12

"Dr. Weir?" Elizabeth hurries to her office door—or at least moves as fast as she can, considering how sore she is once again. "We received word from Daedalus," Chuck says. "They said they should be back to Atlantis by 19:00 hours."

Her heart drops into her stomach. "They called the search off."

"They said there's nothing to search for."

"Thank you." Elizabeth feels sick to her stomach. Angie! Losing John and now Ronon. Elizabeth's afraid the young woman will never recover. Running a hand over her face, she turns to go back into her office.

"Off world activation."

"Who is it?"

"We have an IDC." Chuck smiles as Elizabeth rushes back out. "It's Col. Sheppard's code."

Ohmigod! Elizabeth can feel her heart leap up, ready to burst from her chest. "Let them in." She races down the stairs, grinning at John as he appears at the base of the stairs.

Sheppard, Ronon and Teyla step through the event horizon looking for all intents and purposes… perfect!

"Sorry we're late," Sheppard says wryly as the wormhole shuts down behind them.

As Elizabeth looks them over, she sees Sheppard's eyes stray behind her and she instantly knows why. He pulls his gun at the same time as Ronon and they both take aim at John. Elizabeth puts herself in the way. "Don't shoot. He's you."

John—without a weapon—pretty much lets Elizabeth handle this one. He pops his head over her shoulder and points at her. "What she said."

oOo

In the corner of the infirmary, John stands with his arms crossed, watching as Elizabeth hovers over the other him while Carson checks the man out. John can feel his heartbeat quicken when her hand rests familiarly on the Colonel's arm. He has to remind himself that she knows the difference between the two of them and that she's made her choice accordingly.

Still…that twinge of jealousy refuses to abate.

She smiles at John as she tells the others about his arrival and how that recently led them to believe that Col. Sheppard was actually dead.

"Well, we can put that rumor to rest," Sheppard says as he sits up from the gurney. He shoots a look at John, his brows crease and his eyes narrow. "It does explain a lot, though."

John raises an eyebrow. For some reason he knows exactly what Sheppard is getting at. "You too?"

Sheppard nods, his gaze darting to Elizabeth then back at John.

Elizabeth looks at both of them in turn. "What are you talking about?"

Sheppard clears his throat. "It's not important…anymore," he eyes Elizabeth pointedly. "Let's just say," he clears his throat again. "We've been kind of…sharing information …for a while now. Since even before his…fully formed arrival."

Elizabeth's brows shoot up as a blush rises in her cheeks. "Really?" She looks at John. "You mean. The flashes that weren't yours?" She keeps her gaze on John. She points at Sheppard. "So…when he was seeing the Wraith or thinking about Angie," her finger traces to John, "you saw the images."

"Yeah," John nods, pressing his lips together.

"And when he…" She points at John as her gaze drifts to Col. Sheppard, "then you saw…" Her eyes go wide and her hand presses against her stomach. "Oh God," she sighs, finding some support against a nearby wall.

Sheppard grunts. "Like I said. It's not important."

From the look on Elizabeth's face, John guesses she knows exactly what isn't important anymore. She licks her lips as she contemplates this information. "I see." She runs a hand over her hair. "Well," she catches both men with a pointed look. "You gentlemen will have to stop that from ever happening again."

"How?" They both ask.

"I don't care how!"

"Is it not beneficial for them to be able to--" Teyla asks.

"No," Elizabeth snaps. "It's not."

John sees a moment of shock in the Athosian woman's eyes, but it fades as she watches Elizabeth for a long moment. A small grin lifts the corner of her mouth. "Perhaps I am mistaken."

"So, all this time, Angie's been thinking you forgot her?" Ronon growls.

"Like I said before," John raises both hands. "I feel awful about it. But it's not my fault."

Ronon takes a step toward him. "I believe it is entirely your fault. And if she wishes--"

Carson steps into his path. "Not only his fault, I'm afraid. She did try to tell us, but we did not listen." He motions for Ronon to lie down.

Ronon looks to Elizabeth. "Please tell me she now knows."

Elizabeth raises a hand. "Major Lorne is already on his way to I-zoola to pick them up. I radioed in advance and let them know of your return."

"And mine," Sheppard says plaintively.

