What Are the Odds?

By: Taya Henderson

Several weeks later…

"Halling, I request your permission to be permanently bonded with Teyla." John bowed respectfully to the man.

"Nothing will give me more pleasure than to have you and Teyla joined." Halling nodded and John looked up excitedly. "However, since Teyla is our leader, the council must approve the union."

"Well, won't they?" John asked.

"You are not Athosian. You might have a difficult time pleading your case to the council. I do not wish to get your hopes up, Sheppard. As of right now, you are still classified as a war brother, a friend of the Athosians, which will help your case a little, and Teyla loves you, which helps even more, however, the council will be the ones to decide your fate." Halling explained.

"The council? Teyla said all I had to do was ask you, since you are the closest think to a father." Sheppard furrowed his brow. "Well, I'm not giving up. Tell me what I have to do and I will do it."

"Teyla forgets the rules of a leader. Because she is our leader and a woman, you will be given equal status as her among our people. We must be very careful who she marries." The older man smiled. "However, there is nothing you personally can do. I will place your request at the council meeting this week. You cannot interfere."

"Wouldn't dream of it." John shook his head. "Thank you Halling."

He bowed again to the older man and walked out of the tent. Teyla was pacing nervously.

"Hey, Teyla, relax." Sheppard smiled, he cupped her face gently.

"What did he say?" Teyla asked.

"He said it was up to the council." John replied.

"The council?" Teyla looked confused. "They have never before been involved in a marriage."

"Baby, you are their leader." He explained. "According to Halling, if I were to marry you'd, I'd become your equal among the Athosians, so the council must make sure that I am worthy of you and of them."

"John…many of my people do not trust yours." She said, sadness filling her eyes. "Many of the elders on the council believe we should have been left alone…though they do know that you have supported us no matter what…"

"Hey, we'll be okay. We just have to wait a while to get married." John kissed her forehead. "We can do this. We will do this."

"Colonel Sheppard." Weir's voice came over the com. "Please report to Atlantis immediately."

"What's wrong?" John asked.

"You and Teyla are going to want to hear this. Personally." Weir replied. "Come to my office as soon as you arrive, Caldwell and I will be waiting."

"Got it. See you soon." Sheppard sighed and leaned his forehead against Teyla's. "Can't we be on vacation again?"

"Come John. We do have responsibilities." Teyla smiled and led him to the jumper. "Perhaps it is a good thing."

"Something tells me it's definitely not." John said and they powered up the jumper.

When they arrived at Elizabeth's office, she and Caldwell were deep in a very serious conversation.

"We're in really big trouble." Sheppard sighed as they walked into the office, as far apart from each other as they could.

"Good, you're back." Elizabeth tried to smile. "Have a seat, both of you."

"What's going on?" John asked, his eyes traveling from Weir to Caldwell and back to Weir.

"We have some bad news." Caldwell sighed. "I haven't poked my nose where it doesn't belong anymore, because technically, I have no say in Atlantis. If Dr. Weir allows something, it goes. However, a member of the NID managed to find his way onto my crew. He reported your new quarters and the Air Force is planning a hearing for the both of you."

"A hearing?" Sheppard tried to hold onto the chair as anger flooded his body. "What the hell for? Teyla isn't military, and Atlantis is technically a colony and nor bound by those kinds of restrictions."

"It doesn't matter. Technically it isn't against the rules, but the air force would like to strongly discourage this sort of behavior." Caldwell explained.

"Colonel Caldwell has managed to get General Landry to convince SG-1 and General O'Neill to work on your behalf until you arrive, and they will serve as representatives of the difference between the air force and the Stargate program." Weir said. "You leave in two days with your whole team."

John sat there, trying to find his voice. Teyla had yet to say anything, the anger in her eyes was enough.

"I was under the impression that our personal life did not fall under the military jurisdiction." Teyla bit out.

"Technically, it isn't." Weir replied.

"Then how can someone so far away dictate how we feel?" Teyla stood, fury clearly visible on her face. "How can they say what we will feel and what we will not feel? How can anyone have the right to run our lives for us?"

"Calm down, Miss Emagen." Caldwell said. "That is what Colonel Sheppard signed into when he joined the military."

"Don't tell her to calm down! She has every right to be angry. We already have to get our relationship approved by the Athosian council, now we have to justify ourselves to the US Air Force? Who the hell do they think they are?" John asked, more sad then angry.

