Chapter Six

After spending all night thinking about John Sheppard, it was natural that she would continue to think about him for the rest of the day. Only, this time, she was thinking about a different John Sheppard.

A team from one of the labs that was working through translations had asked her for some assistance on the advice of Lizzie, and she had willingly accepted, hoping to find a task to absorb her concentration. The translations were relatively easy though, and whilst she had fun telling the people she was working with about the achievements they had made in her universe, her mind kept flicking back to the conversation she'd had at the crack of dawn.

Everything about him had managed to infuriate her; the way he acted as if he knew everything about her, his persistent questioning, and the way he had clearly checked out another woman when he was already in a relationship and expecting a baby. Thinking of the lazy arrogance with which he lounged on his chair made her simmer with annoyance, and lose her track of concentration more than once that afternoon.

Lizzie had visited her just after lunch to see how she was settling in and whether she needed any assistance and Elizabeth had been itching to ask her about Jonathan. In the end, after making small talk about Lizzie and Jonathans relationship, she had chickened out because she knew there was no way she could ask without sounding impertinent or judging Lizzie's choice in men. She was; but she was making this judgement from snippets of time with Jonathan and without knowing anything about their relationship, which made such judgement biased and ill-informed.

Naturally, she had thought about Lizzie and John the couple, and comparing Lizzie's quiet, gentleness to his brash, outspokenness, she had actually come to the conclusion that she and Colonel John were better suited. They were equals. Something must be going right for Jonathan and Lizzie though, based on the fact they had began dating three months into the expedition and now, two years later, they were having a baby together. Maybe, she had judged him a little too rashly after all.

At six o'clock she was persuaded that she had done plenty to help and sent off to go and eat a meal. Being sent off to see her team for the first time that day reminded her of her own John and the awkwardness from the previous night. It really hadn't meant anything – she's simply been swept away by the love between Lizzie and Jonathan, which seemed rather ironic now. She just hoped that John realised that and she'd have her companion back tomorrow.

'Elizabeth, perfect timing. Rodney was just telling me about Meredith's theories on time travel.' John said, as she sat down.

Relieved that all was forgiven and forgotten, she raised her eyebrows at his obvious boredom in amusement.

'Where have you been today?' Rodney asked, not looking up from his meal.

'I was helping out with some translations. What have you all been doing?'

'We worked a few improvements on power regulation using the chair.' Rodney said

'By, 'we', I take it you mean you and your new best friend?' Elizabeth said.

'And me. Rodney kindly volunteered me to be their guinea pig for the day.' John said.

'Fun day, then?' She asked.

'Oh, the best.' John replied sardonically.

'I take it Radek and Carson are still with...Radek and Carson.' Elizabeth said.

'Yes, it's quite infuriating actually. They keep mumbling in Czech together.' Rodney said.

'You can hardly blame them.' John said.

'Meredith had a very valid point, Colonel.' Rodney replied.

'What did he say?' Elizabeth asked, curiously.

'Whilst they were working, and both Zelenkas were in hearing range, he told Rodney that it was nice to have somebody competent to work with. And Rodney agreed with him.' John said.

'You do realise that, when we leave here, you'll be back to working with Zelenka every day?' Elizabeth said to Rodney.

Rodney's face dropped at the thought, 'Don't remind me.'

Elizabeth shook her head in amazement at him; he really did lack tact at times. Oh well. No doubt he'd be the one that would suffer in the long run – Radek was never quite as cooperative when Rodney belittled him. They did all seem to be happy though – relishing working alongside themselves. Apart from her and John; they seemed to be the only people missing home at all.

When they finished dinner, John and Rodney headed back to the chair, despite John's protestations that he should stay to keep her company and she was on her own again. As she walked back to her quarters, she spotted Jonathan (only telling the difference through his clothing) who stopped with a big grin when he saw her.

'I was hoping to bump into you.' He said, leaning against the wall.

'Really?' Elizabeth asked, doubtfully.

'We didn't get a chance to finish our little chat.'

'Actually, I think I've said everything I wanted to say.' Elizabeth said.

'Well, if you need me.' He said, sauntering off.

Walking in the opposite direction, Elizabeth tried to ignore the niggling feeling of disappointment that was eating away at her.