Title: Hope and Fear
Author: Marianne H. Stillie
Categories: Introspective Missing Scene for "No Man's Land"
Rating: T
Pairing: Ronon/Elizabeth
Series: Atlantis 'Time' Stories – Story #10
Season: Season 3
Summary: While she's confined to Earth by spineless bureaucrats, Elizabeth hopes for many things, despite her agonizing fear.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters and places for Stargate Atlantis are the property of MGM Worldwide Television Distribution, Sony Pictures Television and Acme Shark Cooper/Wright Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment, not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks are intended. Previously unrecognized characters, places and this story are copyrighted to the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Archive: Please do not archive anywhere without the author's permission.
Copyright (c) 2006 Marianne H. Stillie
Author's Note: I've been without a computer for several weeks and had to resort to the old 'pen and paper' method of writing my Season 3 Ronon and Elizabeth stories. This short piece is the first up. Four new "Lines Series" stories, for Misbegotten, Sateda, Progeny and The Real World, are in word processing/editing mode. They'll be posted ASAP. I hope all of you who've read my Season 2 Ronon/Elizabeth stories will find the new ones an enjoyable and worthwhile continuation of this very special 'ship'.
Hope and Fear
Whoever said strong women aren't supposed to be too wrapped up in their men was either a fool or a cold-hearted bastard. Teyla and I know that, if it wasn't for our equally strong and deeply loving men, neither of us would be able to keep our strength focused and effective for what we've needed to do, for Earth and for Atlantis.
We've used the friendship that has expanded and deepened since our lovers went missing to keep going, making decisions and taking the actions we've had to take. We're also holding tightly to the hope that John and Ronon are, somehow, making it through this nightmare. The sadness I've seen in Teyla's eyes I know mirrors my own. We fear they're already dead.
In the hours before I was recalled, we didn't say the words. Our tears on the western tower balcony that sunset sufficed for now.
As angry and frustrated as I am with these hypocritical people, I won't betray Ronon's belief in and love for me by letting them break me. I know what he would tell me – trust in what I'm doing, fight hard and never, ever give up.
The debriefing interrogation and the deposition here on Earth have left me with the surety that they'll ask me to step down as leader of the expedition. It sounds simple. I've moved on from jobs before. But my mind, and my heart keep asking, step down to what? Without Atlantis and Ronon… I feel the threatening grief building.
The lack of news from Atlantis has me very worried, as I try again to read through the folder in my hands. I look up and see General Landry in the doorway. My protective shield, guarded by my warrior knight, comes up and I prepare for the next battle.