Stargate SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis, the characters and universe are the property of Stargate (II) Productions, Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, Gekko Productions and the Sci-Fi Channel. The content of this story is solely for entertainment purposes and no copyright infringement is intended.

A/N: I am NOT in the medical, military, mathematics or science professions so what you read is just 'winging it'. Hope it all sounds plausible. Also in my stories there will always be Dr. Weir and Dr. Beckett.

This is the fifth and final story completing the story arc I've written dealing with Colonel Sheppard's disability. Preceding order: Three for the Price of Two, Conquering Adversities, Unexpected Surprises, Life Altering and now New Beginnings.

The story was beta read and any remaining errors are my own. Enjoy.

New Beginnings

Author: kwillads

"Elizabeth did I give you the car keys?"

"No."

"Must have fallen out of my pocket. I'll run back to the house and check." At that John sprinted off up the sidewalk to the door of the brownstone. He heard Elizabeth say she'd stay there and wait. Ringing the bell he waited for Mrs. Weir to answer. Evelyn opened the door, "I think our car keys fell out of my coat pocket, mind if I check?"

"Of course not dear. Come in. Is Elizabeth coming back in?" Evelyn asked.

"No, she's waiting by the car should only take minute." John stepped into the warm and cozy house and went to the chair where their coats had laid for the last several hours and two meals. John searched the chair and cushions and the floor around the chair and came up empty handed. When he turned towards the door to have Elizabeth check her bag Evelyn stood holding the keys and a small velvet box.

"I'm sorry John for being so deceiving. I took your keys and hoped that you would be the one to come back looking for them. I wanted to give you something." Evelyn handed him the keys and the velvet box. "Open it."

John put the keys in his pocket and opened the small black velvet box. Inside was a diamond ring. Looking up at Evelyn she could read the questions that were on his mind.

"This is my wedding ring John. It has always been my dream for my daughter to wear it. It has served me well. Harold and I had thirty-eight wonderful years together. When you're ready to ask my daughter for her hand in marriage you'll have a ring to place on her finger. I know what Colonel's in the Air Force make so I won't take no for an answer. You make my daughter happy John. I've never seen her so happy before and I know you love her deeply and will continue to love her and protect her. Now go before she thinks you got lost."

Evelyn Weir stepped close, putting her hands on his shoulders to bring him down closer to her so that she could give him a kiss.

John whispered, "thank you," putting the black velvet box in his inside coat breast pocket for safe keeping.

Too stunned to say anything more, Evelyn shoved him out the door once more. Waving to her daughter standing by the car.

oOo

Colonel Sheppard rounded up his sled full of cases that were now filled with never received items. It would be like Christmas to a lot of the folks back on Atlantis when he arrived. He positioned the large sled at the bottom of the gate room ramp dashing back into the hall to get a second sled full of boxes. Lining it up after the first at the bottom of the ramp Colonel Sheppard went back into the hall for the last sled. He came with one and was returning with three. The second and third sleds carried items he'd ordered that first day when he arrived at the SGC.

Most had to be special ordered but it all arrived in time to make the journey back to Atlantis. He'd ordered a popcorn machine for the rec room along with enough popcorn for three months. An air hockey table and ping-pong table were also among the boxes. Several boxes held a variety of board games, including twenty sets of poker chips, video games and two new Xbox 360 players, card games, puzzles and the like. The Colonel purchased two 42 inch flat screen TV sets and DVD players for the rec room. Three large boxes contained new DVD movies: classics, family entertainment, sports, horror, action adventure, dramas, comedies, documentaries, science fiction, and a variety of foreign films from many nations, romance, independent films, television shows and even a few musicals. Two more fairly large crates held some paperback books, comics and magazines for the PX Library.

He tossed in a few musical instruments that he'd heard through the grapevine that his people missed playing. Who knows, maybe someday there'd be an Atlantis band or orchestra. John was still trying to figure out how he could smuggle a baby grand into Atlantis for McKay. But that and the new Wii gaming system would have to wait for another time.

For himself he picked up four boxes of white golf whiffle balls. They came 500 to a box so with two thousand that should last him for a while. He picked up buoyancy floats and a large 34 inch by 65 inch fishing net with a 6 foot detachable slide handle. Next time he was on Earth he would bring back the anchors for each float along with the proper tie off. His end goal was to make a water golf driving range. Using the new whiffle balls would enable him, with help of course, to retrieve the balls floating on top of the water instead of losing so many regular golf balls to the bottom of the Atlantean ocean. He was trying to be eco-friendly.

Rounding out the sled's last few boxes he purchased four DVD shelving units, two TV stands for the two new TV's and managed to get a variety of chocolates, hard candies, gum and other sweets. Somewhere in the mix he had authentic Swiss chocolates for when Carl returned.

Colonel Sheppard made his way to the control room. He'd almost forgotten to tell the General the good news. When he returned the day before yesterday he only had a few hours to change and pack before their red-eye flight to New York. Then last night he and Elizabeth arrived late and were extremely exhausted. This morning after breakfast had been rush, rush, rush to get everything tagged and loaded on the three cargo sleds.

