Chapter Ten
The download from the second artifact took nearly as long to complete. Rodney paced the lab barely able to hold back his impatience. It was well past midnight and he couldn't keep his eyes open much longer.
"I need coffee," he said as he headed over to the coffee maker.
"Why don't we both go to bed?" Elizabeth said, standing. "We can look this over in the morning when we're both rested."
"Elizabeth, how can you sleep at a time like this?" he asked as he poured himself a cup of coffee.
She stared at him, an eyebrow raised. He knew he was about to get a lecture when she stared at him like that. He inwardly groaned and leaned against the table.
"Our minds will be a lot clearer after a good night's sleep, Rodney," she said, folding her arms across her chest. "We'll be much more alert, otherwise we might misinterpret something."
"Elizabeth, I've gone hours even days without sleep and been able to think clearly. This won't be any different."
"You might be able to get by on a cup of coffee…"
"Several."
"But I can't," she said, her eyes wide. "I need sleep, Rodney, and so do you."
Rodney sighed. "Fine. You've made your point. We'll pick this up in the morning."
"Good," Elizabeth smiled and he knew he made the right decision if it meant seeing her brilliant smile. "I'll see you in the morning."
Rodney woke with a start, Elizabeth's name echoing in his ears. He stared at the ceiling as the dream slowly vanished back into his subconscious. He closed his eyes and sighed, knowing he wouldn't be able to get back to sleep.
Glancing at the clock, he saw it was four in the morning. Grumbling, he climbed out of bed and headed for the shower.
When will this end? Rodney thought as he turned on the cold water and got under the spray.
Five minutes later, feeling wide awake, Rodney entered the lab and headed for his workstation. The computer had finished the download and he couldn't keep the grin off his face. He opened the file and scanned the first few paragraphs. He was able to decipher most of it, but he needed Elizabeth to translate all of it.
"Time to wake Sleeping Beauty," he said. "Hope she won't kill me. Elizabeth, it's finished downloading."
There was no answer and Rodney sighed, rolling his eyes. He should have known she would still be in bed. She wasn't prone to erotic dreams every night like he was. He shook his head, saved the files and headed for her quarters.
Don't kill me, he repeated in his mind as he made his way through the halls. He knew where her quarters were, he had this half of the city memorized. It wouldn't take him long to get there.
Thoughts of her in her sleepwear crept into his mind causing hot lava to flow through him. He stopped and closed his eyes a moment, taking several deep breaths. He clinched his hands into fists and continued on. It wouldn't do to be completely aroused right in front of her. She'd definitely know how he felt about her then.
Think of the artifact, Rodney told himself as he stood in front of Elizabeth's door. Artifact, right.
Rodney took a deep breath and knocked on the door rather than take the chance of opening it himself.
There wasn't an answer and he rolled his eyes. Grumbling, he pounded on the door and called her name. He heard a faint noise on the other side and he smiled slightly.
"Finally," he whispered as he folded his arms across his chest and bounced on his feet. A moment later, the door opened and his jaw dropped at the sight which greeted him.
Elizabeth stared at him, her hair a mess. She had wrapped a dark blue robe around her tightly. His mind worked over time on what was underneath.
"Rodney," Elizabeth said, both annoyed and tired. "This better be important."
Rodney shook himself to the present and stared into her eyes. He cleared his throat to calm himself.
"The artifact's been downloaded. I was able to translate some of it, but I need your help for the rest of it."
"Rodney, it's four-thirty in the morning," Elizabeth said in between yawns. "Can't it wait?"
Rodney fought the urge to roll his eyes. He couldn't get over the fact that she wasn't as thrilled as he was at the prospect of looking the artifact over. It was early, though. Maybe some more sleep will get her enthusiasm up.
"Fine," he said, sighing. "I'll call you later."
Elizabeth smiled and stepped back into her room. He watched the door close wishing he had followed her in.
Elizabeth woke with a start, her heart racing as if she'd run a marathon. Sweat soaked her nightgown and dampened her hair. She sat up slowly, the dream fading from her mind. She ran a hand through her hair and wondered how she was to tell Rodney about her dreams. How would he take it?
She shook her head and climbed out of bed, quickly showering and dressing just as quickly. Her stomach growled and she headed toward the mess hall, knowing Rodney would be down there. It was nearly eight in the morning and she doubted he had eaten, yet. Being overly excited about the artifact, he probably forgot to eat breakfast.
