Author's note; As with all my fics I've played with character's/timelines/storylines. This is purely for fun so anyone looking for accuracy be warned! Hope you enjoy reading and thank you for visiting my story.
Colonel Sheppard was definitely not ever admitting to the surprised yelp he'd let out when he'd been yanked out of the empty corridor and shoved against the wall of a store cupboard. However, if anyone had heard him it was certainly looking like the humiliation would be worth it. He eyed the pretty blonde marine who was currently his captor. His lips twitched. "Lieutenant Hargreaves, is there something I can do for you?"
"Get over yourself Sir" She folded her arms across her breasts. "We're not all desperate to get into your pants"
"Excuse me?!"
She rolled her eyes. "I heard you in the mess today, laughing with your buddies, which means so did Dr Harrison"
He blinked. "Ah, I see. It's just banter Lieutenant. No offence meant"
"Well offence was taken Colonel hence us having this little chat"
He raised a brow.
"I know under that 'I'm a complete prick' image you're so easily projecting at the moment you're actually a half decent guy…"
"Watch it Hargreaves"
"…so against my better judgement I'm going to make this as clear to you as possible without actually saying what it is you need to understand"
John sighed. "I'm confused..and bored"
"Oh I do apologise. I'll make this quick before you accidentally trip and land on me penis first"
He growled. "You're pushing it"
"I don't care. That woman saved your life. You were missing together for nearly three months with you out of action. Do you really think her picking fruit paid for the roof over your head, your food and your medicine? Just because you don't want to fuck her doesn't make what she did, who she is, any less. She gave everything to keep you alive and get you back to Atlantis because she knows how important you are"
Hargreaves turned for the door and shot one last disgusted look over her shoulder. "You haven't even said thank you"
He swore at the door as it shut behind her and leant his head against the wall, running through her words. Then he understood. "Fuck" he whispered.
Lieutenant Grace Hargreaves let her eyes slide shut and her body relax as his tongue ran over her, gently circling her clit before dipping back down, pushing in deeper. She hummed in pleasure and let her legs drop open further. God he was good at this, and this is just what she needed after the talk with her arse of a CO. She vaguely wondered if she'd have a job tomorrow, then he sucked gently and slid two fingers inside of her, curling them up. Her hips rolled and he hummed around her.
"Shit"
Major Evan Lorne pulled his BDU pants up and looked over at her. "Not that I mind being used for my awesome skills but am I allowed to know why?"
She sighed and scraped her hair back. "I may have called Sheppard a prick"
"Ah"
"And hinted at him being a man-whore"
"Right"
"And ungrateful"
"Ungrateful?"
"Harrison"
Evan nodded then frowned at his shirt.
"That's mine idiot"
He rolled his eyes and slid it off his arm. "She still bad?"
"Yeah"
"I'm sorry"
John studied the ceiling above his desk. "Lorne?"
"Yes Sir?"
"You know Lieutenant Hargreaves well?"
The Major looked up from his tablet."We play chess"
He lowered his eyes to look at his 2IC. "Chess?"
"Yes Sir. She's quite the tactician"
"Huh"
"Is everything ok Sir?"
"Will you quit calling me Sir. It freaks me out"
"Good..Sir"
John flipped him off. "Does she know Dr Harrison well?"
Evan raised a brow. "They both served on SGA-7"
"They don't now?"
"Dr Harrison has yet to venture back off-world since your little adventure"
"Ah. Do me a favour will you Ev?"
"Anything for you Sir"
John scowled. "Cut it out. And spread the word, no one talks out of line when it comes to Dr Harrison anymore"
Evan watched his CO leave their office and grinned.
Dr Eve Harrison took a sip of coffee and watched her breath form small white clouds in the cool morning air. Ever since she'd gotten back from that place she'd chosen to enjoy an early morning breakfast on the deserted balcony that ran outside the mess. It wasn't so much the crowds as the looks and whispers that she noticed, trapped off-world with John Sheppard for three months and he never tried it on. Eve had decided that it was useless trying to explain that he was nearly dying from a fever for most of it, he'd made it quite clear to everyone that nothing had happened between them. She was a potential embarrassment, a blot on his perfect record.
"Asshole" she muttered.
