Aurora
"Hey, Chief."
John's face was grim and his eyes were solemn when he approached Helena at the service counter. He used his head to beckon her to a place away from the crowd.
Helena frowned and followed him, handing a spatula to one of her new NCOs as she left.
"What is it, John?" she frowned.
"How possible is it for you to get a hold of some good stuff? I mean really good, not Zelenka Juice."
Helena relaxed a little. "Now that Daedelus is here every third week, or so? Very possible. Why? What are you looking for? Bourbon? Whiskey? Scotch?"
"Champagne."
Helena's eyebrows rose to the ceiling. "Wow. When you say 'good', you really mean 'good'. So what's the occasion?"
John's frown furrowed his brow. "The crew of the Aurora spent 10,000 years in stasis, thinking they were on their way to save Atlantis. When they find out how much time has passed and that their war ended a long time ago, they chose to go out in style, taking two Wraith ships with them. I think their sacrifice deserves the good stuff."
Helena's smile was less rambunctious, less teasing, and more one of understanding. "I think I have the perfect thing." She reached behind her and untied the apron she wore when working behind the service counter and not roaming the cafeteria. "But we'll have to go to my quarters to get it." She took the apron off and moved to hang it in the kitchen.
When she returned, John frowned. "Why are you keeping it in your quarters?"
She smiled. "What, are you kidding? It's not like the kitchen is as secure as the armory. Anyone could go in and 'borrow' something one evening." Her smile dimmed slightly. "Especially on those evenings when the days have been especially rough." After a nano-second, though, the smile returned. "But don't get me wrong, I have no problem with people going in and helping themselves. I just make sure I keep the important goods locked up and the good stuff goes into storage in my quarters."
John nodded. "I see. You mean I could just go get a sandwich after hours if I wanted to?"
As they walked down the corridor, she frowned at him. "Don't you already?"
John shrugged with his face. "Only when I suspect you might be there. If I don't think you'll be there, I don't. I figure the place is off limits after hours."
Helena smiled. "And most people do, but every once in a while a late-working scientist or sleepless former-runner will get the munchies in the middle of the night and go pantry raiding."
John nodded. "I did not know that."
Helena opened the door to her quarters and led John in. He saw it was decorated in varying shades of blue with sheer fabric over the window, allowing light in, but maintaining a sense of privacy. There were books and a CD player near a small couch which was next to the window, on the opposite wall of the bed that was simply made with the military issue blankets, with the exception of a twin-sized Chicago Bears blanket folded in half at its foot. There were no pictures anywhere and nothing more to make the room homey.
John frowned at Helena.
She looked up from the small refrigerator next to the bed and frowned back. "What?"
"I don't know. I expected your quarters to be more…" he frowned. "I don't know…just different."
Helena smiled. "I have all I need." She shrugged. "Besides, this is mostly a place for me to sleep. I spend most waking hours in the cafeteria. Outside of that, I've started learning the bantos sticks with Teyla and Ronon is working with me on my weaponry skills. My place to unwind is the West Pier –"
John nodded. "Best view in the city."
She nodded back. "So, I have no need for a lot of stuff."
John tilted his head. "Don't get me wrong. I think it's great, I just thought it'd be more…I don't know…" he thought for a moment, then the word came to him and his face lit up with the realization as he said: "girly."
Helena's mouth dropped open and her face became decidedly indignant. "What?"
John took a step back. "Sorry." He grimaced. "I should have known better." His look turned apologetic. "Sorry."
She handed him the bottle of champagne, then put her hands on her hips. "You owe me big time for this, John Sheppard. It's not like this came through completely kosher means. AND you implied that I am girly. I may even see dishes in your future."
John smiled and took the bottle. "Thanks, 'Lena."
She gave him her best grumpy look. "Get out."
He nodded, appreciatively at her, looked around the room again with a grin and headed off to Elizabeth's office.
