Chapter 3

As expected, SGC and the IOA were simultaneously pleased and annoyed by the turn of events. There were endless meetings, briefings and negotiations that tried even Elizabeth's diplomatic patience. But in the end, Earth committed supplies and personnel to the rebuilding of Atlantis and in less than a month, the Gate Room was once again a hub of activity.

At times the noise of equipment carts and voices raised in different languages was almost deafening but it was music to the ears of the woman standing at the railing, overseeing the controlled chaos.

"How are things going, Elizabeth?"

She turned and smiled as John came to join her.

"This is the last of it - everyone and everything is accounted for," she tapped her data pad. Looking back toward the Gate Room floor she sighed happily. "It's good to see the Lanteans and the Earth personnel working so well together already. And that was a good idea to limit the number of people Earth sent to help us rebuild."

"Yep," John smiled smugly, "I figured the Lanteans would be more comfortable if they didn't feel outnumbered. At this point there are less Tau'ri than Lantean with a dozen or so Athosians thrown in."

Elizabeth chuckled softly. "That still feels strange…to refer to ourselves as Tau'ri."

John shrugged and leaned back against the railing, facing her. "It's how the Lanteans refer to us. Besides, it's just as hard to remember to refer to them as Lanteans rather than Ancients. Although I have a feeling in a few years no one will be making a distinction one way or the other."

"I was thinking the same thing about the clothing," she said. "For the time being, the Earth personnel are wearing the same uniforms as before, but it wouldn't surprise me if over time everyone adapted to some combination of Tau'ri, Lantean and Athosian clothing."

"Our own little galactic melting pot," John smirked.

"Well, it also helps that most of the titles are the same…whether they are Lantean or Tau'ri, the titles of Dr. for the scientists or Technician for staff work across the board. How is the military integration going?"

"Got it covered. I've promoted Lorne to Head of Security and he and two of the Lantean officers have already organized quarters and set up teams. And I've put Teyla and Ronon in charge of training."

Elizabeth smiled. "It's good to have Evan back."

John nodded. "After everything we've been through, I wasn't sure how many of the original members of the expedition would even want to come back. But Lorne brought his application in person to make sure it was the first one I'd see."

"Have there been any problems for the Tau'ri military, adjusting to Lantean ranking?"

"Not really," he shrugged. "Military is military. They understand chain of command regardless of what titles are used."

"Speaking of titles…" He frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. "I was thinking that Guardian doesn't sound…you know…" he gestured vaguely with one hand. "…command-ish enough."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow as she wondered where this was going. "Command-ish?"

"Yeah. I mean, you get to be Governor Weir. That just sounds like a person in charge. I'm Guardian Sheppard. " He made a face. "It sounds like I should be in a Nativity play."

Suddenly his face brightened. "Hey…how about if we change titles? Guardian Weir sounds cool. And then I could be…"

"No."

"Hmm…I guess 'My Liege' is out of the question…"

"I won't even dignify that with a reply."

"Okay, okay. What if I just change my last name?"

Elizabeth blinked. "Change your last name?"

"Yeah, it's an old Lantean custom. We get married and instead of you taking my name, I take your name."

There was a moment of stunned silence and then John poked her shoulder.

"Gotcha!" He laughed and leaned away just in time to avoid getting smacked in the shoulder with her data pad.

"Guardian and Governor are more of an honorific title anyway, John."

"I know. Actually, the Lantean officers and soldiers have been calling me Commander and the others have picked it up."

Elizabeth smiled. "Works for me, Commander."

Noticing a familiar face hovering nearby with a data pad in hand she gestured the gate technician over.

"Here are the systems diagnostics you asked for, Dr. Weir." As he handed her the pad, he nodded to John, "Sir."

"Good to see you, Chuck."

A wide grin spread across the young man's face. "It's good to be here, Sir. Thank you for expediting my transfer from SGC!"

"It wouldn't seem right to have anyone but you at the Gate Console."

Chuck blushed at the compliment but beamed proudly. "Thank you, Sir."

"I assume we'll see you at the party tonight, Chuck?" Elizabeth asked as she handed him back the data pad.

"I wouldn't miss it, ma'am!' With a nod and 'Sir' to John, he hurried back to his console humming softly to himself.