"Well, I guess that's slightly better than 'prick' which is what I was called yesterday"
She jumped, slopping a little of her coffee. "Oh Colonel Sheppard. I didn't uh, mean…" she trailed off, what was the point.
He smiled at her and gestured to the chair opposite. "Do you mind?"
"Um, no"
"Thank you" He tapped the table thoughtfully. "When Sumner died I suddenly found myself in charge of over a hundred marines. Marines who were not only suspicious of his death but who really didn't like answering to a young, cocky flyboy. The way I went about getting them on side probably wasn't the best but I can't change that. However I can make changes now. If I have ever said or done anything that has offended you I apologise. It won't happen again and you shouldn't have any more problems"
"Um.."
"If you do please tell me, or Lorne if that makes you feel more comfortable. I know you scientists get on better with him. I would also like to thank you for saving my life, I wouldn't be here without you"
Eve looked sideways at him, he was staring out over the ocean. She shifted her gaze back to the water. "Um, you could maybe think about not calling us 'you scientists' as a start"
He chuckled quietly. "Done"
Three months later.
Evan reached up and ran a strand of her hair through his fingers. "We should probably stop having sex"
She shifted above him. "Yeah, I guess"
"It's awesome but things are changing"
"So I noticed"
"He'll notice eventually"
She raised a brow.
"I don't want to get in the way"
"Uh, of what?"
Evan rolled his eyes. "He likes you"
Grace scowled and lifted off him, rolling onto her back. "He wants to have sex with me. Along with several other female members of the expedition"
"Not at the same time"
She flipped him off. "He can want all he wants. He may be slightly less of a prick these days but he's still a whore"
"He's working on it. And you're fucking your XO"
"Only my XO. And I'm not boasting about it"
"I'm hurt"
She poked him in the side. "You like someone"
"Do not"
"Do too"
"Fuck off"
"Even without the sex we're still friends Ev, who is it?"
"No way"
"I will find out"
One month later.
"Hey Doc"
Eve turned. "Lieutenant" She grinned. "Why the frowney face?"
"I'm not twelve Evie"
"You look like my nephew when he doesn't get what he wants"
"Our great and powerful leader has put my team on downtime for two weeks" Her friend made a disgusted noise in the back of her throat.
"You did get taken prisoner and beaten"
"Being punched twice does not count as being beaten" Grace scraped her hand through her hair. "If it was any of his men he'd have them back out in the field already"
"You know that's not true. Why are you so unfair to him?"
"Really?!" The young marine threw herself down on the couch in the lab. "Why are you always defending him after everything that happened?"
Eve raised a brow. "Because…he explained and apologised, and I like him, he's a nice guy once you get under the bravado"
"Bravado is not how I would describe it"
"Come on Gracie, ease up on him ok? Apart from anything he still has the power to send you packing to Earth. And then who would I gossip about my new man with" Eve waggled her brows.
Grace gaped at her. "New man?"
"Uh huh"
Eve watched curiously as her friend dropped her face into her hands. "Oh God, its Lorne isn't it?"
"Yep"
"Shit"
"Gracie?"
"Yeah?" Her friends voice was muffled.
"Its ok, I know"
"Oh God"
"He said he'd wait until I was ready"
"Oh God"
"Is he…uh good?"
"Oh God!"
There was the sound of someone clearing their throat at the door.
"Oh Colonel, is there something I can do for you?" Eve smiled brightly at him.
"On my way to McKay, he said you have some data for him you've been translating?" She watched the man eye his still hiding Lieutenant. "Uh, is Hargreaves ok?"
Dr Harrison passed him the data stick. "She'll be fine. I probably shouldn't have brought the sex up straight away"
"Uh.."
"Oh God. Could you please go away Sir?"
He raised a brow. "Ok" Waving the stick at Eve he turned on his heel. "Cheers Doc"
She smiled innocently back at him. "No problem Colonel" Waiting until the door slid shut behind him Eve turned back to her friend. "Grace will you please come out of there?"
"No"
"Come on, I thought you were a hardcore, unshockable marine"
Grace lifted her head and glared at her. "I am. This is just a little uh…"
"Weird? Surprising? Wrong? If this is gonna be a problem for you hon just tell me"
"No, no, not like that. Ev and I, we were just friends with benefits. You know someone to go to when you've had a shitty day or you're pissed and need a release. I just don't want it to be weird for you that's all. I mean, how are you doing? Are you ready?"
