Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate or any of its characters. I do love to write about them though.

For those of you who asked for a sequel to my story 'A glitch in time,' here it is – I hope you enjoy it.

This story takes place directly after the events of the story, 'A glitch in time.' If you haven't read the story you may need to go back and read it.

I will still be finishing "A second chance," but I thought I'd run with this idea as well. I'll try and update both stories as often as I can.

Chapter 1: Home

John sat and stared at Woolsey, trying to hide his discomfort as the man's eyes bored into him. He had been in Woolsey's office for an hour now; trying to explain the events of the last three and a half weeks and the man just didn't seem to believe him. Something which took him completely by surprise as he thought that Woolsey was more open-minded these days. McKay believed him immediately, as did Ronon, but for the moment the two men were silent as if they were waiting for him or Woolsey to make the next move – it's almost like a strategic game of chess was being played and only he or Woolsey could control the outcome.

"So…" Woolsey began, and John cringed at the sound of his voice, "you're telling me that, you were sucked into an anomaly, knocked unconscious and then you crashed a jumper into a strange planet and broke your arm. You were then infected with a deadly bacterium and found an older version of yourself, who died. The spread of the bacterium was slowed down by radiation in the atmosphere and when you left the planet you became gravely ill? Then you landed on the planet again, discovered an ancient city called Arastica, eradicated a Wraith virus from its systems, was healed of your injuries by Arastica and the bacteria was eliminated from your system by the city's AI. Along the way, you discovered ZPM and drone making facilities. Then you destroyed a Wraith hive, was fed on by a wraith, had your life returned and finally you went through enzyme withdrawal, and all this took place fifty years in the future? Oh, and I mustn't forget that you met an older version of Torren who was married to Dr McKay's niece."

That had to be the longest speech he'd ever heard from Woolsey and it was giving him a headache – although that wasn't the thing that hurt the most at the moment, so he rubbed his chest at the fresh feeding scar, before answering, "yep and I've got the scar to prove it."

Carson had believed him immediately when he'd explained how he'd come by the feeding scar and even Keller had, even though she was a bit apprehensive at first. The only person who seemed to have trouble believing him was Woolsey and it was frustrating him no end. He still couldn't get his head around the fact that Woolsey didn't believe him because Woolsey had seen some strange things since he had come to Atlantis. Perhaps he'd been taken over by an Alien entity, or he'd been talking to his buddies at the IOA again – that wouldn't surprise him because even after a year or more on Atlantis the IOA were still wanting Woolsey to do things their way.

"If what you say is true, why can't Atlantis heal you when you are sick or injured and where are the ZPM and drone making facilities on Atlantis?"

Sighing he answered Woolsey with as much patience as he could muster, "that will be the first thing I ask Atlantis when Carson clears me for duty."

"And you're telling me that the Wraith hive-ship was sucked through the anomaly?"

"Yep," he replied not wanting to go into any more detail because he was getting tired of the conversation.

"Do you know where or when it is?"

"Nope."

"And you expect me to believe this?" Woolsey asked with obvious disbelief.

John sighed, he knew that Teyla was the only one who could help him, but she was on New Athos at the moment, "yep, why don't you ask Teyla, she was with me?"

"I intend to ask her when she gets back from visiting the Athosians."

Before he had a chance to reply, Rodney interjected, "for crying out loud Woolsey, we live on a floating city in another galaxy – a city that can fly through space for that matter. We travel from planet to planet through an active wormhole, we travel in starships that travel through hyperspace and there are life-sucking aliens who can suck the life out of you with their bare hands. And you're telling me you don't believe Sheppard? And where do you think he came across the three ZPM's he has in the jumper, especially since he was only gone for five minutes, but if you can come up with another plausible explanation, I'm all ears.

Suddenly Woolsey's countenance changed, and John knew that he was finally coming around, "well when you put it like that Dr McKay, I have no choice, but to believe Colonel Sheppard."

He was about to comment when Rodney butted in again, "really? You have no choice but to believe him? How about you believe him because it's the only plausible explanation?! Rodney ranted.

By this time, he'd had enough, and he wanted this meeting to be over, so the last thing he needed was for Rodney and Woolsey to argue, "McKay that's enough!"

Rodney looked as if he was going to open his mouth again, but he just glared at him, and the annoying scientist kept his mouth shut – much to his relief.

He didn't miss the glare that Woolsey gave Rodney before he addressed the room, "I would like to speak to Colonel Sheppard alone, so the rest of you are dismissed."

