Bloodlines
Gray.
John Sheppard stood at the doorway to the conference room, gaze locked on the Stargate. The immense stone circle standing in the lower room. The chevrons dark. The carvings of symbols evocative of lost cultures, of lost civilizations. An incredibly sophisticated mode of travel, crossing unimaginable distances in mere seconds. Linking planets all over this galaxy.
Encompassing laws of physics that he only understood in general terms, no matter how much Rodney tried to explain the incredibly complicated science and math involved. The sheer dynamics of the matter stream itself, of the whole network of Stargates, all connected across the entire galaxy making spaceships almost obsolete. Almost. John still preferred the solidity of a ship under his control, be it a Puddle Jumper or an F-302. Or even the Daedalus.
Still, the Stargate was an astounding feat of engineering and physics. One of the greatest achievements of the Ancients. An interstellar network across the stars. It was truly remarkable. Awe-inspiring, even. But not today. Not when it was threatening to take John's wife out of the city. Away from safety. Away from him.
He frowned, eying it warily. Moved to the comm and adjusted it for citywide. "Doctor Moira Sheppard," he said loudly, voice emphatic on the last name. "Yeah, you heard me right, city of Atlantis. Doctor Moira Sheppard, not O'Meara, not anymore. Moira Sheppard, as in Mrs. Colonel John Sheppard, please report to the conference room."
He smirked. Could only imagine her response to this peremptory announcement of their past nuptials. He stared at the control room. Waiting.
Moira Sheppard nearly dropped the slide she had been holding. She placed it under the microscope lens, shaking her head and wondering at John's loud pronouncement. She felt all of the scientists in the room staring at her. Glanced at them. Saw surprise. Shock. Envy. She merely shrugged. Resumed her work. Neither confirming or denying.
"Moira! Shouldn't you–" began an older woman.
"No. He's up to something," Moira surmised warily.
"Are you really married to Colonel Sheppard?" asked another. Envy vied with shock in her voice.
"Yes." Moira turned on the stool. Silently held up her left hand to display the gold wedding band. Concrete proof of his announcement.
"Wow! Congratulations! When? How long? Where?" The questions came quickly as the women swarmed around her, all smiles and startled expressions.
"Thanks. Almost seven months now. On Earth. It was a spur of the moment, well, a seize the moment kind of thing. It was wonderful," she assured, answering the questions. She found herself engulfed in hugs and silently cursed John for his abrupt announcement.
John waited. Paced round the conference room. He kept looking out, down at the control room. "Playing hard to get, are we?" he muttered, amused.
"Maybe she didn't hear you, sir," Evan Lorne offered. He was sitting at the table, wondering at the summons. He folded his hands together on the table, watching his commanding officer pace round the room once more.
"Oh, she heard me. She heard me all right." He smiled, moved to the PA. "Attention! Atlantis personnel! I need Mrs. Colonel Doctor Moira Sheppard, Sheppard," he stressed the last name again loudly, smugly, "to report to the conference room now! I repeat, Mrs. Colonel Doctor Moira Sheppard, Sheppard, Shep-pard," he elongated the last name, almost singing it, "get that pert little ass to the conference room now or I will announce the double J. Sheppard out." He laughed. "She's going to kill me for that, but it will get her here."
"I'm sure it will, sir," Evan agreed with a smile. "Dare I ask what the double J is?"
John grinned. "You'll find out shortly, major. That's why you're here."
Moira swore under her breath. The excitement had ceased as work had resumed. Until John's voice broke over the comm again, sounding insistent. Playful. Flirtatious. She shook her head as laughter filled the laboratory at his comments. She stood. "I guess I had better go. Colonel Sheppard is in a right state. You see what I have to endure!" she complained. The women laughed. Moira smiled, left the lab.
She walked quickly, trying to ignore the stares, the smiles. The lingering gazes of the men no doubt directed at her rear after John's praise was broadcast all over the city. She frowned, swearing to herself, realizing she needed to wear a long lab coat for the next few days. Yet amusement made her shake her head. Curiosity at his summons compelled her to increase her stride, to head for the control room.
"Here she comes, sir," Evan warned, catching sight of her climbing the stairs.
John looked there, smirked. "Double time. Damn! I wish she was going the other way, but still..." The men laughed. Were still laughing when Moira strode into the room. Waved the door shut behind her, glaring.
"John Sheppard! What the fuck are you playing at to...oh! Evan. Sorry!" She colored. "Will you excuse us, please?"
"No. Moira, I was simply following Carson's advice. Remember? Announcing our marriage before double J."
"John! Shut up! You are not going to announce that! What the hell do you want anyway?"
He smiled. "Sit. Please." He took a seat. Waited.
Moira frowned. Eyed Evan. "Well?"
"I have no idea," Evan admitted. Shrugging.
"Wonderful," she grumbled. Sat across from him. "Well?" she snapped.
John grew serious. "This goes against my better judgment. If I had my way I'd confine you to the city indefinitely, but Carson assures me you will be perfectly safe, that you are healthy. For several months, at least three, maybe..." He frowned. "Although I have questions about the effects of 'Gate travel. I'll have to talk to Carson. It occurs to me that at the moment your condition precludes you from safely being–"
"John! Stop rambling! Get to the point!" she snapped, glancing at Evan who appeared puzzled.
John held up a finger, brows furrowing in thought. "Wait. We need to talk to Carson about this. I hadn't considered that before, but surely he would have considered it, or you."
