Summary:- The SGA boys get captured during a routine mission with Sheppard taking the brunt as usual. While waiting for rescue John is entrusted with the care of a young girl. Who knew that the Universe could be such a small place? Shep whump team angst

Warnings:- Violence and some bad language

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

DADDYS GIRL

Chapter 1

The Athosian settlement had never looked more beautiful. Candles had been placed at ground level every few yards on either side to create a path to welcome the honoured guests of Atlantis into the settlement. Garlands of local flowers had been strewn over the entrance of the large marquis where the ceremony was about to take place and inside Atlantis personnel sat along side their Athosian neighbours to watch the official naming ceremony of Torren John Emmagan who was 1yr old to day.

Rodney, Jennifer, Ronon and Amelia had only just arrived as the ceremony was about to begin. He'd made it despite that damned tie! Why was it that his genius could save the day on a regular basis but he couldn't manage to do something as simple as work out how to tie a neck tie? If it wasn't for Jennifer... Rodney pulled at the offending garment and spotted Sheppard looking round – damn – John noticed they were late, he pointed to his tie but John just smiled. Great, so not in trouble after all. Ronon grunted and pointed to a bench large enough for their party and as they finally sat down the ceremony started in earnest.

Halling resplendent in flowing red silk ceremonial robes looked at the three people in front of him and smiled. "Today we welcome Torren John Emmagan into the heart of this tribe. Teyla, Kanaan do you understand that it is your responsibility to educate your son in the way of our people and to appoint a guardian to protect and guide your son through life?" Kanaan took Teyla's hand and they answered "We do" as one.

"Would the guardian step forward and identify himself"

Lt Colonel John Sheppard wearing his best air force blues stepped forward with a squirming Torren in his arms. " I, John Sheppard accept the role of this child's guardian and protector"

"Do you John Sheppard understand the responsibility that you undertake to-day?

"I do. I promise to mentor, guide and protect Torren John Emmagan to the best of my ability for as long as I live." Torren made a grab for his wings and Sheppard smiled into the small brown eyes.

Halling stepped forward and gathered the child into his arms and held him high enough so that all could see. "Very well then, in front of these assembled people I welcome you Torren John into this tribe and now it is time for the celebrations to commence!"

John, let out the breath he had been holding and whispered to Teyla "Did I do alright?"

Teyla smiled at her friend and took his hand in hers "You did just fine John, Torren is indeed a lucky child to have a guardian such as you, just as I was fortunate to gain your friendship all those years ago"

Sheppard was never comfortable with "touchy feely" stuff "Um, thanks Teyla, what happens now?

"All of the village will come forward to welcome you as an extended member of our family and then we will eat and drink until the small hours" Just at that Kanaan came over and smiling his thanks to John took his wife and child away.

John suspected that he hadn't been Kanaan's first choice, hell he didn't blame the guy as Kanaan probably realised that for a long time friendship with Teyla wasn't exactly what he'd had in mind... When Teyla told him that she was pregnant he was shocked to the core and realisation finally hit him that he was too late, his intimacy issues had stopped him yet again from forming a meaningful relationship with a member of the opposite sex. But when he finally met Kanaan on the Hive ship John had been surprised at Teylas choice... Time had moved on of course and now John was able to think of Teyla as just a friend but had to admit that she looked beautiful tonight in that white dress, Kanaan was a lucky man.

The "meet and greet" seemed to take for hours before John was able to make good his escape and finally look for his team. By this time rows of large rectangular tables groaning with local dishes had been set outside under the moonlight and music filled the air. Sheppard saw Jennifer drag a reluctant McKay onto the area set aside for dancing, man did he look uncomfortable! - John smiled and walked over to sit opposite Ronon who was sharing the joke with Amelia Banks. That pairing had initially caught him by surprise he had to admit but looking at them together he realised that it shouldn't have as the couple actually had quite a lot in common.

" Hi guys, got room for one more?

"Hey Sheppard, what kept you? Managed to keep you some of the food before McKay ate it all"

"Thanks Ronon, don't feel that hungry though, its been kind of a long day and I just wanted to check in with my team before I left"

Rodney appeared at his side " Hey, where do you thing you're going, you only just got here! Look you have to try that chicken dish, it tastes a bit like Tikka Masala without the spices"

"Thank Rodney but I'll pass, I'm just going to say goodbye to Teyla and then I'm heading back. See you tomorrow at 08.00 sharp"

The jumper powered into life and John started to relax for the first time that day. He knew that people thought he was confident, cocky even but Sheppard was a private man at heart and although it had been an honour to stand up with Torren to day he was glad the ordeal was over.

There was something else too, something that he didn't care to admit even to himself. John Sheppard was lonely. Watching his team pair up made him think of Nancy. Sheppard had focused on his career for so long that it had wrecked his marriage and even now there was no one "special" in his life. John loved Torren as if he were his own but he didn't belong to him. He wondered, would he ever meet someone and start a family? Part of him hoped so but deep within his gut John wasn't so sure.

"Glad you could join us Rodney, have to say that your not looking so good..."

"Do you have to shout Sheppard, headache from hell here! There must have been citrus in that Athosian ale"

Ronan shrugged his shoulders "Then how come I'm fine?"

"Hello! Everyone knows I have a delicate constitution where as you Conan are built like an Ox"

Sheppard decided that it was time to get this show on the road "Right people are we good to go or not – Rodney are you fit to go off world or do you need to go see Kellar?"

"I'll probably keel over as soon as we get through the gate but I'll survive. Somebody has to look out for the two of you. Where's Teyla any way?"

"Teyla and Kanaan are spending sometime on the mainland with his folks so it just us guys this time, is that okay with you Dr McKay?"

Rodney drew John a dirty look and Ronon just smiled. It was going to be a long day.

Hope that you are enjoying the story so far. Please, Please review as they mean a lot and I do appreciate con crit.