A FRIEND'S NAME
The small group sat in the makeshift commissary. Their new friend was wearing an Atlantis uniform now, and it was obvious that it wasn't made for her. The pants were too long and the jacket billowed from her arms and waist. One plate had already been cleared and she was greedily finishing up a second. Ronan and Teyla looked at each other with a hushed laugh as Rodney and John stared in awe at her accomplishment.
After taking in his amazement, John uttered a cough to get everyone's attention. "So, has anyone thought of any names for our friend?" At this the girl looked up wide eyed, glancing around the table before putting her utensil down and pushing her plate back.
"A name is something very important to one's identity," Teyla began. "Perhaps a name that describes her, I mean you, physically, or your state of being…"
A lost face crept across the girl.
"How about Merriam?" Ronan chide, a grin stretching ear to ear. It turned into outright laughter by all but one when a curled lip of disgust replaced the girl's look of lost sadness.
"Hey!!"
"I am sorry Rodney, but it was rather amusing." Teyla quickly changed the subject. "How about, Luiwynn? It means lost child."
"Well she's not exactly a kid." Shepherd interjected, remembering for the first time their initial meeting and the damp garment she had been wearing. It was obvious that this girl was beyond being a child, at least physically. But he quickly pushed this thought back.
"Steve-ie?"
"No."
"Laura?"
"No."
"Lucy, Mary…Dorothy?!" John rattled off many.
"I've got it!" Rodney uttered with an epiphany upon him. "…Elizabeth."
"Rodney I do not know if that would necessarily be appropriate…" Teyla trailed off. Everyone began to appear very somber, set off more by the now fading light as the day began to die on the horizon.
John began, "No. Rodney's right. It's a great name," directing his attention to the girl, "Elizabeth Weir was a great person and a good friend of everyone on Atlantis. She passed away a while back, but I'm sure she would not have had any problem if we called you Elizabeth…or how about Lizzie for short?"
The team smiled at each other in agreement. The girl, seeing how much this woman must have meant to these people who had saved her and given her shelter, nodded in one big gesture. She would be proud to be called "Lizzie."
The group began telling Lizzie many wonderful stories about who she had been named for. About that time, Col. Carter came in and sat at the table, a glass of blue jello for herself and one for the newest resident of Atlantis, who ate it with delight.
Taking it as his job, Shepherd spoke, "Col. Carter, if I may ma'am, I would like to introduce you to," with both hands presenting his subject, "Lizzie."
"Lizzie? I think that is a wonderful name. It's nice to meet you, Lizzie." Carter held out her hand, and Lizzie cautiously mirrored her actions. "My name is Sam." Lizzie smiled.
She was almost done with her jello when Carter spoke again. "Everyone, I think it is getting a little late, and it has been a very long day for…Lizzie. Teyla, could you please show her to her temporary quarters?"
Teyla rose and led Lizzie out. Everyone said their goodnights as the rest slowly got to their feet and made their way to their own beds.
