"It Runs in the Family"
Ch. 6
Disclaimer: I don't own the producers version of Atlantis. They do. I do, however own this version of Atlantis, Dr. Trisana Fox, and the whole Daniel Jackson Family.
(Ext. Atlantis)
There's a 'getting to know you' type party going on in the large balcony outside of the Control Room, with all the Atlantis crew milling around with the Athosians. Sheppard and Ford walk out onto the balcony and look out over the dark water.
"I guess this is home now," Ford said.
"I guess so," Sheppard said.
"I'm thinking of a little place with an ocean view. Out of the way," Ford said, excitedly.
Daniel walks up behind them.
"Major. Lieutenant," Daniel holds up mugs for them to take. "I thought the occasion merited opening this. Compliments of General O'Neill."
"Cheers," Sheppard tried to sound cheerful.
They all drink. Daniel notices that Sheppard doesn't look happy.
"You did good, John," Daniel told him.
"I don't know about that," John said.
"Hey, there was no way you could have saved Colonel Sumner," Daniel said.
"I have to live with it," Sheppard said, softly.
Daniel nods understandingly.
"I'm beginning to think you were right – I have made things much worse. I haven't made us many more friends out there." Sheppard told him.
"No?" Daniel turns towards the Control Room/Gateroom. "Look around you,"
Sheppard looks at the Athosians milling around happily. Nearby, Halling is having an affectionate moment with Jinto – the two of them have their foreheads touching. Teyla is standing next to Halling, and she has heard what was just said.
"I agree, Major Sheppard," A tall Athosian woman, Teyla, said, walking over to him, puts her hands on his shoulders and bows her head.
Sheppard glances at Ford, who grins at him. Sheppard rolls his eyes a little, then lowers his own head so that his forehead touches Teyla's. They stand like that for a moment, then Teyla raises her head. "You have earned both my friendship and that of my people. With our help you will make many more friends," Teyla said.
A little way away, Doctors Beckett and McKay are watching the interchange. McKay is gnawing on something on a stick – it looks like a very thin kebab.
"How come I never make friends like that?" Beckett said wistfully to McKay.
"You need to get out more," he said with his mouth full.
"We're in another galaxy – how much more out can you get!" Beckett said.
McKay suddenly looks suspiciously at his kebab. "Is that lemons!" He hurries off to find out.
Teyla and Ford leave the balcony. Sheppard starts to follow them but Daniel stops him.
"One more thing, Major – something I'd like you to sleep on. I have a few thoughts on it myself but …" Daniel said.
"Thoughts about what?" Sheppard asked.
"Who the members of your team might be," he said.
"My team?" Sheppard asked.
"Well, you are the ranking military officer now, or do you need to be reminded of that? We need to get back out there; do what we came to do," Daniel told him
He turns and leans on the railing, looking out on ocean. Sheppard joins him.
"You do realize I can get us in to all sorts of trouble, right?" Sheppard asked, smiling a little.
Daniel nods amicably.
"Daniel," he heard Tris's voice through his comm.
"Yeah,"
"The girls want their dad to read them a story," She told him. "Are you up for it?"
"Of course. Tell them I'll be right there," he told her. Daniel turned to John. "Excuse me, Major. Duty calls."
Daniel leaves. His place only to be replaced by Tris. She appeared with a familiar white and blue light.
"Good evening, Major," she greeted.
"Hello, what should I call you anyway?" John said, trying not to sound to rude.
"Professionally, call me Dr. Fox. It's too confusing to have two Dr. Jackson's around."
"And Unprofessionally?"
"Just Tris is fine,"
"Okay, so Tris, rumor has it, you're a mage. Care to comment on that?" John asked.
"I am a mage, yes," Tris answered. "Among other things."
John blinked.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"You'll see. I wouldn't want to give all of my abilities too soon," she told him, patting his arm and then walking away.
To be continued . . .