She had been surprised at how many times she thought about Rodney. She worried and cared about him, but what she felt now went beyond mere friendship. These dreams only brought it to the fore. Did he feel the same? Could he feel the same?
Elizabeth stepped into the mess hall and went to get something to eat. She placed the plates on a tray and headed for a table. Her eyes fell on Rodney, who sat near the wall to her left. She smiled to herself and headed for him. She sat in front of him, getting his attention. He stared at her in surprise then looked around the room as if someone could be watching.
"Good morning, Rodney," she said as he turned his attention back to her. She looked into blue eyes full of surprise. She offered him a smile and he relaxed.
"Morning," he said, clearing his throat. "Sleep well?"
"Other than the really early morning wake up call, fine," she answered. She didn't want to tell him about her dreams, not yet. She doubted he was ready to hear about them. His mind was clearly on other things, like the artifact.
"Sorry," Rodney said. "I couldn't wait to show you."
"Obviously," she said, taking a sip of coffee.
Rodney rolled his eyes and she smiled.
"So the artifact has been downloaded?" Elizabeth asked, watching his eyes brighten.
"I translated some of it," he answered. "It mentions the power source again and describes the planet the third artifact is on."
Elizabeth smiled. Apparently, he had all he needed to find the last artifact. "So what do you need me for?"
Rodney blinked as if caught off guard by her question. He took a drink of his coffee before answering. "I don't have all of it translated. There could be something important buried in those words. Something along the lines of: don't go here, it's dangerous."
"All right," she said. "I'll translate the rest of it for you."
Rodney smiled and her breath caught in her throat. It was rare that he ever smiled, but when he did it was a complete transformation from grumpy man to little boy. It got to her every time, but now it nearly stopped her heart.
"Great," he said, standing. "I'll get it ready."
Elizabeth watched him leave feeling his absence strongly. She shook her head and returned to her breakfast.
Elizabeth arrived in the lab fifteen minutes later to find Rodney staring at the computer screen. She smiled and went over to him. She stood over him as she looked at the screen. She narrowed her eyes as she read the words.
"It sounds like a beautiful planet," she said after a moment. "Quite romantic."
"And according to this it is uninhabited, like the desert we went to," Rodney replied.
"Have you found the address?" Elizabeth asked as he stood.
"I'll leave that to you. I need to check on your glowing cube."
Elizabeth blinked. "I thought you forgot about it?"
"Of course not," he said, giving her an "are you an idiot" look. "Anything we find that might actually do something always gets my attention."
"Have you found anything out about it?"
"It's activated by the gene," Rodney answered, going into lecture mode. "I must have activated when I touched it, but it didn't do anything until I gave it to you. I'm still working on that."
Elizabeth nodded, one of her questions answered at least. The other would have to wait. "Have fun."
Rodney smirked then went to the other side of the lab where he kept the cube. She sighed and sat in front of the computer and got to work.
After an hour, Elizabeth had the gate address and more information on the planet.
"The artifact is on a remote part of the western continent," she said as she stood in the briefing room. Rodney, John, and Carson sat around the large table. Teyla and Ronon were on an off world assignment. "It will probably be more difficult to find than the second one."
"Needle in a haystack," Rodney put in as he leaned back in his chair. "We're talking continent sized forest here. Thankfully, the climate is nice."
"And the trees will block out the sun," John said, earning a glare from Rodney.
"Don't make me separate you two," Elizabeth said as she stared at both of them. John shrugged while Rodney continued to glare at John. She rolled her eyes and sighed. She knew Rodney would be on his best behavior in front of her, but she doubted he'd hold his temper much longer if John kept up the remarks about Rodney's fair complexion.
"If we can be civil toward each other, let's get us an artifact."
The three stood and filed out of the room, leaving her to gather her thoughts. She ran a hand through her hair and let the tension leave her body.
I need a serious warm bath when we get back, she thought.
"Are you coming?" Rodney's voice caused her to jump. She stared at him, his expression one of concern. He stepped further into the room as she put her hands behind her back.
"What's wrong?"
Elizabeth cleared her throat. "I'm a bit tense. We're so close to finding out what this power source is all about."
"You're excited," he said, smiling.
"I guess so," she said, returning his smile. "We should get going."
