Deadly Intent

Chapter 3

Why did you pass out? What do the docs say about those tests?

Teyla looked into his concerned eyes as John's questions echoed around her head. She gently reached out for his good hand and held it between hers. Her face lit up as she reassured him. "Oh, John, do not be concerned. Jennifer said it was a combination of worry, tiredness and…we are to have a new addition to the family in approximately seven and a half months."

It took him a minute or so the process that information. When he did, his mouth dropped open at the realisation. "You're…you're pregnant?"

"Yes, John, I am pregnant. That is what having a new addition means."

The biggest smile Teyla had ever seen formed on John's face as he answered. "Yeah, I knew that. Is everything okay?" Teyla nodded as John felt unaccustomed tears water his eyes. This time his reaction to the news of her pregnancy was so very different. He didn't feel crushing disappointment or shock like the last time she had uttered those words. Okay, maybe a little surprised. They had talked about having a child together, but John had been unaware that Teyla had taken matters into her own hands and stopped using protection. On the other hand, they were both not getting any younger. Whatever, it was the best news ever and if he could have gotten up, he would have jumped for joy. Instead, he pulled her down for a long and lingering kiss on the lips this time. He was already a dad to both Torren John and Beth through adoption, and he loved them both equally. Torren's father had been Teyla's partner Kanaan before he'd been brutally killed during an off-world trading trip. John had rescued Beth from a plague invested town only to be struck down himself. He had only survived because of his stubborn will and the discovery of a healing plant, which the brilliant doctors of Atlantis had been able to turn it into a useful cure. Indeed, John knew for sure that his love for the children would never change, but the thought of a child of his own blood filled him with untold joy. The new baby would complete his little family who had become so very, very important to him. The family he had thought he would never have.

A sudden shudder went through him at the thought of how close he'd come to losing it all. Maybe at forty-three, it was time to take on fewer dangerous off-world missions. At least ones that put him directly on the line. Yet what was the use of that when an incident like the animal attack came out of the blue. It was probably just one of those things. Anyway, it now seemed that for the foreseeable future he would be written off while his leg healed. He well remembered the time when both Colonel Carter and Major Lorne had broken their legs and the frustration they had gone through. John also thought about all the physiotherapy he would have to endure. He knew for sure that he would have full support and love from his family and friends. All the same, the very thought of being laid-up for weeks on end made him feel very frustrated already. Still, the main thing was, he had survived to give them the chance.

He held Teyla close in order to take his mind off that for a while. After a few minutes of silent comfort, he asked. "How did the arrangements go? I mean…we may have to delay the ceremony for a while, although I'd like to commit to you officially before the baby arrives."

Teyla smiled at him. "The talk with Halling went well. A short delay will not change anything as I am sure it will not take more than seven months for your leg to heal. However, we will wait until you are fit again as I do not wish to have to push you in a wheelchair into our wedding tent."

That lightened John's mood. His laugh shattered the quiet infirmary as he pulled her down for another kiss. "Yeah, we'll wait."

oOo

With typical determination, John strived to heal as quickly as possible. Over the weeks that followed he did absolutely everything the doctors advised, even using a wheelchair and crutches when getting around. His determination and compliance surprised both Carson and Jennifer as he normally wasn't quite so cooperative. However, in John's opinion, his quick recovery was imperative for two very separate reasons.

Firstly and most importantly his commitment ceremony to Teyla and secondly, his pending performance evaluation was coming up. Not that he was worried about the Air Force replacing him, but you never knew how the High Command might act. Despite gaining the rank of full bird colonel several years ago, he still had a few detractors back on Earth, including General Landry who had never really forgiven him for ignoring his orders back when Atlantis had been taken over by the Replicators. Although, the SGC commander wasn't any real danger as he had tolerated him for years now ever since Elizabeth had fought for his reinstatement as Military Commanding Officer after the Siege. The real threat came from a high commander who hated his guts and several I.O.A members who supported his opinion. John had been shocked when Woolsey had informed him that his former C.O. from his time in Afghanistan was now one of the top brass involved with Homeworld Security in Washington. In John's opinion, the man was an absolute idiot and should never have been assigned to such an important position. John often wondered how the man had managed to wangle his way to the top. Friends in high places he supposed.

