"Today we gather to mourn the loss of an amazing person, Carson was...different, special, and well at times a little crazy. He was the best soldier that I know and was always willing to go in first. Carson leaves a mark in all our lives.

There was a pause as the national anthem rang out, John Shepard snapped to attention and saluted at the end of the song. As the final note rung out the crew of Atlantis shifted like rusty gears to the metal box that held Carson Rider's body, and taking sides lifted it and slowly walked it into the gate and back over to earth, following close behind was Abby Rider, Carson's younger sister and only remaining family member.

12 hours ago

Dr. Rodney McKay and Lnt. Commander John Shepard were in an empty hallway when they heard footsteps rushing down the hall. They both looked at each other and panicked, they had heard nothing on their radios. Slowly they started to draw their weapons.

"Don't shot it's just Carson!" Said a younger men with sandy brown hair and bright blue eyes, as he rounded the corner with hands up. (He was the youngest member of the Stargate Atlantis team under Shepherd, he had just turned 28 last week.)

"There you are, we have been trying to call you guys for the last half hour. Dr. Weir has been looking for you! What are you two doing down here anyway?"

"Not acting like four year olds with race cars." Quickly said McKay, hiding a remote control behind his back and stepping quickly in front of the bright red toy car.

"Yea what he said... No, but you said someone needed us?" Asked Shepherd.

"Yea Weir has been trying to call you, Shepherd you have flight training, and McKay, they need your help with some computers. Oh and one more thing before you go lieutenant, can I talk to you alone for a second."

"Sure, what's up!" He said sitting down on the floor, motioning for him to do the same.

"I just want you to hear me out, Abby is turning 16 soon and I don't know how much longer I will be here to take care of her. Not with this whole war thing and all the stuff that we have been trying to fight off. That's why, sir, I need to ask you something important and off record. If something were to happen.."

"And I'm sure it won't."

"Well if it does then... well we don't have anyone left to take care of us, me and Abby, and Gate command is the closest thing we have to a family, could you well." He paused for a second and then said looking into his commanders bright blue eyes. "Take care of Abby, or at least make sure that she knows that she is safe and has someone to come too?" He said looking into the room that was straight across from him and out into the city. That would be the last time that Lieutenant Commander Shepard would look into Carson's eyes and say the last, and strongest words a person could say to someone

"I will do my best."