~ 9 ~

Life on I-zoola is pretty mundane. I absolutely love it.

There's a communication gap since I don't speak the language, but I'm learning to interpret easily enough. They use their hands a lot, very animated.

The tribe of people Atlantis has the trade agreement with is called Gullins and there are about 200 of them. Turns out there are several tribes on the small moon, but only the Gullins' know of us. They are rarely in contact with the other tribes as they like to keep spread out so as not to draw attention from the Wraith.

All the tribes live in large mountains on the planet; something about the ore in the rock that keeps the Wraith from knowing people exist here. And when I say large, I mean ginormous! There is one huge central cavern like an indoor swap meet. Several tunnels lead from the 'city' to smaller 'villages' and those villages lead to family homes. The homes kind of remind me of the underground one's on the planet Tatooine from Star Wars; where Luke lived, only instead of two suns, there's none.

The city itself bustles with life and activity and chatter. The villages are a lot quieter and each 'home' is like a two story condo made of stone. It's really cool. Literally cool, considering the climate outside. I doubt the temperature gets much higher than sixty in the caverns, even with all the people. Probably because heat rises and I'm talking big ceilings.

The Gullins—and I imagine the other tribes—live off the land but manage to make their crops look like wild growth. It's fascinating. They haven't had a Wraith culling since the sister moon was destroyed but they still know of the danger, the stories are passed along in song.

They don't have technology as in electric, but they do have plumbing—thank God!—fire and wax making for candles, pottery and the like. Somehow they manage not to over-populate, but we haven't gone into that. I've been given my own quarters in the matriarch's home—which is a big deal considering how few rooms are available in these 'houses'—and I'm being treated like some kind of princess.

I hadn't expected this reception, that's for damn sure. I hadn't planned on being here at all, really. It just sort of happened, thanks to a fairy Godmother.

Ten days ago, following my workout, I did as I planned and went to the Control Tower. Dr. Weir was in the briefing room so I waited in her office. I was so exhausted I fell asleep on her couch. I woke rather suddenly to find her working at her desk. She hadn't bothered to wake me when she came in.

"You seemed to need rest," she smiled. "It's quite a comfy sofa." I agreed, slowly getting my bearings as I sat up. She came over and sat in a nearby chair. "I take it you wanted to speak with me?"

"I was just…wondering when-"

Given the only times I have ever ventured to her office, she automatically knew what I wanted. "We don't have a scheduled meeting on I-zoola for several weeks." I was terribly disappointed and she seemed to catch that. She curled her legs under her and watched me with those impenetrable green eyes. "Is there something wrong? Maybe I can help."

I shook my head. "No. Thank you, though. I was just hoping…to…get away. For a while."

Her gaze narrowed on me. "You mean an extended stay?"

I nodded, cleared my throat. I don't doubt my eyes were still a bit red from the previous cry fest and I know my face must have still been pale, so basically I looked like crap and she could see it; besides the fact that I found it difficult to look her in the eyes; her being his beating heart after all.

"Well, we did leave a radio with Hani. I could give her a call. Find out if they'd be interested in a visit."

My heartbeat increased ten-fold. She'd do that for me? "But…how would-"

She offered a small, sly smile. "I'm sure I could find someone willing to fly you over in the jumper. It's not a long trip."

"Thank you, Dr. Weir. You don't know how much…I need this."

Her eyes narrowed again. "I think I do." Her brows arch. "Man trouble?" I could feel the blush in my cheeks. She's far too perceptive for my liking. She offered a rather soothing, comfort grin. "I've been there. Sometimes we just need…distance."

I nodded again. "Yes. Distance would be very good."

She grinned again as she stood and clapped her hands together lightly. "I'll see what I can do." I got up too and headed for the door. "Jax?" I turned around. "Talk to Dr. Heightmeyer. Let her know, just in case. I'd like her okay on the matter first."

"Sure." And that became my next destination. Dr. H. was a little more difficult to find. I actually had to track her down to the mess. I should have known; it was lunchtime after all. I'd been up all night, so my internal clock was thrown off. It felt like evening, not noon.

She greeted me with a smile as I sat across from her. I told her what I wished to do and she thought about it for a moment. "Get some lunch and join me. I'd like to hear more before I make a decision."