"General Landry." Colonel Sheppard stated coming to what he knew to be his laid back version of military attention.

"At ease Colonel. Looks like you're going home with some extra baggage."

"Yes Sir. A few toys to release some of the stresses of fighting alien vampires. I picked up a few movies, a ping-pong table, books, junk food, board games, that sort of stuff. But what I wanted to tell you Sir is that you won't have to worry about Quartermaster Supply screwing up anymore requisitions. Sergeant Major Pertis and I came to an understanding."

"Will I be served extradition papers Colonel?"

"No Sir." Sheppard said with a smile.

"Very well. We'll dial the gate when Dr. Weir arrives then. Need any help?"

"Just up the ramp Sir. From there I think Eliz…Dr. Weir and I can manage."

"Get to it then, dismissed."

"Thank you Sir."

As Sheppard made his way back to the SGC gate room Dr. Weir and Dr. Jackson were rounding the last corner. Elizabeth carried a box as did Jackson.

"John I hope you have room for two more boxes. Daniel was kind enough to loan me several books on the Ancient language for my classes."

"I don't know Doctor the cargo sleds look pretty full but I'll see what I can do." Taking the box from her he found a place for it and the one Dr. Jackson carried. Re-securing the tie down straps they were ready to go. John tossed his duffle bag on top the whole mess.

"I see you did some shopping while back." Daniel Jackson noted.

"Yeah, just a few games and movies to keep the troops and civilians happy."

The gate started its dialing sequence and they could hear Walter announce each chevron being locked. The gate kawhooshed open in magnificent splendor. Elizabeth and Daniel were saying their goodbyes when General Landry gave the go ahead to move out.

"Elizabeth I'll need your help once we get the sled to the top of the ramp. If you could just keep pushing it I had General Landry alert the Marines in the gate room to assist once the cart is through."

"Of course John." Elizabeth followed the two SGC Marines who were pushing the cargo sled up the ramp. As the sled was pushed through the wormhole she took the handle and kept pushing until she was on the other side and in Atlantis. The gate room Marines took over after that.

A few minutes later a second cargo sled appeared pushed through by the third sled which was being pushed by Colonel Sheppard. John heard General Brankovik tell the SGC everyone arrived safely and to cut power to the gate. Brankovik made his way down the grand stairs to the gate room floor. "Ah Colonel looks like you have been busy. General Landry tells me I should not worry about extradition."

"No Sir you do not. Everything here is on the up-and-up. Quartermaster Supply and I got along great. In those cases are the supplies we asked for but never received. In those boxes are a few new toys to keep the base entertained. Wouldn't want them to get too stressed out that they can't perform their duties now would we?"

"Air Hockey table?" Inquired the General.

"Ping-Pong too." Grinned Colonel Sheppard. "I also brought back a few books and movies in Russian I thought you might like. I'll have McGreggor call in the troops and we'll clear the deck. Anything exciting happen while I was gone?"

"Yes in fact but it can wait while you 'clear the deck'. Come to my office when you're done Colonel." General Brankovik found it amusing the way the American talked and chuckled to himself as he ascended the stairs back towards his office.

"Yes Sir." John turned away from the retreating General instructing McGreggor to call for assistance. When the troops showed up the Colonel started passing out containers. He'd spent most of the morning gathering and tagging the cases and boxes just so it would make it easier to clear out once back at home.

"Jakubowski these two cases go to metallurgy. Edwards this case to Dr. Beckett and be careful it's mostly glass. Tonniges, Miller and Defilippo take these seven cases to Lab 1. McKay and Zelenka will know what to do with them. Henderson this one goes to Dr. Brown in Botany. Blair and Mitchell these three need to go to the ichthyology lab. Marks this goes to Dr. Simpson in Lab 7. Connifer, Dr. Deerman gets that case. Fritz and Grunig take the last four cases to the armory. Now for sled number two this won't be too bad people. Okay, this box and these three boxes need to go to my old quarters. Buckland and Moore you guys want to take charge of those please. Cadman and Wallace these two boxes belong to Dr. Weir." John stopped and looked up did a 360 of the gate room looking for Elizabeth. Finally spotting her talking with the General he gave a sharp whistle. Not only did it get her attention, but also everyone else in the gate room and command deck. "Sorry, uh…Dr. Weir where would you like your two boxes Cadman and Wallace will take care of them for you."

"My quarters for now. Thank you Captains."

"Lieutenant Gadient I think I can trust you with these four boxes, take Airman Stockard too. These four go to my quarters."

"Yes Sir." Lt. Gadient took two boxes as did Airman Stockard.

"Okay as for the rest of you volunteers the remaining thirty-forty-fifty boxes here on the sleds all go to the rec room. If you're not on duty or reporting for duty then a few of those boxes will need put together or set up. Contact Specialist Spanelli to see if you can barrow his tools. Knock yourselves out guys." As they all started following the two sleds Sheppard called out. "Hey! Can I get one of you to take this empty sled back?"

