Author's Note: Betcha thought it was done, huh? Nope, nope - there's a certain Lt. Colonel we need to hear from briefly.

Chapter 11: Epilogue

I have decided the kid is making me very jealous. We've only been out here maybe three hours and he can already ride the waves. Granted, he can't do any fancy stuff or else he wipes out, but still…. It's so not fair.

Ronon gave up an hour ago. I can imagine his dreds get pretty heavy when saturated. I can see him on the beach now, sprawled out by the bonfire. Yeah, what started out as a one Jumper, small excursion has turned into a three Jumper, full blown beach party. First it was just me, Ronon, Teyla, and Shadow. An hour later Rodney, Carson, Elizabeth, and Caldwell showed up. Caldwell even had a case of beer, and I'd really like to know where in the hell he had that stowed on the Daedelus. Then not even twenty minutes ago another Jumper set down, and Lorne and Zelenka came out with more beer and a ton of food. Lorne has to be dragging – this mission was his first after being cleared for duty again and I know he got back shortly after we came out. I wonder who cleared him and his team since Carson is out here.

Oh, man – I hope nothing happens at home, since everyone is here….

And they better save me a beer, damnit. That's all I'm saying.

I'm sitting out past the breakers on my board just taking it easy when I get distracted as Shadow suddenly pops into view. He's attempting a little bit bigger wave this time. He does good, too, but it's a little too much for him and down he goes. I swear I can hear him laughing when he pops to the surface a moment later. The kid grabs his board and starts paddling out to me.

I'd really like to know the real tale behind his hunt, and that fight with the leader. I know for damn sure he didn't give us the whole story. His arms were shredded…. Whatever happened, it's changed him. He seems – I don't know – more confident, but also … sad at the same time, I guess. And certainly a much bigger smart-ass than before, that's for sure. But there are times I catch him just kind of staring off at nothing, and that damn crease shows up between his eyebrows. Then he sees me or someone else watching and poof, it's gone. I'd really like to know, but I have a feeling it'll be a cold day in hell before he tells me.

Yeah, I can't expect too much, really. He is my clone, after all. How many years have my own teammates been trying? Not gonna fucking happen.

I look past him at the party. I'm really surprised Rodney came out. He was still incredibly pissed at breakfast, and looked like he hadn't gotten any sleep. Didn't say one word to me or Shadow, just crammed the last of his breakfast in, picked up his tray and left. Shadow feels horrible, and I really can't blame Rodney one bit for being mad. Two girls…. Jeez. But I see Teyla talking to him right now away from everybody else, and since his arms aren't pin-wheeling all over the place and birds aren't taking flight, I'm taking that as a very good sign.

The kid finally makes it out to me, and he's barely out of breath. Yup, very jealous. I flick some water at him and he just laughs. We sit in silence and just bob in the surf for awhile, watching everyone on shore. "So, you about ready to pack it in?"

He sighs happily. "Yes. I could smell the food just before I wiped out. It smelled very good."

But we just stay there. I study at him out of the corner of my eye. "How are you doing?"

He looks right back at me. "Very good," he finally says. "And you?"

I shrug. "Can't complain." I grunt the same time he chuffs. We sit in silence for another minute or so. "You know, if you ever need to talk about, well, anything …."

"I know," he replies. I glance at him and he is looking down at the board. His expression is pretty somber when he finally lifts his head and meets my eyes. "Kintu is always telling me I should talk to my elders whenever I am troubled. They are very wise." I almost miss the corner of his mouth twitching. Almost. "I imagine you are incredibly wise."

I blink, then my eyes narrow. I smack him hard enough on the arm he capsizes, and I damn near follow him over. Little smart-ass. I bet this is all Kintu's influence. Next time I see that sawed off little ….

Something hits the bottom of my board, hard, and I start to go over. "Why you little sonuva…." Then all I see are bubbles. I am so kicking his ass when we get to shore. After I get a beer, that is. By the time I get to the surface he is already on his board and paddling furiously. And laughing. I get up on mine. "You better run, you little punk!" I yell and start paddling, too. Yeah, he sounds like he's intimidated. I just paddle harder, and I know I can beat him to shore.

Finis

End Note: Okay, I'm tired now. For some reason this was a hard one to write. Dunno why, but a lot of sweat and tears went into this one. But fear not, this isn't the last chapter. There will be more, but when, I don't know. I have ideas for 3 more stories in the 'Project Atlantis' AU, and one kinda perculating for this series. But be patient. More will come... .