Rise of the Slayer

by MillieMaeB

A multi-c/o between Atlantis, Stargate, Supnatural & BTVS but based around Atlantis mainly. Set in an AU where Slayer's are isolated from the rest of the world by a paranoid Council. One is sent to Atlantis to help with the Wraith and things begin to change. The Slayer is an OFC, but famaliar faces will pop up. M for lang/smut. Ch2 is here, def upped smut (coughs/hides)

1. Chapter 1

"What is football?"

They blinked at her. "You're kidding me right?"

"This is something I should know about?"

"You grew up on Earth didn't you?"

"Yes"

"And you've never heard of football?"

"No"

Colonel Sheppard and Colonel Mitchell exchanged looks. "Um, it's a sport"

"A sport?"

"Yes, you know like uh, basketball, baseball.."

"I do not know of these things either"

"Jesus, they keep you in a cave or something?"

She looked puzzled. "No, I had an apartment in the castle"

"Of course you did"

"You seem disappointed that I don't know these things. Are they necessary for my work out here?"

"Well no, not exactly. I just can't believe you've never heard of them. Never seen them on TV?"

"TV's were not permitted"

"Ah, well that explains a lot"

"It does?"

"So you've never watched TV, seen a movie, listened to the radio?"

"No"

"What the hell do you do there?"

"Study, train, work through my chores, meditate"

"That's it?"

"I find my days to be full" She tilted her head. "What do you do?"

They shifted slightly. Dr McKay let out a snort. "You probably don't want to know"

"Hey!"

"Why?"

Sheppard glared at McKay. "Why don't you share what you fill your days with Dr McKay?"

The scientist looked up from his tablet. "Very well. When I'm not off-world being shot at or taken prisoner.." His team leader rolled his eyes. "…I am in my lab, ensuring the city continues to provide us with hot water, lighting and doesn't explode"

"This provides you with relaxation also?"

He smiled at their newest resident. Everyone else had been surprised at their growing friendship but he liked her, she was refreshingly honest and eager to learn, and he was enjoying watching her drive the other men on base a little insane. "If I have time I like to read, or watch a movie. And this evening I have a date"

Sheppard's brows rose. "You do?"

"Why does that seem surprising to you Colonel?"

"Hey, not surprised. You just hadn't mentioned it before"

"We don't have to share everything"

"This date, you refer to the fruit?"

This time Rodney joined the other two in gaping at her slightly.

She smiled slightly back at him. "It brings you pleasure, relaxation? How?"

"Uh.."

"You eat it?"

Colonel Mitchell muttered "Jesus" under his breath and pulled his chair into the table a little closer.

Rodney smirked at him then turned to her. "You've never been on a date?"

Her brow furrowed. "Why would I want to be on a date?"

He waved his hand in the air. "Not the fruit, a date with another person. You know going for dinner, a movie?"

"Movies were not permitted. I ate dinner with the rest of the girls"

"Right, um, not like that. It's just with one other person"

"We ate together last night"

"That was different"

"Why?"

"Because we're friends"

"And you do not wish to be friends with your date this evening?"

Colonel Sheppard rolled his eyes. "This is getting ridiculous. A date is time spent with someone else who you want to be more than friends with"

"So Rodney's time with his date later will be spent differently than our dinner last night?"

"If he's lucky"

"Cut it out Sheppard"

"And what would he be doing differently that would make them more than friends?"

"You're up Mitchell"

Colonel Mitchell fought the urge to flip him off, he didn't want to have to explain that aswell.

"Will it last longer?"

He took a sip of his coffee to try to buy some time. "Um, when you say you've never dated, I mean, no one ever, you haven't spent time with someone else as.." He rolled his eyes at himself. "..more than friends?"

"No"

"No?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, this is upsetting to you also? As much as my ignorance of football?"

"What? Uh no, it's just a little hard to um, believe"

"Why?"

Rodney sorted again. "I think we should talk about this later, without these two morons fumbling about"

"Hey!"

"Do you not have your date later? And I wish to know why Colonel Mitchell believes I should have had a date?"

He opened his mouth then narrowed his gaze. "Are you playing us?"

"Playing you?"

"You know, winding us up"

"You are broken?"

"You're the most frustrating person to talk to you know that?"

"I'm sorry"

"Shut up Mitchell" Sheppard grinned at her. "What he's trying to get at, and failing miserably, is that its hard to believe you haven't been asked out, a lot. No men ever try to get you to go to dinner with them? Catch a movie, a game?"

"Oh, yes but it is not permitted. My days are to be filled with…"

"Yeah, we know. Chores, meditation, etc, etc"

Rodney looked at her suddenly, brows raising. "So, no men?"

"No"

"Ever?"

"No"

"Shit"

She looked thoughtful. "Ah, you are referring to sex?"

Sheppard choked on his coffee.

"I did not know you were planning on having a child Rodney"

"What?! No, no I'm not"

"But is that not the purpose of it?"

Colonel Mitchell laid his head on the table. "Oh God"

"Why is Mitchell having a breakdown in the mess?" Major Winchester sat down and unrolled his cutlery.

"We were discussing Rodney's plans to have sex"

He stared at her. "Uh, what?"

"Can we please not talk about this?"

Winchester grinned. "Oh no, please go on"

Rodney glared at him.

"It appears that a date is meant to end in sex, however Rodney does not wish to have a child. I was merely wondering for what other purpose he would wish for the act to be performed"

He looked at his CO. "She's joking right?"

"Apparently not" Sheppard mopped up the last of his drink with a napkin."It seems the Council have quite strict uh, rules"

"Oh. So no uh.." He waved his fork in the air.

"Yep"

"Huh, shit" He raised a brow at her. "So none of you are allowed to um, date?"

"No"

He smiled at her. "As much as I'd enjoy explaining this one to you you're probably better off talking to Teyla"

"Why?"

"Because you're both women"

"Do women date other women too?"

"Well done Winchester"

He rolled his eyes. "Yes"

"And men date other men?"

"Sometimes"

"But there would be no sex?"

"Oh God"

"I am concerned for Colonel Mitchell"

"Yeah, so are we"

Mitchell raised his head and glared at Rodney. "This is your fault"

"Why?!"

"You started it"

"Did not"

"Did too. We were only talking about football then you had to go and bring up your date"

"Discussing sex makes you uncomfortable?"

He gaped at her. "What, no..it's just…shit"

"This is something you should work on Colonel Mitchell, we should never perform an action that we cannot talk freely about. It can cause problems"

The Major grinned at her. "Exactly"

"Violet?"

She tilted her head up. "Yes Ronan?"

"We are to spar?"

"Oh yes, of course. I'm sorry" She stood. "Thank you for an informative lunch"

"Oh you're welcome" mumbled Mitchell.

They watched her sway through the tables behind the Satedan, several marines tipping their chairs to get a better look. Rodney snorted. "You're all pathetic"

Mitchell finally allowed himself to flip him off. "I didn't see you jumping in with an explanation Dr Genius"

"She's not stupid Mitchell, those assholes just keep them so isolated from everything else none of them have any concept of the real world"

"They teach them to kill monsters McKay, I don't think any of them are exactly naïve"

"Oh no, they make sure they're all up to speed on the evil in the world, how to kill this, how to track that but they don't get taught anything else. Do you know before she came here she'd never had chocolate?"

Sheppard's brows rose. "Really?"

"Really, no sweets, no ice cream, no coffee, no alcohol, no TV, no books, no boys, no shopping, no 'whatever else women like to indulge in'. They're raised as soldiers and then one day some creepy evil thing kills them and that's it"

"So, if they're so strict why did they let her come out here, alone?"

Rodney shrugged. "Don't know. Think O'Neill pulled some strings. The Council are very interested in what we're doing here"

"Think she's gathering intel for them?"

"If she is she's got the black ops of a God"

"She's a Slayer Rodney, I think that's part of the package"

He glared at his friend. "She's not just a Slayer John. And she took that bullet for Ford a few weeks ago without even blinking, not something that a person who's quietly betraying you does"

"Don't twist things McKay, you know what I mean"

"No, I really don't" Rodney stood. "Now, I'm going for a shower and to attempt to erase the last few minutes of conversation from my mind before my date later"

Dean smirked at him. "Think you'd make a good Dad McKay"

"Bite me Dean"

"Only if you date me first"

---

Ronan grunted as he landed on his back on the mat and the air was forced from his lungs. He held a hand up. Smiling at him she wandered over and offered him a hand.

"In a minute Slayer"

Violet frowned. "I hurt you?"

"That is the point"

"The point is to improve your skills"

"And I shall know not to fall for that feint again"

She grinned and sat beside him. "Ronan, has the concept of dating been explained to you since your arrival?"

He raised a brow and pushed himself into a sitting position. "Yes, we had a similar ritual on Sateda. Although here it seems to be a little more complicated"

"Why?"

He shrugged. "Amongst my people it was expected for you to make your intentions clear. Whether you wished for only sex, or whether it was to lead to a greater commitment"

"They lie to each other?"

"Sometimes. They also seem to have a standard timing procedure, as to when to expect sex, how long between time spent with one another…it is quite a long list of unwritten rules"

She sighed. "That sounds very complicated"

"I believe so. You have an interest in the city?"

"No, but they seemed to be surprised when I explained that I had no experience of this dating, that I had not had sex. Do you know why this is?"

He smiled gently at her, something that would have probably made Sheppard spit his coffee out again if he could see it. "They are surprised because you are very beautiful Little One, to them it seems impossible that a man would not have wished to have taken you to his bed. And you are some years past the age where it is acceptable to indulge in the act"

"I have always believed I would not have sex, it was taught to us that it was for the purpose of creating life only and Slayer's must not have children. But now I learn it is not only performed for this, why?"

"Sex can also bring great pleasure"

Her brows rose. "It can?"

"Yes. And there are ways to prevent the creation of life so they are free to experience this pleasure as much as they wish"

"Oh" She tilted her head. "They seemed reluctant to explain this to me"

Ronan rolled his eyes, an interesting sight. "They do not see it as we do. To them speaking about it with you crosses a line, especially now they know you have yet to experience it"

Violet sighed and played with a strand of hair. "I made them uncomfortable?"

He grinned. "Yes"

"It is not funny Ronan"

"Yes it is, they need to be made to feel uncomfortable sometimes" He tilted her head gently. "Speak with Teyla about this also Little One. There will be things she can help you with that I cannot"

She nodded and chewed her lip briefly. "Thank you Ronan, I will. There appears to be more than Wraith that I am to concern myself with before I return"

He growled quietly. "You are not returning there"

"It is my home"

"It was your prison. You will understand that soon, when you have lived among us for a little longer"

---

Her door chimed and slid open. Teyla smiled. "Violet, it is good to see you, please, come in"

"Thank you Teyla. Are you well?"

The Athosian sighed. "My sickness seems to be easing for which I am grateful. John was most displeased about his footwear"

"Oh yes" The Slayer tilted her head. "His last pair of uh, converse?"

"I believe that was what he called them. I have asked McKay to order him a pair, they should arrive on the next Daedalus run"

"I am sure he will be very pleased"

"I hope so" She gestured to the cushions on the floor. "May I make you some tea?"

"Let me do it Tey, you rest. Which one eases your stomach?"

"Thank you Violet, the pot on the far right"

The Slayer nodded and busied herself with the preparations whilst the other woman gracefully sank down to the floor. "You said there was something you wished to discuss with me?"

"Yes, I hope you don't mind, but Ronan said you would be open to it and you would be able to help me"

"I am curious" She smiled at her friend and took her tea. "Thank you"

"You are welcome" Violet took a seat opposite her. "I spent my lunch with Rodney, and Colonel's Sheppard and Mitchell. A discussion began about Rodney's date this evening.."

"Ah"

"Um, I believe my questions made them a little uncomfortable and whilst Ronan was happy to explain to me all he knew about this ritual he said that you would be able to better enlighten me, being also a woman"

"Of course, and what aspect is it of this ritual that you do not understand?"

"Basically? All of it"

Teyla chuckled quietly. "I'll admit that I still sometimes struggle to keep up with the romantic comings and goings of the city's residents. It appears to be a hugely complex, and often frustrating, game. However, I have witnessed several relationships blossom in my time here so I am assured that when played correctly this game can have a mutual benefit"

"They see it as a game?"

"Until they fall in love, and then it can become very serious. Especially in a setting such as this"

Violet nodded. "Some play to achieve sex, others relationships?"

"As far as I can tell, yes"

"Do women also wish for sex only?"

"Some"

"And this is because it is pleasurable?"

"It can be. But it must be with someone who understands your body, how it works. And someone who is trustworthy, respectful"

"How can someone understand my body if I do not? I was not even aware sex could bring pleasure until today"

"Most people here have indulged in sex for many years, with different partners, they have become skilled at giving pleasure"

"But you would not know this until you were with them?"

"I am afraid not. Unless you wish to speak with the other women on base, they are always willing to share information on who is 'good', who is respectful"

"They look after one another?"

"Your military is still a very predominately male organisation, I believe the women find it to their advantage to 'stick together', help each other"

"But I am not military, and the women here do not seem to wish to speak with me"

"It is because they don't understand you Violet, and because you have many men looking your way"

"I do?"

Teyla smiled. "Yes, you do. If you were a marine they would have accepted you many weeks ago but you must work for this acceptance"

"Did you?"

"Yes, it took me a long time to gain their trust and friendship but I have found them to be the greatest and most loyal friends I have ever had the honour of knowing"

"Wow" Violet chewed her lip thoughtfully. "I do not think I have had friends, unless you, Rodney and Ronan are?"

"Of course Violet"

She smiled and dipped her eyes. "But before, we weren't encouraged to build bonds, relationships. It only hurt more when one of us didn't come home"

Teyla leant forward and squeezed her hand. "That could also happen here, it has happened. But you cannot cut yourself off from life for fear of something being taken from you. You must live as if each day is your last, as it may well be. Have no regrets, only experiences"

"I would like to experience pleasure, also the bonds of friendship"

"Then we shall begin some lessons yes?" Teyla grinned at her and placed her mug on the floor. "You must not go to a man's bed until you are ready but there are other ways"

---

The next day.