Eve chewed her lip. "I think so. He's being really great about it and I'm enjoying spending time with him. I want to be with him, I can feel my body responding like it used to but I'm just waiting for my stupid brain to catch up"
"It's not a stupid brain. Its a massive brain with lots of stuff crammed into it" Grace smiled sadly at her friend. "Just don't force yourself ok? Wait until you really are ready. If he can't then he's a worse man than I think he is"
She nodded. "Yeah, I know. Thanks. I just hope he won't get fed up with me"
"I'll beat the crap out of him if he hurts you"
"My hero"
"Lorne?"
The Major sighed. "Yes Sir?"
"Are Harrison and Hargreaves uh, involved?"
"That would be highly illegal and against the regs Sir"
"Hasn't stopped anyone else in the city"
Evan snorted. "No they are not Sir, or wish to be. I can say with no doubt whatsoever that they are both straight"
"Right"
"You're welcome"
"Bite me"
Colonel Sheppard spun in his chair.
"Will you please not do that Sir. You're making me feel sick"
"It helps me think"
"Bullshit"
"How can you be so sure?"
"I've recently changed chess partners"
Sheppard stopped spinning. "You're fucking kidding me"
"Nope"
"How do you get away with this shit?"
"I respect people's privacy and don't flaunt my pretty arse around base"
"Fuck off"
"You asked"
"And uh, Hargreaves is um, not out for blood?"
Evan rolled his eyes. "We're friends, who had sex when one of us needed it" He sighed quietly. "However if I fuck this up I have no doubt she'll be calling for my blood"
John raised a brow. "You're uh, serious about Harrison?"
"I wouldn't have approached her if I wasn't. She doesn't need anymore shit"
"Right" John drummed his fingers on his desk. "Wanna go back to that planet and beat the crap out of the asshole doctor?"
"That would be highly unprofessional"
"I suppose so"
"Might make me feel better though"
John ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah, me too"
Two weeks later.
Grace eyed the Athosian as Teyla stood calmly in front of her, Bantos relaxed in her hands. She blocked a hit and side-stepped out the way of a blow aimed at her thigh.
"You are progressing very well Grace, I wish all my students practiced as you do"
"Yeah, I'm awesome" She went for the Athosian's side and got a rap to her knuckles. "Ow!"
Teyla smiled at her. "Not so awesome yes?"
Grace rolled her eyes. "For that you can tell me something"
"Is that so?"
"You're starting to sound like the Colonel"
Teyla raised a brow and initiated a short exchange of blows. Grace rolled out the way and stood smoothly.
"Why is there a distinct lack of military authority in the city today?"
"I believe John and Major Lorne have returned to M29-936"
"What?! Ow!" Grace glared at her sparring partner and rubbed her arm.
"We are at our most vulnerable when we are distracted"
"Oh thank you, wise one" She blocked another blow and stepped out of range. "Why have they gone there?"
"I believe they wished to seek out the doctor who treated John whilst he was sick"
"I'm gonna fucking kill them"
Teyla raised a brow.
"They really think this is gonna make things better? Shit"
Teyla sighed and dropped onto the mat, legs crossed underneath her. "Please" She gestured in front of her.
Grace sat. "Tey…"
The other woman held a hand up to silence her. "I understand why you are angry at their decision. I did advise John that this was perhaps not the best course of action. However, after listening to him I understand that this is not for Dr Harrison and both men fully admit that it is something they are doing for purely selfish reasons. John was sick, helpless, and one of his people was taken advantage of because of that. It has shaken him, made him both afraid and angry. As for Major Lorne I believe you would refer to it as the male ego. She is his now and he has an almost irresistible desire to hurt the person who hurt her"
"Stupid men"
"And this is why there are women"
"Was your mission successful Sir?"
Colonel Sheppard spun round. "You're getting sneakier"
"Thank you Sir. So?"
"How do you find shit like this out?"
"I have well paid sources"
"I have no doubt" He eyed her. "Yes, I did"
She nodded then turned to the door of the balcony they were standing on. "Good"
"Your team are back on duty tomorrow?"
