Chapter 5: Getting Acclimated
As they left the room Lorne pulled out the scone he brought with him from the Mess. "Oh here. Thought you might be hungry," he handed her the dessert. "So any place in particular you'd like to start at or see, or do you just want the grand tour?"
She smiled before taking a bite of the scone. "Mmm, not bad. Uh, what do you think? I want to see anything and everything?" Her eyes widened, "This place is, unimaginable."
"Geeze, your like a kid in a candy shop, and you haven't even seen the Jumpers yet. They're no Raptor or Tomcat, but they've got their own little features that make them just as special." They came to a door, and Lorne stopped. "Ok the first stop on our tour, because I know you'll be here often enough," he smiled at her, "the Infirmary."
"Oh, ha ha, very cute. You're hilarious you know that," she said sarcastically as they entered. She looked around and noticed many Earth devices but also several Ancient ones that were being used as well. As she started to wander through she and Lorne were spotted by Dr. Beckett.
"Evening Major, and what brings you here?"
Lorne grabbed Lexa's arm and turned her around for introductions. "Dr. Carson Beckett, Captain Alexa Madison."
"Ah, our new recruit. It's lovely to meet you my dear. And such a beautiful name," Carson greeted.
Lexa blushed, she's always been a sucker for men with accents. "You can call me Alex. Its nice to meet you. Apparently Major Lorne believes I'll be in here quite often so we'll be getting to know each other well it seems," she said as she shook Carson's hand.
"Oh does he now? And why would he think that?"
Lexa started before Lorne could say anything, "Um, let's just say I'm very, energetic and active, mix that with being a blonde, doesn't always turn out so well. It was very nice meeting you."
"Aye lassie, you have a good night now," Carson waved as they left.
As they headed down the hall Lexa couldn't help but notice Lorne's expression. He seemed a little, perplexed. Before she could ask he stopped her and explained. "You told Dr. Beckett to call you Alex. Does that mean I shouldn't call you Lexa then? I mean I would totally understand."
Lexa took a deep breath. "Yeah, I did. You and Jack are the only one's who call me that now, and I'd like to keep it that way. Since my Dad called me that it means a lot to me, and I'd like to keep it to the people who mean the most to me."
They continued on but before they got to the next destination on the tour they ran into McKay who seemed a little on edge.
"Oh hi there! You must be Captain, uh…" Rodney blanked.
"Madison," she answered.
"Oh right. Dr. Rodney McKay. Hmm, your not really blonde, are you?"
Lexa raised an eyebrow. "You'll have to excuse him. I think Dr. McKay and that chocolate cake were getting along a little too well at dinner," Lorne joked.
"Oh. McKay? Colonel Carter told me about you."
"Really? Colonel Carter was talking about me? Well, what did she say," Rodney beamed with anticipation.
"Well it was more of like a warning really," Lexa smirked.
"It's always great talking to you Doc, but it'll be getting dark soon, and if we don't get moving, there's something were gonna miss," Lorne explained as he ushered Lexa forward.
"Wait, is there something going on that no one told me about," McKay yelled after them.
Alexa thought about it for a minute and realized what they would miss if they didn't keep moving. "Hope you've got a good spot picked out?"
Lorne blushed ever so slightly. Was this really such a good idea? "Well pretty much every spot in the city has a great view, but yes, I know that perfect spot where we can watch with no fear of interruptions." No really, think about it… They continued down a long corridor that led to the west pier of the city. "Its not too much further, just up these stairs."
Lexa looked up. "Your kidding right? Better be worth it."
Lorne pushed her up the stairs. "Well the Ancients weren't your lazy type. There are a few transporters through out the city, but there are stairs galore. Personally I think that they just like making people dizzy. Besides, look at the shape you're in, what are you complaining about," Lorne gave Lexa a half smile.
They reached the top and Lorne motioned to the left. He waved his hand over a crystal and the door opened to a large balcony with a gorgeous view of the horizon. "Ah, just in time. Thought I'd make your first day memorable," Marcus said as they walked to the railing.
"It's beautiful." Lexa closed her eyes and took in the spray of the sea. "I uh," she hesitated and blushed. "You know, I haven't watched a sunset since that day we…"
"Yeah, me neither. You know, that was a great vacation. I still can't believe you actually tricked General Hammond into giving us the same week off. You know, Atlantis is kinda like the Bahamas."
"Oh yeah sure it is. But it's missing the most important thing! The beach!"
Lorne shrugged and they both new it was time for silence. The sun had reached the horizon and the sky was a wonderful shade of pinks and purples. They both leaned on the rail and took in the panorama.