"Look, Sheppard, you made a choice, so did Teyla. Now you have to face the consequences. I warned you, but you didn't listen. I respected Dr. Weir's faith in the two of you and have not seen anything that would warrant disciplinary action. I do not support this action by the board." Caldwell shook his head. "Do you two need some time alone?"

"We will retire to our quarters, if you do not mind." Teyla said stiffly, slightly shocked by Caldwell's admission.

"Of course. You leave at 0800 on Wednesday." Weir nodded and the couple left. "You think they have a chance?"

"Since it's technically not against regulations, he won't be punished. Whether or not they'll be allowed to continue without consequences…I don't know. There's a chance." Caldwell sighed. "I'll see you later, Doctor."

"Of course. And Colonel?" Weir asked, causing the older man to turn. "I was wrong about you."

"Well, I might have been wrong about Atlantis as well." Caldwell nodded and left.

"John. What…I…" Teyla took several slow breaths. "What are we going to do?"

"I don't know, Tey." He sighed, flopping wearily into one of the chairs. "I honestly don't know."

"Well, I know this. I love you, and I want to be joined with you. No matter what it takes." She sat on his lap and put her arms around his neck. "No matter how long, either."

"I love you." John wrapped his arms around her waist. "But it seems that the odds are stacked against us."

"They do seem to be stacking quite high today, but they do not yet form a solid wall." Teyla kissed him gently. "We will not let this defeat us."

Ronan, McKay, Sheppard, and Teyla stood in the gateroom waiting to depart at 8AM Wednesday morning. Halling stood by and said farewell to Teyla, as well as updating her on the council. John approached and bowed.

"And the council won't need us until we get back?" John asked, making sure.

"No. Even if they do, they are not unreasonable, and will not stoop to trickery." Halling put his hands on Sheppard's shoulders. "I will do all I can. I promise you that, Colonel."

"I couldn't ask for more." Sheppard grinned. "Thank you Halling."

The gate powered up and Dr. Weir wished them good luck.

"Ready to go?" John asked, joining his team.

"This should be interesting." Rodney cast a glance at Ronan.

"Just, keep Chewie from getting arrested or something." Sheppard rolled his eyes. "Teyla?"

"I am ready Colonel." Teyla nodded, completely professional.

"Here we go." John sighed and they stepped through the gate.

"Welcome to the SGC." General Landry smiled as the four stepped out on the other side.

"Thank you sir." John nodded as they were quickly greeted and led down the hall to their rooms.

They were led to a grouping of four rooms.

"These will be your rooms. There are surveillance cameras in the halls, and you can call if you need anything." Walter explained, pointing at the four rooms. "Enjoy your stay."

"Thank you." Teyla bowed her head at the small blonde man.

The team split up and went into the rooms, Teyla and John heading into the same one. Walter just shook his head and walked off.

Teyla had put her things in the room and then chose to wander around as John unpacked their things. She was looking for the lab where Rodney had mentioned Lt. Colonel Carter was working. She passed a room to see two very similar looking men pouring over some sort of text.

"Excuse me." She smiled, entering.

The two jumped at the sound of her voice and looked at her.

"Ah, Teyla, right?" One of them asked.

"Yes. You are Dr. Jackson and Colonel Cameron Mitchell, correct?" Teyla looked at both men.

"Good memory." The younger of the two, Cameron, smiled, leaning in to flirt with her.

"Give it up, Cameron. Why do you think they're here?" Daniel Jackson laughed at the Colonel. "What can we do for you, Teyla?"

"I am looking for Samantha Carter." Teyla explained. "Dr. McKay suggested I speak to her."

"Of course." Daniel nodded. "Follow me."

"Wait-why are they here?" Cameron asked as they walked towards the labs.

"We are having issues with, what John-Colonel Sheppard calls 'no-frat regs' even though I am not a citizen of Earth or part of your military." Teyla explained. "We are here for a…hearing. I do hope your council is wise and just."

"Well…do you have politics back in the Pegasus galaxy?" Cameron asked, looking skeptical.

"We're doing everything we can to help you." Daniel sighed. "I think Sam might be able to provide some…insight."

"Is there a sad story with Colonel Carter?" Teyla asked.

"Let's just say she understands your predicament." Cameron replied.

