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There it is, in stark, block-typed black print against the crispy white word processing document currently open on Elizabeth's computer screen. If she was looking for a reason to stop herself from asking Major John Sheppard to join her expedition team, this would be it. Disobeying direct orders from a superior officer in the heat of battle-
But he'd done it to save three of his fellow soldiers. A man who would do that…
Well, he wasn't just a rare species – he was a necessary addition to the group that would be going through the gate into the Pegasus Galaxy. The lives of the men and women putting themselves in harm's way were just as important as the ones they were there to protect. It seemed as if Sheppard understood that principle – in practice, at the very least.
Not to mention that he made operating the chair (and other Ancient technology) look like child's play.
Rodney was, no doubt, more than a little unhappy with that turn of events, but his ego needed a prick every once in a while. He would get over it eventually.
Decision made, Elizabeth shut the files, closed her computer, and rose from her desk. General O'Neil was leaving soon, and there were two people she needed to speak with before that happened.
If she really wanted John Sheppard on her team, it was going to be now or never.
Hopefully now, and more than hopefully not never.
Sheppard didn’t say the word no, but the silence hanging heavily in the air felt like something other than the answer Elizabeth was looking for.
She fought to hold herself back, keep from spewing so many of the words tumbling around in her head to try to convince the man in front of her he was the right man for the job. That she already knew he was a key component to this expedition. That they would not be accomplish a fraction of the listed objectives without him.
The silence was what kept her desperation and excitement in check.
Well, that and John Sheppard's overall skittishness – the way his eyes darted around the base while personnel worked to clean up damage caused by the drown and stayed away from making actual contact with anyone's.
She remembered too well how overwhelming it was to realize there really was alien life out there. That there was contact with them, and an entire system of travel between galaxies very few people knew existed…
Add on top of that the news that you're one of the few with the exact genetic makeup to work the technology of those who created that system?
She could see where all he really wanted to do was get out of here and either process it or try to forget it ever happened.
Honestly, she hoped for the first, but expected the second.
Plus, if she had to use it, she knew she had an ace in the hole with O'Neil. If she couldn't get to Sheppard, then the head of the Stargate program would.
"Just take a little time to consider it, Major," Elizabeth said, taking a step backwards and clapping her hands together for the briefest of moments. "That's all I ask."
"Okay," Sheppard replied, although the faintest hardening in his eyes spoke volumes. He didn't really want to consider it, but he would be diplomatic here.
Another skill that would come in handy.
"Thank you."
That said, Elizabeth turned and started walking back to the conference area, where General O'Neil was waiting. She moved slowly, the surrounding noises of a normal research facility fading as she listened specifically for the sound of footfall. Sheppard’s footfall, specifically, as he moved toward the elevator that would take him back up to the helicopter to prepare for his (and General O’Neil’s) departure.
Right now, she doubted Sheppard would say yes, but she had to have him.
Head of the program it was, then.