Letters from Elizabeth: Letter to Rodney (PG)

John's call distracted Rodney from the experiment he was running. He didn't have to look to know that Elizabeth had left him a message and he wanted to be sure he would be alone when he read it. Rodney shut down his work and went back to his quarters.

As he expected, there was a message waiting for him.

Rodney,

Thank you for doing this for me. You've been a good friend and now that I'm gone, I need you to do one thing for me. Talk to John. Don't shake your head at me like that. Yes, I know all the reasons to not say anything are still there, but.... Life is too short. I've sent him to you.

Never stop fighting for what is right, for what you believe in. Your passion for science and for life is what kept this expedition alive. Thank you doesn't cover my gratitude for your skills and your friendship.

--Elizabeth

PS - I guess I need a second favor, sorry. Take care of Radek? He's going to need a friend now that I'm gone.

As he finished reading the message there was a knock at his door.

"Come in," Rodney said, resigned.

John came in and the door shut behind him. He stood by the door but didn't say anything. Rodney could see the hazel eyes appraising him curiously but didn't look away.

"Elizabeth told you to come here, didn't she?" Rodney asked.

"She said you had a 'big secret,'" John mimed the air-quotes. "I'm supposed to ask you." John shrugged helplessly.

"Not her secret to share," Rodney declared firmly, not moving from his desk, not giving John a clue. Not giving John any hope. "She wasn't supposed to tell you anything."

"I know.... but..... well," John let that hang between them and waited. He knew sometimes you had to let Rodney think through the options. He worked well under pressure but John knew this time Rodney needed some space. When he decided Rodney wasn't going to say anything else, John offered, "If you ever want to..... you know.... You know where to find me."

John turned and left Rodney's room without another word. As the door closed behind him, John didn't see Rodney drop his head into his hands.