Rodney blinked as if coming out of a daze. "Right."
She followed him out of the room barely catching his "God, she's got a great smile." She stared at his back in surprise. Did I hear that right? Elizabeth thought. Did he say that out loud?
She continued to stare at him as they made their way down the steps toward the gate. He looked at her as she stood beside him.
"What?" Rodney asked, catching her surprised expression.
Elizabeth shook her head; still not sure she had heard him right. She looked up at the control room and nodded for them to dial the gate.
She watched the gate activate, the excitement replacing her surprise and confusion. Her heart raced as she walked through the blue horizon.
Elizabeth caught her breath at the scenery before her as she came out on the planet. Her gaze took in her surroundings and she realized what the Ancients wrote about this place did not do it justice. It was more beautiful than she had first thought.
A soft breeze blew the emerald grass, giving the appearance of ocean waves. Trees lined the field they were in and she wondered what could be behind those trees. Birds sang in the distance and there was the faint sound of a waterfall.
It's gorgeous here, she thought as she stepped away from the gate.
"Yeah," Rodney said, catching her off guard. She stared at him as he took in the tall trees and deep blue sky. He must have noticed her staring at him, for he looked at her, an eyebrow raised.
"What?"
"Yeah, what?"
Rodney blinked as if not understanding what she asked. He shook his head and stared at her as if ready to give a lecture.
"You said it was gorgeous here. I was agreeing."
Elizabeth shook her head. Did she say that out loud? She shook her head and continued on, Rodney following beside her.
They caught up to Sheppard and Carson in the middle of the clearing. John raised an eyebrow as if he knew they were up to something for taking so long. Carson also had a knowing smile on his face and she began to wonder what was going on. She shook her head as she stood before them.
"Well, now that we're all here," John said, taking his P-90 off his shoulder. "Shall we head into the deep dark forest?"
"Oh, come on," Rodney said. "It's not that dark and you know it."
"Let's not start, please," Elizabeth said as she followed the men into the forest. "I'll not take any of you on a mission again if you do."
"It was you idea to come with us," John said. "You should know by now we can't keep our mouths shut."
Elizabeth said nothing. She knew Rodney and John's bickering was good natured, but sometimes they took it too far. She didn't want to see someone storm off in this unknown wilderness because of hurt feelings. It wouldn't do for one of them to get lost.
"How about this one time, you try?" Elizabeth said, putting her no arguing voice into her words. She raised her eyebrow for added effect.
John shrugged and led the way deeper into the forest. The sound of the waterfall grew louder and Rodney brought out his laptop, turning it on. She picked up her pace to walk beside him as he booted up the computer.
"We should be able to find it like the other," he told her as the screen came on. "If it's even on this side of the continent."
"Always the pessimist," she said with a smile. He stared at her as if he was about to say something then decided against it. He looked at the screen, typed on the keyboard then a beeped sounded.
"Picking up energy readings," he said. How's that for pessimism.
"I was only joking, Rodney," she said.
Rodney stared at her in surprise, blinking several times. He cleared his throat and picked up his pace as if he didn't want to be around her. She watched him wondering what had set him off. She sighed and followed after him.
"It's this way," Rodney said, taking the lead. "Try not to trip over anything this time, Sheppard."
"Shut up," John said, not taking the bait.
Elizabeth took the opportunity to take in their surroundings. The trees were tall, blocking out the sun. The temperature was nice and cool within the forest. The breeze blew through the trees, causing a soothing rustle of the leaves. She closed her eyes and took it all in, enjoying the calming sounds.
"Elizabeth!" Rodney's voice broke into her reverie, startling her. She opened her eyes and saw she had fallen behind. She jogged to catch up, climbing over a log that had fallen who knows how long ago.
"Sorry," she said when she caught up to them. "I was enjoying the forest."
Rodney rolled his eyes, but she saw relief in them and she was touched by his concern. Maybe he felt something for her after all.
He cleared his throat as if caught doing something he shouldn't. He glanced at John and Carson before speaking. "Try to keep up."
Elizabeth stared at him then at John and Carson, who only shrugged. She shook her head and followed them.
What the hell was that about? She thought as she followed them up a steep hill. The rustle of dry leaves was loud in her ears as she trudged through them. How much further was this place?
"Not much further," Rodney said, stepping over what she could only assume was a tree root.
