Evan stood, ready to get this mission underway. Marines began to fill the gate room. Two groups were going off-world today, directly because of their decision to make sure Jennifer had more than adequate protection.

He grinned when he saw her wobble into the room. As usual, she'd over packed. And it wasn't like it was full of clothes or items a normal woman would fill in their bulging duffel bags. If he was to peak inside, he'd see a variety of medical instruments, medicines, a few medical books, as well as a stash of lollipops for any children she may treat during their visit.

In an effort to become allies with a few neighboring villages on the planet, they agreed to hold a clinic each day for the sick and elderly. In return, Atlantis was able to gain friends as well as allies against the Wraith. In addition to those great benefits, the planet had a few scans show something buried deep inside several caves that may have housed former Wraith laboratories. McKay was practically salivating over the prospect of getting access to those down the road.

Evan walked over to her, grabbing one of her bags despite her protests.

"Major, you know my rule," she said, trying to grab it back. "I bring it, I carry it."

He shook his head. "Sorry, blame my upbringing. I'm not going to watch you teeter off balance and roll down a hill. Besides, think of your running bad luck you've had lately going through the gate."

She sniffed. "It's not that bad." Turning back to him, she looked at him again. "It is, isn't it? Oh, all right. Carry the bag. My luck would have it that I'd roll down a hill, get captured by a rogue alien, trigger a Wraith alarm, and bring down the entire planet."

The corners of his mouth twitched. "You forgot sending the climate into confusion and causing an earthquake. And hail. Lots of hail."

Swatting him even though his team had surrounded him, she couldn't help laughing. Typically she tried to maintain professionalism with Evan, John, and Ronon while they were on duty, sticking with calling them by their ranks or last names. But sometimes she couldn't help herself. While the brotherly relationship she had with the three of them had its benefits, the teasing could get a little out of control.

"All right, teams, one minute until we depart. Lorne, you and your team set up the clinic and camp in the first village. Ronon, myself, Rodney, Sanchez, and Teyla will go ahead to the next village... try to open negotiations on that lab McKay is drooling over. Doc, you're with Lorne's team, of course." Sheppard sent a silent message to Evan. Nodding, Lorne moved by her side. During the mission, he was to stick to Jennifer's side at all times.

Once on the other side of the gate, the teams split up. Evan hoped his decision to bring Lieutenant Adams along this early in his training on Atlantis panned out. His two other men, both Air Force captains, both had his respect. Although at times they could act a little on the crazy side, the men knew when to be serious. Even now, as Evan and Jennifer trailed behind them, he could hear Anderson singing a Jimi Hendrix song softly to himself. Jennifer grinned when she saw Miller tapping on his vest and gun to the beat of his friend's singing. Adams, however, looked like he was about to snap his neck at any second; he obviously was set on making up for the first impression he made to Evan at dinner a few nights ago. The man was so intent on looking for anything suspicious that he accidentally tripped on a tree root, making Jennifer send an amused look at Evan.

"It's been awhile since I've been assigned to your team, major," she said.

"Now that you mention it, we've been having a string of good luck in the last few months," he turned, amused at the easy comeback that rolled off his tongue. Getting smacked for the second time, he yanked on her pony tail and tried to focus himself on the surroundings.

Miles of forest flanked each side of the dirt path as they made their way up the trail. It was his team's second time returning to this planet. The landscape had become familiar, especially the mountainous region to their three position. He tried to cement the image into his brain, hoping to soon get back to his hobby of painting. It had been months since he last picked up a brush. Evan had a small area set in the corner of his room. Since he began his assignment on Atlantis, he'd only painted one watercolor- a stunning sunset shining over the tall towers of the city.

"It's gorgeous here," Jennifer said, pointing to the rows of wildflowers on the bank of the hill they were passing.

Evan nodded. "Maybe Sheppard will give me a day off and I can come here. I'd love to just spend the day painting those mountains."

She looked back at him. "That's one thing I don't have... a hobby. Seriously, Ev," she confided. "I have no life outside those infirmary doors."

He grinned. "Sure you do. You like to run."

"Running is a way to keep in shape so I'm not panting while trying to keep up with you and your men on missions," she retorted.

"Well," he said, scanning the area as they arrived at the village. "How about reading a book?" Evan waved at a few villagers he remembered from last time. They headed to the medical office in a small dwelling towards the middle of the town.

