Lorne sat down with Rodney who was still eating. He was waiting for Sheppard to tell them about his fight and if Michael was alive or not.

Harper opened her eyes she had fallen asleep for only a short period of time. She got up and noticed that Ronon had left that table so she walked over to Lorne and Rodney and sat down glaring at Rodney who just finished eating.

"Finally done McKay?"

Rodney rolled his eyes at the girl. "You snore....I heard you."

Harper scoffs at him. "I do not!"

"Do to."

"Do not"

"Yeah you do."

"Nope."

Harper stated as she glared at the man. Rodney McKay would always be the pain in the butt. Sure he was on her uncle's team but the two hated each other for some reason.

"Yeah."

Rodney glared back at Harper. Knowing her as she grew past the teenage years Rodney had finally started to see that she was someone not to be messed with but of course he loved annoying her.

"Bite me."

"That would be gross Harpie."

"Don't call me that!"

"I'll call you whatever I want Harpie!"

"McKay...."

"Stop it you two."

Rodney and Harper stopped and looked at Lorne who had a stern look on his face. "Can't you two get along ever?"

"No." both said in conclusion.

Sheppard briefly looks down at his shoulder before giving Teyla a reassuring smile. "I've had worse." Hearing what seems to be a small argument, Sheppard turns around enough so he can see into the mess hall. Motioning with his head, Sheppard says "What say we see what's going on?" With that, Sheppard and Teyla rejoin the others in the mess hall.

Lorne got up from Rodney and Harper's little fight and walked over to Sheppard and Teyla. He ran his hand through his hair. "Um excuse me sir but um we are all wondering what happened to Michael?"

Sheppard meets Major Lorne's gaze, a smile on his face. He looks over to where the little group is gathered and nods his head. "Okay, I guess I've kept you guys in suspense long enough." Moving toward the table, Sheppard takes a seat beside Ronon who has just returned with a stash of fruit. Sheppard gives him a look before turning to the rest of the group.

Rodney looked at Sheppard as he closed his eyes trying to relax. He then opened them back up looking more worried then before. "Oh come on!" He whined. "We need to know fast before Michael comes to ate us alive!"

Lorne scoffs at Rodney as Harper only laughs at McKay reaction.

Shooting Rodney an amused look, Sheppard leans forward in his seat and rests his good arm on the table. "You won't have to worry about that, Rodney. Michael's dead."

Elizabeth has finished eating, and is helping Tagan to stand in her lap. He seems quite pleased to be balanced there, and gives her a happy smile. She grins back at him in amusement, but her amusement is instantly gone as she hears what John says. She isn't surprised by what he has said - she guessed as much - but she is curious. She says nothing, and listens as John continues.

Keller closed eyes taking a relieved breath. Michael was dead. His reign of terror would stop. She could now rest a little easier knowing he was dead. She just wondered if John would sleep easier.

Rodney looked up to Sheppard and gulped, "What you killed him?"

He stated in a way only Rodney McKay could do as if he questioned that John Sheppard could do such a thing.

Harper looked at her uncle worried. "Are you sure you're ok? He didn't try to feed on you just for fun?"

Sheppard nods his head slowly, lifting his eyebrows in a boyish sort of way. "He tried to play dirty during our fist fight..." He pauses momentarily to give Harper a reassuring smile and then continues. "We struggled with each other and somehow he got a knife." Sheppard motions to his hurt shoulder. "You get the idea."

Elizabeth winces as she remembers treating John's wound. Tagan feels her wince and looks at her curiously. She smiles reassuringly, "Don't mind me, little warrior....everything is okay." She kisses his cheek, earning another adorable smile, and then returns her attention to John.

Rodney chuckled and took of his coffee. "Oh so you weren't just paying attention when he slammed the knife into you?"

"I was kind of busy at the time trying to keep him from feeding on me," Sheppard remarks, narrowing his eyes a bit at Rodney.

Harper looks at McKay then to her uncle. "Um Uncle John you do remember that Michael fixed his feeding problem? You would have a better chance to fight him off if you remember that."

Teyla rolls her eyes at Rodney's comments and turns to Sheppard, "You did good, Colonel. Now, we no longer have to be worry about him coming after my son again." She smiles as she glances over toward Elizabeth who is still playing with Tagan.

"Thank you Teyla," Sheppard replies as he gives Rodney a triumphant expression. However, the triumph soon begins to wane when Harper points out Michael's feeding situation. He shakes his head. "Believe me, he could still feed and that's what he tried to do."

Elizabeth smiles at Teyla's words, glancing at Tagan and bouncing him on her lap. "You hear that, Tagan? No more mean nasty Michael to hurt you or your mama!" She lifts him into the air, causing him to laugh joyously. She joins in with her own laughter, feeling the relief of having her family safe.

She sets him back onto her lap, and then notices John looking at her in amusement. She grins, making eye contact, and then nodding in acknowledgement of what he had just said.

