Hugs and kisses to everyone who reviewed! Or a pat on the back if you don't like that kind of thing…Saw Conversion and have to say it was brilliant, even the kiss I was dreading. But I have to say that both John and Teyla seemed relieved nothing else happened (holds up hands defensively) I'm a Sparky shipper, what do you expect?
Enlightened Beings?
Chapter 6: Two heads…
Elizabeth carried her cup of coffee carefully as she walked into the control room dreading the pile of paper work she knew was trying to topple over her desk. Climbing up the stairs she spotted the doors to her office already open and groaned wondering what scientist had beaten the others to being first.
Stopping by the young technician she asked quietly, "Who's in my office?"
"Oh, Dr McKay Ma'am." He replied smiling apologetically and Elizabeth fought to sigh in frustration.
"Great, thank you." She said and hesitantly entered her office. "Rodney?"
"Oh, morning Elizabeth!" He greeted cheerfully, jumping up off the couch. "Sleep well?"
Elizabeth moved behind the desk placing the scolding cup gently on the surface. "Yes, after yesterday's adventure I was exhausted."
"Know what you mean." He agreed and approached the desk. "I even slept last night after Sheppard stomped…went to bed." He finished hoping she hadn't caught his slip up but deep down knew she was incredibly perceptive.
Raising an eyebrow she sat down. "Stomped? What happened to make Colonel Sheppard stomp away?"
Rodney's mind skimmed over a number of excuses and finally settled on the simplest, "I only wanted to experiment with the device but I think he was tired."
"You were pushing him again." She stated disapprovingly and he suddenly felt like telling her truth, instead of being made out like the bad guy.
Swallowing an angry retort he answered, "No, he tried it once. Once, Elizabeth."
She nodded slightly while lifting the cup to her lips. After taking a hot sip she said, "Well, we were all tired. Perhaps he'll try again for you today…wait!" She cried looking up curiously. "The device didn't work?"
"No. I don't understand, I mean it's Ancient…I think and even Sheppard couldn't turn it on."
Elizabeth continued to stare thoughtfully at the scientist tapping her fingers on the metal mug. "Is there symbols or writing on it?" When Rodney nodded she bit her lip. "Rodney…could you bring me a copy of the symbols? Or even the device itself?"
He screwed up his face as he replied, "Yeah, I guess. Why?"
"I just want to see if I recognize the language." She told him trying to keep her voice calm. "As soon as possible?"
"Sure. Won't take me long. Although I'd rather leave it in the lab for-"
"That's okay. Just the pictures then please." She said and he nodded and walked away, puzzled by his boss' s sudden change in mood.
Elizabeth kept her gaze on the door wondering if this was really the device Kyra had told her about. Obviously John hadn't picked up on it but then again if Rodney had pissed him off, it was understandable. She began tapping her foot impatiently before starting realizing she had an early briefing.
Taking another gulp of coffee she quickly fished out the relevant report from the huge pile and dashed to the briefing room.
John watched his men circle each other and then begin sparring with sticks. He walked around the pair as they ducked and twisted giving them some tips now and then while the others cheered them on. Technically it should have been strict training but he decided to let the guys have some fun for today, after his restless sleep the night before he didn't really care this morning.
"Aaargh!" One of the young marines cried as he flung the other over his shoulder, landing with a thump effectively ending the fight. There were a serious of cheers and boos and John waved his hands.
"Alright, alright!" He shouted over the din, "Good job Simmons and Berg."
He watched as the two men shook hands, Berg limping away and Simmons smiling proudly. As the group settled down John thought about his argument with Rodney last night and felt his anger resurface about his accusation. He himself had told Elizabeth not worry about what others thought about them and here he was doing the opposite.
Then the image of the device popped into his head and the officer felt a little disappointed he couldn't activate it. As his mind went over the design, shape and symbols a thought suddenly occurred to him.
"I couldn't activate it." He announced unaware of how quiet the room was now.
"Sir?" Berg asked peering inquiringly at his CO and John looked up to see all of his men staring at him like he was mad.
"Um…nothing. Was just thinking out loud." He assured them embarrassed. "Uh…pair up and practice some defence techniques for another half hour and then you can go. I've…I've got to go!" And then he ran off in search of Dr Weir.
