Through A Lens Darkly

by Thoseeyesoh

Sheppard has to follow orders against his better judgment and worries this could be the end of his time on Atlantis one way or another, when the lives of everyone he knows are threatened. Some cameo roles in this story, but it's the usual Team plus Sheppard and a couple of new OC's that make this a darker tale than usual.

1. Chapter 1

Through A Lens Darkly – Chapter One

A/N This story has a few cameo appearances in it. Lots of drama, suspense, angst and Sheppard whump … of course! But no-one is immune! Hope you enjoy it, I would love to hear your thoughts.

SGA SGA SGA

The rain came down in torrents, landing like bullets: hard, ferocious and piercing.

Annoyingly to the running man, its trajectory seemed to be everywhere that he went and he couldn't escape the curtain of rainwater no matter how fast he pumped his legs; or which direction he took. It was relentless in its deluge and showed nobody any mercy; not least, the soaked man as he ran on regardless, not wanting to be late for his engagement. Grey skies dominated New York's skyline above him, but he didn't mind; he loved the city in all its conditions, and even in this storm, it was beautiful, he surmised.

Finally his destination came into view and the awning of The Four Seasons Hotel stood proud in his vision. The view of it was through creased eyes and a hand placed above them, trying desperately to keep some of the wet out of his eyes.

The red carpet at the entrance to the Hotel lobby was saturated and his shoes squelched on the thick pile. Casting a look of shared misery with the doorman, he took a moment to shake himself free of some of the drops, and produced from within his warm and dry jacket, under his raincoat, a thick carded invitation to the special exhibition event the Hotel was hosting, before it was open to the general public. The doorman waved him in with a sweep of his arm and the double doors were opened to a cacophony of voices and laughter inside. He squeezed his eyes at the noise forced upon him and adjusted to the din; so different from the abandoned streets he had just traipsed through.

He took off his raincoat and was pleased to see it had protected him from the worst of the downpour and sheepishly handed it over to one of the cloakroom staff, who took it with tight lips and fingertip strength; unwillingly to let yet another item of clothing soak her.

He waved at the person shouting his name and with a slight trot, aimed in the direction of his friend who was holding a glass of champagne forward.

"I'd settle for a coffee instead, you know." He joked as he took the glass.

"Still wild out?"

The man pointed to his feet as a drip of water dropped off the end of his nose. "I think my socks are actually floating in my shoes!" He reached into his pocket for his handkerchief and wiped his nose dry.

"Well, I'm happy you could make it. I'm staying here, so I'm nice and dry!"

"I'm glad you noticed Cassandra's exhibition. I wondered, that, with her being the overall winner at the world photography awards, if she would finally do one."

The man nodded at a few guests which he recognised and then turned to his friend again. "Is she as ill as rumoured?" He asked, concerned.

"I'm not too sure, to be honest. Nobody has seen her in months. It's all very strange; she seems to have vanished off the face of the Earth; not even attending her own preview."

The man followed his friend as he was led through the crowd of guests admiring the various colour and black and white photographs, either mounted on tripod stands or hung up on the wall.

"Sorry, I'm rushing you through all these, but you have to see this first; it's through here."

Intrigued, he followed his friend to a room at the end of a long corridor.

A black and white photograph was suspended alone in a darkened room. Enlarged to huge proportions, it almost encompassed the large wall and was the main attraction. The only light in the room, hung directly above it; spotlighting it with the subtlest of illumination.

It was the overall winner at the World Photography Awards, winning unanimously against the other seven categorised winners, beating over 5,000 entrants in the several categories. Smaller rooms had also been acquired to house the 10 other winners in their particular categories and also some 100 runner-up assortments of colour and black and white photographs, each one worthy of the consideration of professionals and amateurs alike.

Trained eye or not, it was obvious that the winning photographer had captured an intimate moment. The second it took for the shutter button to be pressed, the scene had, not only been captured in both their minds' eye; but for the infinite viewing indulgence of those fortunate enough to view that shutter's capture. Something exceptional and extraordinary had happened at the time it had been taken, that much was obvious. All the judges had stared at it in wonder and emotion.

The Hotel was chosen for its large exhibit rooms and in an utterly captivating moment with the Awards organisers, the exhibit had been carefully handled and hoisted up high on the wall of the room. All involved had spoken words of delight and self-confessed gratitude that they had been the first to see the masterpiece before the general public had admittance; and now, in choreographed precision, it hung proudly on the wall, waiting on its impact to imprint into people's minds and hearts

Maybe, just maybe, some may wonder what the story was behind the look on the face of the man on the photographic canvas. What had happened to make him look at the camera at that very moment?

The utterly hurt and anxious look on his face at the time it was taken, perfectly suited the Award's category of 'An Emotional Response' and with the double delight of the photographer also winning Photographer of the Year, expectations from the public were high to see the first time double award winner's work.

The winning photograph had not disappointed the critics and now the man's friend was eager for him to see what he had already noticed earlier and pulled him to the room.

They reached the ornate doors, and with a flourish, the man's friend opened them up for him, watching his face for a reaction, and he knew by his initial look, that he had been right in his assessment.

"It's him isn't it?"

The man was silent. Unable to answer him back. He tried very hard to breathe; for that simple thing had been taken away from him.

