Chapter four:

'Well, John' Weir started, smoothing the sheets of paper on her desk, trying to reduce the tension that was building up in the room.

Across from her, Sheppard sat a little straighter in his chair and looked down at the desk as if in anticipation for his punishment. Elizabeth sighed and decided to get on with it. Looking up at him, she gave him a hidden look of pity and then hardened her resolve.

'John, as much as I understand the occurrence of accidents in the city, I can't tolerate accidents from the head of the military that could have been avoided!' she realised her voice was rising and she struggled to keep herself calm, glad that her outward expression remained stoical 'I would probably have been able to be lenient had it been one of your team mates that you were teaching. They, at least have experience to counter your stupidity! But Lieutenant Magson is one of our new transfers, fresh from the air force academy. She isn't to know just how dangerous this job can be. In these kinds of situations, you need to take every precaution or your carelessness may lose us more than a few difficulties.'

She finished her tirade and sat there, staring at him, smouldering angrily. She watched Sheppard keep tight-lipped and realised he wasn't going to react to her rage. The calm part of her admired him for his control. With a start, she realised he was watching her, a cautious questioning look on his face and she cleared her throat uncomfortably.

'Anyway, given that it was an accident and that you have already apologised to everyone involved, I'm not going to give you as severe a punishment as I am inclined to' a thought of constant Mckay assistance came to her head and she could see that Sheppard was thinking the same thing 'I know that I could force you to do that paperwork that's been mounting for ages' the pair shared a brief smile as they locked eyes, but it was quickly lost as Weir continued 'as such, I feel that it is best if I send you on the mission to M61-847 with Lorne and his team. With your team otherwise occupied, I think it's best you take command of another type of mission.'

Sheppard stared at her in horror, his initial relief at an easy punishment changing to pain and shock. She could almost hear him thinking She wouldn't really do this to me, would she?

Ignoring the pleading, puppy-dog eyes he was throwing at her she carried on her explanation 'M61-847 is a farming colony that has a substantial amount of rice in their harvest. Preliminary contact shows them to be willing to trade with us. There will be three military personnel, yourself included, accompanying the diplomatic scientist and the nutrition scientist. It is not a long mission and I expect you to return by 1900 hours unless the natives wish you to stay overnight.'

She paused, allowing him time to speak but he stayed stubbornly silent. Her feeling of victory dampened slightly, but she ignored it completely and concluded calmly 'You and your team will be embarking in an hour John. I suggest you make your preparations and meet the team in the gate room later.'

She nodded to him to show the meeting was over and he stood up stiffly, keeping his frustration tightly shut. With a nod and a small salute he pushed back his chair and walked swiftly out, a dark look already forming on his face.

She sighed again. Victory was a two edged sword.

Weir walked tentatively through the doors of the Jumper Bay, toward the large commotion of raised voices. Following the noise, she walked up to the mass of scientists, who were surrounding a charred jumper and arguing with each other.

In the centre of the group, she found the person she had come to see. With a sigh, she realised that he was the instigator of the arguments.

'No, no, no' Mckay complained, tapping his computer screen angrily, which was attached to wires hanging out of the wall 'If you cross these wires, the whole system will short-circuit!' Weir saw him throw his hands up in frustration and glare at the assembled scientists.

'Rodney, calm down and look at this rationally' came the ever-composed voice of Zelenka 'Perhaps if we split into smaller groups then there will be less need for arguments.' The other scientists nodded, eager to get away from Mckay.

'Yes, but then I would have to keep repeating myself to these imbeciles' Mckay muttered 'this way I only have to say things once.

'I'm sure then can manage Rodney. Just let them do their jobs.'

'Fine' Mckay grumbled, finally noticing Weir 'What can I do for you Elizabeth. If your wishing for any joy on the situation, I'm afraid I can't give it to you. Sheppard's screwed the Jumper Bay up royal.'

'Well don't worry Rodney. Be assured that John's being punished heavily for his mistake' Elizabeth said sweetly.

Catching her attitude, Mckay grew interested 'What did you make him do?' But Weir stayed quiet smiling mysteriously and Mckay gave up.

Weir turned to Zelenka and after asking for a status report on repairs, was surprised to see some trepidation appear on his face. 'I'm sorry Doctor Weir but things aren't progressing very well at all. With our current level of progress, I would expect repairs to be completed in about a week. At that's to a level that Jumpers can be operational in and out of Atlantis again.' He shook his head sadly.

Anxiety gnawed at Weir and she sighed. This was not the news she wanted to hear. 'I understand Radek. It can't be helped if that is the case' she looked at her watch and smiled at the two scientists 'I'm sorry but I have to say goodbye to Lorne and his team. If you'll excuse me.'

Lorne and a member of his team were already in the gate room, checking over their P90's a taking the rest of their weapons from the armoury staff. As Weir entered the room, the two scientists also entered, chatting amiably to each other and comparing notes. They smiled up at Weir and she nodded in reply.

'What a surprise' she thought sarcastically 'Sheppard isn't here yet.' Lorne walked up to her in the control room and nodded down to his team 'Is this going to be enough in terms of security ma'am? I don't mean to question you but one to each scientist does seem to be a little insufficient.'

Weir smiled mischievously, a rarity in front of the city's population 'Oh don't worry Major, you won't be going alone. You have another man joining your group.' Her eyes glinted in amusement as realisation dawned quickly on Lorne's face.

'He's not going to be impressed about that ma'am. If I may ask, why isn't he here yet? Shall I go find him?'

Weir shook her head, suddenly serious 'he's probably acting like a child right now, postponing the inevitable. He really doesn't want to go. This was the best way to make him see how serious this was without actually punishing him.' She shook her head sadly 'He'll get over it soon enough.'

Lorne smiled I don't know. First he's grounded because of the accident and now he's being sent on a babysitting job. I guess he's thinking that this is a nightmare right about now.'