"Yes Sir"
"Please be careful"
"Always Sir"
Evan sped up his hand and groaned as his body tensed and his cum splattered onto the shower wall. He'd gone to see her when they'd returned from that shit hole of a planet, needing to reassure himself that she was fine, back in his city safe and sound. Eve had wound herself around him and parted her lips against his allowing him to claim, explore. He'd pulled away before his arousal had pushed up against her. He was managing to hold back, be patient, but she was so beautiful, the fact she didn't think so making her even more so. And when she relaxed into him he got teasing little glimpses of what it would be like to have her, all of her.
And he probably would have had that by now if it wasn't for that prick who he'd had the pleasure of beating the shit out of today. Evan rolled his shoulders before grabbing his body wash. The man had destroyed her and Evan was blown away at how far she had come so quickly. Something else that had drawn him in, made him fall so hard and so fast. He sighed. It was too late now, she was under his skin, he'd spend the rest of his days jerking off in the shower if it meant keeping her around. But he'd prefer not to. He washed himself thoughtfully. Perhaps they should have a little talk, and soon.
One month later.
"He wants to try oral sex"
Grace spat out her coffee and coughed. "What?!"
"He wants to give me…"
"Ok, ok! Jesus Evie"
Dr Harrison smiled at her friend. "What do you think?"
"I think we need to redefine the boundaries of our friendship"
"Please Grace, you're the only one I can ask"
"Right, shit" Lieutenant Hargreaves got up to refill her coffee. "How does it make you feel when you think about him uh, doing that for you?"
"Um, a little nervous, I kinda get a weird feeling in my stomach but I also kind of feel a bit uh, excited. I think he wants to make it different, with us, you know. More intimate, emotional"
Grace nodded. "Yeah, well it can definitely be intimate if its done right and he can, uh, do it right. As long as you don't feel panicked by the idea then I'd say try it. Just make sure he understands he has to stop if you tell him to, and straight away"
"Ok, good idea. Fuck"
Grace squeezed her friends hand. "Do it for you, not for him. And if he pushes you, makes you feel uncomfortable then radio me. I'll shoot him, no questions asked" Her radio crackled.
"Lieutenant Hargreaves"
"Dr Weir, there is something wrong?"
"Not at all. I know its your day off Lieutenant but would you mind playing tour guide this afternoon? SG-1 are staying until the Daedalus returns"
Grace rolled her eyes.
"Of course not M'am. I'll be in the gateroom at 1300"
"Thank you Lieutenant"
Later that day.
He huffed into her skin. "Great tour"
"Thank you"
"Maybe a little short"
"I didn't want to bore you"
"Thanks. I still have no idea where the mess is, or my quarters"
"I'll draw you a map"
Colonel Mitchell propped himself up on his elbows and looked down at her. "Rather you showed me. Want to grab dinner?"
She raised a brow.
He grinned. "Hey, I'm only here a week, don't panic. Just looking for some company, and possibly another tour"
"Fine. But no trying to hold my hand over the table"
"I'll try to restrain myself"
Colonel Sheppard watched them. They were sat opposite each other and Colonel Mitchell was waving his fork in the air whilst apparently saying something incredibly amusing as she was laughing, hand flicking blonde hair over her shoulder. He narrowed his gaze.
"Why are you death glaring our visiting Colonel?"
He looked up at a smiling Dr Harrison. "Was not"
"Was too"
"Was n.." He rolled his eyes. "We're not starting this again. Sit down for fuck's sake"
"How could I refuse such an offer?" She grinned at him and took a seat opposite, effectively blocking his view of the other couple. "So?"
"So what?"
"The laser eyes, why?"
"He's an annoying bastard"
"I found him to be quite charming"
"I'm sure you did"
"So nothing to do with the fact my best friend also appears to find him charming?"
John folded his arms. "No"
"For a Military Commander you're a terrible liar"
He glared at her. "Why aren't you annoying Lorne?"
"Because he's working. And I don't annoy him, he finds me endearing" Eve took a sip of her coffee.
"You're sick-making"
"Thank you" She sighed. "Look, it's not like she's gonna go and marry him or anything. She needs to relax too, take the edge off. And he's hot and highly entertaining..and only here for a week"
John rolled his eyes. "I don't need reassuring thank you. And I don't have a problem with it"
"So do"
"Do not"
"Do too"
"I can see I'm in for more mature dinner conversation" Major Lorne slid into the seat next to her.