"So, you're Athosian?" Daniel asked, changing the subject. "Did your people know of the Ancients?"

"We know we were brought to our planet by the ancestors, who you call the ancients, and now I live in the city of Atlantis, while my people occupy the main land." Teyla explained.

"Well, I hope you enjoy Earth." Cameron smiled. "Why don't we take you all out tonight?"

"Out where?" Daniel asked. "We're already all going to dinner."

"How about to a club?" Cameron suggested.

"What is a club?" Teyla asked.

"Oh, we-" Cameron was cut off by Teal'c opening the door and hitting him in the face. "Ow!"

"I apologize, Colonel Mitchell." Teal'c said, bowing at Teyla. "Teyla Emagen, it is a pleasure to see you."

"You are Teal'c. I am pleased to see you as well." Teyla smiled, trying not to laugh at Cameron, who was still rubbing his nose.

"Nice shot T." General O'Neill said from the corner and looked Teyla over. "Very nice. I can see why Colonel Sheppard likes you."

"Jack!" Daniel exclaimed, looking embarrassed. "Sorry for that, Teyla…he doesn't usually behave like this."

"It was a compliment, Daniel." Jack rolled his eyes. "Cameron, you might wanna go see Doc Lam. I think Teal'c broke your nose."

"No. I'm fine." Cameron shook his head.

"Okay. Teyla, Carter just left, but she said she'd be happy to tell you anything tonight at dinner. You want the grand tour?"

"No, thank you, General. I believe I shall return to my room." Teyla replied.

"I'll walk you, I need to talk to Sheppard anyway. Teal'c, take Mitchell to Lam. Daniel, don't you have work to do?" Jack glanced at the other three men who walked off in various directions.

"I do not need an escort, General." Teyla said politely.

"Oh, if you're worried about people knowing you and Sheppard are sharing a room, it's no big deal. We're here to help, Teyla, can I call you Teyla?"

"That is acceptable, General O'Neill."

"Jack, please." Jack shook his head. "Do you need any clothes? We've got plenty on base."

"Do not worry Gener-Jack. I have one inconspicuous outfit and John has promised to buy me more." Teyla smiled.

"Good, good." He nodded. "Here we are. Do you mind sending Sheppard out for a few minutes?"

"Not at all. Thank you." Teyla smiled and walked in the room. "John? General O'Neill wishes to speak to you."

"General." Sheppard nodded, walking out of the room.

While the two men conversed outside, Teyla changed into some fatigue pants, one of her own tops, and a pair of shoes that Dr. Weir had called "flip-flops". She checked her hair and found that is acceptable.

"Take a deep breath." She told herself, trying to settle into her new settings. "You will beat this."

"Talking to yourself is the first sign of insanity." John said, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "I have a present for you."

"What?" Teyla asked, smiling.

She felt something cool slip on her left hand and looked down to see a beautiful diamond ring set in platinum.

"John. It's beautiful!" She grinned, admiring the ring. "What is this for?"

"It's an engagement ring. It represents that you are about to be joined, that you have been…claimed." John replied, kissing her neck gently.

"Hmm…John…we don't have time." Teyla turned around in his arms and kissed him. "You have to take me shopping."

He sighed and rested his head on her shoulder. "We have to get you something for court."

"Do not worry, John." She looked at him. "I trust this…SG-1. They are nothing but helpful. And we were invited to go…to a club tonight."

"That'll be fun." He smiled. "Come on, let's get Rodney and Dex and get out of here."

Teyla was in awe at the sheer size of the mall and Ronan was surprised to see so many stores, but both tried to hide their reactions.

"How do we purchase things?" Teyla asked, looking at all of the stores.

"We trade currency for them." John explained. "Something we call cash."

"And this lets you get anything you want?" Ronan still looked a little confused.

"Anything you want, so long as you have the currency." John nodded. "Let's go here, we can get clothes for both of you."

They walked into a department store and Teyla was instantly drawn to the women's clothing.

"Oh, I have a bad feeling about this." John groaned.

Several hours later, Teyla was finally done. They had visited almost every store in the mall, and Teyla had bought something in all of them. She had changed into a tight-fitting pair of jeans and a baby-doll style tube top.

"Ready to go?" John asked, grabbing the many bags.

"I need something more formal than what they had here." Teyla shook her head. "Where are Ronan and Dr. McKay?"

