Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate Atlantis or the characters.

A/N: This is very belated sequel to 'Hidden Truths'. It is set a few weeks after the end of that story. I would like to thank hifield for reminding me that I hadn't actually finished the story.

"Dr Keller, thank you for coming." Woolsey said. "Please take a seat."

"Is there a problem?"

"No, not really." Woolsey said looking at Jennifer. "The IOA have requested your presence on Earth to brief them on your latest research on the Wraith enzyme."

"I'm being recalled?" Jennifer asked, her heart sinking as she thought the worse.

"No, well technically yes, but only temporarily. You will be returning on the Apollo five days later. General Landry has also cleared you to have some leave so you can visit your father."

"Why aren't the IOA coming here?"

"Recent IOA visits have been more eventful than the current committee appreciates. The consensus is they will be safer on Earth. Although the official reason is they can't afford to lose two weeks travelling between galaxies."

"When do I go?"

"The IOA committee would like the presentation tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Jennifer asked surprised.

"I'm afraid so."

"I should go and prepare."

"Dr Keller, I promise you there are no ulterior motives to this request. You will be back in less than three weeks." Woolsey added as Jennifer left the office.

-00-

Twenty minutes later Woolsey looked up when John walked into his office, firmly shutting the door behind him.

"Colonel I've been expecting you." Woolsey said.

"Why wasn't I informed?"

"Dr Keller is a civilian and does not fall under your command."

"Ronon does and I have to deal with him for the next three weeks." John explained.

"And I am sure you will handle the challenge. But what does Ronon have to do with any of this?"

"They're kind of seeing each other." John said adding suspiciously. "You don't seem upset by her recall."

"I'm not. I honestly believe the IOA want her to present her research. Also, as much as Dr Keller tells us she is fine, neither of us completely believes it. Seeing her father may help with her recovery. At the very least having time off will be good for her." Woolsey said. "Wait, what do you mean, kind of seeing each other?"

"Dating."

"Dr Keller and Ronon?"

"Yeah."

"Interesting." Woolsey said, still coming to terms with the revelation.

"I still don't like being blindsided." John said trying to get the conversation back on track.

"Neither do I, but it appears that the IOA committee believes I have gone native, so I am no longer privy to as much information as I used to be." Woolsey explained.

"Welcome to the family." John shrugged.

-00-

"Hey." Ronon said as Jennifer's door opened.

"Hey." She smiled, but the stress was clear in her eyes.

"You ready?"

"Not really. I really don't want to go."

"I know." Ronon said walking towards her and engulfing her in a hug.

"I hate giving presentations. I already feel sick. What if I screw it up and they don't let me back?"

Pulling away slightly Ronon into her eyes and said.

"You'll be fine. And if for any reason they try not to let you back Sheppard and I are coming to get you."

"Thank you." She said leaning back into his chest. "I'm going to miss you."

"You'll be back soon." Ronon said kissing the top of her head, trying to conceal his own misery at the separation.

"I guess I should get to the gateroom." She added without any enthusiasm.

"I'll carry your bags."

"No." She said quickly, pulling back from Ronon. "Can we say bye here."

"If that's what you want." Ronon said.

"It is. I don't want to lose it in the control room." She explained.

Cupping her face Ronon leaned down and kissed her just as a familiar voice said.

"You ready Keller, oh. Sorry guys….I'll just wait outside." With that John quickly turned and lingered in the corridor until Jennifer emerged from her room.

"Sorry." He apologised again taking her bags. "You ready?"

"As ready as I will ever be."

"It won't be that bad." John said. "Plus you can see your father. But doc, do me a favour." He added as they stepped into a transporter. "Make sure you take plenty of time for yourself."

-TBC...