NOTE: Last chapter before Shep's arrival!

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Day 2- Tea for Two

Mitchell is surprised to realize that the morning is almost over, as he heads down the corridor toward Dr. Weir's office. Sheppard should be getting back soon, and he wants to be there to catch the look on his friend's face. After a few wrong turns, he finds himself outside of the expedition leader's door.

Seeing him in the hallway, Weir waves him inside, "Colonel Mitchell, I was just about to make some tea; please pull up a chair. I hope you were able to settle in okay. I'm sorry I didn't have the chance to meet with you again yesterday, but there always seems to be one crisis after another with new shipments and personnel. We originally weren't expecting the Daedalus until today, and I know that Colonel Sheppard won't be happy to have missed its arrival. "

On mentioning Sheppard's name, she looks pointedly at her wristwatch- mindful of the team's scheduled return.

Hoping to reassure her, Mitchell insists, "Don't worry, I was fine. I can tell that you have enough on your plate without playing hostess to visiting off-duty pilots… especially ones that show up unannounced. Besides, I've gotten to know plenty of folks while I've been waiting for Sheppard to get back. Speaking of, do you mind if I ask you what's it like working with Shep as your military commander?"

Handing him a cup of tea, Elizabeth Weir considers his question, "I have to admit, at the beginning we had our share of tense moments. It's taken us both a bit of time; but together we've come to understand our roles in this outpost so far from Earth. We've also built a great trust in one another. I can't imagine Atlantis without John Sheppard. I hope I never have to, even if we've come close to losing him too many times..."

Cameron nods in understanding, "Colonel Caldwell told me about the recent mission, when Sheppard was trapped and couldn't get back. It must have been two and a half very long weeks for him."

The composed leader doesn't try to hide the pained look in her eyes, "Yes, it was a rough time for everyone… But as John was quick to point out, it wasn't as long as the six months he'd spent thinking we'd abandoned him."

Unintentionally raising his voice, Mitchell stammers, "Six months? When was this?"

Dr. Weir sheepishly looks at her desk, "Well, it was six months for him… it was only a few hours for us… since he was caught in a time dilation field. During a mission with his team, Colonel Sheppard stepped through a portal into a pocket where time moved at a different rate than the surrounding space."

Mitchell's curiosity is piqued, "Wow. That's a new one… I'll have to warn SG-1 to keep an eye out for those. I have no desire to grow old before my time."

Weir winces when his flippant words unintentionally remind her of wraith husks and body bags, but she continues, "The time difference wasn't the only way we could have lost him…. He nearly ascended."

Mitchell's eyes shoot up to meet hers across the desk, "Ascended?! How is that possible, was he dying?"

Weir hurriedly explains, "No, nothing like that. He spent those six months living inside a cloister with a group that was attempting to ascend. They lived simply, and used meditation to prepare themselves for the next plane of existence. Several of them had developed abilities such as healing and telekinesis. Although John never stopped hoping we would come for him, he became an important part of their community. If we hadn't shown up when we did, he would have gone with them when they ascended. We would have lost him forever."

Mitchell clears his throat, "Umm… I really don't know what to say. My only experience of ascension is what Daniel's told me, and in his case an ancient intervened. Somehow, I just can't picture Shep meditating on the path to enlightenment."

Weir laugh rings out, "No, neither could I at first… I'm pretty sure he never fully embraced their way of life. When he returned, he certainly tried to brush off his experiences. But there are times when I catch him sitting quietly alone, and sense that he's reliving that choice… Wondering what might have happened if he'd gone with them. He was more deeply effected than he lets on. How couldn't he be? He spent 6 months with those people, even if only hours passed here."

As the word 'hours' slips from her mouth, she once again glances nervously at her watch.

Pulling together his thoughts, Mitchell reflects, "Well, at the moment I'm probably the worst person to ask… But all I can say is that the John Sheppard I knew could never just stand by and watch. Super powers or not, having the means to help and not being able to do anything about it would kill him… From everything I've heard, he's found a real home here in Atlantis, and I bet he doesn't regret his decision for a second."

The worry lines in the leader's face soften and she smiles gratefully, "Thank you Colonel Mitchell."

The two sit sipping tea. Mitchell's always been a coffee drinker, but somehow this just seems right.