Mitchell stands looking at the blue planet below. It's been years since he's seen Sheppard, and he can't wait to catch the look on his face, when they land. The two men had been close once, but their careers had made it difficult to stay in touch.
Mitchell grins and shakes his head, remembering the rebellious, magnetic kid he'd bunked with at Maxwell Airforce base. The defiant young pilot had a way of drawing others to him with his bold confidence and flashy smile. Although no wallflower himself, Mitchell was definitely the more straight-laced and quiet of the two. He'd never tired of ribbing Sheppard over his 'Top Gun' complex. But unfortunately, despite his unmatchable flight skills, Shep had been about as popular as 'Maverick' with their instructors.
Authority issues aside, Sheppard was always a good friend. When Mitchell was injured in the battle to save Earth, he'd spent nearly a year in hospitals. Most of his friends and colleagues had disappeared- awkward and uncertain of what to say to the 'disabled' man. But in the first month, he'd been surprised to get a few letters from Sheppard, postmarked ironically from Antarctica- the site of his crash. Mitchell knew what had happened in Afghanistan, and was struck by guilt that he'd never tried to reach out to his old friend. They wrote back and forth a few times, but kept their letters casual. Mitchell couldn't talk about how he'd been injured, and Sheppard had no interest in discussing his exile. (The guy had actually claimed to like it in Antarctica!) But hearing from Shep had helped him a lot during his time in the hospital. Then, one day, the letters just stopped. Months passed before Mitchell found out why…
The smile fades from Cameron's face as he pinches the bridge of his nose in apprehension. It had been a long trip and he'd had too much time to worry about what he's getting into. His limited knowledge of the Atlantis expedition still had him on edge. Sure, he knows who the good guys are (Earth) and who the bad guys are (life-sucking alien vampires). And despite not being permitted to read the mission reports, he also knows about many major events of Atlantis' first year-- including Colonel Sumner's death that had led to Sheppard's command of the military contingent. Nevertheless, he doesn't know any details, and realizes he's about to get a first-hand introduction to reality in the Pegasus galaxy.
Onboard with him on the Daedalus, are several marines beginning their rotation with the Atlantis contingent. All the men had been previously attached to the Stargate program. However, for most, this trip was their first time in space. Without much else to do, it hadn't taken long for the gossiping and speculation to start. The newly selected recruits were naturally curious about Atlantis and their future commander. But Mitchell wasn't green, and could see how bored the crew of the Daedalus was with repetitive supply runs. He watched with amusement as they took advantage of the situation. Mitchell tried his best not to laugh while they fed the men ridiculous stories- wondering at the same time, which if any were based on fact. During the trip, he'd also spent some time with the Daedalus' Commander; although neither man sought the other's company beyond polite necessity.
When they finally beam down to Atlantis, Dr. Elizabeth Weir is leaning expectantly against the railing above the Gateroom. She immediately approaches Colonel Caldwell to welcome the newest members of the expedition. Expecting a bureaucratic politician, Mitchell is impressed by her short and simple speech. He watches patiently while she oversees the distribution of supplies and personnel, observing her efficiency and authority with growing respect.
While he waits, Mitchell looks around the stain-glassed room and whistles. Definitely not in Kansas anymore, he thinks, taking in the glowing panels and metallic surfaces. Spotting a gap in the frenetic activity, he approaches the expedition leader. Dr. Weir scans his nametag, and he's privately delighted to catch a flash of surprise on the face of the composed diplomat. She quickly smoothes her unguarded moment into a warm greeting.
"Colonel Mitchell, we certainly weren't expecting you. To what do we owe this pleasure?"
Inwardly cursing Jack O'Neill for his juvenile sense of humor, Mitchell apologizes for the lack of notice. With a frustrated wave at his cast, he awkwardly explains his impulsive decision to spend some down-time catching up with his old Air Force buddy.
Weir smiles but discretely glances around them. Spotting Caldwell across the room, she responds carefully, "Although I would have appreciated a heads-up, I think your visit's a great idea. We're obviously isolated here, and while he'd certainly never admit it, I think John could use someone he could talk to. Everyone here in Atlantis is either a civilian or his subordinate… and let's just say he and Colonel Caldwell haven't exactly bonded."
Despite her candor and attempt at humor, Mitchell gets the feeling Weir suspects there's more behind his visit. But she plays along, gesturing to a large doorway as they slip from the Gateroom.