Chapter 10

Teyla approached Elizabeth her gaze washing over the stargate as she joined the doctor on the small alcove above the gateroom. When the women didn't acknowledge her arrival Teyla reached out a hand not surprised when Elizabeth jumped at the contact. She'd noticed a certain apprehension in her friend since John's departure. Even though she was focused in training and hadn't voiced any concerns Teyla knew his absence was having an impact but she'd refrained from commenting not wanting to overstep any boundaries. It was up to them to realize what she suspected and it wan't her place to interfere but she'd received news that she hoped would go a long way in directing them to the conclusion. "My apologies," her brow furrowed as she offered a gentle smile, "I did not mean to startle you."

"It was my fault." Elizabeth shook herself, mentally clearing the thoughts from her mind. She'd been miles away and was embarrassed to admit they'd been centering around John and Ronon's return. The pair had been gone longer than expected and she couldn't help worrying, despite Doctor Robinson's assurance that a degree of anxiety was normal given the circumstances. "I guess I'm a little preoccupied."

There was uncertainty in her tone betraying exhaustion and Teyla brushed her arm in sympathy. "You haven't been sleeping."

It wasn't a question and Elizabeth inclined her head indicating it was the truth. "I've been having a hard time getting settled." She sensed there wasn't any need to elaborate on the comment. Teyla was both intuitive and intelligent, something she'd always admired, and she was grateful she didn't have to go to great lengths to explain.

"Perhaps you are in need of some company." Teyla made the suggestion subtly drawing to the root of the problem. It wasn't widely discussed but she knew John often checked in on her late at night and she was happy to be a source of support in his absence. "I was planning a meditation session this evening, you are more than welcome to join me."

Elizabeth considered it, a light smile touching her lips in answer. "I'd like that."

Teyla nodded dropping her hand and feeling relieved she could be of some assistance. Her friends tension was palpable but there was light at the end of the tunnel and she glanced behind her to where Evan was waiting in John's office. Hopefully they would be discussing more than just relaxation techniques. "Major Lorne asked that I find you, I believe he has received a transmission from the IOA regarding their decision."

A knot twisted in Elizabeth's stomach, the news coming as a shock and she breathed in deeply trying to quell a rush of nausea. The timing couldn't be a coincidence. They'd clearly waited until John was indisposed to deliver their verdict and she didn't know if that held negative or positive connotations.

Teyla empathized with the reaction but was certain there would be a favorable outcome. Too many people would appose anything less and from what she'd seen the IOA had always bowed down when there was a risk of putting the people in charge offside. "I am certain they will have reached the right conclusion."

Elizabeth didn't share the Athosian's optimism but forced a smile hoping it masked her fears. Being a diplomat meant she had a strong recollection of earth politics and the more she recalled working with the IOA, the less confident she felt about their intentions but the matter was out of her hands. A decision had been made and either way she would have to wear it. "I guess it's time to face the music..." she breathed out lifting her clammy palms from the rail, "wish me luck?"

Teyla's lips curved in response, her expression softening as she regarded the women. "You do not need it."

Elizabeth nodded hoping it would turn out to be true as she made her way to John's office. Each step was painfully slow, fueling a sense of dread that further hampered her progress until it was unavoidable. Eventually she reached the door to find Lorne already waiting for her, perched against the desk with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Doctor Weir." He greeted her knowing the controlled facade wasn't going to hold up for long. Even though technically he was her superior now, he had too much respect for her to stick with formalities and his lips twitched when she took advantage of the fact.

"Major." There was note of warning to her tone as she stopped opposite him, "Evan..."

"Elizabeth." It was a futile attempt the keep up the game and his smirk turned into a full fledged grin as he put her out of her misery, "congratulations, the IOA have cleared you and granted permission for your to return to earth along with an official recognition of your return to service and a personal thank you for your patience and cooperation."

It was a mouthful and he stole a breath watching as the recognition flashed across her face. She looked like a deer trapped in headlights and he cleared the humor from his throat reaching down to the desk, "there's one more thing... Colonel Sheppard put in a proposal with his first recommendation, a sort-of 'just in case' type scenario." She looked confused and he picked up the folder knowing it should have been Sheppard doing the honors. It would have been a lot more pertinent coming from the man himself but he was glad to be able to deliver the news in the man's place. "It's a position as lead negotiator in Atlanian operations. The IOA agreed your experience is invaluable and approved it this morning," he handed over the documents with a wink, "just in case you do want to stick around for a bit."

Her hand trembled slightly as she flipped open the folder, trying to take in the ramifications of the offer as she skimmed over the information. It was more than she'd been expecting but it was exactly what she'd wanted; a choice, something she finally had control over. "I... I don't know what to say."

"Essentially you'd be in charge of drawing up and signing off on all negotiations," he filled in the blanks for her, " then any spare time would be shared between research departments and helping out where necessary." He watched her gaze dart up and smiled reassuringly, folding his arms over his chest. "There's no rush to make a decision, take your time... I think the IOA owe you at least that much."

"I... this is-" her mouth hung open slightly as she struggled to convey her gratitude. She honestly didn't know how to thank him and an unexpected sting burned her gaze urging her attention back to the document.

Amusement touched Evan's features as he watched her still feeling slightly guilty Sheppard had missed out on the reaction. The lengths he'd gone to getting the proposal approved, including various written and verbal testaments, had been a challenge particularly for someone so adverse to paperwork. "I'm just the messenger Sheppard did all the hard stuff."

Her expression softened in response to his name and Evan toyed with the idea of being a little less subtle. It was clear the Colonel hadn't just been acting out of a sense of duty. There'd always been a bond between, an unspoken need to look out for one and other right from the beginning, and he'd carefully respected that it wasn't any of his business but a lot had changed since then. They weren't governed by the same level of nativity or blinded by the wonders of an ancient city. They'd built a home in Atlantis and, in his own opinion, the rarity of a second chance was worth acting on. "You know he's got a thing for you right?"

Elizabeth snapped her gaze up not sure she'd heard him correctly and frowned doing a double take, "excuse me?"

"Sheppard-" he clarified, the confusion in her face pulling his lips into a smirk, "you know, the guy who runs this place? Likes Ferris wheels and hates clowns, has ridiculously amazing hair."

She stared at him her mouth hanging limply in response and he shook his head letting out a throaty chuckle. "Come on, you can't honestly stand there and pretend like you don't know."

Her eyes widened at his candor, her cheeks flushing at the insinuation. She couldn't deny the two of them were close but their relationship had never steered away from anything other than platonic. Unless she counted a few stray late night thoughts which she definitely, one hundred percent did not. "We're friends Evan-" she jumped in a little too forcefully and quickly cleared her throat, "I can assure you that's all it is."

"Well just so you know if Zelenka ever looked at me like that I'd seriously question which side of the team he was batting for." He grinned widely but the look she shot back urged him away from making any further comments. Right now she had enough to focus on and he lifted his hand in mock surrender before reaching out to give her arm a quick squeeze, "you'll grab me if you want to go over anything?"

She nodded, her head still spinning from the offer and its ramifications. It was a big decision, something she had no intention of rushing into and she fingered the folder relived that the smirk had dropped from his face. She cared about John, about everyone in Atlantis, but it wasn't just about her personal feelings and friendships.

She had to do what was right for her.

No matter how easy or difficult the choice was to make.

-X-