His men glanced at each other bemusedly before pairing up.
Bounding up the stairs John ignored the curious looks from the control technicians and jogged to Weir's office doors. Waving a hand over the panel it slid open and he marched into the room, barely noticing Rodney sitting in a chair opposite Elizabeth's desk.
"John?" She asked puzzled watching him approach with excitement.
Placing his hands on the table he leaned forward exclaiming, "We've found the device Elizabeth. The device Rodney wanted me to try…I couldn't turn it on. It must be what Kyra-"
"-was talking about." She finished for him nodding and then motioning to the pictures before her. "Rodney took these images for me so I could look at the symbols."
"Oh." John uttered, peering over his shoulder to see a smug looking McKay behind him. Scowling he slowly moved his head back, "So, do you recognize the symbols?" He felt Rodney draw closer so he was also at the desk.
Elizabeth gazed at the pictures before replying. "I do actually but…it's like the Wraith language. It appears to incorporate both Ancient and another language I'm not familiar with."
"What's the big deal about this? "Rodney asked frowning.
Elizabeth and John gave each other a disbelieved look before John complained, "So we have to listen to you drone on and on about power whatnots and ion whozits but you won't do the same for us?"
"I do so listen!" He cried defensively to Elizabeth who rolled her eyes. "I just forgot…the significance of your story."
Elizabeth sighed and explained, "This must be the type of device Kyra told us about…remember…the one where an Ancient couldn't activate it and two heads were better than one?"
Recognition appeared on his face and he murmured, "Oh yeah…that device!"
John shook his head and asked, "So do we know how to turn it on now?"
The two men stared at Weir as she bit her lip. "I think so. I want to see the machine."
15 minutes later all three were walking to McKay's lab, Elizabeth sandwiched between her colleagues. "All I'm saying is sometimes your 'military briefings' can be extremely boring, Colonel."
John scoffed as Elizabeth pursed her lips trying to remain patient. "Yeah, cause two hours of non-stop science is just a blast for us Rodney!"
"Oh look, the lab!" The leader cried in relief, thankful the pathetic 8-year-old conversation would now stop, at least for a while.
"Yep, here it is." Rodney gesture to the silver box and Elizabeth and John stood opposite him, staring down at it.
"It's very…shiny." She stated not looking very impressed, tracing her hands over the smooth surface and around the handprints.
"Try it." John suggested, nudging her. "Put your hands in and see if it switches on for you."
"Hmmmm." She murmured looking unsure. "Okay."
Taking a deep breath Elizabeth cautiously placed her hands in the outlines and squinted nervously. Again, nothing happened.
"Damn." John muttered looking to Rodney for answers but all he got was a bewildered shrug.
Keeping her hands on the device Elizabeth tilted her head thoughtfully. "Two heads…two heads…"
"What did she mean?" Sheppard asked.
"Well obviously we need two people." She announced nodding her head once.
"But what two?" Rodney queried eyes roaming over the mirrored surface.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. "Well, Kyra said two young people, one Ancient the other Furling, came together. So…"
"We need an Ancient and a Furling." John confirmed.
"I think so."
Rodney waved his hands excitedly. "Well on you go then."
Elizabeth glanced at John who shrugged. Stepping to the side, she left her right hand in one indent and positioned herself so she was slightly facing John. He then came closer and hovered his left hand over the other, very much aware of the distance between them now. Gazing down at her he flashed her a reassuring grin, despite feeling extremely nervous.
Elizabeth tried to calm her racing heart, as well as the warmth and scent coming from John. Their closeness was slightly unnerving but so was the idea of turning the machine on. Gazing up at him she almost became lost in his green eyes but the coolness of the device kept her grounded.
"Ready?" He asked huskily, completely forgetting Rodney's presence.
Elizabeth licked her lips. "I think so."
Rodney's gaze flickered between the two, feeling like a third wheel. "Well go on then!"
John's head snapped up at him and he glared. "Okay Rodney. Here goes."
Shooting Elizabeth a small smile John slowly lowered his hand into the handprint and held her gaze as they waited for a reaction.
All three held their breath and then suddenly the box began to tremor and a blinding white light flashed around the room.
A/N: Back to the evil cliffies again! Sorry, my fingers have a mind of their own (doesn't sound right huh?) Anyways, please R'nR!