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

John wound his way around the back of the seated and mingling crowd to the East side of the Alter where a screen in fact was set up. There was no one there. John peered around the edge of the screen to see what was taking place. More of the expedition members filled in taking seats some remained standing. A good percentage of the military were dressed in their Dress uniforms of their respective countries. The civilians were for the most part in dress clothes or their off-duty clothing. A mix of military and civilian workers were dressed in their regular work clothes no doubt having come off of a shift or would be heading to take a shift soon.

If he stretched far enough he could barely make out Teyla standing at the Alter. She had on a long flowing gown of emerald green which complimented her in so many ways. Looking back towards all the people gathered he could see that most were sitting down now. General Brankovik sat in the front row along with General's O'Neill and Landry. SG-1 also came through the gate this afternoon. Dr. Jackson had received a personal invitation from Dr. Weir. Colonel Carter was invited by Rodney when he was on Earth working on the shielding for the RB implants and by Mrs. Weir the day Col. Carter and Vala MalDoran had gone shopping. So with three members of SG-1 present it was only fair that Colonel Mitchell and Teal'c also tagged along.

Zelenka, Simpson and Chuck sat with Carl and Christina also in the front row. His eyes continued down the first row of seats and saw Na'el with his wife and daughter, Halling and Jinto. Jinto had Karta sitting next to him. He looked at his watch and it was 17:37. Music began playing from somewhere sending the people still standing scrambling for a seat as the crowd hushed.

John saw Rodney, Ronon and David heading his way. He sent silent thanks out to anyone who was listening. "Bout time you guys got here." John snapped realizing that the three men were no doubt going to be his Best Men. Lorne said it had been worked out. Having three was better than having none.

"Well we had a bit of technical trouble with the music. It should have been playing all along but we just got it working. I traced the problem to a loose wire at the main junction box where Radek tied all the AV equipment into Atlantis's security system. All's well now. Hey, you look pretty good in that monkey suit." Rodney stated.

"You too." Rodney was wearing a dark blue suit and tie, but lighter in color to that of what Dave was wearing. "Same goes to you Big Guy, Dave." Ronon had on a long tan tunic and dark leather pants which looked new. John didn't remember ever seeing Ronon in those clothes before. David had on a deep navy almost black three piece suit with a light blue shirt and dark patterned tie.

"Lorne's signaling to get into position. You know where you need to stand…right?" Rodney asked.

"Yeah…out there in front of everyone." John took in a deep breath before walking around the screen. He'd only gone two steps before looking back. "Guys…aren't you coming?"

"Us…what…no, no, no. Just him." Rodney pointed to David thrusting the small black velvet box into Dave's hand before scurrying away to take a front row seat. Ronon gave John a squeeze on the shoulder as he passed following Rodney to his seat.

David looked just as stunned as John did. They stared at each other until Lorne came rushing towards them. John snapped out of his reverie catching Lorne out of the corner of his eye. He was charging full force his face turning red. "Well don't just stand there little brother we need to get into position before Lorne here strokes out." John smiled turning back towards the Alter with David two paces behind.

John and David stood facing the large gathering not having a clue what to expect from here on out. His brief look at the time table Lorne showed him was not enough to memorize any of the information it contained. His mind had been on other things like who was going to be his Best Man. Colonel Caldwell was dressed in his Class A Air Force uniform escorting Mrs. Weir down the long isle. Out of the corner of his mouth John asked, "did you know?"

At first David wasn't sure what John meant. Then it dawned on him. "No. But I was suspicious when they pinned a boutonniere on my lapel."

"Sorry I didn't ask. I didn't know who to ask without feeling like I was hurting the other's feelings. I'm glad you're here."

"Me too."

Caldwell and Mrs. Weir took a seat next to Lt. Dr. Lindsay Novak and Hermiod who had taken seats in the front row. Evelyn tossed John a comforting smile which he reciprocated. There was a change in music and Kate started down the isle in a dark blue strapless gown. A simple empire waist accent ribbon gathered the long flowing gown that moved in gentle unfurled waves as she walked. A small bouquet of white flowers were held in front of her with both hands. Kate gave John a smile before taking up her position on the left side of the Alter at checkpoint Delta.

John noticed another change in the music. The guests all rose as one as if on cue turning to face the center isle. John's heart stopped. Dead. Sheppard's eyes locked onto Elizabeth and he forgot how to breathe. She was absolutely—what? Gorgeous? Beautiful? Elegant? Ravishing? Stunning? Words paled against her loveliness.