Lieutenant Laura Cadman struggled in her attackers grip, his weight pinning her to the rough floor. She'd tried every move she knew and he should have been rolling around the floor in agony by now. Instead he was leering down at her, sour breath ghosting over her face, sweat dripping from his nose. His hands began to tug at her vest.

"Shit! No! Get off me you gross bastard!" She bucked underneath him and he laughed.

As his hand slid up her t-shirt she bit down on his neck but the asshole hardly even flinched, he had to be as high as a kite. "Fuck!" She didn't know where her team were now, in a way she didn't want them to find her like this, in another she wanted them to burst down that door and shoot him until they could strain soup through his dead body.

As the tips of his fingers grazed the underside of her breast he suddenly looked surprised and then, in only a second, he was gone, flying through the air and slamming into the wall opposite. The Slayer looked down at her. "Are you ok?" She whispered.

Laura nodded and pushed herself up, trying to straighten her clothes. Her shaking hands were knocked from her vest and sure steady ones clipped it closed around her. "Thank you, please…"

"I won't tell anyone" The Slayer smiled, eyes darkening. "Want to make him pay?"

The man on the ground groaned quietly and tried to sit up. Laura looked over at him and felt her stomach roll. The next woman might not be lucky enough to have a Slayer on side. She swallowed. "Yes"

Ten minutes later Violet opened the door and held it open for her. As she brushed past Laura dipped her head slightly. "Thank you"

"It was my pleasure"

"Where the fuck have you been Cadman?!" Major Winchester was shouting across the cobbled street. "Where the fuck is your radio?!"

She raised a hand to her ear, shit. "I'm sorry Sir, it must have fallen out. I got into a bit of a uh.." Laura swallowed, fighting back her suddenly welling eyes. Shit, shit.

"I located Lieutenant Cadman in a house around the corner" Laura tensed and looked at Violet, bitch. "She was engaged in a fight with the tavern owner, I was not needed"

Dean eyed them then huffed a breath. "Right, fine. Whatever. Let's get the fuck out of here, these people are insane"

They followed him through the village, Laura acutely aware of the young woman who seemed to have decided to not leave her side. She cleared her throat. "Look you don't have to uh.."

"I want to"

"Um, ok"

"You must not be alone"

"I'm a big girl"

"As am I, but there will always be bigger things, scarier things"

'You're a little scary you know that?"

"Thank you, I have worked hard to become so"

Laura snorted. "I'm surprised you get any fights in at all these days, people must just run from you screaming"

"Sometimes"

"Especially with the smokey eye thing going on"

"It is a good effect yes?"

"Yeah, I'll give you that. He peed his pants for God's sake"

"It did not enhance his odour"

She wrinkled her nose. "No, you're right there. I'm gonna be smelling that for a while"

"I know that sometimes I do not understand things but this I do" Violet briefly squeezed her arm. "We are not friends but I would be willing to listen, if you do not wish others to know. I will even let you beat me up in the sparring room"

"Let me?"

"I am, in Colonel Sheppard's words, awesome"

"He said you're awesome?"

"No he said he was awesome, in fact he says it a lot"

"Yeah, I'd noticed"

"Will you two pick it up?!" Dean was glaring again. "This isn't a day at the fucking mall!"

"He says fuck a lot"

Laura laughed then smoothed her expression out in the face of his anger. "Sorry Sir" Offering a lazy salute she hurried past him, dragging Violet with her.

Dean offered up a short prayer for more patience, and added in a little plea for his team's second-in-command and their resident Slayer to not become best friends. He wasn't sure the male population of marines would be able to take it.

---

He ran into her as he rounded the corner. "Shit, so.." He looked closer. "I thought you were sparring with Cadman?"

"This is correct"

"Then how the hell did you get that bruise?"

She blinked back up at him, all wide-eyed innocence. Yeah, she may be a virgin but she knew how to play at some things. "I anticipated she would go to the left"

"Let me guess, she went to the right?"

"This is correct"

"Cadman's good, good enough to kick the crap out of her fellow marines, but not you"

"She has not 'kicked the crap' out of me, it is merely one hit that landed behind my defences"

Dean narrowed his gaze. "What's going on?"

"We are standing in a corridor having a very boring conversation"

He clenched his fists. "Mitchell was right, you are frustrating"

"Thank you" She slipped past him and swayed around the corner.

He heard her greet, and then move on from, another expedition member.

"Is there a reason you're staring threateningly at the wall?"

He flipped off his CO.

"I'm pretty sure that counts as insubordination"

"I'm pretty sure you're an annoying bastard"

John rolled his eyes. "So?"

"So what?"

"Why are you death glaring nobody?"

"I was death glaring Violet until she left"

"Oh, any particular reason?"

"She's got a bruise"

"Ok.."

"From sparring with Cadman"

John raised a brow. "Huh, maybe we should give her a promotion"

Dean rolled his eyes. "She let that hit in Sheppard. Something's going on"

"And I've found it best to stay the fuck out of it Dean, unless you want a shiny new bruise. And who knows what Violet's like when she's pissed"

"I hate you"

"No you don't"

"Yes, I really do"

---

As she began the last of her yoga positions, finally relaxing her body as she had just done so for her mind, her door chimed. Violet frowned a little and stretched back out, padding over to the door. It was late, she knew she was one of only a few of the city's residents who spent much of the night awake, her training had always taken place at night to strengthen her abilities to fight in the dark.

The door slid open. "Laura? Is everything ok?"

The young marine smiled tiredly at her. "Um, I hope you don't mind, I know you tend to stay up late and I'm struggling to sleep"

"Of course not" She stepped to the side. "Please.."

"Thank you"

"Can I make you some tea, or coffee?"

"Coffee please, if you don't mind? Don't think I'll be hitting the sack anytime soon anyway"

Violet nodded and moved over to her drinks station. "Today is bothering you? Affecting your ability to find the peace needed for sleep?"

Laura chuckled darkly. "You talk like Teyla, are you sure you're not from Athos?"

The Slayer smiled. "Quite sure" She handed her a mug and gestured to one of the couches, curling up on the other. "Do you wish to speak about this?"

"Direct aren't you?"

"I am?"

"Yes, and don't worry. It's a good thing, refreshing" Laura sighed and looked down into her drink. "I knew becoming a marine would be tough, to keep up with the men, to be better than them but I did it. I've gotten cocky.."

"You will need to explain this word to me please?"

"Um, over-confident?" Violet nodded and waved a hand at her to continue. "I was nearly um…"

"Raped?"

She flinched. "Yes" Laura swallowed. "If it hadn't been for you.."

"Major Winchester was looking for you, he would have found you"

"I don't want for him to have found me like that" She ran a shaky hand through her hair. "I just feel..like a little girl again you know?"

Violet raised a brow.

"A defenceless, weak little girl, that's landed herself in something that may be too much for her to handle. It's so easy to forget, a few good missions, a few victories in the sparring room and suddenly you feel unbeatable, invincible" She took a sip of coffee. "I didn't even have my P90 ready. It was my fault" She whispered.

"It was not you at fault Laura, it was his. And next time you shall remember him and you shall be more cautious, follow your training"

"If I can ever sleep again. Otherwise I'll be packed up and shoved through the gate with 'INSANE' stamped on my forehead"

"Why would they do this?"

Laura smiled. "They wouldn't really, I'm just emphasising my point. If I can't get over this, or it affects my work, I will have to leave. I wouldn't want to endanger my team"

"You will sleep again, I promise" Violet tilted her head. "There is a test that all Slayer's must pass when they turn eighteen. Our power is suppressed by introducing a drug into our blood and we are taken to a part of the castle that is impenetrable, unless you hold the key. We are locked inside, and somewhere there is a vampire, around it's neck the key to the door. We must use our skills and knowledge rather than our strength to hunt the vampire, kill it and free ourselves"

"Jesus"

"I was very afraid, many of the girls do not pass this test.."

"They die?"

"Yes. I do not know for how long I hid, cowering under a table like a.." she waved her hand at Laura. "..little girl. Once my power was taken from me I felt defenceless, useless. I felt that everything that made my existence important had been stripped from me"

"But you must have passed?"

Violet nodded. "Yes, eventually I had no choice but to leave my hiding place. I did not wish to die of starvation, or dehydration so I hunted. I had many nightmares after I released myself and when my tutor noticed a change in my behaviour she questioned me. I told her my fears, that one day whilst engaged in battle my strength would desert me, that I would be killed. She told me that the purpose of this test was to ensure that even when injured or sick, I could still be victorious. If I had not arrived today you would have found a way, it is there, deep inside of you"

"These people are monsters themselves Violet, I can't believe they do this to young girls. Girls who should be shopping, and having sleepovers, and dating"

"We are Slayer's Laura, our world is dark, filled with much evil. There is no part of our training that is unnecessary"

"Yes there is Violet, and I'm sorry for that" Laura smiled gently. "Would you tell me more about your training, please?"

"Of course. I was identified as a future Slayer when I was six months old, when I turned five I was sent to the Council to begin my training…"

Some time later Violet let her voice drift off as the other woman's eyes slid shut and her hand fell from the couch. Grabbing a blanket she went to lay it over her and then paused. Nodding to herself she easily lifted her new friend and placed her on the downturned bed, pulling the comforter over them both. Violet remembered the nightmares, how she woke in the dark alone, sweating and shaking. Laura would not be alone when she woke. Requesting a dim light in her quarters she sent a little thank you to Atlantis and closed her eyes.

---

The next morning.

Laura slid out of the bed and went in search of the Slayer. She found her on the balcony, her hands wrapped around a cup of Athosian tea. "Good morning Laura" Violet smiled at her. "I have made a pot of tea in case you wished to join me"

"Um, thank you" She sat down on the cushion next to her and poured herself a drink. She turned the cup around in her hands. "This is a very pretty set"

"It was a gift from Teyla. I admired it on my first trip to Athos during our time spent with the women there"

"You are friends?"

"She has assured me that this is so"

"You weren't sure?"

"As I explained to Teyla friendships are not something that is encouraged back home. Too many of us are lost in battle"

"No friendships because one or both of you will probably die soon?"

"Yes"

"I'm really beginning to hate these people"

"Why?"

"You don't?"

"I don't believe I have any feelings for them. They take care of me and for that I am grateful. They trained me so that I would have every advantage in battle, and for that I am grateful too"

"Do you have feelings for others?"

"They are a weakness"

"Wow, you're like a hot Terminator"

"What is a Terminator? And I am at quite a comfortable temperature"

"Yeah ok, if we're gonna hang out more we really need to get you up to speed on some things"

"I do not understand any of that sentence"

"Um ok" Laura shifted and thoughtfully took a sip of her tea. "You are friends with Teyla yes?"

"Yes"

"And Ronan, and McKay?"

"So I have been told"

Laura nodded. "Well the McKay thing is a little weird but we'll talk about that later. I would like to be friends with you too"

Violet turned her head to look at her. "You would?"

"Yes. You saved me, and you were there when I needed a bit of reassurance. That is what friends do for each other. And as much as you say that feelings are a weakness you must have them otherwise you would have not stayed with me last night, you would not have let me beat the shit out of you yesterday and you would not have lied to the Major about how you got that bruise" Laura smiled. "Which I notice is gone today, a shame, I was totally looking forward to the bragging rights for that"

"I understood everything except for the last sentence?"

"I'll explain another time"

"Ok"

Laura sighed. "Is there anything that I can help you with? A way to pay back what you did yesterday?"

"I did not do it for reward"

"I know but it would make me feel better"

"You are upset I helped you?"

"No, I just..bloody hell. Look, we're gonna be friends right? And friends help each other out. Is there something I can help you with?"

Violet chewed on her lip and then looked at her, smiling. Laura grinned back, her new friend briefly looked like any other young woman happily engaged in conversation with another. "I wish to learn. About how the world works, how people work, what their sayings mean. I want to watch a movie, and read a book that everyone else has read rather than a thousand-year old codex. I want to understand what being a girl, a woman, means outside of the Council"

"Then we need to get you introduced to a couple of my other friends, perhaps Teyla would like to join us aswell, tonight? In the meantime I'll give you something to study"

"This would be wonderful, thank you Laura"

"Hey, what are friends for?"

"I am still to figure this out"

Laura rolled her eyes.

---

"Good morning Rodney"

He looked up from his screen and eyed the stack of magazines in her arms. "I'm a little busy to be catching up on celebrity gossip Slayer"

She furrowed her brow. "I do not understand"

He gestured to her hands.

"Oh, these are for me to read. I was hoping you would allow me to do so here. It is not often you are disturbed"

Rodney raised a brow. "Of course, you're always welcome. Grab me a coffee if you're having one would you please?"

Violet dipped her head and set the magazines on the floor by the couch before making her way to the coffee pot. Rodney slipped off his stool and picked up the top magazine.

"Who gave you Cosmopolitan to read Vi?"

"Lieutenant Cadman. She said I would find it very informative"

"Jesus, God help us all"

"You do not think it is a good idea?"

"My instincts say no, however there may be some useful things in there. Just take everything you read with a pinch of salt ok?"

"I should have also brought salt?"

"You see, you're too literal. I mean don't instantly believe it to be all true"

"They are allowed to write lies, to sell them?"

"People use these.." He waved the magazine at her. "..to relax, it is a form of entertainment. They are not so much lies as opinions, and stories"

"I believe I understand. May I ask you any questions?"

"Just don't make a habit of it, I have lots to do today"

"Of course"

---

Violet placed her tray next to Rodney's and sat at the table.

"Didn't think we'd see you until tomorrow McKay, aren't you working on finding the ZPM charging thing?"

"Yes" He glared at the young woman. "And I still should be"

"You must eat Rodney, without the correct nutrition your body and mind will work at a less efficient rate"

"I'm a genius, I can afford to work at a less efficient rate"

"Will that not slow your progress? And it is important that you are able to keep pace with the others off-world"

Sheppard grinned at him.

"I can keep up very well, thank you"

"With a lot of bitching"

"Bitching?"

"Complaining"

"Ah, I see. This is a regular thing is it not?"

