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

"Dave you have to promise me not to tell mom." Eight year old John said to his younger brother.

"Tell her what John?"

"You can't tell mom you were in the tree. I was in the tree, not you. Can you remember that? I was in the tree."

"But why…I…"

"Dave, promise me you'll tell mom it was me. Promise me."

"I promise." Six year old David said followed by a hiccup. "Does it hurt?"

"Not much." John wiped away the wetness from around his eyes. His leg hurt but he didn't want to scare his brother anymore then he was already. "Better go get mom. And remember you promised."

"I remember."

"That's why he made you promise so you wouldn't get into trouble."

"Yes." David whispered. "Mom was so mad at him." David wiped his face. "All summer long John had to stay in the house as punishment for climbing the tree. No horse riding, no TV, no games, no model airplanes…"

"The Colonel will most likely sleep the rest of the night which is what you should be doing as well. I will stay with him."

"How did you know? Did John tell you?"

"No Mr. Sheppard he did not. Over the last three years that I have worked for Colonel Sheppard I know he takes his responsibilities very seriously. His mindset is conditioned to believe that it is okay for the Colonel to be hurt or injured but not those entrusted into his care. If anything would have happened to you while you were in his care he would never have forgiven himself. This sense of duty did not just start once he joined the Air Force. This sense of duty stems from his childhood; growing up, being the older brother and your protector. I took a guess. As it turns out I was correct."

David was beginning to understand his brother in a new light. Though if he searched within himself, he would have already known that was how his brother had been since they were kids.

When John woke next the bed was soft beneath him, the room was quiet as he lay still assessing his body's condition. John remembered how difficult it was to pilot and safely land the jumper. His vision had been graying, his head had been pounding and concentrating on the controls for landing only made it worse. John licked his dry lips taking in a couple of shuttering breaths. There was a weighted feeling to his limbs that also reached his exhausted eyes. He lifted a heavy hand to rub at them only to be stopped by a prickly tug on his arm. The room was mostly dark and was unfamiliar to him from what he could see of it. The lamp on the nightstand was just enough to illuminate the space around his bed. The rest of the room was cast in dark shadows. He worked harder to wake up so he could take a look at his surroundings. His addled mind supplying, nope don't remember this room.

John worked himself into a sitting position on the side of the single bed. Following the clear tubing that was attached to his right arm he found a nearly empty IV bag. John carefully undid the tape and removed the sharp needle that had delivered the fluids and pain medication he so dearly needed hours ago. He was out of practice wincing when the needle finally came out. As he sat for a moment putting pressure on the small puncture in his skin his last few memories came back to him. He and Dave had argued. A headache of mass destruction proportions. Landing the jumper hard in the jumper bay with Dave aboard. Begging not to end up in the infirmary. Dave was safe looking down at him. Had I really begged? He wondered and his mind supplied the simple answer of yes.

Standing up was a measure of strength, or lack thereof. He locked his knees to steady himself before taking his first steps. Out of the dark from the corner of the room came a question. "Where are you going Colonel?" John's heart skipped a beat…maybe two. He'd thought he was alone in the room but guess not. His Special Ops training had failed him, but then again he had other, more important issues on his mind.

"Bathroom." John replied into the darkness.

"Wrong door. It's the one on your left."

Shuffling to his left he found what he needed. "Oh."

Carl had managed to persuade Dave to go back to his room after John woke the first time. John was sleeping peacefully and it appeared he would continue. Out in his office Carl also managed to persuade Rodney, Teyla, Ronon and Evan to do the same after they each had a look at their sleeping friend. It was foolish to all sit and wait.

On John's return he asked, "what time is it?"

"5 am."

"Good cause I'm starving. Care to join me for an early breakfast Carl?"

"I could go get something, bring it back here." Carl offered noticing just how wobbly the Colonel was.

"Naw…I can make it." John paused. "With help," he added moving towards the first door assuming it led out into the hallway.

"Might I suggest before you go you put on shoes."

John looked down at his socked feet. For giggles he wiggled his toes. "Sounds good. Where are they?"

Carl motioned for the Colonel to sit down as he brought over his boots and BDU shirt. Methodically John got his feet inside them tucking the laces inside he felt he was good to go. No need tying them if you're only going to the mess hall for breakfast then to his room to shower and change clothes. Today was a busy day. He had Athosians to pilot over from the mainland and well—guess that was it. Besides the wedding that is.

