Disclaimers: Stargate Atlantis is not mine. No copyright infringement intended.
Author's Notes: Um...hi everyone! This is my very first fanfic ever, so I apologize if I've done a terrible job. I've tried to keep everyone in character as best as I could, but you know, mistakes happen. I know that July is a few months away, but since I'm going to be suffering from internet deprivation this summer (and before I lose my nerve), I decided to post this now. Constructive criticism is very much appreciated, but if you're just trying to hurt my feelings, don't bother please. All that being said, enjoy!
"But, it's an AMERICAN holiday!" Rodney sputtered, spraying his friends with bits of chewed-up hotdog.
"McKay!" John growled, furiously trying to clean his face of Rodney's lunch. "That's not the point of this little get-together. I wanted to celebrate the spirit of the holiday. So what if it happens to be an American holiday? Who cares? As long as everyone's having a good time."
"I am still not sure that I understand this," Teyla commented, delicately flicking a piece of hotdog from her arm. "Dr. McKay, why does it matter to you if this is an American," she said the word carefully, "celebration? You have taken part in many Athosian ceremonies before, and not complained so."
"See, that's the thing. It doesn't matter," John pressed on eagerly. "It's the idea behind the day that matters."
"Oh, yeah, revolution and violence and-" Rodney mumbled, but Elizabeth interceded before he could continue.
"What I believe Colonel Sheppard is trying to say is that though this day would not normally be celebrated by all of the expedition members, the ideas that it represents are important to all of us, including the Athosians."
Rodney snorted, but managed to keep his mouth shut.
"What ideas would those be, Dr. Weir?" Teyla asked, genuinely curious.
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness," John quipped up. "And it's also a good excuse for a barbeque," he added, nodding sagely.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
"I think I may understand," Teyla said slowly, though it was clear that she was still completely lost as to what the purpose of their little cookout was. "I am going to go check up on Ronon." The other three watched her leave. When she was out of hearing distance, John turned on Rodney.
"Why'd you have to go and say that? Now you've confused her, again."
Rodney narrowed his eyes. "I was just stating my opinion, Colonel. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go …over…there." He pointed vaguely in the direction of the food and wandered off, muttering to himself.
John shook his head and looked at Elizabeth. "So, do you think this was a good idea?"
She looked around them. Marcus Lorne was standing in front of a grill, trying not to blacken the hamburgers and hotdogs and ignore Rodney's criticism at the same time. So far he wasn't having much luck. Carson and a few of the other scientists were trying to teach a young group of Athosians how to play soccer, while other members of the expedition looked on and laughed. Laura Cadman was bent over a box of fireworks, trying to decide which we would be best for the light show John had insisted that they have. Somehow he had even managed to obtain a case of beer along with all the food, the grill, fireworks and the volleyball net that was currently being set up on the beach. People were smiling, and maybe, if even it was only for a few hours, they were thinking of something besides the Wraith. For a brief moment, life was good.
She turned back to him and smiled. "A very good idea, Colonel."
He grinned and put an arm around her shoulder. "I thought so."
