A/N: I originally wrote this story back in 2014. It was always my intention to continue it on in a sequel. I even had a prequel planned, but I was never happy with the original and couldn't figure out how to proceed. I knew the only way I was going to be able to continue was if I re-wrote the entire first book. Well, that's exactly what I've done.
Some changes you'll notice from the original: McShep will now be endgame. There is far less focus on John and Rodney's relationships with the women in their lives. I originally had an OFC for John and while Carrie is still in this and a big part of the story, she and John no longer end up together. I also dropped several extra plot points that were muddying the waters and shaved off about 10,000 words. There is also a ton more recovery at the end.
Here's what you need to know: The Wraith made it to Earth. People are old in this fic, but I think you will forget that fact the more you read. Ronon and Teyla are long gone, hence the MCD warning on the fic. However, their deaths are NOT the focus of this fic and no MAJOR characters in this story die.
My apologies to any Richard Woolsey fans out there. I am not very nice to him in this fic. Not because I have anything against him, but because he was the perfect target.
My original story was never beta'd so I owe this beautifully polished jewel to Jo (fyeahvulnerablemen over on Tumblr.) Thank you for always being there to jump in and read my stories at a moment's notice. I can't thank you enough!
My friend Roxane (bromanceandships on Tumblr) helped with the medical. Love you, chica!
What if…
Those are powerful words and ones capable of both changing the past for the better, or dooming it completely. Yet we humans throw the phrase around so casually.
What if…
They're frightening words too; for no matter how many times we utter them, they can never truly show us what could have been.
Or can they?
What if the Wraith transmission broadcasting the location of n had reached every Hive in the Pegasus Galaxy?
What if every last one of those Hive ships set a course for Earth?
And what if John Sheppard had been the only one with the Ancient gene strong enough to fly Atlantis back to the Milky Way?
This is a story of 'what if's' and I invite you to come with me on a journey to see what becomes of our intrepid Atlantis Expedition when they don't get the happy ending they deserve; and are instead betrayed on the most reprehensible level, and changed forever in the process.