"Hey you know what? I think this is the first time I woke up still in my own clothes." He gave Carl a genuine smile at that thought.

Carl returned the smile. "Shall we go?" John gave a nod managing to get himself upright again and the pair headed for the mess hall. As wobbly as John was Carl stuck pretty close.

After filling two trays with food, Carl insisted on carrying them both to the table. The Colonel was still a bit unsteady on his feet after the long walk from his quarters to the mess hall. Sitting down John started in on his breakfast.

After a few bites be began talking. "Carl I want to apologize for last night. It was not my intention to kick you out of your own bed." Carl wanted to say something but John held up his hand, "no let me finish. I wasn't thinking clearly. I can't even count the number of sleepless nights you must have had taking care of me and last night was no exception. I thought I was done with this passing out crap. I had no idea that missing dinner by three hours could cause all this. I was stupid. I've been trained to deal with people like my brother and handle confrontational situations like this. Yet I let my anger cloud my better judgment. I could have killed Dave with my stupid little stunt. I should have told him he couldn't come with me."

Seeing that the Colonel had no more to say at the moment he asked, "would that have solved anything? Leaving him behind while you went off to think. Isn't that what your disagreement has been over—leaving?"

"How'd…" Carl was so perceptive at times it scared John. He spent his life behind a mask that seemed to dissolve when Carl was around. "I don't know, I guess, but at least he would have been safe here on Atlantis. I could have killed him."

"But you didn't."

"Yeah. I'm not even sure if we solved anything. His resentment towards me stems from our childhood, years and years of hating me. How do you fix something like that in just three hours in the middle of space in a jumper? Neither of us wanted to be the first to talk, of course." John let his eyes roam the mess hall while he gave his next statement due pause. "One good thing I guess came out of all this is that I know about it now. It's out in the open."

"That is a good thing. If you are both willing to speak about what has occurred I don't see any reason why you can't reconcile your differences. I would be glad to offer my services to you and your brother while he is here. Your brother's demeanor has changed considerably since the incident."

"That good or bad?" John wondered.

"Good actually. Dr. McKay, Col. Lorne and Spec. Dex had a rather lengthy talk over a late dinner. I was told he even spent a few hours at your bachelor party, which was a huge success by the way. Sorry you missed it."

"Yeah me too." John murmured. "I was looking forward to it as much as the guys were about throwing it. Say…am I free to go? I could use a shower and change of clothes."

"Any headache? Nausea? Lightheadedness?" Carl asked in his 'don't even think of lying to me' voice.

"I had a headache when I woke up, but after eating it's gone. So far no nausea and definitely no lightheadedness." John said in his most sincerest way.

"If you do…"

"If I do, I'll come find you or Beckett. Promise."

"You can go." Carl relented.

"Thanks." John jumped up taking his tray of empty dishes with him. Two minutes later he was standing under the hot spray of water. The shower washed away any remaining aches and pains he had. Donning a clean uniform he stopped a few feet shy of his door, glancing at his watch it was only 06:10, too early to start shuttling the Athosians over. Too early to get dressed in his Class A uniform. Too early to wake Dave, Rodney, Ronon or Teyla up since they spent a good portion of the night watching him sleep. Elizabeth would be up, but it was bad luck to see the Bride before the wedding. He'd had enough bad luck so he wasn't taking any chances. He thought about going to his office to work, but on what? He'd had down time for the past few days. Besides Lorne would have taken care of anything that came in anyway.

John turned around and sat down on his small single bed. When he brought his clothes, suit and toiletries to his old room early yesterday morning he took time to move some of the stored items around in order to make room. He cleaned off the bed redressing it with fresh linens that he didn't use last night due to his unfortunate attack of stupidity.

"Guess I'll take a nap then." He said to himself as he stretched out on his clean made bed.

oOo

Christina headed to the south pier after breakfast. She wanted to see how the banquet hanger was progressing as well as the pier itself. Flowers lined the overly wide expanse for a center isle; every other row of chairs had flowers next to them. The Alter has two semi-large potted white flowering plants placed symmetrically. Christina ducked into the hanger where workers were busy everywhere like bees. She watched as one volunteer would place a folded dinner napkin down while someone else followed with dinnerware. Others were placing the etched glassware at each setting. The tables already had centerpieces. The whole scene was absolutely stunning. The multitude of volunteers all worked with military precision setting down service for two thousand guests.