"He started it"
"Did not"
"Did too"
"Jesus, cut it out. Its like sitting round a table with five year olds"
John flipped him off. Evan grinned at him. "So, what are we arguing about today?"
"Sheppard's jealous of Colonel Mitchell"
"Fuck off"
"No"
"Why?"
John glared at his 2IC. "I am not"
"Because Grace gave Mitchell the special tour"
"Hey!" John glared at her. "I am not. Its none of my business who she chooses to f…"
"Ok!" Evan pointed his fork at his CO. "Your language is appalling. And you so are. Someone has finally gotten under your skin" He grinned. "About time"
John stood. "I'm leaving before I shoot you both. And I am not"
One week later.
Her door chimed.
"Colonel, I thought you were leaving today?"
"Yep, on my way to the gateroom. Thought I'd say bye"
"Really?"
Cam rolled his eyes. "Yes. And to give you a little advice"
"Wow, this should be interesting" Grace sat on the bed, crossing her legs under her. She waved a hand. "Please impart your wisdom Sir"
"You know it's a good job you're hot"
"Thank you"
"Consider Sheppard"
"Uh, for what?"
"You know for what"
"No, I really don't"
He folded his arms across his chest and looked down at her. "I haven't met anyone who could drive him quite as nuts as you do…"
"I try"
"Shut up. I'm also a little surprised at being able to leave with all my body parts still attached after the way he's been death glaring me these past few days. I know he can be an asshole but once he decides he likes someone he can be ok, even managing to keep it in his pants"
"A Christmas miracle"
He glared at her. "He was married once you know"
"Fuck me, what did he do, sleep with her sister?"
"Gracie, please give it a rest. She had an affair cause he was always away working"
"Shitty, but understandable"
"He likes you. Ease up on him, give him a chance"
"No"
"Stop being stubborn"
"Stop interfering"
"No, I can still email you too"
"Great" She twisted a strand of hair round her finger. "Fine, I'll play nice but you have to do something for me"
"Oh yes?"
"Take Vala out"
"Excuse me?!"
"She's only attached herself to Jackson because you've been embarrassingly blind"
"Uh?"
"She stares at your arse a lot"
He raised a brow. "Really?"
"Yep"
"Well, fuck me"
One month later.
Eve allowed herself to be pulled onto her side and buried herself in his chest, inhaling his scent.
"Ok hon?"
"Umhmm"
"Sure?"
She pulled back and rolled her eyes. "Yes, stop fussing"
"I'm allowed" Evan frowned. "Somethings bugging you?"
She shifted. "Do you think Sheppard really likes Grace? Or is he just pissed she hasn't let him in her pants?"
He grinned. "You're starting to sound like a marine"
Even stuck her tongue out. "They would have said it way worse"
"Way worse?"
"I'm tired"
"You should have said"
"No, I mean I'm tired now"
"Ah, good. I must be awesome"
"Get over yourself"
"No" He looked thoughtful. "I think he really likes her"
"But he's still sleeping around?"
"She made it pretty clear she wasn't interested. Especially when Mitchell was here"
"Please, he was just a distraction. And I have been reliably informed that thanks to Grace Mitchell is now having regular sex with a space pirate"
"Uh, what?"
"Miss Mal Doran"
"Really?"
"Yep"
"Fucking hell. Whats that got to do with Grace?"
"She pointed it out to him after it became clear he had no idea she was interested"
"The SGC is one big incestuous family"
"Yeah" She poked him. "But now you have to behave"
"Not going anywhere baby"
Two weeks later.
Colonel Sheppard leant his arms on the railings of the balcony that ran outside her office. Elizabeth was gone, he'd failed, and to make matters worse SGA-7 had been missing for over a week.
"Fuck" he whispered.
It was supposed to be a routine recon mission, another new gate address that needed cataloging and exploring. When they'd been twenty minutes late for their check-in he hadn't been too worried. When it came to exploring new planets quite often teams just simply got turned around or lost sight of the gate, and he'd been so distracted with the Elizabeth thing. Ordering SGA-4 to gear up and take a jumper he'd left the city.
When he'd returned no one had wanted to be the bearer of more bad news so eventually it was Lorne who had hunted him down on the balcony.
"Sir?"
"Please, not now Major"
"I'm sorry John but this can't wait"
His stomach flipped at the use of his first name and he'd turned to face the other man. "What?"
