AN-This went way over as it took on a mind of its own. Still adding it here as it part of the one line thing I was sent. It's only a single chapter due to its length. Hope you enjoy it, even with its length. Have done an edit so this should now have been corrected for rank errors.
All I heard was "I swear it will be fun" then we were in jail.
When the gate opened and only three of the seven people who had gone through it came back Elizabeth was not to happy. Looking at the three scientists as they walked down the ramp towards her she looked them over from head to toe. There weren't any signs of battle or mistreatment so that was at least a good start. When the two men and the one woman stopped just in front of Elizabeth she waited for an explanation as to where the rest of the team were. When all three ducked their heads and became interested in their boot laces she cleared her throat and waited for them all to look back up.
"So who's going to tell me this story then? I would like an explanation as to where Dr. Beckett, Dr. McKay, Ronan and Colonel Sheppard are. When you're ready of course." Trying not to let the anger in her voice come through to sharply.
"Well what it is...it was an accident...we weren't there when it happened." All three scientist seem to sputter and stutter out at the same time.
"One of you tell me where the others are, sooner rather than later." Glaring at the three people in front of her.
"Dr. Weir, they were arrested last night. As far as we know they're in jail awaiting your arrival to get them out and sort out costs for damages caused." One of the science team finally blurted out so quick Elizabeth was lucky she heard them.
Just brilliant. In jail again. She stood for a minute and weighed up her options, rubbing her temple with her left hand as she did.
"You three get checked out at the infirmary. I will put my best diplomatic face on and go and save their sorry asses again. Dismissed." As she turned and walked back up the stairs to head through the control room to her office.
Sitting down at her desk she leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, taking a few measured breaths. She needed to find that place she needed to be in mentally to get her team back and not kill them when she had. Tapping her ear piece she asked Chuck to dial the planet and ask if it was okay for her to come through and negotiate her people's release. Standing back up she straightened her red top and slid her arms in her jacket which was on the back of her chair. Zipping the jacket up she walked out her office and took measured and calming steps towards Chuck.
"There waiting for you Dr. Weir. They have said to proceed straight to the city and someone will meet you on the route. I have Major Lorne's team assembled at the gate ready for departure." Dropping his head as he added the last bit.
Elizabeth just raised her eyebrow at Chuck when he mentioned the security, team. She knew he was right calling them, and John would go mad if she turned up alone.
"Thanks, Chuck, see you soon I hope." Nodding her head to him as she walked away to meet the security team at the foot of the ramp.
"Time to go save Colonel Sheppard's ass again boys." Elizabeth heard Major Lorne say to his team as she stepped up to him and he passed her a flak jacket.
They both went through the Stargate together and got swept to the planet through the wormhole. Stepping out onto the other side of the gate Elizabeth looked around. There was nothing special about, trees and bushes lined a beaten path that obviously lead away from the gate and into the village. Walking down the stairs she waited for her security team to appear out the gate and come to stand behind her. Nodding at Major Lorne she set off in long even strides down the path heading towards the village.
They had just about reached the village boundary when the team saw a tall well-dressed man stood waiting for them.
"Welcome to our village. I am sorry we could not have meet under better circumstances. I am Nathaniel, the village elder and head of the council. If you will follow me we shall get this matter resolved quickly and you can have your men back safely." Bowing his head and gesturing towards the village.
Elizabeth and Major Lorne fell in step as the rest of the team followed just behind and off to the sides. They had all areas covered if needed be, better to be safe than sorry. Walking through the village they looked at the various stalls and people as they passed, taking in what would probably be the last look at the planet before they were banished for whatever her team had done this time.
"I will take you to see your men after I have gone over the events that transpired last night and the reason they are incarcerated. Hopefully when I take you to them we can release them and you can head back to your own world." Nathaniel said as he stopped in front of a very impressive building.
After being shown inside and seated at a large oval shaped wood table, Nathaniel read out a list of charges that were being brought against Major Shepherd and the rest of the men. She sat and listened carefully to their drunken antics and the damage that they had caused. She kept her head held high no matter how tempted she was to take it in her hands and shake it. A list of damages was presented to her and she sat for nearly 2 hours going over it, finally coming up with a list of supplies and medicines she was willing to trade to compensate them for the trouble.
