Marie tucked a control crystal into her vest as she walked away. She could feel the two men's gazes burning a hole in her back, but did not look around. Soon enough, she had disappeared from their view around a corner. She would have to get up earlier next time. But then again, it would raise suspicion if she was found wandering the halls at an unreasonably early hour. She would just have to be careful.

Suddenly deciding upon an early breakfast, Marie rerouted to the mess hall. It would be blessedly empty at that hour, but she would probably take the food up to her room regardless.

Her prediction proved correct. There were a pair of exhausted looking scientists nursing steaming cups of coffee in one corner, and a group of marines laughing over juice at another table. Ignoring them, Marie made her way to the food. Although she was technically not allowed to have coffee until she was sixteen, she grabbed a cup anyways. Sixteen was only a few months away. And there was no one to ground her anymore. Taking the coffee and a cinnamon bun, she walked out of the mess and took the now familiar route to her room.

When she reached her destination, Marie saw a dark woman she recognized approaching the door next to hers as she carried a tray laden with foreign fruits and some tea. With a swipe of her delicate hand, the woman's door opened to the sound of a child's cooing. "Oh, he is awake," the woman said to herself with a small smile. Suddenly, she looked up at Marie, who was not quick enough to make a break for her room before being forced to interact. "Marie? I notice that you have a tray. Would you like to join me?"

Marie considered fabricating an excuse to retreat to her room and eat on her own. If she was ever going to get these people to trust her, however, she should at least attempt to establish friendly relations with some of them. After all, she had already ruined any chance of friendliness with one person on Atlantis. Befriending this pleasant, smiling stranger should even the balance. "Sure. You're Tanya right?"

"I am Teyla."

"Oh." Marie reddened slightly at Teyla's amused expression. "Sorry. I, uh, I'm not very good with names."

"That is alright. Please, come in." Teyla indicated to her room.

"Oh, in your –? Yeah, of course."

Teyla's room was cozy and well lit. Tastefully placed ornaments adorned the walls and surfaces, giving the space the same exotic aura its occupant emanated. "Please, take a seat." Teyla indicated a comfortable looking chair in front of a low table.

As Marie sat down, she though about what she could say that would be pleasant and vague enough so as not to get her in trouble. Finally, she settled upon "I didn't know you lived next door."

"Nor did I. That room has been vacant for quite some time. It used to belong to Dr. Heightmeyer." Teyla's eyes drifted for moment and she smiled sadly to herself.

Marie decided against asking about Dr. Heightmeyer, but before she could think of what else to say, Teyla spoke again. "How are you and Rachel settling in?"

Marie thought about how best to answer that. She decided that the truth would do, in this case. "Well, we were hoping we wouldn't have to 'settle in'. But as things are, I think we're okay."

Teyla smiled. "I am glad to hear that. I understand your impatience, but you must remember that some very intelligent minds are working on the problem. I am certain that they will find a way to send you home soon."

"I suppose." Teyla gave an approving nod and sipped her tea. Suddenly, Marie heard a child's cry from the corner of the room. As she turned her head towards the sound, her eyes found a crib. Teyla was upon the it in a second. She rocked it gently as she looked lovingly at its contents. "I apologize," said Teyla, turning back to Marie. "Torren has a most unusual sleeping pattern, and when he awakens at this hour, it is often best to rock him back to sleep."

"It's fine," answered Marie with a smile. Something stirred within her at the sight of the mother and child. She remembered how her own mother used to sit with her until she fell asleep after a bad dream. Tears prickled at her eyes, but she fought them back and swallowed down the now familiar lump in her throat. Teyla was too busy with her baby to notice anything. "Would you do anything for him?" Marie asked abruptly.

Teyla looked up in surprise. "Of course," she answered, "he is my son."

"Would you die for him?"

"I would." Teyla looked concerned at Marie's darkened expression.

Marie glowered at the floor. "Why do parents always think that's so noble. Don't they know the damage it'll cause? Can't they see that the kid is sometimes just better off dead?"

Teyla shook her head. "We gave him life and have a duty to preserve it. It is not a matter of nobility, Marie. It is love."

"Love is stupid," Marie hissed to the floor.