Title: Alien Devices
Author: SlayersGrl
Summary: The team finds an Ancient outpost on a deserted planet. Strange devices and an unexpected encounter may provide them with exactly what they've been looking for. But are they willing to pay the price?

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Stargate Atlantis or any of its characters... I'm simply writing for entertainment and because the plot bunnies won't leave me alone.

Author's note: Alright, the last chapter was where I had originally pictured the story ending. (In other words, that's where my plot outline stopped…) BUT… since several of you posted reviews requesting a little more closure, I've decided to include an epilogue. But this is all you're getting! My muse refuses to give me any more…

Oh, and I know some of you requested a briefing scene but frankly, I hate writing briefings. It took me forever to write the short one in Chapter 3. To me, it's like summarizing the story… So, I'll just leave that scene to your imagination…


Epilogue

John Sheppard stood on one of the numerous balconies that lined the structure of the ancient city, calmly watching the sun rise over the alien horizon. His forced two weeks of downtime were finally over, the rapidly lightening sky ushering in his first day back on active duty. His thoughts were interrupted by a quiet presence beside him.

He glanced over and was greeted by Elizabeth holding two steaming cups of coffee. With a nod of gratitude, he accepted the proffered mug. He smiled as he recalled where it had come from. Leave it to McKay to add a few "essentials" to the small list of items they had brought back from Earth.

Understanding why he was smiling, Elizabeth couldn't help but join in. "Remind me to thank Rodney for this. I had almost forgotten what fresh coffee tasted like."

Companionable silence fell over the two as they stood watching the waves wash up against the edges of the floating city. It was rare to find a moment of peace in Atlantis and these moments were to be savored. Especially since the growing presence of the Wraith were making these moments more and more scarce.

Reluctantly, Elizabeth decided to break the silence. After all, she had come out here with a purpose in mind. "Did you know Rodney's practically locked himself in his lab trying to figure out how that device works?"

"Sounds like him," John replied, continuing to stare off into the distance.

She had hoped that the mention of his team member might get him to open up and actually discuss what had happened on the last mission. Sure, he had told her the facts of the mission, the series of events that had occurred over those few short days. But he hadn't talked about the emotional and psychological impact it had made on him. Since he was going to be stubborn, she was just going to have to be direct. "You know we're all worried about you."

"I know." He finally turned to face her, a half smile on his face. "I'm fine." From the tone of his voice, she wasn't sure if he was trying to convince her or himself.

"Really? Then why have you been staring off into space for the last 20 minutes."

"I could ask the same about you."

"You know why I'm here." She paused and took a deep breath. "John, you need to talk about it."

He didn't respond right away. Instead, he returned his gaze to the expansive ocean view before them. Then, his voice barely above a whisper, he said "I just can't figure out why I'm still alive. I mean, by all rights I should be dead."

"The way I see it," Elizabeth replied, "the Ancients must have had a good sense of irony." At his questioning look she expounded on her theory. "Back at the outpost, when you and your team were being attacked by the Wraith, you were certain you were all going to die. You were desperate to save the lives of yourself and your friends. The device gave you a means to do that, but you died in the process, if only for a moment. But in order to return to Atlantis, you were prepared to give your life in exchange for saving the lives of others. When you were least prepared to die, you did. But when you were ready to sacrifice yourself to save others you survived."

John thought about her theory for a moment. It was an intriguing concept. But the truth of the matter was that he would probably never know the reason why. All he could do was be thankful he was here to ponder the question and continue on the path fate had chosen for him. And he finally realized he was okay with that.

Realizing he needed some time to sort through his thoughts, Elizabeth decided it was time to leave. As she reached the door, she heard him call out after her.

"Thanks."

Life would eventually return to normal in their small corner of the galaxy. Or at least what passed for normal… But one thing was certain. John Sheppard was glad to have the opportunity to be a part of it.