My dear Hifield... Thanks for the review.
D Day : 8 pm.
Richard Woolsey was overlooking the Stargate room, transformed for the occasion into a giant ballroom. The majority of the Atlanteans were present, as well as IOA members who arrived in jumpers especially requisitioned for the event. Everyone was dressed up to the nines. The elegant evening dresses and chic tuxedos mixed with the military uniforms for the most beautiful effect.
Each inhabitant of Atlantis for the past five years had been invited from a manager of catering through to scientists, soldiers, diplomats ... This microcosm was teeming at the feet of Richard Woolsey, who was definitely finding it very hard to relax in view of the prim atmosphere imposed by the presence of the IOA big shots among the Atlanteans.
As predicted by Arthur Collins, the decoration was quite ... shimmering. The fuchsia and gold was everywhere and the fountain was there, an edifice in front of the Stargate. The ring was surrounded by a dozen people who were busy exploring the inscriptions and marveling at its size. Visitors constantly moved between the multiple balconies and the corridors, where a soft ambient music filled the quiet atmosphere whilst admiring the view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
"Act natural, you're being scrutinized from head to toe." O'Neill whispered, leaning against the railing along with Woolsey. "At 3 o'clock."
A group of five men in tailor-made tuxedos with glass in hand, were casting inquisitives glances to the gateway while they were probably exchanging equally scathing words.
"The war will really begin when the Secretary of State arrives." Jack added.
"I make it my business. All I wish is that everyone has a good evening. They deserve it." Woolsey replied.
OoooooooooooooO
Teyla and Kanaan appeared on the threshold of the room. The Athosian man seemed uncomfortable. He kept fiddling with his bow tie when the young woman tightened her grip on his arm.
"This piece of fabric, was it really necessary?" He grumbled. "I feel like I am going to suffocate!"
His bad temper flared when he saw a group of men taking a rather insistent look at the flawless silhouette of his companion. Teyla wore a blue sculpted dress that clung to her body, held up by thin strips of woven material that tied behind the neck. Three azurite bracelets adorned her wrists and she put up her hair in a bun from which loose locks of hair framed her face.
"You seem to be to their liking." Kanaan gasped, feeling more and more awkward in his earthling suit.
"These clothes look very well on you. You are very elegant." the young woman teased. "And I am at your arm, not at theirs. "
Kanaan replied with a smile and they went both to the buffet...
OoooooooooooooO
"Have I already said that you are undoubtedly the most beautiful woman of the reception? "
"Yes, Rodney. But repeat it again ..."Jennifer smirked, kissing the physicist on the lips.
John Sheppard joined them with two glasses of champagne in hand.
"Jennifer. You look beautiful."
"Thank you John, you look very stylish too."
"Everything is going well?"
"Yes, it is ... Even though I was expecting something less formal ..." the medic said obviously a little disappointed.
"The buffet is excellent." the scientist added. "Those little toasts seem delicious ..."
Rodney grabbed a small canapé and was about to eat it when somebody snatched the food out of his fingers.
"But ... What! " he exclaimed, turning suddenly to be face to face with Ronon who held the toast in his left hand and a plate full of varied appetizers in the other one.
"Ronon, what are you doing?" said an indignant Rodney.
The Satedan showed a serious face. "There's lemon in this one."
"Lem ... What? Lemon?"
"And also in this drink ..." Ronon said, pointing to the punch.
McKay then turned to the entire buffet, where now each food item had now become life threatening for him.
"It's not possible! Nobody expected that some people may be allergic to, I don't know ... Seafood ... Peanuts ... Lemon! Is it not in our personal files? They should therefore have to be careful!"
"Thanks Ronon, you just kept him from having an anaphylactic shock in the middle of the reception." Jennifer exclaimed.
"It seems that the lemon embargo doesn't reign anymore on Earth, McKay ..." John joked.
"Don't you have someone waiting for you Sheppard?" the scientist growled, gesturing to the champagne.
"Who is the lucky one?" Teyla asked to the soldier.
"Well actually ..." the soldier began as a beautiful young blonde woman, dressed in a ruby colored dress with a subtly scalloped neckline was advancing toward them.
"It's not true ..." McKay blurted out , downright flabbergasted. "What is she doing here! "
The small group was also quite surprised to discover the identity of the famous "surprise guest".
"Good evening everybody. It is a pleasure to see you again "Larrin bragged with irony.
"How can you be here!" the physicist repeated.
"Always so friendly McKay." the young woman eyed him." I came to see Dr. Jackson about an Ancient artefact that we found on a planet in Pegasus. It seems to have a connection with a ship named Destiny which concerns you right now. "
"Why have not we been warned that she was coming?" Rodney snapped at Sheppard.
"Caldwell was in the process of informing all of our allies that we are back into the Milky Way when the Travelers contacted him. Larrin asked to accompany him to Earth to join the SGC."
"And the threat concerning the discovery of the coordinates of the Earth! How did the SGC agree!"
"I spent the entire trip confined to my quarters, I was searched, scanned and they confiscated my only means of communication with my crew. In addition, we joined the SGC via a stargate on a planet in the Milky Way although I can identify the symbols. Satisfied?" Larrin tacked on.
The Traveler and John shared a knowing look that did not go unnoticed. Rodney noted the small smile of the young woman.
"And you really need to come here?" Teyla asked with suspicion.
"You know that I would never miss an opportunity to lay my hands on anything that might interest my people ... It was the deal with the SGC: give and take. The Ancient artifact against two or three of your Asgard guns. And then I put a point to finish what I started ..." The glance in the direction of Sheppard was much more straightforward this time.
"Oh please! Sheppard, you're not going to get hooked again by that woman!"
"McKay ... we are here to enjoy the evening, share a moment of camaraderie, strengthen ties with our allies ..." John replied, dwelling a fraction of a second on the lovely neckline of his partner.
"That's right, she can also enjoy Todd's camaraderie at level 8 ..." Rodney grumbled, but that once taking an elbow in the ribs from Jennifer.
"Why don't you help yourself to a little punch with citrus, McKay. " the Traveler returned taking Sheppard to the dance floor.
TBC…