Summary:- Sheppard has a run of bad luck or is it something more sinister? Shep whump with team and Carson. This is a stand alone story but if some of you are curious about a mentioned character in Chapter 1 then I would recommend you read "Daddy's Girl" but you dont have to!

Disclaimer:- SGA isn't mine, if it was it would be on Season 6 by now.

Warnings:- Violence and some bad language.

THE ENEMY WITHIN

CHAPTER 1

Sheppard's head felt like a squad of Marines with very big hammers were trying to break through his skull.

Reaching for his hidden stash of Tylenol he poured himself a glass of water and walked out onto the balcony for some much needed air. It was still only early evening but on this planet the sunset early in the spring time and John thought that Atlantis looked really beautiful as the 3 moons glowed luminous in the night sky bathing the city spires in a silvery glow.

John had been going through the staff evaluations all day now and had hardly made a dent but he'd had enough for one day. His head was killing him and maybe if he had something to eat apart from coffee and some power bars he could coax the ache down a notch or two so that maybe a decent night sleep might be on the cards. Checking his watch Sheppard realised that he had a few minutes to kill before the commissary cleared away the afternoon snack menu and started serving something more substantial so Sheppard figured he would just have a last check at his emails for anything urgent and then head down to the commissary to meet his team.

As the emails loaded into his mailbox he noticed there was one from Dave. John thought, not for the first time that life was strange. It was only two short years ago that he didn't even consider himself to have a family, now not only was he was on good terms with his brother but he was also the proud father of a beautiful little girl called Shauna. It was true that John didn't get to see her as often as he would like but it made the time spent with her even more precious. Sheppard wondered if he should tell Dave about Shauna as her entry into his life had been a tad "unusual" however as he loved them both and thought it would be good for the child to have the extended family denied to him, Sheppard had decided to tell his brother about his niece however he covered the basics by explaining that Teer was an ex girlfriend and that Shauna lived with her mother. True, that did kind of simplify things a bit but it meant that he could share his news with his brother without breaching security!

As Sheppard read the email he smiled. Well, well.. so Dave was finally getting married to his long term girlfriend Sydney, not only that but he wanted him to be the best man!...There were also invitations too for the rest of his team and Carson. The wedding was to take place 3 months from now at the family home so that John would have plenty of notice to attend. It only took seconds to reply – yes – of course and pass on his congratulations. Dave was one lucky guy as Sydney was beautiful, smart and loyal and he just knew that his brother would be very happy..

As he loaded up his tray John seen his team sat over at their balcony table. As he approached Sheppard felt the night air chill his body and shivered at the thought of sitting there tonight – definitely going soft John!- but they had already looked over and waved so he pinned a smile on his face and made his way over to sit down.

Rodney looked at the sandwich, apple and orange juice on John's tray "Is that all your having?"

"Carson, tell Mr "You can blow me over with a feather" that he needs more than that to keep him alive"

Carson had just sat at the table after John. He looked at him keenly and Sheppard tried to hide the fact that he was still nursing a headache.

"You do look a bit peaky Colonel, maybe you should head down to the Infirmary for a check up."

Deciding the truth was the best option "Look guys, I have a headache with reviewing personnel files all day. I've taken some Tylenol – so all I need now is some food, a good nights sleep and some peace (John glared at Rodney) and I'll be just fine."

"Are you still working on your staff evaluations? - mine are all done"

Teyla gave Rodney a stern look "Nobody likes a smart person Rodney.."

John smiled "I think you mean smart ass Teyla but I appreciate the sentiment"

Quickly changing the conversation John told them about the wedding and his role as best man.

Rodney looked serious " You do know that a best man's speech can either make or break a wedding don't you Sheppard?"

John rolled his eyes and the rest of the meal was passed in discussing wedding rituals both earth and Pegasus style until Sheppard was so tired he couldn't see straight so he headed off to his quarters for some much needed sleep.

As he approached his room Carson caught up with him " Are you sure your alright John? I know this is Kellars domain now but I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I checked you over.."

Smiling at his friend "Thanks Carson, but it is really just a headache caused by too much paperwork and coffee and not enough fresh air"

Beckett didn't look convinced but he would let it go for now "Anyway, just thought I would say cheerio for now as I am off to Calonis tomorrow for a month to check on how their new clinic is getting on. They also have some interesting local cures I am looking in to "

Sheppard thought that a short trip in a jumper was just what the doctor ordered "Tell you what Carson I could do with a break from this – pointing to his overflowing desk – what do you say I give you a ride?"

