Coming Home

Spoilers: Not intentionally, but references to both seasons may slip in on occasion.

Rating: T for some mild language and potentially disturbing images in some chapters.

Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate Atlantis or any of the characters associated with it, unless you count Jesi.


Chapter Eleven

Sheppard entered Weir's office, damp hair from his quick shower clinging to his neck. He was surprised to find Jesi already there, tucked into a chair next to McKay. Ronon and Teyla occupied the couch; Beckett sat near Elizabeth who perched regally behind her desk, eyeing Sheppard enigmatically.

"John, glad you could make it on such short notice." Weir's teasing smile drew an answering grin from Sheppard. "Please, take a seat."

Sheppard dropped down in the vacant chair next to Beckett and slouched low, eyeing McKay.

"Rodney, why don't you outline what you've found," Weir said with a nod in McKay's direction.

"Yes, yes, what I've found." McKay stood and began to pace the room, his fast speech betraying his sleep deprivation. "I've been searching the Ancient database for the past few days trying to find any reference to the device. This afternoon, I hit pay dirt!" He looked around the room expectantly before continuing. "I've found what I believe are the schematics that go with the device."

"You're not sure...?" Weir asked.

"Of course I'm sure. Here, let me demonstrate." McKay grabbed his laptop and tapped on the keys, pulling up a screen. He turned it towards Sheppard. "Colonel, I expect this looks familiar?"

Sheppard studied the monitor with a frown.

"This is the same schematic display I accessed when we opened the box. It was in the database?" He raised his eyes to McKay's face.

"In the database, yes, I just didn't have the correct description with which to conduct a search." McKay's excitement was punctuated by the feverish waving of his hands as he explained. "The 'dimension jumpers' are more than just a spy device. They're a weapon designed specifically to combat the Wraith."

Sheppard sat up in his chair. "How do they work?"

"Ah... still working on that part. Apparently, the technology was hush-hush, and the database has minimal information on how to use the device. By all indications, the technology is instinctive, seamless to the user. I was hoping you could test it out..."

"Not so bloody fast, Rodney! I'll be the judge of my patients' health if you don't mind!" Beckett interrupted. "I ordered one week recovery time and I'm holding firm with my decision. Colonel Sheppard and Jesi need time to build up strength before you subject them to more tests. You've only four days to wait."

"I agree, Carson. If the Wraith ships remain far enough out, they shouldn't detect us, but we're prepared to cloak if necessary. Our long range scans don't show them turning our way, just cruising by." Weir turned to Sheppard. "I want you healthy, Colonel, in the event they change course."

"And if they do change course, what then?" Ronon's deep voice echoed their collective thoughts.

Weir looked at the faces before her. She cared deeply for each of them, and their dedication and loyalty astounded her. She owed them an honest answer.

"Truthfully, I don't know. We've known this day might come; let's just hope we can avoid a full out war this time."

"We'll be ready to test the device in four days, right Carson?" Sheppard eyed the doctor hopefully.

"Aye, I expect you will be, but I reserve the right to change my mind if you fail my medical exam." Becket's eyes narrowed at Sheppard's frown. "I'll not be rushed, Colonel."

"All right everyone; let's plan to run our first test in four days. Rodney, you have until then to decipher as much as you can from the schematics." Weir glanced at Sheppard, reading impatience in his cool glance. "Colonel, I expect you to follow Carson's instructions to the letter. Understood...?"

"I get it, Elizabeth," Sheppard huffed as he stood. Meeting her carefully neutral expression, he nodded once. "I get it."

"Good." Rising, Weir pursed her lips, teasing Sheppard. "I hear you've been catching some rays this week. Bronze looks good on you, John." She patted his tanned arm as she passed on the way out the door.

Sheppard watched Weir leave with a sigh. He wanted to test the artifact soon. He felt fine and resented delaying something he considered too important to put off much longer. Lost in thought, Ronon's deep voice startled him.

"Sheppard."

"Ronon."

"Is there anything I can do to help the time pass more quickly?" Ronon's sympathetic look made Sheppard grin.

"We're quite a team, me and my ancient device hangover; you and your bum... bum. You're welcome to join Jesi and me on the pier tomorrow for a little food and sun. It'll help me aggravate McKay. You like to aggravate McKay, don't you?"

Ronon's face broke into a feral grin. "What time?"