"That reminds me…" Elizabeth turned and looked pointedly at John. "I'm curious as to how you managed to get so many of the personnel transferred from SGC so quickly. I know what a lumbering bureaucracy that place is – it took me over a week just to get the right requisition form to order more Order Forms!"

"Are you kidding?" he snorted. "They were falling all over themselves to get us anyone and anything we asked for! They want in on this new mission to explore the Pegasus Galaxy in a bad way. Not to mention, learn more about the Lantean technology."

She slanted him an amused glance. "You're really enjoying this aren't you?"

"Oh hell yes!" he exclaimed. "Considering how grudgingly they agreed to my promotion to Lt. Colonel and now I'm the head honcho here at Atlantis…what could be better revenge?"

"Hmmm…maybe having Caldwell report to you now?"

"There is that," John conceded, his eyes twinkling with laughter. "Although I was considering the even bigger perk to being Guardian."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow playfully. "And that would be?" Her smile faltered as she saw his hazel eyes suddenly darken and his gaze intensify.

Edging closer, his eyes dropped from hers, to her mouth then slowly down to her hand, holding the data pad.

"Well, I was thinking," he drawled, his voice low and vibrant. Leaning in, he reached out and touched a finger to pad she held and trailed it along the edge, then moved it to circle the softly glowing screen. "As Guardian and Governor, our positions are equal, right?"

Elizabeth nodded, mesmerized by the movements of his hand. His fingers never touched hers but gently stroked the surface of the data pad. As one fingertip paused and then slowly brushed back and forth over one of the buttons, she shivered involuntarily.

"Liz'beth," he murmured, his breath ghostly warmly over her cheek. "don't you think it's about time we…"

"Oh, jeez, what are you two up to now?" Rodney sighed in exasperation as he strode up the ramp toward them. "Sheppard, don't you have anything better to do than fondle Elizabeth's data pad in public?

Elizabeth snatched her pad away and held it to her chest as she whirled around. "Rodney…" she winced mentally as her voice came out a little higher than usual. Clearing her throat, she began again. "So, how are the labs coming along? I was glad to see you were able to get Dr. Zelenka back."

"Oh please!" he snorted. "One call and he was on the next plane. Although who wouldn't…I mean, Marasuck University?" He rolled his eyes.

"Masaryk University," she corrected. "It's a very prestigious institution."

"Masaryk, Marasuck…same difference." He waved his hand dismissively but before he could continue he paused to tap his earpiece.

"Yes, of course," he said, suddenly perking up. "I'll be right there, Dr. Amitee."

"Well, I've got to get back to the labs." He tucked his laptop under one arm while his other hand reached up to smooth his hair self-consciously. "I, uh…gotta help with some…things."

Elizabeth watched him rush off and then arched a questioning eyebrow at John.

"And Dr. Amitee is…?"

"McKay's latest crush."

"And more specifically…?"

"She's the Lantean Head Scientist in charge of the labs."

"I remember now…I was a little concerned that Rodney was going to have trouble with her being in charge."

"Hardly. Besides being quite attractive, her Lantean ability is so strong that she practically starts equipment just by walking by it!"

"Ah, I see."

"Which in Rodney's eyes would make her …"

"Hot."

"I was going to say perfect, but hot works." John grinned. "You should see them together…he follows her around like a puppy dog and every time she activates something new he yelps, 'How did you do that?'"

Elizabeth burst out laughing. "I can just imagine."

"Say," John glanced at his watch. "It's getting late and I bet you haven't eaten yet. If we hurry we can get to the mess before lunch is over."

He watched as she glanced toward her office. He recognized that indecisive look in her eyes and knew she was moments away from another 'I've got work to do' excuse. In the past he'd had neither the power nor the right to keep her from isolating herself – building the distance she thought she needed to be their leader – but this time things were different and he was going to make sure she knew she wasn't alone in all of this.

"I think the paperwork can wait for an hour." Deftly, he snatched her data pad from her hand and turned it off. "Come have lunch with me, hmm?"

Putting his hand on the small of her back, he gently but firmly guided her toward the mess. She tried to protest but was interrupted so many times on their way as familiar faces greeted them that she finally gave up.

-tbc-