Beyond The Glowing Whirlpool

It's been a month since All the Satterans left Atlantis. In that month, the earthling crew hasn't come in contact with any other aliens, and it has been so strangely quiet around the city. Stacie, of course, was able to return to work right after she recovered. Since they didn't go on any expeditions without Satterans like prince Aries had instructed, and since professor Torrent was also not there to load her up with projects, she completely immersed herself into studying all the ancient's artifacts. Partly to catch up on cataloging them and partly to distract herself from the nagging feeling of terribly missing Ivar. She knew it was going to be a while. He said it could take them longer than a month to complete their mission, but she just couldn't help herself. It was so hard. Hard not to think about him. Not to worry. It was hard not to jump at every sound of stargate firing up, whenever someone went to, or return from Earth. Every day she anxiously waited for the familiar, majestic figures to step through that portal, hoping that the next one, will be that day.

Days have turned in to weeks, weeks into another month. But still, no sign of them.

-Seriously, how long do we have to wait to get even a single word from them? - Complained Stacie to Janice, who was hanging with her in the library, since there was literally nothing else for her to do. - I mean, I understand they can't return just yet, but at least let us know everything is alright! That their mission went well, and nothing terrible has happened! All this suspense is killing me, Janice. I'm worried about him. And not knowing what is going on in his part of the world... Is just... Sigh...

-I know, Stee. What can I say, though? I wish I could offer some consolation to you, but I'm just as clueless as you are. But, let's just hope everything is alright. I mean, this mission wasn't something random. It's Ivar's brother's life at stake, so we have to take that into consideration.

-That is exactly what's eating away at me! - Replied Stacie. - Did Ivar find his brother? Was he alive? Was he alright? Was Ivar able to bring him home? Will he recover?... Sigh... This is killing me. I need to know! I wish they would just send some kind of update. Something. Anything. Even two words would be enough to put my mind at ease.

-Heh, look at you worrying about a person you never met before. - Chuckled Janice.

-He is Ivar's brother, Janice. And, I can't help it, since I can relate to him because I know what's it like to lose a family member.

-So do I, Stee. - Said Janice. - Although the loss in my family wasn't as tragic as what you and Ivar had to go through.

-Well, any loss in my book is tragic. - Said Stacie. - Some circumstances are just more excruciating than others. But, I feel like neither of our losses can compare to what Ivar had to go through. I don't know all the details, but... You should have seen his expression when he spoke about his brother. - Stacie's chest tightened as she remembered that.

-I did see it, Stee. - Replied Janice. - I was there, in the infirmary with you guys, remember? You two were just so wrapped up in each other, you were completely oblivious to everything else around you. And that was some kiss, too. Or should I say, kisses? Who knew Ivar was such a sentimental romantic. - She teasingly winked, making Stacie's face suddenly flush bright crimson.

-Stop it, Janice. Please don't turn into Alice. - Begged Stacie.

-Well, you are lucky she wasn't there to see it. - Laughed Janice.

-Who wasn't were to see what? - Alice's sudden voice made them both jolt with a startle. - What are you guys talking about?

-Private conversation, Alice. Did no one teach you any social etiquette at all? Sometimes I wonder if you're even an adult. - Replied Janice teasingly.