"I would've shot him." Ronon pipes in through a mouthful of apple.

Sheppard lifts an eyebrow at him. "If I had a gun, so would've I."

Teyla smiles at the camaraderie between her fellow teammates. Looking at Sheppard, she mutters quietly, "I wish I could have shot him."

Harper chuckles a bit at John and Ronon's talk. She then turns to see Elizabeth playing with Tagan and smiles. "Well, Tagan seems to be happy that you killed him Uncle John."

"Oh yes and he really knows who Michael is," Rodney pipes in with his sarcastic reply like always.

Both of the Asurans nod, and all three get to work. Raena focuses on programming the nanites, while Caylon and Carson focus on the actual anti-virus.

Because of all the work that they did earlier, it does not take them long to manufacture what they believe to be a more than sufficient amount of the nanite controlled anti-virus. They all smile at each other when they are done, but are suddenly distracted when the blood processing machine beeps.

They all walk over to the machine - Caylon quickly and silently explaining to Carson about John's blood. He reads the results on the control screen, a frown forming on his face. He looks at Raena, "This is not good."

Carson frowns, "What's not good?"

Elizabeth is about to say something to John, but pauses and tilts her head slightly to the side. The smile instantly fades from her face and she stands up, walking over to Teyla and gently handing Tagan to her.

She smiles warmly, "Thank you for letting me spend time with this precious little warrior, Teyla! He's wonderful....congratulations!" She kisses the top of his head, glances briefly at John in order to excuse herself, and walks out of the mess hall.

Teyla smiles at Elizabeth as she takes Tagan in her arms, "I am glad that you were able to meet him." Tagan giggles as he looks around the room at John and Ronon.

"That makes two of us." Sheppard remarks, smiling at the little boy in Elizabeth's arms. He completely ignores Rodney's little comment as he watches Elizabeth play with Tagan. Just like old times....with a new addition. The sudden movement of Elizabeth standing up and handing Tagan over to Teyla jars him out of his silent reverie. Looking up, he catches Elizabeth's eye, noticing the concern in them. Sheppard gives Elizabeth an imperceptible nod of understanding and watches her leave the room. I wonder if... "Who'd ya kill?" breaks through his thoughts, startling him slightly. "Michael." Sheppard responds in an I-already-told-you-that tone.

Moments later, she walks onto the bridge. "Arlon, report." Her Second in Command turns to her, urgency in his voice. "Ma'am. Our crew from the ship that is currently being built has sent a distress signal. They are under attack from a Wraith Hive ship, and their shield is beginning to fail."

He walks with her over to a console, and displays the message. "They are able to withstand the attack for somewhat longer, but they are in desperate need of assistance. I am sorry, Ma'am, but ours is the only ship that is close enough to arrive there in time to prevent their distruction."

Elizabeth is frowning, but she nods, so Arlon continues. "We are only approximately 20 minutes from Atlantis, and I have already alerted the city of our arrival as well as the success of our mission." He looks at her, "I thought that you would wish to explain our situation to the City's leader yourself."

Elizabeth nods again, her expression resigned to what needed to be done. "Thank you, Arlon." He nods and returns to the control chair, while Elizabeth heads to the communications console. She contacts Atlantis, and requests to speak to Sam.

"Carter here."

"Sam, this is Weir. I understand that my crew has already informed you of the success of the mission." She listens as the Colonel replies, then continues. "Yes, everyone is safe and there were only a couple of injuries..." She pauses, "I'm sorry?" She listens as Sam repeats her question, then chuckles, "Who do you think? Our beloved Sheppards, of course!"

She hears Sam chuckle as well, then says, "They are quite fine, though, Sam......I actually need to talk to you about another matter...."

Down in the City, Sam leans back in her chair - her amusement fading from her face. She listens as Elizabeth explains her situation, then solemnly says, "I understand, Elizabeth. Certainly you must go to the aid of your crew.....I'm just sorry that you could not have spent some time here with us." She listens as the former leader also expresses her regret at not being able to do so, but she can hear the resolve in her voice.

Sam smiles and shakes her head. Replicator leader or not, she hasn't changed! "Understood....you will only be staying long enough to drop off the team." She pauses as a thought occurs to her, "Have you told them yet?"

Elizabeth is slightly surprised by the question because she had just been thinking about how she was going to explain all this to the group in the mess hall. She sighs, "No, not yet.....I only just received word myself......any suggestions?"

Sam smiles slightly, "I'm afraid not.....and I don't envy you the task either, Elizabeth!"

Elizabeth shakes her head in slight amusement. "Well, thanks anyway. We'll let you know as soon as John's jumper has left our ship. Weir out."

She turns back to Arlon. "Arlon, prepare to leave as soon as the Atlantis jumper has departed and is a safe distance away." He nods, and she turns towards the door. Now how am I going to explain this to everyone else??? She sighs as she exits the Bridge. Well at least I can say goodbye this time......

