Chapter 13

"I can present your request for trade negotiations to the council once I return to my people. We will have to address the matter of Tristan, and his crimes, first, however. Is this acceptable?"

Corynn's voice echoed through Atlantis' conference room, her tone strong. Three days had had passed since the Daedelus, accompanied by an enormous ship – the Gladiator – had returned to the city. Since then, she had been dividing her time between the Ancient city, acting as a liaison for her people, and taking command of the huge warship. She had ordered her cousin to be locked up, deaf to his requests that they kill him now. Once he was returned to Corynn's people, he would be tried and judged by the members of the council, and a suitable punishment – possibly death – would follow.

Dr. Weir leaned forward in her seat, flanked by both Colonel Sheppard and Colonel Caldwell. After speaking with her brothers, Dillon and Janus, Corynn had requested a formal gathering, her intentions to establish the threads of an alliance. Elizabeth had been flabbergasted, but had willingly complied. Now, the expedition leader gave a warm smile, nodding her head as she agreed to Corynn's terms.

"You are more than generous, Corynn," she replied. Indeed, generous seemed an understatement. Pending approval by her council – of which she was a member – Corynn had offered technology, including medical and mechanical, as well as the opportunity to trade with all allied peoples aligned with Corynn's people. In return, the Atlanteans would also share any new technology that they stumbled upon in their explorations, as well as establishing bartering treaties with their allies. The terms weren't yet finalized, and many details needed to be ironed out, but Elizabeth was hopeful. Just the thought of having such a powerful ally…

Corynn smiled gently at the expedition leader. She rose to her feet, signaling that the conference was over. "I will also present the matter of the Wraith to the council, Dr. Weir. Hopefully, they will agree that we need to be prepared to defend ourselves against these creatures."

At this, Elizabeth only nodded shortly. The matter of the Wraith would be the biggest obstacle towards establishing a friendship with these people. Having never encountered anything like the murderous creatures, Corynn and her people had always taken a "defense" only stance with enemies. Therefore, until they were attacked, they would do nothing. Corynn had reassured John and Elizabeth that they were more than capable of defending themselves, but the idea of attacking any being – whether justified or not – was considered abhorrent.

John spoke up," I think I can honestly say that I'm glad we stumbled into each other, Corynn. And your brothers, too." He had also risen to his feet, tugging out Elizabeth's chair and offering her a hand up. He flashed a wide grin at Dillon and Janus, who responded in kind, even though their grasp of the language was still tenuous. The brothers resembled their sister in more than looks, with their caramel blonde hair and ocean colored eyes; they also had her innate sense of trust. While enroute to Atlantis, they had allowed John and his team to fly Corynn over to their ship, and, even though Corynn was battered and exhausted, had made them feel welcome. McKay had disappeared for hours, roaming the gigantic vessel, and returning with a glazed, happy look on his face. Even Ronon, stoic giant that he was, seemed impressed by both the ship and its crew.

"Well, if that's it, I'm hungry," John announced. He shrugged at Elizabeth's exasperated look, and was rewarded by Corynn's eager nod. It was hard to accept that the composed, authoritative woman standing next to them was the same woman who knoshed on french fries with Teyla a week ago. They seemed like two, entirely different people.

"Speaking of food…anybody seen Rodney?" Elizabeth asked. She waved one hand towards the door, signaling that Corynn should take the lead.

"Haven't seen him," John replied. He exchanged a glance with Colonel Caldwell, who shrugged. Elizabeth had insisted that Caldwell be involved in the negotiations, stating that it would be the soldier, and not the expedition leader, who returned to Earth with the news of a potential ally. He had remained uncharacteristically silent during the negotiations, and John wondered if it was out of respect for Corynn…or fear of her ship.

