This really works well! I'm a Rodney fangirl and didn't much care for Jennifer-in-canon, so this is quite the departure for me, but you're really persuasive here. I can see the expedition's scientists being far more worshipful of Rodney in absentia, and you make a good case for why he might stay behind (however that might break my heart, sniff!). And your Jennifer is an interesting, well-rounded person. Nicely done!