"Hmmmm..." she said, smiling at a few children. "That would be nice. An afternoon of reading. Maybe someone can lend me one and I'll come back with you."

Evan entered the building, followed by Jennifer. Not trusting the man to scare off one of the villagers with that panicked look on his face, Evan called in Adams as well inside the house. Anderson walked in after them, making sure everything was secure, and then walked out to stand watch with Miller.

The two men stood while leaning slightly on the housing structure. Miller bent to pick up a stray ball one of the boys had accidentally kicked their way. Tossing it back, he waved at the kid.

"Lorne's sticking close to the doc," Anderson murmured, careful not to speak too loud. "Wonder what's that about?"

Miller shrugged. "It's pretty obvious. The doc's great and all, but her luck pretty much sucks. He's probably trying to get her in and out of here without an incident."

Anderson agreed, then grinned. "Maybe he's got a thing for her."

Snorting, Miller leaned back and rested his head. The sun was out finally, elevating the temperature since they had first arrived from the gate. "Everyone says they're just friends. But if you ask me, they'd be good together." He grinned. "Don't tell me you haven't seen them get a little flirt on."

"Please," Anderson looked at him. "Who wouldn't? The doc's got that 'girl next store' pretty look. If she smiled at me the way she does at Lorne, I wouldn't even hesitate to follow up. Not even a heartbeat."

"Well, it's better off that she doesn't look like that at you," Miller said. "When I see her hanging around Sheppard and Ronon, those guys both treat her like their kid sister. Could you imagine them after you if things didn't work out?" He shuddered. "No, sir. Not worth the hassle. I'll stick to being friendly towards her and making sure she gets back to Atlantis in one piece."

"Wonder if Adams knows the lay of the land yet?" Anderson grinned. "Now that would be interesting to watch."

Jennifer made short work of setting up a sufficient area to tend to her patients for the day. Adams was quick to volunteer to help her in any way. Smiling at him, she instructed him to get help from a few other men with moving a table over toward her. Evan brought her medical supplies closer, rolling his eyes at her as he saw Adams scurry back for more orders.

Evan walked over to speak with the village healer, helping him to organize the patients by their needs and the severity of their ailments.

Opening her bag, she glanced in and frowned at an envelope that had not been there hours earlier when she checked her bag. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Evan in the middle of the crowd giving orders and Adams trying his best to help his commanding officer.

Not able to wait, she opened the letter.

Jennifer,

You are always on my mind.
I watch you talk with other men on base. It makes me angry that they are able to talk so freely to you.

Last night, I was so close that I could have reached out and touched you. But it's too soon. It won't be long, I promise,
until we can meet face to face.

Love,

A friend

Okay, she thought, definitely creepier. The man sounded like he hadn't even met her yet. Seeing Evan walking over to her, she refolded the note and stuck it in her pocket.

"Hey, ready to start?" he called over to her. Embarrassed, she turned and quickly got her stuff together.

She worked through the line of patients, carefully attending to each of them. Only two children were in line. One had a lingering cough, due to a recent bout of some sort of bronchial infection, and the other had fallen from a tree and sprained his wrist. She took her time with each of them, handing them a lollipop as she worked and then another when she finished, telling them it was for later.

Despite her attentiveness to the people, her thoughts lingered on the note. Jennifer wondered how it had gotten into her medical bags. Shaking her head, she tried to refocus on the task before her. Looking at the line, it had grown since she first arrived. Glancing a look at Evan, he too was concerned they wouldn't finish before they planned on setting up camp for the night. Quickening her pace, she worked through a late lunch, munching on a protein bar Evan handed her at some point and washing it down with a bottle of water. By the time they were done, all patients had been seen and treated and no one had to be turned away.

The healer was grateful for Jennifer's help. He handed her a wrapped package, telling her it was a collection of herbs and medicines their people had found useful in the past few centuries. He tucked in a piece of parchment, detailing what each treated and what to use it for. Profoundly surprised at his offerings, Jennifer shook his hand and beamed back at Evan.

"I can't wait to get back to Atlantis to look at all of this," she said, thankful that Adams had already packed her stuff and grabbed the bag she planned on carrying. Jennifer was so exhausted that she didn't even protest over the kind act. Evan took the other, leading Jennifer out of the dwelling.

Anderson and Miller were both standing where they left them. Nodding at Evan, they turned and led the way to the camp Miller had set up at the edge of town by himself after lunch.