"SGA-7 Sir, there is no trace of them. No sign of a fight, no bodies, no tracking signals"
John closed his eyes. "Did they look everywhere?"
"Yes Sir. Major Davis is currently engaged to Dr Lyon, he tore the place apart Sir. And called in SGA-3 and 9"
"Shit, I didn't think"
"Not your fault" Evan gave him a sad smile "I'm sorry John"
He ran a hand over his face. "Right, fine. Get McKay to put together a CSI team, the best we've got. We'll head out as soon as there's daylight on the planet's surface"
"Of course"
McKay and his team had been unable to find anything. Ronan and Teyla had picked up their trail which had led to an abandoned village but then it went cold. Which meant only one thing. They'd been beamed straight off the planet's surface.
"Shit"
Lieutenant Hargreaves eyed her captor. "Look, beat us all you want but our people are willing to die to protect our homes location, some of us have. We can help you repair your ship. The Doc is very skilled in engineering. Then just leave a message on the planet where you took us from saying you have us, we're alive and you wish to trade for parts. They won't stop looking for us and they'll return there regularly"
The woman in front of her grimaced. "Nice try"
"They really won't stop and they will find you eventually. If we are no longer living and breathing you won't stand a chance"
A fist connected with her jaw. "Ow! Shit, will you cut it out"
"Cut what out?"
"Great"
Three weeks later.
The gate alarm sounded. Colonel Sheppard looked up from the desk in the glass office. He'd stepped in until Colonel Carter's arrival.
"It's SGA-9 Sir"
Stepping out of the office he gave the nod for Chuck to open the gate and jogged down the steps "Major?"
Major Miller gave a weary salute. "We found this Sir" He held up a crystal. "It was left on the outskirts of the village"
John ignored his quickening pulse and tapped his radio.
"McKay"
"Sheppard?"
"Come to the gateroom please. It seems our kidnappers have made contact"
"Shit. On my way"
They stood around the control console.
"This is Larrin of the Travellers. We have your people, they are alive for now. We require parts for the repair of one of our ships. I have attached a list to this message. Have everything on it in the place you found the crystal within eighteen hours and we will return them to you. We will be notified when our message leaves the surface of the planet and will start the countdown. If we have any suspicions about your actions or detect any tracking devices I will personally kill them all"
"Pleasant isn't she?"
"Shut up McKay. Do we have everything they are demanding?"
"Yes, but.."
"Then package it up. We'll drop it in a cloaked jumper"
"Sheppard, you sure?"
"You want them to die Rodney?"
"No, but usually we have, you know, a cunning plan"
"A cunning plan?"
The scientist shrugged.
"Get it done McKay, please"
He nodded. "Sure, it'll take me a couple of hours"
"Get everyone in on it"
"Sure"
He watched the man leave.
"Sir?"
"Yes Lorne"
"Do we have a cunning plan?"
John rolled his eyes. "Think it's worth the risk?"
"I think we've been visiting that planet every three days which means she's only just decided to make her demands"
"Which means she tried to get the location of Atlantis out of them first"
"Right"
"Shit" John pinched the bridge of his nose. "No, we get them back safe first. Then we hunt the bitch down"
"And if she doesn't return them?"
"Same"
"Good"
They sat and watched the pallet filled with valuable parts become engulfed in a bright white light. Blinking back the spots in front of their eyes Colonel Sheppard and Major Lorne swore quietly. The place was still deserted. Ronan raised a brow at them and John signalled for him to wait. Hidden by the jumpers cloak they waited to see if this Larrin would keep her word. As another burst of light appeared John exhaled. "Thank fuck for that"
"Uh, Sir"
"Shit" Standing in the exact spot where the pallet had been were Major Dillon and Lieutenant Markham, alone. The two men blinked and took in their surroundings.
"We're here Major" John stepped out of the cloak. "Only two of you?"
"Fucking bitch kept Lyon and Hargreaves to help with repairs. Said they'd come in handy"
"Fuck. Permanently?"
"I got that impression Sir"
John peered at his two men. "Jesus, let's get you back to Atlantis. You look like shit"
"Thank you Sir" Major Dillon took a shaky step forward and Ronan grabbed his arm. "Cheers Ro" He held out a crystal to John. "I managed to alleviate them of this whist trying to splice their control console back together. Their ships fucked, if you can reach them their sitting ducks"
"Good work Major, thank you"
"Just get my team back Sir"
"Oh, I will"
John drummed his fingers on the table and watched Rodney sift through the information on the recently acquired crystal.