The photograph revealed its capture to him, and like the flick of an artist's brush strokes on canvas, it exposed the dust of an explosion filling up the background, and there, just off centre, a man stood pointing at something, his mouth open; unknowing words had spilled out in understanding as to what was going on behind him; but focused on what was in front.

The soldier depicted, looked straight at the camera lens, and anyone could see the raw hurt and disbelief visible in his eyes at whatever was out of sight to the viewer.

The man gasped and found his mouth would not close. He realised his friend had been asking him a question but he was struck dumb.

"That is your brother, John, isn't it?"

Dave Sheppard could only nod.

"What was he looking at? Where was this taken?"

"Huh?"

"I said…" But he stopped talking when he saw how totally shocked Dave seemed to be at seeing the photograph of his brother in the throes of battle.

John. What happened to you? Dave thought to himself. "What happened, to make you look like that?

SGA SGA SGA

Two months earlier …

John Sheppard slammed his fist down on Woolsey's desk and the chair that he had been sitting on, was thrown back with a screech by the backs of his knees.

"No! Absolutely not!"

"Sit down Colonel." Richard Woolsey said calmly; he had totally expected this reaction from his Military Commander.

Sheppard continued to stare at the other man, unwilling to obey; at least with this order.

"You cannot allow this to happen Richard. This is so wrong. It should not happen. Actually, I won't do it!" Sheppard shouted.

Woolsey considered the man in front of him for a minute and then allowed a hint of sympathy and understanding to reach the tone of his voice. "It is not a matter of choice Colonel. These are our orders – your specific orders from General O'Neill and the IOA. Now, please sit down so I can explain what is going to happen."

But Sheppard refused to move immediately and stubbornly placed his hands on the desk and Woolsey could see the tension in the man's arms as he placed all his weight forward into them.

Woolsey had kept eye contact and was refusing to get intimidated by the intense stare Sheppard could muster; but, in the second it took for his resolve to waiver, Teyla had already gripped his wrist and pulled him back.

"John. Please, just listen to what Richard has to say?"

Sheppard took a good minute to sit back down from his rock hard stance and flopped down into his chair; shrugging off the comforting grasp of Teyla's hand wanting to wrap around his wrist again. She didn't take offence as she understood just how upset he was at the news Woolsey had just imparted to the team.

"I'm with Sheppard. That's just nuts!" Ronon said; using the new expression he had just learned from one of the Marines.

"Yes. Richard. Come on!" Rodney made three. "Do they really think it's a good idea for a reporter…a civilian reporter no less, to shadow us? Why? Just so they can get a pictorial view of what happens here and on our missions in some horrific family photo album."

Sheppard sat still, with his back straight. This was a warning sign to those that knew him as his usual slouched position was a far cry from this highly alert one.

Woolsey had noticed, of course. "No, General O'Neill was not in total agreement, but he is but one man and…"

"…and has to give the orders." Sheppard spat. "This can only end badly Richard."

"We will find a nice planet to take them to and…"

"Them?" Sheppard asked, almost blowing a fuse.

"Yes, that's correct Colonel. The main photo journalist – who was once a war correspondent – and another, who will be filming the missions.

"Filming! Missions!"

"That is correct."

"I could maybe think to take them to some small, uninhabited planet to take some photographs. BUT, Richard! To film our missions? Is everybody insane at the SGC? We tell them in our WRITTEN reports what we deal with every day. They know what horrors we see almost every time we are out there. What horrors we barely come away with our lives from, sometimes. Why on Earth…scratch that…Pegasus, would they send two civilians, and not think that what really happens here will be kept private and not leaked to the press? Hmm?"

Woolsey started to speak, but Sheppard beat him to it again.

"If they got injured or killed…"

"It would be safe."

"…I could not have their deaths on my conscience…" Sheppard finished quietly.

Woolsey stalled his argument with the man when he saw his expression grow weary with the weight of the several deaths he still continued to blame himself for, even though none were truly that.

"They both have had rigorous training for fitness and survival techniques, mental health assessments, physicals and … just in case…both have signed waivers…"

"Oh well, that's all that covered then." Rodney said sarcastically. "Bring them over now, let's get on with it!"

Woolsey spread his arms out in front of him and smoothed over the surface of his desk with his hands.

"People like the IOA and others always try to influence the way the SGC is run, including us in Atlantis. Sometimes, these 'suggestions' actually make its way into being official orders and when some high ranking officers relative happens to be one of these two correspondents…well, then it doesn't take a genius to work out why we are suddenly to have a couple of guests thrust upon us."

"Which one?" Sheppard said, dead pan.

"Which one, what?"

"Which one is the relative?"

"The photographer. C.J. Moon. The other is an expert cameraman: Pyeter Selby. He has worked with Ms Moon previously. He is very young seemingly, but highly regarded."

Sheppard sighed. "I want it to go on record that I am very much against this Richard." Sheppard said, tight lipped.

"Noted Colonel. It will go alongside my official letter of protest, also."

Sheppard managed a small smile at that. "So when are they coming?" Resigned to the fact it was going to happen and it wasn't really Woolsey's fault.

"Tomorrow."

"What." A chorus of four echoed around the room.

