Goodbyes

Upon our arrival back on New Lantea, preparations immediately began to regain our foothold in the galaxy.

The first order of business was to visit the Coalition and our allies to show that we were back and ready to continue negotiations. Then, Rodney got to work perfecting the Venator treatment for distribution into all the ranks. Todd was released to begin making the treatment a reality. Jennifer no longer needed Solus for experiments, as she'd learned everything she could from him.

All of this I learned from Evan, Keith and Paul during mealtimes. I was completely out of the loop, which made sense because the Lanteans still operated under the assumption that I couldn't be trusted. Understandable.

I managed to organise a meeting with Richard, who didn't seem surprised that I wanted to talk to him.

"I suppose you want to talk about your place on Lorne's team," he said.

"Sort of."

"Do you wish to be reinstated?"

"No, actually, I just wanna let you know that I'm leaving."

"Leaving?" That surprised him. "Where to?"

"I was hoping to get help. I would like to go to an uninhabited planet without a Ring and with lots of wildlife. A place where Solus and I can live without fear."

Richard leant back in his chair. "You're asking me to let you leave, with all your knowledge of the Ancients and Atlantis?"

"Yeah. You'd do the same for Teyla and Ronon, wouldn't you?"

"I suppose I would. This is quite the surprise."

"Why?"

"I thought you'd want to continue your work in Major Lorne's team."

"I can't. I don't belong here anymore."

There was a moment of silence then Richard nodded. "I accept your resignation."

o.O.o

Solus laced his fingers in mine as we walked through the corridors, bags slung over our shoulders. "Are you sure about this?"

"The only time I was surer than this was when we got married," I said. He chuckled and we reached the Jumper Bay. John's team (minus Ronon) and my team waited for us. Evan, Keith and Paul were dressed for a mission and they trooped into the Jumper. I stopped in front of John, Rodney and Teyla.

"Thank you, for everything you've done for me," I muttered. "I'm sorry it had to turn out this way."

"Hey, we were only a way station." John shrugged. "You kids have fun." He left.

"I wish you nothing but happiness for the future," Teyla said. Then she left.

"Well, it was fun." Rodney shifted awkwardly. "I really enjoyed hanging out with you."

"I hope you and Jennifer work out," I said. He and I shared a smile.

Then Solus and I trooped into the Jumper. The rear hatch shut, and Evan lowered the Jumper to the Ring.

"Jumper One, you have a go."

We emerged through a Space Ring and Evan flew towards the planet beneath. No words were spoken as Evan landed the Jumper and lowered the rear hatch.

"Well," he said, "this is you."

"Yeah." I looked at all the men in turn. "Thank you for letting me be a part of your team. Paul, I hope married life is good to you. Keith, Evan, I hope you both find happiness too."

"We had some good times." Keith shook my hand. "You guys have fun."

"Yeah, don't forget about us," Paul said. I turned to Evan. He hid his pain well behind a smile.

"Good luck, guys." His gaze rested on me. "I'll never forget you."

Solus and I exited the Jumper and watched as it took off and disappeared into the atmosphere. My chest was heavy as I watched them go. It was an odd feeling to have that part of my life now over. Soon, my years in Atlantis would feel like a dream. Solus took my hand.

"It is okay to miss them," he said. I was surprised to find myself blinking back tears.

"I know."