SEVEN

Elizabeth laid her cards out: flush, king high. Her two opponents grumbled and she scooped up the pot. They were having a quiet game in her office, just the three of them, to catch up and dish about their secret pact. "So, how'd he take it?"

Sharon hadn't been able to lose the smile since she got back two days ago. No one had heard her growl or make a snide remark in the same amount of time. And yesterday, Major Lorne requested Elizabeth make her see Dr. Heightmeyer because he caught Sharon singing in the corridor. "Get this…he knew."

"He knew!" Laura and Elizabeth echoed.

"Well…he knew I was an imposter, but not why or who I really was, of course."

Laura shook her head. "How'd he know?"

Sharon chuckled. "Turns out I have a tell after-all, ladies." She pointed to her left eye. "Every time I had him call me Elizabeth, my eye twitched."

They all laughed.

"So, he wasn't angry?" Elizabeth asked.

"Naw. He found it funny, actually. It's not like he could get really mad considering what he pulled in the first place. Besides…" she smirked at Elizabeth. "I told him that you were saving yourself for Col. Sheppard. Trey's a romantic at heart, even if he has to hide it. As long as you never set foot on Lartnec Msagro as the leader of Atlantis, there won't be a problem." Sharon sniffed, glancing furtively at Elizabeth. "I…um…I can go back…though…right?"

"Eager to keep that smile a permanent fixture I take it?"

Sharon shrugged, trying to be nonchalant but failing miserably as her face turned two

shades darker than her hair. "Well. You know. Can't let those newly formed alliances fall to the wayside."

"Awww…" Laura started, giving Sharon's shoulder a nudge. "Such a trooper, isn't she. Taking one for the team and all."

Sharon rocked her head and cocked an eyebrow. "Not just one."

"I'm sure we can arrange something." Elizabeth smiled as she shook her head. "Considering what you've told me about Treyhil, he seems like the perfect prankster. So, I guess I'm not surprised he went along with the whole 'freak John out' scenario? But you two! I'm not happy about you two making that up along the way."

"The hell you're not!" Sharon chuckled. She motioned between her and Elizabeth. "We've got matching smiles, girlfriend. You've been busy."

Elizabeth's grin grew and she could feel the blush in her cheek. "Very busy."

"So," Laura poked her in the arm. "Do tell."

Elizabeth nodded, sticking her tongue between her teeth. "Definitely an 11…officially."

Laura and Sharon did a complicated handshake that ended in a high-five. Then they leaned in on the desk and at the same time said: "Details, please."

"Details!"

"You've tamed the slut of the Pegasus Galaxy," Laura claimed.

Sharon nodded with enthusiasm. "We must learn your best kept secrets."

"And his," Laura grinned and sighed heavily. "…all of his."

Elizabeth leaned back in her chair and folded her arms. "Hmm…" she nailed them with her best negotiator's stare. "What have you got for me?"

END