Not sure where I'm going with this. Meh.
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~ CHILDHOOD'S END ~
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I'd spoken to Reilly about the possibility of going to the mainland to help with planting crops as soon as I'd 'heard' about the Athosioans, and he'd sounded positive, but needed to check with Weir first. I was hoping I'd be allowed to go, this place was starting to drive me mad. It was fantastic, but I'd never really been one for socializing, and just going to work and sleeping was a tad boring. Getting some fresh air and manual labour would be a godsend.
He hadn't mentioned the combat training, but I knew it was still on his mind, and it wouldn't be long before he mentioned it again.
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After a day of waiting Reilly got back to me, and I was scheduled to head to the mainland with Beckett while he did his routine visit. The visit would last six hours, which would give me just enough time to get the basics down, and if all went well I'd be allowed back whenever possible to help out. Teyla had planned on joining us, but had gotten called to go off-world, so it was just me and the doctor. I wore jeans, and old STFU shirt (I didn't think the Athosians would understand the reference), my steepcaps and a black uniform cap. I'd have to find out if there were sunglasses on base, I hadn't thought to bring a pair, and the sun was shining bright outside.
We did the typical small talk in the Puddle Jumper, but Beckett was obviously still nervous about controlling the Ancient device, so the conversation didn't evolve beyond that. As we got further from Atlantis I noticed the constant background buzzing in my head was disappearing slowly, and I realized it was everyone's thoughts. I focused, and could still hear Reilly clearly enough, and if I tried anyone else it would work, but it was much easier to block them out from a distance.
"How far out are we, doc?"
"Almost there love, we're about twenty clicks from Atlantis."
I chewed my lip. "Thanks." I never thought I'd say it, but I was missing the hum. Then I realized there was another hum approaching, and guessed that due to not interacting with the Athosians I didn't hear them as clearly, until I got close.
When we go to the village Beckett introduced me to Halling, the leader of the new settlement, then left to set up shop in a nearby hut.
"You intend to work here?" He asked, eyes appraising me.
"Yes. Just while I'm not on duty on Atlantis, in my spare time."
"Would you want compensation for your time? We do not have-"
I shook my head. "Nope. You would be doing me a favour, getting some fresh air and physical work." I knew he was… suspicious wasn't the right word, but cautious as to my presence.
"Did Dr. Weir-"
"No, Halling. There's no hidden reason. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you and your people. I'm not here to do anything aside that. My agenda is simple, and quite selfish. Atlantis is great, but I'm getting bored already. I need to be active, and I would be honoured if you would allow me to work with you. I hope in time you see this. The only issue is that I have to wear this," I indicate to my earpiece, "and if I get called back I will have to leave right away. That's it."
"I understand." He stood, and I followed suit. "Your clothing is appropriate. I will show you to the field."
We walked a short distance, and he showed me what they were doing. Digging ditches wasn't my favourite pastime, but it was simple enough, and before long he left me to it. It felt good to use muscles that I don't normally use sitting at a computer, and the sun felt very nice. After a while an Athosian approached me.
"Anderson?"
I turned, and flicked my cap up. "Erin, please."
He nodded. "I am Trevin. Halling asked me to find you, and advise that we are taking our noon break."
I looked at my watch. "Wow, didn't realize the time. Sure." I followed him back to the settlement, and met up with Beckett. "Thank you, Trevin."
He nodded, and left.
"Makin' friends already, Miss Anderson?"
I smiled at Beckett. "Just being polite, doctor." I looked around the hut we were in. It was large, and this was clearly where Beckett worked from. "Busy spot this time of day."
"Aye." We had both brought MREs, but I just pulled out a power bar. "You're not eating?"
"Nah, not that hungry doc. How goes the check ups?"
"Fine. So far there doesn't seem to be any dangerous animals or insects. There's something similar to a mosquito, but smaller."
"Yeah, I've met them," I reply, absently rubbing my elbow, where one had gotten me earlier. "They're not bad though, not itchy like the mozzies I know."
He chuckled. "Aye. How you finding it here?"
"Yeah, fine. Good to be out in the sun, you know?" I sigh. "I could fall asleep out here. So, hey, will I be allowed to take a PJ out on my own, or can I only come here when someone else is?"
"I'm not sure, you'd have to check with Dr. Weir, Miss Anderson."
"Would you please just call me Erin? We're both not military, doc."
He laughed again. "Of course, Erin, please, call me Carson."
We chatted for about twenty minutes, then I headed back out to the field. He was a nice enough guy, Carson. The accent was just a bonus. I just really hoped that I would be trusted with a Jumper, I doubt there'd be many trips to the mainland.
Okay, almost done here. Where's Miss Anderson
I smirk, and touch my earpiece. "Beckett, I told you to call me Erin."
"Aye, and I told you to call me Carson. That's kind of creepy, Erin."
"Yeah, well, if you think about me, I'm gonna know, so watch your thoughts, Carson. You cool to scoot?"
"Yes, Erin. It's time to leave."
"Five by five. On my way, Carson." I packed up the tools Halling gave me, and headed back to the village.
I met up with Halling briefly, who thanked me for the day's work. I just grinned, and thanked him.
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As we got closer to Atlantis I felt the now-familiar feeling of everyone's voice in my head, and smiled. Reilly was thinking about how to tell me that my first session with Lorne tomorrow, McKay was complaining about kids, but secretly wondering if he'd ever have any, and Sheppard was thinking about Weir. Same old city. I met up with Reilly in the mess.
"Hey! How'd you go on the mainland?"
I grinned. "Great. It was pretty awesome over there." I twisted in my chair to crack my back. "Good to do some physical work." Reilly pursed his lips, and I knew what he was thinking. "Don't worry, Riles, I'm not gonna leave to be a farmer. It's just good to get away a bit, you know?"
He didn't know, really. He was happy here, and I got that. I'm happy here, too. I just need a break sometimes.
"I heard I'm to report to sparring room one at 16 hundred tomorrow."
He looked surprised, and I sighed and tapped the side of my head. "You could have just told me, you know. I'm not gonna get pissy at you, I agreed to it."
"I know. I just feel like I pushed you…"
"Well, duh." I shrug. "It's probably for the best. What's the worst that can happen?" Famous last words.
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From memory, MREs are Meals Ready to Eat… not sure if it was ever said on SG on not. Mozzies are Aussie for mosquitoes. Just sayin'. STFU = Shut The Fuck Up… the shirt only says STFU, so yeah, doubtful the Athosians would know. I guessed the mainland is 25kms from Atlantis, based on it taking 25 minutes. Reckon PJs would go about 70kph, so yeah. Potential math fail. /shrug