"You have until 20.00 hrs tonight Rodney, to come up with a suitable planet to take them to, that will have the least average amount of things to go wrong in. General O'Neill says that they are aware of the Stargate Programme only and that they think it is just some intergalactic gate to travel to other Planets. They know nothing about aliens - excuse me Teyla, Ronon - and we do not intend for them to think we have made 'contact' with other sentient beings."

"So, no Wraith then?" Ronon quipped.

"I forget that you both are actually aliens." Rodney said pointing at Teyla and Ronon.

"Is that supposed to be funny Rodney; because actually, you are the aliens here?"

"Kids." Sheppard interrupted with a hand in the air.

Ronon, for his part, clamped his mouth shut, but Rodney was going to keep talking until Sheppard once again left his seat rather fast.

"Rodney, get checking the database and run by me what you find as you find it. Ronon, could you get as many weapons as you can hidden in that 'jumper and Teyla - I need a workout in fifteen! May we be excused Richard?"

Woolsey slowly nodded, slightly squeezing his eyes as he did so with the shame of his part in organising the mission. After all, as Sheppard said, it could only go wrong.

Everyone filed out of Woolsey's office, leaving Sheppard last, although he kept his hand on the frame of the door and looked over his shoulder towards Woolsey.

"This could be a step too far for me Richard…you know, if anyone dies." With that, he was gone.

Woolsey put his head in his hands and hoped that the chain of command knew what they were doing.

SGA SGA SGA

Sheppard was clearly upset. His team mates understood; because they all had the same feelings in the pit of their stomachs.

Doom.

That's what Rodney had named it and they nodded with his assessment of the word. Determined strides from Ronon had seen him leave the group without another word and advance, purposely towards the armoury at Sheppard's orders. Rodney walked with his head down, holding his tablet, already searching for a planet to which they were to show their two guests. Teyla walked slower, waiting on Sheppard to catch up with her. When he did, he was in so much thought, that he almost walked right past her.

"Teyla." Finally.

"John. I will walk with you to …"

"No. I'll be ten minutes yet." He cut her off. "I'll see you there." He left her, almost at a jog. Teyla watched him go and 'doom' crawled out from her stomach and started to invade everywhere in her body.

Sheppard couldn't breathe. Eyes, squeezed shut, he tried to get a hold of his quickening heartbeat. Understandably, Teyla had been trying to comfort him. He knew that. But he needed to get to his quarters and away from the others for five minutes, to just gather himself.

It was a funny thing. He had always suspected that they would send someone to record a mission one day, it had been a secret fear of his. Now that they had – and they were civilians, no less, he was shaking with fear at the outcome. Either, one or both of the journalists would be killed or – worse than that – due to them, one of his team, and entirely possible himself, would be killed.

Sheppard did not like the odds. He needed himself… and his team to be as alert as possible these next few weeks. Now, that work out with Teyla would get his mind focused.

Atlantis buzzed in his ears. The thrum of its lifeblood matched the beat of his heart and that was fast. His head throbbed along with it and even his eyes were dry and sore. He made his way to his favourite balcony and as soon as the doors slid open, the cool breeze that hurried inside to greet him, was like an intake of much needed oxygen. His worries had not blown away with it – no, that would have been way too easy; but he could breathe again, so he exhaled and inhaled slowly for a time, trying to stop imaging the possibilities a mission like this could evoke.

Tomorrow. He only had until tomorrow. Funny how you could muddle along quite fine one minute, until the next, and then – wham!

Equilibrium restored, Sheppard drew in one last lungful and retreated back into Atlantis and made his way to Teyla – and a pummelling, no doubt. Just what he needed.

SGA SGA SGA

Rodney was finding the pressure of finding a suitable planet, at such short notice, incredibly hard. If anything was to go wrong, it was on his back and he wasn't amused about it. Several calls to Woolsey later and he had the man in charge assuring him it would be between Sheppard and himself to make the final decision. Several coffees later, he had narrowed it down to four, and called Sheppard and Woolsey to the conference room to mull it over.

Eventually, PPL 0305, nicknamed Purple, by Rodney, was presented and Sheppard, wet hair still soaking his collar slightly after being called from his shower, barraged Rodney with questions and probabilities until he was purple in the face himself. The planet was deemed as safe; well as safe as could be guaranteed without actually investigating it first – and they had been given no time for that. Uninhabited, unusual terrain, breathable, not far away; albeit only reached by Puddlejumper and therefore giving them a trip in space to boot, won out against the other possible destination and with a flourish, Rodney clicked the screen dead.

"So, tomorrow it is then?" Rodney, jutted out his chin.

Sheppard slipped his hands into his pockets and merely nodded before lifting his head and looking at Rodney and then in turn, Woolsey.

"I'm calling time on it if something goes the slightest bit wrong."

"I wouldn't expect anything less Colonel." Woolsey agreed.

"We won't stay on the planet long either?" Rodney offered.

Chewing his bottom lip, Sheppard only nodded. Rodney inwardly cringed when he took in Sheppard's demeanour in front of him. Never before had Sheppard looked so lost and distant; almost to the point of being unreadable. It was disconcerting to watch, so he looked away and thought he heard a sigh escape from his lips; but he didn't look at him again.

Still?

"Okay Sheppard?"