Meaning, the whole broken leg business couldn't have come at a worse time.

Mulling over his thoughts, John took one last look at the rolling sea before getting up from the folding chair he'd been using to sit on. Planning on leaving, he turned away from the balcony railing. Although it was a beautiful evening and the stars still shone high above in a cloudless sky, the wind had picked up somewhat since he'd arrived to get some fresh air about forty minutes ago. Maybe a storm was on the way, he wasn't sure because no one had informed him otherwise. Why should they when his time was mainly taken up with healing and nothing else to do other than tedious paperwork. He was only on very limited light duty at the moment, and John was getting sorely frustrated by it. Sometimes his frustration came out as moodiness. So in order to spare Teyla and the children, he'd made the balcony trip a regular feature before turning in for the night.

Now he needed to go back and read a bedtime story to the kids before they slept. It was something they now expected of him since he was home most of the time. The quarters he shared with his family weren't that far off. He stared at his crutches leaning against the wall and scowled at their cumbersome design even though they were made of light aluminium tubing. He was just plain sick and tired of having to hobble around on them for what seemed like months now. Although it had been just nine weeks since his plunge down the cliff, in John's opinion the whole healing matter was taking far too long. To date, he had been a good boy and had used them religiously. His leg was still in a brace for support and the doctors had told him under no circumstance was he to put his full weight on it yet. He was going for daily physiotherapy and apparently his leg was healing well. The temptation to leave them behind was there, even knowing that Teyla would have his guts for garters if she found out. He was saved from making a bad choice when the balcony doors opened to reveal Richard Woolsey clutching a bottle of Scottish single malt and two glasses.

"Ah, they told me I would find you here," the leader of Atlantis called.

"Yep, taking my usual breath of fresh air before turning in for the night. What can I do for you, Richard?"

Their working relationship had grown over the four years Woolsey had been in charge and now they called each other by their first names when in private. Richard silently handed John a glass and poured a shot of whiskey knowing that the Colonel was no longer taking any form a medication, meaning he could partake. "Sit back down for a minute. We need to talk."

John did so, getting a bad feeling that he wasn't going to like what Richard was about to tell him. "Ok, give it to me straight."

Woolsey took a sip of his whiskey. "As you know the Daedalus is scheduled to arrive in four days. Colonel Caldwell contacted me privately as soon as the ship was in communication range. That was a few hours ago now. He wanted to warn me about three unwelcome guests he has onboard. It seems we're getting a visit from a Doctor Finnegan, a Doctor Ross, and General William H. Trumble."

John felt the blood drain from his face. It took him a minute to calm his heart and gather his thoughts. "And you weren't informed about this earlier?"

"No. I was told that the Daedalus would be bringing a few visitors from the SGC. I had no idea it would have any connection with your current situation." Richard sighed. "I'm sorry, John, but it would appear Dr Ross wants to do an independent assessment of your fitness for duty. I told Doctors Keller and Beckett about it before coming to see you and believe me they are up in arms. Keller assured me she did not report any indication that you would not make a full and complete recovery. She also said that you will be back on full active duty in a matter of weeks not months. Beckett assured the same."

"Yeah, I'm getting there. This is probably General Trumble's way of trying to get rid of me. Just get the independent doctor to assess and find me unfit, then I get ordered to take a full medical discharge."

Richard shook his head. "Not if I have anything to say about it. Otherwise, they will have a fight on their hands."

John took a healthy swig of whiskey. "Thanks. Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

They talked some more before John hobbled away on his crutches to return to the family quarters. By the time he reached the door, his bad mood had turned even fouler. Deep down he knew this day could come, the day when someone tried to push him from the military command of Atlantis. It would have been bad enough if he'd still been unattached, but now he had a family to think of and he couldn't imagine being separated from them. Woolsey had assured him that even if the worst case scenario should happen, he would always have a place here on Atlantis. The only trouble with that, John honestly didn't think the Air Force would allow him to stay even as a civilian.