Elizabeth cocks her head. "Actually, I prefer that revelation be made in person. I wanted Dr. Beckett to have to chance to make sure everyone is all right. So…I didn't mention it."

Ronon grumbles as he takes his place on the gurney. "She doesn't like surprises."

Elizabeth grins, eyeing Sheppard. "She'll like this one." She looks to Carson. "Though I don't understand how this is possible. Dr. Zelenka said the two couldn't co-exist in the same reality."

"I have to say, I'm as baffled as you are, Dr. Weir. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the Major here was once ascended and didn't simply arrive from another reality."

"You mean, maybe he made some kind of adjustment to stave off the effects?"

"It would have to be on the atomic level." Carson shrugs and makes a 'who-knows' face. "Then again, it could be as simple as the difference in their brain chemistry. I'm afraid we'll never really know."

"All right then." She nods to Carson. "I suppose you want to run your tests."

"Aye," Carson says as he checks Ronon over.

"I've had enough of this place."

"I wasn't speaking about you, John," Elizabeth smirks.

"Oooh," Sheppard winces. "That does bring up an interesting topic. What do we call him?"

"Hey, standing right here."

"Yes, but I was here first and I don't plan on changing my name, so it's up to you."

Elizabeth squints at them. "Do you have a middle name?"

The two men glance at each other, clear their throats and make the same embarrassed face. "No," they say in unison.

"Well. I guess that's something to think about. For now, you're Colonel and Major, respectively."

Sheppard grumbles. "Suppose that'll work for now."

Col. Caldwell and Rodney arrive at the infirmary. "Why aren't you dead?" Rodney asks.

"Nice to see you too, Rodney," Sheppard says as he turns to face the door.

"No…you know what I mean," he glances between the two of them then back at Sheppard. "Why aren't you dead?"

oOo

Elizabeth watches the two John's size each other up as they sit on her sofa. They look absolutely identical in their black shirts and BDU's. Their expressions don't even differ. It's very unnerving and yet incredibly amusing at the same time.

The only way she can tell them apart is because she made Col. Sheppard sit on the right side of the sofa and John on the left. They haven't moved from their spots since. She tried to get them to wear name tags but they balked. Then she wanted them to wear jackets with their rank and again they declined. Elizabeth gets the impression…

"Incoming wormhole," Chuck calls from the tech console. "It's Major Lorne."

Elizabeth glances at the twins. "See. Always on time." Both snicker while giving her the exact same stink-eye.

Yes, very amusing.

The puddle jumper arrives through the gate and they all rise to see it float to the upper level. Col. Sheppard shakes his head, stifling a chuckle. "She's so going to kick your ass."

John rolls his eyes. "You're the one who got taken hostage." He shrugs. "Besides, she already got me once."

"Yeah, I know." Sheppard glowers. "She's got a wicked left hook, huh."

"I got in a few--"

Col. Sheppard turns to John. "Don't even finish that thought. That's my girlfriend you're talking about. And her very protective brother is right outside that door."

John nods. "Right. Sorry."

"She's on the way," Elizabeth says.

Both John's return to the sofa and sit, keeping distance between themselves, but also still watching each other warily. There's something in their eyes she doesn't trust.

Elizabeth goes to the door to meet Angela as she comes downstairs. She wants to explain the situation instead of just dropping another bomb on the woman.

Kate's down the stairs first and Angela rushes behind her, jumping over the last three steps. She zips over to Elizabeth, excitement in her eyes, face pink and full of life. It's only been a couple days and already she looks a thousand times better. Understandably, the news about Ronon's return has done magic for her. "Where is he?"

Ronon comes up behind her. "Right here." She spins and squeals with delight, throwing her arms around his neck. He takes her into a bear hug, lifting her off her feet. She showers him with kisses on his face. Elizabeth's heart flutters seeing her so happy. She can't even believe how much stress Angie's been under the past week. And all of it can be washed away with one hug from her brother.

She slaps him on the chest. "I was so scared!"

"You? Never."

As Ronon holds her for dear life, it's clear the old Angela's returning. Elizabeth nods to Ronon and he lets Angie down. She's not so eager to be free of him however. "And Teyla?"

"Teyla and Rodney are fine as well," Elizabeth says. "There's someone else who really wants to talk to you."