Sheppard knew that the two men were staring at him, but he had no desire to speak; to appease anybody else of their fears. This was an unusual situation. To have civilians visit with no knowledge of what really happens on Atlantis, and orders to completely leave them in the dark – at all costs, was truly un-nerving and he had to admit he was struggling about where to slot them into his military orientated mind and treat them differently.

"Tomorrow, then." He said, as if answering Rodney's original question.

Rodney looked towards Woolsey and saw his own fears on the Atlantis Commander's face in duplicate, staring right back at him.

Woolsey went to say something to Rodney, but by the time they were standing side by side, Sheppard had gone and Rodney motioned he was going to try and catch up with him. Woolsey acquiesced and watched Rodney turn on his heel.

"Get some sleep tonight, Rodney. We all need to be alert." He shouted after him.

"Don't we ever!" Rodney spat.

Rodney guessed that Sheppard would be making his way towards the mess hall for coffee and arrived there also, just five minutes behind him.

"You getting something to eat with that?"

Sheppard looked long into his coffee cup as if it had the answer to the question. He placed it slowly on the table and slouched back into his seat.

"Nah. Maybe in a minute."

"You will need to eat Sheppard. Keep your strength up for our wee tour of Planet Purple tomorrow."

"Seriously, Rodney. I don't think you should name things. I mean… 'Planet Purple'. What's that all about?"

"Well, it's called, PPL…"

Sheppard growled. "I get it, Rodney!" He snapped. Rodney perhaps providing him with an output to his anger.

I don't think me naming a planet would bother you this much Sheppard. Care to enlighten me as to why you look like you have just had your favourite toy taken away from you?"

Sheppard felt the vibration of chairs and soon Teyla and Ronon had joined them also. He looked towards their full plates and mugs being placed down in front of them and grimaced. His stomach rebelled at the thought of food. He did know, however, that Rodney was correct about eating for energy, so vowed to see what was on offer in a few minutes.

"Sheppard. I was asking you a question?"

"Rodney, I was just sitting thinking. Can a man not have a minute to himself to do that anymore?" Sheppard replied, just verging on yelling. "And yes! My favourite 'toy' has just been taken away from me; it's called Atlantis and I'm worried I cannot keep her safe from exposure."

"They would have had stringent checks or I don't think it would have happened." Rodney put forward, trying to cheer up his friend.

"Is that supposed to make me feel better Rodney?"

Okay, maybe not, then!

"No, I'm just saying…"

"…I know what you are saying, but, I have seen what power can do to a person; and any journalist; investigated and a relative of some high ranking officer, or not, would relish the thought of revealing Atlantis to the media, and let's not mention how financially better off they would be. Then there's the fame and glory. Need I go on? Hmmm – temptation beckons these two when they get here."

Tired out from his little rant and actually thankful to get it off his chest, Sheppard took a long gulp of coffee.

"Feel better now?" Ronon asked, whilst watching him.

Sheppard narrowed his eyes, clearly annoyed at his sarcastic tone, and went to stare him down but ended up nodding.

"Yeah, I do actually, buddy!" He slowly smiled.

"Perhaps, all will be well." Teyla patted his arm.

"I hope so Teyla." He said. "I hope so."

The friends sat in silence for a few minutes.

"I hope they get my good side when they are filming or taking photographs!" Rodney said.

Sheppard, who had just downed the last of his coffee, laughed out loud; spluttering the coffee over the table as he choked on it.

Ronon was fast to whack him on his back, and when he settled, Teyla handed him a napkin to wipe his mouth.

"Oh Rodney, never change!" He laughed again.

In a rare show of emotion, Rodney quickly patted his heart, as he stood up to leave; glad he had been the conductor to pulling his friend's mood back up. "You, of course, will just look at this journalist and she will swoon all over you no doubt and do whatever you ask!"

Sheppard laughed at the usual 'kirk' reference and watched his friend walk away before turning back to Teyla and Ronon.

"No need to remind you guys not mention your home planets, of course!"

Teyla smiled and nodded.

"What does 'swoon' mean?" Ronon asked, clearly puzzled.

"Eat your meal." Was all Sheppard said but Teyla clearly understood because it was her time to laugh out loud.

SGA SGA SGA

The shimmer from the blue vertical, undulating wave, rose and fell and soon evaporated, leaving a slight tendril of smoke, announcing the arrival of the two anticipated journalists and their luggage; that being the first outward sign of their being civilians. No canvas bags for them; but huge 40" suitcases made of sturdy material. The next sign was the slight, almost shy, wave from the young man, whom, along with his suitcase, wielded a hand-held camcorder and Sheppard caught, with dismay, the tell-tale red, flashing light of it recording his journey.

"Welcome to Atlantis." Richard Woolsey invited to their two important guests.

Protocol dictated the Commanding Officer of Atlantis greeted their two guests first and Woolsey, genuinely, invited his hand to be shook by the two, very excited looking, journalists.

"Mr. Woolsey. Thank you for having us, we are excited to be here finally. My name is Cassandra Moon and this is my associate, Pyeter Selby."

Pyeter put his hand forward and Woolsey shook it in return.

"I think we can stop the hand-shakes there, as there a lot of people who want to meet you." Woolsey said with forced joviality.

