Elizabeth sat up straight. She blinked a couple of times before remembering she was in the infirmary. John was next to her in an instant; hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. Elizabeth breathed in deeply.

"Are you alright? Was it another dream?"

Still slightly confused, Elizabeth shook her head. Turning to face John she answered him.

"No." She hurriedly continued as John looked concerned. "I mean yes I'm fine but I didn't dream. At least not one that I can remember."

Elizabeth looked down at her hand, which she was surprised to see was still held by John. She looked back up at him, her surprise clearly showing on her face as John quickly pulled his hand back.

"Did you hold my hand the entire night?" John rubbed the back of his neck, a trait Elizabeth noticed he did when he was nervous, and nodded.

Elizabeth grinned. "Thanks. I appreciate it."

John sat down on the chair behind him and passed a tray up to Elizabeth. "Here, breakfast."

As Elizabeth ate her cereal, John continued to munch on an Orple. Elizabeth knew they were his favourite fruit too. Something suddenly occurred to her.

"John?" He looked up; acknowledging her. "When were the Orple's passed as safe to eat and allowed in the Mess Hall?"

John remained silent for a moment; thinking. "I think it was just under a week ago."

Elizabeth bit her lip. She raised her hand up to her ear in an attempt to radio Carson before realising she hadn't had her radio since she'd first collapsed in the control room.

"John, give me your radio." John passed it to her obediently, asking why she needed it as he did so.

She didn't answer him. Instead she carefully fit the radio to her ear and tapped it.

"Carson?" She heard the affirmative 'aye' though the ear piece and carried on. "Carson. I think it's the Orples that are causing the virus."

"Those bizarre apple fruits that Major Lorne found on the mainland?"

"Yeah. I just have a…a hunch. It's possible isn't it?"

"I suppose. I'll find Rodney and run some tests."

"Okay. Thanks Carson." She tapped the radio again before handing it back to John.

John looked at her expectantly but Elizabeth was deep in thought and didn't notice.

"Hey." John laid his hand on her shoulder, causing Elizabeth to jump slightly. "Are you sure that you're alright?"

Elizabeth nodded and smiled, covering the hand on her shoulder with her own. "Yes John. I…"

John help up a hand to stop her; mouthing sorry as he touched the radio in his ear. Elizabeth could just about hear the Canadian rambling on the other end.

"Yes Rodney. Yeah I…no, Rodney. I'm coming…yes…McKay!! Thank you. Yes, I'm on my way."

Elizabeth raised her eyebrow as John stood up, taking her finished breakfast of her lap as he did so. "Rodney's found something that indicates the Orples could have something to do with all this."

He looked hesitant. Elizabeth's second eyebrow rose to join the first. "John?"

"Yes?"

Elizabeth gestured with her hand towards the infirmary door. "Oh, yeah. I'm going. Um, are you gonna be okay?"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and sighed. "Yes John! For the last time! Now go."

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I know this is really short! Sorry but I could find no other way to break the fic up. The next chapter is longer! I promise!