After three hours of considerable pouting Teyla Emmagen stalked back into the infirmary.
"Ah Teyla, I didn't think you be back for a wee while lass." Zelenka raised an eyebrow from where he was working. "Drs Weir and McKay please report to the infirmary." Beckett turned to address Teyla. "Are you ready to try again?"
"We have a matter to settle." Teyla gritted her teeth.
"Teyla!"
"Dr Weir," She bowed her head slightly, "Dr McKay." Rodney as always clutched a chocolate bar in his hand.
"Teyla what happened last time when you connected with John? You were ready to kill someone."
"It was personal. And I will eradicate Colonel Sheppard if he doesn't explain himself." Weir took Teyla aside.
"Did you happen to find out why he won't wake up?"
"He believes he has issues. He believes it is centred around Afghanistan?" Teyla asked her statement more like a question.
"You know what happened don't you?" Teyla nodded. "Help him work through his issues despite wanting to commit first degree homicide." Teyla looked a little confused. "Without killing him."
"I will do my best."
"Stay under as long as you feel it necessary to help him." Teyla took up her position on the bed and slowly closed her eyes.
----
"If you're waiting for me to fly the prototype you're too late." Teyla whirled round and faced John.
"Prototype?" She looked confused.
"The Chopper." John pointed to the 'new' Air Force Helicopter. Which looked suspiciously like a Puddle Jumper. Rodney walked past them.
"How was the test?"
"She handles pretty well, Rodney. Maybe a little heavy though." Rodney slapped him on the back and walked off.
"See ya later!" He called over his shoulder. Teyla looked at John carefully. To her he was dressed strangely. He wore a strange suit with a mask hanging down. On his head he wore a helmet with a mike.
"Look Teyla I'm sorry about earlier…"
"What goes on in your mind is your own business." Teyla submitted quietly.
"Thank you! I'm glad to see you admitted I was right." John smiled smugly while Teyla's eyebrows shot up.
"I did no such thing!"
"It was hard for you I admit. But the truth shone through."
"You are a horrible…."
"Ah. Wait for it." John looked at his watch. "In five…four…three...two…one…" A man poked his head around an office door.
"Major Sheppard, a word."
"Here goes."
"Here goes what?"
"My transfer to Afghanistan. See you later." Before he turned to go he whispered in Teyla's ear: "I was promoted this morning." He gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek, leaving her standing there shocked.
---
Five to ten minutes later John exited his CO's office. Teyla was still standing there.
"I ship out tomorrow." He grabbed her hand and started to drag her towards his quarters. It was a short walk to his quarters.
"We really need to talk John."
"I know and that's why we're going to my quarters." As soon as John opened the door Teyla found herself pushed into the room as he locked the door. "I'm not supposed to have women in my quarters." He explained. He motioned for Teyla to sit on the bed; sitting next to her he started to explain. "Look I just want to say I never meant for you to ever see what was going on in my mind especially when it involved you."
"John…" He gently rested a finger upon her lips.
"Let me finish. The truth is I do love you, but as you're part of my team I can't let it become reality. In my mind I can dream of 'what ifs'. Where I come form being in a relationship and being on the same team or chain of command isn't allowed…" John wasn't allowed to finish as Teyla started to kiss him. Nervously she wrapped her arms around his neck. John pulled back.
"Have you not heard of my customs?" John shook his head. "In my people we are allowed to be with who ever we want. As a leader no one on Atlantis would be allowed to question my judgement on who I picked as my chosen. I could choose you and no one could prevent it or punish us. I was speaking to Doctor Weir over my status among your people and she has agreed to respect me as leader of my people. Similar to your Diplomatic Immunity." John rested his forehead on hers.
"Really?"
"Yes. Will you wake up now?"
"I think the dream still has to play out." Teyla nodded as the scenery round them suddenly changed.