Caylon turns from Raena to Carson, "There is some kind of a virus in Colonel Sheppard's blood, although I am not certain of what effects it will have on him." He frowns as he glances at the screen again, "I have never seen a virus like this one before. We should......" He stops, tilting his head much like Elizabeth had done.

He turns to Carson again, "I am afraid that our time is short. We need to get the anti-virus to your team, and explain its delivery system." He pushes a control, and hands Carson a flat crystal disk. "This is the data on the Colonel's blood. We shall continue to work on it here, but I thought that you would wish to run some tests on it yourself when you return to Atlantis."

He turns and quickly packs the antivirus into a case while saying, "I apologize that I will not be able to assist you further at this time."

He lifts the case off of the table, and turns back to the doctor. "Your presence is requested in the commissary."
He glances at Raena as she moves to stand next to him, "Raena and I will accompany you there."

Elizabeth squares her shoulders and walks back into the Mess Hall, followed a couple of seconds later by Raena, Caylon, and Carson. She looks at Carson, relieved that she didn't have to wait for him to come. She nods, "Carson." He nods back, and she turns back to the rest of the room.

She is about to say something, but notices everyone looking strangely at John. "What did I miss?"

"Oh just John freaking out people," Rodney states matter-of-factly.

Harper looks at Ronon question what John had said then looks back to John. "Um Uncle John are you feeling okay? No one asked you about Michael."

Sheppard gazes around the room with a defensive expression on his face. "Never mind," He says, brushing the whole thing off. "I must be tired or something."

Elizabeth glances from Rodney to Harper to John. She is curious, and a little concerned, but lets it go.

Teyla looks at Sheppard concerned. "Maybe you should rest for a bit, John. We can wake you when we reach Atlantis."

Sheppard casually waves his good hand. "I'll be okay 'till we get to Atlantis."

Teyla smiles at him, "Very well, but no more fighting until you get some rest."

Sheppard returns Teyla's smile, appreciating her concern for him. "I think I can handle that."

Teyla laughs grinning at Sheppard. "You better be careful or I might ask Ronon to tie you up."

Sheppard glances over at Ronon, who raises an expectant eyebrow back. "Wouldn't want that." He quips sarcastically.

She turns to look at her "family". "Okay, everyone...I wanted to let you all know that we will be arriving at Atlantis in under 20 minutes."

She sees their smiles, and smiles sadly in return as she braces herself for what she must say next. "Also.....I have received a distress call from one of my ships...." She looks at Teyla and John, "You will remember that I mentioned that we have a ship that is currently under construction?"

They both nod hesitantly, so she continues, "That ship has come under attack by a Wraith hive ship - and my ship is the closest to it - so my crew and I must go to defend it."

A mixture of pain, resignation, and determination shows on her face as she says, "That said, I'm afraid that I won't be able to come down to Atlantis. We must leave immediately, so my ship will only be able to stay long enough to drop you all off......I.....I'm sorry."

Lorne sighs as he looks into Elizabeth's eyes remembering their conversation they had earlier that day. She has to go. You wanted to go with her but she said no. Only if the war with the wraith had to cause everyone so much trouble. This was just like Kale's concussion but Elizabeth would remember them and that would make it harder. Lorne then smiles and nods to Elizabeth. "We are here to help whenever you need us Ma'am."

Elizabeth nods to Lorne and smiles, "Thank you, Major......and the same goes for you - all of you. You need only contact me, and I will come as soon as I can."

Rodney's thought were creeping into his brain faster then he would've liked. This is just like Carson again. Snap out of it McKay Elizabeth isn't dying she will be back. Won't she? Carson came back...yeah as a clone but still. Oh quit thinking she is going to die. Stop it! Now just smile and nod and say you will miss her. I can't do that. Yes you can come on McKay!" Rodney then snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Elizabeth and gave his half crack of a smile well whatever kind of smile it was it was fake. "Don't die." Rodney realizes what he had just said as he places his hands on his fore head. "I didn't it like that I just....I.." He cuts himself off knowing if he kept rambling it would just make it worst.

Elizabeth is somewhat startled by what Rodney has said, but then chuckles. I wonder how many of them were thinking that, but restrained themselves from saying it. "I will certainly do my best, Rodney.......and I ask that you do the same."

Harper just sat there very still not wanting to think about it. She noticed that some of them kept looking at her as if it was her turn to say she will miss Elizabeth. Of course she would but she didn't want to tell her that now. Why do people always leave? Why does everything happen to all the good people out in the world? Memories of her and Elizabeth flashed through her head as she tried to stay calm. She already had been mad at her for not coming sooner she shouldn't get mad at her now but she couldn't stop what she was feeling. "I can't do this." Harper states out of the blue as she gets up from the table and starts to walk out but before she could get anywhere Ronon grabbed her arm and pulled her back some making her look into his eyes. "I won't." She states as a small tear falls down on her face. Ronon's eyes looked at her as if he was telling her it would be ok but she wouldn't let him in this time. She tugged at her arm he was holding till she got loose. She then walks out of the mess hall slamming a trash can as she walks out.