"You know for someone who has no concept of sarcasm you excel at it"

"Thank you"

The other two men at the table joined Sheppard in grinning. Rodney scowled at them.

"I see the bruise has gone" Major Winchester waved his fork at her face.

"My body is efficient at healing itself" Violet tilted her head slightly. "Laura was most displeased that she had lost her uh, 'bragging rights'?"

"Laura? You've been spending time with Cadman?"

She nodded. "Last night and this morning. She has also provided me with some very informative reading material"

"Oh this cannot be good"

"Why?"

Rodney snorted. "Scared gentlemen?"

Colonel Mitchell upped his glare. "And what reading material is this?"

"Some um, magazines?"

"Magazines?"

"Cosmo"

They stared at Rodney. "Really?"

"Yes"

"Shit"

"There is a problem? They have provided me with some very interesting insights"

"Oh I bet they have. Care to name one?"

"Well, in the first one I read I discovered that I am not wearing the correct clothing for my body shape"

"You did?"

"Yes. Now I have my measurements I have begun to make a list of things that I will require"

"Measurements?"

Rodney kicked Dean under the table. "Hey! Just asking"

"It was bad enough I had to help her do it"

"You?"

"Yes me"

Mitchell grinned at him. "And?"

"And what?"

"What were they?"

"36-24-36" Violet looked thoughtful. "I believe that tighter clothing will also be an advantage off-world. We seem to spend much time exploring the undergrowth"

Dean shifted. "Tighter?"

"I do not think I need to change my tops and jacket but I have seen pictures of um, skinny jeans? They seem most practical, especially if I could locate some made from leather"

"Leather?"

"It is easier to clean. I have been forced to throw away many of my trousers due to quite stubborn blood stains"

Dean grinned. "I look forward to it. And exactly how are you going to buy this stuff?"

"The concept of exchanging money for goods is not unfamiliar to me. I met with my family's lawyer before I arrived here. I am to use this if I wish to purchase any items" She pulled a grey coloured card from her back pocket and turned it over in her hands. "Although I am still unsure as to how this equates to money"

John frowned. "Can I see?"

She shrugged. "Of course"

"What?" Colonel Mitchell leant over to get a closer look. "Its a credit card right?"

John whistled quietly. "This isn't just any credit card"

"It isn't?"

"This is a JP Morgan Chase Palladium card"

"I have no idea what that means Sheppard"

He waved the card at Dean. "It makes the American Express Black pale into comparison"

"It does?"

"Yep" John leant forward. "Your family is rich?"

"I do not understand this term"

"They have a lot of money"

"My parents died when I was younger. I inherited everything they had but have had no need of it. What would you consider a lot of money?"

"God, I hope your lawyer is trustworthy"

"He was a good friend of my Father's. There is something wrong?"

"Um no, it's just you may want to get someone to look into your accounts, business, property, everything you have while you're here. Make sure it's all ok, and your lawyer isn't spending it"

"So, I have a lot of money?"

"It appears so"

"What should I do with it?"

Rodney rolled his eyes. "Whatever you want, its yours"

She turned the card over. "And this tell's people I am rich yes?"

"Yes"

"How?"

John licked his lips and lowered his voice. "This card alone, without the money in the account is worth $1000, its made of gold and palladium. You could lose everything and still sell this for $1000, do you understand that?" She nodded. "You need at least $25 million to set up the account"

Dean choked on his mouthful of food. "What?"

"You're family must have been incredibly successful Violet. You need to find somebody trustworthy to make sure their legacy is taken care of ok?"

"You do not believe the lawyer is trustworthy?"

"I know you've spent most of your life looked away in a castle sweetheart, just get someone to check him out"

"But I do not know of anyone"

"I'll do it" They looked at Rodney. "What? You think my genius is limited to Ancient tech? If there's anything going on I will find it, I'll also make sure he knows that there is someone else watching too" He held his hand out. "Give me the card, I'll start on it tonight"

"Thank you Rodney" The others watched wordlessly as she handed over at least $25 million to someone she'd met three months ago. Violet stood. "I shall clear my things from your lab, my sparring session with Ronan is scheduled for an hour earlier today"

He slipped the card into his jacket pocket. "Why?"

"I am to spend the evening at Teyla's" She smiled at them and made her way through the tables.

"Well fuck me"

---

"How was your spar with Lieutenant Cadman yesterday?"

"Interesting, she is very skilled. Perhaps under my tuition she would one day best you" Violet smiled at him and spun the Bantos in her hands.

He raised a brow. "Perhaps she should join us tomorrow?"

"Not yet"

Ronan grinned. "As you wish Little One, I look forward to facing your newest student"

They exchanged blows and he backed off a little. "Why do we spar early today?"

"I am to meet with Lieutenant Cadman at Teyla's this evening. She wishes to introduce me to some of her friends"

"This is good"

Violet ducked his blow and caught his side causing him to hiss quietly. She smiled. "Why?"

"It will further your progress"

"My progress?"

"In understanding, and living in, this place"

"I must return Ronan, once the Wraith are gone"

"No"

Violet sighed and held her hand up. "You truly believe that where I have spent nearly all of my life is not a good place for me to be?"

"Yes"

"Why?"

"They do not allow you to live Violet. They say it is because they do not expect you to live, that it would be unfair to have life so cruelly snatched from you when you knew what pleasure and adventure it could bring. This is wrong, and a lie, you should be permitted to experience as much as this life has to offer if you are to die in battle young."

"A lie?"

"You are not permitted to do so many things because without you they are nothing, a useless part of your society, and if you are independent, capable of living your own life they are no longer required. They need you, and the others, to continue to reaffirm their importance, their existence"

"They need me?"

"Yes Little One"

---

Rodney looked up from his work. "Violet isn't here"

"Yes, I remember. She's at Teyla's. Apparently with Cadman and a couple of her friends. A slightly worrying situation" John quirked a smile at him.

He rolled his eyes. "So, what is it?"

"Why did you think I was looking for Vi?"

"Most people are"

"No one comes looking for you?"

Rodney eyed him curiously. "Only when accompanied by yelling or the city's alarm ringing in their ears"

John snorted and sprawled out on the couch that was earlier occupied by the Slayer.

"No hanging around Colonel, that lunch break set me back"

"She's right, you don't take enough meals, time to relax"

"Is this leading towards a point anytime soon?"

"How was your date?"

Rodney huffed. "Really not the time Sheppard"

"The sooner you tell me the sooner I'll leave"

He glared at him and went back to his work. The Colonel started humming quietly.

"Oh my God! What?"

"Your date?" John rolled his eyes.

"It was great, thank you. Now, do you mind?"

"That's it?"

"Yes, that's it"

"Who was it with?"

"Excuse me?"

"No one seems to know which means it was probably with someone who it shouldn't have been with"

Rodney gaped at him then snapped his mouth shut. "Not all of us like to parade around our love lives Colonel"

"I'm insulted, and please stop calling me Colonel"

"That is your name"

"No, my name is John" He grinned at him.

"Please tell me I'm asleep"

"Why?"

"Because my team leader and Military Commander of this base seems to be having some kind of mental breakdown in my lab"

"Why would you think that?"

"Well, for a start you never come down here to chat. Nor have you ever taken any kind of interest in my dating habits"

"This is true. Would you like to know why?"

"Probably not"

"I was trying to protect myself, and you"

"Um, what?" Rodney tried to shift the frog in his throat.

"I have been avoiding spending time with you alone or getting to know you better because I'm worried I wouldn't be able to stop myself"

"Stop yourself?" whispered Rodney. He swore the room was getting hotter.

"Hmm" The door to the lab slid shut, and Rodney swallowed as Atlantis let him know it was locked. John pushed up off the couch and began to pad silently across the room.

He pointed at the advancing man. "Now Colonel.."

"John"

Rodney glared at him. "Sheppard. Did you touch something again, what have I told you about activating Ancient tech without supervision?"

"Haven't touched anything" Dark eyes looked down at him. "Yet"

"Shit, no you must have, maybe by mistake, or maybe an alien virus or something…."

"I'm still me Rodney. No tech, no virus"

Rodney stood and took a step back, trying to get a little distance between him and the man who was currently causing all the blood to leave his brain and rush downwards. "Something's wrong. You..you like women"

"Yes I do, a lot" John took a step forward. "I also like men too"

"Oh crap"

"To be more specific…" He took another step. "..smart men, with even smarter mouths and a soft spot that has recently been uncovered by a rather naïve Slayer"

"Crap" whispered Rodney. His chin was held gently but firmly and his head tilted so he was forced to either close his eyes or stare into beautifully darkened hazel ones.

"So, how did your date go Rodney?"

He licked his lips. "Ok"

John raised a brow. "Will you be repeating this ok date?"

Rodney tried to ignore the trickle of sweat that ran down the small of his back. "No"

"Good"

Then the back of his knees hit the ledge that ran around the walls of his lab, John had been slowly backing him up. He opened his mouth to tell his friend that this was ridiculous and he was military, and what the hell was he thinking when soft lips crashed against his and a tongue slid into his mouth. He mumbled an obscenity that was lost in the others mans mouth and tried to find a hand hold to steady himself against the force of the kiss.

But then there was an arm wrapping around his waist and a hand gripping his hair, and a very talented tongue curling around his and Rodney gave up. He lost himself in the sensation of being rather roughly taken by Colonel John Sheppard, half believing that it would be the only time, and that suddenly the quarantine alarm would start ringing or the man kissing him would suddenly turn into a giant bug.

John moaned quietly and the arm around his waist slid down until it was forcing Rodney's hips forward, a strong muscled thigh sliding between his legs, a distinct hardness pressing against his own. John ground forward and Rodney whimpered. It had been years since he'd cum in his pants but apparently this was a night of unusual happenings. There was another roll of the hips that sent little shockwaves through his balls and up into his stomach. He managed to yank his head away.

John pouted at him, all blown eyes and wet bruised lips. Rodney swallowed again and took a shaky breath. "You..you can't do this"

"Why?" And now that voice that nearly always managed to raise little goosebumps on his skin was even more lazy, huskier.

Rodney's dick twitched. "Shit, because…"

John rolled his hips again and smirked at the little whimper. Rodney glared at him. "You're military, what the hell are you thinking?!"

"I'm thinking you're worth the risk"

"I'm really not"

John frowned then dipped his head, running a slick stripe up Rodney's neck. "Yeah, you really are" He murmured. There was a nip at his earlobe and Rodney jumped a little. "Now, if you don't mind.." Hot breath ghosted over his ear. "I was attempting to get into your pants"

"In my p…mmph" Another bruising kiss cut off his words but this time a hand was snaking between them gently palming his crotch. Rodney groaned and felt the lips against his give a quick grin before they were once again insistently pushing down. Then sure fingers were tugging on his fly, slipping inside to trail over his dick. "Fuck"

John hummed and slid his mouth down Rodney's jaw line, trailing up to his ear. Porn worthy murmurs of pleasure were being breathed over his skin as his dick was pulled free from his pants and a hand wrapped around it and, oh God, was pressed up against the other man's dick, held in the same firm grasp. "When.." Rodney gave a little gasp at the first stroke. "..did you undo your pants?"

There was a deep chuckle in his ear. "Be quiet Rodney" As the strokes began to build in speed, pre-cum slicking up and down both of them Rodney moaned at the first signs of his climax. The coiling of his stomach, the tightening of his balls, this was going to be embarrassingly quick. He began to run through the specs of the latest piece of technology to cross his desk, trying to prolong the pleasure, and not shame himself.

John's breathing was ragged in his ear now, the other hand gripping the ledge behind them. "No cheating Rodney" The grip tightened. "This is meant to be a quickie. A taster" A tongue flicked into his ear on the next downstroke and the other man let out another quiet moan as his hips began to roll. "Then I'm going to take you back to my quarters so I can fuck you properly"

"Oh crap, oh crap" Rodney felt his legs begin to shake as the first wave of pleasure hit deep inside of him.

"Yeah" John sped his stroking up. "Like the sound of that? Cum for me while you're thinking about me taking you, all spread out and screaming my name"

"Fuck, bastard" Rodney gripped an arm as the next wave hit, and then he couldn't stop it. It rose up and crashed over him, his muscles tensed and shook as he fought for breath and closed his eyes as the first hot stream left him.

He was vaguely aware that the other man's movements had become erratic and then there was a deep low growl in his ear as his stomach was splattered with warm liquid. "Mine"

He blinked back white spots. "Holy fucking shit"

John huffed into his neck. "I'd ask if it was good for you but that was pretty obvious"

"Smug bastard"

"It obviously does it for you"

Rodney shoved at him so he could tuck himself back in. "You have a dirty mouth"

John grinned. "Wait til you see what else I can do with it"

---

"I hope you do not mind us joining you this evening Teyla?"

The other woman smiled. "Of course not Violet. I think this will be of great benefit to you. Lieutenant Cadman and her close friends are very kind and loyal people"

"I hope my ignorance will not frustrate them. I know some people find conversation with me a little difficult"

"Then that is their fault for not taking the time to educate you Violet. It takes but a moment to explain something that someone does not understand"

The Slayer nodded. "I often feel as if I may as well have grown up on an alien planet. It saddens me that things from my home are so difficult to comprehend"

"Your isolation is extreme but here you are free to learn. Indulge in it"

"This is my intention"

The door chimed and Teyla reached out, giving Atlantis permission to allow their visitors access.

"Hey Tey" Laura strolled in, a box in her arms. Following her were two other women. The taller of the two was blonde, and striking, moving with the same confident ease as the other marine. Laura pointed at her. "The disgustingly model-like one is Lieutenant Sarah Hale"

She rolled her eyes and waved a greeting. Laura grinned at her. "The short one is Dr Angela Spencer"

"Bite me Laura" The pretty brunette smiled at Violet. "Hi"

Violet smiled back. "Hello, thank you for joining us"

"Oh its my pleasure. It's always nice to meet new people on base, especially when they're female, and kick arse"

"Ok"

Laura snorted. "At least we can teach both you and Teyla at the same time. I'm grabbing tea, anyone else?"