So I grabbed lunch and sat with her a while. I think she was more interested in seeing me eat than anything else. My eating habits have been less than stellar since I broke off with John. Once we finished lunch, she told me she'd go straight to Dr. Weir and give the go ahead. The only request she made of me was that I take my laptop and continue my journal. Not exactly a heavy burden for a caveat. Thankfully my battery is fully charged. I don't plan on being here long enough for it to die. Of course, plans do change in this galaxy.

Anyway, a few hours later, Dr. Weir showed up at my door, her smile friendly but professional. Talk about being able to keep people at a distance. She must have mastered that somewhere along the line. I just hope someday she lets her guard down long enough to see the man-treat bowing at her feet on a daily basis.

"Hani is very excited about your visit. She's hoping you will skate for them again."

"I'd love to, but…I'm only taking my Ipod. They won't be able-"

"That's actually been handled…in a way. Dr. Zelenka would like to accompany you on the trip over."

"Dr. Zelenka?"

She smiled. "He has a surprise for you and the Gullins." She spread her hands as she does sometimes. "So, Major Lorne is ready to take you as soon as you're ready to go."

I turned to my bed and grabbed my giant duffle then picked up my skates set near the door. I didn't say anything, just gave her a grateful smile.

She nodded, also smiling. "Okay then." She tapped her headset. "Major Lorne, ready the jumper, she's on the way." We walked to the transporter together and I could feel her eyes on me. "You know…if you ever want to talk…"

"I thought that's what Dr. H. is for."

She grinned. "I mean to a friend."

I couldn't meet her eyes. For someone so nice, she intimidates the hell out of me. I was worried she'd able to see right through me. Somehow see exactly who I was trying to get out of my system. That might have hurt her and I couldn't do that. "Thank you." It was all I could think of saying.

"Has something happened with Ronon? I know he's spending time with Teyla…"

Her question surprised me and I stopped in my tracks. "Oh, no. No problem. In fact, if you wouldn't mind." I pulled a note from my pocket. "Could you give this to him when he gets back? I don't want him to worry about me."

It's no big deal if she reads the note, it's a simple so-long, see you later, I need time away to think, we'll watch Friends when I get back. He'll understand, she shouldn't. But I know she won't read it. She's not that kind of person.

"You're sure you don't want to wait until Col. Sheppard's-"

"No," I said quickly at the sound of his name. Probably too quickly in fact. Dr. Weir got a strange look on her face, like she was trying to figure something out—or had figured it out.

We stepped onto the transporter and a moment later we were walking down the hall to the Control Room. She wasn't going to follow me all the way, there was no reason. I was on the steps heading up to the jumper bay when I stopped and turned. "Dr. Weir?"

She was halfway to her office. "Yes, Jax."

I knew what I wanted to tell her, I just didn't know how to get the words out. She needed to open her eyes, see what's real, be open to…him. But how do you tell someone that they're missing out on something potentially amazing? That they're letting life pass them by? Especially when other people are in the room and listening. "If something makes your heart beat faster…or gives you butterflies…you shouldn't ignore it. Don't you agree?"

She had a quizzical look on her face, but what I saw in her eyes told me she knew exactly what I was trying to tell her. She's a very intelligent woman. A worldly woman, in fact. It's the whole butterflies metaphor…every woman knows that feeling and why they get it. After a moment she smiled politely. "I do." She nodded once. "Enjoy your trip, Jax."

"Thank you ma'am." And then I raced up the stairs. I don't know if she actually followed my advice, I'm not the most reliable source for that sort of thing. And the fact that she knows I'm running away from home to avoid some man must give her pause about said advice. But, I couldn't not say something…she shouldn't ignore anything…anyone that…hot.

Maybe I'm a hopeless romantic deep…deeeeeep down. Or just hopeless. Whatever.

Anyway, Major Lorne and Dr. Zelenka were waiting for me when I arrived. The Major was actually kind enough to ask me if I wanted to sit up front. Imagine that, me, a little nobody in the co-pilot's seat. It made the hour long ride in the sardine can a lot easier to handle since I could simply stare out into space. No walls to close in on me. Dr. Zelenka was in the back fiddling with something mechanical…kind of looked like computer speakers actually.

We were greeted at the lake by Hani and her daughter, Mika. The teen instantly took my bag and whisked it away from my sight. I had my skates slung over my shoulder and those stayed with me. I wasn't in the mood to skate at the moment, having had very little sleep and a hard workout, but Dr. Zelenka asked me to stay behind.