Elizabeth watches the interaction between Harper and Ronon, but is still somewhat surprised when the young woman breezes past her - without a word - exacting violence on the waste can. She glances at John quickly, then whirls and heads out after the girl.

She finds her down the hall, sobbing like there's no tomorrow. The former leader stops, pain slicing through every fiber of her being at seeing someone so precious to her so hurt. And I'm the one that is causing that hurt! Tears are freely flowing from her eyes as she closes the remaining distance between them, and wraps her arms tightly around the young woman who had become a daughter to her.

She leads her over to a lounge of sorts, and they sit down - Harper wrapped securely in Elizabeth's arms, her head on the woman's shoulder. Elizabeth rests her head on top of Harper's, placing one hand on her cheek. "Shhhh......sweetie, this isn't goodbye. It really isn't!" She gives her a gentle squeeze and continues, "Our visit will just be delayed a little......I'll be coming back."

She smiles sadly, "I know that you think that everyone in your life leaves......but I'm not leaving you!" She gives her another gentle squeeze, "You couldn't get rid of me if you tried, honey...." She chuckles a little, "I've already seen your worst side, and that didn't scare me off....so....it's too late, you're stuck with me!"

She pulls back a little, "Look at me, Harper." She waits until the young woman slowly looks up at her before continuing, "I mean it....you're not losing me.....I just have to go on a business trip, of sorts." She wipes the tears from Harper's cheeks, then gives her a small smile. "After all....we still need to have that girl talk."

Lorne looks at Rodney who is startled by Elizabeth's reply. Rodney nods as Elizabeth leaves to chase after Harper. "Aw yes she still loves me."

Lorne glares at Rodney and rolls his eyes. "She didn't say that McKay."

"She has before."

Lorne gives Rodney a friendly punch in the arm, "Whatever you say McKay."

Keller lifted her head up from her hands. Without a word her hand came smartly across Rodney's head.

Rodney rubs his head and looks at Keller. "Ouch that hurt." He then smiles. "I kind of liked that." He smirks as he is shocked by what he just said. "Wow I'm good."

Keller looked up at him. She stared blankly then let out a deep from the belly laugh.

Rodney glares at Keller as she laughs, "Ha ha very funny. Can we move on?"

"To what your looks?" Lorne states as he starts laughing also.

Keller couldn't stop laughing and Lorne's joked didn't help. Close to a week without sleep; almost losing your best friends to wraith; almost dying yourself; and then having a new friend leave. She was due for a laugh. It was either that or insanity would creep out of its ugly hole. Tears poured from her eyes, but this time it was from joy. "Thank you guys," She finally chocked out. "I needed that."

"Glad to help," Rodney said in a somewhat mocking tone.

Keller wiped away her tears. Her stomach hurt from the pain but she was still smiling. "Rodney just shut up and be happy."

Rodney smiles at Keller. "I'll try."

Keller's eyes still shined with tears as she looked at Rodney. "Good."

Harper smiles at Elizabeth and nods. "I know I just I couldn't say what I feel it's hard." Elizabeth gives the girl a hug as she gets up and waits for Harper to follow. Harper shakes her head. "You go I'll be okay just need some time to relax." Elizabeth nods as she starts to head back to the mess hall as Harper calls out. "Elizabeth! Just make sure that girl talk is not over the radio. I don't want the boys to hear it."

Harper smiles as she watches Dr. Elizabeth Weir walks away. This isn't goodbye.

Elizabeth turns back to Harper, "Our girl talk will be in person, Harper.....when I come back." She smiles warmly, "But you can always give me a call if you need to....which reminds me..." She reaches into her jacket pocket, and pulls out a small earpiece radio.

She walks back to the young woman, and hands it to her. "This will link you directly to my personal earpiece." She grins, "The guys will never be able to hear a thing!"

"If you ever need - or even just want - to talk to me, don't hesitate to use it." She winks then, "But don't tell Rodney.......he'll be mad that I didn't give him one."

She gives her one more hug, and as she's pulling away, she whispers, "I love you, Harper." She turns then and heads back to the mess hall.

Harper smiles as she watches Elizabeth walk away. She then puts on the ear piece and taps it. "Just checking and I love you too Elizabeth." She smirks as she sees the women walk out of the hall way.

Elizabeth throws Harper one more smile before rounding the corner out of site.

Teyla knew Elizabeth's leaving was coming soon but she didn't expect it this sudden. Tears begin to form in her eyes as she realized she will not see her again in a long time. She steps forward and gives Elizabeth a big hug surprising her. "We will miss you greatly. You have been one of my closest friends and I have always valued our female talks. Thank you for all you have done for my people and for always trusting me just like John." She smiles at Elizabeth and says, "You come visit so you can see how big Tagan grows up to be."