"I will lead you to your men now Dr. Weir, follow me, please," Nathaniel said as he stood up and turned to a door that was located just behind him.
Ten minutes later Dr. Weir found herself stood in front of four men who looked no worse for wear after their antics the night before. Looking at John first he started to smile but quickly ducked his head and looked down when he saw her face. Rodney wouldn't even meet her gaze and Carson just stood with an apologetic look on his face before looking down. Ronan being Ronan had a huge smile on his face and he was perfectly happy and bright. After the cell door was opened all four men stepped out and stood behind Elizabeth, John taking his normal place at her side.
"Let's go home boys, Major Lorne, lead the way, please. Nathaniel, I am sorry again for the trouble my boys caused," emphasizing the word boys as she looked at John. "They will be punished for their behavior when we return home." Nodding at Nataniel and heading out a door that lead back into the main village.
The walk to the gate was silent, only broke by the sound of birds and wildlife, or an odd cough from one of the team. Arriving at the DHD Major Lorne dialed Atlantis while Elizabeth stepped back and stood behind till only herself and Major Lorne where left. Stepping into the gates event horizon she walked out back onto the solid ground of Atlantis and said a silent pray for them all returning safely. Looking down she saw her "boys" trying to slink away from her before she had a chance to start.
"Colonel Shepard, Dr's McKay and Beckett, Ronon. Infirmary first and them my office when you're cleared. I will find you if you do not report here as soon as you're dismissed." Seeing all four men stop in their tracks and slowly turn around to face her.
None of the spoke but they did manage a collective head nod before practically turning around and running for the door. She watched them leave and shook her head, they had a lot of explaining to do. Trudging back up the stairs and across the control room she entered her office and dropped down into her chair with a thud. Looking at the work on her desk still to do she decided she would deal with the boys when they returned and not dwell on their behavior till they were facing her. Starting her computer up, she settled in for a couple of hours work, knowing it would take that long to clear all four of her team.
Sure enough, two and half hours later the group of wayward troublemakers made their way to her office and knocked on her door. Looking up she used her hand to indicate they should enter, watching as they all stepped in one by one and lined up in front of her desk.
"Who's going first then? I have had the official version so now let's hear it from the horse's mouth so to speak." Looking at each of the men in front of her.
It was Rodney who broke first.
"This is not my fault. All I heard was " I swear it will be fun" and then we were in jail. I tried to stop them, but they wouldn't listen." Rodney blurted out still looking at the floor.
"Snitch, so must for sticking together." Ronan hissed at Rodney as he glared at him.
"Colonel Sheppard, do you have anything to say here? You seem very quiet over there. Why don't you tell me about your little off world party." Locking eyes with John as he looked up.
As soon as the other three men saw their boss and leader lock eyes with the major they knew they were doomed. He would spill all and tell her everything, he wouldn't be able to help himself. He could never lie to Elizabeth and they all knew it, more so when they stood staring at each other.
"Well as you can imagine we had access to real ale, it's been a while and we had the good stuff as well, which probably didn't help. We were sat drinking when a couple of the locals decided to involve us in a local game. It wasn't too difficult and Rodney won every game. After five they thought he was cheating and things got a little heated. We asked them to play a different game when we got things settled and showed them how to play cards. It was all going so well and the drinks were flowing, a crowd had gathered to see who would win all out. Well, I won the last hand and stood up to do a sort of victory dance when it all kicked off. The loser was a little sore and started to get grumpy again. We didn't notice at first as we were a little busy...doing a conga line around the bar." John paused and tore his gaze away from Elizabeth and across at the men standing in line beside him.
He could see they all had their heads hung and eyes closed. All three were shaking their heads, probably from a cross between remembering what they did and what was coming. Licking his suddenly dry lips, he looked back up at Elizabeth's eyes and knew he was now even more likely to spill all the details. He caught a look of disgust and disappointment in her eyes when she looked at him and it cut him to the core. He hated seeing her look at him like that. He could deal with her looking at the others like that but not him. He had let her down and he hated himself for it.
"Is this the bit where you all ended up kissing some local girls which lead to the bar fight and the damage which we paid greatly for? " Turning her gaze to the other men in the room who nodded their heads silently.
