Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own 'em.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews!


The trip to the mainland was mostly uneventful, the exception being when Rodney, who had voluntarily given up his seat for Elizabeth, began complaining about the effect the weapons locker was having on his back. Elizabeth immediately offered to give his seat back, but John wouldn't hear of it, and Ronon basically told McKay to "toughen up." This almost led to the renewal of the episode that had occurred before that morning's briefing, but Teyla intervened once again. In the end, Elizabeth kept her seat and Ronon reluctantly traded spots with Rodney. Elizabeth suspected Dex's uncharacteristic graciousness was more a result of Teyla's gentle persuasion than anything.

Without any further incidents, the team touched down on Athosian soil a short while later. Halling and Jinto were waiting for them and both of them greeted Elizabeth enthusiastically. "It has been too long, Dr. Weir," Halling said warmly, "We are happy to have you here."

John had contacted the Athosians ahead of time and they had hastily erected a tent for Elizabeth to stay in. Because it was on such short notice, and because of Halling's description, she was expecting a small, modest tent located at the edge of the settlement. In reality, her temporary dwelling place was huge, big enough to fit ten people, elaborately decorated and located right across from Halling's home. "Wow," John whistled as they went inside, obviously impressed, "Makes me wish I'd been ordered to take a vacation."

Elizabeth frowned at him but had to agree with the sentiment. The tent was better furnished than her quarters in Atlantis. Her bed, king-sized by Earth standards, was positioned against the far wall and what looked sort of like a chaise was located directly across from it. Both were covered in blankets and the softest furs Elizabeth had ever seen. A wooden table, large enough to seat four, sat in the middle of the room. There was a beautifully carved desk next to the bed. Tapestries were hung along the entire length of one wall and candles were situated throughout the tent. As she breathed in, Elizabeth could've sworn she smelled, of all things, roses. "Nice digs," Ronon commented.

She raised a questioning eyebrow at Sheppard, who merely shrugged. "What can I say? I'm gifted at teaching aliens English slang."

"Colonel, are you ready to go?" Rodney's impatient voice came from outside.

"In a minute, McKay!" John barked, "Why don't you go find Teyla and let her know we're heading out."

"Fine!" Rodney called back peevishly.

Elizabeth stifled a laugh when John turned to her and rolled his eyes in and exaggerated manner. "I'd better go find her before he does," Ronon stated gruffly as he pushed open the tent flap.

John sighed, "I guess I'd better be going as well." He set her bag, which he had insisted on carrying, in the corner.

"Good luck," Elizabeth said.

"Thanks, I'll need it," he replied as he turned to leave. Pausing at the entrance he added, "Oh, and Elizabeth? Enjoy your new digs." And then he was gone.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

It was slightly less than six hours later when they returned. Elizabeth, who had been dozing, was awakened by John and Rodney's loud arguing. "There was no point in staying McKay!" Sheppard's annoyed voice cut into her subconscious.

"But there could be Ancient technology in there!" Rodney protested.

"Well that doesn't help if we can't get in there to get it," John shot back.

Elizabeth rolled off the bed and stumbled to the entrance-way, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. The team was walking through the middle of the village, heading for her tent. "Back so soon?" she inquired groggily.

"Apparently Colonel Sheppard didn't see the wisdom in staying," Rodney grumbled.

"It's getting dark and we couldn't get into the ruins, so I figured instead of camping out there we could come back here, eat a decent meal, spend the night in the village," John defended himself. "I was thinking it might help if we headed back to Atlantis tomorrow to regroup."

"Dr. McKay was having trouble deciphering all of the writing," Teyla added.

"Not trouble per se," Rodney hurriedly corrected, "I didn't have enough time to translate all of it (here he shot a glare at the Lt. Colonel) and I'm not entirely sure I have the context right."

Suddenly his eyes brightened, "But you're here Elizabeth! You have a much better grasp of Ancient than I do, maybe…"

"Nope, sorry Rodney," John cut him off, "Dr. Weir is on a much deserved vacation."

"But…." McKay protested.

"No," Sheppard reiterated firmly.

"I'd love to help," Elizabeth found herself saying. This earned a pleased look from Rodney and a disapproving one from John.

"That's fantastic!" Rodney exclaimed at the same time Sheppard said, "You're supposed to be resting."

Elizabeth motioned for John to follow her into her tent. "This could be important John," she said softly, crossing her arms, "I'd like to help if I can."

Sheppard sighed, "You're on vacation for a reason Elizabeth."

"I know, believe me I do," she said, "But in a way this is a vacation for me. I never get to see ruins or go exploring."

John looked at her for a long moment. "Okay, he finally acceded, "But only if you can convince Carson to let you."

Her whole face lit up and she smiled, a real smile that reached her eyes. "Thank you John," she replied happily.

"Don't thank me yet," he said dryly, "You haven't seen what a grouch Ronon is right after he wakes up."