"Oh, well, he'll turn up," Elizabeth said. She had actually granted Rodney's wish to remain out of the negotiations, the scientist claiming that he had more important things to do than sit around and chat. Momentarily annoyed at his description of her job, Elizabeth had relented, wanting to avoid a confrontation. Since the mishap on the Daedelus, Rodney had been more irascible than usual, and allowing him his freedom was one way to keep him happy. And a happy Rodney made for a happy Atlantis.

oOo

The scientist in question gazed out at the blue-green water of Atlantis, lulled by the rhythm of the waves as they lapped at the city's supports. The negotiations had apparently gone well, the powers-that-be breaking for lunch a short time ago. Rodney, ensconced in his lab, had heard the familiar sounds of Elizabeth and John as they strolled by, occasionally punctuated by her short laugh or a wry comment from the Colonel. Also, less noticeable but still discernible, was Corynn's quick voice, speaking both in English and in her own tongue, apparently to her two younger brothers. Trailing behind the small group was the ever-present Colonel Caldwell, his eyes sharp, his frown replaced by a ghost of a grin. Yes, the negotiations must have gone well.

At the sound of Corynn's giggle, accompanied by one of the brothers – Dillon? – playful teasing, Rodney had sighed. He had escaped to the balcony, his mind churning. Having only one sister, and two parents who were veritable strangers, Rodney had often longed for a brother. In his time here on Atlantis, he seemed to have acquired an odd, extended family, with John, Carson and Radek substituting as siblings, but it wasn't quite the same. Unlike Corynn and her family, they didn't have fond childhood memories of one another; their bond was from work and duty and fear and survival. Not to mention respect and even love. The reality was, John was probably the closest thing Rodney would ever have as a brother.

"Dr. McKay?" Corynn's voice wafted across the balcony, and Rodney stiffened. She was the true reason he was out here, although he was loathe to admit it. He kept his gaze fixed on the horizon, a part of him wishing that she would leave, another part wanting this over with. Her hand on his shoulder caused him to heave another sigh, then he turned and glared.

"What?" His left hand automatically settled on his right arm, rubbing at the scar. It didn't hurt, not even a twinge, but he found himself worrying at the skin more and more. His mind would return to the soothing warmth of Corynn's hands as she caressed his arm, her touch healing his pain, her fingertips hypnotic as they circled and swirled on his skin.

"Does your arm hurt?" She sounded surprised, and automatically reached out to grasp his arm. He yanked it away, disturbed by how much he wanted her to touch him.

"No. What do you want, Corynn?" His words were sharp, accusing, but she only stared at him, unruffled by his tone. She held his gaze, her fingers reaching up to tug at the small blue crystal around her neck.

"I have something for you," she said. She opened up her other hand, and Rodney saw the necklace she had taken from the Nomad. Unlike her gold chain and pale blue crystal, this one was pure white, suspended by a silver chin.

She leaned forward, standing on her toes, and slid the chain around Rodney's head. He tilted his head down as she stepped away, taking up the small crystal in one hand, and eyeing it cautiously. Unlike the faint aura that glowed from Corynn's crystal, his remained cold and white, lifeless.

"Rodney, you risked your life to save mine, and that is a debt which my people take very seriously." She paused as Rodney shook his vehemently, a crimson blush blooming on his cheeks.

"I did nothing," he retaliated. "You're the one who took all the risks. You entered the room, vented the gas. Hell, you even replaced the command crystal. I didn't do…anything."

There it was. Guilt echoed in his voice, as well as anger. Three days had gone by, and with each had come an increasing awareness that once again, someone had put their lives on the line to save his butt. Okay, maybe more than just his butt, after all the entire ship had been at risk, and maybe Corynn had been the only one capable of restoring power to the ship, but that didn't matter. Rodney had stood there and watched as she entered the room. Just stood there! And when the gas had cleared, he had hesitated. Not long – just a second or two had passed before he entered the room – but what if that had made the difference between Corynn living – or Corynn dying?

The reality was, he liked this woman. Oh, maybe not in the romance and flowers way – although he had the distinct feeling that that was a possibility. No, rather, she was a woman who seemed, well, equal, to him. Only Samantha Carter had ever held such a position of equality with Rodney – which was one of the reasons he lusted after her. He respected Elizabeth – his boss, a diplomat, at times more emotional than logical – and he admired Teyla – strong, sure and deadly, but he actually liked Corynn.

And he owed this woman. If she hadn't come along, he'd probably be back on Earth right now, drugged to the gills with morphine and going under the surgeon's knife. Once more, his hand stole to his right arm, searching the skin for the tell-tale rough skin of his scar.

