Chapter 2
Elizabeth stood alongside John, waiting to welcome the newest arrivals to Atlantis. The expedition leaders were aware that the newest recruits were crucial, in ensuring the continued survival of the Atlantis expedition. The numbers of the original expedition had dropped dramatically, so many lives cut short during the constant battles to protect Atlantis and her people.
Not one person on Atlantis, could say that they weren't affected to some degree, by what they had endured since their arrival in the Pegasus galaxy. For some however, the constant battle of facing death - often on a daily basis - had become unbearable and they'd taken the decision to return to earth.
Scanning the sea of faces, Elizabeth wondered what new skills the latest recruits would bring to Atlantis. She thought sadly, how many of them would meet the same fate as their predecessor. Elizabeth's stomach did a somersault as her gaze stopped suddenly a mop of curly hair, no... it can't be! She felt the nausea rising as he turned round and their eyes met across the room, She could only stare in shocked disbelief knowing her worst nightmare was about to become a reality. She wept inwardly in despair, realising the tranquillity of her relationship with John was about to become undone. Elizabeth knew John well enough to gauge what his reactions would be; he would see it as utter betrayal on her part.
So many times Elizabeth had thought about telling John, but it'd never seemed the right moment, never the right opportunity. Now she wished she had, as she felt herself unwittingly propelled in to Simon's arms, frozen with shock as he kissed her passionately on the lips. Her long term partner - whom she'd left being on earth along with a video that'd explained the reason for her disappearance – had somehow managed to follow her to Atlantis.
Elizabeth swallowed hard, trying to comprehend what was happening, whilst anxiously fighting to regain control of her senses and composure.
She cringed, at the shocked expression on John's face, his eyes displaying not only confusion, but anger also. Pulling away from Simon, Elizabeth was unable to shake off the cold chill that was running through her body.
Elizabeth desperately tried to convey in her expression, what she couldn't say in words. John don't listen, it's not what you think, wait until l can explain.
The look John threw at her however, was so cold and dark, that it caused Elizabeth to take a sharp intake of breath. At the same time she realised, that even if she declared her feelings for John, in front of everyone present, it still wouldn't be enough to convince John she loved him.
Reluctantly her thoughts returned to the situation with Simon and she couldn't help tormenting herself, her thoughts in turmoil. She knew she should've made time to go visit him the last few times she'd been back on earth, instead of always finding some viable reason not to do so. Why'd she been so foolish in thinking she could prevent the inevitable from happening.
She knew the answer to her question though. She'd been terrified at the thought of a direct confrontation with Simon, deciding instead to write and explain to him he should move on with his life. Elizabeth had tried to make him understand, that their relationship had ended the day she left for Atlantis. A long distance relationship like theirs had no hope of survival. She'd finished the letter, by wishing Simon good luck for the future, and that she hoped he'd find the happiness he deserved.
Sudden realization hit Elizabeth, the reason why she'd never felt fulfilled with Simon, as she truly did with John, was because she'd never really loved Simon. John, when he'd eventually broken through her emotional barrier, had shown her what true love meant, Elizabeth loved John, as she would never love anyone else.
Sighing in despair, her heart heavy Elizabeth realised how close she was to losing it all, due to her own stupidity. Elizabeth knew Simon wouldn't have received her letter. She'd only just deposited it with the other mail due to be taken to earth via the Daedalus, so Simon had arrived before the letter had even left Atlantis.
Starling realisation brought Elizabeth out of her contemplation, with a bang. She'd been so caught up in her thoughts; she hadn't noticed John was deep in conversation with Simon. Although on the surface, it appeared there was nothing unusual in the conversation between the two men; Elizabeth could sense the tension radiating from John.
John was livid, as he shook hands with the man who had just accosted Elizabeth, but at the same time he was also curious.
"Welcome to Atlantis, I am Colonel Sheppard, the military commander of Atlantis" John paused. He wasn't sure if he really wanted the answer to what he was about to ask. "I take it you know our expedition leader, Dr Elizabeth Weir?"
Simon shook John's hand. "It's good to finally meet you Colonel Sheppard. I'm Dr Wallace, and I more than just know Dr Weir. She'll be the future Dr Wallace, as soon as I can arrange someone to do the marriage ceremony
The colour drained from John face, and he replied in a voice devoid of any emotion. "Well... I hope you will both be very happy." Without even looking at Elizabeth, John excused himself and was gone.
Elizabeth desperately wanted to go after John. She needed to explain the situation to him, to make him understand. The thunderous expression she'd seen in his eyes, before he stormed off, had left her feeling queasy and disturbed. She knew she was going to have a difficult task ahead of her, but she couldn't lose him. Elizabeth was furious at herself, not able to believe her own stupidity.
As she looked around in dismay, Elizabeth knew it was going to be, more or less, impossible to go after John. She could see Colonel Caldwell lurking nearby, waiting to speak with her. Just as she was trying to think of a way to escape the room unseen, Colonel Caldwell approached, laying a hand on her arm, demanding her attention.
Colonel Caldwell was grinning from ear to ear. "I couldn't wait for your reunion Dr Weir, l knew you'd be overwhelmed when you realised Dr Wallace would be joining us on Atlantis," he informed Elizabeth Elizabeth's look of confusion, Coronel Caldwell continued.
"Dr Wallace has been filling me in on your relationship, Dr Weir. l hope you don't mind? Dr Wallace was explaining, how he was longing to see you again."
Elizabeth looked at Simon, who was obviously expecting her to acknowledge pleasure at his arrival. She knew however, what she wanted to say, compared to what Simon expected her to say, would differ vastly.
Elizabeth realised Colonel Caldwell was still speaking, but couldn't believe what he was saying
"I've explained to Dr Wallace, how lonely it is on Atlantis for you," Colonel Caldwell said. "How your role, as civilian leader, prevents you from forming any close relationships. A relationship with any one on Atlantis would result in judgement being made on your ability to act impartially, and on your leadership capabilities."
Staring at Colonel Caldwell in disbelief, Elizabeth was seething, how he dare assume anything regarding my personal life. A cold shiver ran down Elizabeth's back, as she also observed something in Colonel Caldwell's expression. Something cold and calculating, that didn't go with the image he was trying to portray.
She gasped quietly; what.... if he knows there's something between John and l after all? No....no he can't.
These thoughts continued to haunt Elizabeth, shaking her to the core. Colonel Caldwell had nearly caught them once before, but they thought they'd gotten away with it. What if they hadn't? What if this was his way of effectively dealing with it? Colonel Caldwell knew John well enough, to realise this would effectively destroy any relationship that existed.
Colonel Caldwell leaned back on his heels. "Well..., I'll leave you two love birds to get reacquainted" he paused, looking directly at Elizabeth. "I need to speak with Colonel Sheppard, Dr Weir. You wouldn't happen to know where he is."
Before Elizabeth could comment, Caldwell continued with the hint of a smirk on his face. "l noticed he left in rather hurry."
Elizabeth managed to choke out. "No... l don't."
"Well no doubt he'll not be far away," Colonel Caldwell replied, before walking away. Elizabeth heart sunk, as she realised, she was now alone with Simon.