The waterfall was much louder now and she saw it through the thinning trees. Her breath caught in her throat as they cleared the trees and got their first view of the waterfall. It was a monstrous curtain of water falling over a cliff thirty feet above them. The thunderous roar was deafening as the water fell into a lagoon of deep blue.
"Anyone for a swim?" John asked as he made his way to the edge of the pool.
"We're here for the artifact," Rodney said, staring at his laptop. "You can swim in the ocean at home if you really want to swim."
"Ah, but there's a difference between swimming in the ocean and a lagoon," Sheppard said, smiling. "This will be so much more pleasant."
"Whatever," Rodney said. "The readings are getting stronger."
He walked passed John without glancing at him then stopped at the edge of the lagoon closest to the waterfall. He looked up at the waterfall then at them.
"It's behind there," he said, pointing toward the waterfall.
"Looks like it is a swim," John said, pulling off his vest and P-90, placing them on the ground.
"You don't know what's behind that!" Rodney shouted above the roar. "It could be a monster's cave."
"You said this place was unpopulated," John countered as he took off his shirt.
"By people!" Rodney said, standing in front of John.
"Thanks for the concern, Rodney, but I'm going."
Rodney through up his hands and walked away. He stared at Elizabeth as he came up to her, but she had no idea what to say to him. All she could do was shrug.
"He's only doing that to be the hero of the day," Rodney griped as he placed his laptop back in his backpack. "And he can't resist being Kirk and take his shirt off."
"Rodney, the last time you went in first without checking for traps you were hurt."
"Your point?" Rodney asked, giving her his you're an idiot look again.
"You were a little overeager to burst in there and take the artifact. John will be more cautious."
"You've got to be kidding me? I'm the most cautious person on this expedition."
"Not when it comes to discoveries of a scientific nature," Elizabeth said.
John dived into the pool and Rodney sighed, giving in for the moment. She took the moment to look at him. He wore his vest over his black shirt which hugged him like a second skin. Her gaze slid down his body and the memories of her dreams came to her mind. She quickly lifted her eyes to meet his and was surprised to catch him staring at her ogling at him.
"Elizabeth?" Rodney questioned, his brilliant blue eyes sharp and assessing.
Elizabeth cleared her throat and looked away, placing her hands behind her back. She turned her attention to the waterfall and the soothing sound.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Rodney asked, bringing her attention back to him.
"Very," she whispered as she glanced at her feet. She looked up to see Carson sitting on a rock beside the lagoon. How long had John been gone?
"It's quite soothing," Rodney said.
She looked at him and the smoldering flame she saw in his eyes startled her. She took a step back caught off guard by the emotion in his eyes. He stepped closer to her and she stood her ground, knowing he would only keep walking her backward until she ran into something.
"Rodney," she whispered as she held up a hand.
Rodney reached out a hand and ran it through her hair. She closed her eyes, a shiver running down her spine. She hadn't expected this from him. She didn't think she had it in him if she was honest with herself. She opened her eyes and watched as his eyes darkened and warmth flooded her very being.
He leaned toward her and her heart skipped a beat then raced like a rabbit. Was he going to kiss her?
"Got it!" John's voice snapped both of them out of the moment and Rodney blinked several times. He stepped away from her and emptiness came over her.
"It's about time!" Rodney shouted, heading over to John. "What took you so long?"
Elizabeth sighed as she went to see what John had found. Would he have kissed her if John hadn't interrupted? Would he try again? She shook her head, doubting it would even happen.
"Hand it over," Rodney said, snapping his fingers at John.
"Aren't we the impatient one," John said, handing the artifact to Rodney.
"You might drop it and shatter it," the scientist said as he put the book-sized artifact into his backpack.
"You're in a mood," John said, climbing out of the lagoon. "What's up with you?"
Rodney stared at the man as he zipped up his pack. Elizabeth was about to scold the two when Carson spoke.
"It's getting late. I think we should camp here for the night and leave in the morning."
"Good idea," Rodney said. "I'm starving."
Elizabeth stood staring at the waterfall, letting its peaceful sound wash over her. She closed her eyes and breathed in the smell of moisture and fragrant flowers. She could almost live here if she didn't have so many responsibilities on Atlantis.
