Here's a VERY short transitional chapter-

Rowan was pounding her against the table. Repeatedly. How could anyone be so annoying? How did John put up with this guy for HOURS on end every day? Two ALIENS were learning ASL better than the supposed genius. This wasn't going to work.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

"Ms. Sheppard. You are going to hurt yourself. Why don't we take a break?" Telya looked at her with pity.

It was their 1st lesson. They'd been in the mess hall for just under an hour. They had finished covering the alphabet. Rowan stood up from the table and staggered away like a drunk person.

Teyla admonished Rodney AGAIN, "Rodney. You must try harder. Or at all, really. It would seem you are just being obstinate Rodney, are you even trying?"

Rodney did manage to look a little sheepish. "ugh... I just don't see the point! John can translate for me! I was never good with languages. I took French for 7 years and still failed the college level I exam. I can barely communicate in English half the time! I don't think I can do this." he said as he dejectedly looked down at his hands.

Ronan gave his two cents worth, "McKay, you just have to stop waving your arms around. You're used to moving your arms when you yell at people. Stop it."

Rowan came back to the table and sat down. [OK guys. Great first lesson.] She didn't make eye contact with Dr. McKay when saying this. [It's important to be able to fingerspell, you'll always use it and have it to fall back on it, if your vocabulary fails you, or if you need to ask about a word. So practice spelling out a good portion of everything you say.] She signed and typed this out on her tablet.

[Tomorrow night we will start off with day to day activities, basics. Eating, that sort of thing. Hopefully by next month, you'll be able to have a basic conversation around a meal.]

"After our first session" piped in Ronan.

Ronan, Sheppard and Rowan had agreed that her off-world training and assessments would start out one-on-one.

[OK], replied Rowan. [8:15? If you can, wait to have a late dinner, so we can practice some new words while doing something. We'll all eat together here.]

With that she stood up again and staggered off.

Telya sighed and slipped her shoes off, leaning back in her chair and bringing her legs up to sit crossed legged on her heels. "This been a long day," she stated closing her eyes. "Rodney, would you be so kind as to get me a cup of tea?"

"Sure, Ronan, you want something?" Rodney said, standing up.

"No, thanks though." Ronan kicked his feet up onto the chair he left unoccupied and asked Teyla, "So. You and Lorne. When you going out?"

"Tomorrow evening. As long as nothing eventful happens that would call either of us away." she replied. "Oh. I need to reschedule with him, if I am to be here for the lesson." She sighed. She really had been looking forward to the "date" with Major Evan Lorne. But she also thought postponing it a few days was a good idea. She did not want to feel rushed, and the idea was still new- a few days to get used to it would be welcome. Also, it wouldn't hurt to give herself a few more days to think on what she would wear- and if need be, to go to a market to get some new things. Hmm...maybe should would invite Dr. Keller to give her some advise on what Earth men preferred, and what a Earth "date" would go like... yes, a few days to plan would be good.

Rodney returned with her tea and a sandwich for himself and sat down. The friends sat in a companionable silence for a few minutes unwinding from the long day. Finally Ronan stood up and said, "I'm gonna run a few miles before hittin' the sack. You guys wanna join?"

Of course the question was really just for Teyla- as Rodney just snorted, rolled his eyes and said, "uh yeah. no. I'm going back to the labs."

"Thank you Ronan, but I believe I will retire to my room for some meditations. Do not stay up too late Rodney, the work will still be there in the morning." Teyla said getting up from the table, while stretching one last time before turning her back and walking away.

"Geez. OK, MOM" he said, hiding a small, pleased smile.