A/N: Thank you so much to all who have been reading and reviewing. This is the first story I have ever written, and I knew what I was doing only in the first chapter. Also, sorry for any mistakes (lexical, grammatical, etc.), English is not my native language.

Chapter 2

02:00 p.m. Earth, Cheyenne Mountain

Rodney was passing through corridors of SGC on his way to the briefing room. He had a laptop under his arm, a coffee cup in one hand and half eaten sandwich in the other. He did not have much sleep (and who would, considering the circumstances). After four hours of futile attempts to fall asleep, he gave up and started to make a list of the primary things to do when they came back to Atlantis. He was expecting that Sheppard would come by to his quarters to remind him about the meeting and they would go to the mess hall together. So Rodney was surprised when Elizabeth showed up and said that the meeting would start in half an hour. And now Rodney was trying not to spill his coffee, choke on his food or drop the laptop.

He managed to finish the sandwich just in time as he reached the briefing room. When he walked in, he saw that the room was filled with people: General Landry was sitting at the head of the table, to his right were Mr. Woolsey, Colonel Caldwell (hey, when did he come back?) and Major Lorne; to his left — Radek, Elizabeth and Carson. However Sheppard was nowhere to be seen.

"Finally! Nice of you to join us, Dr. McKay," greeted him General Landry. "Take a sit and we can start this meeting."

"What about Colonel Sheppard? Shouldn't we wait for him?" asked Rodney looking at the General. Mr. Woolsey and Colonel Caldwell exchanged meaningful looks with Landry. "And when did you come back and who's looking after the city? Who knows what the Replicators, or the Ancients for that matter, had done to it?" inquired Rodney looking at Caldwell.

Before Colonel Caldwell could answer, General Landry interjected, "As I told your colleagues ten minutes ago, General O'Neill is keeping an eye on the city. Colonel Caldwell returned two hours ago and his presence at this meeting is necessary."

After a brief pause he continued, "About Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard — he's been reassigned and…" Landry did not have a chance to finish his sentence: the room exploded with questions and objections like: 'Who authorized that? Where was he reassigned, sir? Are you morons? Is he going to come back?'. Only Colonel Caldwell and Mr. Woolsey remained silent.

"People…people," tried Landry to calm down the scientists. "People!" — room fell silent. "Colonel Sheppard conducted an unauthorized rescue mission. He had not only disobeyed a direct order, but endangered lives of three civilians, stole weapons and a puddle jumper. He has done enough to be court-martialed. But with the help of Mr. Woolsey I convinced the IOA to change their mind … This is a temporary situation."

Every member of Atlantis expedition looked devastated and confused. They never thought this could happen. John Sheppard was famous for his ability to elude any trouble. But how would he charm his way out of such mess this time?

"John Sheppard saved Atlantis only several hours ago. He's been doing these courageous acts since our expedition stepped through the gate. And you want to make a scapegoat out of him?" Elizabeth glared at Landry then at Woolsey accusingly.

"Dr. Weir, we know what Colonel Sheppard has done and we are in no way diminishing his contribution to the expedition. I personally glad that you all came back for us, but the IOA has made their decision," responded Woolsey.

"Can we at least say goodbye to the lad?" asked Beckett.

"I'm afraid it's not possible, he left shortly after the debriefing," answered General Landry.

"Oh, that's just perfect," Rodney looked angry. "How long this…exile gonna last?"

"Six months. Colonel Sheppard recorded a message for you," he gave a thumb drive to Lorne. "Play it, Major. Colonel Caldwell, Mr. Woolsey, can we speak outside?"

-sga-

As soon as General Landry, Colonel Caldwell and Mr. Woolsey walked out of the briefing room, Rodney abruptly stood up, started pacing the room as he began his rant.

"This is ridiculous! How could they done this? I mean… what were they thinking? Or better question with what — definitely not with their brains, because how could they remove one person who is actually capable of defending Atlantis with the most bizarre and arduous plans which by the way I always have to implement! Not to mention, that if something happens and we'll have to…, I don't — use drones or one of sophisticated Atlantis's operations — only he has the ATA gene powerful enough to pull it off," Rodney stopped pacing, looked at Carson, "And Carson can do it too, but he'll need more time to concentrate and he's afraid of ancient devices and…"

"Rodney, we understand," Carson gave Rodney a weak smile, "He is your friend. You concerned about him."

"One of my best friends, actually," replied Rodney.

Silence filled the room for several minutes. Nobody could have predicted such a turn. Then Rodney spoke again, "What are we gonna do? We can't just leave it like that."

"I don't think there is anything we can do. Maybe we should just … wait for Colonel Sheppard to return?" suggested Radek.

"And it's not like the Colonel can disobey this order too," added Major Lorne.

"Why not?"

"If he disobeys this order, we definitely will never see him again in the walls of Atlantis, Rodney," replied Elizabeth, "Let's watch the video." She nodded at Lorne to play the recording.

Rodney finally sat down willing to watch what could be the last frames of his best friend.

Notwithstanding the lack of the Wraith, Earth was still a dangerous place. Especially if they will send Sheppard to some hot zone or on another secret government mission. It just occurred to Rodney, that he may never see John Sheppard ever again, dead or alive. He knew that Sheppard was willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good of his friends and men serving under him. And it was Rodney's job as a friend to look out for Sheppard. Rodney should have thought through the consequences of their escapade first, before embarking on one.

-sga-

As a monitor came to life, all those present in the briefing room could see the standard quarters of SGC. From the camera angle there could be noticed an unmade bed and an open duffel bag half filled with T-shirts, cargo pants and sport magazines.

For several minutes camera showed an empty room, then there appeared a familiar figure. Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard sat down on the bed and smiled to the camera, "Hey guys, I guess you're already know that I won't be coming back with you. I have some other … affairs to tend to." He looked down as his smile faded, then after a few seconds looked up to the camera again. "I knew what I was doing when I disobeyed that order, Rodney, so don't you dare blame yourself for this. And if I have to, I would do this again." Sheppard run a hand through his hair making them stick out even more. "Anyway, uh, sorry for not saying goodbye in person — I have thirty minutes to pack things up and …" he sighed, "It's easier this way. … I'm allowed to communicate with you, so I'll try to send e-mails when it's your weekly status report. I'll appreciate if you explain all of this to Teyla and Ronon … Well, I guess I'll see you in six months. Take care of each other, guys. And McKay, I'd better return to Atlantis standing or floating safe and sound." Sheppard stood up, went behind the camera and turned it off.

-sga-

Just as the video ended, General Landry and Colonel Caldwell walked in the briefing room and took their sits.

"Since we established the current Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard's service status," began the General, "now we may return to the more pressing matter. First of all, the new military commander of Atlantis will be Colonel Caldwell."

The members of Atlantis expedition looked a little disapprovingly at Caldwell. They always knew he was after this position and now, when this opportunity has 'voluntarily' presented itself, there is no chance he will pass it. And this meant that Sheppard's team would have to ensure that this situation indeed would be temporary. Rodney thought to himself, that he will personally make sure to make Caldwell's life living hell if the Colonel is reluctant to return the military commander position to its rightful owner.

"Doesn't Colonel Caldwell have a ship to command?" asked Elizabeth narrowing her lids towards Caldwell.

"Yes, I do. And the Daedalus will be stationed in Atlantis. There is no harm in having a interstellar warship to defend the city," Caldwell smiled at Elizabeth.

"And when the Daedalus is travelling to Atlantis and back to Earth, Major Lorne as the second-in-command will be in charge of Atlantis," continued Landry. "Let's discuss current situation of your expedition: departure schedule, the personnel that we gonna recruit, equipment requests and other things."