"Oh, two-ish," Sheppard replied. "You too, Teyla. Jesi would enjoy having another woman along."

"I would love to join you, Colonel," Teyla said, sharing a glance with Ronon before continuing. "Have you eaten dinner?"

"Ah, I was about to grab something before I head back to my room." Sheppard caught the little glance between his friends, but decided to let it pass for now. "Want to join me?"

"Sounds good. Let's go; I'm hungry." Ronon headed for the door, and Teyla followed, sliding past Sheppard.

"We will save a table, Colonel," Teyla called over her shoulder.

Sheppard watched the pair depart and grinned. They thought they were fooling him, but he knew they wanted to keep an eye on him. What the heck, he had nothing better to do for the next four days; why not let them entertain him. He turned in time to see McKay whispering furiously to Jesi. When McKay noticed him watching, his face reddened, and he shushed Jesi before hustling her over to Sheppard.

"Take your sister, Colonel. She's pestering me to spend time in the lab, but I told her it could wait until you're both well."

"I'm fine, Rodney! John's the one who suffered most of the exhaustion." Jesi's eyes fired off warning shots in McKay's direction. "It's not like I want to use the artifact. I just want to keep busy, and I am supposed to work in your lab, if you recall!"

"Yes, yes you are, but not until you've been cleared by Carson. I don't think he'd want you exposed to more Ancient technology when you're still suffering the effects from the last time!"

Sheppard watched the pair, hiding a grin. He'd seen McKay berate 'unworthy' people, but had never seen him try to reason with someone he rather liked. It was amusing, and he decided it was 'mess with McKay' day.

"Oh, come on, Rodney, have a heart! What's a little time in the lab when we have four whole days to kill?"

"Yes, exactly my point, I don't want the killing of anything taking place in my lab! Now, get out of here! Go do whatever it is you do when you're not shooting at things or chasing alien women!" McKay pushed them ineffectually, finally realizing they were not leaving. "Fine, I'll go!" He threw up his hands and stormed out, muttering under his breath as he passed by.

"McKay...! How about dinner?" Sheppard called after the scientist.

McKay's fading voice floated through the doorway.

"Infantile!"


Teyla hurried a few steps, catching up to the warrior.

"Ronon..."

He glanced sideways, catching her staring at his slight limp. "What."

"Do you think it wise to keep watch over Colonel Sheppard without his knowledge?" Teyla's brow furrowed with concern. "I realize we can do little but ensure he eats and sleeps as Carson has suggested."

"He knows." Ronon's lip twitched in a small grin. "He is as desperate to escape the boredom of recovery as I am. We're both ready to return to full duty."

Teyla gave a slight smile and tipped her head. "I would feel the same. If you are feeling so much better, let us hurry and save the Colonel's favorite table."

Teyla increased speed and passed Ronon. He lengthened his stride in an attempt to catch her, but the dull ache at the base of his spine had him sucking in air and slowing again.

Sensing the man had not caught up, Teyla slowed and waited for him. When he reached her side, she gave him a level glance.

"Perhaps you and John overstate your ability to return to full duty. I expect you shall both need the full four days in which to recuperate completely." With a raised brow and small smile, she turned toward the cafeteria setting a more sedate pace.

Ronon growled once before moving slowly down the hall after her.


Jesi lie on her stomach, head pillowed on her folded arms, the caress of the salty breeze leaving a trail of goose bumps across her slick skin. The sun's heat chased away the chill and warmed her soul. The sounds of the waves rolling past combined with Teyla's lilting voice humming an Athosian song while she and Ronon went through some toning exercises lulled her into a relaxed state.

"McKay sure hustled it out of Elizabeth's office yesterday." Sheppard shaded his eyes and glanced at Jesi. "Was it just me or did he seem weird at the meeting?"

"Cut him some slack, would ya?" Jesi opened one eye and threw in a frown for good measure. "He did find the reference for the device in the database."

"Oh, you're defending him now?" Sheppard asked, studying her face, frowning at what he saw reflected in her one visible eye. "You like him," He accused. "He's egotistical, insufferable, annoying..."

Jesi unfolded her arms and sat up. "I find him interesting, smart, funny, endearing, dedicated, and loyal to a fault. He's always there for the team and for you…" She said, ticking off the highpoints on her left hand.

"So… you really like him?" Sheppard searched her face. "I just want to know so I can adjust my big brother routine appropriately." He leaned back, resting his elbows on the big beach blanket, watching the myriad emotions cross her face: humor, confusion, pain. . . and something deeper.