"Sheppard!"
"What?!"
"Quit it. I'm trying to concentrate"
"How long McKay?"
"A lot longer if you continue to do that" Rodney pointed at his hand.
He stopped his movements. "Right, sorry"
"Sorry?"
"What?"
"You never say sorry"
"Yes I do"
"Uh uh"
"Just get on with it Rodney"
The other man eyed him. "It'll be ok John. They're still alive. And we'll get them back"
"Did you see the two men I just left in the infirmary McKay?" He ran a shaky hand through his hair. "Shit. Malnourished, beaten, Dillon could hardly walk for fuck's sake"
Rodney dropped his eyes back to the tablet in his hand. Just for once he'd like for it not to be all on his shoulders.
"Thank you Rodney" whispered John.
One month later.
Grace stood in front of her supporting Doctor Lyon with an arm round her waist. "You requested our presence Captain"
Larrin gave her a cold smile. "Please sit. Eat something. You've been working hard"
Grace wanted to tell her to go screw herself but the other woman was getting weaker by the day. Nodding she led them over to the cushions and helped her down. She grabbed the other womans wrist. "Just a little fruit to start with Angie, too rich or too much will fuck your stomach"
Nodding the engineer plucked a slice of what looked like peach from a plate.
"You are clever"
Grace rolled her eyes. "Just my training. I can build a shelter from two leaves and a stick too"
Larrin eyed her. "We value people with skills such as yours" She waved a hand at Angie. "And your friend's too"
"Is this leading somewhere that won't bore me to death?"
"If you wish to meet death that can be arranged"
"Your threats suck. I've heard more original come out the mouth of babes"
The Captain raised a brow. "Despite your terrible social skills I am tempted to offer you a permanent place with us. Our way of life can be hard but it is also full of travel, exploration, and the rewards can be great"
"You kidnapped us, beat us, half-starved us and now you want to offer us a job?!"
"We were not always so ruthless, to this I admit. Our numbers were greatly decreased by attacks from the Wraith until eventually all our men had perished in battle and the women totalled only a few thousand. We made the decision to take to the stars, make us harder for the Wraith to find. Since then we have been travelling, occasionally stopping to take on supplies. Sometimes one of us leaves to settle with a partner, build a family"
"Why don't you find a new home? During our exploration we have found many beautiful and unpopulated planets"
Larrin nodded. "Us also. However our way of life has become ingrained. Many fear settling in one place. The Wraith still live"
"We're working on it"
"And we have noticed. But there are hundreds of thousands of them. And now the threat of the uh, replicators also hangs over Pegasus"
"Yeah, they suck too"
Larrin sighed. "The repairs are complete. The parts your people sent were excellent and your work has been exceptional. If you wish I will take you to a planet with a gate"
"Yeah, well that'd be great except that without our radios we'd be squished like bugs against our shield"
"Then I apologise for their destruction. And will arrange for you to take more adequate quarters"
"You suck"
"Baby?"
"Yes?"
"Evie look at me"
She raised her eyes from her tablet and looked into his.
"We won't stop looking, I promise"
She nodded. "Its Grace's birthday today. She'll be twenty-six"
"I'm sorry"
"Not your fault"
"I'll do anything…" He trailed off and ran a hand over his face.
"You've done all you can Evan. If she can, she'll come home. And bring Dr Lyon with her. She's good, you always said"
"One of the best"
She nodded. "Best not tell her that, she already thinks she's awesome"
He gave a quiet chuckle. "I love you Dr Harrison"
"Shit"
"John?"
"Teyla, everything ok?"
"I am well, thank you" The Athosian rested a hand on her stomach.
He smiled at her. "How's it going?"
"Very well thank you. My sickness seems to have subsided"
"Thank fuck for that"
"I did apologise John"
"They were my last pair of Converse Tey"
She smiled at him. "You appear a little more at ease today John. Has there been news?"
He sighed. "No. I guess I'm just starting to accept that…" he swallowed.
"She is not gone John, and neither is Dr Lyon. They are both intelligent and strong women. They will return"
"Maybe"