"John! Table that for later. What were you going to say before you interrupted your own train of thought?"
He rubbed his chin, gaze locked on her. "Oh. Barring any ill effects from 'Gate travel I would rather keep you here, Moira. Indefinitely. But you would resent me, wouldn't you?"
"Yes. And I am resenting you now unless you get to the point, colonel. What the hell are you trying to...oh! There's a mission?"
"Yes, Moira. A mission. To a benign, peaceful world. Major Lorne needs to know, as your team leader. In the event that you accompany him. Agreed?"
Moira frowned, realizing what he was saying. She nodded. "Agreed, colonel."
"Can I tell him? Please?" he asked eagerly, smiling. Brilliant green eyes sparkling.
She sighed. "Why not? You love telling people all about us, don't you?" she grumbled. She eyed her hands, suddenly embarrassed. Uncomfortable.
John smiled. Looked at Evan. "Major, double J is code for John junior. As in my son. As in the baby Moira is now carrying. Yes, she is pregnant with my son."
"John! It's not even a baby yet! Just a collection of cells dividing and–" she sternly stated.
"Moira! Do not talk about our son like that! I've told you before," he reprimanded.
"Wow." Evan was looking from one to the other. Startled. Stunned. "Congratulations, sir! Moira! That's wonderful news!" Evan grinned.
"Yes, it is," John agreed. "But your job just got twice as difficult, major. You have two Sheppards on your team now, and both are more precious to me than anyone or anything."
"Yes, sir."
"If you thought I was overzealously protective before you haven't seen anything yet."
"John!" Moira protested. "Please! I will be careful!"
"I know you will be, sweetheart, but I was talking to Lorne." He resumed his strict tone, his serious gaze. "Major, your top priority is Moira."
"John!" she protested again.
"Hush," he remonstrated. "Top priority, major. If and when she is on a mission with you. If you sense anything hinky, anything strange, if anyone so much as looks at her oddly, or acts interested in her, or God forbid the Wraith appear your direct order, your only order is to get her to safety. Either back here to Atlantis or code green. Understood?"
"Yes, sir, of course," Evan agreed, glancing at Moira. Still startled by the fact that his friend was expecting a baby. Not only a baby but the colonel's baby.
"If you even get a whiff of danger, of anyone taking an interest in her you get her back here immediately," John continued, noting Evan's surprise, bordering on disbelief.
"John! You are being ridiculous!"
"Am I, Moira? Think about it," he challenged. He turned to Evan. "I will hold you personally accountable if anything happens to–"
"John! Enough!" Moira stood, leaning towards him, hands splayed on the table. "I am not made of glass! I'm not stupid! I can take care of myself and I don't need a chaperone! Let Evan do his job as team leader, nothing more! And I'll do mine. I don't need a babysitter! I'll take care of myself like I always do! Dial it down, colonel! That is an order!"
John met her gaze, but his eyes wandered along her. The profile of her body. Rear snugly encased in blue slacks. No sign of a baby bump yet. The gray t-shirt was snug, too snug, almost too small. Outlining her every curve, every dip and swell of her breasts. The bra lines visible as well as her slightly hard nipples. He felt himself reacting. Wanting. Itching to touch. To kiss. To suck as she moved a little.
"Well? John? Hello!"
He tore his gaze from her breasts to her eyes again, smirked a knowing expression. A sensual smile on his handsome face. "All right. Understood, Moira. But my orders stand. Major, make sure she has a jacket. A heavy jacket, a long heavy jacket when you are off-world. Maybe one of Ronon's long coats."
"Yes, sir." The men exchanged a glance, a smile.
Moira scowled. "What? I..." She straightened suddenly. "Oh. John!" She blushed, sat. Folded her arms on the table, blocking his amorous view. Embarrassed again.
John smiled. "Dismissed, major. We're sending a MALP through first. We'll go over the mission specs later. Oh, and major, keep the double J quiet for now."
"Of course, sir." Evan stood. Moved to Moira. Gently squeezed her shoulder. "Congratulations, Moira! And you, sir." He left.
Moira sighed. "What am I going to do with you, colonel?"
"I can think of several things, doctor. All of them naughty, delicious, and some including caramel sauce." He raised a brow.
"Shut up!" But she smirked. Smiled. "I've got work to do." She started to rise.
"I'm not kidding, baby." He licked his lips.
She stared, drawn by the motion of his tongue along his full lips. The salacious glint in his brilliant green eyes. "About the caramel?"
He nodded. "And the coat. Shit. Just looking at you is giving me a hard-on, baby. Come see for yourself." He scooted back from the table. Reclined lazily in the chair, sprawling. Legs stretched out, arms dangling from the chair's sides. His gaze challenging.
She frowned, but rose. Walked to him. Sat on the table near him. Smirked at the obvious bulge in his pants as the material was tenting. Clearly outlined in the gray fabric. She leaned down, touched his thigh. Touched his erection. He groaned softly. "Wow. John...you, um...my oh my. Can't you keep it in your pants, sweetie?"
"It's in my pants, baby, but it really, really, really wants to be in you."
She caressed him. Only making him harder. Making him groan with anticipation. Need. She freed him. Leaned close to kiss him. To catch his mouth with hers. To tease with her tongue before she sat back, out of his reach. "Not the conference room table," she teased.
He smiled. "Are you sure, baby? I can't leave the room like this, Moira. I need to deploy. Now." He touched her thigh. Caressed.