They had food, music, and some kind of Ethosian drink that knocked your socks off. People were laughing, were learning to feel at home, were building bridges that might have to last them a lifetime. It was good, she thought, as she stepped out onto the wide balcony overlooking the endless ocean. It was a good night.
Far above, the sky was lit in Technicolor by what McKay assured her was a nebular. She'd been less concerned with what it was than what it looked like, and it looked amazing. Its beauty seemed to match the grace of Atlantis, all muted colors and ethereal light that reflected off the still waters surrounding them. This place had a splendor that was, quite literally, unearthly, and she couldn't imagine ever taking it for granted.
Reluctantly, she dragged her gaze from the sky and focused on the two men she had come to see. John Sheppard and Alden Ford — Sheppard's protege, she thought with a smile. They'd done so much, in so short a time. They'd made friends and enemies, and struck a blow for the basic human credo of freedom, fairness, and hope.
It wasn't a bad start, and it deserved a celebration. She glanced down at the tin cups in her hand with a rueful grin; elegance wasn't top of their list of priorities. But she didn't approach immediately; she hung back and let their quiet words drift toward her on the evening breeze.
"I guess this is home now," Ford was saying, gazing out over the vast city below them.
"For a while," the Major acknowledged. He sounded thoughtful, almost distracted.
Ford pointed. "I'm thinking of a little place with an ocean view. Out of the way."
With a smile, Weir drew closer. "Major, Lieutenant," she said, offering them both a cup of champagne, "Compliments of General O'Neill."
Sheppard flashed her a wide grin that somehow seemed brittle, and clinked his cup against hers. "Cheers!"
But he downed it in one, and Weir sensed that this didn't feel like a celebration for him. Drawing closer, she said, "You did good, John."
He looked away, staring out over the ocean. "I don't know about that."
Doubts? Who'd have thought Major Overconfident would have doubts? "There was no way you could have saved Colonel Sumner."
"Still have to live with it…"
So do I, Weir thought, but she didn't say anything out loud. That was her burden to carry.
After a moment Sheppard looked at her, shaking his head. "I've been thinking you were right. I may have made things much worse." He sighed. "I didn't make us many friends."
"No?" She smiled at that. "Look around you." In the distance she could see the Ethosian man, Halling, touching foreheads with his son — it looked like their traditional form of greeting, or expression of affection. And behind them many others, talking with expedition members, in small, smiling groups of their own. They had friends here.
"I agree, Major Sheppard." The lilting accent belonged to Teyla, who'd come to join them. She smiled, but it was for Sheppard alone as she deliberately took the cup from his hand and rested it on the balcony railing. Then, moving close — right into his space — she placed her hands on his shoulders and touched her forehead to his. It was an intimate gesture, and from the corner of her eye Weir caught sight of McKay. He was standing with Dr. Beckett and watching the scene with raised eyebrows. She was just wondering if she should chivvy McKay and the others off the balcony when, in a clear voice, Teyla said, "You have earned both my friendship, and that of my people."
Weir smiled at the public gesture — and the private one. Yes, Major Sheppard was definitely making friends.
"How come I never make friends like that?" The complaint came from Carson Beckett, at the other end of the balcony.
At his side, McKay shrugged and took another bite of the Ethosian delicacy he was chewing. Some kind of meat on a stick; Weir hadn't investigated too closely. "You need to get out more," McKay suggested between mouthfuls.
"We're in another galaxy," the doctor pointed out. "This is as out as you can get!"
McKay's answer was forestalled by a sudden look of horror. He couldn't swallow what was in his mouth and looked like he was about to gag. "I think there's lemon in this…" Weir hid her amusement; trust McKay to fancy himself allergic to the first alien dish he tried!
Ignoring McKay's complaints, Teyla moved away from Sheppard and turned to smile at Weir. She had a nice smile, Elizabeth thought. Open, honest, and trustworthy. "With our help," Teyla said, "you will meet many more friends." Then she glanced once more at Sheppard. "Come. My people wish to thank you.
Taking his hand, she started to pull him away, but Weir stopped him. "One more thing, Major…"
With a nod of her head, she beckoned him to her side. Out of earshot. In a quiet voice she said, "Just something I'd like you to sleep on. I have a few thoughts on it myself, but-"
"Thoughts about what?"
Her gaze drifted back to Teyla. "Who the members of your team might be."
"My team?" He seemed genuinely bemused.
"You're the ranking military officer now," she pointed out. "Or do you have to be reminded of that?" Heaven knew, he'd reminded her enough times. She lifted her chin, fixing him with a serious look. "We need to get out there and do what we came to do."
He cocked his head. "You realize that could get us into all sorts of trouble…"
Weir smiled, and he returned it with a grin of his own. This was going to work, she realized suddenly. This relationship was going to work, and if that worked then everything else would fall into place. She could trust this man, and she saw respect in his eyes now. Respect for her and for the mission they shared.
"Good night, Major."
"Good night."
She watched him leave, side by side with Teyla Emmagan, before returning her gaze to the sprawling, alien city below her. This was the beginning, the start of a new life. They already had new friends and new enemies, and before them stretched an entire galaxy of discovery. Thoughts of Earth were distant now, separated by an experience that no one else could share. This was home now — this place, these people were her life's work. And, given time and a fair wind, she hoped to guide them to discoveries beyond the dreams of imagination.
Atlantis. It was the past, the present, and the future. Not just for herself, but for all people. For all humanity. And she would not fail in her task. With these people beside her, she could not fail.
She smiled, she grinned. She laughed! She felt more alive now then ever before in her entire life! The future of the human race was about to change forever and she, Elizabeth Weir, was at the vanguard.
She simply couldn't wait to get started…