Christina looked around to see if there was someone in charge or someone who looked like they were in charge when Laura Cadman spied Christina from across the room. Laura made her way to Christina who hadn't budged from the doorway.

"Dr. Lantis may I help you?"

"Oh, yes please. I was wondering where the wedding party and dignitaries would be seated. I know it's a bit old fashioned but I made named place cards for each. Would you be so kind as to set them out? I've written all the names Col. Lorne supplied me with. I hope I didn't miss anyone but if I did, there are a few extras in the bottom."

Christina handed over the box she had carried to Cadman. "I'll do it myself Doctor." Laura opened the box to take a look. "Wow! The calligraphy is amazing Dr. Lantis."

"Thank you…ah…"

"Sorry ma'am, Capt. Laura Cadman, but you can call me Laura."

"Thank you Laura I'm glad you like them."

"I do and I know that the Colonel and Dr. Weir will also appreciate them. If there is nothing else I should get back to work."

"No, nothing else. I too have duties scheduled for this afternoon as well." Christina and Laura parted ways.

oOo

Elizabeth woke earlier than she thought she would but much later than normal seeing as last night's party had run rather late. She opened the nightstand drawer taking out the letter. As she laid there she read it two more times before putting it safely away again in the drawer.

The door chimed. Grabbing her housecoat she quickly thrust her arms into the sleeves tying it around her waist on her way into the living space. Kate had done a wonderful job last night of picking up. The place looked immaculate. Opening the door, there stood Rose with a tray of food.

"John?"

"No my dear it's Rose. Are you all right this morning? Should I call doctor?"

"No Rose I'm fine. I meant did John send you here with this?"

"No honey. Colonel Sheppard had breakfast hours ago. This is part of my gift to you. I thought you could use a quiet meal before all the insaneness starts."

"Rose you are too much. Thank you. Please come in. Please stay won't you?"

"For a little while, yes, then I must go. I have lots of cooking to do."

Elizabeth moved off to sit at the table. Rose joined her setting the laden tray down in front of Elizabeth. It was filled with breakfast items and a few lunch items due to the hour. Elizabeth took a sip of coffee to finish waking up before starting in on the rest.

"You had good party last night I hear through grapevine. So did the men." Rose informed Elizabeth.

"We did Rose. I wish you could've stayed longer, my mother was enjoying your company as well as your stories."

"I do to dearie, but the food won't prepare itself."

"I suppose not." Another chime from the door had Elizabeth up answering. "Mother! Good Morning." Evelyn embraced her daughter in the doorway.

"Ah Rose, you take such good care of my child how is a mother ever to thank you?"

"My pleasure Evelyn, I do my best to take care of all the children here, especially the one that is marrying your daughter. He is the biggest child of all. Have I not told you he still rides a skateboard, plays games on computer and goes off world to play more games with paintball guns?"

"Indeed you have. That must be why Elizabeth has fallen in love with him." The two older women shared laughter while Elizabeth tried to scowl at them but in the end she joined their laughter. She had fallen in love with that part of John. His childishness had her doing things she normally would not allow herself to do. 'Act your age' was something she grew up hearing.

"I must get back to kitchen." Rose stood up to leave. "Oh! I almost forgot," putting her hands in her chef's pockets searching she pulled out what she was looking for. Holding a small box she handed it to Elizabeth. "I heard you needed something borrowed. It would be my honor if you chose to wear this. It was given to me by my mother on my wedding day back in Scotland many years ago."

Elizabeth opened the small box which revealed a necklace bearing a small silver cross. "It's beautiful Rose, but it is I who would be honored to wear this. Thank you." Rose could see tears welling in her eyes.

"Come now; no time for tears my dear. Today is a happy day we'll have none of that." Rose brushed away a couple of tears that managed to escape away before she left the bride in the capable hands of her mother.

Evelyn and Elizabeth shared a few hours of alone time in the suite just mother and daughter. Elizabeth talked out some of her fears which her mother responded to by saying those were normal jitters for any bride. Evelyn told her daughter about her own wedding day. How she was filled with doubts that Harold was the right man for her. That she would be a failure at being a wife, a failure at being a mother. "All brides go through this honey. You'll be fine. You love John don't you?"

"Of course. With all my heart."

"Then that's all that matters. Let love be your guide, follow your heart."

TBC 51/60