Elizabeth hugs her friend tightly, wishing again that she didn't have to go. "No, thank you, Teyla.....I value your friendship, and I have learned so much from you." She releases her and returns the smile. "Of course, I'll come visit! I'll be there as much as I possibly can!"

She is about to say more, but she notices the interaction between Harper and Ronon, then Harper blows past her. She gives Teyla an apologetic smile, and quickly turns and follows the young woman.

Keller felt her heart break. She got up from her seat hugging Elizabeth. Tears slipped slowly from her eyes.

Elizabeth is surprised by yet another unexpected display of affection from Keller, but hugs her back immediately. She is touched by the tears that she had seen forming in the young woman's eyes, and struggles to keep her own at bay.

Keller let go of Elizabeth silent tears rolled down her face. She hugged herself trying not to think of the last time they all said goodbye to her.

The all too familiar feeling of loss begins to creep into Sheppard's heart. They have just gotten Elizabeth back and now she has to go again?! It just isn't right. Looking into Elizabeth's eyes, he can see the conflicting emotions competing for control. Sheppard breaks their eye contact, his emotions trying to get the better of him. Keep cool, John. He gazes around the room in an attempt to both distract himself and to gauge the others' reactions. Suddenly, Keller shoots up from her seat and wraps her arms around Elizabeth in a massive hug, somewhat surprising Sheppard since the two hadn't known each other extremely well. A smile flickers across Sheppard's face while he silently watches the exchange, wishing that there was some way that she could stay.

Elizabeth releases Keller, still touched by the young woman's reaction, but feeling somewhat awkward since they had not had the opportunity to really get to know one another before Elizabeth was taken prisoner. The doctor did save her life, however, so she did have a soft spot for her. She gives her a reassuring smile, then turns to the rest of the group - trying to gauge everyone's reactions.

She looks to Harper, then John, begging them with her eyes to understand that this wasn't what she wanted to do - that it was what she had to do. She isn't sure if John got the message, though, because he keeps looking away from her. She sighs, ignoring a tear that is slowing making it's way down her cheek.

She squares her shoulders once again, steeling herself against both the pain that she was already feeling, as well as the pain that she knew was coming.

Ronon stares silently at Elizabeth after she makes her announcement; sure that everyone else was experiencing the same feelings as him. This is what I was afraid of. He thinks to himself as he looks to Sheppard and then Harper.

Keller sat back down rubbed at her face. She may not have known Elizabeth for long but she felt like she had known her forever given the stories she constantly heard. Not to mention the way Elizabeth had treated her.

Going by the doctor's orders, Netia laid in the infirmary for about a half and hour until she had to move. She waited until the other doctors were busy until she snuck out. Netia finally found everyone as Weir was saying her goodbyes. Even though she didn't really know Weir, Netia always felt a friendly and loyal presence while around her. She felt sad to see her go.

Harper walks into a hall way that was close by where the jumper was parked. She closes her eyes and starts to cry as she places her hand on top of where the wraith had tried to feed on her. Elizabeth was a mother to her and now she would have to say goodbye to yet another person she loved. Sure the others had said it wasn't goodbye but she knew in her heart it really was goodbye to what Elizabeth Weir had been to them. She was now going off on her own way and Harper couldn't do anything to stop it.

Ronon's eyes try to comfort Harper but it doesn't do any good. He watches her storm out of the mess hall, the frown on his face deepening when he hears the slamming of the trash can. He is about to follow Harper out when Elizabeth goes after her. Knowing that it would be best to give the two some time alone together, Ronon wordlessly sits back down in his sit and exchanges a look with Sheppard.

Where is she? Ronon thinks as he walks down the hall in the direction Harper had left in. He had been a little worried about Harper when she hadn't let him in. That feeling hadn't gotten any better when Elizabeth returned alone. Why is it different? She's never-- A soft, almost inaudible noise reaches his ears, interrupting his thoughts and causing him to stop midstride. There is a small silence. There it is again. He takes a few more steps and rounds the corner, finding Harper sitting against the wall playing with the ear piece Elizabeth had given her. "Harper?"

Harper had been talking to Elizabeth till Ronon walks up to her. She is somewhat shocked and then looks down to her new ear piece and covers it with her hands as she smiles warmly at Ronon, "Hey you."

Ronon frowns down at Harper. "You okay?" He asks, leaning one shoulder against the wall.

Harper sighs. People always ask me that. Harper nods as she gives the thumbs up to him. "I'll be fine just you know me...a drama girl. Thanks for coming out to check."

Ronon raises an unconvinced eyebrow at Harper. "Are you sure? You were pretty upset."

Harper rolls her eyes then looks to Ronon smirking. "I just needed a one on one talk with Elizabeth. I should be fine but if you are that worried you can ask me all the time if I'm ok." She states in a joking way as she touches his shoulder. "But thanks though."