"Oh my goodness, look at the architecture, this is so amazing. I cannot believe I am here…in a different galaxy!" Pyeter could not contain his delight.

"Please excuse my excitable friend. Inside I feel the same, but I am old enough to contain it; unlike him!" and Cassandra jerked a thumb motion over to her young friend and smiling broadly.

Woolsey coughed, not quite knowing what to make of the female photographer yet.

After organising some of the marines to take their luggage to their guest quarters, he ushered them towards Sheppard, who was watching the proceedings with veiled eyes.

"May I introduced our Military Commander, Lt. Colonel John Sheppard and his team, made up of Dr Rodney McKay, Teyla Emmagan and Specialist Ronon Dex.

Sheppard nodded, but then Teyla made to move forward with her traditional Athosian forehead greeting, but was held back by Sheppard before making her faux pas. He covered for her by taking a small step forward and echoing Woolsey's greetings of welcome.

"Colonel." Cassandra Moon smiled nervously. "We have met before, although I do not think you will remember me."

That shocked Sheppard, and he looked at her quizzically, if not panicked at some breach on his behalf.

Cassandra noticed his discomfort and quickly put him at ease. "Do not worry Colonel, it was not in a military setting." Her voice softened. "It was at your father's funeral actually. I know your brother, Dave, professionally. In fact, I took the photograph of your father that was displayed at his wake: the one placed by his coffin. Sorry, forgive me that may have been a bit too personal."

Sheppard tried to remember her but drew a blank so just slightly moved his head back and smiled through tight lips, not particularly wanting to think about his father, or Dave at the moment. What he did remember about that day was the extraordinary events that followed from his father's funeral; when, together with Ronon, they were embroiled in a replicator's escape on Earth whilst they were there. Sheppard quickly looked to Ronon and back to Cassandra again.

"I remember you." Ronon announced suddenly, helping Sheppard out in his obvious state of confusion.

"I thought you might." said Cassandra. "When we met, you seemed a bit reserved when I asked you if you knew Patrick and you didn't exactly answer me." Cassandra grinned.

Ronon shifted his feet and looked up at Cassandra guiltily.

"Yes, now you know. I was there for Sheppard."

Cassandra smiled. "Of course you were. Now I know."

Fed up of the banter between the two, Sheppard spoke up. "I'm sorry, I don't remember speaking to you but I was … well, never mind. Perhaps my second-in-command Major Lorne can take you to your rooms where you will be staying and we can reconvene in the command room upstairs in one hour and we will give you both a tour of Atlantis." He looked at Lorne with pleading eyes and he took the hint and started them forward.

Snap.

"What was that?"

"Sorry, I did not mean to startle you!" Cassandra said, as she brought a small camera down to her side after taking her first snapshot in a new galaxy.

"I'll ask you, politely, to not take any photos of us or what you see here without my permission." Sheppard said in as low a voice as he could without coming across too strong.

Everyone tensed as Cassandra gathered herself before answering. "I understand your fears Colonel, but I can assure you that Pyeter and I have the utmost respect for your authority here on Atlantis and will comply with your wishes … as best we can; but I have been given clearance by your top Generals and the IOA to complete a full and accurate account of daily life on Atlantis and that includes a photographic record of events and … personnel…" Her voice also lowered when she witnessed his face go dark. "…like yourself, Colonel." She ended.

Sheppard fizzed on the spot.

"Major."

Once more, Lorne stepped forward and this time Cassandra and Pyeter followed his lead and moved towards their assigned quarters with Cassandra looking over her shoulder before a marine blocked her view, probably deliberately.

Unusually quiet, Rodney looked to Sheppard and noticed him unclench his fists he had been unconsciously curling, and wiped his hands on his BDU's, as if ridding himself of a small speck of dirt.

"I'll be in my office reading that email again if anybody wants me!" With that he took off.

The remaining members of Sheppard's team looked on as Cassandra just vanished from view and chewed their lips, Sheppard fashion.

"I like her!" Ronon said and moved to follow Sheppard's direction.

Teyla looked at Rodney and then they both looked at Woolsey.

He pulled down his jacket and coughed into his hand. "Well then. This is going to be an interesting few days!"

"Interesting doesn't even cover it Richard. I can't have them in my lab BTW! I'm with Sheppard again. I have highly protected, sensitive, SECRET things going on there and I need space and peace and quiet and…" He stopped talking at Woolsey's raised hand.

"They have already been told that they are not allowed in your labs, unless attended by yourself."

"Sounds like they are still allowed in them though."

"Rodney. We are to follow orders on this."

"Sheppard's not going to like this!"

"John is a soldier and will follow orders I am sure Rodney." Teyla intervened.

"Thank you Teyla." Woolsey said. "Now, as you were people."

Rodney huffed and stomped off towards his precious labs leaving Teyla and Woolsey grimacing at what they already knew was going to be a tense time for them all.

Woolsey pointed to his office. "So, um, I'll just go then."

Teyla smiled. "I will see you later Richard." She watched as he almost ran back to the peace of his office and closed her eyes briefly before following Ronon's lead and making her way to Sheppard's office.

