"Secrets and Challenges"

Ch. 52

(Atlantis, East Pier)

Despite Stacey's tiredness she ran to the East Pier. When she arrived she instantly hugged Sam and Daniel.

"Nice to see you too, Stace," Sam said, almost choking.

When she released the two she made her way over to Teal'c. Stacey looked at him meaningfully. Teal'c opened his arms to let her hug her. She did so immediately.

"I've missed you guys so much," Stacey said tearfully.

"I have missed your presence, as well, Stacey Grayson," Teal'c told her.

Stacey released him, smiling. She then glanced behind them, finally noticing Colonel Caldwell and Colonel Mitchell.

"Colonel's," she greeted them.

Caldwell gave her a polite nod, "Ma'am."

"Please don't call me ma'am, Colonel. It makes me feel old," Stacey told him.

"I'll keep that in mind, Doctor,"

"That's better," Stacey turned to Mitchell.

"What, no hug?" Mitchell asked.

Stacey grinned and hugged him.

"Glad your still around, Cam," she told him.

John and Elizabeth came in behind Stacey. Adam was wiggling in John's arms. Stacey went over to him and took Adam. The baby was still wiggling, reaching for Daniel.

"Daniel, Adam wants you to hold him," Stacey said.

Stacey handed Adam to her friend without Daniel replaying.

(Atlantis Gym)

Teyla and Stacey began the next morning with a routine session of their stick fighting. But, this time Stacey's fighting is more aggressive than usual. Every hit she takes, it's with anger and frustration. It's getting harder for Teyla to keep up with Stacey. But, the two continue sparring.

"So, how's Ronan fitting in?" Stacey asked, conversationally.

"As well as I expected," Teyla answered, with a huff.

"Slowly, then?"

"Very,"

"And, how are you holding up?"

Both women stopped fighting and dropped their sticks.

"I've been having nightmares. The Wraith ones are replaced by the ones of Aiden," Teyla said, softly.

"I'm sorry. If that had happened to John, I'm not sure what I'd do," Stacey said, slowing her breaths down.

"Thank you," Teyla said softly, with a nod.

"Do you mind if we stop for the day?" Stacey asked.

"Not at all," she said. Teyla ten asked, "Are you feeling alright?"

"No," Stacey told her. With a sigh she added, "It's time for my feral abilities to go haywire, and they're not."

Stacey left for her quarter's. She needed a nice long bath before the day began.

(Stacey-John's Quarter's)

John and Adam were still asleep when Stacey arrived in her quarter's. She crept around the bed and went to the bathroom. The doors closed shut with a low hiss. Stacey started the water in the large marble-like stone tub.

She took a slender glass bottle full of purple liquid and poured it into the tub. Bubbles eroded and filled the tub to the top. Stacey put her long blonde hair up in a bun, got undressed and slowly slipped into the marble-like tub. She rested her head against a makeshift pillow made from a towel from earth.

Stacey closed her eyes and sighed slowly and gently. She hadn't had a bubble bath since she left earth. And thanks to Sam for the bubbles, Stacey can now have them again.

(Briefing Room)

SG-1 wanted to be briefed on the Wraith and what they have been up too in the Pegasus Galaxy.

"Unfortunately, Nemesia's Satellite is out of juice now. The last Wraith attack hit us a bit hard," Elizabeth said, giving a slight, little nod over to Teyla.

"McKay's brilliant plan to cloak the city when the Wraith approach is our only way to defend ourselves now," Stacey said, as she entered the room. "Sorry I'm late. My check-up with Carson ran longer than I expected."

"Everything okay?" Mitchell asked.

"I'm not sure yet," Stacey told him sitting down. "I'm filling in for Carson while he goes over my results, in any case."

Stacey finally looked over at her husband. She noticed his big grin.

"What's up with you?" she asked.

"General Landry gave me a promotion," John grinned. "I'm Lt. Colonel now."

"Oh, Lord, what has the good General done," Stacey said, half jokingly, giving a fake groan.

To be continued . . .