Secrets of the Mind
Part 5
Disclaimers in Part 1
From the Author: Again, thanks for the wonderful reviews. You guys really know how to boost an author's self esteem!
"You've got to be kidding me! You liked the books better than the movie?"
Elizabeth looked over at John, raising an eyebrow. "And this surprises you?"
"I don't know. I guess. I still don't see how you prefer to read the Lord of the Rings trilogy rather than watch it. Tolkien is too wordy. I literally skipped through the Council of Elrond because I couldn't get through. I had a friend summarize it for me in about 10 minutes."
Elizabeth laughed. It was so good to have her memories back… all her memories. It was also wonderful to have a conversation with John after the huge mess she made of everything. Luckily they both felt the same way and it would all worked out (although they both still had some doubts about how the brass would take it all in).
"No wonder you haven't finished War and Peace," Elizabeth said with a grin.
John nodded in agreement. "I would like to finish it sometime this century, though."
Just then Rodney came in. He didn't make a sound as he slowly walked up to Elizabeth's bed. He looked absolutely worried, but he was amazingly silent.
"Rodney?" John asked, causing Elizabeth to turn and face the scientist. "What's wrong?"
Rodney didn't know how to tell them. He didn't know how to break the news to his friends that they were being called to Earth. He didn't know how to tell them that someone from Atlantis had sent an anonymous tip back to Earth with information regarding their new relationship.
"Rodney." Elizabeth took his hand and shook it.
He blinked. "Um, sorry. I just received a message from Earth. General Landry is requesting that you and Colonel Sheppard go as soon as Carson feels you're able."
"Feels they're able for what?" Carson asked, walking over.
"Gate travel apparently," John replied. "Did he say why?"
Rodney handed a piece of paper to Elizabeth. "That's why."
"Oh my God!"
"What?"
Elizabeth looked over at John. "Someone sent an anonymous message regarding our, and I quote, 'new found relationship'."
"Rodney relax, we'll be fine."
He crossed his arms and eyed John skeptically. "That's what you keep saying, but from the way Colonel Caldwell was talking earlier, he didn't seem so convinced. And now I'm left alone with him while you're both on Earth."
"Don't worry so much, Rodney," Elizabeth said. "I'm sure we can smooth things over and be home by lunch."
John could tell that Rodney wasn't convinced, but he shrugged his shoulders and followed Elizabeth through the event horizon.
When they arrived, General Landry was waiting for them and he didn't look particularly happy. In fact, the man didn't even say anything, just gave them a look that said, Follow me now! John didn't like silent orders like that all and from the expression on Elizabeth's face, he could tell she didn't either.
Elizabeth was taken to one of the guest quarters while John was taken to the briefing room. General O'Neill and Robert Woolsey were present. He greeted them then sat down after General Landry was seated.
"Colonel Sheppard," Landry began. "Do you know why you're here?"
John swallowed around the lump in his throat. "I think I have a good idea."
"Good, then this should be easy."
That's easy for you to say, John thought. Aloud he said, "Yes, Sir."
General Landry nodded to O'Neill. "Colonel, I realize that we've given you leeway on how things are run on Atlantis and I agree that it's been good for the city. The one thing we can't give in on is the policy of fraternization. This could split any focus either you or Dr. Weir have."
John nodded slowly, afraid to say anything. He had a sinking feeling he knew where this was going.
"Colonel," General Landry said, "If you both plan on continuing this relationship, you will have to be reassigned."
Woolsey could see the conflicting emotions in John's eyes. "You do understand why, Colonel?"
"Yes, Sir."
"We'll give you two hours to speak with Dr. Weir about this," O'Neill said. John couldn't be certain, but he thought he heard a hint of regret in his voice. "Of course we'd like both of you in Atlantis."
"Yes, Sir," John replied again, standing up. He gave a salute, then left to find Elizabeth.
"Sir? What are you doing here?"
"Hey, Carter," Jack replied.
He purposely avoided the question. After what Carrie had said to him three years ago regarding resignation, he felt horrible that he couldn't provide the same reassurance to Sheppard. And he felt even worse that the man had to choose between the city he now called home and the woman he fell in love with.
Sam knew him almost as well as she knew herself. "What happened?"
"I can't discuss that with you, Sam," he replied. "Let's just say that I feel like I've just been zatted multiple times but without dying or disappearing."
"Sir… Jack."
He finally gave in.
Elizabeth stared at John for nearly five minutes before she spoke. "What are we going to do?" she asked. "They're probably going to order you to leave Atlantis whether or not we decide to pursue our relationship.
"It's out now. Everyone is really going to believe that my… focus is split. I wish they knew me better than that. I care about everyone under my command equally! It doesn't matter if I'm in love with them or not, I don't plan on abandoning anyone!"
John quickly moved to take her into his arms as she cried. "I know all of that, Elizabeth," he said. "We're just going to have to prove that to General Landry and O'Neill. And the IOA."
"Haven't I proved it enough, John? I mean, apparently I've been harboring these feelings for awhile and they've never said anything about me splitting focus!"
John didn't know what to say to calm her down. He understood that if they wanted to be together, he had to stay. Even though Atlantis had become his home, he couldn't be so close to Elizabeth and not act on his feelings. At least if he were on Earth, she could visit him and they could be together.
"Elizabeth," he said, taking her hands in his. "I don't want to stay on Earth, but it looks like I may have to."
"John!"
He wrapped his arms tightly around her. "We'll work this through. You can visit me whenever you want. I will always be there for you. I love you."
Elizabeth allowed the tears to flow. "I love you too, John and I already miss you."
"It's Earth's IDC," Chuck told Rodney.
He nodded. "Call Teyla and Ronon."
By the time he reached the bottom of the stairs, Elizabeth had walked through and the 'Gate shut down. Rodney felt his stomach drop to the floor. He had a pretty good idea what happened especially by the look on Elizabeth's face.
"Welcome home," he said.
"Yeah. Home."
"Elizabeth…"
"I'll be in my quarters, Rodney."
Rodney was half tempted to get some information from her. To find out what exactly had happened when they were on Earth. He was so lost in thought he didn't hear Ronon and Teyla come up behind him until Ronon's voice rumbled.
"Don't do that!" Rodney exclaimed, holding a hand to his chest. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"
Ronon just grinned as Teyla spoke up. "Where are Dr. Weir and Colonel Sheppard?"
"Elizabeth just went to her quarters."
"Sheppard?"
"He's not coming back."
