Kavanagh was just opening the door as Sheppard burst into Carter's office. He backed hastily against the wall, clutching the papers in his hands a little tighter against his chest. Carter raised one eyebrow, her gaze taking in Sheppard's disheveled uniform, his even-more-untidy-than-usual hair.
"Colonel Sheppard? Is there something I can do for you?"
Sheppard's eyes darted from Kavanagh to Carter.
"Yes. Yes, there is." He noticed Kavanagh edging toward the door and fixed his eyes on him. Kavanagh stared back, the pale blue eyes widening slightly. Sheppard pointed an accusing finger at him.
"What's he doing here?"
Kavanagh swallowed, his chin coming up. He looked at Carter, then back at Sheppard.
"I--"
"It's all right, Dr. Kavanagh. I've got this one." Carter gave Sheppard the direct stare she always used to prepare people when she knew they wouldn't like what she was about to say.
"Colonel Sheppard, the Doctor has applied for permission to return to Earth. I've given him that permission."
"You can't let him go."
Carter raised both eyebrows.
"Under the circumstances, I think he has every right to request a little time off. If you recall, Colonel, you weren't the only one who helped bring an end to that situation with the alien entity."
"That's right." Kavanagh's voice wavered a little, but he held his ground stubbornly as Sheppard swung round to face him. Sheppard gave him a long look, but he didn't back down. Sheppard turned slowly back to Carter.
"I know why he wants to go. You'll be sorry if you let him, I promise you."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Carter cocked her head.
"Is there something you'd like to share, Colonel? Some special reason Dr. Kavanagh shouldn't be allowed to return to Earth? Because I'm prepared to listen, but it needs to be good."
Sheppard's eyes narrowed suddenly. He turned his head, catching Kavanagh's eye out of the corner of his own.
"Yeah. There is something, actually."
Kavanagh made an involuntary movement. Sheppard kept his eyes fixed on him.
"Well?"
"Sheppard!" Kavanagh's voice wasn't loud, in fact it was barely more than a hiss, but Sheppard knew he'd won. He raised his head a little.
"Colonel Carter, I think Dr. Kavanagh and I need to discuss this in private.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"Well, let's see." Sheppard's lips had a small smirk as he turned to Kavanagh.
"What do you think, Kav? Want to talk to me alone, or with the Colonel listening in?"
"Fine." Kavanagh's eyes were fixed on the floor. He looked up just as Sheppard beckoned to him. His nostrils flared and his lips tightened, but he controlled himself and followed Sheppard into the next room.