Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Stargate Atlantis or it's wonderful characters.

Spoilers: Through Reunion in Season 4

On the timeline: Reunion – Season 4 (Just before Reunion)

12 – Lost

Jennifer heard a throat clear behind her. She looked up to find Dr. Cole snapping some gloves on.

"Dr. Keller, I can take over if you want to get out of here," Dr. Cole offered as she nodded her head in the direction of the doorway.

Jennifer looked in that direction and saw Laura was still talking with Marie. The Daedalus had docked in the City about a half hour ago and Laura showed up about ten minutes later to wait for Jenn to get off-shift so they could go eat and catch up.

Jennifer had missed her friend terribly. This was Laura's first time back since Dr. Beckett's death. She only had to stitch up the Marine she was with and she could leave.

"That's ok, I'm almost done here," Jennifer said as she smiled back at the young Marine, not wanting him to think he was any trouble.

"Actually," Dr. Cole smiled, "Marie asked me if I would relieve you. She even offered to help me if I'd let you go." She laughed at the look of confusion Dr. Keller gave her. "I think that Marie wants to be rescued. Your friend there is worse then a police interrogator." Dr. Cole laughed even more when she saw her CMO's eyes go wide for a moment.

"Thank you, Dr. Cole," Jennifer said hastily. "I'll send Marie over. Have a good evening." Jennifer smiled at doctor and patient before moving toward the entrance of the infirmary.

This was the Daedalus' first trip to the new home of Atlantis. They were receiving their new leader in the form of Colonel Samantha Carter. She'd gotten to know Colonel Carter briefly during her time spent working at the SGC when the Atlantis expedition members had returned to Earth. Although it was only a few weeks, she knew the Colonel to be a smart and fair woman. She'd never replace Dr. Weir, but she would be good for the city.

Jennifer walked by Marie and Laura, "I just have to lock up my office and we can leave."

Marie leaned in to Jenn when she returned, "Sorry."

Jennifer turned to ask Marie for what, but saw that she was already making her way over to Dr. Cole.

"So," Laura said as she smirked at Jenn, "you hungry?"

"Sure," Jennifer said hesitantly, "are you?"

"Starved, I think we should take dinner back to your room though." Laura raised her eyebrows at Jenn, "More private."

Jennifer followed Laura out of the infirmary very leery of her friend's current mood.

Jennifer wouldn't say that she'd eaten her lunch slowly, but she had definitely taken her time. She knew there was something going on with Laura based on the gleam in her eye. She was expecting a somewhat more somber attitude from her friend and found that she was almost afraid to be finished eating.

"Ok," Jennifer said after she took the last sip of her water and placed her tray on the bed side table. They were both sitting crossed legged on Jennifer's bed, "spit it out."

"What?" Laura asked innocently.

"You have been sitting there counting down to the moment you could say something, so… say it."

"I just wanted to catch up with you," she said feigning hurt.

"I doubt it," Jenn said sarcastically.

"Hey, I can be concerned," she said indignantly.

"Since when?" Jenn asked rolling her eyes. "What you meant to say was that you wanted to meddle and be nosey."

"I just was wondering how you and your warrior are faring?" the gleam in the Lieutenant's eyes shone even brighter as she watched Jennifer's face for the reaction.

"What?" Jennifer knew she was blushing and would never be able to pull off ignorance.

Laura smirked at her, "Marie said you have been spending a lot more time with a certain Satedan."

"Which one?" Jennifer asked in exasperation.

"Just dish already," Laura pleaded as if the conversation was paining her.

"I thought you were supposed to be in mourning," Jennifer stated wanting to know how her best friend was doing rather then delving into the unknown of the relationship between herself and Ronon.

Jennifer saw Laura's body still for a moment upon hearing the question. Jennifer felt a need to soften her words.

"How are you doing, girlie?"

Laura looked away, mentally holding herself tighter as she answered, "I'm ok." The redhead looked at Jenn briefly and then back down at her hands. "I had a tough time of it for a bit there. Thank god I was on Earth at the time. General Landry grounded me…"

Laura saw Jennifer's jaw opened in indignation so Laura moved on quickly so she would understand. "He made up an excuse about needing my expertise on some explosives they were handling using some new components, but I know he was just making sure he could keep an eye on me."

Laura looked back at Jenn, the pain evident in her face, but Jenn could tell that it wasn't eating her up. Only time she knew could accomplish that kind of healing, glad that her friend had been given that time.

"When I was finally allowed back on the Daedalus, I began to feel whole again. Seeing my old quarters and knowing that I was going to see you guys gave me something to look forward to again." Laura took a deep breath, "Then we got word that Atlantis was missing. That had to be the longest two days of my life."

Jennifer nodded as she scouted closer to her friend, "Ours too."

Jennifer reached for Laura and the girl leaned into her embrace. "I'm sorry, sweetie." The tough Maine's response was to hold onto Jennifer tighter.

"Have you thought of transferring to Atlantis? I would really like you to, I hate being away from you for more than a month each time you go."

Laura pulled away from Jennifer. "You know, he never asked me that."

Jennifer knew they were talking about Carson, but was a little confused, "Asked you what?"

"To stay… transfer… he never asked me if I would be willing," sadness emanated from Laura's reply.

"Well, I'm asking," Jennifer reminded her with a smile.

"Actually," Laura said with a lighter voice, "now that the galactic bridge is almost finished the Daedalus has new orders." Laura grinned at her friend. "We will be playing a more "active roll" in the Pegasus galaxy, so you will be seeing so much more of me."

Jennifer rolled her eyes, "Great."

"Yeah, be careful what you wish for and all that," Laura said laughing.

Jennifer glared, but Laura wasn't deterred, "So… has the big warrior kissed the maiden yet?"

"Not that again," Jennifer rolled her eyes.

"Hey, you interrupted Marie and I before I could get the low-down," Laura whined in her defense.

"Ok…I'll fill you in, but only because I know I won't get a moment's peace until I share." Jennifer shook her head, "Now that you're in the Pegasus I won't be able to just put you off until the Daedalus leaves," she mumbled earning a slug to the shoulder from Laura.