This will be a collection of small stand alone stories, mainly based around seasons 4 and 5 of Stargate Atlantis. I don't really know what will end up here, but there will be a strong focus on Sam Carter and Jennifer Keller. I love the chemistry between these two characters, and these chapters at least will be based around their relationship. There may be some mild slash, but nothing graphic.

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Worried.

Pausing in the doorway Jennifer Keller took a deep breath of the cool sea air, before turning to the figure sitting out on the balcony, knees pulled up to her chest, blond hair loose. She tried to hide the loneliness, the isolation, but Jennifer could see it. Perhaps it was because the doctor could relate to the feelings, not alone exactly, but outside the group. As if she was just an observer, watching. Head lent back against the wall staring out at the moons, this Sam Carter was very different to the capable leader who steered Atlantis between disasters on a daily basis. Pensive, still and so human, seeking out the tranquillity of this small and rarely used balcony. Tranquillity that Jennifer was about to break. Great. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all, but seeing the colonel leave the infirmary after visiting with a team who had just lost one of their members to the wraith, the doctor had felt a wave of sympathy and compassion for the commander. Always comforting, never comforted.

Jennifer broke out of her thoughts with a start, realising that Sam was now staring at her rather than the sky.

"Is there something wrong, doctor?" Sam asked, preparing herself to rise from her position on the ground.

"Jennifer. And no, there's nothing wrong." God she looks tired. "How much coffee have you been drinking?"

Letting out a small chuckle Sam relaxed back down. "You're worried about my coffee intake?"

"Mildly concerned" waving the balcony door shut she moved over and slid down the wall until she was sitting next to the other woman, but far enough away not to intrude on her space.

"Why?" Sam didn't move away, but turned her face back out to the view, her question short and sharp.

"Because you look exhausted."

"Blunt and to the point. I knew there would be problems when your doctor sees you every day" the colonel mused

"I'm not concerned as your doctor" Jennifer said softly "I'm concerned as your friend."

Sam didn't reply for a few moments, then let out a small sigh and turned to face her. "It's not coffee."

"mmm?"

Shrugging with one shoulder she explained "sometimes the days when the personal messages come through get to me."

Unconsciously mirroring the older woman's posture, Jennifer smiled slightly "me too. I imagine that it gets to everyone. Something would be wrong if it didn't."

"Yeah, but it's a bit different. For a large number of people here, most of the people that are important to them are here as well. For me, most aren't."

"Most?"

"Yeah, most" Sam sent a soft smile in her direction, meeting her eyes for the first time that evening.

Jennifer felt something inside her relax, something she wasn't even aware had been tense. Why does that mean so much to me? Don't blush, don't blush....

"It was Daniel's - Dr Jackson's – birthday yesterday" she continued, "and sending an email and instructions to Vala on how to bake a cake isn't the same..." her voice trailed off

"...as actually being there" Jennifer finished. Sam shifted into a more relaxed position and nodded. "They're members of SG 1 as well?"

"Yeah. It's strange, being here without them. Feels like something important is always missing. Not just the friendship - family even, but the support and the confidence. The knowledge that if you are in danger of screwing up someone will tell you. Understanding people so well that you can predict how they will react." She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment, "but then I remember where I am and what I'm doing, and the enormity of that usually pulls me out of any bad place. Or at least scares me so much that I have something more important to think about" she turned with a wry grin to Jennifer, who snorted.

"If that's a jab at my confidence issues, just be glad I'm too tired to hit you"

"So if I got my timing better you would?" Sam asked with a grin.

Jennifer couldn't help but laugh, relieved to see some humour and light dancing in the colonel's eyes. Mischief flashed across her face and the doctor caught a glimpse of another, more relaxed Sam Carter. One that wasn't often seen on Atlantis. Which is a shame. She must be putting herself under more pressure than anyone knew. Living up to a reputation spanning galaxies, while filling some very big shoes. No wonder she looks exhausted.

Rising suddenly and smoothly, Sam stretched before offering a hand down to the smaller woman. Even though she was reluctant to end the connection they had made, Jennifer was grateful for the chance to get off the cold floor. She accepted the help, enjoying the brief, warm contact.

"I have to say, not the most comfortable place for a heart to heart" she muttered, rubbing the small of her back.

Sam chuckled again. "We could relocate to the mess" she said "I could use a hot drink." She shot Jennifer a grin "but I'll stick to tea. I've got this doctor who's mildly concerned about the amount of coffee I have to drink to survive all my paperwork."