SGA SGA SGA

Once there, Sheppard, threw himself down in his chair and then wiggled his hips back and forward, allowing a screeching noise to build up until he stood up again in annoyance and threw the chair upside down to see what was causing it.

"No need to take it out on the chair, Sheppard." Ronon said, whilst leaning on the door frame and watching him with a grin on his face.

He didn't reply, but kicked the chair in the end, before righting it and sat down. Amazingly it didn't squeak after its hammering and Sheppard threw his hands in the air with a smug look of victory.

"Ha!"

Ronon smirked and crossed his arms.

"So, you don't remember speaking to her then?"

"Nah. That wasn't the best day in my life after all."

Ronon still hadn't moved, so Sheppard looked up at him whilst pulling his keyboard towards him.

"You want something big guy?"

"Nah."

"Right."

He tapped open his emails and re-read the message from General O'Neil. Reading between the lines, he hadn't been in favour of the intrusion either but Woolsey was right, orders had to be obeyed. Still, he would continue to mull over the lines himself and hopefully find a way to reduce the intrusion.

With everything else on hold until the tour was over, he let out a huge sigh and flung himself back in his seat and was rewarded with an almighty screech of metal from it. Eyes wide and scratching his neck he stood up again.

"Coffee?"

"Coffee."

"Thanks, pal."

"Uh huh."

Teyla appeared, tapping the door frame and Sheppard gently pulled her arm to join them, then they walked in silence along the corridors to the mess hall to grab their drinks before the promised tour of Atlantis with their guests. He had enjoyed the look on Pyeter's face when he stepped through the Stargate for the first time and into a different Galaxy, and could just imagine how excited the youngster must be. He didn't even know the half of it!

He remembered his first view of Atlantis; it was a startling affair. He remembered the look on Elizabeth's face when they had realised he was responsible for all the lights flickering to life for them. He had been surprised at how fast he blended in with the city and his developing strong ATA gene. He looked at the walls and their ornate designs with new eyes; imagining seeing it again for the first time. He ran his hands along the walls and its coolness calmed him. The corridors were long in Atlantis and sometimes reminded him of the big house he had grown up in as a child. There, he could have took for granted the manor's grandeur and how spoilt he could have acted with the maids and servants his father employed, but somehow he did not feel at ease in that setting. Finally, in Atlantis, he had found his home.

He briefly wondered what Cassandra would be like as a photographer, and if she had found his father to be cooperative in his sitting for his portrait; as he knew he had been a man of motion, always busy.

Well, used to be.

An unexpected press of emotion surged in his chest as he imagined his father interacting with the obviously witty and self-assured photographer. Had she seen him at his best or worst? Sheppard thought if he got the chance to ask her, he would like to know. Now regretting his obvious and transmitted distrust of her at their first meeting, Sheppard felt a little awkward about their next.

Still, fiercely protective of Atlantis, Sheppard channelled all his energies into putting on a brave face for the sake of the others in his team and those under him. He could not afford to come across as standoffish and arrogant. After all, there would now be a record of his outbursts. So he, figuratively, bit his tongue and looked over at Teyla and Ronon, who he could tell, were secretly watching him when he stopped walking abruptly and was staring into space with his musings.

He turned to look at them. "Ok, here's the deal. I don't like this but I am going to have to go along with it. Just do me a favour guys… don't let me say or do anything stupid!" He said that with his hands on his hips and a serious expression.

Teyla's tongue had peeked out of her mouth and she ran it over and under her lips, before pulling it back in.

"Ok, John." She managed.

"Thank you Teyla…don't even answer Ronon!" He said when he saw another smirk start to creep on his face.

He turned and walked fast towards his destination, leaving Teyla and Ronon trying hard not to laugh. Like they could stop one stubborn Lt Colonel from doing anything he didn't want to do.

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The conference room found Cassandra and Pyeter already sitting waiting on them when they arrived.

Sheppard nodded his greetings towards them and took his normal seat with Teyla and Ronon taking theirs.

"Where's Dr McKay?" Pyeter asked.

"He'll be along shortly." Sheppard hoped the scientist wasn't late to the meeting, as he was prone to be, so kept a steady smile in place.

"I am looking forward to meeting him properly. I have heard many good things about him."

Ronon groaned and Teyla dipped her head, leaving Sheppard to look directly at the young man.

"Please…Please, don't tell him that. We will never hear the end of it." He said that with a glint in his eye, for he knew himself how special Rodney was. Problem was, he always let you know it. Thankfully the young lad laughed at that and he decided he liked the journalist already.

Woolsey walked in and took his seat.

Said genius in question, then decided to walk into the room at that moment.

"What are we talking about?"

The young man witnessed Sheppard's team all briefly close their eyes and caught on fast, so decided to help them out.

"The city, Dr McKay. I was expressing an interest in it."

Rodney closed one eye in suspicion that he was not being told the truth but, at Sheppard's frantic hand gesturing to his seat, he dutifully, for once, sat down. He just wanted this over with so he could get back to a particular experiment he was working on.

"Right." Said Woolsey. "Welcome again Ms Moon and Mr Selby…"

"Please, its Cassandra and Pyeter." Cassandra interrupted.

"Ah right…very good. Well Cassandra and Pyeter, I hope you found your rooms to be satisfactory?"