Angie's eyes go wide and Elizabeth can see a slight tremor in her lips. Okay, so Ronon can't fix all of her pain. But the next guy sure as hell better or he's gonna get an ass-kicking from Ronon and Elizabeth.

Okay, maybe a chewing out from Elizabeth, but a definite whumping from the big guy if everything isn't put right in the next few minutes.

Elizabeth moves inside the door, motioning for Angie to follow. She bounces in place for a second, unsure, then reluctantly steps forward as Ronon gives her a gentle push.

Looking very sheepish both Johns stand up at the same time when she comes inside. Angie's gaping as she glances from the twins to Elizabeth and back again. "I knew it!" She's very proud of herself. But also seems quite perturbed when she turns her steely gaze at Elizabeth. "Don't make me say it."

Elizabeth nods, down casting her eyes in shame. "You told me so. I am forever humbled."

"Good," she squeaks, smiling brightly. Angela's definitely back to form.

Neither man makes a move toward Angie and Elizabeth's gut starts to rumble. They both so deserve a whumping. "What are you waiting for?"

One of them shrugs. "Just wondering if she knows which is which."

Elizabeth takes a step forward. "Now wait just a minute--"

Angie holds up a hand and cuts Elizabeth off. "It's all right." She turns away from the men and talks to Elizabeth. "What's his deal?"

"Ascended...from another timeline."

"Cool." She narrows her eyes on Elizabeth, then grins. "He came for you."

"Yeah. How'd you know?"

She shrugs. "Soul mates." Angie cocks her head. "So how long was he, like…haunting you?"

"A while, I guess."

"Stalking."

Elizabeth nods. "In a way, I suppose, yes."

The men clear their throats. Angie holds up a hand, not looking at them. "In a minute." She rests a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "So that whole thing about the visit--"

"Wasn't him. Well, I mean it was…but it wasn't…what I mean is--"

"Not mine."

"Right."

"That's nice."

"Isn't it?" Elizabeth can see both men growing impatient and finds it difficult not to giggle. She leans in to Angie. "So how will you…?"

Angie winks and whispers: "Oh…I already have." She sniffs. "But I wanna play. Do you mind?"

"Enjoy. But not too much."

They separate from their private confab and Angie faces the two identical men.

"So?" They say in unison.

Elizabeth's thinks she knows which is which, but if they switched places on her while her back was turned…hell how could she know? She's just going to have to trust Angie to set things straight.

Angie steps up to the first John, runs her hands over his chest as she nuzzles his neck. He gets a bit ticklish. Her fingers glide into his hair and she pulls him in for a hot kiss that pretty much makes him melt. She then moves to the second one and does the exact same thing, getting the same reaction. Elizabeth tries not to take it personally. Angie is…well, Angie.

"Well?" they ask as one when she takes a step back.

Her brows shoot up, she chews on her bottom lip and she shakes her head. "I don't know," she says with a shrug.

"You don't know?" Both Johns ask.

She glances at Elizabeth, winking. "Maybe I'll have to keep both of them. You know…have a spare backup." Elizabeth bites back a chuckle as Col. Sheppard exposes himself as his face turns bright red.

"A backup!"

Within seconds Angie jumps into his arms, wraps her legs around his waist and they collapse onto the sofa with her giggling. "Gotcha!" Then she's kissing him and he's kissing her with the same passion.

John steps away as if he's seeing his parents make out. "I don't get how she knew."

"He smells better," Angie says. "Besides, he knows how to kiss me back," she says, arching a single brow at John. The Colonel chuckles before attacking her lips again.

John narrows his eyes. "That's just ridiculous."

Elizabeth smirks. "Not when it comes to those two." Again, she feels guilty for not believing the woman sooner. Angela's exposure to the Ancient lust-o-rama device—as she calls it still—enhanced her ability to 'sniff out' her partner. Turning to John, Elizabeth watches him for a long moment. "What am I going to do with you? Professionally speaking."

John opens his mouth, but before he can speak, Sheppard's on the move, dragging a giggling Angie behind him. She winks at Elizabeth as they pass by and go out the door. "Excuse us."

Elizabeth watches them go, trying not to laugh but failing as a chuckle escapes. It's not like she can blame the woman…not after the night she just had with John. A pleasant shiver races her spine as a reminder.