Calonis was a thriving market town with colourful stalls set along both sides of the cobbled streets

Just visable were the two story dwelling houses painted in pretty pastel colours which were nearly hidden from view by the large canopy's cascading along the tops of the stalls to protect the shoppers from the heat of the day There was a pretty wooded area just off to side of the street with a stream flowing throught it. John felt so warm he wondered if it would break any laws if he were to take off his boots and freshen up – but Sheppard daren't risk it – you never knew what would offend even the most friendly of people and he could end up – well lets just say it wasn't the first time John had regretted the most simple of actions!

Teyla was looking around impressed by the wares on display "Colonel Sheppard, these people seem to have quite a lot to offer in trade, would you mind if I had a look around and start negotiations?"

"Sure thing Teyla, we're just going to help Carson get settled in, it shouldn't take long and we'll meet you back at the jumper in a couple of hours"

Rodney had stayed home this trip so it was just Carson, John and Ronon who made their way past the bustling town and down into the outskirts. Two miles further along set in a clearing beside a forest was a small house just along from a larger newer single story stone structure – the clinic.

It didn't take the men long to unload all of the boxes and John for one was relieved. The headache he'd had from yesterday had kept him awake all night and today it had kicked up a notch plus he now felt hot and achy. Sheppard just wanted to escape from Beckett's prying eyes and get back to Atlantis to the privacy of his own bed, where he would toss back a few more Tylenol, have a good sleep and he'd be as good as new - he hoped...

After all the cases were nearly unpacked Ronon turned to his CO "Sheppard, would it be okay if I headed back to town – I thought I would take a look round for you know, um, a wedding gift for Dave" Ronon looked embarrassed..

"No problem big guy – but you don't need to bother you know, Dave doesn't expect anything – (John seen the disappointment on Ronon's face) – but come to think of it I don't think Earth has has anything like some of the things I seen on those stalls."

Smiling, Ronon nodded " Yeah, I figured that too – bye Beckett see you soon" And the tall man left his two friends alone to finish up.

Beckett wasn't daft. John Sheppard had been in his care more times that any other member of the Atlantis expedition and it was as clear as the nose in his face that the man wasn't well.

"Okay Colonel, that should do for now, I can manage the rest myself. Now I want you to come over here so I can check you out.."

John knew that look.. "Erm.. there's really no need Carson"

When Sheppard didn't move, Beckett went over and took him by the arm "Don't even try lying to me son, your looking flushed and the headache's still there isn't it?"

" Look.. I'll admit that I might have a cold but its no big deal and when I get back to Atlantis.."

Thud! - the door banged open and two large men walked inside

"Which one of you is Beckett?"

Adrenaline kicking in and John walked in front of his friend " Who wants to know?"

"That would be me Colonel Sheppard.."

John looked at the stocky young man. He looked reminiscent of a Taliban drug lord that Sheppard had the misfortune to cross some years ago. That encounter had ended badly with John spending 6 weeks in a field hospital with cracked ribs and a badly broken leg curtsey of the worst beating he'd ever taken in his life. The fact that his two goons were holding guns told Sheppard neither of the three men were looking for medical attention...

"Okay...as you have me at a disadvange here, what's your name and why do you want Dr Beckett?"

"Oh, I'm sorry if I made it sound like a request, - nodding to his men – Dr Beckett is coming with us. We require his services as our medic was regrettably killed, as for my name... that's of no concern to you"

As the two men went for Beckett, John dived for them hoping to at least give his friend a change to escape. As his fist connected with goon No1's face throwing him into the path of his friend he though things might go his way...but suddenly he felt a sharp pain explode in his head and Sheppard' world started to go black...

Carson was grabbed and hustled out the room when he tried to get to Sheppard " Please...let me help him, at lease let me make sure he's going to be alright!"

The leader of the group just smirked "Take Dr Beckett to the ring of the ancestors.. and Lorus – make sure that Colonel Sheppard won't be able to follow us" In his hand was a faded poster sent out by the Geni years before with the Colonels face – wanted dead or alive.

Beckett knew those posters meant nothing now- but were still causing trouble "Look, you may not know this but the Geni are now our allies and these posters are worthless"

But the leader just smiled as Beckett's hands were roughly tried behind his back before being dumped into the back of cart which was waiting nearby. There were only on the road for a few minutes when he heard a gunshot coming from the small house. Carson heart sank...John!

Please review! - I'd love to know what you think and I do appreciate con crit