This is a quick little thing I was thinking of, after reading the "comfort" portion of many Shep Whump fics. Its generic in nature, the incident leading to the infirmary scene is insignificant as is the nature of Shep's injuries.
The Most Blessed and Cursed
The only occupied bed held its most frequent patient. In fact, no other had occupied the bed since it had unceremoniously been deemed his bed. New admittances were steered clear of the bed, as it sat in the far back corner of the infirmary. Of course, if need be, the bed would be requisitioned to another needy soul, but so far and luckily, the infirmary had never been filled to capacity and the need to use the bed for another had not been an issue.
Three standard (and uncomfortable) chairs stood guard around the bed on any given day. When the bed was, unfortunately, in use...these chairs would also be occupied by their own frequent and designated visitor. The visitors varied in number, though at least one chair was always occupied.
The steady beep of the heart monitor let Carson know that his patient was free from duress. He was expecting the steady beat to soon increase in numerations as his most frequent patient emerged from the sedation. Carson hung back behind the curtain, unwilling to wake the three non-sedated team members before it was necessary. A bitter chuckle passed his lips, almost silently, as he knew that the most discrete change in any of the monitors currently attached to his patient, would alert at least one member holding vigil. Experience had conditioned all three to react almost simultaneously to any change in their team leader.
But John Sheppard was so much more than just a team leader to the three surrounding his bed. Each of the three considered him their best friend. He was also the core member of the very eclectic and very exclusive family unit. The key members were all present, in and surrounding the infirmary bed. There was a select number of extended members attached to this core family group. Carson warmly included himself within the extended family status.
Carson sadly contemplated that John would need every ounce of support from every member of his family, core and otherwise. As military commander, he had proven himself time and time again as a fearless leader and despite being a private person, he was held in high regards and respected by all. Carson knew of none that did not call John a friend. He wasnt sure how John did it, but he knew every expedition member by sight, name and profession. More often than not, he knew a fair amount of personal information too, asking about a hobby or how an ailing family member was to any number of random military and civilian residents. Silently and reverantly, ever member of the expedition would be supportive, sending prayers and best wishes his way.
Yes, Colonel John Sheppard was an enigma unto himself. Carson knew him to be both the most blessed and the most cursed man he had ever met.
Fin