Thinking the door open, John entered the spacious living quarters to find Jennifer and Teyla sitting on the sofa talking quietly. Rodney and the children were nowhere to be seen.

At John's puzzled look, Teyla said. "Rodney is currently reading a bedtime story. Last time I checked everything was quiet, even Peter had fallen asleep in his father's arms." John snorted at the image of the man that now tolerated children. Boy, had Rodney changed. Teyla patted the sofa. "Come and sit down for a while. Jennifer wants to talk to you."

John did as requested, sitting down between the two women. Teyla took his hand as she could see how worried he looked. "We will get through this," she murmured.

"Yeah, but you don't know that damn man like I do."

Jennifer spoke up then. "There is no reason in the universe why you should be removed all because of a broken leg. I have written a full report outlining the facts with scans and other evidence to prove beyond a doubt that your leg is healing well. Your physiotherapist agrees wholeheartedly with my prognosis and has also signed the report along with Carson and Dr Cole."

John reached over and squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Jennifer, but he'll find another reason if he can, I just know it."

"Then we will just have to make sure he does not," Teyla said with determination.

John's mood lightened a little knowing that he had their love and support. He gave Teyla a warm hug and kiss. "I'm sure you will. Well, I'd better go and read to the kids." He was just about to get up when they came bounding out of their bedroom.

Rodney huffed behind them holding his son who was also wide awake. "I tried to stop them, but they heard your deep rumble, Sheppard. They said they won't go to sleep until you've read to them. I don't know what more they want? I've already read them several passages from my thesis on black holes and the theory of time distortion within the event horizon."

John looked shocked. "You never did?"

The children giggled and Torren said. "Oh daddy, Uncle Rodney is winding you around."

"No, no Torren, I'm trying to wind him up. That's the right way to say it." Rodney corrected the boy.

John rolled his eyes. "He's always trying to wind me up or push my buttons, but it works both ways."

"Oh no, mainly one way. This way," Rodney said, pointed to himself. "You do far more button pushing than I do. You always have."

John laughed, "Yeah, it's the only way to get you moving. So kids, what did he really read to you? Your favourite book? The one about the little red aeroplane that takes his animal friends on vacation?"

Beth moved over and cuddle into her daddy. "No, you have to read that one to us. That's your book because you can fly the red plane for real. Uncle Rodney read us a book about a big bright sun that makes everyone warm and happy."

John smiled at his daughter and nodded. For their age, both children could speak very well. They already had some tutoring, provided by a scientist named Angie Clarkson. She was kindly devoting some of her spare time to teaching the young ones. Although not exactly a qualified teacher, Angie was a strong believer in home tutoring and quite brilliant in her field of life sciences. Mr Woolsey had put in a request for a junior teacher/childminder to come to Atlantis, but so far nothing had been agreed upon as the I.O.A wasn't too keen to provide the service for just two children. Mr Woolsey had pointed out that the McKays son would need a teacher in a few years time, and it could well be that others would also eventually have children. Teyla also wanted an Athosian to teach the children about their culture and not just Earths. John had agreed. Though first of all, they needed to learn their numbers. Also, read and write in both English and Athosian. Thankfully they were bright kids and should be able to take it all in their stride.

John slowly got up and reached for his crutches. "Come on, kids, let's read you a story, then it will be time for bed."

Jennifer quickly stood up. "We'll be leaving now as Peter needs his bath and then it's bedtime for him, too."

After goodbyes and kisses from the children, the McKays went back to their quarters. Teyla was left alone as John and the children disappeared into their bedroom. It would take about twenty minutes or so before they settled and after that, she had every intention of asking John all about the dreaded general who was coming. She needed all the ammunition she could get to protect her man.

