Chapter 7

Today was moving day and Dr. Keller couldn't be happier. The epidemic was totally controlled in Anora allowing the team to move their mercy operation across the border to Cabell.

Major Lorne dialed into Atlantis with a request for a jumper to transport the unneeded equipment back to the City of the Ancestors along with Jennifer's lab technicians. The men were no longer needed and would be gating back to the SGC as soon as they checked in with Mr. Woolsey and handed off Lorne's mission report.

While Lorne's team broke camp Jennifer walked to the infirmary to check on her patients one last time and say good-bye to Belna assuring her they'd be back soon.

"Healer Jennifer, it has been an honor to work with you and on behalf of all my people I will say thank you very much," Belna said as she reached in to hug Jennifer tightly.

"You and your people are good allies … it was our pleasure to help."

"I have spoken with healer Prina and she will meet you at the border with Official Maylor and together they will guide you to their infirmary," Belna advised.

"Thank you Belna for all your help, you've been a good friend," Jennifer said giving her one last hug.

Jennifer signaled to Marie who was saying good-bye to some of the volunteers and together they made their way out of the infirmary to join Major Lorne and the team. After storing any unnecessary items in a back room at the infirmary they distributed the remaining supplies and equipment amongst themselves and began the two-mile hike to the border.

Thinking back over the past few weeks, Jennifer walked along the trail analyzing their mission and all that'd been accomplished, finding it very encouraging. She'd finally accepted being sent back to Earth and was actually starting to get excited about a new beginning. Sending her lab technicians home today left her feeling almost euphoric knowing she was that much closer to finishing up and heading home, back to John.

"Hey short stuff, how's it going?" Laura asked bumping her shoulder as she slipped in beside Jennifer.

"I'm doing good, almost great," she grinned for the first time in days.

"And that would be because … ?" Laura inquired raising an eyebrow.

"I don't know … I just feel like we're almost done. I'm even starting to embrace the idea of going back to Earth, not that we have much choice," Jen smirked.

"Are you maybe looking forward to seeing your mystery man?" Laura prodded.

"I thought we agreed we weren't going to talk about that?" she reminded her.

"Right," Laura snorted, "I made that agreement in a moment of weakness."

"Well, I'm holding you to it! We'll have our girl talk once we get home … where ever that is."

"So what's your time frame, Doc?"

"I'm thinking maybe two weeks in Cabell at the most and then we'll head back to Anora and back through the gate if everything goes well," Jen explained confidently.

"Normally I'd say that sounds good but we're traveling with the infamous Dr. Keller and so far we haven't had any calamities."

"Unless you consider the Ancients returning to Atlantis and kicking us all to the curb while we were off world. Or maybe being in the middle of an epidemic and losing Dr. Beckett forcing me to figure it out by myself," Jennifer scowled.

"Well, I guess there is that. I didn't think about any events that may have occurred before I got here but I'll concede … you have a point. So, two weeks and its girl's night with popcorn and true confessions."

"Sounds like a plan," Jen smiled. "Now, go spend time with your sweetie before you have to get back to work."

The team spent the afternoon setting up camp and establishing a perimeter. The introductions went well and Jennifer felt comfortable with Prina and the new volunteers she'd be working with.

Major Lorne and his team continued to be on high alert not feeling completely confident in enemy territory even if it was a mercy mission. He'd promised his commanding officer he's take special precautions with Dr. Keller and he planned on returning Jennifer in one piece even if he did seem overly cautious.

Jennifer and Marie went directly to the infirmary upon arriving in Cabell. The village had set up a temporary clinic and shelter for the sick on the outskirts of town near a large clearing suitable for their campsite. Healer Prina showed the women around the infirmary helping them get oriented ending the tour with a small desk and chair at the back of the room set up as Jennifer's office space. Jen stowed her backpack and started examining patients as Marie began breaking out supplies and vaccine from the duffle bag.

After finishing with the tents, Booker and Rains started making dinner while Meyers worked on the fire pit. Official Maylor spent an hour with Major Lorne going over a list of do's and don'ts he expected the Lantians to follow as long as they were in Cabell, with the first rule being don't leave your designated area. After their discussion Lorne was even more anxious to finish their work and go back to Anora. They were all beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and were eager to get back to family and loved ones on Earth.


Sheppard walked into the mess hall after his mission hoping to find some distraction from his constant thoughts of Jennifer. Filling his tray he quickly took a seat across from Beckett thankful to find a friendly face.

"Say Doc, how's it going in the new job?" Sheppard asked.

"Well, it's not Atlantis but the company is good," Carson replied. "Dr. Lam is a joy to work with and we're both looking forward to having Jennifer with us soon."

"Speaking of … have you heard from our people in the Pegasus?"

"Major Lorne has moved the group to Cabell so it shouldn't be long now. I talked with one of the lab technicians when they returned earlier this week and he agreed it shouldn't be but a couple of weeks and the last of the Atlantis expedition will be home," Carson explained, sharing what little information he had.

