A/N: So, this is a story I've had mostly written for a while and I've been trying to figure out how to tie it in with my time-line in the "Qualifications" series. Haven't found the link yet and I'm getting impatient to post it. Maybe I'll be able to tie it in later, or maybe it will stay it's own separate entity. Hope you like and reviews are always appreciated! They keep me motivated.
Oh, and I own nothing, this is fanfic, yada, yada, yada...
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Chapter 1:
John sat on the small couch in Sam's office. He watched her pace and fiddle with a pen in her hands.
"Pacing? That's not like you."
"I know, I'm just going stir crazy is all. I've been going off world for over 10 years and on missions in enemy territory long before that, I'm just not used to sitting still this long is all."
"Have I ever told you I'm glad it's you and not me?" John said with a sly smile..
"Everyday." Sam shot back jovially yet with a narrowed eye. It was beginning to be her trade mark to either narrow one eye or slightly smirk and twitch her nose a little when she'd shoot him a snappy comeback. "Paperwork just isn't my thing. Not that I'm not used to mission reports or writing papers on astrophysics, but I just feel there's more that I could be doing other than requisitioning you an absurd number of pants." "I swear, you're worse than Cam when it comes to losing your pants."
"It's just too bad your never around when that happens."
There was the narrowed eye again, "You better watch it Lieutenant Colonel. Unless you would like to referred to as Major Sheppard again."
"Yes, Ma'am." he said with a lazy wave that slightly resembled a salute. Why did she find that charming rather than insulting?
"Well maybe you could go down to the labs and bug Rodney some more. I always find you showing him up entertaining."
"Yeah well." There was the smirk and nose twitch. "I don't think that'd cure my frustration, but rather fuel it."
"True, true." "Well, ready for the briefing?"
"Unfortunately."
…..
The entire briefing Rodney complained and whined about his bruised back. He had decided that learning to spar with Ronin was a good idea. He showed up in enough padding to make the Michelin man look like a twig, yet Ronin still managed to leave a rod shaped bruise on his back. It was faint, but visible none the less, which fueled McKay's hypochondria.
"From what we know, there is nothing you would even need me for. They are a bunch of farmers, we are there after food and possible access to some rumored trinium mines." McKay complained.
"You're a member of my team and you're going! Besides, how many times do we go on these types of missions where we find dormant technology or get captured by the Wraith and need you and your voodoo to get us out."
"Ok, what I do is not Voodoo, leave that in the realm of medicine. But really, take Zalenka or any other of the scientist for that matter." "They never do their fair share of off world missions as it is."
Sam sat back and watched them squabble like an old married couple.
"You're going and that's that."
"No. I'm not. I am under medical advice not to do anything too strenuous for the next few days."
"By which Keller meant no sparring."
"And if the Wraith show up, then what."
"You still be sparring as much as you would be here, none!"
"Oh ha ha..." "Just take Zalenka."
"He can't even shoot a weapon, let alone hit something."
"And neither can McKay," Ronin interjected. He was slouched in his chair with his hands folded over his abdomen watching the play by play.
"Exactly." "Hey, wait a minute... I can shoot and I have killed a wraith."
"A Wraith." Ronin retorted.
"Boys, boys." "That's enough!" Sam's amusement had passed, but just barely.
"Colonel, you've been going a bit stir crazy lately. It's an easy mission, wanna tag along and be our scientist." John looked at McKay then added, "Our scientist that doesn't feel the need to whine every 5 seconds."
"Are you inviting me only because it's an easy mission?" She said with an expression that could only be considered goading.
Ronin grinned at raised an eyebrow at Sheppard.
"No Ma'am. Not at all." "Just figured you might like to get out of town for a day."
"Ok, then." "McKay, you're in charge."
McKay clapped his hands together in glee.
"Don't go off on a power trip Rodney, just respond to any catastrophes and finish the requisitions on my desk."
"Requ-? What?"
"You want to stay here and me take your spot, we'll switch jobs for a day, and that means supply requisitions need to be finished."
"What? That's not fair!" McKay protested.
"You heard the lady Rodney." John said with an evil grin.
…..
So who's orders am I following?" asked Ronin.
"John." "Sam." They said simultaneously.
"Always listen to a lady or full bird Colonel first." He said shooting a cocky grin in her direction.
"It's your team and your mission John, I'm just here as a scientist remember?"
"You sure?
She flashed him a brilliant smile, "I'm all yours."
"I've been waiting for her to say that," he said to Ronin but shot her a playful grin.
"Careful!" she warned.
"Whaaat?" His eyes glinted. There was something growing between them, he wasn't sure what it was, but it felt deeper than the friendship they've had over the past couple of years. He was both cautious and excited at the same time, more on the exited side though.
Rolling her eyes she turned. "Dial it up Chuck."
"What ever happened to this being my mission?"
Sam had the decency to look sheepish. "Sorry, old habits die hard I suppose. But I promise, from here on out, you're in charge."
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