Looking into Harper's eyes, Ronon thinks back to the mess hall. Her eyes had been filled with heartache and anger while his eyes had been pleading to let him in to comfort her. She had refused to let him in though and that had hurt more than anything he had ever felt before. Ever since then a certain question had been hanging in the back of his mind. He lets out a soft sigh. "Why is it different this time?"

Harper looks at him not understanding what he meant till he looked into her eyes. She sighs lowering her head now facing the floor. He had wanted her to explain why she wanted to let him in now and not before when she had first went off. She knew she needed to tell him but she didn't know if he would understand. "I didn't want to be comforted. I wanted to be able to think about this on my own." She looked up at him as he now looks away from her. She touches his cheek making him look at her. "I was wrong I should have stayed with you. I've always been by myself figuring things out. I never really wanted anyone to be there for me. I mean I saw my dad doing it so I just thought it was easier. I now know that I need you but its more then that I....." She smiles as she moves her hand from her lap now placing it on her cheek in a questioning way. "I just want you."

Ronon looks down at the floor, avoiding Harper's gaze, not really knowing how to respond. "I know how that feels, Harper...to be by yourself and needing to figure things out on your own." His expression softens but he keeps his eyes to the floor. "It's not the best existence in the world and I don't want you feeling like that...like you have to work through this on your own." He pauses wondering if he is making any sense. "I've never been good at this."

Harper looks at him then to the wall across from them. "Well maybe we aren't the best at this but that doesn't mean I'm willing to give up on what I have with you." She then looks back at him trying to make sense of her own actions. "I don't know what is wrong with me half the time I'm just trying to figure out what I want and right now I know what is important to me. My friends, my family, my incredible job and this ex-runner I know." She smirked as she winked at him.

Ronon gives Harper his most serious look and crosses his arms. "And who would this other guy be?" Harper gives him a dirty look and Ronon can't help but laugh. "Oh, you mean me." He says in mock-realization. Shaking his head, Ronon meets Harper's gaze. "I'll be around whenever you need me. Just don't forget that and we'll be okay."

Harper smiles and hugs Ronon. "I know that's why you are such a great guy." She lets go of him and grabs her ear piece and shows Ronon it. "If not I'll sic Elizabeth on you."

Ronon looks down at the ear piece in Harper's hand before looking back up at Harper, a smile creeping across his face. "I'd rather fight Sheppard."

Harper laughs as she hits Ronon's chest. "Stop it you don't want him to hear that I mean he thinks he is all big and bad after killing Michael. We don't want it getting into his head."

"Who? Sheppard?" Ronon shakes his head in disbelief. "He's just glad Michael's dead."

Harper shakes her head. "He once came for career day." She starts to laugh. "He told my 3rd grade class how he killed like ten people." She looks at Ronon who doesn't believe her. "It's true didn't he also tell you he killed like 12 wraith when the team came to get you when you got captured again?"

Ronon nods his head. "Yep...turned out to be more like 8."

Harper smiles. "Thats why you can't tell him! If you do everyone will be screwed."

Ronon laughs at Harper's comment as he turns to walk back to the mess hall. "Not much he can exaggerate about Michael dying." He states matter-of-factly.

Harper shrugs as they walk. "Well he can say he did it with one hand and an eye closed."

Ronon eyes Harper. "And you think they'll buy that?" Something close to a laugh issues from his throat. "Sheppard's a good fighter but not that good."

Harper nods. "Now you can tell him that."

Ronon merely smiles as the two of them enter the mess hall.

After the others have had time to deal with the news of Elizabeth's upcoming departure, Sheppard lets out a soft, resigned sigh and stands up from the table. He walks to where Elizabeth is standing at the doorway. Pausing briefly, Sheppard motions with his eyes for Elizabeth to follow him out of the mess hall. Elizabeth nods and the two of them walk out into the hallway and away from any eavesdroppers that might be present.

Elizabeth follows John out into the hallway, bracing herself for what he might say. The memory of their "reunion" conversation was still fresh in her mind, and she was worried that John was angry once again. There was nothing she could do about it, however, so if he was angry, he would just have to deal with it.

She braces herself as they step into an unoccupied room and sadly turns back to him, crossing her arms and waiting to hear what he was thinking.

Sheppard follows Elizabeth into the empty room and closes the door behind him. Taking in a deep breath, he turns to face his friend with a rare softness in his eyes. "Listen, I..." He pauses briefly, running his hand through his hair. "...I wanted to let you know that I...you know."

Elizabeth looks into his eyes, relieved to see no anger there. She smiles, "You what, John?"

Blowing out a frustrated sigh, Sheppard decides to just come out and say how he feels. "I just wanted to let you know that I understand." He says as quickly as he can, meeting Elizabeth's gaze with a sheepish look on his face.

Elizabeth lets out the breath that she didn't even realize she was holding. She grins, completely relieved by what John has just said. She considers this man one of her closest friend, and his opinion matters more to her than anyone else's - even Teyla and Harper's, although their opinions are also of great value to her.

