Thanks to Bailey1ak for helping me with this one! I truly appreciate you!
Atlantis- Pegasus Galaxy
Saturday nights were always the same on Atlantis since Jennifer Keller had joined the expedition. Most of the city shut down, allowing many of the crew the time to escape from their assigned duties for the night and relax.
Relaxing wasn't an easy task for some. The expedition had a knack for attracting highly motivated people who gave new meaning to the term "high work ethic." At the end of the day, residents in the city didn't remember to fully punch out for the day. Instead, an eight hour shift turned into 16 hours of intense teamwork that could make a difference in a future Wraith attack or other situation of importance.
It was especially true for Atlantis' chief medical officer.
Since sliding into the position of CMO on Atlantis, Dr. Jennifer Keller didn't have the luxury of days off. Between the constant threats, medical emergencies, and reports to be both written and read, there was always work. Even on scheduled days off, she reported in to the infirmary.
But this Saturday was different. In fact, a number of people would be shocked to find out the young doctor finally had given in. The years of avoiding and discouraging men from asking her on a date was over.
Jennifer had finally accepted an offer for dinner for two. The man brave enough to ask, after many had been turned down, was relatively new to the city after arriving only last month. Truth be told, Jennifer wasn't sure what had made this man's proposal any different from the others. Looking back at the events which had unfolded the day before, Jennifer blamed it on her nursing staff, who constantly pestered her to take someone up on one of the offers that steadily came her way. And then there was Laura Cadman, the Marine who had a way of shaking things up a bit when she was in the city. Just last week, Laura nagged Jennifer to live a little and enjoy her youth instead of wasting it away in a lab or in the infirmary.
In any case, Jennifer found herself freshly showered and sitting in front of the only mirror in her quarters in an attempt to do something different with her hair. After a little internal debate in her head, she finally decided to leave it down and used the battery-operated curling iron Laura had brought her a few months back to create a few soft curls. She had dressed in one of her two pair of jeans she'd brought with her to the city and borrowed a scoop-necked blouse from a nurse who'd overheard that Jennifer actually accepted a man's offer for a date that evening.
Jennifer glanced at the clock. She had about fifteen minutes until Captain Kevin Thudium would arrive. Until then, she decided to pick up the mess she'd made getting ready. A smile crossed her face as she thought while she worked. Jennifer was actually glad she'd accepted the captain's offer. The man had most of the infirmary staff... the female personnel specifically, glancing twice at him when he'd arrived from Earth. Taller than most, he fit the clichéd description of tall, dark, and handsome. Not to mention a pair of killer blue eyes. Although she'd be the first to admit she didn't know much about the man, it wasn't until he'd been injured off world and required stitches that Kevin asked her if she wanted to have dinner with him the following night. Jennifer surprised herself by saying yes.
Finishing her task, Jennifer glanced again at the clock. Seeing that she only had a few minutes, she slipped into a pair of shoes and inspected herself in the mirror one last time.
Colonel John Sheppard reread the transmission from Earth. It was news he'd prefer not getting from home.
It was rare for the SGC to send an unscheduled data burst. Now that he'd read the message, John quickly made his way to Commander Woolsey's office. Plans would have to be made. One of his team members would inevitably be gone by nightfall- one who was not easily replaced.
It took both Sheppard and Woolsey an hour to iron out the details. Fortunately, the SGC had made a few recommendations and suggestions on the matter, leaving the two men only to cover the immediate details. When everything was set up, Sheppard insisted on delivering the news personally. Woolsey agreed, being the first to admit the news would come better from someone Dr. Keller was comfortable with.
Sheppard left Woolsey's office and headed toward Dr. Keller's quarters. It wasn't that long ago when Colonel Samantha Carter had arrived at his door with his own set of heartbreaking news. His father, who he'd been estranged from for years, had passed away. John knew first hand news like this needed a familiar face upon delivery. Thankfully, John had gotten to know the doctor more in the last few months between missions and his team's habit of dining together at meal times. They'd adopted her into their circle of friendship.