"Um…" John looked around. "I see them."

Ronan and Rodney were engaged in a very intense video game.

"Having fun, boys?" John asked, walking over to them.

Rodney jumped, and the momentary distraction allowed Ronan to finish off McKay's character.

"Colonel! You made me lose!" Rodney exclaimed.

"Definitely having fun. Look, we have one more store to go to. You boys could stay here, but it really won't be long." John looked at his watch. "We only have half an hour left."

"I guess we could go with you." Ronan shrugged.

I promise it will not take long." Teyla smiled as they walked off.

John shoved several bags at both McKay and Ronan and they walked off towards a trendy store where Teyla could find a suitable clubbing/dinner outfit.

Teyla was in the dressing room, looking at her reflection. The outfit, which had been picked out by the store attendant, was perfect. It was a very low-cut dress, with a plunging, sequin-studded v dropping almost to her navel. The skirt was a flowing, handkerchief cut that had several daring slits up the side. She slowly opened the door and stepped out.

"Wait a second." The attendant smiled. She returned with a strappy pair of black heels and a cute silver necklace that drew further attention to the dress's neckline. "Perfect. Go and show your man."

"Thank you." Teyla smiled at the woman and stepped out of the curtained area that contained the dressing rooms.

John's jaw hit the floor. Rodney, who had been showing Ronan a woman's magazine, suddenly stopped talking.

"Is this suitable?" Teyla asked, innocently.

"Suit-su-su-suitable?" Rodney gulped. "Yeah."

"Teyla…" John looked at her, his eyes darkening with desire.

"I think I will change back into my other outfit." Teyla smiled and vanished behind the curtain.

"She will not wear that in public, will she?" Ronan asked.

"Oh, but she will." John sighed happily. "Tonight I will be the envy of every man alive."

Rodney rolled his eyes as Teyla emerged, dress, shoes, and necklace in hand, ready to purchase.

"Are we ready?" Teyla asked.

"How much is that?" John asked, adding up how much of his paychecks she had already spent. "Two hundred dollars!"

"Please, John?" Teyla looked up at him, her eyes wide. "Please?"

"Fine. I'll get it all." He sighed, giving in almost immediately.

"Thank you." She grinned, standing up on tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

A few hours later, the men stood around waiting as Sam, Dr. Lam, and Teyla got ready.

"What's taking so long?" Ronan asked, irritated.

"Relax Chewie. They're women." John sighed, looking at his watch.

"Women or not, we have reservations." Jack said, and then yelled. "Carter!"

"Relax, sir." Sam said, walking in. She was wearing a beautiful blue top and grey pinstripe pants.

"Wow." Jack grinned. "You clean up nice, Colonel."

Dr. Lam walked out, wearing a low cut, backless red dress. She grinned at the boys and winked at Cameron, who was absolutely floored. Finally, Teyla walked out in her dress and eyebrows shot up. John pounced on Teyla before anyone else could and took her arm.

"Finally, we can go." Jack grinned, "Carter?"

"Thank you, sir." Sam took his offered arm and they all piled in the limo.

The teams arrived at the restaurant and were taken to their seats.

"Drinks, please." Jack grinned at the waitress.

"So, Ronan…" Dr. Lam smiled. "How exactly did you get to be part of the team?"

"I was a runner. The wraith placed a tracer in me and were hunting me all over the galaxy for sport. Dr. Beckett managed to remove the tracer and Sheppard invited me to join the team." Ronan explained, taking a giant swig of beer. "You call this a drink?"

"Ronan." John admonished. "You are not supposed to get too drunk too fast off this stuff."

"With this, I may never be drunk." Ronan scowled. "Though it has an interesting taste."

"Just drink it." Rodney shook his head. "So, Samantha, I hear you worked in Area 51 for a time. Great job on the ship too."

"I heard you blew up a solar system. Nice, Rodney." Sam grinned, baiting him.

"It wasn't a whole solar system." Rodney retorted.

"Rodney." Sheppard warned.

"So, explain the testing process on Atlantis. One of the reports I read says you tested a personal shield by throwing Dr. McKay off a balcony?" Jack asked, changing the subject.

"You read a report?" Daniel was shocked. "The whole thing?"

"Yes, Daniel." Jack said, mocking Daniel. "The whole thing. So, how 'bout it?"

"Well, that was the second thing we tried." Rodney replied.

