Glad you all liked the domestic scene and thanks for all you're nice reviews. I really am not sure how long this story will last so let's just see. Thanks for reading my updates! Think some of you will enjoy this chapter!

ErabuHikari and johnliz4ever: Thanks for the kind words guys.

csiAngel: Sorry this was not updated as quickly as the others, been a bit busy. I have to admit I loved Liz in the last scene!

Quez: Thanks and to answer your question: I figured since it was a military based court-marshal Caldwell would have more say in it or it needs to be discussed by more people like at the SGC or both he and Liz have a say in the matter. It fits the story for now though.

Worth It

8. Revenge

When the door to the brig slid opened for the third time that day John jumped to his feet hoping it would be Elizabeth but was dismayed to see it was only Ford and Teyla. Immediately feeling bad at his disappointment towards his friends he forced a smile and walked up to his cell door.

"Hey guys!" he greeted.

"Colonel Sheppard." Teyla replied and Ford nodded. "We have come to tell you that Dr Weir has ended her relationship with Colonel Caldwell."

The sound of that news lifted John's spirit and he couldn't help but grin. "She did?" he asked with what he hoped was a concerned and sympathetic tone.

"Yeah. It was pretty public too by the sounds of it." Ford added and when Sheppard raised his eyebrows in surprise the young marine elaborated. "According to Dr Beckett, and many other personnel, the entire control room could hear them argue and Weir call Caldwell a coward."

"It would seem Dr Weir was very upset." Teyla confirmed.

"Is she all right?" John asked worriedly. "I told her to take it easy-"

"She is resting comfortably in the infirmary now Colonel" Teyla explained. "Although the doctor believes she agitated her burns he is confident that Dr Weir will still recover well."

John breathed out a sigh of relief and nodded. "Good. I wish I could see her." He muttered sadly and Teyla smiled sympathetically. "Any news of what's happening with me? If they're gonna charge me I want it over with!"

"Apparently Dr Weir pleaded your case with Colonel Caldwell but nothing was confirmed. Or told him it was downright wrong, not exactly sure. Who knows, maybe she made him see sense?" Ford suggested and was answered by a doubtful stare.

"I guess we'll see." Sheppard sceptically.


"Carson, I'm fine!"

But the medic ignored his patient's declaration and continued fussing around her.

"You said so yourself Elizabeth that you were in pain and tired so-"

"I know but I'm fine now! I swear." Elizabeth told him patiently and then grabbed his hand that was reaching for back again. "You fixed me, again."

The Scot let out an irritated sigh and scowled at her. Pointing a finger he complained "Sounds like someone's been getting tips from Sheppard and Rodney on bedside manners!"

She stifled a laugh then gave him a small pout. At first Weir didn't think it would work but eventually Carson threw his hands up in the air and his face erupted into a smile.

"I have to admit neither of them can make me give in so easily!"

With that last remark he walked into his office and Elizabeth adjusted her lying position so her back was slightly raised. Enjoying the silence Elizabeth felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders and thought about John. She was feeing bad about not visiting him but Carson had insisted she get some rest or he would strap the woman to the bed. As they had left the control room Elizabeth wished she had made the confrontation with Ryan more private but then ignored the guilty feeling thinking of his meaningless words that day in the infirmary. She only hoped she could save John's career, if he got sent back to Earth Elizabeth didn't know how'd she cope without him. Sighing she pushed such thoughts from her mind and tried to sleep. Once rested, the doctor promised herself that everything would work out okay.


Jerking awake from his deep slumber John's vision was blurry for a few seconds. Rubbing his eyes he groaned hearing noise coming from outside the cell and peeked through the bars for a better look. It was the change of guards and John rolled his eyes when he saw who the new guys were. Great, they could have sent in Ford or even Bates. But no, they send in Beavis and Butthead! Smiling amusedly at the nickname for Caldwell's two right hand men, John folded his arms and gave them a polite, if sleepy nod. Their faces were still like stones and John shook his head disappointed at their lack of friendliness. Probably enjoying every minute of this he thought annoyed. Lts. Blake and Sanders were the only two marines still completely loyal to Caldwell and hadn't exactly warmed up to Sheppard during their time here. In fact, Sheppard had noticed them watching him very carefully whenever he was around Elizabeth. No doubt an order from the big man himself.

Raising his left arm to see his watch John and saw it was 2 am. He hoped Elizabeth was sleeping peacefully and knew that the city would be dead at this time of the morning so she would not be disturbed. Wondering why he was sleeping sitting up, he lifted his feet up on the bench and John let out a groan as he lay back on the cold surface, placed his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. Not realising just how tired he was John began to doze instantly and tried to ignore the chill in the air.

Suddenly the door to the brig opened and woke the pilot with a start. Come on guys! Give me some peace! He thought irritated and chose to ignore the visitor by pretending he was asleep. What really made John jump was the sound of his cell door opening. Eyes snapping open John raised his head slightly and saw that Blake was now standing in his cell along with another marine, not Sanders. Looking past the men he saw Sanders standing outside the main door hands firmly placed on a Wraith stunner. Confused Sheppard looked up at the two beside him.