Jennifer answered the door immediately. John was momentarily surprised at her appearance; she'd ditched the typical uniform he was used to seeing her in and instead wore street clothes. Between that and seeing her with her hair down and make up on, he almost forgot his task and instead wanted to know what her plans were for the evening. It obviously didn't involve a movie night with her friend Laura Cadman. He wouldn't admit it to her face, but he'd taken the liberty to become a protector of sorts since she'd become Atlantis' CMO. Any man, military or not, who made any comment about Keller's looks or gave any indication they were contemplating asking her out usually didn't get by him. For some reason, Sheppard's line of communication with the men around here had lapsed over the last few months.
"Keller," John nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Mind if I come in?"
He could tell Jennifer was tempted to tell him she was on her way out, but instead backed up and let him through the door. Shutting it behind her, she eyed John warily.
"Sheppard, not that I don't appreciate the visit, but it's not like you to come to my quarters. Is something wrong? Why wasn't I paged?" She folded her arms, waiting for him to answer.
"Yeah, something like that, but there's no medical emergency in the infirmary," John replied. "Why don't you have a seat and I'll explain."
Reluctantly, she sat down on her bed, but not before glancing at the door. "Is this something about Captain Thudium?"
"What?" John asked, puzzled. Then he began to realize why she was dressed up. "Oh. No, actually, it's nothing to do with him. Is that who you're seeing tonight?"
Her chin lifted a fraction. "Yes. Is that a problem? I know I haven't dated since coming here, but I didn't think it was against regulations."
John waved her off. "No. Sorry. I'm doing this pretty badly."
He sat down and paused before delivering the news. "We got a transmission about an hour ago from Earth. It's about your father."
Face drained of color, her eyes widened. "What's wrong?" She asked hurriedly, standing up nervously.
John's heart leaped in his chest. "Jennifer, he's okay," opting to use her first name to relax her. "You're going to pass out on me. For God's sake, you're white as a sheet." Guiding her next to him on the bed, he pulled her down. "Your father is okay for the time being. But he received some bad news. When he tried to contact you, someone at the SGC convinced him to give them a message. General Landry sent an immediate emergency transmission to us."
Taking a breath, she closed her eyes for a moment. "John, just tell me."
Even though Jennifer still didn't seem steady, John knew the best remedy would be to give it to her straight.
"Your dad went to the doctor a few days ago complaining of some recent weight loss and abdominal pain. The doctor's diagnosis is advanced pancreatic cancer."
Jennifer closed her eyes again. Obviously, there was no need for further explanation of the severity of the situation. Shaking her head, he watched as tears began to gather in the corner of her eyes as she fought to control her emotions. John slid over to her and awkwardly placed a gentle hand on her own.
"Listen, I know this is a lot to process. And I know you don't have any siblings to lean on. But you're not going to go through this alone. You have us. We're all going to get you through this."
He felt helpless as the silent tears rolled down her cheeks. He continued to tell her the few details he'd learned, such as treatments her father's doctor had lined up already. The information seemed to calm her as the terrible news continued to sink into her mind and heart.
Minutes later, a loud knock sounded at the door. Wiping her face, she looked up at him with reddened eyes. "God, That's Kevin. Would you mind telling him-"
Understanding, he squeezed her hand. "I'll talk to him. Give me a minute." John went to the door, opened it slightly, and quickly stepped outside.
"Colonel?" Thudium stood at the entrance, confused that John happened to be in Jennifer's room. "Sorry, I wasn't expecting to see you. Is something wrong?"
Nodding, John walked a few steps away from the door, beckoning Thudium to follow. "Captain, I'm afraid Dr. Keller's not going to be able to make it tonight."
"Sir?" The Captain still looked confused. "I apologize if I should've cleared this with someone-"
John shook his head. "No, it's nothing like that. There are no regulations against dating nonmilitary staff." He lowered his voice. "Keep this to yourself for the next few hours. Keller just received some bad news from home. More than likely, she's going to be gone for an extended period of time on a family emergency."
Nodding, Thudium looked toward the room, concerned. "Colonel, is there something I can do to help? I know I'm still new here and don't know her very well, but—"
John shook his head. "Not for now. I think Commander Woolsey and I have the details worked out. Just don't say anything until I get a chance to go over everything with her."
"Of course," the Captain said, backing away. "Let Jennifer know I'm sorry and that if there's anything I can do for her..."
"I will, Captain," John said, walking back into the room.
The bed was empty when he returned. John heard the sounds of water running from the faucet. Jennifer emerged seconds later, patting her face dry with a towel.