There was a chorus of 'yes please' and Laura rolled her eyes before stepping over to the small table where Teyla's facilities were sat. The two women arranged themselves on the cushions with the others. Dr Spencer smiled. "I saw you eating lunch with Rodney and the others again today" She sighed. "You're so lucky to be able to sit with them"

Violet frowned. "There were empty seats, you could not join us?"

"It is not that easy"

"You have difficulties with sitting at a table?"

Sarah snorted. "Only when there are hot men sat at it"

"Um, you mean men who are aesthetically pleasing?"

"Wow Laura was right, you do need our help"

"I do?"

"Yes sweetie, you really do" Laura grinned and began to pass around mugs. "And what Sarah is trying to explain is that Angie here struggles to form a coherent sentence when in the presence of aesthetically pleasing men"

"Why?"

Angela sighed again. "I don't know, it is like my mouth loses all contact with my brain and I invariably end up saying something that makes them think I'm a little insane"

"You are a little insane Ange, and one day you will find someone who finds it as adorable as we do"

"My conversation is not always pleasing to them. I find I often make them feel uncomfortable, however they continue to allow me to sit with them for their meals"

"I would love to make them feel uncomfortable. You know, instead of making them feel like they're eating their lunch in an asylum"

"What is an asylum?"

"It is where they lock up crazy people"

"They lock them up?"

"We're getting off-topic guys" Laura took a sip of tea and tapped the box. "We've brought some things for you to look at Vi, thought we'd start off light. Some old year books, magazines, photo albums. I also threw in a couple of high school based movies. Light on the sex, big on the witty comebacks. You can ask as many questions as you like"

"Thank you Laura, I am most grateful"

"Not exactly a chore hon"

---

John was getting heavy and Rodney was starting to struggle to breathe but the warmth of the other body collapsed on top of him was still too enjoyable to move, for now. He grumbled as the weight disappeared and John propped himself up on his elbows. He smirked down at him. "You need oxygen McKay"

"Are you always this smug after sex?"

"Yep"

"Great" Rodney fingered the tags hanging in front of him. There was something about them that did strange things to his insides and he had yet to figure out why.

"You know how many people I've met who have had a dogtag fetish?"

He glared up at the still smirking man. "No, and I do not wish to. And I don't"

"Yeah, you really do"

"Do not"

John rolled his eyes and shifted to the side, laying out on his back. Rodney tried not to stare.

"I thought you wanted to have sex with Violet"

The Colonel turned his head on the pillow and raised a brow. "Everyone wants to have sex with Violet"

"I don't"

"You did"

Rodney shifted. "Yeah, ok, maybe to begin with. Now I get this weird urge to look after her"

"It's not weird"

"She's a Slayer Colonel, pretty sure she's perfectly capable of looking after herself"

"Quit calling me Colonel. And we both know there are things that she needs looking out for with"

"Like the sex thing"

"Maybe. Although I'm pretty sure Chewie has that covered. He nearly made some marine wet his pants the other day when he caught him staring at her"

Rodney snorted. "The poor girl will be a virgin forever" He frowned. "Unless Ronan…"

"Don't think so. He seems to have kind of adopted her"

"Adopted her?"

"Yeah, like a daughter, or kid sister"

"He must only be three, four years older than her at the most?"

"Totally different lives though"

"Yeah" Rodney shifted. "Do you still want to have sex with her?"

John grinned up at the ceiling. "She's hot, and the other day I walked into a pillar when she strolled past me wearing some ridiculously short shorts"

"Right"

"But no, I don't want to have sex with her"

"That makes no sense whatsoever"

John sighed and turned over to trace patterns over Rodney's chest. "I have what I want. I'll still look, so will you I expect, but I wouldn't touch anyone else"

"You want me?"

"You were just present for the sex right?"

Rodney rolled his eyes. "You're gonna drive me insane"

"I hope so, you're hot when you're mad"

---

The next day.

He spotted her sat at a table on the balcony, alone. It was still early and her breath was forming small white clouds in the air. Major Winchester sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Usually he wouldn't hesitate to join her but memories of last night kept giving him a weird swirling feeling in his stomach. A young engineer had called at his quarters looking for some company, she was pretty and funny, and understood what it was for both of them. Good company, and fairly outstanding sex, no strings. But as his climax had begun to wash over him he'd gotten little flashes of smooth supple skin and soft violet waves.

He shook his head ridding himself of the images and picked his way through the empty mess, pushing open the balcony door.

"Good morning Major"

"Slayer, why the early breakfast?"

"I am to go off world with Major Dixon's team today. We are in need of more of the seeds from MX3-720"

"Ah, the giant dog things"

"Yes"

"You aren't scheduled to leave for another two hours"

"There were some things I wished to think about"

"I'm interrupting?"

"No, not at all" She smiled at him. "I was merely sorting through the possibilities of how to tackle the Wraith more efficiently"

He raised a brow. "Why?"

"The Council will not tolerate my absence for too long and I do not wish to leave before fulfilling my duty here"

"To get rid of the Wraith?"

She nodded.

"And have you come up with a solution?"

"I believe so"

He waited then rolled his eyes. "Care to elaborate?"

"Oh of course, I apologise. I need to find a way to board the Hives"

"The Hives?"

"Yes, this is the only way I can effectively kill them in greater numbers"

"You're a little scary you know that?"

"You are the second person to have told me this in the past few days"

"And the other?"

"Laura"

"You've become friends very quickly"

"We have?"

"Something happened on that planet, when you were sent after we missed our check in?"

"Yes, you were attacked by the villagers"

"Stop evading Violet. What happened between you and Cadman?"

"Nothing"

He studied her, either she was a very good liar, and he was guessing that was not a skill that the Council taught their most treasured possessions, or she was finding a way to speak the truth whilst still avoiding answering the question.

"What happened to Cadman?"

"She became involved in a fight with a villager"

Dean growled quietly. "She is on my team, I deserve to know"

"Why?"

"What?"

"Why do you deserve to know?"

"Stop it Violet, you're doing this on purpose"

"Doing what?"

"Now you listen to me.." He leant over the table, pointing at her.

"No picking a fight with our resident Slayer Major"

He looked up at his CO and scowled. "She.."

"Yes, she's very annoying, she can also snap us in half between two fingers" John grinned at him and took a seat, blowing over his hot coffee.

"Sheppard.." Dean paused as Violet leant in to the other man, eyes sliding shut as she ran her nose up his neck.

She sat back and looked thoughtful. "You are using a new shower gel?"

John raised a brow. "Yes, is that ok?"

Violet eyed him. "As long as you are using it correctly"

His CO's lips twitched. "I can assure you that I am"

She nodded. "Good. It can be hazardous to your health to misuse such things"

"I am sure"

Dean looked between them then threw his hands up. "You're all insane. And I'm pretty sure its Violet's fault"

"What's Violet's fault?"

"Good morning Colonel"

Mitchell dipped his head. "Miss Rayne. What have you done now?"

"Major Winchester believes that the level of insanity in your city is rising, and this is due to my presence"

Cameron snorted. "Yeah well, sometimes the Major can be an arse"

"Hey!" Dean glared at him. "Why don't you get her to tell you how she plans to take out the Wraith, now there's an insane plan if ever I heard one"

Cam raised a brow in her direction.

"I wish to board the Hives"

"Board the Hives?"

Violet nodded. "Yes, the way their ships are laid out and the placing of their patrols would enable me to engage with between ten and twenty at a time. It would take me only four to five hours to kill all on board"

He gaped at her. "Four hours?"

"Yes"

"To take out a Hive, alone?"

"Yes"

"Absolutely not"

Dean snorted. "I told you so"

"This is the purpose that I was brought here for. To eliminate the threat of the Wraith so you may continue your exploration of this galaxy and free its people from the culling. This is the easiest and quickest way to achieve this"

John quirked a small smile at her. "You are eager to return home?"

"They will call me back soon, I have already been gone some time. I wish to do this before I am forced to leave"

"No one can force you to do anything. Not if you're actually capable of taking on a whole Hive alone, that's some kind of power"

"It is my duty, my destiny as a Slayer. I must rejoin their fight"

"Maybe we'll come back with you and punch some Council members in the face"

"They are all protected by Slayers"

"Damn"

Violet smiled her usual serene smile and stood. "If you'll excuse me, I promised Teyla I would call on her before I left today"

John offered a lazy salute and watched her walk away. "A whole Hive huh?"

"She is insane" Dean pointed at him. "And what was that shit about a new shower gel?"

"I've changed shower gels" John grinned at him. "I believe she has an excellent sense of smell"

"She does?"

"You should read some of the files on your desk Major"

"Whatever. So she can smell what you've washed in huh?"

"Yes. And much more"

Dean licked his lips. "More?"

"Yep" The grin turned into a smirk. "Why?"

Dean glared at him. "No reason Sir"

Cam grinned and took a sip of coffee. "You know I'm gonna miss these conversations when she's gone"

---

"How are you feeling this morning Teyla?"

"Very well, thank you Violet. Thank you for coming to see me"

"I always enjoy spending time in your company" Violet smiled and popped a piece of fruit into her mouth. She chewed it thoughtfully. "May I ask you a question?"

"Of course"

Violet frowned a little. "I hope that it is not an invasive one"

Teyla raised her brows. "Why don't you ask me then I shall tell you if it is an acceptable one or not?"

"Very well. You are not in a relationship?"

"No"

"But you are going to have a child?"

"Ah, I see. The Father of my child lives on Athos. I am afraid that my child was not an expected outcome of our relationship"

"Oh, and he does not wish to be with you and his child?"

"He is very excited about becoming a Father, however we work best as friends. There is no love, but a great mutual respect and understanding. I enjoyed his company during the time we spent together"

"And it does not worry you? Raising a child alone?"

"There are times when I am concerned for my future, for my child's but I am not alone. Kanaan still wishes to spend time with his child once it is born, and I have wonderful friends around me. I consider them to be my family"

"This is why you choose to remain in the city rather than live among your people?"

"It was a difficult decision" Teyla sighed quietly and rested a hand on her slightly swollen stomach. "But here we are safest, and although I care a great deal for those who are left on Athos my place is here. Where I have found understanding, and kindness"

"Your people have always been kind to me"

"My Wraith DNA still makes them feel uneasy"

"But that is what kept them safe yes? Allowed you to warn them if the Wraith were coming?"

"Yes"

"But once they learnt the origins of this gift they turned against you?"

"They have not turned against me, but my presence still makes them uneasy"

"People are complex"

Teyla laughed quietly. "Indeed"

Violet played with a strand of her hair. "There are some here who believe I should not return to my people"

"They are merely shocked at how you are made to live your life Violet. And they are growing fond of you, the more you interact with them the deeper the bonds will grow"

"Perhaps I should spend my remaining time here alone"

"No, this is not the way Violet. It is important for us not to be alone, to have ones who care for us. It is a natural desire in all living things to be part of a community"

"I already have a community"

"But perhaps not the right one?" Teyla smiled. "Do you know why they chose you to come here, from all of the other Slayers?"

"This is not something I have thought about"

"Perhaps you should Violet. Maybe there lies more answers for you"

---

"Good morning Sir"

Major Dixon eyed his grinning second-in-command. "You look disgustingly happy this morning Markham. Considering we're going to a planet where you nearly got eaten on your last visit"

Lieutenant Hale snorted behind him.

Dixon rolled his eyes. There were perks of having a relaxed Commander but sometimes he missed the saluting, and the proper behaviour of a well-trained marine.

"I believe Markham is disgustingly happy today because of that very reason Sir" She smiled at him.

"Excuse me?"

"Because of that incident we're being accompanied by some back up Sir?"

Dixon raised a brow, then things became clear and he gave a sigh. "Markham you will behave around Violet, otherwise she will, and this is what I heard her threaten some over-zealous villager with last week, 'show you what your insides look like'. Do you understand?"

He kept grinning. "Yes Sir"

"And that's nothing compared to what the Satedan will do to you"

"I understand Sir"

"I doubt that very much Captain, however I will enjoy watching her tear you into little pieces" He grinned back and spun on his heels to take his place at the gate.

"So will I" Sarah smiled at him.

"So will you what?"

She turned to face the Slayer. "Oh, hey Vi. I was merely informing Markham here…"

"Guys!" They turned to look at Dixon. He waved an exasperated hand to the side of him. "Please?"

"Of course Sir" Sarah grinned up at Colonel Mitchell who was looking down over the railings, a slightly amused smile tugging at his lips, and dragged Violet over to stand by the Major. SGA-5 stepped in behind them. The dog things were really big.

"But I wish to know what you were explaining to the Captain" Violet raised a brow at her and folded her arms across her chest.

"You really don't Miss Rayne"

She turned the raised brow on Major Dixon. "I don't?"

"No" He smiled at her. "Ready to run screaming from some hungry giant dogs?"

Someone huffed a laugh behind them.

"I do not run" She zipped up her leather jacket, pushing her breasts up into a rather inviting 'V' and winked at Sarah. "Nor am I a screamer"

Leaving the remaining men in the gateroom gaping at their backs they stepped through the horizon.

"You should probably go with them! Just incase they need someone to help carry the seeds back!"

Major Dixon glared up at the Commander of the Expedition, briefly wondering if he could get away with flipping off a Colonel in the Air Force, before dragging Markham out of the gateroom and stepping onto MX3-720.

---

Violet was getting a little bored of tackling the creatures, it was making her dirty and messing up her hair. Dragging Captain Markham away she flicked his side arm from its holster and shot it in the mouth. He rolled to his feet with a yell.

"Are you injured Captain?"

He glared at her. "No, thank you" He looked down at himself. "What the hell is this shit?"

"I believe it is what the creature consumed for its breakfast" She tilted her head. "In a way it is indeed sh…"

"Yes, thank you. You couldn't have just snapped its neck or something?"

"You would have preferred this course of action?"

"If it meant not smelling like this, yes"

"I apologise. I shall remember this for the next time you are about to be consumed by an enemy"

There was a snort of laughter from behind them. Dixon was grasping his P90, a slight smear of yellow blood across his cheek. "This is turning into the best mission yet"

"Bite me Sir" Markham stalked past him, grabbing a bag of seeds and stomping off in the direction of the gate.