I was right about the speakers. It took about fifteen minutes but with the Major's help he managed to hoist four of them up into trees around the small section of the lake I consider a skating rink. He then took my Ipod and plugged it into a makeshift outlet and suddenly I had surround sound. And not distorted, muffled, lost in the trees sound either. This was really good.

"What about detection," I asked him. "We don't want to draw attention with electronics."

Dr. Zelenka cleaned his glasses. "They don't give off energy until you plug in the pod. Even then it is so minute, I doubt anything would pick it up from a distance. But on the safe side, remove the player when you finish. The speakers will go unseen." He pointed at the trees and I could not see the speakers or the wires.

I almost fell on my ass running over the ice to give him a big hug. He is the sweetest man ever!

"Where's mine?" The Major asked as soon as I let the Czech go. Since he did help, I gave him a quick hug too and thanked him profusely for taking the time to fly me out here.

"You're welcome," he whispered right into my ear.

Okay, is it me or is there a normal hug time-limit for general strangers. It's like the handshake time-limit…now I know that exists. Maybe I was just really tired, but I got the weird feeling that Major Lorne doesn't have this time-limit installed in his brain. I was ready to let go, but he kept hugging me for a few extra moments, not a long time, like a couple of seconds. Was he copping a feel? I know I've been out of the dating game…well pretty much my whole life considering Tony was my first boyfriend...ever…and the last as it turned out. I'm probably just imagining it.

Nope, he was copping a feel.

You know, that id girl hasn't been wrong yet. Should I be worried? I mean, Sheppard-

Ah uh! This is a JS free zone from here on out!

Right. Good catch, Jax. That man did say there's a rumor going around Atlantis about me. Eww! What if Lorne thinks it true and…ewww. That's just not right!

Whatever. It's over.

Yeah, it's nothing. So, they left and here I am sitting on my fabulously comfy sleeping cushion with the most amazing sheets—I'm no dummy, I brought my own—and keeping good on my promise to Dr. H.

The first two days I didn't skate even though I had the set up raring to go. As soon as Hani introduced me to her village and then showed me my 'room' I didn't have enough energy left for one of those imaginary light bulbs that pop over cartoon heads. I sat on the bedding then promptly passed out. Seems I slept a long time too because the next thing I remember is Mika tapping my shoulder, and I think it was the next day's dinner time. I don't remember falling asleep or a single dream.

Now that's how to start a vacation.

Mika is about sixteen and the eldest of the village children. She watches over the young ones most of the day. And by watch, I mean…in the house. And I so love kids. Let the sarcasm runneth over.

Following my first conscious morning meal, I was assigned two tour guides: Shali and Lin—girl and a boy—about seven in age. They are quite chatty and easily grate on the nerves, but I'm a guest and I know how to be a guest no matter what Ronon's eye rolls say. They gave me the tour of the central cavern, introduced me to some folks and showed me the easiest routes outside to the lake so I could skate.

My first day on ice was like a movie moment really. Shali and Lin sat in the snow; listening to the music and watching me practice my new routine. About an hour into the workout, it started to snow, light and fluffy flakes. I took pictures with my eyes, just relishing the beauty of the moment.

Before we went back inside, I must admit I got a little giddy and started a snowball fight. Afterward, I showed them how to make snow angels. Before I leave this winter dreamland, I must impart my knowledge of snowman making, it's only right.

Mika has two younger girl friends and they all like a few of the boys in the 'city' from other villages. I hear them chattering and giggling a lot, it's kind of nice to see something so innocent, non-cynical. I just hope they don't learn the harsh reality too soon.

Boys are evil.

I discovered this long ago, of course. But the lesson has recently been re-taught to some degree.

Though I'm treated like royalty, I've spent much time out doors just wandering through the woods, alone. Hani is very perceptive. In her own way, she informed me that she knows I'm sad about something. She understands I need my space and does not try to dissuade me from my walks, except to wear one of her coats. It's made of some sort of animal fur and smells like wet dog, but it keeps me warm.

I haven't come across any wild animals, which leaves me wondering…where's the fur come from?