She steps forward and pulls him into a hug, being careful not to apply pressure to his wounded shoulder. "Thank you, John....you have no idea what that means to me!"

His good arm comes around her with some hesitation. John was always awkward when one of his female friends would hug him, and she thought that this time would be no exception. She reaches up and wipes the tears from her face, then looks into his eyes. "I'll be back, you know......I won't be gone forever.....this isn't goodbye."

A boyish grin creeps onto Sheppard's face as he looks Elizabeth in the eye. "You're right, it isn't...not if we have anything to say about it." The two of them exchange a meaningful smile, both reassured that they'll meet again soon. "Well, we should probably get back to the mess hall before the kids get any ideas." Sheppard says while turning to open the door.

Elizabeth nods and grins, "Yes.....who knows what kind of trouble they're getting into without either of us there....."

Sheppard smiles as he opens the door and lets Elizabeth step out first. "Knowing our group...probably all kinds."

Elizabeth chuckles as she steps past John and into the hall. "Very true....especially Rodney." They both laugh lightly as they walk the short distance back to the mess hall. They step into the room only moments after Ronon and Harper.

Rodney looks at Sheppard and Elizabeth as they walk back into the room. Lorne rolls his eyes knowing very well what Rodney was about to bring up. "Don't go there McKay!"

Rodney looks over to Lorne with a grim expression on his face. "I so wasn't Lorne."

Lorne chuckles as he shakes his head at McKay. "I bet you were."

"Shut up Evan!" Rodney smirks as Lorne only rolls his eyes.

Lorne smiles at Keller then looks at McKay winking at him while McKay shakes his head. Lorne snickers and then tries to show his charm to Jen. "Are you sure you don't want me Jen? I mean McKay is well McKay."

Keller blushed smiling at Lorne. "I think about it," she says giving Lorne her own wink.

Lorne chuckles as McKay stares at them. "Not funny guys!"

"What I thought you did well under pressure Rodney?" Wherever this flirty side was coming from Keller hoped it would only get better.

Caylon turns at Sheppard's and Elizabeth's entrance, and smiles. "Ah...good. We were waiting for you to return, Colonel Sheppard." He gestures to an empty chair, "Please, take a seat. We will be as brief as possible."

He addresses the group, "As you know, Raena, Dr Beckett, and myself have been working on an anti-virus for Michael's Wraith hybrids." He waits until they all nod, then continues. "Well, I am pleased to say that we were successful. Raena has created a delivery system that we believe will be most effective for you."

He turns to Raena, who then steps forward holding a weapon in one hand and something else in her other hand. "The anti-virus will be administered with this." She holds up a pointy object. "It is very like a tranquilizer dart, but the capsule contains the anti-virus."

"It will be delivered with this." She holds up the weapon - which is almost exactly like the guns that the Atlantis crew is familiar with. "Just insert the dart like so...." She demonstrates with ease, "Then point and fire....it is quite simple really." She hands the weapon to Caylon, who unloads it and places it and the dart in their respective cases.

"We have loaded a supply of these into your jumper - should you require more, you need only contact us."

Rodney looked at Keller, "Um not this kind of pressure." He fakes a smile as he sees Keller is starting to flirt with him. Rodney then looks at Caylon knowing very well they both still hate him but continue anyways. "Um what will it do to the hybrids?"

Raena ignores Rodney, so Caylon answers, "Essentially, it will return them to their natural form. I am afraid that, in some, the virus will have already progressed too far and they will not be able to be saved."

He clasps his hands behind his back, "Without going into detail, Michael's virus is unstable.....it is systematically destroying brain cells in the hybrids. That damage can be repaired with our anti-virus, but only if it has not progressed past a certain point." He is not happy as he finishes, "The hybrids who have too much cell damage will die....there is nothing we can do."

Sheppard takes a seat beside Ronon curious as to what they have come up with. He listens intently while Caylon and Raena demonstrate how to administer the anti-virus, leaning forward in his seat slightly. Simple is good. A boyish grin plays across his face. Glancing over to Ronon, Sheppard can see that the two of them are thinking the same thing. This should be interesting. Rodney's question catches Sheppard's attention and he returns his gaze to Caylon and Raena in curiosity. "So how many of these do we have exactly?" Sheppard asks once Caylon and Raena are finished explaining the effects of the anti-virus on the hybrids.

Raena looks up at John - giving him a friendly smile, "We have supplied you with two dozen weapons, and 500 darts. Your jumper can not hold a greater quantity - given that it must also carry you and your team. However, this supply should be more than enough to last you for some time."

She glances at Rodney, then back to John, "I would suggest that you only allow your best marksmen to utilize the weapons, in order to insure that none of the darts are wasted."

Sheppard nods his head pleased at the number of both darts and weapons. "That'll get us started. Thanks." He says with a broad grin. Glancing over at Rodney, Sheppard catches his eye before answering in a reassuring voice. "I was just thinking that."

