Chapter three
"Lizbeth?" Sheppard tapped lightly at glass wall. "Are you busy?" Pair of tired green eyes looked at him over the pile of papers and one eyebrow lifted in infamous expression. Duh! "Heh, sorry." Colonel gave embarrassed cough and leaned against doorframe. "I just need five minutes, thats all...its kinda important, y'know." Elizabeth closed her eyes and with quiet groan stretched her back and arms. Something popped audibly and he winced sympatethically, for a moment entertaining idea of moving behind her and giving her neck and shoulders obviously much needed massage. Instead he walked inside the office and perched on top of the desk.
"Looks like you need a break anyway." Elizabeth shrugged a bit bashfully.
"Maybe so. But there is no rest for the wicked. And before you ask – yes, i had lunch earlier." With flourish and cheeky smile expedition leader produced a plate with remains of a sandwich and empty cup of Jello, and he had to laugh at her proud expression. "Am i so predictable?" Mischievous smile widened.
"Afraid so, Colonel. But dont worry John, i won't tell anyone that i can read you like a book." 'Im not worried.' Lines of stress and exhaustion disappeared from her beautiful face, and green eyes softened. 'I know. And thank you.' Sudden burst of laughter somewhere outside interrupted their moment of silence, and Elizabeth straightened, all business again. "I hope these five minutes are about reports you are due to give me before next databurst?" Sheppard made a face. "I remember. They are ready...mostly."
"Mostly."
"Really. I just need to cross the t's, dot the i's. You'll have them tomorrow." Playful smile returned on her lips and Sheppard shifted nervously. "Why didn't you dumped them on Evan this time?" Ow, straight to the heart. And note to self – dont piss off Lorne before all reports are ready. "He's busy." He replied going for casual. "He's trying to force newbies to un-learn SGC training routines. They dont work well against Wraith. Besides, its not like he's doing that much of my paperwork." Elizabeth nodded sagely, lips pursed "No, of course...only parts you despise. Like reports, evaluations, lists of lost equipment..."
"All right already, i get the point!" He hopped off the desk, suddenly irritated. First Zelenka. Now Elizabeth, of all people. Is this "Pick-on-Sheppard Day" and i missed my memo? He turned to look at Weir suspiciously. "Cadman was here to tell on me, didnt she?" Something similiar to guilt flickered in her eyes, but she didnt look away.
"Yes, and she was nearly crying, John. I thought we've agreed that rabbits are good for morale. You've also said that you have no problems with soldiers under your command keeping them." Sheppard raised a finger interrupting her speech.
"She can keep them, yes. In her quarters. But not in armory, in the basket adorned with pink ribbons!" His voice carried so much disgust Elizabeth dissolved into peals of laughter, and despite his irritation Sheppard had to join her. It took good couple of minutes before they calmed enough to look at each other without losing it again.
"Pink ribbons. Good Lord, how i wish i could see your face when you spotted her with the basket." Elizabeth snickered wiping tears with her fingers. Colonel waggled his eyebrows.
"No one was laughing, i assure you Lisbeth. But this is serious, really. Just before i came here i was in Radek's laboratory. One of rabbits chewed some important cable in half, and later spilled coffee on one of his laptops. Thats why im here." At this point Elizabeth sobered completely and was listening with full attention. "Listen, i know you, hell, half of the crew love those critters. They are cute, pretty, dont smell and are great pets. But people need to keep them away from places that are not completely safe – can you imagine what could happen if one of them decided to play in Rodney's laboratory?" Sheppard returned to the desk and leaned toward Dr. Weir, looking intently into her eyes. "And honestly, Laura should know better too. She's explosives expert for crying out loud! We have C4, Claymores, grenades, we even have containers with freaking napalm in the storage. Elizabeth, i dont want to lose anyone under my command just because someone's pet incidentally messed with box of detonators." Weir, now in full 'Expedition Leader' mode nodded firmly at him.
"You are right of course, John. We allowed too much freedom to these animals. I'll make sure all owners will control them better. I'll also bring this matter at next meting with departament heads – we'll designate areas off-limits for rabbits." She paused rubbing her forehead tiredly, and Sheppard immediately felt pang of guilt. She had enough work already, and he just added another worry to her burden. But it had to be done, and they both were responsible for safety of all city inhabitants. Squashing another urge to go and comfort her in any way he could offer, Colonel bent to settle in his usual armchair standing in front of the desk. At the same moment Elizabeth raised head to look at him...and her eyes widened in horror.
"NO! JOHN, DONT SIT DOWN!" Scream was so loud and urgent that Sheppard's body reacted instantly, jackknifing out of the chair – way too fast for any hope of stopping or even slowing down its velocity before... With guttural 'Oomphhh' his stomach and hip collided with desk's edge and for several hazy seconds he could see only red stars of pain. Gasping for air, barely able to stand John was dimly aware of Dr. Weir rushing to his side, talking in soft, soothing voice.
"Oh, are you all right? There, there, dont be scared." Huh? "Dont worry little ones, Mommy is here. You are safe now." Little ones? Mommy? Wait a ever – loving second! Ignoring his body protests and blinking away tears of pain Sheppard finally uncurled himself and took good look at his friend and leader. She was cooing at two bundles of brown and gray fur clutched protectively to her chest. Above her arm two pairs of beady, black eyes were giving him twin looks of pure hatred. John groaned and dropped his head. "Et tu, Elizabeth?"