Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me (though I wish they did… ) I am merely borrowing them for the moment.

Stargate Atlantis

Season III

Sparky Moment

Spoilers for Episode 2: Misbegotten

Defending her Honour

He came storming into her office, Elizabeth knew that he was the first one to have an interview with Richard Woolsey and she had an inkling that it might not have gone well. John's whole attitude and demeanour, screamed to her that things had not gone well.

"Just out of-uh-political curiosity," how much trouble is it going to cause you if I knock this Woolsey guy in the head?"

"May I ask, why you'd like to do that?"

"Eh- just an impulse I had really, one I suspect I'm going to have again the next time I see him. He may not even have to say anything "

"I've never seen you like this" She was surprised at his reaction. Why was he acting like this- what happened in that interview?" "What did Woolsey say to you?"

"Besides judging every damn decision you've ever made?"

"John Sheppard are you defending my honour?" She leaned back in her chair.

'Is she flirting with me?' He hesitated, contemplating this before he answered her. "And judging me for agreeing with you,"

"Well, don't be too hard on him." "I think of all the circling wolves, he's the least likely to actually bite." "If fact, he might even convince the others to leave us alone."

"Alright, so-uh-" Sitting down. "No head knocking"

"It's the thought that count." Elizabeth answered after a shrug, a smirk playing across her face.

"I know it's the thought that counts." John agreed leaning back in the chair. "But still, he was- overly harsh."

"Yes, well," Elizabeth sighed. "He is under an incredible amount of stress, like we all are."

"Still, it doesn't give him, or anyone else the right to attack you." John pointed out, still visibly upset.

"I'm a leader John," Elizabeth pointed out diplomatically. "-that gives anyone and everyone the right to attack my decisions."

"Yeah, but not you,"

"Woolsey attacked me?" Elizabeth asked sitting back in her own chair while John leaned on his elbows on her desk. "Me, personally?"

"Yes." John explained, upset. "He said, that the majority of your decisions have been influenced by your emotions."

"My emotions?" Elizabeth was confused now, intrigued also and a little horrified that Woolsey and the IOA thought that she was ruled by her emotions.

"Yes. He and the IOA think that your decisions have led to disastrous consequences and that your decisions have placed this base and the people in danger countless times and…"

"John?" Elizabeth asked, visibly shaken. "What do you think?"

"What do I think? What do I think?" John laughed sarcastically. "I think that they are wrong. I think that they are dead wrong. Elizabeth, I think that you are a great leader, the best leader for this expedition and I sure as hell know that I will not follow anyone else but you."

"Well, you might have to." Elizabeth whispered looking down at her crossed hands.

"What do you mean?" John asked, his heart stopping for a moment and a fear growing in the pit of his stomach.

"As of now, I am under probation from the IOA."

"What does that mean?" John asked, clearly putting two and two together, but Elizabeth could tell that he wanted to hear it from her own mouth.

"That means that depending on how good a report comes from Woolsey, well- let's just say that if I don't get glowing reviews, you might have to follow someone else." She shrugged her shoulders trying to put on a brave face. "They might even have to militarise this expedition because of my mistakes."

"They wouldn't do that!" John stated, false hope leaking through his voice.

"They just might," Elizabeth countered, somber about how the conversation was going and how it was bringing all her fears to the surface. "And I wouldn't have a choice if they did."

"Of course you have a choice Elizabeth," John pointed out. "You're a civilian-"

"Civilians still have to follow the orders of their boss. And the members of the IOA are my bosses."

"But you're in another damn galaxy!" John sated, his anger rising. "If they recalled you, you could refuse to step through the gate, and they wouldn't be able to do a damn thing about it."

"If Atlantis becomes militarized John," Elizabeth countered. "They could forcibly take me away."

"I see."

"Believe me John, I hope that everything works out but-"

"It sounds like you're giving up."

"I am not giving up." Elizabeth argued. "Believe me John Sheppard, there is nothing I would hate more than to be plucked from Atlantis- from you…all….." She shook her head and sighed. "I just have to face the facts….and thank you for defending me."

"Your welcome"

She watched him go, a small smile playing across her face. John Sheppard would always be there for her, she knew that. She knew that no matter what, he would always be there defending her honour and making sure that she was done right by. She knew in her heart that all of the people under her command (with the exception of Kavanagh) would defend her honour- but somehow, the fact that John would defend her so thoroughly and completely, made her feel so much better.

A/N- Another little drabble that I've had on my hard drive forever, only this one has a second part coming. So look for it soon (and by soon I mean when In The Choices We Make is done)...I just felt the need to update some Sparkiness fluff. So please review, I love reviews...and take thet time to read and review the rest of the Sparky drabbles and ficletts that I've recently updated. I love knowing that my works are being read and enjoyed, so please...review!