Elizabeth breathed in the fresh air, it reminded her of Earth. She glanced around at the teams and knew that John was about to give them their orders. It was different seeing him like this, leading. She knew that's what he did but seeing it first hand was special.

"Teyla, Smith, Mathews and Franks are negotiating with the Bedans. Get us a good deal." John smirked while giving them their orders.

"Ronon, Rodney, Dr Weir, Lorne, Jones, Adams and Myself are checking out the Ancient Ruins," John commanded.

"Check in is in 3 hours."

And with that the teams broke off. Elizabeth watched intrigued by how well every person on this mission knew the protocol, knew each other. She made her way over to John who seemed to be waiting for her.

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John watched her walk over to him and plastered a smile to his face. She was so different in the field, so vulnerable. He had made sure that every member of his team knew that there foremost goal in this mission was to protect her, keep her safe. He didn't want her to worry so he had told them to keep it quiet as he knew she would complain about all of the fuss.

When she reached him, he turned and started to walk with her towards the ruins. Ronon discreetly took up the rear. John knew that Ronon was sharp and had keen senses and would know if something was up.

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From the tree line a man watched. So these were the Atlantian explorers. He knew a great many who would pay for details of their off world whereabouts. Kolya being among the highest paying.

Waiting for them to clear the area, the man scrambled up to the DHD and dialed in a set of co-ordinates.

Yes, this would pay big.

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Elizabeth walked next to John. She could feel that he wanted to talk but didn't want to seem out of place.

"John…I'm Sorry." She whispered.

His head snapped around to face her and his eyes showed surprise.

"What for?" he questioned.

She closed her eyes briefly, collecting her thoughts

"For not being there…in the morning," she choked out.

His eyes glowed in recognition of waking up alone.

"Do you regret it?" he forced out looking away from her as the memories of that night re-entered his mind.

"No…It was what we needed," she breathed out, not sure how that sounded

"So you slept with me because you needed it?" John bit out harshly.

"John…" Elizabeth sighed reaching out to grab his arm, stopping on the path.

Ronon still following, hung back out of sight. Knowing that whatever they needed to talk about needed to be fleshed out now.

"I didn't mean it like that and you know it. I let my control go, let myself do something I have wanted but can't allow myself to do. What we…feel...has to be pushed back," she whispered.

John stared at her. He knew this was important to her and he needed to let her know that although he didn't agree, he would support her.

He nodded. "I understand what you want, but it's that much harder now."

She stared up at him, knowing this wasn't the time and place to be having this conversation but it was happening anyway. She nodded in agreement. "I know!"

At her words his hand reached out to touch her cheek and he found her leaning into his touch. His head moved closer to hers until he could feel her breath on his lips. Forbidden Lips. That though didn't stop the temptation and he leant closer still.

She felt his lips touch hers and wanted to push him away but she couldn't find the strength anywhere. He moaned when she responded and all thought of stopping faded away as she melted. Hands running through his hair and tongues dancing. Elizabeth felt it getting out of control but she couldn't help herself.

SNAP

John jumped away from her cursing himself for letting his guard down on a mission especially this one. He raised his P-90, urging Elizabeth with his hand to stay behind him. Moving back down the path, his eyes darted around looking for the disturbance.

Ronon strode up the path towards them and John lowered his gun.

"Was that you then? Making the noise?" he questioned.

Ronon nodded "Yeah,"

"We best keep moving." He added.

John turned to look at Elizabeth, her face was flushed and her hair all wild. He had done that he thought proudly.

"Come on lets go."

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

"Are you sure it was them?" a voice growled.

"Yes, It was Sheppard and his people."

"Your information is greatly appreciated," Kolya beamed as he handed over the reward.

As the man left, Kolya radioed his team.

"Be at the stargate in five minutes." he commanded menacingly.

He smirked as he gathered his weapons.

He was going to get John Sheppard this time.

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