Sheppard taps Ronon on the shoulder as they pass by. He then leads Angie toward the main stairs, which obviously confuses her. "The transporter's this way."

Sheppard tugs her down the stairs to the center of the Gatrium. He taps his headset then motions to Ronon.

"Put him on citywide," Ronon orders the tech.

Elizabeth steps up to the console, about to protest but John puts a hand on her arm. "You'll like this…I hope."

She glances at him then steps into her usual alcove. John comes up behind her, possessively placing his hand at the small of her back. Elizabeth grins as the familiar tingle starts in her tummy. Ronon's presence on her other side only reminds her that those feelings have no place in this particular section of the city and she does her best to quell them. And it's not easy.

"This is Lt. Colonel John Sheppard with a special announcement," he says, pulling Elizabeth's attention. "Anyone in the vicinity of the gate room is more than welcome to come see me make a fool of myself. If you can get here in the next thirty seconds."

Several people rush in as Angela looks around wide-eyed. She glances up to Elizabeth and mouths: What's going on? Elizabeth can only shrug. Even though a moment later, she knows exactly what is happening and her heart starts to pound.

Col. Sheppard gets down on one knee.

Elizabeth's hand flies to her mouth as she gasps. She can feel John stiffen at her side so she glances at him for a brief moment and smiles. "I'm thrilled for her."

His tension eases immediately and they both watch the event unfold.

Sheppard pulls the delicately carved box from his pocket and opens it. Elizabeth's too far away to see what's inside, but given what's happening, she's certain it's a ring.

"Angela Peterson…" his deep voice echoes around the city. "Will you marry me?"

Angie's visibly shaking as she nods repeatedly, though no one can hear what she has to say. A moment later she leans in and talks into his mic. "Yes."

Elizabeth has heard the city shake with wild cheers before…as when the first Wraith ship was blown up…or after their plan to hide Atlantis worked. But nothing compares to the ruckus that rings through the corridors and up from the gate room as the gathered crowd roars with applause.

He slips the ring on her finger then wraps his arms around her and they're kissing like mad.

The crowd goes wild.

Elizabeth doesn't realize she's crying until John swipes a thumb under her eyes and gently wipes the tears away. She turns to him, her cheeks hurting from all the smiling. John cups her face with both hands and brings his lips onto hers.

And more cheers erupt.

A couple of loud pops breaks John's spell over her and she sees Teyla and Rodney downstairs, each holding a bottle of champagne, now uncorked and overflowing. Sheppard and Angie have yet to separate or even notice that they have an audience.

It's a wondrous moment, seeing the Colonel so happy and in love. Her best friend. He still is that. She can feel it when he looks at her. They haven't lost anything—perhaps he gained a bit given those flashes he mentioned—but not to think about that anymore. No. Col. John Sheppard may not be her lover and perhaps it was never meant to be. But he is her best friend, her trusted confident and her second in command. That has not changed. And it never will.

Yeesh, don't those two ever come up for air?

Still grinning like a fool, Elizabeth leans over and wraps her arm around John's waist and hugs him close. He kisses her hair and there's a whoop from the crowd. Lt. Cadman and Dr. Morgan are looking up at that moment, both giving her the thumbs up. Elizabeth smiles, dropping her gaze, a little embarrassed. She glances at John, sees him watching her intently, his eyes full of love for her.

He's searching her again, as he has before.

He needs reassurance that his decision was worth it. But Elizabeth's unsure as to how to let him know. She's never known John Sheppard to be insecure. This is something different.

Angie and Sheppard finally break from their sensuous lip-lock to greet their well-wishers. Angie's dark eyes find Elizabeth's and there is so much joy in them, it brings more tears to Elizabeth's eyes. Angie nods, smiling. Then she raises a brows, tilts her head, motioning to the man by Elizabeth's side…and she doesn't mean Ronon. Her grin widens, a bit sly and she mouths: I dare you.

Elizabeth feels her forehead wrinkle and then her brows rise as understanding slaps her in the head. Angie's still smiling and this time she shouts over the crowd. "I double dare you!"

All eyes turn to Elizabeth. Again she sees Cadman and Morgan giving her thumbs up, big smiles of their own lighting up their faces.

"What did she say?" John asks.

Elizabeth turns to him. "Risk it." Then she pulls him in for a killer kiss and even as the clapping and hollering all around them increases, the noise just fades away as they stand there.