"How'd it go today, Doc?" Miller said, falling in step beside her.

Smiling, she glanced over at him. "A little hectic, but we finished in time. Nothing too serious came our way."

Anderson looked at Evan. "Major, we may finish this day out without anything catastrophic to put in your mission report."

"We may have to make something up, captain," Evan said, moving a safe distance from Jennifer. "No one will believe it. Especially with our little good luck charm over here."

Too tired to move toward him, Jennifer slapped Anderson's arm.

"Hey, girl," he laughed, rubbing his arm. "He said it!"

She glared at him halfheartedly. "You started it. And you can both share it. My brain and ability to move has just about shut down for the day."

While the two men were kidding with Jen, Miller and Adams walked ahead and set down their duffels. Miller volunteered to hand out the rations while Adams helped Evan and Jennifer safely store away her medical equipment next to the tents.

Evan began giving orders to the men as they ate. Jennifer finished hers quickly, then laid down, claiming to need to stretch her back out. "Alright, the three of us will rotate shifts. Two on duty at all times. One sleeps in a tent, Dr. Keller gets the other one." Nodding at the two tents set up. "Let's see how long we can hold up this uneventful mission." Glancing over, he half expected a retort from Jennifer. Instead, he was greeted to the sight of Jennifer curled up in a ball, sleeping on the ground with her jacket as a pillow. "I'll grab sleeping beauty over there and settle her in the tent."

"Did she eat enough?" Miller asked, concerned for the doctor.

Evan nodded. "As much as she usually does, which isn't a lot. But it'll hold her for the night. Give me a protein bar and I'll set it next to her in the tent in case she wakes hungry. And a flashlight."

Miller dug for the items and tossed them to Evan. He stuck them in his pocket and scooped her up in his arms. Not even stirring, she sighed and loosely wrapped her arms around Evan. He stood there for a moment and just looked at her, smiling at her ability to just drop into sleep that easily.

Anderson sent Miller a pointed look. Eyes glued to the major, they watched the man carefully set Jennifer into the tent and then cover her with a blanket. Grinning at each other, Adams looked at them, confused.

"Don't worry, Adams," Miller laughed. "You'll catch on eventually."

In the morning, they set out to meet with Sheppard's team in the next village. The plan was to repeat what happened the day before. Evan was pleased to find it went just as smoothly. They spent another night at a second camp the men set up and then made their way back to the gate in the morning.

Miller and Anderson were getting a kick out of watching Adam's kiss up to both Lorne and Sheppard. Jennifer noticed and fell in line with them both.

"Be nice to the new guy," she whispered, laughing a little herself. Currently, he was carrying an extra bag for her and eying the treeline, even making Ronon roll his eyes.

"Yeah, Dr. Keller is right," Miller joked. "This mission has gone too smoothly. The major swears there's going to be a hail storm at least."

Glaring at Evan over Anderson's shoulder, she stuck her tongue out at him.

"What? What did I do?" He asked innocently, even though he'd overheard the conversation.

Taking pity on his CO, Miller distracted Jennifer. "So, Keller, you planning on going to the big Game Show night next week?"

She groaned. Remembering hearing about it weeks ago, Jennifer tried to come up with an excuse. "No, not planning on it."

"Too late," Sheppard called over to her. "All department heads are required. It's part of our new team building initiative, thanks to a few complaints that we've been all about work and no play lately."

Scowling, she tried to think of an excuse. "Maybe I'll trip and sprain something."

Anderson looked at her, smiling. "Between an infirmary with several sets of crutches and the prospect of Lorne carrying you again, I think that excuse won't hold, Doc."

She reddened. Jennifer vaguely remembered being carried the night before after falling to sleep out of sheer exhaustion. The comforting feeling of being held so close jarred her memory. Judging from the faint scent of his aftershave, she knew it had been Evan. Friend or not, the man smelled incredible.

"Come on, Keller," Sheppard nagged. "It's only a few hours. And it'll be fun. I heard the social committee is rounding up some prizes."

"And you don't even have to bring a date," Miller said. "Not like you would have a hard time finding one. Just saying in case you don't want to bring one."

She heard Anderson mutter under his breath. "I know someone who would jump at the chance." Miller butted him with his gun.

Out of no where, Adams leaped in front of the group. "Up there! On our two!" There was a flurry of activity as everyone faced in the direction Adams was pointing, except for Anderson, who quickly moved to watch from behind in case they were surrounded. Lorne shoved Miller aside and leaped in front of Jennifer, ordering her to stay behind him. Sheppard's team flanked the sides, also moving closer to guard Jennifer.