"Miss Rayne, I hope that you will be staying with us for the foreseeable future"

She looked surprised. "Thank you Major. As do I"

---

"What is that smell?"

Lieutenant Hale smirked at him. "Markham"

Colonel Mitchell looked over at the young marine. "What the hell happened to you Captain?"

"I am afraid that it was my fault Colonel" Violet smiled apologetically. "It was my actions that caused the Captain to become covered in sh.."

"Ok! Please don't swear Violet, its just wrong"

"But you do"

"And you should not. It sounds weird"

"As you wish"

"And why is it your fault?"

"I chose to shoot the creature that was about to consume Captain Markham rather than engaging in hand to hand"

"Go on"

"When I shot into its open mouth it exploded"

Colonel Sheppard grinned behind his mug.

"Exploded?"

"Yes Colonel"

"It isn't funny Sir, I had my mouth open"

"You should learn to keep your mouth closed whilst engaged in battle Captain" Violet tipped her head to look at up at him. "It is impossible to predict what may end up in there"

Colonel Mitchell tried to swallow back the laugh and failed miserably. Markham stared at her. She didn't appear to be flirting with him, or purposefully taking the piss. "Right, great, thanks for the tip"

"It is not a problem. If you wish to further your training you are welcome to join Ronan and I during our sparring sessions" She smiled at Colonel Mitchell. "If it is ok I wish to take a shower. I believe I have a little intestine in my hair"

He grinned at her. "Of course Vi, thanks for today"

She bowed her head a little. "It was my pleasure Colonel"

"Fascinating young woman" Major Dixon stepped forward and dropped the last of the bags at his CO's feet. "Trouble of course"

Colonel Sheppard raised a brow. "Aren't they all?"

"Hey!" Lieutenant Hale glared at him. "I'm still here you know"

"Yes, we had noticed"

She rolled her eyes. "Can I go for a shower too?"

"No, you have a debrief"

She pouted. "No fair, why doesn't Vi have to debrief?"

Sheppard grinned at her. "Because last time she gave Mitchell a twitch that lasted for two days"

"Did not"

"Did too"

"Did not"

Sarah raised her eyes to the ceiling. "I'm under the command of children"

---

The door to his office chimed and Major Winchester raised his head, sending permission for it to open. He raised a brow. "Cadman, everything ok?"

"Um, yes Sir. I was just wondering if I may speak with you for a minute?"

He placed the file he was holding back onto his desk. "Of course" He gestured to the chair the other side of his desk. "What is it?"

The young marine ran a hand through her hair and sighed. "Violet came to see me when she returned from off world earlier" She chewed her lip. He waited silently.

"I know that she would never tell you, at least that's one good thing those creepy Council guys teach them, loyalty. But she appears to know you quite well, and advised me that you are a good man who cares about the men, and women, under his command and probably wouldn't drop it"

He licked his lips nervously. "Drop what?"

"How she and I have suddenly become friends. You know that there is something behind it"

"She helped you on that planet? Is that it?"

Laura nodded and looked at her hands. He tried to keep his voice soft. "With what Laura?"

"When I was doing my checks of the houses he took me by surprise, I..I wasn't concentrating. Gotten sloppy" She shifted. "He dragged me inside, and he was very strong, high on whatever shit they were taking there. Nothing I did hurt him"

Dean swallowed back the sick feeling. "And?"

She looked up and met his eyes, hers cold and hard, the marine in her pulling in its control. "He tried to rape me"

He gripped the arms of his chair, pushing down the rage. "What?"

"He didn't get anywhere close believe me. One minute he was there the next he was flying across the room and sliding down a wall" She laughed weakly. "Never been jealous of another woman before but I'd have killed for some Slayer strength"

Dean sat there staring trying not to yell at her for being an idiot, for not telling him.

"I didn't tell you because I knew it would affect how you saw me. You've always treated me as a marine, not anything less because I'm a woman. Always trusted me to get the job done. And I'm still that marine, maybe even a better one now. I will certainly learn to never drop my guard again"

"I see. You want to go back there?"

She looked surprised. "No. Why?"

"You want to make him pay?"

"Violet said exactly the same thing. And I said yes"

He closed his eyes briefly. "What did you do?"

"I made sure he could never do that again. Not everyone has a Slayer looking for them"

"Great, just fucking great. And you want me to forget all about this as well I guess?"

"No Sir, I want you to remember"

Dean swallowed at the look in her eyes and nodded. "Of course. Thank you for telling me"

"Thank you for listening, and not yelling" His second-in-command grinned at him and left his office silently.

He tipped back in his chair and ran a hand over his face wearily. Oh yeah, he'd remember alright.

---

Colonel Mitchell looked over at another table in the mess where Violet was intently studying something that Markham was sketching out on a napkin. "I thought he was pissed cause he got covered in shit?"

Sheppard snorted. "Have you tried staying pissed at Violet?"

"Yes, let me know when you find out how"

He grinned. "I wonder what has our Slayer so fascinated?"

"Everything at the moment I think" Mitchell took another thoughtful look. "She seems to be almost cramming, like for an exam"

"She knows she's going to have to go back soon"

"I vote we just blow it up"

They looked at Dean. "Blow what up?"

"Council HQ"

"I think that's called an act of war or something"

"Not if the other side have all been blown up"

"So then its just mass murder?"

Dean rolled his eyes. "Not if you're at war"

"Aren't we going around in circles?"

Mitchell grinned at his two friends. "As usual"

"Bite me Mitch"

"So, why the sudden desire to keep Violet around?"

Dean snapped his head up from his food. "What?"

"You've never seemed bothered before?"

"Hey, you're the ones who are always banging on about how much it sucks there, and that she's gonna have to go back. I'm just providing a solution"

"Bullshit"

"Is not"

"Is too"

John cleared his throat. "Please, children.." He grinned. "And Mitchell's right"

"Of course I am, I'm awesome"

"Stop stealing my lines" John waggled his brows. "So?"

Dean sighed. "Is there any chance you're going to fuck off and let me finish my dinner in peace?"

"Nope"

"Great" He dropped his fork back down. "Let's just say I've had a few interesting conversations today and I'm beginning to agree with you"

"Are you gong to enlighten us?"

"No, they were private"

"Should we be worried?"

"Not yet"

"I'm getting that sinking feeling again"

"We are sinking?"

They looked up at Violet who was stood by their table, smiling slightly.

"I'm going to get you a bell"

"Ok, thank you. What for?"

John snorted and pushed a chair out with his foot. "Are you joining us or merely showing off your awesome black ops?"

"What are black ops?" She sank down gracefully onto the chair.

"Let's save that for a really boring bit of the conversation huh?"

"As you wish"

"So, what was interesting you over with Markham?"

"He was explaining the game of football to me, he played for his uh, college?"

John raised a brow. "Really? What did you think?"

"Some aspects are a little confusing but I am hoping they will become clearer this evening"

Dean's fork stopped halfway up to his mouth. "This evening?"

"The Captain has some games that I can watch" She looked at them. "I have said something wrong again?"

"Uh, no, no. You're uh, borrowing his DVD's?"

"I wish for him to explain anything I do not understand so I will be joining him in his quarters"

Dean carefully placed his fork full of food back on his plate. "You suggested this?"

"Yes, why? Is it inappropriate?"

The other two men watched him with interest. "Uh, no" He shifted. "Is anyone else going with you?"

She frowned slightly. "No, should I have someone accompany me?"

"Why don't you ask Ro?"

"Dean!"

"What?"

John glared at him then turned a smile on for the Slayer. "No, you don't need anyone with you. Ignore him"

"If you are sure?"

"Yes sweetheart. Go, enjoy"

"Ok" She checked her watch. "If that is all I would like to speak with Rodney before he finishes for the day"

Mitchell rolled his eyes. "You don't need permission to leave Vi. Go on, before Winchester's head explodes"

"Hey!"

"Um.."

"He's not really going to explode" John grinned. "Please tell McKay that I'll be dropping off those files he wanted in an hour or so"

She smiled at him. "Of course"

He watched Dean watch her leave the mess. "You're jealous"

"What?!"

"You heard me" He smirked at his 2IC.

"Am not"

"Are too"

"Am not"

"Please don't start this again. And you are, you're interested"

"Yeah, no thanks. She's insane. And you're the one that has started calling her sweetheart"

"It's a term of endearment"

Dean raised a brow.

John shrugged. "I find her endearing, but I'm not interested"

"Really?" Mitchell eyed him. "It fall off or something?"

Dean choked on his latest mouthful of food as he tried to suppress the laugh at the look on his CO's face.

"Fuck off Mitch. Its working perfectly fine thank you" John smirked again. "And while I appreciate the way she pretty's up the place that's as far as it goes"

They gaped at him then Dean pointed at him. "Oh my God, that was what the whole shower gel thing was about!"

"Uh, what?"

He looked at Mitchell. "She smelt someone on him this morning"

"That is a little disturbing"

"And not true" John scowled at him. "I really did use a different shower gel today"

"Bullshit"

"Uh huh"

"Who is it?"

"Nobody except for my newly acquired bath products and my right hand"

"Dude, not when I'm eating!"

When they'd finally left him in peace Dean took a sip of coffee and sighed. Today had been long, and confusing. After Laura had left him he'd thought over her words and then decided to brave it and go speak to Ronan. The Satedan had grinned at him when he'd voiced his concerns about Violet having witnessed Laura's attack, and then totally thrown Dean off-balance when he'd spoken a sentence longer than two words.

"You think because she is yet to experience sex that she is ignorant of such things, something delicate to be protected. She has seen and done things that would haunt our dreams for eternity"

Dean had staggered forward slightly as Ronan had slapped him on the back and left him gaping at thin air in the middle of the gym. Deciding that maybe this needed further investigation, and he'd already gotten the most dangerous conversation out of the way, he had headed to Teyla's.

"Dean, it is lovely to see you. Please, come in"

"Cheers Tey, how you doing?"

"Very well, thank you. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Um, yeah, I think so"

She raised a brow. He cleared his throat.

"Uh, what do you know about Violet?"

"You have spent many mealtimes with her have you not?"

"Yeah, but they usually involve her asking awkward questions and me trying to avoid answering them"

The Athosian smiled. "You should answer her honestly. How else will she learn?"

"Um, by somebody else telling her?"

"I believe this is called cowardice?"

"Gee, thanks"

"Why do you wish to know more about her?"

He frowned. "Uh, because she seems to be making friends, good friends, and they seem to be worried about her going back to the Council. And she did something for someone that is important to me, something I thought she wouldn't even understand" He licked his lips. "And she told somebody I was a good man"

Teyla smiled. "And she is right but you don't consider yourself her friend?"

Dean shifted. "Um, I guess. But not like you, or Ronan, or Rodney"

"In what way?"

"Weren't we talking about Violet?"

Teyla smiled at him and raised a brow.

He sighed. "Um, she doesn't uh, need me. Come to me for reassurance, or to find out things"

"But she asks you questions?"

"She asks everyone questions"

"This is true" Teyla took a sip of tea. "I encourage you to get to know Violet yourself, there are aspects of ourselves that we share with some that we would not with others. My experiences of her friendship may differ from what yours would be. But I will tell you that despite her lack of knowledge about how the world outside of her community works she is intelligent, kind and fiercely loyal once you gain her trust"

"Right"

"And she, and all the other Slayers she left behind, in no way deserve the life they are given. Many do not even survive their training."

"Right, crap"

After spending another half hour with Teyla discussing slightly less uncomfortable topics Dean stepped out of her quarters and thought about whether to go and speak with the other person on base he knew she was close to. Then decided that Rodney was perhaps a slightly more dangerous prospect than Ronan and had set off in search of dinner. Where he'd found her deep in conversation with Markham.

He felt a little flare of anger in his chest and rolled his eyes at himself. He may be beginning to view her differently but he wasn't interested, not like that. She was complicated, and frustrating, and a virgin. Nothing at all how he liked his women, no absolutely not.

---

A warm firm body pressed up against his back. "Nearly done Dr McKay?"

He flushed slightly then mentally kicked himself. He was sleeping with the man for God's sake. "Nowhere near Colonel. And no inappropriate touching in my lab"

The body rubbed up against him slightly. "Too late for that don't you think?"

"Quit it"

"No"

"If you quit it I'll make sure I'm done in twenty minutes"

"I'd rather you were done now"

"Not happening"

Soft lips were dragged up the side of his neck. "Sure?"

"Yes"

A breath was huffed over his skin. "Spoilsport"

"I can see I'm going to be the sensible one"

"It seems to work well that way" John stepped away from him and threw himself on the couch. "The Slayer come see you?"

"Yes"

"What did she want?"

"Can we talk about this later when I'm not trying to decrypt a thousands of years old computer file" Rodney turned and scowled at him.

John grinned. "We'll be busy later"

He rolled his eyes and gave up, clicking shut his laptop. "She wanted me to set up an email address for her, and to arrange a time we can run through her financials"

"Huh" John looked thoughtful. "Who exactly is she going to email? Thought the Council disapproved of anything that isn't a thousand years old"

Rodney snorted. "Among many other things. And I have no idea"

"Hmm. And how are her financials looking?"

"Nosey aren't you?"

"If you don't tell me now I'll only get it out of you later"

"And modest too"

John smirked at him. "I'm awesome"

"Yeah, you're great" Rodney sighed. "They're healthy, very healthy and the lawyer seems clean. But I've set up a few early warning systems, I'll be notified if there's any unusual activity on her account"

"You know every time you say something smart my dick twitches"

"Quit it Sheppard"

"Nope" John looked thoughtful. "How healthy?"

"Confidential"

"Oh come on, what about perks?"

"You're getting sex aren't you?"

The other man grinned at him. "I hope so" He poked him with his foot. "So?"

Rodney snuck a quick glance at the door.

"I did lock it before I molested you in your lab"

He flipped off his lover. "She's worth $54 million"

"Fuck me, that's more than I am"

"Feeling emasculated?"

"I still have my penis, so no. Think she'll understand what that means?"

"Of course she will. She probably won't care though. I mean what the hell would she do with it? Get in an interior designer to restyle her prison cell?"

