Part 6 – Time to Go Home

The evening air was getting chilly as Macklin and Meyer waited patiently by the Stargate for their CO. Off in the distance, the town was as peaceful as ever, but over the faraway hills, lightening intensely lit the sky in a way that the sergeant had never observed before. The intervals between the flashes were incredibility short. As another flash brilliantly lit the horizon, the sergeant grimaced hoping that it wasn't coming their way as it seemed like one hell of a storm.

Checking his watch for the umpteenth time, he noted that only ten minutes had elapsed since he'd last looked. Why did time always stand still when you had nothing to do but wait? He mused. Turning to Meyer, he muttered. "I wonder what's taking him so long."

"Ja, I hope he is soon coming."

Macklin smiled at the soldier's accent. The man was new to Atlantis and part of the contingent of international troops. Taking out some power bars, he offered one to Meyer. "Are you settling in okay?"

"Oh, very fine. Thank you."

"That's good to hear. So you've got no problems with the boss being an American?"

Meyer looked at the sergeant knowing that this man was also an American. "I must admit, at first I was a little…err…apprehensive about coming to another galaxy, but when the opportunity within the Stargate program came, I jumped at it. I knew that I would probably serve under US commander and I have no problems with Colonel Sheppard. He seems to be a good man and very different from my previous commanders. As long as we do our job well, he leaves us alone, ya? Not so much pomp and…err…formal procedures."

"Yep, you can say that again." Macklin agreed. "Well, if he doesn't turn up in the next thirty minutes or so we're going to have to contact Dr. Weir. I sure hope we don't have to 'cause she worries sick about him."

"Are they…err…lovers?"

The sergeant nearly choked on his power bar at that one. "Not to my knowledge," he answered with a smile, "But you never know."

-SGA-

The solid feel of a rough wooden surface woke Sheppard from his dreamless sleep. For the first few minutes, he couldn't remember where he was and why in heavens name he was laying face down on a very hard plank. Then the fog in his mind lifted as he moved and the pain of his back kicked in.

Cautiously, he eased himself up and looked around to find that he was alone in a small room. It contained just the plank, which turned out to be a bed, and one small chair but his face broke with relief when he saw his clothes and weapons neatly stacked on top of it.

Sitting carefully on edge, he attempted to dress but it was a difficult and painful process. His back still felt sickly and putting on his t-skirt before his back had been treated probably wasn't such a good idea but he wanted to go home.

By the time, he'd eased himself into his tac vest he was sweating with the discomfort, so fumbling in his pockets, he eventually found a packet of extra strength Panadol which wouldn't do much for his back but may take the edge of his headache. Uncapping his water bottle, he took a long insatiable swig and swallowed the pills.

"Time to get out, John!" he muttered to himself as he secured his 9mm in its holster and grasped his P90 to his chest. He didn't know if he could use if he had to defend himself but nothing was stopping him from going home. So with absolute resolve and grit willpower, he got up and left the room.

Nobody tried to stop him as he walked determinedly to find the courtyard even though he passed several monks along the way. For a minute, his directional sense confused him and he nearly panicked when he found himself back in the shrine room, but from there the courtyard was only a door away.

Single-mindedly, he headed for the door until a soft voice stopped him. "Go in peace, Colonel."

Sheppard halted to face Vatu and in doing so, his eyes moved to the shrine. Everything looked the exactly same as before. The ZPM still lay dull lovingly cradled between the arms of Tyleen. He really didn't know exactly what had transpired in this room an hour or so ago, but John had the distinct feeling that if the Wraith were to show up, things would be very different.

Vatu smiled at John's look of comprehension. "Do not worry about us, we are safe."

"Yeah, I guess you are. Now if you don't mind I need to get home and take care of things."

"Of course, we are sorry about your pain but it was necessary. Dr. McKay is lucky to have such a friend in you, I hope he values it?"

"It works both ways." Without another word, John turned and headed out of the door. It was going to be a long and painful trek back to the Stargate.

-SGA-

Macklin looked towards the distant hills where the thunderstorm had stopped an hour or so ago. Checking his watch once more, he proclaimed. "That's it! I guess it's time to contact Dr. Weir."

"Just a minute, sir, I see someone coming out of the town, I think."

Macklin turned towards where Meyer was pointing and indeed someone was coming but from the short height, it couldn't possibly be their CO. As they watched, more and more people left the town to head their way.

Getting a little worried, both soldiers raised there weapons as the lead group reached the Stargate.

-SGA-

Elizabeth checked her watch, again. It had been over two hours since their return to Atlantis and it was now well into their nighttime.

Why did he do this to her? She questioned. How many times had she sat in this very chair unable to concentrate or work because he was overdue? She sighed loudly. John Sheppard was definitely going to be the cause of premature grey hair of that she was sure.

Another five minutes and she was going to send Ronon and Lorne's team back to Dalenia to drag him out of the monastery, if necessary.

-SGA-

"Another few minutes and you're there. You can do it, you can do it," John muttered to himself as he continued down the stony pathway. His feet had given out several times, wrenching his back and causing agony to lace through his body, but he kept steadfastly moving on.

The Stargate was now in sight, tall and splendid against the star spangled night sky. Through his burring vision, John thought he saw figures lining the path leading to the ring. Were they his people or the Dalenians?

He stopped suddenly to take a minute to get his breath and tank up some strength to face his people and act like normal. Reaching for his water bottle, he drank thirstily then splashed some onto his face in an effort to cool it down.

Inhaling deeply, John moved off once again to walk intently along the path now lined with villagers holding flickering torches. He sincerely hoped that they meant him no harm because right now he couldn't defend himself against a fly if landed on his shoulder. However, they remained quiet, just watching and waiting like a silent escort and somehow, he finally made it to where is men stood wearily surveying the locals, guns raised.

Pulling himself together, Sheppard ordered. "Lower your weapons and dial the gate. We're going home."

"Yes, sir." Macklin answered pleased to be going back at last.

As Macklin punched in the address, several villagers including one or children cautiously approached. They carried several baskets laden with fruit and vegetables, placing them near John's feet.

One of the children, a lovely little girl reached up towards him with a small bunch of yellow flowers. John gritted his teeth and bent slightly to take them from her. With the warmest smile he could muster, he thanked her before she ran off to rejoin her mother.

Meyer silently analyzed his CO interaction with these people as Sheppard thanked them for their generosity. Something wasn't right even in the dusky touch light he could see that the colonel was having some problems moving. His unruly hair was wilder than normal and his BDU's looked ruffled and stained.

Stepping up to his CO, Meyer asked. "Are you alright, sir?"

Sheppard didn't look the soldier in the face as he replied. "I'm good."

Just then, the event horizon formed giving Meyer no chance to say any more as he watched Sheppard move over and send his IDC. Not waiting for an order, Meyer picked up the baskets and took upa position next to his CO. Together all three entered the sea of standing water.

Tbc Thanks again for all the reviews they keep my fingers busy.