Together.

oOo

Two weeks following the proposal, Angie strolls into Elizabeth's office late one night, wearing her usual outfit of dark jeans and a tight T-shirt, looking too beautiful for words…so annoying sometimes. She plops into the seat opposite the desk, tilts her head and stares at Elizabeth.

"Hello," Elizabeth says.

Angie nods. "So how weird is it that somewhere out there…another me is floating around being all enlightened."

"Very weird."

"Boy howdy. So…what'cha think happened? I mean, I…she had to have died or been close to it if I understand correctly…"

"You've had some close calls."

She waves a finger. "And I did actually die a couple times."

Elizabeth looks at her sharply. "Really?"

Angie shrugs. "Not for long." She leans elbows on her knees. The beautiful ring John gave her glimmers in the soft light from the desk lamp. Even though it's not a traditional solitaire diamond, it is exquisite and unique, just like the woman wearing it. "But that other me…she's gotta be really different from…this me. Right? Like," her brows rise. "More spiritual. Not so crazy."

"You're not crazy." Angela just stares at her, quirking her mouth to the side. Elizabeth sighs a laugh. "You're not. You're…occasionally kooky."

Angela licks her lips as she grins. "That's another word for crazy."

Elizabeth flips a hand. "But it sounds more amusing."

Angela nods. "Yes, it does. I'm so glad I can amuse you."

Elizabeth leans back in her chair, templing her fingers over her chest. "You're incredibly sanguine about this whole ordeal."

She shrugs. "Well…I figure, I've already done the yelling, kicking, crying part…" her mouth purses a little. "Now I'm accepting. Besides. I was right."

"Yes. You were." Elizabeth raises her brows. "How long you planning on holding that over me?"

"Oh," she grins. "Not just you. Dr. Beckett has some groveling too." She lowers her voice conspiratorially. "I'm forcing him to add s'mores to my weight gain regiment."

"S'mores?"

She ticks off the ingredients. "You got graham crackers, Hershey bars and marshmallows…all signed off with a doctor's orders."

Elizabeth chuckles. "You planning on sharing?"

"Girl's poker night."

"Hmm."

"You show up and play, you'll get some."

Elizabeth leans forward, placing her hands on the desk. "I'll have to think about that one. After all, my reputation may not handle another--"

"Oh please! The two of you have created more positive moral than you want to admit."

"I think you're projecting. The whole city's buzzing about your engagement." Still, Elizabeth knows she's right. Nothing has been bigger news than Elizabeth's relationship with the Major from the alternate timeline.

Angie leans back in her chair. "So, you got your clone."

Elizabeth grins. "I did. Or you did."

Angie waves a hand. "Mine's the original. At least for this timeline."

"Correct."

"So…what's gonna happen?"

Elizabeth sighs. "I don't really know. Major Sheppard hasn't come up with a new name, but he is determined to resign his commission. Seems he doesn't want to butt heads with…himself."

"Or gang up on you."

"Good point. Still, if he does resign, how can I get Landry to allow him to stay on Atlantis? I've already gotten an earful from Caldwell not wanting to deal with two Sheppards."

Angie laughs. "I'm sure." She scratches her cheek and leans forward. "I had a thought on the subject. Talked to someone I trust for their two cents."

"And?"

She tosses a piece of folded paper on the desk. "Got an e-mail today in the data burst."

Elizabeth opens the slip of paper. "'Congratulations on your impending marriage.'" She reads then smiles and nods. "He even put a happy face on it." She slides the paper back to Angie. "So, General O'Niell knows about your engagement."

Angie lets out a deep breath, smiling. "He does. And I'm hoping he might put in a little visit on the day, if possible." She points at the paper. "But that's not for me." Her gaze locks onto Elizabeth's and she holds it without blinking.

"Wha…?"

Angie arches a brow. Elizabeth looks at the paper then back up at Angie. "He expects us to…"

Her grin grows into a beautiful smile then she slaps her hands on her thighs. "Well. My work is done. I need some sex." As she heads out, she glances back at Elizabeth, still smiling. "By the way, Beth."

"Yes."

"Our deal is null and void."

Elizabeth's grin matches Angie's. "You bet your ass it is!"

Fini