Author's Note: 499 words. Also, I've taken measures to hopefully stop the repeat postings of chapters. Enjoy! ~lg
oOo
Jennifer worried the entire way to Jumper Five. Evan flew with apparent focus after having packed up his paints in record time. She settled tensely in the co-pilot's seat and wondered exactly how she'd treat an injured pilot. While Amanda might fuss at her for rendering medical help, Jennifer couldn't deny someone the treatment he or she needed. Still, with her compromised immune system, she still stood a risk for relapse.
Thankfully, the flight to the downed Jumper passed in record time. Jennifer stared out the front viewport at the wide path of destruction. The Jumper itself seemed relatively intact, and the pilot stood outside the back hatch, waving. She breathed a sigh of relief. If the pilot was up and walking, then he could likely wait until they arrived on Atlantis for medical treatment.
As he landed, Evan glanced her way. "Stay here."
"But I-"
He whirled so fast she blinked. "You're still not up to snuff right now, and you could make both you and him sick. Stay. Here."
So that's what it feels like to be ordered around by Major Lorne, she thought. Settling into the seat, she glared at his back as he left the Jumper to assist his fellow pilot. She wanted to argue with him, but he ordered her around because he worried about her. Rather than stirring the anger that flared ever so briefly, it warmed her. She could definitely handle someone worrying about her.
Evan escorted the pilot into the Jumper, and he filled them in on his adventure as they flew back to Atlantis. Apparently he'd taken Jumper Five out for a test flight at the request of Dr. Zelenka. Sheppard refused to go, and Evan had been painting. So, he'd been ordered to take the flight. Everything went well until he decided to return to base. Then, the navigational controls cut out. He managed to keep the Jumper level with the ground while he lost altitude, resulting in a less-than-spectacular landing that caused relatively little damage. But Zelenka would not be pleased. The navigational systems on Jumper Five still weren't fixed, and he now had more damage to repair.
Back on Atlantis, Evan waited with Jennifer while Amanda escorted the pilot to the infirmary. Her energy faded, and she thought about taking another nap. But she refused to leave Evan as they'd barely spoken since he ordered her to stay in the Jumper. Now, she faced him and wondered what to say. "I, um. . . ."
"Don't mention it." He had already slipped back into his normal blasé mode. He moved to collect his supplies.
"Evan." Her sharp call halted his steps. When he turned, she smiled. "I really enjoyed today."
"Me, too." He straightened and met her eyes. "Not quite the date I had in mind, but it worked."
Jennifer said goodbye with her mind whirling. He'd considered this a date? Then why hadn't he said so?
~TBC