John sighed and leant forward, tugging Rodney until he stood between his legs. He looked up and leant his chin on his stomach. "She's not living in a prison cell baby. And she's smart, you said so yourself. She'll figure it out"

"I guess" Rodney rubbed his temples. "Great, now I'm pissed again"

"I thought that was a constant state?"

"It just seems that way cause you're the one who usually pisses me off"

"At least now I can make it up to you though hm?" John slid his t-shirt up slightly and ran his tongue around Rodney's navel.

"Jesus, don't you ever stop?"

"Nope, your constant state may be pissed, but mine is horny"

"I need to start working out more"

Hot breath huffed over his stomach as the other man chuckled into his skin.

---

"Teyla?"

"Oh Cameron, I'm sorry I didn't know you were here" She smiled and began to turn away.

"Um, hey no, its fine" He gestured to a space beside him at the end of the pier. "Please"

"As long as you are sure?"

"As long as you don't go into labour"

"I have many weeks yet Cameron, do not worry" She lowered herself gracefully down beside him. "Do you come here often?"

He snorted then mentally kicked himself.

"I have said something amusing?"

"God, it's like talking to Violet"

She grinned at him in the dim light. "Will you explain?"

"Absolutely not. Ask Cadman"

"You spoil my fun Colonel"

He raised a brow. "Are you playing me Teyla?"

"Perhaps"

"Does Violet sometimes play too?"

"Perhaps"

"I knew it" He took a gulp of beer. "Shouldn't you be resting or something?"

"Since stopping my off world missions I have struggled to fill my time. I am often restless. There is only so much rest a person can endure"

"Would you like to do my paperwork for me?"

"Do you think General O'Neill will be able to tell?"

"Quite possibly. Your vocabulary is far more vast than mine"

"So we have established the reason for my presence, what brings you here Cameron?"

He shifted slightly. "Um, it's three years today since my crash"

"Ah, and I have interrupted, I'm sorry"

"Don't be. It's nice to have some company"

"You do not spend this anniversary with your friends? Was John not a pilot also?"

"Yes, and I did last year, and the year before that"

"And this year is different?"

"It doesn't seem to matter so much. I was just trying to figure out why"

"Time heals Cameron"

"Maybe"

"But you are still able to fly here? You have piloted a jumper"

He grinned. "Yeah, it's amazing to be in the sky again. Although they're not as fun as the F302's"

"Why is this?"

"The jumpers dampeners, they take away the G's"

"G's?"

"If you ever go to Earth get Shep to take you up"

"I have heard you describe his flying as suicidal"

He snorted again. "Yeah, he's insane. Best damn pilot I've ever flown alongside though" He looked at her. "Please don't tell him I said that, ever"

"Your secret is safe with me" She looked out over the water. "May I ask you something?"

"Is it inappropriate?"

"I don't believe so"

"Damn"

She smiled. "Is there a way to keep Violet here?"

Cam sighed and ran a hand over his face. "No, the Council are pretty badass Tey. Why?"

"I am concerned, and I shall miss her"

He slipped an arm around her and gently squeezed her shoulder. "Yeah, me too"

"I hope she will still be here when my son is born"

"You're having a boy?"

"Yes"

"Wow, that's..really awesome"

"You are spending too much time with John"

"Tell me about it"

---

As the DVD ended and the screen went blank Violet turned to him. "Thank you very much James, it was kind of you to take the time to do this"

"Not a problem Vi, I always enjoy watching a couple of games"

"Even though you have seen them before?"

He grinned. "Yeah"

"Oh" She tilted her head. "When I suggested this did you believe it to be a date?"

James smiled. "No. Anyone else perhaps, but not you"

"Why?"

"Because you don't make the same presumptions that others do. You think differently"

"It is annoying yes?"

"No, it's good. But I wouldn't suggest doing it with someone who hasn't spent much time around you"

"Why?"

"Because then they may get the wrong idea, and if you didn't kill them then Ronan would"

"He has become unnecessarily protective"

"He cares for you"

She nodded. "He does not wish me to leave"

"As do a lot of people" He tapped the back of her hand. "Do you Slayer?"

"Wish to leave?"

"Yes"

"I have enjoyed learning new things but sometimes I wish that I had not. It will be difficult to readjust"

"Then stay"

"I cannot" She smiled sadly at him. "Would you mind if I asked you to do something for me?"

"Of course not"

"You are returning to Earth soon for a uh, vacation?"

He raised his brows. "Yes"

"Would you please ring the Plain Dealer newspaper in Cleveland and place this advertisement for me?" She handed him a piece of paper. "I shall reimburse you"

"No need Vi, and of course I will" He unfolded the note. "You've lost your cat?"

"She was very important to me"

He sighed. "Please be careful"

"I do not understand"

"Yes you do" He waved the paper at her. "Whatever this means, whatever it brings your way, be careful"

Violet nodded, ignoring the unfamiliar sick feeling in her stomach. "I will, thank you James"

---

One week later.

Dr McKay wearily dragged his feet down the corridor towards his quarters. It had been a long and sucky week that started with a briefing to discuss Violet's plan to hit the Wraith hard. It had resulted in a playground style shouting match between the three top ranking military officers in the city whilst they tried to hash out whether she should be accompanied by SGA-1 and 2, or go in alone. The Slayer had sat silently looking on, a cool blank expression on her face.

Eventually Winchester and Mitchell ganged up on Sheppard and it was decided that she would have their back up on board the Hives, which turned out to be, as John had said, completely pointless. She had torn apart four now, Wraith after Wraith dropping dead in her wake leaving the ships empty of their enemy and allowing Rodney to search through their databases uninterrupted. Looking for the location of the next Hive.

Violet was still quite capable of continuing the hunt but the lesser humans were in desperate need of rest, and to take a moment to breathe and deal with the fact that she was, as she had always tried to explain, a very efficient killer. Even after witnessing her engaging other enemies on the ground it had been hard to imagine that she was strong enough, cold enough to execute her plan, she was so tiny and softly spoken with never a hint of a temper. Rodney knew the screams of the Wraith would haunt his dreams for some time to come.

He opened his door and stepped inside. An unfamiliar scent drifted up his nostrils and the room was warm. John was sprawled in his desk chair, showered and dressed in jeans and a tee. "Hey baby, where you been?"

"Where I always am" Rodney shrugged off his jacket and allowed himself a moment to appreciate the view. "Hunched over my laptop"

"You should have come straight back to rest"

"Don't you start"

"Someone else cares about your wellbeing?"

Rodney rolled his eyes. "I'm here because Violet threatened to knock me out and carry me back if I didn't leave, apparently I am in need of a shower"

John grinned. "Yeah, you really are. And I kinda wished she'd done it, would have made a great photo for this weeks report"

He flipped him off. John smirked at him. "Go get your shower Dr McKay, don't bother getting redressed"

Rodney's weary body protested slightly at the wave of arousal that travelled through him. He licked his lips. "John, I don't think I…"

"You don't have to" John quirked a smile. "I'm tired too, just want to relax, help you relax"

He eyed him curiously then nodded. "Ok, sure"

One hour later, with the scent of the massage oil thick in the air, his lovers hands running sure firm strokes over his aching muscles while his mouth did delicious things to his dick, Rodney let his eyes slide shut and decided that the only way he'd give up Colonel John Sheppard was over his dead body.

---

Violet was vaguely aware that the gym door had opened and tried to focus on her own movements, blocking out the other presence.

"You should be resting Little One"

She straightened and smiled. "I shall do so later Ronan, I must refocus myself first"

He nodded in understanding. "Would you like to spar?"

"I wouldn't want to hurt you Ronan"

"It is that intense, after battle?"

Violet nodded. "Our body produces many chemicals that allow us to continue to fight, despite injuries or weariness. It will be some hours yet before I am free of them" She tilted her head. "You are not sleeping?"

"I will. The Wraith have been my sworn enemy for many years"

"They killed your people?"

"Yes"

"Do you wish that you had killed them rather than me?"

He smiled. "No Little One, I do not care how, or by whose hand, as long as they are gone. But there are many more out there"

Violet nodded. "I am ready. But I believe the others needed to rest?"

"They are weary, and they have seen many things over these past few days"

"I have scared them?"

"Maybe, but this is their fault, they did not listen when you told them of your abilities, your training"

She sighed. "Sometimes I believe I am just as much of a monster as the things I hunt"

"No"

"I kill, and I do not feel for them. The Slayer revels in the pain, the destruction"

"You are not all Slayer. You must now focus on the other part of you, help it to grow, to balance out the Slayer"

"Is this possible?"

"Of course. We are all made up of many things Violet, and it is up to us what we choose to nurture, what we choose to push down deep inside"

"It is a choice, what we become?"

"Yes, and it is one that may be changed as and when we wish. Your choice was made for you, now you must decide whether you are happy with that choice or whether you wish to follow your own path"

"I find such decisions…difficult"

"Why?"

"Then it shall be my fault"

"If you make a mistake?"

Violet nodded. "To make a mistake as a Slayer can have many devastating effects"

"Little One?" He tipped her head. "You must stop making this complicated, stop looking for problems before there are any. You shall make the right decision"

"I hope so Ronan"

---

Dean gripped her hips hard, pulling her back onto him over and over again, the force of every thrust pushing out one more image of her, of line after line of Wraith falling at her feet. He growled and slammed into her again. As the woman on her hands and knees in front of him stuttered out his name he released one of her hips and wrapped a hand in her hair, pulling her back so she was arched against his chest.

Reaching around he slipped a finger over her clit and she shuddered against him. He gave a slight tug on her hair and upped the pressure of his finger, her muscles starting to ripple around him. He growled again. "Cum now" As she gasped in surprise at her sudden, powerful climax Dean pushed her back down, confident in the knowledge that she'd gotten what she wanted as well, and regained his bruising grip on her, thrusting hard and fast, chasing his own orgasm, knowing that for now, at least, it would bring a blissful dreamless sleep.

Dean opened his eyes and raised his head cautiously. She was sat in his desk chair, smiling over at him.

He sat up. "Jesus Vi, what the hell?!"

"You were expecting Dr Harrison yes?"

"What?! No! And uh, why?"

"I believe she left your quarters some hours ago"

He closed his eyes. "How long have you been here?"

"Only a moment. It seems your um, black ops are still working at full efficiency"

He opened them again and rubbed his temples. "What do you want?"

"You have a brother who is a lawyer?"

Dean frowned. "Yes"

"I was hoping you would be able to provide me with an email address so I may contact him?"

"What the hell for?"

"You were present when it was recommended to me to have another person watching over my investments?"

"I thought McKay was helping you?"

"I believe it would be beneficial to also have someone who is permanently residing on Earth"

"And you couldn't have asked me this later?" Dean was starting to become aware of the fact he was still naked under the sheet pooled around his waist, and the faint smell of sex was still hanging in the air.

"I do not wish Rodney to know, he would be upset"

"Right"

"It is imperative that no one knows of this"

"This is starting to sound a little dodgy Slayer"

"Dodgy?"

"You know full well what I mean. What are you up to?"

"Up to?"

He clenched his fists. "Violet.."

"If this bothers you I shall find another"

"No, no. I'll dig out a business card ok?"

Violet nodded. "Ok, thank you Dean" She stood to go then paused. "You find comfort in sex?"

He gaped at her.

"This is something else it can provide as well as pleasure?"

"I am not talking about this with you"

"Why?"

"Because you had to ask why. Go speak to your girl friends"

"About you and Dr Harrison?"

Dean glared. "No, and stop playing dumb"

She smiled serenely at him, another thing that was really starting to grate on his nerves. "As you wish. But perhaps you should consider other methods of relaxation, distraction? I am told that women more easily form emotional bonds through physical contact than men"

"Get out!"

She bowed her head and left the room.

---

Leaving Major Winchester's quarters and turning to the right Violet smiled. "Good morning Colonel Mitchell, John"

They eyed her. "Good morning Slayer" John's eyes briefly flitted to the door she'd just come through. "Everything ok Vi?"

"Very good thank you. A most satisfactory start to the day" Dipping her head briefly she moved past them. "I shall see you later"

They looked at each other. Mitchell raised a brow. John grinned and ran his hand over the door chime. It slid open to reveal a slightly pissed looking, half-dressed Major Winchester. "Jesus, what now?"

John looked him over. "How was your start to the day?"

Cameron snorted by his side.

Dean glared at them. "It's too early for this shit"

"Its 0930 Major"

"On my day off Colonel. What do you want?"

"I've got it, thanks"

"Fuck off" The door slid shut.

They strolled down the corridor. "No one is that grumpy after sex"

"Nope"

"Wonder what she wanted?"

"You'd think she'd asked for him to take a vow of celibacy or something by the look on his face"

"Maybe she did?"

"What for?"

John looked thoughtful. "Maybe she thinks it'll do him good?"

"Please, I certainly have no desire to know what a sex starved Dean Winchester is like"

"Do you think he'd get less hot?"

"I don't think that's possible"

"Bastard"

"Yeah, sucks when your 2IC is younger and prettier than you" Mitchell smirked at him.

"Fuck off, I'm awesome"

---

"You are not eating your lunch in the mess today Violet?"

The Slayer smiled at her friend. "I wished to see you, and you do not often join us now"

Teyla sighed. "Yes, my days differ greatly to those who are still on duty"

"You must spend time with your friends Teyla, it is important"

The Athosian raised a brow. "Yes, it is. You are learning Slayer"

"Thank you" She tilted her head. "I have today and tomorrow before we resume our assault on the Hives. Perhaps we could visit Athos?"

"This is something I would very much like to do. Is there a reason?"

"I wish to see them again before…" Violet trailed off and looked at her uneaten food.

"Before you leave?"

"Yes"

Teyla took her hand. "Please stay Violet"

"I cannot" She smiled sadly at her friend. "I have learnt many things here, and found some good friends but there are things I must do"

"Your duty" There was an unfamiliar sneer in Teyla's tone.

"Yes" Violet squeezed her hand and pulled away.

"Then please promise me that you shall take what you have learnt with you Violet, do not forget us"

"Never. And when your son is born please tell me, I would also enjoy receiving a picture. Rodney has set me up an email account"

Teyla looked surprised. "And you will be able to access this once you have returned?"