Last night I was sitting in my 'room' being all girly and painting my toenails when I saw my curtain sway. Beyond, there were three shadows hovering nearby. I could tell by the soft giggling who was there. "Mika…"

She pulled the curtain aside and peeked in, obviously worried I was mad at being disturbed. So I smiled and waved for them to come inside and sit. The three girls were intrigued by my colorful toe nails and the polish, though not the smell of it, which made me laugh.

So, I became big sister Angela and showed them how to do a manicure and paint their fingers and toes by using Mika as my model. Kai followed my moves as she worked on Sison's fingers. She watched very intently and seemed to pick it up rather well. While we played, they were talking rapidly about boys and I caught every few words, including Mika's crush, a boy named Dre. Supposedly Dre is a hunk-a-hunk of burnin' love that Mika cannot stop staring at. I nod my understanding. Yep, I've been there.

That's why I'm here.

So they chatted and I listened, throwing in my two-cents when I could. Once I finished with Mika's nails and they were dry, she took up residence behind me and started brushing my hair with her fingers as Sison worked on Kai's nails. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed having someone mess with my hair. It's very relaxing…calming even. I know Dr. H. would want me to draw a conclusion about it, so here it is: Mom, plain and simple.

It was our nightly ritual from the time I was a little girl until…well…I moved out. I remember sitting on the floor in front of the sofa with a bowl of popcorn or peanuts, whatever sufficed for a bedtime snack, watching TV at Mom's feet. She would either be brushing my hair or putting it into twists, sometimes even a French braid, before I went to sleep. It usually put me to sleep. She had the most mesmerizing touch; long, elegant fingers, not a single callous, and her nails were always perfectly shaped and painted.

Mom had been a concert pianist in an earlier life but gave it up to be a housewife and mother. I always wondered if she regretted her decision, but never had the guts to ask—or the time. Mom never let on that she was anything except happy with me and daddy.

Not that any woman could regret marrying him. Daddy was one of the good guys, not evil in the least. He always made us laugh, cooked a mean barbeque, didn't yell or scold too harshly and always had time to give me piggy back rides—when I was a kid of course. He was a true hero in every sense of the word.

I was maybe nine at the time, but I can still see Mom's eyes full of worry when Daddy was late coming home from his shift at the firehouse. She kept staring at the phone and spinning her wedding ring around and around her finger. I crawled into her lap and wrapped my arms around her neck before kissing her cheek. "Daddy promised we'd go to the beach tomorrow," I reminded her. "He promised."

And Daddy kept his promises. Mom knew this to be true and the worry left her eyes. Later when Daddy came home, he apologized for being late—something about the big red trucks needing maintenance—and Mom was so happy she cried. Yeah, Mom loved Daddy and he loved her. And I know she loved me and was proud of me. They both were.

I just hope they forgive me.

So, basically the girls and I had a slumber party, though without so much slumber. We sat up all night playing at hair and nails and talking about boys.

Damn that was fun!

And JS never once entered my mind.

Liar.

Yeah, whatever.

So I'm stringing up my skates, getting ready to try the new routine et al…with an audience. It's only Hani, Mika and the others girls, but still an audience. Hani wanted to invite everyone, but I managed to get her to understand this is a practice…which means I might fall on my ass and embarrass myself. I don't know if she got that part, but she didn't invite anyone else.

I plug the Ipod into place and select the song. It took me a while to decide on one this time. Usually I pick the music first and let it carry me, but this time the moves came first. It's odd that it happened that way, but once I flipped through all the music on my pod, I came across this one and it fit as if I'd chosen it first. Maybe I did, way back in my mind, but hadn't realized it. Anyway, I'm not only a sucker for movie soundtracks, but 70's and 80's tunes as well. One of my favorite artists is Pat Benatar; the song: Promises in the Dark.

But since it's 'rock' I didn't want to startle Hani or the others into covering their ears and shouting 'noise' in their own language. So I played a little of the song for them and they seemed to like it.

I manage to get through the whole dance without so much as a hiccup or pebble on the ice. It's such a rush the first time I do that. Not that anytime after isn't just as fantastic, it's…dreamlike the first time. Sliding over the ice in my skates takes me back to a time when I was someone else. Before Jax or the woman in witness protection, but not just Angela Peterson, ice skater; Angela Peterson, daughter of Melinda and Greg Peterson…ice princess.

From the time I was six, my parents had me in skates. They seemed to know even then that it was my destiny. That's why they were so willing to put everything on the line to get me my dream.

