It may seem as if I have deceived you, -

-E-

The control room was in an uproar when they returned. Small duffels lined the short ramp leading to the ring and Doctor Weir was debriefing multiple people at once in the control center above. Zelenka was monitoring the DHD, deep in discussion with another scientist.

With this much activity, she was surprised that Rodney wasn't in the thick of it.

… Which meant he hadn't returned. The 'it's just a check up mission' was clearly anything but. Eva glanced behind her back at the ring and frowned. The duffels took on a new meaning. Eva was sure if she checked, they'd be full of medicinal supplies, rations, and additional survival gear.

Major Lorne patted her on the arm softly before quickly heading up the steps to ascertain the situation. If Sheppard hadn't returned and couldn't be contacted, Major Lorne would be in charge - provided she understood how the military structure here worked properly.

Unsure what else to do, Eva followed Lorne up the staircase and hovered at the edge of the conversation. Atlantis had finally managed to re-establish communications with Sheppard's team - whatever interference had existed before was vanquished. Probably something Rodney did, though a full mission report had yet to come through.

She was right about the duffels. The team couldn't dial out, their DHD having been destroyed.

"... reassures me the Daedalus will be there within seven hours. Carson's also positive that with the right medical equipment, he'll be able to take care of everyone. We don't need to send people, Major, just supplies." Lorne looked questioningly at Doctor Weir. She raised her hand before he had a chance to form the words on his lips. "Colonel Sheppard assures me the device has been deactivated and that it's the only threat existent in the vicinity of their location. I know you're concerned, Major, but everything is under control. How was the trip to Sarif Sur?"

Eva froze. "Uneventful."

"Well, that makes one mission that went right at least."

Eva wasn't sure that she would say it had 'gone right' but it hadn't gone wrong either. She was grateful that Lorne hadn't said that she'd gone crazy and required attention based upon her performance. The last thing she wanted was to have a conversation with Doctor Heightmeyer and her creepy, intense eyes.

She made a mental note to thank Major Lorne later.

"It'd be easier to send supplies through with someone rather than chucking them through the gate."

Doctor Weir sighed exasperatedly and was about to respond when Eva moved up next to the Major. "Major Lorne's right."

Doctor Weir's lips thinned. "Clearly I'm outnumbered." She stared at both of them for a moment before sighing wearily. "Fine, I'll send someone. But not you, Major. As long as Sheppard's gone, your post is here."

The Major clearly wasn't entirely thrilled with the response. "I'll go," she volunteered.

She recognized that part of the reason behind her volunteering was the propensity to run, because she didn't want anyone else to see her while she still felt vulnerable. Running had become a lifestyle; one that was hard to break. When continually on the run for your life, stopping to deal with emotional baggage wasn't a priority.

It wasn't even on the mind. Survival was first and foremost.

It was also a really hard task to accomplish while Running. Which was probably why, now that she'd been at Atlantis for two months and her life had slowed down to the pace of normal people, all those things she'd kept down at the bottom of the barrel were starting to bubble up to the surface. They were no longer constrained by the sheer force of will to survive and were allowed to float freely.

Perhaps she should ask Ronon how long it took for him to recover.

She hoped he wouldn't say it hadn't ended yet. That would not be encouraging.

Doctor Weir searched her eyes and Eva found it hard to meet her gaze. She wanted nothing more than to look away, to leave the raw part of herself unseen. It took a supreme act of will to studiously focus on Doctor Weir.

She only hoped her eyes weren't red. That'd be a dead give away. She was already pretty sure her eyes were a bit swollen from the sob fest she'd just endured, but hoped it wasn't too terribly noticeable.

Apparently whatever Doctor Weir found was enough to satisfy her, for she nodded. Relief flooded through Eva.

She'd be able to escape for a bit and collect herself.

Not that she expected the team would just let her wander away, but it'd be quieter.

"We're about to dial the gate, so if there's anything you want, now would be the time." Eva shook her head, and Doctor Weir continued speaking, leading her down the stairs towards the ring. "Okay, Carson informed us that Teyla, Rodney, Ronon, and Kagan are all injured but otherwise stable. We've gathered all the supplies Carson asked for and added a couple of other things like blankets and extra rations and water. Also a couple of flashlights in case the Daedalus doesn't arrive till after nightfall."

Eva's heart hitched at hearing Ronon and the others were injured. Especially since they were stuck until the Daedalus arrived. "Anything else?"

"Colonel Sheppard will meet you on the other side. We'll radio ahead before you step through so he knows you're coming."

Eva nodded and began hooking the duffels over her shoulders. They were heavy, but not too heavy. Doctor Weir handed her the last one and Eva accepted it, grasping the smaller straps instead of slinging it over already over-ladden shoulders.

"We'll see you and the others tomorrow," Doctor Weir said. "Be safe."

Eva smiled at her and the Doctor patted her on the arm, warm eyes smiling at her. She seemed to have an unending well of compassion. At first Eva had thought that was a weakness, but now she wasn't so sure.