Major Jacobs came back.

"Thanks Major. You could have let one of the younger guys take it." Colonel Sheppard said.

"I know, but they're like kids at Christmas Colonel. Let them see what Santa brought. Besides I have a good teacher; never ask someone to do something that you're not willing to do. Isn't that right Sir?"

Caught by one of his own mottos Colonel Sheppard nodded. "Right Major."

Major Jacobs clamored out of the gate room with the now empty sled and Colonel Sheppard made is way up to General Brankovik's office.

"General."

"Come in, sit down Colonel. I was just telling Dr. Weir of our exciting news as you called it."

John moved into the office and took the seat next to Elizabeth.

"Long range sensors picked up a Wraith ship." The General stated.

"On course for Atlantis?" Sheppard anxiously inquired.

"Seems apparent. But it is still many days out. Dr. McKay thinks it's a cruiser, not a hive."

"Well if McKay thinks it's a cruiser it probably is. How soon before it gets here?"

"Dr. McKay and Dr. Zelenka think that the Wraith ship will have to drop out of hyper space here." Brankovik used a clicker to turn on the plasma screen that sat in the corner of his office. Projecting on the screen was the star system the cruiser was in. The General used the clicker again and the details were enlarged. "S2R-773. The Doctors believe it will exit hyper space here in about four day's time, culling the world while they allow their engines to cool."

"Do we know if they have a gate? We could evacuate the planet before the Wraith get there." Colonel Sheppard offered as a solution.

"Dr. Zelenka said it was a space gate."

"General, this could be our opportunity to test the Re'sal shield device." Dr. Weir brought that idea to the table.

"How so?"

"We have four days. The Daedalus brought us five more Fourth Generation generators. We can go back to Effero to see if they have at least one of the two shield devices completed. If they do we could test it on S2R-773."

"Sir that is a good idea but if it is a cruiser two jumpers could destroy it before they started culling." Sheppard supplied another alternative.

"I agree. But I like Dr. Weir's idea better. We need to make sure that these shield devices work before we get too carried away. Your plan Colonel will be back up. First thing tomorrow Dr. Weir you will go to Effero. I'll contact Dr. McKay and let him know of the trial. Colonel you'll arrange a team to assist Dr. McKay and two additional jumpers just in case. But right now you have appointment in the infirmary. Dr. Beckett has already contacted me twice." The General turned his laptop screen so that his two guests could read it.

"Tell the good doctor we're on our way. It wouldn't be so bad if they didn't stick needles in you every time." The military leader complained.

"If you're good, maybe Carson will give you a lollipop." Elizabeth snarked and grabbed his hand to pull him along.

"Doubt it." John mumbled.

oOo

Elizabeth and John were in the transporter alone holding hands and standing pretty close to one another. "Hey, Doc said we needed to rest for a few hours, why don't you come to my room. I have the bigger bed." Wagging his eyebrows in Elizabeth's direction.

"Carson said sleep John." Elizabeth countered.

"That's all I meant too." John stated innocently.

This time Elizabeth raised a brow and studied John a little more closely. She gave a faint nod and John tapped the location for his room. Still holding hands he led her into his bedroom for the first time. He sat down and removed his boots before stretching out on his bed. Elizabeth just watched in awe.

"You'll rest better if you lie down Elizabeth."

She snapped out of her thoughts and walked to the other side kicking off her heels before lying down. John scooted closer and she tensed.

"I'll be a perfect gentleman just thought it might be nice to hold you." John whispered already his body was lulling him into sleep given what he'd been through in the last four days on Earth. Elizabeth relented allowing herself the warm embrace from the man she loved.

Soon they were both sleeping soundly, Elizabeth cocooned in John's arms.

Elizabeth woke out of a deep restful sleep hours later. It wasn't a dream after all. She was in John's arm, in John's bed, with John. She managed to crawl out of bed without waking him. Tiptoeing around the bed she opened the closet and found a light blanket to spread over him. He stirred a bit but didn't wake he'd had a couple of short nights while on Earth and meeting her mother surely had taken its toll on him. She watched him sleep for a few minuets longer before gathering her shoes. Elizabeth would allow him to sleep for as long as he needed. The next couple of days would be hectic.

He and Elizabeth entered the mess hall for dinner to a round of applause and shouts. Word had spread through Atlantis that Colonel Sheppard had brought back new movies, TV's, game tables and much, much more for the rec room. The mess hall was hopping with news about a ping-pong tournament being set up. Already several people had brought in more furniture rearranging the rec room's seating to accommodate three TV viewing and gaming areas. John was the hero of the day. Staff Sergeant Alcala informed him the popcorn machine worked great.

As he and Elizabeth joined the others for dinner. Conversation turned from rec room games to tomorrow's mission to Effero, though a thorough briefing was scheduled with General Brankovik at 09:00 hrs in the morning.

TBC 11/60