Instead they lost everything because of me.

I wake with a scream caught in my throat and my body drenched in sweat. I'd consider it life as usual, except for the fact that since I came to I-zoola, I've been nightmare free. Nearly three full weeks without a single dream.

Until now.

My pounding heart starts to slow and I take deep breaths as I wipe my face. I should be used to the storyline by now. Not only did I live it the first time—though what happens in the dream is different from reality—I've been reliving it for years. But this… dream refuses to release me. And tonight it changed.

As I knelt over my father, desperate to keep the blood from flowing out of his chest, he was trying to tell me something…but a shadow loomed over me, laughing behind me. I knew who to expect when I turned, knew what to expect…

But I couldn't have been more wrong. It wasn't Tony aiming his gun at my heart, laughing at me.

It was John.

~ 9.5 ~

Carson checks the Colonel's eyes with a pen light. "How's ye headache, lad?"

"Same."

"No better, no worse, then?"

"Thought I covered that with the 'same'."

"Mmm. Techy." Carson pockets the pen light and lifts the data pad to take notes. "Been feeling a bit moody I take it then."

Sheppard clucks impatiently. "Suppose."

Carson considers the man sitting, or rather slouching, on the gurney. Dark circles have taken up landscape under his eyes, he's got enough stubble to sand the entire city and then some and he looks to have lost a bit of weight, at least in the cheeks. "How've you been eating?"

"The usual way, with a fork…or spork, that's what they're called in the mess. You know, lift it to the lips and suck it in."

"Good to see you still have you're sense of humor, Colonel."

"Not much of one. Please tell me I'm released to active duty."

"Aye, looks like you're back is fully healed. But I am concerned about the withdrawals regarding the other topic."

"I'm fine."

"You're suffering more than headaches, lad. Weight loss, sleeplessness. I can't in good faith release you back to duty with this over you're head."

"You mean in my head."

Carson nods. "For most people, the body builds up tolerance for the chemicals that you and your lady friend have been subjected to. Unfortunately, that is not the case here."

"So I'm a lost cause? Stuck to forever lust after one woman who clearly doesn't want me."

Carson shakes his head and raises his brows. "I'd hardly say that, Colonel. Now I haven't spoken to the lass, but from what I understand, she's doing whatever she can to help you break from her. I'd say that's incredibly selfless, considering she must be harboring the brunt of the damage."

Sheppard looks at him with narrowed eyes. "How's that?"

He shrugs. "I cannot break privilege, of course, but I can readdress information you know. The Ancient device doesn't work on men. Only women. Hypothetically speaking, if I chose to re-examine a specific female's PET and MRI scans pre and post incident, I might have found that the Ancient device sparked extra activity in the brain, which is likely responsible for the enhanced pheromones released. Such a woman might be under the influence of a flood of hormones, especially testosterone, just as you."

"So she's going to get chest hair?"

Carson grins. "Not likely. The hormones would remain in balance as to assist with conception, though high enough to be conducive to heightened sexual drive. Such a woman would, hypothetically be even more addicted than, say…you." He nods. "Not to mention the poor lass would still be emitting intense pheromones…possibly receiving unwanted attention."

"So basically, she's gonna get hit on wherever she goes."

"Aye. And probably won't know why." He nods again. "That kind of woman…must care an awful lot to take on such a burden…far from home, with no support from friends."

"Subtle." Sheppard runs his hands through his hair. "Please tell me there's a way to fix this. Carson, I feel like I'm dying…every day she's gone…am I going crazy?"

"No, lad. Let me know if this rings true. You're obviously miserable when apart, like you're not complete. You get a rush of energy being near her. Either way, it's difficult to concentrate. And being with her isn't complete unless in ends in some type of sexual encounter."

Sheppard's eyes widen. "Wow. Nutshell."

"Ah the blush of new love."

"What!" Sheppard stares at him. "I'm not in-love with Jax!"

Carson smirks, shaking his head. "Who are you trying to convince, son?" Sheppard's brows wrinkle. Carson considers the man. "It's textbook, Colonel. Romantic or passionate love is characterized by euphoria when all is well, mood swings when all is hell, needed attention, obsessive thinking, and intense craving for the other person. Tell me I didn't just describe you."

Sheppard just stares at him, mouth gaping, eyes barely blinking. "But…I'm not in-love with Jax," he says plaintively.