A man was standing on top of the cliff, waving at them. No one could make out any words.

"Lorne," Sheppard called out. "Any clue?"

"No, sir," he responded, staying on alert.

They watched as the man waved frantically at them and then began descending the hill.

"Everyone keep alert, but don't shoot. I don't think he's armed," Sheppard ordered.

Evan began to recognize the man from the first village. He was carrying a package. Judging from the way he was carrying it, the item did not weigh much. Keeping his eyes trained on the man, he didn't budge from covering Jennifer.

"Wait! Wait!" he called to the group. Seeing the guns trained on him, he raised up one hand and waved the package. "My sister wanted to give something to the doctor. It's a thank you gift for treating my nephew."

Sheppard and Teyla walked over and had the man open the package. Ronon went behind the man and patted him down. Once they were assured he was no threat to the doctor, Sheppard nodded at Evan. Not leaving her side, Evan stayed next to her as she walked over to the man.

The villager looked a little taken back by the extra precautions. Sheppard picked up on the man's thinking and shrugged.

"Sorry about all of that," he tried to smooth things over. "We're overprotective of our doctor. There have been incidents where rogue residents of planets we've visited have attempted to kidnap our doctors to keep them as their own."

The man nodded. "I understand. I am Sully." He turned to Jennifer. "We met yesterday, Dr. Keller."

Jennifer smiled. "Of course. I remember you and your sister. How's your nephew holding up today?"

"Much better, thanks to your medicine. My sister—she was so grateful that she stayed up all night making this for you." He handed her the shawl. Jennifer admired the handiwork, clearly seeing that the woman had a great amount of talent. The colors were gorgeous, ranging from deep blues to a warm violet color. Clutching it, she smiled.

"She didn't have to go to this trouble," Jennifer said. "And she has three children to look after today with no sleep."

Sully laughed. "There was no stopping her. Besides, her husband will let her sleep while he catches up on work around the house today. He's a good man."

"Well, tell her I'm touched she would give this to me," Jennifer said, touching his arm. "I'll treasure it."

He backed up to go. Looking at Lorne, he shook his hand. "Thank you, major, for allowing her to come here. And there's no hard feelings about your protectiveness."

Evan cocked his head sideways, confused by the man singling him out. Sully raised his eyebrows.

"Oh, I thought she was your wife. You didn't leave her side all day yesterday."

Anderson and Miller turned to cover their laughs with a cough. Sheppard didn't attempt to hide the laugh.

"Ah, no. She's a friend. To all of us," Evan said, placing an arm on Jennifer's back.

"Well," Sully said with a wink at Jennifer. "If I would have known that, maybe I would have asked you to dinner."

Adams just looked at the man, surprising the Atlantians that he would speak up. "Trust me, bad idea." Looking pointedly at Ronon, whose gun was still trained on the man, and then to Sheppard and Evan.

Sully laughed. "I see. Well, take care of her, my friends. We look forward to having you again as guests in our village."

Turning as he left, the group made their way to the gate. Sheppard patted Adams on the back.

"Nice job back there, Adams. Even though he turned out to be friendly, you spotted him even before Ronon."

Ronon grunted. "Would have been me if the rest of you were quiet," he mumbled grumpily.

Evan nodded at Adams. "Nice work."

Miller and Anderson each gave the new team member a fist bump.

"So," Jennifer said, murmuring under her breath. "Is he forgiven for previous mishaps?"

Evan looked down at her. "I'll never forget a quote I read during training. 'It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.'"

"Benjamin Franklin?" Jennifer guessed. When he nodded, she hooked her arm around his. "That's harsh, Ev," she laughed. "Give the poor kid a break."

Enjoying her arm through his, Evan grinned. "Maybe. I'll think about it."

Sheppard fell in step with them. Ronon dialed the gate as they waited for the lock. "Well, did we just complete a mission with the good doctor here without getting ourselves into any trouble?"

Snorting, Evan looked at him. "Don't be so quick to speak. We're still not through the gate."

Separating herself from him, Jennifer stuck her nose in the air and pretended to be offended. "You watch, Evan," looking at him with a threatening glare. "I'm like an elephant. I have a good, long memory that won't forget."

Laughing, he followed her through the gate.