Disclaimer: I still don't own Stargate Atlantis or it's characters. I've got a diabetic cat that needs his insulin that so please don't sue me. Mom and Dad Sheppard are my creation but you're welcome to borrow them, just let me know and credit me.

A/N: Thank you to my beta reader Rox. Your help is much appreciated.

A/N: Thanks to those of you who reviewed. Much appreciated.

A/N: Story dedicated to my beloved father who died of lung cancer twelve years ago. I know what it feels like to be given that dreadful news.

Part 2 - The Message

Atlantis, the famed city of legend, had become home to John Sheppard. The people he worked closest with had become his family. Rodney, Elizabeth, Carson, Teyla, Ronon and even Radek, they were the only family he needed. At least that is what he kept telling himself. Air Force life wasn't always easy and living in the Pegasus Galaxy could be darn right terrifying at times. However, he wouldn't trade any of it for the world, several worlds. He knew that he had made the right decision joining the military, he just wished his parents had approved. He still sometimes missed his mom, and even his dad. He wanted them to be a part of his life, even just a little bit.

John was standing on one of Atlantis' many outdoor balconies enjoying the ocean breeze when Colonel Caldwell approached. The Daedalus had arrived from Earth a few hours earlier. Caldwell handed him a sealed envelope. The look on his face conveying sadness.

"For you." Laying a comforting hand on Sheppard's shoulder he said "I'm sorry!" Not much for emotional displays he then walked away leaving John to his note.

Sheppard opened the note and read.

Lt. Colonel John Sheppard,

We have been informed through the American Red Cross that your father StevenSheppard is in the final stages of lung cancer. Your mother Anita Sheppard has requested that you be given leave to come home. Your leave has been granted.

Sincerely,

General Francis Reynolds

John felt like he'd been kicked in the chest. He had always hoped that he and his dad would be able to work things out someday, maybe become friends at least. Now his dad was dying and he was in another galaxy. He needed to at least try to make things right before it was to late, and he needed to do it real soon.

It had been years since he's been home. Last time he stepped foot in that house he was twenty-one and was told to leave and not come back. Now, he was going home to watch his father die. Though he wasn't going alone. He had asked Carson to come along. The man could use some time away from Atlantis and he could use a friend, especially a Doctor friend. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to comfort his mom and that scared him. Carson Beckett the Scottish teddy bear, as he'd heard a few of Atlantis' female population call him, was great at comfort.

The day after receiving the message, Lt. Colonel John Sheppard and Dr. Carson Beckett stepped through the Stargate's event horizon to Earth. He was going home, or was he leaving home? A little of both, he figured.

A/N: The American Red Cross has a program called Armed Forces Emergency Services (A.F.E.S.). If there is a death in the family or a family member is very ill, etc the family must contact the American Red Cross who then confirms it and contacts the military. Then the military can grant leave if they wish. If you were to try and call the military to say that there was a death, birth or illness in the family and wanted your loved one in the military to come home they'd tell you to contact the American Red Cross. For more information on this program contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross (Can you tell I'm a Red Cross volunteer?)