I've began writing this three times already and keep changing it. Hopefully this is the one though! As always thank you for the reviews and sorry it's taken a while to write this.

Special mention to Ashkash who emailed me. Thanks!

Angel of Fire SG: I laughed out loud at the idea of Everett being tossed into the sea.

MacCartney: thanks for your kind words about my writing.

johnliz4ever and dark faith5: Thanks for keeping with me guys!

Disclaimer: Don't own any of the TV names mentioned.

Chapter 6

Ford and Teyla briskly walked down the long corridor to the brig and then came to a halt outside its door. Just as Teyla was going to touch the blue panel they heard raised voices come from behind it. Stepping closer to the door both leant against the door in an attempt to listen to the muffled voices. After a few minutes Ford drew back and looked at Teyla doubtfully.

"Maybe we shouldn't interrupt. It sounds as if Dr Weir told the Colonel about the t-shirt." He said. Neither were supposed to know about the security team's results of the search but Weir had told them anyway, probably out of disbelief.

Teyla gave Aiden an understanding smile. "We can't keep putting this off Aiden." She told him and then reached for his hand which she gently squeezed. "We need to let Colonel Sheppard know that we support him."

Ford gave her a hesitant look then nodded. "You're right. As always." He added with a small smile.

Both took a deep breath and Teyla opened the door. As the door slid to the side with a great 'Woosh!' Teyla and Ford were greeted by two loud angry voices belonging to Elizabeth Weir and John Sheppard. As they walked cautiously in the cold room Ford glanced at the two marines guarding the cell. Both had their mouths slightly open as they watched the bickering couple and then shot Ford a warning look. Ford gave them a curt nod and stood beside Teyla. They shouldn't have been worried. The arguing pair did not even notice them entering the room.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DON'T TRUST ME ELIZABETH!"

"I NEVER SAID THAT JOHN! ALL I'M ASKING IS FOR YOU TO EXPLAIN HOW THE T-SHIRT MAY HAVE GOTTEN THERE!"

Both stared at each other panting heavily which told Ford the pair had been going at this for a while. Finally John gave a defeated sigh and moved back to the wall which he slid down into a sitting position with his face in his hands. Elizabeth ran her hands through her hair and made her way closer to the shield.

"John" she said quietly and when he didn't respond she tried again. "John, I want to believe you. All I'm asking for you to do is give me other ideas of how this happened. Let's figure it out together."

John raised his head hearing the sincerity in her voice.

"We had a fight earlier today." When Elizabeth raised an eyebrow John quickly continued. "Me and Everett. I bumped into him just after you left for the control room and…well, let's just say he pissed me off." John finished looking ashamed.

Elizabeth folded her arms and gave him a stern look. "How bad was the fight?" she asked dreading the answer.

"Pretty bad. Fists flying, wall bashing…it got really out of hand." John explained. "I'm telling you Elizabeth, he's pissed because of us." At this Elizabeth gave him a puzzled expression and John felt a wave of relief realising she hadn't noticed Everett's attempts at winning her over. "He's jealous at how we've…become closer. He wants you for himself. Plus, this whole Sumner revelation is fuelling his anger even more. "

As Elizabeth processed this revelation John watched the range of emotions that graced her face. Finally she settled on an apologetic expression.

"I've been so stupid." She groaned looking at the floor.

John frowned, stood up and moved back towards Elizabeth. "What? Why would you say that?"

Elizabeth looked back up with tears in her eyes. "Here I am listening to a jealous asshole when the one person I know I can really trust is stuck in here. I'm sorry John. I just didn't think he would do something like this." She wiped the falling tears away and John wished he could do it for her.

"It's okay Elizabeth " he soothed. "How were you to know?" When she saw he was no longer angry she nodded and brushed the remainder of tears away. Instead she donned a determined look and John felt a surge of hope. If I've got her on my side then at least I have a chance he thought. She was the one person who had supported him since he sat on that chair back on Earth and John knew she always would. Giving each other a smile they did not notice four other people in the same room heave a sigh of relief.

Ford cleared his throat. "Um, sorry to interrupt but…"

Startled Elizabeth and John turned round and looked surprise to see Ford and Teyla standing nervously by the door.

"Hey!" John greeted. "Visiting hours then?" he asked in an attempt at lightening the atmosphere. No doubt the couple had been a bit shocked at Elizabeth and his' quiet discussion.

