A/N: Here's Chapter 7. I hope this holds you over for a few more days while I polish up the ending. Why was Ch. 6 afraid of Ch. 7? 'Cause 7, 8, 9. Boo-hiss. I know. That was bad but I just couldn't resist since I have written exactly 9 chapters. Thanks again to all of my reviewers (see notes below). I feel like this chapter's a bit lame but I promise it will get better.

Chapter 7: One-sided Conversations

Elizabeth went straight to her quarters. Once there, she allowed her emotions to overtake her as the shock of seeing John in such terrible shape sank in. She sat on the edge of her bed and, putting her head in her hands, allowed herself the luxury of crying.

She wept for John and the pain his was in. She wept for the cuts, burns, and bruises that dotted his body, for the horrendous act the Xenotites had performed on him.

When did she become so attached to this man? This wondrous, witty, exasperating man. She fondly thought about how he was the only person on the crew who could make her laugh so spontaneously, oftentimes against her will and at the most inappropriate times.

And there he was looking so out of character. The happy, crooked-smiling, wise-cracking, hair always-in-a-mess Major, now a devastated hollow shell of a man. It wasn't fair.

This wasn't just common concern that she would show for any crew member. This was different, special somehow. She was connected to him in some strange way.

Her grief turned to anger. How could they do this to John? Her John? How dare they do this to anyone on her crew, thinking of Teyla's suffering, as well.

She would visit with John tomorrow and the next day and the next; as long as it took to pull him out of this. She would be strong for him as he has been strong for her.

Elizabeth went to visit John the next day just as she had promised. She knew that keeping promises was going to be very important in dealing with the Major's predicament. As before, he didn't acknowledge her presence as she approached his bedside. She soaked up his mood noticing that he was still very withdrawn, sullen, and depressed.

Elizabeth was relieved to see that at least one of the monitors had been taken away and some of the color in the Major's face had returned. She garnered strength from the fact that he seemed to be improving, at least physically.

She made sure to time her visits carefully and coordinated with Dr. Beckett on coming to see him just after he had been administered his pain medication. Elizabeth wanted to make sure he was as comfortable as possible before trying to engage him on an emotional level. Otherwise, he might be too distracted.

Today, she planned to give the Major a report of what was going on around Atlantis. After all, she figured her chief military officer would want to stay abreast of some of the issues that had arisen in his absence. She would keep it light and airy and was determined to wait him out as long as it took.

She pulled up a chair and sat down by the Major's bedside. "Well," Dr. Weir launched, "You won't believe what McKay and Zelenka are up to, lately. They discovered a new piece of Ancient technology or 'thingy' as McKay has affectionately started to call it. They must have taken it apart and reassembled it at least a dozen times trying to figure out what the device did. They ruled out that it was a weapon right away and have decided instead that it was something the Ancients used in their daily routines."

"So there they are in my office theorizing and arguing back and forth about what it does. I heard every explanation imaginable including a blow-dryer, a toothbrush, or something to sort socks with. It was all I could do to keep a straight face." By the end of her story, she had a bright smile as she remembered McKay and Zelenka's antics.

"I wish you would have been there to see it." Elizabeth sobered up and turned serious upon hearing the words coming out of her mouth. Catching herself, she made it a point to brighten her demeanor once again.

"...and as for Ford, he's been trying to name things in your absence. He's gotten this hair-brained idea to build a boat. Apparently, he has this thing for breaded catfish and wants to go out deep sea fishing. Not a bad idea, considering we could use a new source of food. We agreed that if he managed to build a boat, then he could have the privilege of naming it."

Elizabeth knew how touchy John got with Ford's attempts to give names to the things they found around the city and was hoping to get a rise out of him but to no avail. The Major stared out into space the entire time that Dr. Weir was there. While he didn't acknowledge her presence, he also hadn't asked her to leave. She took this as a good sign indicating that she was, indeed, reaching him on some level.

Sensing that this was enough for one day – she had stayed twenty whole minutes- she dismissed herself and said her goodbyes. This time she felt renewed determination. She would be back tomorrow.

Elizabeth and Dr. Beckett discussed John's progress. She mentioned how she was still having one-sided conversations with him but noticed that he was physically improving at a fairly quick pace. The Doctor reciprocated with a full report on the Major's condition and that the next step was to start his physical therapy the following week. 'Good luck getting him to cooperate with physical therapy,' Dr. Weir thought wryly to herself as she left the infirmary.

Merlin71 – thanks for being the very first person to review my very first fan fiction ever. I'm glad to hear that I was keeping in character. I was worried about how that was coming across. I know this is pretty heavy duty. Did I mention that I like to explore emotions? It's very therapeutic for me.

Celtic Knot – did you cry? I hope it wasn't too bad. I'm glad to know I'm doing my job and making this emotional and dramatic enough to move someone to tears. Thanks for making me feel so welcomed.

lorrie – that was a bad place to stop. I wouldn't be a very good writer if I didn't create some suspense. More is on the way...promise.

b7-kerravon – thanks for the encouragement. I really admire you work and it's truly an honor to hear from you.

WriterJC – I hope you enjoy the rest and that I don't run out of steam.

Kagii – John's easy to make cute. That's one of the most appealing aspects of his character.

EosHeliosSelene – hope this chapter holds you for a while. More will be here soon.

Allegra – I'm so glad to hear that I brightened your Monday. I hate Monday's. No, you're not a sick puppy. I'm the one who's head this is pouring out of. Didn't know I had it in me. I was worried that I wasn't getting the characterizations just right. I do tend to get straight to the point and I hope to develop a more melodic style someday.

OK everyone. Here's the deal. I have two chapters left. I can either prolong John's suffering or bring on the big finish. Do you want some more or shall I stop the madness? I'm surprised that I have stuck with this so far. This is purely beginner's luck. LOL I'm a really good technical writer and I was worried about how I would transfer over to creative writing. Of course, I can always do a sequel or make this a series. We'll see. Hugs to everyone...