Okay, don't shoot me but it's just an idea I had and it's dragged out a long way. I know the chapters aren't long but it had taken me forever and a day to write all of this. I hope you like it and feel free to review (Constructive Criticism please) and I'll do my best to keep it going. Sorry about any grammar, punctuation or spelling mistakes but I don't think it's too bad.

Another thing; I'm English so I do apologise if you can see the differences in language but I've tried my best. Hopefully I've done okay with Carson's character, I've got a whole lot of Scottish family so I hope I've done them justice. Happy reading?

Day One

"Colonel Shepphard, good to see you again" the thick Scottish accent travelled across the clinical examination room. The Atlantis Expedition had advanced rapidly since the first days of its founders. Ten long years had drifted right past them. Each of the original SGA-1 had eventually and begrudgingly retired, seeking new starts in war-free, peaceful areas. Colonel John Shepphard had chosen to live in the warm climates of California, where his large family resided; John took a vacancy to teaching the new fresh-faced generation how to be pilots.

Doctor Rodney McKay worked hard at having all of his scientific research declassified in order for him to boast his ground-breaking accomplishments. He'd progressed to win half a dozen Nobel prizes at the disgust of his colleagues, he'd also received several medals of honour and bravery from his proud country of Canada; these medals had been more substantial than the glittering Nobel prizes he'd won as they held more importance in his heart of all places.

Teyla, well she'd returned to her people once she'd acknowledged that her services were no longer crucial to the expedition; she was heartbroken that her friends were leaving her but also grateful as she could now lead her own people to become as great as those she had worked with. She also had her family to think of: her husband who asked for nothing more than love; her son who required constant attention and thrived off the knowledge of his mother; her own mother who she felt obliged to as this was the person who raised her to be the person she has become today.

Ronon Dex had migrated to Earth, much to the annoyance of General Landry who had to sign-off on all of the one-hundred sheets of paper that allowed him to do so. Ronon had continued his work with the SGC, aiding the preparation of the young and hopeful marines soon to travel to Atlantis; once Ronon had finished with them they were no longer excited, more anxious and cautious, many of them transformed from boys to men when they worked with Ronon, and the expedition leaders were eternally grateful.

Doctor Carson Beckett however, left America completely. Nobody knew what really happened, they all had suspicions he would return to Scotland but he'd never kept in contact almost as if he'd wanted to forget the whole experience. It took John Shepphard three days to track the man down; using a few favours from people in high places.

Now, John Shepphard stood there feebly in the office of his colleague: his friend. Neither had changed drastically in appearance apart from several grey hairs in amongst their still brown hair. John's hair was less wild than it used to be, he looked more mature which wasn't necessarily a good thing. John hadn't seen or heard from the doctor in the ten years since Atlantis so John was perplexed at what conversation he should start.

John stood less than five metres for the man, holding nothing but his small black rucksack and his most cherished aviator sunglasses "So doc, how've you been?" He plastered one of his award winning smiles across his secretly anxious face. "I've been well Colonel; thank you for asking. How has your life treated you?" John stopped to think of every simple lie he could say to the curious man but chose to keep it brief and basic "It's been okay, I'm still flying so that's always good" Carson nodded and smiled in acknowledgement. "I take it you're like the village doctor? I thought you would have gone back to your research."

Carson shrugged gently "Aye, but it's years' worth of research, and it was all based around Pegasus so it was almost a waste of time. I realised that my abilities are put too much better use here, and I get to see my family whenever I like." John could understand that, he himself had quickly returned to his family for a support system as he had to readjust to life on Earth; they all did.

"So how is the family?" John asked casually just for conversation as even five seconds of silence became the most awkward of situations. "Aye they're fabulous" Carson's eyes shone with pride "My sister just had a wee baby girl, Annie" his smile was bright as he thought of them. John had no other response than to replicate Carson's smile.

"Colonel, can I ask what on Earth you're doing here? It can't just be a casual visit- it's a wee bit far to be doing that." Carson still had his hint of sarcasm. "Well I got ordered to go on vacation; banned from America for at least a month. I thought I'd do some travelling but nowhere really stands out anymore, not since Atlantis. It was then that I decided to find people rather than places and the furthest person away was you so I got on a plane." Carson rolled his eyes, John was the worst workaholic he'd ever met, if he wasn't sleeping or eating he'd be working, he wasn't one for relaxing.

"You know Zalenka lives here too?" Carson enquired. "Yeah I heard a rumour, couldn't quite believe it myself. Are you still in touch with him?" John was genuinely curious as he was another person he'd not stayed in contact with. "Aye, see him maybe once a week- that's when Stuart can drag him away from his work. He may not be working with Rodney anymore but he's just as dedicated."

John raised an eyebrow at the mention of Stuart, Carson noticed. "Aye, I wouldn't have thought you would have known. About five years ago Radek got married, as Stuart's British it's all legal and that. I've never seen Radek happier in all fairness, and Stuart's a really nice guy. He's an architect in Edinburgh so he's often working away but he spends every other minute with Radek." John was pleasantly surprised: He's just found out Radek was gay and that he had married without anybody knowing.

"Can I ask why you didn't stay in contact? I can understand wanting to get away but we were a sort of family, as screwed up family, but a family nonetheless." John could see that he had hit a sore spot so he backed off "Rodney had a theory that you had some secret mission to go do; he really needs to stop reading comic books." John chuckled softly over the awkwardness of the moment. Carson had slumped in his high backed leather chair.

"There were things I wasn't brave enough to face" Carson stated in almost a whisper, looking sad and a little ashamed. The silence grew, as did the awkwardness. John took it upon himself to speak first "I'm sorry if I overstepped my mark; it's really not my business. It is good to see you again though, you look well." Carson smiled, more relaxed now.

"Where are you planning to stay?" Carson enquired; John responded eagerly "A hotel around the corner, I think" Carson shook his head in mock disapproval. "Nah, I won't have any friend of mine staying in a hotel; my house is plenty big enough." John smiled and accepted the offer.

As Carson had now finished his hard day of work, he collected his black jacket from his chair and his black leather briefcase from under his desk which was scattered with paperwork. Carson lead John out of his office and back to the reception area where there was a young blonde female behind a small pine desk with a laptop. "You finished for the day, doc?" The women smiled pleasantly, Carson stood facing her "Aye, I'll leave the paperwork" He reduced his voice to a whisper "Got a guest on my hands"

Carson chuckled along with the woman "As long as you keep him away from all your family it should go smoothly, but there's fat chance of that happening especially if you're at the house." Carson rolled his eyes in agreement, "Aye, well Lisa, I'll leave you to lock this place up and then you can get off; I'll do the paperwork later love." Lisa, the receptionist smiled brightly in appreciation. John was amused at the conversation and held a bright smile on his face with no effort needed which, more recently, was a rare occurrence.

Was it a good start? I mean, I know it's not a whole lot to go on but I hope that it gets better for you... If you feel any of the characters are off, let me know? I'll do my best to alter it.

**Sorry if you have to reread a lot of this story, I had a moment and went through all of it all over again and tried to make some improvements...Hopefully it's better though**