"I am just beyond words at your behavior. You are supposed to be the best at what you do, the best Atlantis has to offer and this is how you act off world? I just have no words to tell you how disappointing I am in you all. Dr. Beckett, you should have regulated the alcoholic drinks, more so when you knew it had been awhile. Ronan how you find any of this remotely funny is beyond me. This may be what's normal for you but when you're on my team you tow the line, just like everyone else. Dr. McKay, you getting drunk is something I will never get. As for you Colonel Sheppard," here it came, the dressing down she had been building up to."You're their leader, I expected more from you. Lead by example." Turning her eyes back to her 2IC.
John looked up and had to look away, the fire and anger burning in her eyes could have made him burst into flames right there. John just hung his head, he was not the only one who was disappointed in him. He was mortified with his actions, especially since they hurt her. He kept his eyes glued to the muddy spots on his boots and never dared look up. He heard her rant at the others about having to prove themselves again and being stuck on land for two weeks unless it was an emergency. He saw movement out the corner of his eyes as his team and partners in crime were dismissed and made a quick exit. He stayed rooted to the spot as he glanced to his right to make sure whoever was last out shut the door. When he was sure he was the only one left he slowly lifted his head and looked at Elizabeth again. She had resumed her seat behind her desk which had been deserted as she built up to her discipline rant. Seeing her sat slumped back rubbing her temples he knew she had a headache, and it was made worse as he was the cause.
"Elizabeth..." John started to say but was cut off by her raising her hand.
"Save it, John, I am not in the mood to hear excuses. The drinking I expected, the dancing I can live with. Hell, even the bar fight was no surprise but kissing more women off world. John, you have to learn to keep you raging masculine hormones in check, you don't need to take every woman who throws herself at you. Just go, John, I can't deal with this right now." Standing up and turning her back to him.
John let out a huge sigh and shoved his hands in his pants pockets. He turned and made his way out of the office, dragging his feet as he left. He had to try and make things right. He hated seeing her like this, he had to try and make up for his mistakes. Heading back through the control room he felt everyone watching him, gossip in the city traveled fast. He would have to get one of the other to speak to Elizabeth, he needed her to know he hadn't kissed anyone at all in that bar. That would have to wait till tomorrow, though, first he needed a clean up. He was scruffy and his BDU pants were covered in mud. Making his way back through the city, he passed people who quickly avoided him or looked the other way when they saw him.
When he waved his hand over the door control to his room and the door opened he stepped inside and surveyed his room. Stepping away so the door could close he headed straight for the bathroom, stripping off his dirty uniform as he went. When he turned the shower on he was pleased that he didn't have to think much about the shower since it set itself perfectly for him. Standing under the hot spray he let it beat against his head and shoulders, massaging the tense muscles. After a good scrub down and a shave he switched the shower off and stepped out. Grabbing a towel he rubbed his legs and feet over before doing his chest and back. Wrapping the towel around his waist he left the bathroom and headed straight for his wardrobe. Pulling out a clean BDU he threw it on the bed before getting underwear and socks.
Sitting on the bed he finished getting dry before pulling on his clean uniform. Running the towel through his hair he looked at it in the mirror and decided he wasn't even going to both with a comb, it made no difference anyway. He had spent his time in the shower coming up with a plan to start and make up to Elizabeth for his cosmic size screw up. Looking himself over he headed out the door and down to the commissary. He hadn't eaten since the night before and he knew Elizabeth wouldn't have either. When he arrived he looked around to see if any of the other bad boys had made it there yet, but the place was just about empty. Gathering a tray, he helped himself to sandwiches and a couple of bits of fruit. Getting two bowls of Jell-O and some bottled water he scanned the tray over and made sure he had enough for them both. Once he was sure he picked the tray up and headed back out towards the infirmary.
He caught site of Carson as he entered the infirmary, sitting at this desk with his head in his hands. Placing the full tray on the nearest bed he stepped up to the doctor and placed his hand on the doctor's shoulder.
"You scared the life out me there. What brings you down here? You hate the place at the best of times." Turning in his chair to face John.
"Has Elizabeth been in or contacted you in let's say, the last hour?" Placing his hands in his pockets and looking at the doctor.