"I shot him." John said, almost as proudly as he had the day they'd done it.

"I really don't like how happy you sound about the prospect of shooting me." Rodney glared.

"Wait, you get to shoot him, but I don't?" Ronan demanded.

"I shot him in the leg, Ronan, relax. I'm sure you've wanted to shoot me once or twice, Rodney." Sheppard laughed.

"You shot him?" Daniel looked incredulous.

"Yeah. No harm, nothing." Rodney nodded. "And when they threw me off the balcony, I bounced."

"You bounced?" Carter asked. "What-"

"No shop talk, Carter." Jack shook his head.

Dinner progressed with stories and laughter as the group was served their meal, compliments of the United States Military. They asked Teyla and Ronan a million questions, some of which John and Rodney helped answer, and the newer team asked SG-1 many questions, especially about fighting the gou'ld and all their other many adventures.

"So, what is all this hoopla about going to a club?" Jack asked as they got up to leave.

"We wanted to go to a dance club later, sir." Cameron explained. "Everyone's invited."

"I'll pass." Jack smiled. "You kids have fun."

"Come on, Jack. We're all going." Sam said gently.

"Fine. But I refuse to dance unless I have at least three or four more drinks in me." Jack shook his head and they climbed in the limo.

Teyla was excited, she had learned from Dr. Lam and Colonel Carter the way Earth women danced, and it was similar to some other dances she'd seen. She let the music surge through her veins, moving her to the beat of the music. John's hands that rested gently on her hips, her outfit, and the fact that she was slightly drunk spurred her excitement further. It was also evident that she was having an effect on Sheppard, as he continually pulled her closer.

"Let's go somewhere." He whispered in her ear.

"We cannot." She grinned, kissing him lightly. "We must wait for our ride."

"But our ride means that tomorrow is coming." John rested his forehead against hers. "I want to just…be with you, tonight."

"It will not be our last." Teyla promised. "We cannot let this defeat us, John."

"Shh." He put a finger to her lips. "No more thoughts about that. Let's just enjoy tonight."

The song changed to a slow tune, and the couple danced closer than most. They held desperately onto each other, trying to stave off the inevitability of tomorrow. All too soon, the bartender announced last call and the car pulled around to pick them up.

"So, what did you guys think?" Daniel asked, suppressing a yawn.

"I got a bunch of these. What do these number mean?" Ronan asked, handing Daniel a handful or phone numbers written on napkins.

"These are the phone numbers of women. They want you to contact them." Daniel explained. "What'd you think, Teyla?"

"I enjoy dancing." Teyla smiled, snuggling closer to John. "But it is a very tiring experience."

By the time they got to the SGC, Sam, Teyla, and Mitchell had fallen asleep. Teal'c and Dr. Lam (the only sober members of the group) we engaged in a quiet conversation, Daniel and John were talking about Atlantis, and Rodney and Jack were having a very strange, very loud argument about the Simpsons vs. Family Guy.

"Jack, how much did you drink?" Daniel asked as he and Teal'c extracted O'Neill from the car.

"I lost count at…64 shots…I'm not sure how many after that." Jack replied. "Sorry, didn't mean to get that drunk."

"General O'Neill, do you need to stay in the infirmary?" Teal'c asked.

"Nope. Just get me to my room." Jack sighed, trying to walk relatively straight.

"McKay, why are you acting so strange?" Ronan asked as he supported the scientist with one arm.

"He's drunk, Ronan." Sheppard explained, "And so am I, though not that drunk. Just…take him to the infirmary, tell the nurse how very drunk he is."

"Follow me." Dr. Lam smiled, leading the way.

"I'll help you out." Cameron said and took Rodney's other arm. "Just in case he starts freaking out or something."

"Goodnight Dr. Jackson, thank you for the evening." Teyla bowed her head slightly. "You will be welcome among my people any time."

"Thank you. Goodnight to you both." Daniel grinned and walked off.

Teyla took John's hand and they headed off in the opposite direction toward their room.

"Teyla…no matter what happens tomorrow-" John began as they entered the room.

"Shh." She shook her head. "Do not speak of such things. The night is not yet over."

"But-" She cut him off by kissing him, at first gently, then more passionately as he responded.

"I want you. Just you. Everything else can wait until tomorrow." Teyla said gently, leading him over to the bed and pulling him down for another kiss…