"They are very generous. Thank you for asking Mr. Woolsey. As are our two lovely Marine escorts that come with them." She said with slight sarcasm.

Sheppard's body betrayed a slight tremor at her remark but he bit his lip and kept quiet, waiting on Woolsey's answer before he opened his mouth. Thinking of his earlier request to Ronon and Teyla, he quickly glanced to Teyla and she slowly shook her head; in effect, also telling him to remain quiet.

"Under his authority, Colonel Sheppard has deemed it necessary, to have you both protected at all times, or until he sees fit for it to be revoked."

"Have we any cause to be worried about something happening to us?" Cassandra remarked, just a bit taken aback by the answer and staring directly at Sheppard.

Why did he take that moment to notice her bright hazel eyes, now tinged with fire and suspicion and what an unusual colour of long golden brown hair she had, just lifted up into a loose pony tail, and was presently being twisted round and round in her fingers, as was obviously her habit. And how do you answer her question, without giving away all the terrors of their past?

"No. No reason, other than standard protocol for someone arriving on a new galaxy and are unfamiliar with the layout of this vast city and the dangers in the unexplored regions as yet unknown…just in case you ended up in one of those areas by accident, you understand." He left his deductions of her actions hanging in the air at that, expertly played out in reference to his code of conduct.

Like sand in an hourglass, time was drifting away for Cassandra to make her reply. She noticed his expression remain neutral. He was obviously telling some measure of truth in his answer but his eyes betrayed the obvious suggestion of a return match. Quickly, she took in the rest of his team and found their expressions fixed on her also, awaiting her reply.

Her Uncle in the IOA had suggested, in his brief assessment of Sheppard, that he annoyed his superiors with his stubbornness and almost boyish manner and she had looked forward to meeting the allusive Colonel and having a bit of a spar with him, as was her way. Now, seeing the intensity of his loyalty to the rules of command and his obvious love of the city, she; for once in her life, backed down and simply nodded her understanding; instantly accepting his authority for all to see.

Sheppard blinked. Quietly and privately, he noted her submission, secretly glad they would not be at loggerheads the whole time she was here.

"I have not said it myself yet. But, welcome to Atlantis. You must understand our … slight nervousness …at having non-military trained personnel here with us for the first time but I can assure you that you have our fullest attention and please do not hesitate to ask for anything and we will try to oblige.

"Thank you Colonel." Cassandra said.

"Can we please go and look around now?" Pyeter asked and provided the next level in conversation.

"Yes." Sheppard laughed. "But first I need to take you both to the Infirmary to meet our doctors and then the tour can commence."

"Well that will take some time, so I'll just nip back to my lab then."

Sheppard rounded on him, exasperated. "Rodney, is your lab in imminent danger of blowing up anytime soon?"

"Well, no. But…"

"Then, I will leave Pyeter here in your capable hands after he has met Carson, okay?"

Pyeter's smile stretched his face and Sheppard was delighted to have made somebody's day for a change.

SGA SGA SGA

Sheppard introduced Cassandra and Pyeter to Jennifer Keller and Carson Beckett, whom he was glad to see back with them for a few months.

"How lovely to hear a Scottish accent, Dr Beckett. I am actually Scottish myself, but moved to the States when I was very young."

"Carson, call me Carson." He beamed. "Och, lovely to meet a fellow Scot. Have you ever gone back to Scotland?"

"Yes, but only a few times. I was born in Tarbert. Have you heard of it?"

"Aye, of course, it's on the West Coast. West is …"

"West is best!"

They shared a laugh, and one look from Sheppard had Carson coughing slightly. "Right, back to work. Although I'd love to have a wee chat about Scotland with you another time?" He asked hopefully.

"Love to." Cassandra genuinely smiled back, instantly liking the good-natured and cordial doctor.

"Right then you two, I have looked over your medical notes that I was provided with and declare you fit for Atlantis exploration."

It was at that very moment, Sheppard noticed that no camera had been pointed in anybody's direction yet and that both journalists simply held their respective equipment loosely in their hands.

As if she had read his mind, Cassandra raised her camera and made a show of asking Sheppard's permission first. "Colonel. I may have been a bit too zealous when I first arrived, forgive me? May I?"

Taken aback again at her changing manner, Sheppard scratched his chin. "Of course, please take your pictures and as for earlier…well, there is nothing to forgive, let's just move on. I'm sure you must be eager to see more of Atlantis."

Ronon gave a small cough as Cassandra and Pyeter started taking pictures and Sheppard hung back glowering at him. "What?"

"You are doing it again."

"What, Ronon? What am I doing… hmm?"

"Kirking!"

"Oh for the love…Ronon, I am just being me. Now don't you start with that word, I have enough of Rodney doing that every time I talk to a female." He looked over towards Rodney, who had changed from glowering at him, to trying to hold back a shared smirk between the three friends, knowing exactly what Ronon had said to him. Teyla smiled towards him also, adding to his annoyance.

"Boy!" He breathed out.

The tour was packed with sight-seeing and facts about the city and Sheppard was proud of how everybody maintained their vigilance at keeping the secrets of Atlantis to themselves, particularly the two residents of the galaxy, Ronon and Teyla.

