Crappy title I know but titles are pretty much my weakness; suggestions can be given, i will consider, or is it ok?

Disclaimer: only the plot is mine

AN: First SGA fic :)... And of course it's SPARKY! :D It gets more angsty and horror-like as the story progresses, this chapter is more of an introduction type thing.

Spoilers: Brief mentioning of 'The Storm'/'The Eye' but nothing major

Timeline: Not long after the events of 'The Storm' and 'The Eye'

'So what are the rules?'

Elizabeth sighed as she lifted her head off her desk to look at John. They had been sitting in her office for hours going over the numerous rules of a society they were about to trade with. Usually they would not go through so much trouble but this particular society had three ZPMs at their disposal and were willing to trade them.

Even so, that did not stop the three hour lecture from seeming less strenuous.

'The Ongari are a suspicious culture with extremely harsh punishments for breaking their rules' she began reciting like she had been so many times that night.

'If you are believed to be a spy then torture and a painful death are guaranteed. When talking to an Ongarian one must keep eye contact or they will view it as an act of deceit and will resultantly arrest you. Only five offworld visitors are allowed at any one time, searches will also be conducted upon arriving at the gate and weapons will be confiscated inside the conference hall. Have I missed anything out?' she raised an eyebrow at the question.

She knew she had missed out one rule, probably the most important one to John, but it was the one rule she was getting tired of following.

John raised his eyebrow back at her, knowing full well she knew what she missed.

'Yes you missed out something which is fine so long as you know it and stick to it because if you don't I-'

'I know I know, John. But you need to realise I can look after myself. I don't need you, Teyla or Ronon with me all the time. I go offworld knowing the risks and accepting them. You should too; you can't protect everyone John'

John sighed thinking this talk was about to be getting a heck of a lot longer but he refused to back down. His feelings for Elizabeth and concern for her well-being would never let him back away from an important matter such as her protection. After the incident with Kolya and the storm, John felt an even stronger need to protect her, his best friend. Well, that's what he says she is anyway, which is the truth technically. But as of late his feelings for her have become much deeper than he wants to think.

'Look, 'Lizabeth. I know how you feel with this and I know you hate it but this planet is rough. The Ongari are very suspicious people, even the slightest mistake could result in severe consequences.' Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at this for it was only a few days ago that John was on trial by the Ongarian Government.

John seeing her expression realised what she was thinking about. He had to admit, that day was a shocker. There he was asking McKay where the hell they had just crash landed and suddenly this woman passes by wearing practically nothing! What was he supposed to do? But apparently checking people out is seen to be quite suspicious and therefore a criminal act on Ongaria. Thankfully Teyla had managed to get him out of the situation before any harm could be done.

'Forgive me John but I won't be making the same mistakes as you did. Not only do we know the rules now but we have gained some understanding from them. After all, they are willing to negotiate with us. Besides, I, unlike some, do not have a tendency to chat up passing people as soon as I arrive on a planet' she added giving John an amused look that made him fidget in his chair.

'Yeah yeah can we please stop bringing that up?' he'd had enough teasing about that from McKay and Ronon already.

Elizabeth smiled slightly at his discomfort. She would never openly admit it but hearing of John's predicament had scared her. Although when she heard of the nature of the imprisonment, a twinge of jealousy couldn't help but accompany that fear.

In the end it didn't matter; she was just glad he and his team were back.

'You haven't managed to distract me by the way. You will be accompanied by either myself, Ronon or Teyla at all times whilst on that planet.'

Bugger thought Elizabeth. Distraction plan failed.

Sighing she got up and moved to sit on the desk in front of John.

'Look, I can-'

'I know you can handle yourself, just please... it's a precaution.'

She stared at him, John realising she was assessing some other way of talking him around the matter so he decided a change of tactic.

'Please 'Lizabeth, do it for me?' that phrase alone could not have swayed her fully which is why he added his best puppy dog look with it. He knew she couldn't resist them.

Sighing with frustration, for she knew full well what he was trying to do, she gave in, well... not completely.

'Fine! But I'm not taking a weapon with me' and with that she strode out of the room with a pat on John's shoulder bidding him goodnight.

Damn. She always did that. She refused to handle any weapon. He did at least manage to get her to agree to being trained in using basic weaponry and close combat but what use was it if she refused to hold one outside the training room?

Stubborn, just plain stubborn. But that's one of the things he loved about her.

LIKED! Not going there John we are NOT going down that road!

Shaking his head, a slight smile appearing on his face, he got up and made his way to his quarters nodding to the occasional person on the way.

Well, tomorrow will be interesting. And at least she agreed to have someone with her. That thought at least provided some sort of reassurance, although he couldn't help but feel particularly nervous about what the next day would bring.

Entering his quarters he decided to head straight for bed. By the time he was in bed his head was whirring with thoughts of what could go wrong and how he could avoid it.

He always grew anxious when Elizabeth went offworld but for some reason he felt a strong sense of dread about this mission.

The Ongarian Chief had requested to negotiate only with Doctor Weir and for some reason that made John feel very uneasy. Maybe he imagined it, but when the Chief stated his terms John couldn't help but feel that something was being hidden.

Paranoid John you're just paranoid.

Turning on his side he closed his eyes and tried to will himself to sleep. He knew he should be as awake and alert as ever tomorrow. But that didn't stop him from thinking and dreaming of terrible things that could happen the next day.

If only he knew his dreams were much more than mere dreams.

So, do I continue? Not continue?...Help me out here!