Ford grinned. "We just thought we'd come to see how you were doing."

Teyla nodded. "We also came to tell you that we do not believe you are responsible for Sergeant Bates' attack. We want you to know that we support you."

Both John and Elizabeth smiled gratefully and Ford and Teyla joined the diplomat at the cell. John glanced at the two guards and then whispered,

"Can we get rid of them?" he wondered out loud and Elizabeth bit her lip. Turning round she said in her best command voice,

"Marines, could you give us five minutes?"

The two men looked at each other as if unsure of what to do and John sighed. He knew these guys were not big fans of Everett either. He just hoped they didn't completely hate him either.

"Look, I can't get out of here! We just wanna talk in private." He assured them and smiled triumphantly when they nodded and left the room.

So, how are we going to do this?" he asked ready for ideas.

"Well, " Elizabeth began "I don't think he did this alone." When she was met by three questioning stares she elaborated. "Everett was with me just before you found Bates and Carson said that whoever it was knew how to stab him without killing him right away. It would be a case of bleeding to death so the attack was fairly recent."

"So, they didn't want Bates to die just use him to frame me?" John asked in disbelief.

Elizabeth shrugged. "It looks that way. Being a fellow marine, Everett wouldn't have wanted to kill Bates. Carson said there is a good chance he'll pull through."

"Pretty violent way to get revenge." Ford stated the obvious and the circle went quiet for a couple of minutes deep in thought, wondering who else could be so vicious.

Finally Elizabeth spoke up again. "Right, first things first. I'm going to ask a civilian group to search your quarters, as well as Everett's and get Carson to look at the t-shirt again."

"Elizabeth, Everett will never agree to this." John warned but Elizabeth gave him a smile.

"He doesn't have to know." She said. "There are plenty of civilians who respect you John and Carson wasn't allowed to test the shirt before. Apparently it could cloud his judgement." Elizabeth added sarcastically to which everyone else rolled their eyes.

"How convenient!" Ford muttered.

Teyla spoke next. "What can we do to help Dr Weir?" she asked.

"I need you to keep Everett busy. Keep him mainly in the control room."

"How?" Ford asked.

"Question him about how he's handling John's case. Burden him with Atlantis issues." When she saw their uncertain faces she shook her head. "You'll be fine. If you don't question his treatment of John he'll be suspicious as you're his team mates and good friends. But don't act as if you looking for a fight, that'll just piss him off. Act like you care but be professional. He'll also be glad if he thinks everyone has forgotten about John for now. I'll speak to Rodney about maybe causing some malfunctions around the city so Everett will need to sort them out."

There was a stunned silence from her three colleagues. Glancing at them Elizabeth lifted her eyebrows. "What?"

"Columbo and Ironside would be proud of you." John said amused which earned him a smirk from Weir.

"Very funny. So, what do you think?" she asked hopefully.

"Sounds like a plan" Ford declared and Teyla nodded in agreement. "Want us to go bug him now?" Ford asked excitedly and John grinned at his childish face.

Elizabeth laughed a little. "No, I need to arrange a team to search his room and talk to Carson. I'll let you know."

Teyla nodded and Ford gave a disappointed scowl. "Okay. We'll go and talk to Rodney." Teyla informed them. "Are you coming Dr Weir?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "Give me a couple of minutes."

Teyla smiled knowingly and pulled the oblivious marine with her.

"What? Why did we have to leave?" John chuckled as heard Ford ask as Teyla dragged him out the door. Elizabeth noticed the two guards outside the door and knew they would want to return in a minute or two. Turning back to face the prisoner she saw he was gazing intently at her. They felt the serious of the situation descend once more in the large room.

"Thank you." He said and Elizabeth gave him an earnest smile. "And be careful. It Everett is capable of this…"

"I know. We'll clear your name John. I promise." She told him and John nodded. He felt much better knowing his friends were out there figuring this out and wished he could show the woman in front of him just how thankful he was. Elizabeth seemed to sense this and she too wished they weren't separated by the metal bars and shield. Giving each other one more loving look they reluctantly said their goodbyes and Elizabeth left. John watched her leave and began to silently pray, not just for Bates' well being but Elizabeth's too.

Author's note: there. So, what you think? Please let me know, all views are valued!