Chapter 2- Advice and Discoveries

A/N: Thanks for all the kind reviews! On with the show!

Atlantis: two weeks later

Sam Carter, new leader of Atlantis, stood at her office windows, feeling like an alien in the city she had come to call home. People in this city were tight-knit and, though welcoming towards her, still mourning their former leader. Watching the bustle of the Gateroom, she felt isolated, people greeting one another cheerfully, as though they have known one another their entire lives. Looking around, Sam hoped that one day she would be allowed to join in too, but she knew that time would come after the decorations of black that covered the Gateroom walls in honor of Elizabeth came down. Glancing at her watch, Sam turned back towards her office: there was only fifteen minutes until Colonel Sheppard's team returned from off world.

In the meantime, Sam had something that would occupy her time. Jack had e-mailed and she really needed to reply back, and now that Atlantis had almost fully come back online, she was able to. The process had begun the day after the ceremony; apparently Atlantis had felt that more time was needed before normal operations were to continue, and had set a slow but steady pace to allow her systems to come back online. Opening the e-mail, Sam smiled at what her former commanding officer had to say.

Carter,

How are things going? Is Atlantis still shutting itself off to you guys? I have suffered through so many meetings I haven't had time to even think, let alone talk. I think a fishing trip is in order. Maybe I'll drag Teal'C and Daniel along, they need a break too.

Though, on the subject of meetings, I met with Elizabeth's mother the other day. I hate those types of meetings; nothing you say seems to be enough. "She served her country well and died bravely" doesn't seem to cut it. Either way, she was still happy I took the time to visit and return Elizabeth's things to her.

You were worried that your letter was too impersonal, well don't, she loved it. It's never easy to write letter like that, you can't tell the person how really or where their loved ones died. Take it from a pro, it never gets any easier. Though nice touch letting the senior staff of Atlantis write letters too. Mrs. Weir told me to thank you all personally and that it is so nice that to know her daughter had such good friends and people who cared about her. BTW- who knew McKay could write with feeling?

Let me know how things are going for you. Tell Sheppard no suicide missions, or I imagine Elizabeth will come back and kick his ass.

Jack

P.S. Do you know anything about a pocket watch? It was Elizabeth's dads and he gave it to her. It should have been in the box of her stuff, but wasn't. Though Mrs. Weir said that if someone there wanted to keep it go ahead, it's a small comfort. All she wants is to know the person who has it.

Sam smiled, knowing how hard it was for Jack to put his meeting with Elizabeth's mom in words. At least she now knew that her letter had offered some comfort. Quickly Sam sent the e-mail out to the other members of the senior staff; they deserved to know how the meeting went as much as she did. Settling back, Sam began her reply.

Sir,

Things are going as well as can be expected here. Atlantis has been slowly allowing us back in, just this morning we got e-mail back. Fishing sounds like it would be perfect to relax you, but in a way I feel sorry for Teal'C and Daniel. Still though, I kind of wish I won't miss it.

I'm glad Mrs. Weir got some comfort out of my letter. I was worried that mine sounded too impersonal. I'll make sure that the other senior staff knows how Mrs. Weir received their letters. I imagine Rodney only writes with emotion when he wants to. Somehow Elizabeth managed to gain his respect I imagine, no small feat I know.

Tell Daniel and Teal'C hi for me, and that I miss them. Hopefully things will start becoming normal around here, or as normal as things get here in Pegasus. As for the pocket watch, I wasn't even aware there was one. As far as I know everything of Elizabeth's was in the box.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Sam

As Sam clicked send, the Stargate sprang to life. "Offworld Activation!" Chucked called. Sam rushed out into the Control Room, duty called.