It took them a while to get from the infirmary to the gate room because Sam really couldn't move all that fast. No one really minded though because it meant that Sam was up and about and she and Jack were finally together.

Teyla took the chance to speak to Sam. "Don't feel you have to answer," she said, "Since it's really none of my affair, but I was wondering how you knew that you would be affected by the machine."

Sam smiled, "I knew because we talked about it before. After my father died we sat and talked it through but Jack didn't want to take it any further at that point because I was grieving and then Cassie needed me. We didn't get a chance to talk about it again before I was reassigned back to the SGC to help deal with the Ori threat."

"Oh," Teyla said, "Well that makes sense."

Everyone fell silent as they continued towards the gate room. When they eventually made it Elizabeth ordered that the midway be dialled. As the lights on the gate spun everyone said goodbye to each other.

"Stay safe and congratulations," Sam said in a low voice as she shook Elizabeth's hand.

"You too," Elizabeth replied in an equally as low voice before stepping back.

The worm hole engaged behind and everyone separated. After making sure they had everything, Teal'c was carrying both his bag and Sam's, they made their way to the top of the steps. They turned as all the military personnel saluted Jack, Sam and Cam, who saluted back before they started going through the gate in twos and threes. Jack and Sam were the last through, Sam leaning on Jack for support. The two gave John and Elizabeth a quick smile before they too stepped though.

As the worm hole shut down everyone started to disperse. Ronan and Teyla headed towards the gym while Elizabeth, John and Rodney headed up to Elizabeth's office, John because that was now where he did most of his paperwork and Rodney because he wanted to ask to go back to the planet.

Elizabeth made herself comfortable behind her desk while John made his way out onto the balcony to give them some space and Rodney took the seat opposite Elizabeth.

"If Sam is correct," he said as soon as Elizabeth looked at him, giving him permission to start, "Then I should be able to get inside the machine and see what makes it tick."

"I know that you want to know who it works Rodney but would the time spent on it be worth anything? While finding your true love is amazing, will it be of any use in protecting Atlantis or Earth?"

Rodney thought for a moment before saying, "With its current configuration it would not help but if we can work out a way to create something similar we could use it so that instead of finding love it could cause the Wraith to destroy each other rather than us."

Elizabeth raised a sceptical eyebrow and asked, "Do you really think that's possible?"

Rodney shrugged, "Maybe, maybe not. If I return with the rest of SGA1 we should hopefully be able to see soon."

Elizabeth thought it over before nodding. "However," she said as Rodney looked smugly on, "You can't remove the machine from where it currently rests and John and Teyla will use the time to learn more about the planet and the people."

Rodney nodded happily, still looking smug. "I'll go and get Ronan and Teyla and bring them to the briefing room so we can discuss this further." He left quickly after finishing speaking and John came back in from the balcony.

Elizabeth smiled at him, "Stay safe."

John nodded and moved closer to kiss her check and whisper, "I always try."

One more chapter