled, walking off. As he disappeared Jennifer couldn't stop a small smile spreading as she finally started to feel as though she belonged.