"I hope to"

"Then it shall be done"

---

He caught up to her as she stood in front of the transporter. Dean looked her over. Violet was dressed in tight jeans, an even tighter old school military jumper and her leather jacket. Flat black leather boots that reached over her knees completed the outfit, the tops of her knives just showing at the sides. "Going somewhere Slayer?"

She smiled. "Teyla and I are to visit her people. I shall be returning in time to resume our attack on the Hives"

"How very reassuring" He held out a card. "Here, as promised"

Taking his brother's business card she smiled. "Thank you Dean, this is very much appreciated"

"No problem. But no more sneaking into my quarters"

"I did not sneak"

"You broke in"

"Atlantis was more than happy to allow me access"

He rolled his eyes.

"Going my way Violet?"

Dean turned his head to see Markham stood in civvies behind them, he was grinning.

"Yes James, you are looking forward to your trip?"

"Yep" He grabbed her bag and swung it over his shoulder.

"You going to Athos too Captain?"

"No Sir, back to Earth, sister's wedding"

Dean mentally sorted through all the files littering his desk. "Ah, right yes. Sorry"

"No problem Sir, it must be hard to keep up with all of us"

"Yeah, you're all a huge pain in my arse"

The doors to the transporter slid open. "I'm sorry about that Sir, I'll try to ease off your arse"

There was the slightest hint of laughter behind him and he swung his gaze to Violet but her face was impassive. "Enjoy the rest of your time off Major" She briefly dipped her head.

Watching Markham take a place next to her as the doors closed Dean rubbed his temples again. If her clothes got any tighter he was going to run out of willing engineers.

---

Rodney looked up from the console he was working on to see Captain Markham lower his head to whisper in her ear. She nodded and he stepped back, looking up and offering a lazy salute to Mitchell and Sheppard before strolling through the gate. "Another new friend huh?"

The two Colonels looked at him and shrugged. "Haven't heard anything since her football lesson"

"Wasn't it you who told me she was a black ops God?"

John rolled his eyes. "We ran into her coming out of Winchester's room this morning too"

"Just wrong"

"He was way too grumpy for someone who had just got laid"

The gate wooshed into life again and Rodney watched the two women disappear. "I'm getting a horrible feeling she's up to something"

Mitchell raised a brow. "Why?"

"It's the same feeling I get when Sheppard's about to do something stupid"

"Hey!"

Mitchell snorted.

---

Two months later.

They watched in silence as the last of the Hives exploded. The jumper rocked slightly but nobody moved, uttered a word. Colonel Sheppard reached for the controls and set a course for home. It was over, the Wraith were gone. The Slayer had completed her mission.

---

Violet sat on her bed, tablet propped on her knees. She opened her email account.

Miss Summers,

We have good news! Your cat was found by my daughter in our backyard. She is safe and well, and we have very much enjoyed having her around. She seems reluctant to leave!

As you are currently away on business we will gladly keep her with us until you return. She has made a wonderful addition to our family.

We look forward to hearing from you when your business is concluded.

Kind Regards

Mrs Harris

She hit reply and chewed on her lip thoughtfully before beginning to write.

Mrs Harris

Thank you for your reply, I am very much pleased to hear dear Faith is still alive and kicking. I hope she has not been too much bother for you.

I am pleased to say that my business here has come to a successful conclusion and I shall be returning home shortly. I look forward to seeing her once again.

Kind Regards

Miss Summers

Violet clicked on the email below.

Miss Rayne,

Thank you for your email requesting that our firm consider you as a new client. We would be most honoured to have you join us and look forward to meeting with you once you return.

Please contact us on the number below as soon as you are able and we shall arrange a suitable time for you to meet with us. In the meantime we will gladly look over the information you have provided us with and begin to proceed with your instructions.

Kind Regards

Samuel Winchester

Senior Partner, Wolfram and Hart.

Violet nodded to herself, she had been a little surprised at the name of the law firm on Dean's brothers card but had eventually decided to contact him anyway. Even tucked away from the rest of the world all Slayers knew the name of Wolfram and Hart. Their influence and power would be of benefit to her for now, when it was done she would rescue this Samuel from the clutches of the demonic law firm. Return him to his family.

Her door chimed. Sending a request for it to be opened Violet looked up to see Major Winchester enter her quarters.

"Major, all is well?"

He looked at her darkly. "Perhaps you would care to tell me what the hell you were thinking today?"

She frowned. "I do not understand"

"That crap got old a couple of months ago Slayer. You understand well enough. You could have died on that Hive"

"But I did not"

"That is not the point" He hissed at her. "It was a stupid, pointless risk you took. It so bad there you'd rather die than go back?"

"Go back?"

"That's whats going to happen now isn't it? The Wraith are gone, you fulfilled your duty"

She looked back blankly, trying to hide her slightly rising rage. "I suspect I shall soon be recalled yes. And no, I need to return"

"What for?"

"To perform my duty, follow my destiny"

"They really fill you with a load of bullshit don't they?!"

"You are angry Dean, and tired. Perhaps we should speak of this tomorrow?"

"Don't tell me what I am!"

Violet waited. He had made the effort to become a friend and she had yet to experience his temper.

"You can't see it can you?! They use you up and don't even blink when you're running on empty and dropping dead. How can someone so…you, be so stupid?!"

She stood in front of him, Dean blinking as his brain caught up with what had been too fast for his eyes to take in. "I am not stupid, I know what I am, what is my worth. I am also becoming a little angry and this is something you do not wish to experience"

He glared at her. "I'm not afraid of you"

Violet smiled, eyes filling with black smoke. "You should be"

"I should be a lot of things. Right now I should be in my quarters relaxing but because of your idiotic move I'm here, pissed"

"More emotionless sex, it will not help you"

"And what would you know?!"

"You're still here, shouting. I believe this proves my point"

"You drive me insane!"

"Thank you"

Violet fought the urge to lash out as her arms were grabbed and she was yanked towards him, full lips crushing down on hers, tongue forcing its way into her mouth. Closing her eyes she went on instinct, following his movements, staying relaxed in his grip. His taste, his touch was sending little sparks of..something down her nerves. A strange feeling began to swirl around her stomach.

He moaned quietly then suddenly pulled away. Hands releasing her as if her skin had burnt them. He stumbled back. "Shit, shit, I'm uh, sorry. Shit"

She watched him turn and practically run from her quarters. Violet licked her lips thoughtfully. Perhaps, if she'd been staying. She sighed, but things needed to be done first, things needed to be fixed.

The chime sounded again. Violet rolled her eyes, an expression she had picked up on from her friends, she found it conveyed many emotions very satisfactorily. The door opened.

"Hey Vi, hope you don't mind" Laura grinned at her and stepped aside to reveal Sarah, Angie and Teyla.

"Of course not" She smiled. "Please, come in"

Following their usual routine Violet made hot drinks while her friends arranged themselves on some large cushions.

"I hope we are not disturbing your rest Violet?"

"Not at all Teyla. It will be some time before I am able to sleep. I was merely catching up on some paperwork"

Sarah raised a brow. "You have paperwork?"

"Some personal matters" Violet smiled and handed out the mugs. "And I believed you would all be resting?"

Laura snorted. "Today has left us a little…restless"

"It will wear off soon, then you shall be exhausted"

"And then I shall pass out" Laura touched her arm lightly. "Are you sure you are ok?"

"Of course, why?"

"The Wraith are gone"

"This was the purpose of the mission"

"How long until the Council…find out?"

"I believe Colonel Mitchell is obligated to send a weekly report"

"So, it could only be a week?"

"Yes"

Ange took a sip of her tea. "Well that sucks"

"You have my email?"

"Yeah"

"I would very much enjoy hearing from you. However I cannot promise that I shall be able to pick them up very frequently"

Sarah jostled her shoulder with her own. "We'll make sure there's always a message waiting for you Slayer"

"Thank you, for everything" Violet grinned. "Now, I hear that Dr Spencer has a date tomorrow evening"

She squealed. "How do you know that?!"

"I have the black ops of a God"

---

Three days later.

As the door slid shut behind the Slayer John stepped out of his boyfriends bathroom. "Good morning sweetheart, everything ok?"

"Good morning John. I am well, thank you. You?"

"Awesome"

Rodney snorted. "So awesome you just hid in the bathroom"

"You were hiding? From me?"

John glared at Rodney. "No, it was just in case. Military regs"

"Oh yes, Major Winchester explained your DADT to me last week"

"I bet he enjoyed that"

"He did not seem to"

He grinned at her. "Are we just getting to enjoy your presence or did you need something?"

"Oh, I just wished to pass this onto Rodney before you left for your mission today" She dangled a small glass bottle out in front of her.

John raised a brow and took it. "And what is this Slayer?"

"A gift given to me by one of the Athosians, however I have no need for it. I thought perhaps it would be more gratefully received by you both"

"Both?"

"It is an oil which may be inhaled or ingested to heighten sexual arousal"

"Oh God"

John smirked and popped the top off, inhaling cautiously. He actually felt his pupils dilate and his skin heated. "Jesus" his voice sounded huskier. "Baby, you've got to try this stuff"

The bottle was yanked out of his hand, and the top replaced. "Not right now Colonel" Rodney glared at him. "Mission remember?"

"Oh yeah" John looked down. "Crap"

Violet smiled at him. "It is very effective yes?"

Rodney pointed at her. "Don't encourage him, I'm already predicting a heart attack before I hit forty"

"I do not understand"

"Yeah you do" John winked at her. "And thank you for the gift"

"You are welcome, I hope it brings you great pleasure"

"Out!" Rodney turned her round and pushed her towards the door. He squeezed her shoulder before shoving her through it. "Thank you"

"Welcome"

---

Violet frowned as her friend winced. "Teyla, are you ok?"

She smiled. "Yes Violet, please do not be concerned. He is merely a little active today that is all"

The Slayer eyed her swollen stomach. "Oh"

"Would you like to feel?"

"Um, I am not sure"

Teyla held her hand out. "Please, it would mean a great deal to me"

Violet slowly placed her hand in the other woman's. "Ok" She jumped as she felt a small pressure. "That was a foot"

"It was?"

The Slayer smiled. "Yes, he is very strong"

"I am pleased"

Violet's radio crackled.

"Violet"

"Colonel Mitchell, there is something wrong?"

He sighed wearily in her ear. "You have an hour to pack Violet. Your watcher is waiting at the mountain for you"

"Thank you Cameron. I will be there"

She tapped her radio and looked at the other woman. "I must go"

"Something has happened on today's mission?"

"No" Violet stood.

"It is time?"

"Yes"

Teyla went to stand.

"No please, I wish to leave quietly"

"Then you are lucky that they have come for you whilst the others are off world"

"Perhaps" Violet bent down and brushed her lips over the other woman's. "Thank you for all that you have done for me. I shall never forget you" She lay a hand on the bump. "And please, tell me when he arrives"

"As you wish"

Violet quirked a smile then left her friend sitting on the floor of her quarters, hand resting over her stomach feeling the tiny kicks of her unborn son.

---

"If you cry I shall punch you in the face"

Cameron rolled his eyes at the young woman in front of him. "I am a highly decorated Colonel in the Air Force, I do not cry"

"Not even late at night, alone?"

"No" He nodded his head at Chuck to dial Earth and looked back down at her. "We will find a way to get you back"

"Perhaps I shall find a way first?"

"$20 each way?"

"As you wish. Be prepared to lose"

He snorted. "I am, and I look forward to handing you over your winnings"

Standing on tiptoes Violet rested her hand on his cheek, placing a kiss to the other. "Goodbye Cameron, and thank you"

"Be careful Slayer"

"Please, I'm awesome" She swung her bag over her shoulder and winked at him before disappearing through the horizon.

"Bollocks" His muttered cursing was lost in the sound of the gate shutting down. He stared at the empty space in front of him. "Fuck"

"Well said Sir"

He looked over at Markham who was on security detail and raised a brow.

"Who else is gonna save me from the giant dog things?"

Cam grinned at him. "Just shoot them Captain"

"Permission to flip you off Sir?"

Another marine huffed a laugh.

"Permission denied"

---

Dean watched Dr McKay disappear once more into the Ancient console and slid his Raybans back down over his eyes, settling back against the rather convenient rock. His CO sat beside him and stretched his legs out. "Whatcha doing?"

"Dying of boredom"

John chuckled quietly. "Shouldn't be long now"

"He said that two hours ago"

"True" The other man shifted slightly. "So, whats going on with you and Vi?"

"What?" He turned his head to look at him.

"You're avoiding her"

"Am not"

"Are too. You nearly knocked down Bates in your eagerness to leave the other day when she came into the mess"

"Did not"

"Uh huh. You fall out?"

"No"

"You had sex?"

"You're incredibly annoying"

"Thank you"

"And you're starting to sound like her"

"I'm pretty sure she's starting to sound like me"

"Great, just what we need"

"Dean?"

"Nothing Sheppard, nothing is going on ok?"

"If you say so"

Dean flipped him off in his head and settled back down. Ever since he'd kissed her he hadn't known what the fuck to do. Whenever he saw her his body screamed out at him to grab her and do it again, but his mind was telling him it was a really bad idea. For someone who had supposedly never had any kind of sexual physical contact with another person her kiss had been, he swallowed, good, really good.

So far his upstairs brain had been winning out. He knew it was a bad, bad idea. Not only was she still a bit of a mystery to him despite their growing friendship, she was also still very much a virgin. And that was important to him, it was something he hadn't done, ever, there was something about it, something about being someones first that freaked him out. But if someone had asked him what it was he wouldn't have been able to tell them.

He sighed quietly. There was also the very real possibility that soon she'd be gone, and would probably never be back. Usually that would only encourage him but it kind of put him off. He cursed her out silently, Violet had gotten under his skin, into his head and she was driving him nuts.

There was a sharp elbow in his side. "Hey!"

John looked at him over his shades. "I said, time to go home Major"

Dean scrambled to his feet. "Right, great" Striding off in the direction of the gate he ignored the curious looks of the people with him.