"John. . . I honestly don't know how I feel. Thoughts of Tony still leave me depressed. I know, deep inside, that I have to move past his death, and I have, for the most part. He wouldn't want me to stagnate, but I haven't been here long enough to jump into something serious with another man."

She stood and moved to the edge of the pier, looking out over the vast expanse of aquamarine waves lapping gently at the outer shell of Atlantis. Vast... what a perfect word. It described the water, Atlantis, the Universe. . . the hole in her heart. With a sigh, she turned, facing her brother.

"I care for Rodney more than I have for any man since Tony, but... I don't really know him well enough to... Can't we just leave it there for now?" Her sad eyes held his.

Sensing her turmoil, Sheppard rose and crossed to her, pulling her into a hug.

"Tony would want you to be happy, Jesi. Remember that." He kissed her temple and stood back, smiling. "Let's enjoy the sun. Come back over here and we'll pester Ronon, but you get to be closer to him. He won't punch you!"


The rest of the week passed at a snail's pace as Sheppard went slowly crazy. He'd always loved being around the water, but only when he could surf, dive, or swim. Inactivity was killing him. Teyla, sensing his mood, suggested he and Jesi try her toning exercises. He scoffed at the idea but was surprised by how much the movements relieved his aching muscles. The gentle exercise also helped rebuild his stamina, which pleased Carson.

Finally, he was up for parole! Sheppard rounded the doorway to the infirmary, his eyes meeting the warden's laughing blue ones.

"I knew you'd be early, Colonel. Come, climb up here." Beckett patted the exam bed.

Sheppard strode over and hopped onto the bed, grinning at the doctor. "I'm a good patient, Carson, no matter what you write in your reports to Elizabeth!"

Beckett coughed once and eyed the man sprawled lazily on the mattress. "Aye, good patient is stamped all over your medical record, lad." Beckett put on his stethoscope and reached for Sheppard with the flat end. "Let's have a listen, shall we?"

Sheppard sat patiently as Carson ran his tests: heart, lungs, blood pressure, reflexes, vision, hearing... Hell, the doc even made him open his mouth for a quick peek at his teeth! Sheppard pushed the physician's hand away with a scowl.

"Last time I read your personnel file, I didn't see D.D.S. listed as one of your specialties, Carson!" Sheppard crossed his arms and stared down the other man. "Am I good?"

"That depends. Are you still suffering headaches, pain or exhaustion of any form?" Beckett raised a hand when Sheppard would have automatically replied in the negative. "Honesty, Colonel, is a lost virtue around here. Indulge me with a little bit of it about now."

Sheppard grimaced, suddenly finding something interesting off in the distance behind Beckett's right ear.

"Ah, I was going to say 'I'm fine', and I would have meant it." He met Beckett's concerned blue eyes. " Carson, I feel great. Between the naps, the sunshine and Teyla's easy exercises, I really do feel fine. Honestly."

Beckett smiled and patted Sheppard's knee. "I know you do, son. I just wanted to see if you could be honest with me for once." Beckett turned and handed the tray of instruments he'd used during the exam to the shift nurse before facing Sheppard again. "Congratulations, Colonel, you're cleared for duty. I'll send a report to Elizabeth letting her know."

"Thanks, Doc!" Sheppard slid off the bed, wasting no time heading for the door. He pulled up short, turning at Beckett's soft call.

"John, be careful using that device. I don't want to see you back in here for a while."

"You'll be there to observe us when we test it, right?" Sheppard asked.

"Aye," Beckett nodded. "To be sure, I will lad."

Sheppard shot the doctor a mock salute and cocky grin. "Then we should be perfectly safe." He turned on his heel and disappeared through the doorway.

"Little minx, that one is!" Beckett said as he and the nurse set out the equipment for Jesi's checkup.


Weir sat at her desk, lost in thought as she read Major Lorne's latest report. On their journey near Atlantian space, the Wraith cruisers had stopped at several planets to cull food. After the Wraith left each planet, she'd sent Lorne's team to check on the inhabitants. She cringed at his descriptions of the sweeping damage suffered; he reported massive destruction and loss of life. Many of the planets were allies, and she'd arranged to send teams with food and medical supplies, along with clean up and reconstruction assistance.

"Elizabeth..." McKay's tinny voice chirped in her ear.

