Grins. Lots of nice reviews! Thank you! Upon the subject of the word 'bairn', it is a Scottish/Geordie word meaning child. It is used quite a lot in my house, up here in the wilderness of the North of England with Geordie's for parents. I was a bit bored, and stuck it in so Beckett could get a few more words. Here's the update, all constructive praise, critiscism and abuse is welcome.
Chapter 8:Balcony Scene, Mark 2
When Rodney had finished, Elizabeth had darted quickly out of the conference room. She moved quickly towards the balcony overlooking the Gate. She leaned out, but to no prevail. Major Sheppard was long gone. She cursed under her breath, before turning back to the control room. She was worried about him. Whatever this dream meant, it could be serious. Knowing that no one has any idea what is wrong with you probably doesn't help. She sighed.
Grodin knew what she was thinking about. Sheppard had gone flying out of the room looking very troubled. Everyone else had left talking about Sheppard. Clearly, she was worried too. He smiled. He could help.
"Doctor Weir. I have something on the city's scanners I think you should see."
Elizabeth moved across quickly, a slight sense of fear fluttering in her stomach. Unidentified things wandering around Atlantis might not be a good sign.
"Yes?" She was hesitant, staring mindlessly at all the little dots on the screen. One of them could be doing any number of things. It was worrying.
"There." Grodin pointed to a dot on the edge of one of the arms of the city.
"There what?" She crossed her arms. Why did she feel like she was being set up?
"Major Sheppard. He's there."
"How do you know?"
"When he left, I tracked him. Down the corridor, into the transporter, out close to the balcony, and then along to where he is now. I thought you might want to know."
Elizabeth smiled, laying a hand on his arm.
"Thank you." With that, she disappeared down towards the transporter.
John leaned forward on the balcony. His mind was burning with more questions than he had had earlier. He sighed loudly. Why did life have to be so screwed up?
The door slid open behind him. He didn't turn around.
"Hey."
John remained stoic. A hand touched his shoulder gently. Turning, he found Elizabeth looking at him. She was deeply concerned; she looked almost scared. A blink, and it was gone.
"Sorry. I was miles away."
"I could tell." A smile softened her face as she moved to lean on the balcony next to him. "So, you want to talk about it?"
"I just wish I knew what caused it to happen."
"Well, nothing physically caused it. Could be something or someone else."
"Maybe it has something to do with Steve?"
Elizabeth smothered a laugh and coughed out, "Steve?"
He turned to her with a raised eyebrow.
"Sorry. Whatever is going on in you personal life has nothing to do with me."
He glared at her, "Steve. Wraith prisoner. Can make you see things."
"Oh." She was still smirking.
'Elizabeth Weir's dirty mind was on top form today', thought John.
"Yeah. But, it doesn't explain how what I saw came true."
"No. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. You'd tell me, wouldn't you, if this happened again?"
He thought for a moment, "Yes. You're one of the few people who could handle it sensibly."
"Good. One other thing, swear to me that no matter what happens, you won't tell the person you dreamed about what happened."
"What! Why?" He stared indignantly. What sort of idea was that? It was like lying to someone about what was going to happen to them.
"I don't want you panicking people by telling them their fate. What if you see someone get seriously injured? Or even die? How do you think they're going to react if you tell them?"
He stopped for a moment. He knew she was right; creating mass panic probably wasn't a good idea.
"Okay. I swear." Elizabeth smiled.
"Good. I'll warn you now though, I think a lot of people may be avoiding you. Just in case."
John sighed, "Well, I can always annoy you for the day."
"Not today you can't. I still have briefings to attend." She glanced at her watch, "And I'm already late. I'll see you soon." With that she turned and hurried towards the transporter.
John looked back across the ocean breathing it in. Part of him didn't want to sleep tonight, just in case. But, he knew he had to. Perhaps he wouldn't have a dream.
He didn't. Not that night or the night after. John began to relax. Perhaps it was a one off. Even Rodney would speak to him rationally now. But life is never that simple.