"Hey," John said, walking up to her. "Are you doing okay? Do you want me to get someone? Maybe Teyla?"
She shook her head. "I'll be honest, John. I'm scared to death. He's the only family I have and we're so close. Even with taking on the position in Atlantis, not a week goes by when we don't write to each other." She looked him in the eye. "Do you know the life expectancy of someone with that form of cancer?"
John wished he didn't. It was what made the news so hard to deliver. "General Landry said one to two years."
Another tear trickled down her face. "He's correct. That's the amount of time I have left with my father."
"About that," John said, guiding her back over to her bed. They both sat next to each other. John turned to face her, hoping she'd be able to focus through the pain to make some decisions. "Woolsey and I met the minute we heard the news. We knew this would be overwhelming for anyone to take in... especially for someone who holds an important position in the city. I didn't want to come to you without options and some sort of plan for the foreseeable future."
Wiping her face again, she sniffed. "God, I haven't even thought about that. What am I going to do? Resign?"
He shook his head. "Woolsey and I are suggesting you take a two year leave of absence from Atlantis. You go back, spend time with your father. After the end of the two years, you'll come back to the same position."
She looked down at the floor. He could tell her mind was racing with emotions and scenarios.
"So I'll just stop working. For two years?" Jennifer stood up, now feeling clear enough to piece together a plan. "John, this may sound terrible, but I think I may go crazy with all that time off. I mean, I want to spend as much time as possible with my dad, but-"
John cut her off. "I thought you'd say that. And no, I don't think it's terrible to not want to sit and watch him around the clock go through what's ahead for him. So this is what we're thinking. And by the way, Landry said the SGC is fully behind you with any decision that you make. They also sent a few suggestions with the transmission."
For the first time since he entered the room, Jennifer gave a small smile. "I definitely don't feel alone with everyone helping me with all the decisions I need to make."
John smiled. "Hey, you know we take care of each other. Let me run through a few options and see what you think."
Twenty minutes later, Jennifer had made her decision. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate everything you're doing for me."
"Whatever we can do to help. Just know we're here for you," John said. "Now, let's work on getting you back home. If you don't mind, I'll call Teyla to pack up your belongings while you and I meet with your staff. Woolsey already should be briefing them in the conference room, so all you'll need to do is try your best to delegate some of the responsibilities until the SGC sends your temporary replacement.
Nodding, she followed him into the hallway. Her mind was racing, but for the most part Jennifer felt a calmness settling in her heart. John had made her realize that she wasn't alone in all of this... she did have family to help her along the way. Maybe not blood related, but that didn't seem to matter. Now, all she had to do was get through the next few hours.
The next day...
Jennifer grabbed hold of her luggage and made the walk to the gate. She'd said her goodbyes, met with her staff, and left detailed procedures and reports on her desk for whomever would take her position for the next two years. Even though she got no sleep the night before, she felt confident the time was well spent by leaving her team and temporary replacement in good hands.
When she reached the gate, she set down her suitcase only to have it picked up immediately by someone who'd walked up behind her. Surprised, Jennifer turned.
"Colonel?" She asked, puzzled that he was there looking intently at the gate. Sheppard, in addition to her own bag, was also holding another duffel bag with his other hand. "What's going on?"
He turned to her. "Have you already forgotten when I said?"
John jerked his head behind her, motioning for her to turn around. Complying, she slowly turned and was shocked. It looked like most of the personnel on Atlantis were gathered in groups behind her. Some stood on the stairs... the same stairs she'd nervously climbed when she'd first arrived in the city. Others, like Ronon, Rodney, and Teyla, stood silently in the control room.
Not knowing what to say, she gave them a small smile. They'd never know how much it meant for her to see them before she left.
Her eyes, slightly glassy from emotion, returned back to watch the gate light up. As it opened, Jennifer took a deep breath. "I take it I'm getting an escort to Earth?"
Shrugging, John took the first step forward. "Let's just say I've been in your position recently. I know what it feels like to have someone beside you. Not that I can stay for the next two years... but I can at least make sure you're settled and see that the SGC will be treating our CMO well."
Following beside him, she linked a hand through his arm for a moment before they stepped through the gate.
"Thanks, John."
Thanks for reading! Next chapter up tomorrow.