"What going on?" he asked Blake unable to distinguish the man behind him. When they didn't answer John rose into a sitting position and turned so his feet were firmly planted on the ground. Seeing Blake's face impassive the hairs on the officer's neck rose and he felt extremely uneasy. "What's going on Blake?" he asked more firmly this time.

Finally the unknown man stepped out from behind Blake and the shadows. John knew he was in trouble when he saw Colonel Caldwell's menacing face appear and clenched his fists. He knew exactly where this visit was going.

Squinting at his CO Sheppard bit his lip then said, "Colonel." The marine smirked at his 2IC and spread his legs so he was in a strong stance, crossing his arms as he did so. Blake moved back slightly seeing Sheppard had been taken by surprise and held his stunner slightly tightly.

"Dr Weir visited me today Colonel." Caldwell stated in a low voice.

"Yeah? How'd that go?" Sheppard asked with an innocent look silently refusing to stand. He was already in trouble so why bother standing to attention for a man who was not here to just talk.

Pursing his lips Caldwell answered, "Not very well. In fact, the good doctor embarrassed me in front of many personnel and marines."

"Ouch!" was John's response and he could see his lack of concern, and slight satisfaction, about the matter was agitating the older man. "Yeah, when Liz is pissed she certainly doesn't hold back!" Smart Shep, keep grating the man who is about to kick your ass!

Walking forward two steps Caldwell glowered at him. "It seems she respects you more than me Sheppard. Although we both know you have done some questionable things during your career."

Feeling snappy himself now John cleared his throat. "But in my case I tried to save lives, not abandon them."

Caldwell suddenly lunged forward, grabbed the collar of John's t-shirt and hoisted him up against the wall. Grabbing his attackers wrists Sheppard glared at him and saw the darkness in his eyes. Aware that his feet remained on the floor, John continued to stare at Caldwell while preparing his own counter attack.

"You think you're so much greater than I am just because you've got her love and I don't?" he fumed and then in a low, smug growl said, "Well, how does it feel to know I've had her and you haven't?"

That was the last straw and John head butted Caldwell so he stumbled back covering his face cursing in pain. Grimacing himself, John tried to shake off the pain thumping through his skull and saw Blake move forward still carrying the stunner. Watching the marine closely John saw him raise one end of the stunner and immediately side stepped him as Blake swiped at him. Making sure his back was not to either man John raised his fists prepared for the next attack.

It came from Blake again who threw down the stunner and flung a punch to Sheppard's face but then quickly went for his stomach instead causing the pilot to double over in pain. When Blake's knee crashed into his face John was pushed back but he then retaliated with a punch aimed at the young man's face. He hit him in the cheek then the other finishing with an elbow in the eye. Blake went down with a cry of pain and John stood back triumphantly forgetting his other foe for just a second. It was enough time for Caldwell to recover and forcefully smack into the bottom of Sheppard's back. He used it as a punch bag several times then seized his neck and flung him face first into the cell wall. Leaning his head tiredly against the marble wall trying to breath though the pain in his back and head John was unprepared for his second meeting with same wall.

After his second head bashing Sheppard struggled to stand and eventually fell on to the floor. Glimpsing up he saw both marines standing over him looking ten times better than him and knew his fate. Expecting Caldwell to finish him off, Sheppard was surprised to see the colonel to step back.

"Take care of him." Caldwell ordered about to walk away then stopped. "But don't kill him. Do anything you want, but make sure he stays alive."

"How compassionate of you." John muttered sarcastically and was answered by a foot in the stomach. Biting back his cry of pain John watched as Caldwell stood outside the cell. "What? Too scared to do it yourself Caldwell?"

That struck a chord and Caldwell spun back to face him. Scowling at him for a minute Ryan finally stepped back in the box and flicked his thumb over his shoulder. Blake followed the silent command without asking questions so Caldwell was left with a weak Sheppard on the ground before him. Bending closer to him Ryan grinned evilly, "I think we'll take turns Blake. I'll go first, cause if I don't, I may end up killing him."

John didn't know how long the punches and kicks went on for but eventually he was in so much pain he couldn't see anything. After another kick in the back by Blake, he had no idea when the men had switched places, John felt a ringing in his ears and could just make out Caldwell gloating.

"While you're stuck in here perhaps I'll give Liz another try. Who knows? Maybe it'll be more fun when she's trying to fight me off!"

Trying to retort Sheppard found his mouth wouldn't work due to the kick in his mouth earlier and could only moan in anger at Caldwell's threat. Feeling one last kick in the stomach John raised his exhausted head and was met by a foot in the face. Feeling the world spin Sheppard tried to stay awake but unable to keep his eyes open let the blackness overcome him.

A/N: What do you think? Good whompin?