Lovely chapter. I liked that John came back to talk to Rodney - he's hurting and that's obvious, but I like that he cares enough to come back and talk it over. And then Rodney, disabling the shield because he's more worried about John dying without him being able than he is about his own fears. That's so much better than it falling off because of his cowardice. I loved his boasting to Carson because that's just so Rodney, eager for praise when he does something right, even if he's the one who has to prompt for it. Then poor John! All upset over the not-touching and everyone touching his Rodney - reminded me of John's reaction after the failed mission for the crystals, and explains why the General was so sympathetic. Finally, the claiming and Rodney being so calm and soothing while John was all lost in the darkness - that's what I like to see, them balancing each other instead of one being perfect and the other being a mess. But now I'm starting to wonder about that warmth thing - is that the lifebond? I thought they had to do it deliberately. Interesting....