"Sheppard!" Rodney half yelled in a whispered voice but he was ignored. "Sheppard!" Rodney whispered a little louder with still no reply. David turned his head enough to see that Dr. McKay was in distress. Turning a critical eye towards him David watched Rodney mouth the word 'breathe'. Breathe? He was breathing. David returned a dumb look back to Rodney.

Rodney huffed at the stupidity of Sheppard's. It must run in the family, he thought. This time Rodney whispered again now that he had at least one Sheppard's attention. "Not you. Him!" Rodney pointed towards John. David looked at his older brother realizing at any minute he would pass out. David put a strong hand on John's shoulder leaning forward, he whispered into John's ear.

John's vision had spots. He could feel his beating heart pound against his chest of medals, honors and campaign ribbons ready to burst at any moment. He swayed slightly to his right when a warm, strong hand latched onto his shoulder keeping him from falling over. A voice sang out in his ear to "breathe". John inhaled somewhat loudly all heads in the first five rows closest to him turned to look. John breathed in and out deeply a few times until his lungs remembered how to work on their own sending precious oxygen to his starved cells.

Elizabeth was getting closer. Her champagne colored gown flowed around her like she was floating on a cloud. It hugged her petite figure flaring some from the knees down. White starched silk tulle from south-central France flowed over the crisp, smooth champagne colored silk. There was a band of lace high on the bodice. Lace circled the hem of the tulle with scattered beaded appliqués only on the lower part of the gown that glittered as shimmers of sunlight bounced off the lace. Her milky soft skin glowed in the soft light of the Atlantean sun. She carried a bouquet of blue flowers dotted with a white flower here and there in her left hand. It wasn't until Elizabeth was ten feet from him that he now saw Carson on her right arm.

A smile spread across John's face, she was just so beautiful. Elizabeth returned the smile.

Carson slid his arm out giving Elizabeth a kiss on her cheek. "Thank you, Carson."

"Aye luv, my pleasure." Carson took his place and stood next to Rodney in the front row. Carson wore a navy blue suit that set his sparkling blue eyes off even more than usual.

John held out his arm for Elizabeth to take completing the final few steps to stand in front of Teyla.

Lorne gave another cue inviting the masses to take their seat.

"We are gathered here today in the City of the Ancestors to join John and Elizabeth in the sacred bond of Nuptiae." Teyla's voice was calm and strong just like her. Her words carried near and far. "Today's ceremony will be a mixture of Athosian and Earth cultures. Though John and Elizabeth are from Earth they have also became a part of my people and of this galaxy. I honor both cultures."

Radek had microwave listening devices planted throughout the Alter hidden to pick up their voices. The sound was channeled through several speakers on the dock as well as to the video and laptop screens throughout Atlantis for those who were on duty. No one was missing the first wedding to take place on Atlantis in over ten thousand years.

"Today we ask the Ancestors to give a Blessing on this union, as John and Elizabeth begin to travel a lifetime journey together as one. None of us know where the travels in our lives will lead us. We all make a journey over many mountains, grasslands and oceans together searching our own true harmony. I encourage John & Elizabeth, to embrace each day as a sacred gift from the heavens and sow and reap of thanksgiving that of which you hold dearest to you. Let us all ask the Ancestors to help guide them to grow stronger through the seasons. Seek to learn from one another and guide yourselves to help each other grow. I ask that we all, as friends and family, help John and Elizabeth to realize the value that nothing nor anyone is perfect and to look towards the goodness in all things, in all people including themselves. Honor and respect each other's likes and dislikes, opinions and beliefs, hopes, dreams and fears. The Spirits realize that John and Elizabeth have a design and purpose in their lives whether on Earth or here in the universe around us. John and Elizabeth will leave here today as one, two souls, two minds coming together as one heart but most of all we ask the Ancestors to help them keep lit the torch of love that they now share in their hearts, minds and souls." Teyla paused for a moment. "Please turn to face each other as you make your declarations."

Elizabeth passed her bouquet off to Kate so she could hold John's hand.

"Elizabeth with all my heart I take you to be my wife. I will love you and hold you through the good and the bad, through the joy and the sorrow. I will try to be understanding, though you know how stubborn I can be sometimes. I will put my trust in you completely. I will make you a part of me and in turn become a part of you. Together I know we can face all of life's challenges because you bring out the best in me. Together we'll share experiences and share one another's dreams. We will be equal partners. I pledge to be honest and open in our relationship, no more lies, for as long as I still breathe."

"John with all my heart I take you to be my husband. I will love you through the good times and the bad times, as well as through the joy and sorrowful times. I will be trusting, understanding and forgiving. You are already a part of me and in turn I hope to become a part of you. I know we can face all of life's experiences whatever this galaxy or the next throws at us. We've already proved we could. I will love you for eternity."