Tapping her radio, Weir responded, "Yes Rodney."

"We're ready if you want to observe."

"Go ahead and get started. I'll be there soon." Weir tapped off the radio and stretched her arms high above her head. She'd asked to be informed when Sheppard and Jesi tested the wrist devices this morning. Standing, she grabbed her coffee cup and headed out. She smiled softly as she thought of Rodney's protests at conducting the tests in the infirmary. Carson had insisted and she'd agreed, just as a precaution. If things went well, they would move future tests to Rodney's lab, but this one time it seemed wise to conduct the test under medical supervision.

Entering the infirmary a few short moments later, Weir detoured past Carson's coffee pot and refilled her cup. Adding sweetener and cream, she stirred as she walked to the isolation room in the back of the infirmary. When she stepped through the doorway, her eyes fell upon Sheppard and Jesi reclined in special seats resembling Red Cross blood donor chairs. Both were resting, eyes closed, their bodies covered with light blankets. Leads and wires sprouted from random spots on their persons, Carson's handiwork, no doubt. They were wearing the wrist devices.

Weir stepped up next to Beckett, sipping from her steaming coffee. "How are they?"

"Hullo Elizabeth. They're fine, so far. You haven't missed much. Rodney is having John run through the diagnostic display and test different buttons on the wristbands. They're trying to link the correct button to a specific action."

"Interesting..." Weir stepped closer to the chairs, observing Sheppard's placid face. His closed eyes twitched, but he responded to McKay's questions easily enough.

"Colonel, try pressing the green button. It's supposed to be a 'go' command."

"Pressing green button... now," Sheppard replied. "Whoa, cool!"

"Sheppard, what happened?" McKay's worried eyes studied the man in the chair.

"I like the green button, McKay! We don't have to 'fly' to the planet's surface. I just thought about the Athosian village and pressed the button. One second we were in space; the next we were on the ground in the village. It's like I blinked and was somewhere else."

"Good, good, that's... good. Now, try and reverse your trip." McKay punched a few buttons on his laptop and waited.

"I love this!" Sheppard grinned. "It worked. I just thought 'space' and pushed the button; now we're above the Ancients' planet."

"Okay, pull up your schematics, and look at sector 8A. I believe the purple button makes you visible to the people around you, but we need to test it."

"No problem, Rodney. Give us a second." Sheppard said.

McKay glanced at Weir, his lips turning up on one side. "Hi Elizabeth."

"Rodney." Weir nodded. "So far so good?"

"Better than good, Elizabeth. This device is the coolest thing I've ever seen," Sheppard said from behind Weir and McKay.

Weir gasped, and McKay jumped before turning to see a holographic Sheppard standing behind them. A holographic Jesi stood next to Beckett.

"Don't do that!" McKay shrieked, grabbing his chest. "You really are trying to kill me, aren't you?"

"Couldn't even if I tried," Sheppard said as he threw a swing at McKay. His hand slid through McKay's body even as the man tried to dodge the blow. "See? Ya didn't feel a thing."

"Hey! That wasn't very nice!" McKay snapped as he stood up from his crouched posture. "But it is an amazing trick! Now, focus Colonel! The red button appears to be an emergency disconnect. I suggest we save that for real world, as needed testing. Let's try the white button."

"I just did. That's how I'm talking to you. The white button allows me to speak without using my 'real' body. I think the words and the person or persons to whom I am speaking can hear me." Sheppard pointed to his body. "Observe."

McKay and Weir turned to face the chairs. Sheppard's body remained still, lips unmoving, as his voice continued to speak from behind them.

"Pretty handy little device the Ancients developed. If we could connect it to our radios... now, that would come in handy on missions."

"I'd say so, Colonel." Weir turned to face the holographic Sheppard. "Good job, both of you." Turning to Beckett, she raised a brow. "How are they doing, medically?"

"Good actually," Beckett said, stuffing his hands in his lab coat pockets. "Absolutely no trauma. Using the wristbands seems to have cured them of most of the pesky side effects. I'll run a thorough exam when they're finished, just to be safe."

Weir tipped her head. "Good. I'm going back to my office. Rodney, I want a full briefing when you're done with the test."

"Of course, Elizabeth." McKay nodded once before turning back to his laptop, lost once again to science.

With an indulgent smile, Weir sipped her coffee as she headed back to the tall stack of reports living on the corner of her desk.


TBC