The sound of footsteps brought her out of her thoughts. She looked up to see Rodney standing beside her. She smiled up at him his face lit by the planet's full moon. His nearness stirred her awareness and sent her pulse pounding. She took a deep breath as he sat beside her.
"Waterfall by moonlight," he said, his voice soft.
He looked at her and her breath caught. He moved closer to her, his presence overwhelming her. He took her mouth in a searing kiss that almost undid her. He ran his fingers through her hair, deepening the kiss. She gasped and his tongue dove in, dueling with her. He moved her down onto the soft grass and her hands went under his shirt to explore. He gasped at her touch and she smiled into the kiss. It was nice to know she affected him as much as he affected her.
Not content with merely touching him with her hands, Elizabeth pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. She ran her hands along chest, causing him to moan into the kiss. He trailed kisses along her jawline to her neck and she tilted her head back, offering herself to him.
Before she knew it, her shirt was gone followed by her bra, joining his clothes on the ground nearby. She stared into his eyes as he took her in, sending a fire to rage inside her. Soon the rest of their clothes piled on the forest floor.
"Rodney," she whispered, bringing his attention back to her. She pulled him down for another kiss as her hands explored more of him.
Rodney posed above her, looking into her eyes as if to see if this was what she wanted. She saw the desire in his eyes as well as passion and love. She opened her thighs for him and that seemed to be all the encouragement he needed. He took her mouth once again as he thrust inside her. They both moaned at the feeling of being one and held there for several moments, enjoying it. He then began to slowly move inside her as he deepened the kiss.
Elizabeth matched his motions with her own. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper inside her. She arched up into him, giving more of herself to him. He answered with passion as he took a breast into his mouth and thrust deeper inside of her. She closed her eyes and moaned his name, not caring who heard.
He thrust faster inside her as he felt himself nearing the edge. He had thought that he was taking her to new heights, but instead, they were both going there. He felt himself going higher and higher with each thrust and moan. He could feel her muscles gathering tighter around him as they both reached their climax.
"Elizabeth!"
"Rodney!"
Elizabeth stared in shock as her name echoed in her ears. She looked at Rodney, who stared back at her with the same expression of shock. She moved her gaze from him to the other two, who were also gazing at them in surprise.
"What happened?" She asked, turning her eyes to Rodney. He continued to stare at her, ignoring their audience.
"Did you have a dream?" Rodney asked, his voice shaky.
Elizabeth nodded, not knowing where this was going.
"What was it about?"
She cleared her throat and glanced at the two men on the other side of the fire. She stared at her hands, not really wanting to have anyone hear about her dreams.
"You. Me. This clearing."
"Oh crap," Rodney said.
"What?"
"I had the same dream," he said, not at all happy. She folded her arms across her chest. Not exactly the reaction I would have gone for.
"Well, too bad," he said, not missing a beat. She stared at him as he glared at her. She blinked a few times as he continued. "How long have you had them?"
Elizabeth cleared her throat. I could ask you the same.
"Later. Answer my question first."
"For the past week," she answered, staring at him. Was he reading her mind? "How long have you had them?"
"Longer than you," he answered. "And I didn't want you to know about them, either."
"You've been dreaming about me?" Elizabeth asked, surprised. "It was me all this time?"
"Yes," Rodney answered glaring at her with impatience.
Elizabeth smiled as warmth filled her. He had been dreaming about her the entire time. Well that answers that question.
"How many do you have?" Rodney asked.
"How can you read my mind?" Elizabeth asked.
"He's reading your mind?" Carson asked, surprised. "And I thought sharing the same dream was weird."
"Go away, Carson," Rodney said, his gaze locked on Elizabeth.
"Like I'm going anywhere in this creepy forest."
"I think I was able to read your mind since the first artifact. I dialed the gate and I could hear what you were thinking."
"I can hear yours as well," Elizabeth said, recalling the moments she thought he spoke when he hadn't.
"I wonder why," Rodney said thoughtfully.
"Ponder it tomorrow," John said. "Some of us want to sleep."
"Fine," Rodney grumbled as he settled back down.
Elizabeth watched him, the revelations playing through her mind. He could hear her thoughts and she could hear his.
I wonder how it happened, she thought as a new awareness washed over her.
"Answer tomorrow," Rodney said in a sleepy voice. She smiled, shaking her head as she lied back down beside him. Tomorrow would defiantly bring answers.