"No, why? Is she okay? You want me to go and see her?" Carson rattled out, trying to stand up from his seat.
"No, she's fine, well just a headache. My fault for what happened last night. Can you give me something to take up to her? I have her Lunch or dinner, or whatever the hell meal we are up to now." Inclining his head towards the tray on the bed behind him.
"Sure give me a second. Is this the start of "Elizabeth, I am a complete twat please forgive me" trip?" Walking over to the drugs cart and taking out a small cup and a bottle of pain meds.
"Here, making sure she eats with them, there pretty strong." Passing John the small paper cup. "Good luck colonel, you're going to need it." The doctor added before walking away and leaving John stood with the cup in his hand.
"Before you go can you do me a favor, please." Looking at Carson as he walked away.
"Already done, I told her when I submitted my report in person. She knows there was no kissing on your part, I told her we would have all killed you first if you had. Go and put things right John." Carson finished as he headed back to his desk.
Placing the meds on the tray John radioed Chuck to check she was still in her office. He knew she would be, but he wanted to make sure. When he cut off his radio he picked the tray up and went to the nearest transport, appearing a second later in the corridor just outside the main gate room. Taking the back stairs, he came out at the side of the control room, in direct view of Elizabeth's office. Standing watching her for a few seconds couldn't hurt, it would let him gauge her mood. She was still sat at her desk but had moved her computer back so she could rest her elbows on the desk. She had her eyes closed and the heels of her hands dug in either side of her temple. This was one of her more intense headaches, one that ended up with her on at least twenty-four-hour-bed rest when it hit full force if it wasn't stopped in mid-track. Squaring his shoulders and setting his back straight he made his way along the small corridor and into Elizabeth's office. He didn't knock or announce himself, that would give her a chance to back away.
"Here, I brought you something for that, you have to eat with them so I have food as well." Placing the tray on the desk and watching as Elizabeth bolted upright.
"John what are you doing..." But she halted her question when she saw the tray and the paper cup with meds in front of her.
"How long has it been that bad? Or has it been like that all day." Watching her wince as he sat on the corner of her desk in his usual spot.
"Just since lunch time. It's been building since then." Tipping the meds in her mouth and taking a drink from the bottle of water on her desk.
"I'm sorry, it's my fault again. Will you at least let me help you with a massage? You know you want to." Giving her his puppy dog face and eyes as he stood opposite her.
"Fine, but this does not mean you're forgiven. You have some major sucking up to do."
"I know I do. When I am done here you can eat your meal and take a soak in the bath. Then get an early night. Before you protest I will do some of this paperwork so it's not gonna mount up. No arguing." Bringing his finger to her warm and soft lips, silencing her instantly.
"Fine, I could do with a soak and an early night. Still needs more work though, especially since I banned Rodney from playing with his new ancient gadgets." Moaning a little at the pressure and sensations John's hands were causing in her heart and head.
"I will keep saying sorry for what happened today. I will behave till the next alien comes along and tries to gather followers and kill my friends and the people I care about the most in the galaxy. Anyway, stop talking and more eating." Tucking a stray strand of her brown hair behind her ear.
After ten minutes of going between Elizabeth's shoulders and temples, John moved his fingers and instantly missed the feel of her skin under his hands. Moving back around the desk he sat back down opposite her and looked at her as she was about to take a bite of her fruit.
"Feeling any better? I can do some more when I finished eating if it helps." Taking his sandwich and practically eating half the sandwich in the first bite.
"Thank you, John, it does feel a lot better. Since I am nearly done with dinner I will head back to my room and take that bath. Will help me relax more, maybe even shift this headache." Elizabeth said to John as she stood up from the desk and stretched her arms.
"Go then, I will do these. Or at least some of them. If you can't find me in the morning I will have died from "death by too many reports to read and sign." Laughing as he gave her one of his knee-trembling smiles.
"Yeah right, goodnight John." Turning to walk out the office as he sat at her desk and looked at all the stuff cluttering it.
"Goodnight Elizabeth, sleep well. Sorry again before you go." Looking up to see her turn and smile as she walked away.
Watching her walk away made his heart feel that little bit better, after what he did the night before he was glad to help. He would look out for her no matter what he had or haven't done, and he would make it better any way he could, just like he was doing now.