And now she was leaving. Taking off in that unbelievable beautiful space ship, and flying back to her home, and her people. And he was starting to believe that he would miss her.

"Rodney. I need you to listen to me. You willingly put yourself in danger, risking your life for mine. You…shared your breath with me, giving me the oxygen that I needed. You stayed with me, offering me comfort when I needed it most. You did everything." Corynn's voice had continue to drop, her last word a whisper. She moved forward, taking both his hands in hers, and tugging him towards her.

"The crystal I have given you is a homing device. Everyone in my family is given one at birth. I have given you Ethan's. It is one of the few things I have left of my eldest brother." She paused, holding Rodney's astonished gaze. She entwined her fingers with his, feeling his nervousness in the slight tremble of his hands.

She smiled; she would never hurt this man.

"After I activate the crystal, you can use it to contact me. If at any time you are ever in danger, or you need me – for whatever reason - then all you have to do is hold it in your hands, and press here…" she paused, pointing out the miniscule switch. "No matter where you are, a signal will be sent, and I will hear you. Do you understand?"

Actually, no, he didn't, but Rodney nodded anyway. He felt her small hands tighten her grip, and she took a deep breath.

"I'm going to activate the crystal, now. I need you to close your eyes, and relax. It will only take a second." Corynn waited for the scientist to give his trademark shrug, and watched as he squeezed his eyes shut. After a moment, she did the same.

Warmth and a slight, pleasant tingling suddenly ran through his hands, coursing up his arms and into his body. It was similar to the time before, when she had healed him, but so much more. He could feel her heart as it beat, the thrum of her blood as it flowed through her veins, the gentle whoosh of air as she took another breath in. He sagged, swaying on his feet, aware of the city and the sea and the sounds of people beyond the balcony, but filled with the sense of this woman. Suddenly, he felt her loosen her control, and gasped as emotions coursed through him.

Respect. Admiration. One by one, her feelings for Rodney flowed through her, into him, swirling into his body and his mind. The intimacy of their touch was intoxicating, and he sucked in a ragged breath.

Gratitude. Friendship. The strength of it nearly overwhelmed him. The crystal on his chest seemed to vibrate, shimmering with life and heat. Even through closed eyes, Rodney knew with a certainty that the amulet was glowing, pulsating with their combined heart beats. Corynn loosened her hold, but Rodney could sense even more emotions longing to spring forth. He tightened his grip, unwilling to let her break their bond, although he was frightened of what she would reveal to him.

Amusement. Impatience. Curiosity. She was tugging her hands away now, trying to escape his insistent hold. He held her for one moment longer, not wanting to lose this intimacy, shaken by the fact that he wanted more.

Desire. Need. Heat flared between them, and, startled, Rodney dropped his hands. Corynn immediately stepped back, her eyes widening, her hands trembling. She reached up, grasping her crystal, and re-closing her eyes briefly.

Then, drawing in a long breath, she gazed back at him, her composure apparently restored.

"We are connected now, Rodney," she admitted softly. Rodney remained unusually silent, turning away from Corynn as he struggled to contain his own feelings. The last few moments they had been bonded had caused a rush of heat to surge throughout his body, and his heart pounded wildly. Now, though, the moment passed, seeming like a dream, and he only felt drained.

Corynn stared at his back for a moment, reluctant to admit that she was as unsettled by her own emotions as he was by his. Finally, the scientist slowly spun around, his eyes downcast, a blush on his cheeks.

Corynn, having regained her equilibrium, gave him a wry smile.

"By the way, Rodney, don't wait until the last minute to use the crystal. It may take me some time to get to you, even with our better technology." She let a bit of condescension flow into her final words, hoping to get a rise out of the still-silent physicist.

It worked. Rodney snorted derisively, his hands dropping away from the shimmering crystal hanging around his neck. He eyed her, relieved that their relationship had returned to normal, but still feeling the loss of their contact. He pushed aside the memory, and folded his arms across his chest.

"Better? Says who?" he shot back.

She grinned, not answering his question, and then motioned for the scientist to follow her. Taking one more deep breath, Rodney squared his shoulders and followed the buoyant woman from the balcony. She glanced back, a mischievous smile on her face.

"There's one more thing I'd like to give you…" she said.

TBC