Ch 25
John and Teyla were greeted by General O'Neill and Colonel Carter as they stepped through to the SCG gateroom. O'Neill could see the stiffness evident in John's movements, but the man exuded sheer happiness as he escorted Teyla down the ramp. Sam hugged both of them tightly.
It had been a year since Sam had been replaced as the expedition leader on Atlantis. She was glad to be back near Jack, but she missed Atlantis and the people . John and her had developed a great working relationship as well as becoming fast friends. She had been aware of the sparks between John and Teyla, though both had kept their feelings for one another hidden. She knew how difficult that was as she had experienced the same concerning Jack.
She took Teyla aside "Soooo, tell me! Is it official? Are you two a couple yet?"
Teyla blushed and smiled radiantly. "I believe we are!"
Sam hugged her again "Congratulations! John is a great guy and he's just as lucky! You are very special too!. I wish you both much happiness!"
Jack rolled his eyes. "How are you doing today, Colonel?"
John winced as he switched the duffel bag to his other hand. "Still a bit stiff, but I'm sure its from the brutal regimen of physical rehab Carson and Ronon dreamed up for me to do!"
"Well, you're not escaping that while you're here either. At least for the next week back in your hometown. Janet has a list of Physical Rehab centers in town. I want you duty ready in one weeks time, even if you have another two weeks of personal time built into this visit. You deserve a full two weeks off with no physical determents, so work hard this next week. That's an order!"
"Yes, sir...and Thankyou sir...for everything!"
"My pleasure, Colonel. Good to see you mending well." General O'Neill gestured them to follow him out of the gateroom. "You need to do the mandatory physical and Janet, ah Dr Frasier, wants to get her hands on you, Colonel-to do her official evaluation. Sam arranged for a rental car for the next three weeks, courtesy of the IOA."
"Wow, thanks Sam. I hadn't even thought about if I was okay to drive. My reflexes are still a little sluggish."
"Hmmm. We hadn't thought of that either! Let's wait to see what Janet says. If she doesn't think you're ready, we can always find you a chaffeur."
"Swell" John whispered, more to himself, he totally hated being under par. Carson had explained how the forcefield had played havoc with his muscles, yet another error caused by the power fluctuations when the system rebooted. Still, he was impatient with the slow recovery his body was making, especially after the torturous workouts Ronon, aka Conan the Barbarian forced on him! He swore Carson and Ronon were evil torturors in their previous lives!
Dr Janet Fraser was at her desk reviewing all of John's test results involving the incident and its aftermath. Dr Beckett had theorized, based on the elevated enzymes in John's blood, that he had suffered moderate muscular degradation due to the forcefield that held him immobile while he was in the chair.
The enzyme levels had been dangerously high initially, but had steadily decreased back to normal. The damage done, Carson had started John on an aggressive regimen of PT to build up the lost muscle tissue. She would recommend the same regimen of PT to the Rehab center that John chose to use.
All this had been secondary to the brain adhesion that nearly cost John his life.
She marvelled that the man was ambulatory at all, two weeks out! He certainly had been through the ringer, physically and emotionally.
The charge nurse informed her that Colonel Sheppard and Teyla had arrived. She rose to meet them and was pleasantly surprised to see Colonel Sheppard looking so well.
"Colonel Sheppard, Teyla! Welcome back to Earth! John, you are looking very well considering what you've gone through. I was just reviewing your chart...trouble unfortunately seems to seek you out! I'm glad Carson sorted you out so well.
"Good to see you again, Doc! Yeah, Carson sure has his hands filled with all the stuff the Pegasus Galaxy puts us through. Dr Beckett, the miracle worker of the Pegasus Galaxy!"
"That, he is! He did pretty well here on Earth too!
" Teyla, you look marvelous, as always. You absolutely glow! It's good to see you again too." She hugged Teyla, then John.
"John? Carson is still concerned about your weight. We just got in some new muscle building protein drinks that I want you to start taking. I'm recommending Carson stock these shakes, replacing the protein drinks he is stocking now. This one has a new improved formula that really does the trick. Anyway, let's get the physicals out of the way and then I'll concentrate on your evaluation John."
Dr Fraser was pleased by John's physical recovery to date. At present he was still struggling with fatigue and muscle weakness. With the continued regimen of aggressive PT, the new protein shake added to his diet and John's sheer determination, she was sure he would be duty ready by this time next week.
However, she couldn't clear him to drive. His muscles were still too weak and stiff to respond quickly enough. John had pretty much guessed he wouldn't pass on that account. He didn't care about driving, as long as he got back home soon. Hmmm, he had just called home-home. It would be good the see the old homestead, it had been over 15 years since he had left as a disowned son, swearing he'd never ever return.
He remembered the last words he yelled "Good Riddance" before he entered his car and drove away. Life sure had a way of kicking him in the teeth. Looking over at Teyla, he also had to remember that Life had provided a means for him to start his own over again. Being able to come to Atlantis, having the strongest known ATA gene, meeting Teyla were all blessings he was so incredibly grateful for.
Teyla watched as John slipped into a melancholy mood. She offered her hand and he took it as he stood. They embraced and she whispered words of encouragement. She knew he was most likely thinking about his impending return to his family after so many years of animosity. He hugged her tight. "Thanks Teyla...thanks for being here.
John had to attend an official meeting with General O'Neill, Colonel Carter and Dr Fraser, while Teyla had to fill out the paperwork created for her visit to Earth.
Sam had cancelled the rental car since John couldn't drive yet and instead she had ordered a limosine to take them to the airport. With John's permission, Sam had contacted David and explained that John was unable to drive. Without hesitation, David had offered to fly John and Teyla home on the Sheppard Industries private jet.
Their business done at SGC headquaters, John and Teyla were free to go. Jack and Sam walked them out. "Good Luck, John. I hope everything works out for you. The Longwood Rehabilitation Center will contact Janet with your prognosis in a week...make it good!" Jack shook John's hand. "Thankyou again, sir. See you in three weeks."
"Teyla-keep him in line." Teyla smiled and assured she would do her best.
Sensing the goodbyes were done, the limosine driver moved to open the door for Teyla and John to board the stretch limo. He familiarize them to the amenities provided and then closed the door. John powered the window down. Smiling, he said "This is great Sam! We feel like royalty! Thanks again! " He waved goodbye, as did Jack and Sam. They watched as the limo drove away.
"I hope John can reconcile with his dad and brother. I can tell there was alot of bad blood there, but his brother was pretty sincere when he asked me to tell John he was welcome to come home."
Sam nodded "John's really a great guy. I just don't understand what would cause a father to banish his very own son."
Jack hugged Sam then. "If it doesnt work out, at least he's got Teyla now"
TBC Sorry for the late explanation as to why John is so weak! It just dawned on me that I had not include that little whump detail! My bad! John and Teyla are off to Sheppard land. Let's hope their visit is all that it should be.