"Do you John Alan Sheppard take thee Elizabeth Anne Marie Weir to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward?"

"I do."

"Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health?"

"I do."

"And, forsaking all others, will you remain only unto her for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"Do you Elizabeth Anne Marie Weir take thee John Alan Sheppard to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward?"

"I do."

"Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish him for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health?"

"I do."

"And, forsaking all others, will you remain only unto him for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"May I have the rings please?" Teyla looked to Kate accepting the silver band. Then to David to accept the one he held. Holding the two rings up over her head, "these rings are a symbol of eternity as is the great Ring of the Ancestors in this galaxy. We ask that these rings be blessed for the spiritual bond which unites two hearts in Nuptiae. John take this ring and place it on Elizabeth's finger."

John slid the ring his mother-in-law had given him onto Elizabeth's left hand. He was getting quite good at it, this was the third time he'd made this loving gesture.

"Elizabeth, take this ring and place it on John's finger." Teyla said once more.

Elizabeth slipped the band of silver onto John's left hand. John wondered where she'd gotten it.

"By the strength, loyalty and guardianship given freely to me as the Leader of the Athosian People, as witnessed by John and Elizabeth's friends and family, and as witnessed by the Ancestors, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss."

John didn't need to be told twice. He gently pulled his wife into his arms to give her a kiss. Clapping, ooh rah's and whistles rang out for the new couple. Turning John and Elizabeth faced their family. That's what they were now—had been for some time but marrying Elizabeth made it official. He had a family, a large one at that, more diverse in culture than anyone could imagine.

Teyla raised her hands to quiet down the gathered mass. "A tradition of the Athosian people on Athos after a Nuptiae ceremony is to release tajosas. Tajosas choose one mate for life and signify love, faithfulness, joy, hope and fertility to the newly bonded couple. Since we do not have tajosas here on Lantea we are substituting native birds we have named coquita."

During all the applause Ronon, Na'el and Halling moved over to where three cages sat. On Lorne's signal the three cages were opened simultaneously releasing the coquita's. The small brown speckled birds took flight above the crowd circling high above before catching a thermal that would carry them across the water back to the safety of the mainland.

With the birds released John was ready to leave had it not been for Col. Lorne who signaled the Marines. Forty sharply dressed Marines marched down the wide center isle in pairs. Each Marine was dressed in their royal blue long jacket trimmed in red over a slightly lighter color of royal blue trousers also bearing a red stripe down the pant leg. A white belt fastened high around their waist held the scabbard sword. White hats and white gloves finished off the polished spit-shine of their black shoes.

Lieutenant Colonel Lorne positioned himself at the back to give the next order. "Officers, Draw Swords." In a single motion all forty Marines drew their swords from their scabbards in one continuous motion, rising gracefully to touch the tip of the opposite sword. "Invert Swords." Yelled Lorne. Immediately there was a quick turning of the wrist so that the cutting edge of steel was up. The 'Arch of Swords' drew 'ahs' from several of the seated guests. Mostly the civilians who had not ever experienced anything like that before. John heard a gasp coming from his wife. She too had been impressed.

Music began playing which was the cue for John and Elizabeth to enter the Arch of Swords. Elizabeth clung tightly to John's arm as they walked down the isle together has husband and wife. Once at the other end Lorne directed them to their next LZ. Captain Cadman took over from there so Lorne could take care of the sword detail. John could hear him yell 'invert swords' and 'sheath swords' in the background as he and Elizabeth followed Cadman.

No one but Cadman was around and while he had a moment of privacy he kissed Elizabeth again more passionately than a few moments ago holding her close. He'd missed that the last thirty-six hours. He couldn't get enough of holding her. They were joined by Teyla, Kate and David. Cadman began setting up the proper receiving line. Colonel Caldwell and Mrs. Weir joined the growing line. Beginning from the front row one of the Marines would step forward, sharply turn, ask the row to stand on both sides of the wide isle and follow him out in two's and four's. When the row was vacated another set of volunteers swooped in to gather the chairs taking them into the banquet hanger. The Marines alternated from the east side of the isle to the west side of the isle as each row followed the Marine down the isle in order to shake hands or kiss the new couple.

You had to love military precision. In no time at all, all two thousand chairs from the south pier were now in the banquet hanger at each place setting. The receiving line went fairly quickly due to Capt. Cadman's constant efforts. Elizabeth and Col. Caldwell were stunned to realize that John greeted each and every person by name. He knew every science member, every medical member, every technical member, every military person on Atlantis as well as the Daedalus crew including all the Athosians down to the youngest. Once the last guest was greeted, hand shook and cheek kissed it was time for dinner.

TBC 53/60