Carson shows him the data pad. "Your recent brain scan clearly shows increased activity in the attachment center. And I wouldn't be surprised if you had a spike of phenyl ethylamine in the limbic system once you lay eyes on her again. That blissful rush of love.

Carson sees something odd in the data. "How long were you two involved?"

"Almost two months. Why?"

"Strange," he says with a shake of his head. "See," he shows Sheppard the data again. "This section here is long-term attachment. See all the yellow, that's activity. It takes time to fill up. At least a year. Usually five or more."

Sheppard's hands are fisted at his sides and his teeth are clenched, working the jaw muscles. "Carson, I'm not in-love with Jax."

Carson shrugs. "That's not what your brain is saying."

"Well my brain's lying. I don't even know the woman." Carson arches a brow and Sheppard glowers. "Other than physically."

"Textbook infatuation. Unfortunately as I stated, you're body is not growing bored, or accustomed to the chemicals as usually happens with this kind of situation."

He cocks his head. "What's usual?"

"Once the initial infatuation wears off, the subjects either move into attachment bonding, or love, or they drift apart. I'm not so sure you have an option, however." He folds his arms. "From what Rodney told me of the translation, the device was intended specifically for married couples. As a romance enhancer and facilitator. According to the data, it is what they called a 'soul-bond' device."

"Soul-bond?" Sheppard drops his face into his hands. "That sounds…kinda long-term."

Carson nods from side-to-side. "As you may or may not know, the Ancients' did not have anything like divorce in their time. 'Til death do us part' was taken quite literally. And from what I understand, they lived for a really long time. Possibly a hundred years, with one mate."

"What if the…subjects weren't romantically involved to begin with?"

"I don't suppose they ever came across that…actuality. Or if they did, they didn't put it into the literature."

Sheppard scrubs his hands over his face. He seems to want to ask something, but is either too embarrassed or afraid to make the effort. Carson watches him. Sheppard rubs the back of his neck. "What if…" Carson waits. Sheppard's eyes dart around the infirmary. "Hypothetically speaking…"

"Okay."

"Say a man got caught in this infatuation…strictly because of the pheromones…"

"Right."

"But that man was…unbeknownst to even himself…already in-love…with a different woman."

Now it's Carson's turn to gape. He'd never considered this eventuality; much like the Ancients obviously hadn't. "Oh, dear." Sheppard nods slowly, brows high on his forehead. Carson shakes his head. "Hypothetically speaking…this is unprecedented. May I ask who?"

"Do you really need to?"

Carson thinks on that a moment then realization hits him. Dr. Weir. Of course, the long-term attachment…they've been through a lot over the past year, that instantly bonds people, especially through life and death situations. "I don't believe I do."

"So, you see how this can only end…badly."

Carson nods. "Actually you should thank the lass for ending it when she did. Considering your conflicting emotions and elevated testosterone level."

Sheppard's suddenly on edge. "Why?"

"There's a reason romantic love can't last, John. You'd die from exhaustion. Lasting love induces safety, the sense of calm, peace, and stability. If that is threatened…"

"I could become violent." His eyes close as he sighs. "Blaming Jax." He looks at Carson again. "That's why I scare her." He claps his hands and rubs them together. "Well," Sheppard sits up straighter. "There's gotta be some kind of chemical cocktail you can give me to counteract what's happening?"

"No."

"C'mon, Carson. You created a virus that turned me into a bug. You can certainly get me thinking with the right…brain again."

"Low serotonin is the most important factor here. However, I'm not eager to try anything given the nature of the situation. Introducing another chemical could harm you."

He points a finger. "Anti-depressants. Don't they kill libido?"

Carson nods slowly. "It can be a side-effect, but it's not a guarantee. And even then…I could not in good conscience put you back on duty while increasing your serotonin level."

"Why not?"

"It impedes judgment, Colonel. You make life and death decisions every day. If I prescribe an antidepressant, you'd lose the necessary insight to make hard decisions."

Sheppard nods. "More of a 'maybe' guy than a 'get it done' soldier?

"Exactly."

"So what can I do?"

Carson shakes his head. "I'm sorry I can't be of more help. Perhaps the lass is right. Maybe if you simply stay away from each other the effects will dissolve over time."

Sheppard nods. He doesn't believe it anymore than Carson does.