John sighed and rubbed the back of his neck as they stood around the computer. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Given everything they had been able to figure out about the interface, it had seemed to be nothing more than a simulation. And Rodney had assured him of that. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
When Rodney started going off on him about the box of citrus Hallona sent Geldar, John rolled his eyes. "Look who's talking! I didn't cheat. You're the one who gave his country technology they shouldn't have."
He blew air out through his teeth and stood back, crossing his arms. Inside, he cringed when Carter spoke and nodded. Damage. What damage had they done to these people? John looked at the computer, knowing they had to fix whatever had happened.
Once Carter, Thor and the others had left, Rodney giving him one last look before he did, John looked over at his wife, returning her smile. "I never would have touched that damn thing if I had known," he said, taking her hand. Waiting until tomorrow sounded like a very good idea. He wasn't sure he could have thought about this all clearly at the moment anyway.
When they reached their quarters, John looked at Fred for a moment before turning and drawing into his arms and holding her close. He didn't know what else to say. He was just glad she was there.