Teyla listens intensely at Caylon's discussion of an anti-virus. Her eyes widen at the prospect of finally curing her people. She looks at Caylon and asks, "Will this anti-virus cure my people who were turned into hybrids by Michael?"

Caylon turns to Teyla, his face serious, "Assuming that their brain cells have not deteriorated past repair, yes."

Maybe almost dying wasn't a bad thing after all. "Caylon I would love to see the lab work if that's ok."

Caylon smiles at Keller, "Of course, Dr Keller. We have given Dr Beckett a crystal that includes data on the anti-virus, as well as some other information." He gives Carson a significant look, then turns back to the younger doctor. "We have also included samples of the specimens that we used, should you wish to study those."

Raena hands him a small case, which he then hands to Keller. "We thought it best that you or Dr Beckett carry these, rather than have them loaded onto your jumper with the anti-virus."

Keller took the bag and felt the pressure that came along with it. "Thank you Caylon I'll keep them close by."

Carson watches Caylon hand the case to Keller and tries to ignore the lump in his throat. They can do this. Working with Keller certainly won't be the same as working with Raena and Caylon...but, Keller is just as qualified as he is and together, they can finish this.

Keller looked at Carson giving him her best don't worry look.

Carson smiles and nods in agreement.

Caylon nods, "That would be wise. Should you have any questions, I am sure that Dr Beckett will be able to answer them. We would not have been able to create the anti-virus were it not for him."

He smiles at the Scottish doctor, and Raena nods and does the same. "Yes, Dr Beckett's help was invaluable!" She turns to him and extends her hand, "Thank you, Dr Beckett." Perhaps one day we will be able to work together once again.

Caylon extends his hand as well, "Yes, much thanks." It has been an honor.

He turns to the room, "Now, if you will excuse us.....it was a pleasure to meet Cmdr Weir's family. We wish you all the best." Both he and Raena bow slightly, then turn and leave the room.

Keller looked over at Carson, "You have some fans Carson."

Rodney glares at Weir's crew who made that remark to Sheppard about him. He sighs since he can't think of anything to say to them. As he sees that they are leaving Rodney gives a wave. "Bye…do stay in touch."

Lorne rolls his eyes as he hears about the weapons. "Sweet. We can now do some damage, sir," he states to Sheppard after winking to Elizabeth.

Harper just sits there listening to the conversation as she tried to stop looking like she was bored.

Sheppard looks over at Lorne, a wide grin on his face. "That's the plan."

Elizabeth smiles at the group before her - imprinting the moment on her memory. Suddenly her smile begins to fade, and she catches John's eye. "It's time, John.....we've reached Atlantis."

He nods solemnly, and she watches as he turns to his team and they all stand, preparing to leave. Elizabeth slips her hands into her pockets, and leads the way into the hall. Everyone is quiet as they make their way to the jumper bay - no one really happy about what is about to take place.

They walk into the bay, and Elizabeth stops a short distance in, allowing the others to pass her on their way to the jumper. She sighs quietly, and then squares her shoulders.

"Well everyone....it's has been a pleasure having you aboard my ship. I have missed all of you, and I look forward to the day when I shall see you again." She gives each of them a warm smile, the last one directed to John.

She looks him in the eye, "Stay safe." He nods, and she steps back a little further - watching them board the jumper and keeping her eyes on the hatch until she can no longer see them.

She allows her shoulders to droop then, and tears fall freely from her eyes. "Until we meet again......"

Teyla's eyes start to form tears as she realizes Elizabeth is leaving. She gives her an encouraging smile and says, "We will miss you and know that you will always be in our thoughts." She glances around at her fellow teammates and continues, "We love you. We will meet again of that I am sure."

Elizabeth gives her friend a warm smile. "Thank you.....I love you all as well." She leans forward, touching her forehead to Teyla's briefly, then moves back. "We most certainly will meet again."

Teyla smiles nodding her head, "Farewell, Elizabeth and good luck."

Elizabeth smiles again, "Thank you, and farewell to you, my friend.......for now."

Netia watched the hatch close as they left. She sat down as she breathed in the sadness that filled the jumper. Weir had told her of the many adventures they had went on while she was a part of the team. Netia felt even more to be a part of this team. She couldn't even imagine how to console everyone. With everyone's emotions running freely, it took Netia some control to not burst into tears. However, Weir's sadness could still be felt and Netia's tears flowed. Carson asked if she was alright. "I'm fine. Really, I just feel how much you all love Weir. A big family." Netia only wished she could be welcomed into this loving 'family'.

Sheppard watches as the hatch closes, cutting off his view of Elizabeth just as her eyes fill with tears. Feeling a pang of regret, he slowly walks over to take the pilot's seat of the puddle jumper. He is running through the pre-flight checklist when he hears something like a low rumble coming from the outside of the jumper. A quizzical look on his face, Sheppard lowers the hatch of the jumper and steps into the rear compartment.

TO BE CONTINUED…