They stepped back into the city to be met with Colonel Mitchell standing at the bottom of the steps. Dean's stomach flipped a little. John stepped past him. "Mitch?"

The expedition's commander sighed. "Violet was recalled three hours ago"

"What?"

"She's gone Shep"

"What?! You just let.."

"There was no letting Sheppard, you don't say no to these people. Even Violet knows that"

"And she just went?"

"Yes"

"No arguments, not even a slight protest, with placards?"

Mitchell smiled sadly at Lieutenant Cadman. "No, I'm sorry"

"Right. This sucks"

---

That night.

Cam looked up at her as she thrust down over and over again onto his dick. He was kneeling on her bed and her legs were wrapped around his waist, even without their leverage her rhythm was strong and smooth. Laura's head tipped back exposing more soft skin, breasts jutting forward invitingly.

He ran his tongue over a nipple and sucked gently. The grip on his neck tightened and her pussy convulsed around him. He groaned, every twitch felt like a hot wet fist around his length. Sensing his own climax fast approaching Cam gathered the last of his control determined to get her off first and intensified his attentions on her breasts.

As her body tensed around him to the point where it was almost painful and she gave a breathless little gasp he lay them down, raising her hips to try to prolong her pleasure as he focused on his own happy ending. Burying his face in her neck he set his own pace, sweat and arousal slicking between them, heightening the sensations of bliss. Moaning into her skin he slammed his hips into hers one last time, pushing in as deep as he could get whilst his body tensed then shook slightly as his orgasm washed over him.

"Thanks I needed that"

He huffed into her skin. "Oh you're welcome"

"Cameron?"

He propped himself up and looked down at her. "Yeah?"

"Can you get her back?"

"I wish I could tell you yes Princess"

She nodded. "Ok"

"Ok?"

"That'll do, for now"

Cam grinned and dipped his head for a kiss. "That mean I get to do this again?" He murmured against her mouth.

Soft hands slid into his hair and her lips parted underneath his. "Umhmm"

"Awesome"

---

John gently slid out of his lover with a quiet grunt and removed the condom, tying it off and discarding it. He wrapped himself back around Rodney. "You ok baby?"

"Sticky" Came the mumbled reply.

He chuckled quietly. "Good. And?"

"I thought she was planning something John, something to let her stay. She just left, no fight, no argument"

"I'm sorry"

"Yeah"

He sighed. "Rodney?"

"Umhmm?"

"I love you"

Silence.

"I would do anything for you. I'll storm the castle if you want me to?"

"I'm pretty sure they'd kick your arse" Rodney shifted and faced him. "But thank you, and I love you too"

John grinned. "She gave us an awesome goodbye present"

"That oil should come with a warning label, a big red one"

---

"Teyla?"

"Hello Ronan, you are not sleeping either?"

He shrugged. "I am used to sparring before bed"

"She has become an important part of our lives"

"Yes" He sat behind her and wrapped his arms around her, providing some warmth against the night air. "It goes well?"

Teyla smiled. "Yes, I feel him nearly all of the time now"

"I am looking forward to his arrival"

"As am I"

---

Dean sat on the edge of her bed fingering the silver cross and chain he'd found on her desk. Her quarters were empty, like she had never been there, except for this. He didn't remember ever seeing it around her neck and yet it seemed to be important somehow, the way it had been laid out carefully to be found. He held it up and it spun gently despite the stillness of the room.

Sighing he dropped it into his other hand and curled his fist around it. He stood and took one last look around the room before stepping out into the corridor. She was gone, and life could get back to whatever counted as normal in the city. His life could get back to normal.

---

Two weeks later.

They sat around the briefing table waiting for Colonel Mitchell to speak. He ran hand over his face. "Earth dialled in twenty minutes ago. Violet's watcher is at the mountain waiting for her to return"

"Um, are we stuck in some kind of time loop again?"

He glared at John. "No"

"Oh" He frowned. "So um, yeah I'm lost"

"As always"

Colonel Sheppard scowled at his boyfriend.

Mitchell sighed. "It appears that whoever met Violet two weeks ago was not from the Council"

"What? Who were they?"

"We don't know. She's not at the castle and both the Council and the SGC have been unable to locate her"

"Shit" Dean gripped the necklace that sat in his pocket.

"Exactly" Mitchell looked at him. "They are not impressed that we seem to have lost one of their Slayers"

"Oh come on, it's not our fucking fault"

"And that's what O'Neill is currently trying to explain to them, albeit using slightly more diplomatic vocabulary"

John snored. "O'Neill, diplomatic?"

"Yeah, we'll probably be at war in the next couple of hours"

"No one gives a shit about the Council, where the hell is Vi?"

They looked at Rodney. He rolled his eyes and pointed at John. "I told you she was planning something, I should have trusted my own genius. She's doing something stupid, I'm getting that feeling again"

"Now McKay.."

"Don't you McKay me Sheppard. We need to find her"

John shrugged and looked at Mitchell."Maybe we should uh, find out what she's been up to? You know share information?"

"Ok, who wants to go first?" He looked around the room.

Rodney huffed. "Fine, me first. She asked me to set up an email address despite not having any form of technology back at the castle"

Markham cleared his throat. "She asked me to place an ad for her when I went back to Earth" He shifted as they all stared at him.

"What for?"

"A lost cat"

"A lost cat?"

"Yes"

"And you didn't think this was odd?"

He glared at his CO. "Yes Sir, but she…oh crap"

"Yeah, we get it Captain, anything else?"

"Nope, that's all I did"

"Right, great. An email address and a lost cat. O'Neill is gonna go fucking mad"

Dean cleared his throat. "I may have a way to find her" He glared at them. "Quit looking at me like that"

"Well please enlighten us Major"

He shifted a little and tightened his grip until the points of the cross dug painfully into his skin. "She is in contact with my brother"

"Your brother?"

"Yes"

"The lawyer?"

"Yes"

Rodney huffed. "More than single word answers would help Winchester"

He flipped him off. "Vi asked me for his contact details, said she wanted someone who was permanently on Earth to be looking over the other lawyers shoulder. I gave her Sam's card two months ago"

"So we contact your brother?"

"My brother's a dick, and he'll spout off a load of client confidentiality crap at you until you shoot yourself so you don't have to listen to him anymore"

"Sounds like an excellent lawyer"

Dean glared at Cam. "He's a dick"

"Try Dean"

"Fine" He folded his arms across his chest.

"Great, thanks for the enthusiasm" Mitchell rolled his eyes at him. "Now, how about hacking into this email account"

"Wow, you're a little unethical" Laura grinned at him. "I like it"

He shot her a warning look and turned to Rodney. "So…"

The scientist was already bent over his tablet. "Yeah, yeah, just give me a second"

They waited. John cleared his throat. "Uh, isn't this usually a little uh, quicker?"

Dean snorted.

"She's had someone put in some security measures. God damn it"

"Just break though them McKay, no need to cover our tracks"

He scowled at Cam. "That's what I'm trying to do Colonel"

He grinned. "Having some problems Dr McKay?"

"I don't understand it" Rodney muttered and tapped away on his tablet. "The only person…Crap!" He tapped his radio. "Radek, get your skinny chezh butt to the briefing room now, and bring your tablet" He looked up. "Shut up"

Laura held her hands up. "Hey, not saying anything" She dipped her head. "Thinking it though"

"Cadman!"

"Yes Sir?" She twinkled at Cam.

"Cut it out"

"Oh yes Sir"

He raised his eyes to the ceiling then looked towards the door as it slid open. "Ah Radek.."

"Yes, yes. Radek what the hell did you do to Violet's email account?"

Thirty minutes later Rodney was staring at his tablet. "Who the fuck is Mrs Harris?"

"Apparently she's the woman who found Faith, the lost cat"

He glared at John. "She doesn't have a cat you idiot"

"No shit"

Cam sighed. "Cut it out you two. Violet was obviously aware of someone outside of the Council that she could go to, to help her with whatever insane plan she's come up with. Which means that she knew about them before she ever came here but never acted on it"

"So we were the trigger? Her time spent here pushed her to move against the Council"

"Looks like it"

"We are awesome"

"Sheppard, we are not awesome. We've influenced a very powerful young woman to rebel against her even more powerful superiors. And this Mrs Harris, or whatever organisation that uses that name as cover, could be anyone"

"They'd have to be pretty badass to go up against the Council"

"Great, just fucking great" Cam ran a hand over his face, the next dial-in to Earth was gonna suck. "I'll try to swing things with O'Neill for as long as possible, maybe between us we can hold off the Watcher" He looked at Dean. "You're our next move Winchester. It's time to re-establish relations with your brother"

"Oh yay"

---

Dean stepped into the lab as the door slid open and looked at the two men. His CO was in his usual sprawling positon on the couch and Dr McKay was reading through a file, propped against his desk. He rolled his eyes. "Didn't know you could read upside down McKay"

The scientist shifted. "Uh, what?"

Dean grinned and gestured to the paper in the other man's hands. Rodney looked down. "Ah, shit"

"Don't panic, we've known for weeks"

"Known what?"

He rolled his eyes again at Sheppard. "About you and McKay dumbass"

"Crap"

"Hey, none of us are telling. Although it's a little weird"

"Fuck off Winchester" John narrowed his gaze. "Not telling huh?"

"For fuck's sake Shep, we're your friends. Kinda hurt you didn't trust us enough"

"While this male bonding is wonderfully heartwarming is there something you needed? Cause you're interrupting" Rodney smirked at him.

"Rodney!" His boyfriend glared at him.

Dean pulled a face. "Yeah, not wishing to know shit like that though" He pulled the necklace out of his pocket. "I'm going to Earth tomorrow to try to get my brother to pull his head out of his arse and be a decent human being for once. Could you take a look at this before I go please?"

"It's a necklace"

"They don't call you a genius for nothing McKay"

Rodney glared at him. "And?"

"I found it in Vi's quarters, after she left"

They both raised a brow at him. He shrugged. "Was just checking she hadn't left anything behind before it got reassigned"

"Bullshit"

"Bite me Sir" He waved it. "So?"

Rodney took it from him and turned it over in his hands. "It's just a necklace Dean, she obviously dropped it or something"

"No, it was on her desk, almost like she wanted it found, or she'd purposefully left it behind"

"It's not a piece of tech but I'll run it through the scanner. Maybe it was just supposed to be symbolic or something?"

John got up and padded over to take a closer look. "If it was meant to be symbolic wouldn't she have left something we'd seen before? I don't remember seeing her wear this"

Dean shook his head. "Me neither. Only jewellery I can think of was that silver ring"

John nodded. "Right, didn't she say the ring was like our tags? Each Slayer wore one with their name engraved on the inside"

"Um, yeah I think so"

"Huh"

They both looked at McKay. "What?"

"It's got a chip in it"

"Its been damaged?"

He rolled his eyes. "Quit playing dumb Major, it's not attractive.." Dean smirked at him. "..It's not Ancient, it must have been there when she arrived"

"Told you she was gathering intel"

"Shut up you arse, it's not that kind of chip. Its a recording"

"Can we press play?"

Rodney looked at his boyfriend. "Yeah, but you wanna call the others first?"

Dean huffed.

"They need to be here Dean, to listen to this"

The Major waved a hand. "Fine, but if its personal shit we stop it"

John raised a brow at his 2IC.

"Hey, maybe she meant for Rodney to find it in the first place, or one of her close friends"

"You are one of her close friends"

Dean rolled his eyes and tapped his radio. "Mitchell.."

---

"Into every generation, there is a chosen one. One girl in all the world. She alone will wield the strength and skill to stand against the vampires, the demons, and the forces of darkness; To stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers. She is the Slayer"

They exchanged looks as a man's voice echoed around the lab.

"For over two thousand years there was only one Slayer. Tens of thousands of girls stretching out across history, each giving up their lives to keep the world safe, the evil at bay. The Council of Watchers began to despair at each loss, each defeat, it seemed that the war they fought would never end, would never be won. But then they discovered the Scythe, a weapon that was forged when the first Slayer was created, it held her essence, the purest form of the Slayer's power. It took many years but eventually they learnt how to use it, how to tap into it's power"

"And so many Slayer's were created, each girl who had the potential to become one would. No longer would they stand alone in the dark, they would fight side by side, tearing through the lines of our enemies. However man is weak, his desire for power and wealth over-riding the good in his soul. The Council members became paranoid that the Slayer's would turn against them, and nothing would be able to stop them if they did. So they began taking the potentials from their families at a younger and younger age, using their training and their studies to control and manipulate"

"But they made a mistake. They missed one. Her name was Faith, and she was left alone to teach herself, to discover the world that her power would bring her in contact with. And she became stronger, stronger than any other Slayer had been for a long time. In controlling their Slayer's so diligently the Council had weakened them, taken away the skills of improvisation, knowledge. I am ashamed to say that I was once part of the Council, I am responsible for the deaths, and the lives, of hundreds of Slayers. When they discovered Faith's existence I was placed on the team ordered to bring her in. We failed, and I was kidnapped by Faith"

"It was a strange time, my eyes being opened to what we had done, what a Slayer could be. I never returned to the Council, choosing instead to remain by Faith's side, passing on everything I knew. Now we work to free the Slayer's, and to seek out potentials before the Council can reach them. We have hidden many over the years, we have also recruited a small number, convincing them that this way is better than that of the Council's. Each of them received a necklace like yours Violet, and now it is your turn to make the same decision each of them have"

"We chose you because despite your training, your years of serving the Council, there is something inside of you that believes there is a better way, that sometimes questions the orders of your Master's. And you are strong, the essence of the Slayer creates a deeper bond with some girls than others, and we can make you stronger. If you choose not to join us then we wish you luck, and ask you to be careful. If we have identified your potential to go against the Council then so have they. Your missions, your quests may become harder, they shall send you to battles that are impossible to win. They will not hesitate to eliminate you if they believe you are a risk"

"If you do choose to join with us then instructions on how to contact us will follow this message. You must commit them to memory Violet, they will play only once before deleting themselves. I'm afraid it is necessary to keep us hidden. The instructions will play in five seconds, four, three, two, one…."

There was static and then the message ended.

"Oh crap"