He grimaced, though, every time the camera came near his face and was startled often when Pyeter's hand-held camcorder came up close and personal and he would try and back off out of shot, but inevitably he was pulled back in again to answer some question or other that only the Military Commander could answer Cassandra would explain; lightly playing him after all.

So they bantered back and forth; Sheppard and Cassandra, with each one matching the other with grace and good conduct and soon a keen friendship, surprising both parties, developed between the two in the few hours it took to show their guests around the city.

This amused Sheppard's team of course, causing Teyla to ask them to remain calm and not provoke the Colonel too much and berated them when he noticed their smirks. Rodney said he simply could not deny himself the fun he could make at Sheppard's expense with the situation, leaving Ronon to laugh at that statement. But then, when he studied his friend's face and saw his rare real smile emerge on his face, he also stood back worried and watched over the proceedings with an interested eye for Sheppard's well-being; suddenly aware he may be falling for the beautiful and intelligent photographer. This could be a bad idea.

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Pyeter was fussing with his larger camera and asked Rodney if he could use one of his computers to edit some of the footage he had collected. Surprisingly, Rodney agreed and ushered the young man away. Then it dawned on Rodney that he could leave him working at one of them in his lab, whilst he got back to his experiment with whatever. Sheppard laughed to himself. McKay had made it back to his lab in the end. He was getting wily in his old age.

He continued along the city with Cassandra and then tapped his ear. "Rodney?"

"Sheppard. What? Kinda busy here."

"Make sure both you and Pyeter are at the mess hall at 19.00 hours for the lovely meal Chef has planned for our first civilian guests."

A double click at his ear was Rodney's confirmation and Sheppard smirked at his lack of verbal response.

Ronon and Teyla made their excuses to leave for training with some new marines and then Sheppard dismissed the Marine shadowing Casandra until the next shift started in an hour and offered Cassandra to move forward with a sweep of his hand.

"Before I walk you back to your quarters, I want to show you something that might interest you that you haven't seen yet." He laid down an offer.

"Okay, Colonel. Lead the way."

"I know you want to get freshened up..." He palmed a transporter, making Cassandra gasp again at its abilities. "…but, I heard you say to Carson that you play golf. So…voila!"

"I also speak French, as do you!"

Sheppard confirmed he did and then palmed open the door to the outdoor Golf range he spent a lot of time at.

Cassandra took to taking photos as soon as she stepped into the area and she smiled.

"Look at the water. It's beautiful."

Sheppard stared out at it, seeing it through her eyes for the first time and wiped his hands on his trousers. "Yeah. It is."

"I can see how you must want to protect this place Colonel. I could argue with you until I am blue in the face, but you must believe me when I say that both Pyeter and I, would NEVER sell this place or the Stargate programme out to ANYONE. It is not in our nature to do that."

Sheppard had to concede. "I am beginning to see that."

Snap.

Sheppard blinked.

"Sorry, but you looked like you believed me there and I had to capture that moment."

"S'ok. Guess I'm getting used to you."

"Can I ask you a personal question?"

Sheppard pulled a face and picked up a club before going to hit a ball into the water. "Go ahead. One!"

Cassandra paused for a minute. She actually had many questions she wanted to ask him, so she picked it carefully. "Could you say goodbye to it, if, say you were asked to leave?"

Sheppard halted mid swing and felt like he had been gut punched. Leave! What type of question was that?

"Do you know something I don't?" He asked harshly, starting to worry.

"No. no. I don't! Gawd. I did not mean anything by that. Sorry…again!" She cried and Sheppard thought she looked genuinely contrite.

He leaned on the club and stared at her but he did consider her question.

"Look. I'm just blown away by this place and the fantastic photos I have taken are a permanent reminder and it got me thinking about you and what a hold this place obviously has on you." She tried to explain.

Sheppard whacked the ball hard and hoped it took his dipping mood with it. "I can't answer that, sorry." He panted.

"No, I'm the one that's sorry." Cassandra was furious with herself. They had been getting along great and she had probably sent them back to square one.

"S'fine. Come on. I'll walk you back to your quarters."

"Thank you, Colonel for the tour today. I have enjoyed it very much."

"Look, off the clock, it's John." Sheppard gave her some reprieve.

"John." Cassandra smiled.

"Can I ask you something Cassandra?"

"It's Cassie…off the clock!"

Sheppard grinned again, "Cassie." He rolled the world with his tongue and decided he liked the sound of it very much.

"What was my father like as a client?"

Cassandra considered her answer for just a second. "Cool, aloof …didn't want it taken! But very kind and generous with his time. I think I am seeing a pattern with the Sheppard men."

Sheppard laughed. "That's probably my brother you are talking about there."

Cassandra radiated confidence with her answer. "No. No, I was thinking of all three of you."

"Uh-huh! Well, understandable, of course; you hardly know me yet!"

They reached her door and Sheppard relinquished his time with her.

"I'll, um…see you tomorrow then."

Cassandra nodded, not wanting their conversation to stop. "Tomorrow."

The door closed and Sheppard rested his forehead on it with his arms behind his back, his hands clasped before slowly pushing himself back and walking back towards his own quarters. He had not expected such a captivating person in Cassandra with his first meeting of her and, damn, did he not enjoy her company now.

This could only end in disaster.

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TO BE CONTINUED