"That's good, I feel like we've left them behind and I don't like it," Sheppard grumbled.

"It won't be long Colonel and you'll have all your people home safe and sound. How are you doing finding a new team?"

"Not as easy as it sounds," he frowned. "I'm finding I even miss McKay."

"I for one am looking forward to our dinner date next week. Elizabeth hasn't returned any of my phone calls so I'm going to stop by her apartment and invite her in person to join us," Beckett resolved.

"Yeah, I've left a couple messages for her too. It'll be good to see her," Sheppard agreed as both men stood to leave.


The first week on Cabell flew by quickly leaving only a few more volunteers to train. Jennifer was quite satisfied with all they'd accomplished even taking a few evenings off during the week.

Jen found herself thinking about John more than she should have putting herself in a melancholy mood by late afternoon. After her last training session she excused herself for the day and wandered back to camp for a short rest before dinner. Grabbing Sergeant Meyers Jennifer walked down to the river on the edge of their camp and sat with her feet in the water. Meyers took up guard duty a few feet from the river giving Jennifer some privacy.

Major Lorne and Lieutenant Cadman finished their perimeter check ending up at the infirmary. Laura volunteered to do a quick sweep of the infirmary planning to check on Jennifer at the same time. The Major continued on to the camp to check in and send Booker and Rains on sentry duty.

After checking in with his men Lorne was informed that Meyers and Keller were down by the river. Grabbing a couple bottles of water he headed in that direction.

"Sergeant?" Lorne inquired.

"Sir, it's been quiet."

"I'll take over, if I'm not mistaken you're on kitchen duty tonight," Lorne said smirking. "Try to make it edible," he chuckled slapping his teammate on the shoulder.

Making his way down to the water, Evan took a seat next to Jennifer on the bank of the river.

"Hey Shortie, how're you doing?" he asked, bumping shoulders as he sat next to her.

"I'm doing okay, thanks for the water," she replied with a sad smile.

Evan sat with Jen in companionable silence watching the water tumble and flow over the rocks for a few minutes before putting his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. "Whatcha been dwelling on today?"

Jennifer hesitated before relaxing in his affectionate embrace resting her head on his shoulder. "Couldn't stop myself from thinking about all our friends we may never see again," she shared.

"Any special friends you want to talk about?"

"You've been talking to Laura I see," she accused sarcastically.

"You know, the whole boyfriend-girlfriend thing. She's worried about you," he explained.

"By the time we get home I doubt if there'll be a special friend. My timing has always sucked," she growled.

"So… your friend, is it someone I know? Or maybe I should ask if it's someone I'd approve of?" he asked, curiosity getting the best of him.

"It really doesn't matter. Now that everyone's back on Earth he'll probably throw me to the curb once we return. I'd probably have a better chance if we stayed in the Pegasus galaxy, not as many to choose from out here," she sighed sadly.

"Hey, that's not true. You're one of the most beautiful and talented women I know, so no more talk like that. Every man on Atlantis would've loved to score a date with you including the three lunks guarding you 24/7. They'd be breaking down your door if you didn't have friends in high places."

"Thanks Evan, I'm just tired and homesick. Have I told you how thankful I am that you and Laura are with me?" she asked reflectively. "I need to thank Colonel Sheppard when we get home."

Evan could sense Laura's presence somewhere behind him and gave a slight nod knowing she'd understand. "Love you Jen," he said kissing the top of her head and squeezing her shoulders.

"Love you too Ev … thanks," she whispered as he slowly stood.

Turning to head back to camp, Evan hesitated giving Laura a quick kiss before leaving the women alone for some girl time.

"Hey girlfriend, tough day?" Laura asked as she filled the space Evan vacated.

"I'm a woman in need of a hot bubble bath and a good bottle of wine," she said longingly.

"With a pepperoni pizza and a couple bottles of beer afterwards," Laura suggested.

"Popcorn and Girls Just Want To Have Fun on a big screen instead of my laptop," Jennifer giggled.

"Real popcorn with lots of butter like the kind you get at the movie theaters. And Milkduds."

"Whoppers for me with a large Coke, the kind you get out of a dispenser, not the canned sodas," Jen added wistfully.

"Lots and lots of nail polish … we can do each other's toes," Laura grinned.

"A new dress."

"New shoes."

"New earrings."

"Somewhere to wear them," Laura snorted.

"Someone to wear them for," Jen added rolling her eyes. "At least you have that one covered."

"Exchanging secrets in the dark under the stars," Laura sighed thinking about all the wonderful talks the two friends had shared over the years.

"I'd trade it all for one more year in Atlantis," Jennifer said longingly.

"Me too, sweetie, me too." Laura stood pulling Jennifer to her feet and the friends slowly made their way back to camp just in time for dinner.

The last of the Atlantis expedition sat around the campfire sharing Worst Date Ever stories until long after the stars came out. Jennifer sat and soaked it all in knowing everyone would be scattered once they returned to the SGC. Just another perfect evening in the Pegasus galaxy and she wanted to remember every minute of it.