John eventually emerged from the children's bedroom. Teyla thought he looked a little brighter as he hobbled over. She patted the sofa and John quickly plonked himself down next to her. He gave her a lingering kiss before murmuring. "They always want that aeroplane story at least once a week."

"They love it like they love you, John." Teyla held his hand in hers and stared into his expressive eyes. "I know it may not be easy for you but please explain why this man hates you so? What did you do exactly to make him so antagonistic?"

John remained silent for a good few minutes, making Teyla think that he may not answer her. Eventually, he took a deep breath and said. "You know all about Holland, right?" Teyla nodded, "Well…okay, I…I think it's best if I start at the beginning." John looked away for a minute or so before turning back to face her. "I don't really need to go into military procedure fully, but I was assigned to special ops for a while. I undertook on some covert missions into enemy territory and it was during that time I got promoted from Captain to Major. It was a hectic time and I never knew when the next assignment would come and where it would take me. My then wife Nancy couldn't take it, so she turned to someone else for companionship. We…we ended up divorcing. Then ironically a while after that my special ops missions petered out. I was then given a tour of duty in Afghanistan with a helicopter division that ran search and extraction missions behind enemy lines. A couple of old buddies of mine Mitch and Dex were also assigned with me. We had a different C.O back then. He was ok. After the tour was over we went back to the states for R and R and after that, our unit was assigned a second tour in Afghanistan. We also became good friends with Captain Bill Holland during that time. Along with him, Mitch and Dex, we all had a distinct disliked for our new commanding officer, one Colonel William H. Trumble. In our opinion, he made too many bad choices that cost or nearly cost far too many lives. Sadly Mitch and Dex were killed halfway through the tour, so it was just me and Holland against that moron. Then one day Holland and his crew failed to return to base. They'd been shot down behind enemy lines. I wanted to mount a rescue operation quickly because of the possibility of injuries or capture. Trumble refused until he could coordinate a rescue mission with the Afghans, which would have taken hours. So I disobeyed orders and went alone. I lost a multi-million dollar helicopter and…I failed anyway. Holland's crew had died in the crash and when I found him, he was badly injured. He died on me before I could get him to safety. I was captured by the enemy, tortured and eventually had to be rescued. After recovering in the hospital for several weeks, I faced a court-martial. Trumble was about ready to throw the book at me, but someone overstepped him. So instead of a dishonourable discharge with a possible prison term, I received a black mark and was assigned to McMurdo base in Antarctica. And as you know that's where it all began."

Teyla reached over and held his face between her hands. "And I am most pleased that it did. I do not understand why this Trumble person should hate you so much though?"

"Because I basically showed him up for the idiot that he was and most likely still is. He wanted me to be punished for trying to save a fellow officer and his crew. I would have done it for anyone on that base, even him, and he knew it. Trumble wanted to see me go to prison, claiming that I was a danger to be around and I had destroyed valuable Air Force equipment. Someone in Washington obviously didn't agree with him, so he lost face somewhat. End of story or so I thought." John paused for a minute. "It seems he somehow managed to get himself promoted to Brigadier General. And about a year ago he was assigned to Homeworld security, which meant he had full access to the Stargate program. I guess when he found out about me being the commanding officer of Atlantis base he just couldn't take it. So he's probably coming to try and discredit me somehow."

Teyla kissed him lightly on the lips. "He sounds like a very unpleasant man indeed. We will have to make sure he cannot discredit you. That would be totally unjustified after all you have done, not only for my people but for Atlantis and Earth." She kissed him again. "Thank you for confiding in me. I know how difficult it is for you."

John pulled her in for a hug. "I'm getting better at it thanks to you and your wonderful ability to listen and understand. Now I have to get more mobile and be ready to face him."

"Do not overdo it or you will make matters worse."

John gave her a weary smile. "Don't worry, I won't. I intend to speak to Carson tomorrow and see if there is anything he can do to help things along a little bit. Without overdoing it," he quickly added upon seeing her worried face.

TBC

Authors Note

Thanks for the reviews. And to the guest reviewers who I can't personally reply to. Thank you all so much for your kind words and encouragement.