Chapter Four
When they gathered again in the evening to eat dinner with their team, Elizabeth thought she was going to go mad as she watched her colleagues having conversations with themselves and getting on well. It occurred to her that she had never seen Rodney and Zelenka looking so content. It figured really; Rodney would never appreciate the work or theories of somebody who wasn't him, and Zelenka was probably enjoying working alongside a head of Science who did actually appreciate and respect him.
And it looked like this ritual was going to continue for at least another week. After taking a look at their version of the device which had enabled them to travel here, Rodney had quickly asserted that it would take them another week to get it active, alongside all the other research he would be doing whilst they were there. Elizabeth suspected that he may have been over-exaggerating slightly to ensure that he could work with Meredith for as long as possible. And until then, she would be stuck with a cranky Colonel who looked like he was going to he wanted to inflict great pain on both McKays, whose similarities seemingly extended to ego.
'If I hear either of them say, 'you're a genius' again...' John warned.
'It makes his usual self seem modest.' Elizabeth commented.
'Now come 'Lizabeth; I wouldn't go that far.'
Jonathan entered the mess hall, and ushered Elizabeth and John over to join him. Eager to get away, they both stood up and followed him to his and Lizzie's quarters, where Elizabeth was finally given the opportunity to see herself as a pregnant lady. Beyond the small bump, there were other obvious differences – Lizzie's hair was longer, with the curls even more untamed and her attire was more hippy. Whilst she actually really liked the hair, she could never see herself wearing a tie-dye maternity dress.
'It's lovely to meet you. Is it Lizzie?' Lizzie said, standing up to hug Elizabeth.
'No, it's Elizabeth.' She said, pulling away.
'Jonathan tells me that you're the leader of Atlantis, I'd love to hear how.' She said sitting down on the bed.
Elizabeth sat down next to her, 'Well, I actually briefly took over command of the SGC after working for the government at the United Nations-'
'This is unbelievable. I was never involved in politics. I've been with the SGC since the program began – working alongside Daniel Jackson.' Lizzie said excitedly.
'One of my Ph.D.s is in political sciences; did you never study for that?' Elizabeth asked.
'No. I only have the one.'
On the other side of the room, John and Jonathan were making small talk over a deck of cards.
'Jonathan says that you two aren't together?' Lizzie said.
'No.' Elizabeth confirmed.
'This must be strange for you? Seeing you and him together?'
'A little.' Elizabeth laughed, 'If you don't mind me asking, how did you start dating?'
'I was a member of Jonathan's team, and well, I fell in love with him. I think he always felt this need to take care of me because I wasn't military trained, and something developed between us.' Lizzie shrugged.
'It's good that you have each other.' Elizabeth said sincerely.
'Is there somebody in your life?' Lizzie asked.
'No. I was engaged before I came to Atlantis, but he's met somebody else and I'm married to my job.'
'That isn't healthy. If your people in Atlantis are as wonderful as ours, then there is somebody special out there for you.' Lizzie said, clutching Elizabeth's hand.
It occurred to Elizabeth why Lizzie wasn't a diplomat – she was much too sweet and caring. Elizabeth genuinely liked the differences she saw in her, but she knew that the reason why she hadn't gone on to study the second PhD was because she lacked the desire to take people on. She was gentle and preferred to help rather than take the spotlight herself. Whereas, Rodney was perfectly equipped for that – he was the natural leader of this Atlantis. And a leader without the threat of the Wraith. Was it her fault that they were worrying for their lives on a daily basis, whilst the worries on this Atlantis consisted of power shortages?
'Jonathan, quick.' Lizzie said suddenly.
'What is it?' Jonathan said, dashing over to her.
'The baby's kicking.' She said, grabbing his hand and placing it on her stomach.
Elizabeth watched the scene with a small feeling of wistfulness surfacing in her heart; they had each other, and their life seemed so perfect. When the baby had stopped wriggling, Jonathan leant in to kiss Lizzie who lovingly wrapped her arms around his neck. Realisation hit Elizabeth that this is how she and John would look if they were kissing. The same realisation had seemingly hit John too, based on the way he was wriggling uncomfortably.
Not wanting to intrude any longer, they said goodbye with excuses about how tired they were and left without much notice from the happy couple. In an unspoken agreement, they returned to their quarters, stopping at Elizabeth's door to say goodnight.
'So, erm, I'll see you in the morning.' John said, looking into her eyes.
'See you tomorrow.' She said, quietly.
Neither of them made a move, too occupied by the sudden confusion that was gripping them as they looked into one another's eyes. The subtle scent of aftershave emitting from him sent a shiver down her spine as she felt her body pull slightly closer to him. She was suddenly very conscious of her beating heart, and her eyes dropped to see his tongue roll seductively over her lips.
'I should be getting to bed.' John said gruffly.
Realisation suddenly hit Elizabeth and she pulled back from him.
'Good night Colonel.'
A/N: Reviews would be much appreciated.
