Author's Note: This is a really short chapter, but it kind of fit by itself, so I'll post the next chapter within a few hours of this one to make up for it. Because they now have the ZPM, they've already contacted Earth once and the Deadalus (spelling?) is already enroute. Remember: review!

Noticing the time, McKay quickly shut down the computer and snuck it back into Dr. Weir's office. Deciding he wouldn't be able to go to sleep, even for the couple of hours he still had before establishing their second contact with Earth for supplies, McKay walked out onto the balcony and watched the sun come up, his thoughts whirling through his head.

Not long after he arrived, he realized he was no longer alone. Still distracted, he merely glanced over to see Elizabeth gazing out over the ocean a foot away.

Turning her head towards him, she asked, "something on your mind, Rodney?"

Rodney scowled as he tried to think of a way of presenting his dilemma without revealing too much. Deciding to play it safe, he began, "I was talking to John yesterday, and he made some comments that gave me pause. I find myself wanting to help him somehow, but find myself woefully inadequate in matters such as these. I wouldn't even know how to start a conversation about it with him."

Elizabeth contemplated for a moment.

"Rodney, in college I had this roommate that I knew was keeping something bottled up. But every time I tried to talk to her, she shut me down."

Rodney looked up at her, curious now.

"So, what happened?"

Elizabeth turned back to look him dead in the eye and smiled wickedly.

"I bought 2 bottles of vodka, one filled with water for me, and got my roommate good and drunk before asking her again."

Rodney looked shocked and his tone indicated as much as he asked, "You want me to get John smashed!"

Now it was Elizabeth's turn to look surprised.

"I didn't say that at all. I was just telling you about a roommate I once had in college."

Rodney caught on and grinned ruefully.

"So did it work out? With your roommate?"

Elizabeth's smile turned sad before she nodded.

"Yeah, it worked. I helped her through some bad times. But remember Rodney. Don't ask questions if you're not ready for the answers."

Rodney held her eyes for a moment before peering back over the vastness of the ocean again. He heard Elizabeth quietly exit the balcony, leaving him alone with his thoughts once again. Was he ready for the answers to his questions?