John sighed as the others left the room, he didn't want to speak to Woolsey any longer because he was expecting Teyla back from New Athos that afternoon and then they planned to announce their relationship to their friends. Teyla was on New Athos telling Kanaan of her plans right now. Torren was spending some time with him as well, although he wasn't sure what Torren thought of the man and Torren had asked him why he had to see Kanaan – at least as well as any two-year-old could.

He'd spent three and a half weeks with Teyla in the future and he'd wanted to move in with her when they got back to Atlantis, but in the end, they had decided to leave it a few days until they'd had a chance to discuss what had happened with Woolsey and their friends.

"Colonel, are you listening to me?" Woolsey asked interrupting his contemplations.

Well, he wasn't sure what Woolsey was saying, but he thought that he'd take a guess anyway, "sure, you want to know how we're going to go about finding Arastica in this time?"

"That's not exactly what I said Colonel, but I take it you would like to go and look for Arastica?"

Of course, he wanted to go and look for Sheppard's planet and Arastica, "why wouldn't I, they have ZPM and Drone making facilities and they are exactly the things we need in our fight against the Wraith and Torren gave me the coordinates for the planet before we left his time. Oh, and by the way, it's called Sheppard's planet."

Woolsey raised an eyebrow, "Sheppard's planet?"

"Yeah, Teyla, Torren and Ronon named it, because I was the first person to set eyes upon it – well it wasn't me exactly, it was the other Sheppard."

"Right…. Anyway, how about you come up with a mission plan and let me know."

"I'll have to go back through the notes that Torren left me because I'm positive we will still have to deal with the fact that the anomaly is probably still active in this time, and we may still get sucked into it."

"But didn't Torren shut it down?" Woolsey asked and John could see his confusion.

"It was a wormhole through time, so when Torren shut his end down in the future, he shut it down around New Athos in the past. But seeing as Torren hasn't shut the anomaly as yet, I'm assuming it's still open."

Woolsey just stared at him and as usual, it made him feel uncomfortable, "what?" Rather than waiting for Woolsey to answer him he just kept going. "Never mind, I'll come up with a mission plan and I'll let you know. How about I let you know in a couple of days because I'd like to spend a few days around here before I go off-world again and not to mention the fact that Carson won't let me leave Atlantis for another four days even if wanted to."

"Okay, I want a mission plan as soon as you're ready Colonel. Now if there's nothing else, you're dismissed."

At last, he thought looking at his watch, Teyla was due back in about five minutes and hopefully, she would bring Torren with her. She was intending to leave him on New Athos with Kanaan for a few days, but he was hoping that Teyla would bring him home with her. He missed both of them when he wasn't with them and he knew that he couldn't wait for them to be a family permanently.

The sound of the gate activating caught his attention and when he looked around, he realised that he hadn't left Woolsey's office and the man was staring at him again.

"I'll catch you later Mr Woolsey," he said as he rushed out of the office and within a minute, he was down on the gateroom floor watching the chevrons light up.

He was bouncing on his toes in excitement as the seventh Chevron lit up and the wormhole sprang to life, he knew that it had only been a few hours since he had seen Teyla, but he couldn't wait to see her again.

When she stepped through the wormhole, he was disappointed though because Torren – or T.J as he liked to call him – wasn't with her.

"John it is so good to see you again?"

"You to Swee…Teyla," he said bowing his head towards her in the traditional Athosian greeting.

He took a quick look around to make sure that no one was around as he had almost slipped up and called her Sweetie. Gossip on Atlantis spread like wildfire and if there was one thing he despised, it was being the latest topic for the rumour mill.

"Are you free for lunch, or do you have work to do John?"

Carson had told him that under no circumstances was he able to go back on duty for the next four days and he'd already served two of those days, so he still had two days to do nothing and for the first time since he'd been on Atlantis, he was happy about it, "I'm free for the rest of the afternoon, so did you want to do something?"

"I have to go and have a medical check-up first and then perhaps we can go and sit on the East pier for a picnic lunch."

"Are you alright Teyla?" He asked with concern, "I mean if you have to go to the infirmary."

"There is nothing to worry about John, Carson and Jennifer are still worried about what happened in the future and although I have told them that I did not sustain any life-threatening injuries they still insist on giving me check-ups every few days."

"Yeah, I know I've had to report to the infirmary every morning since I've been back."

"Well, I am off to the infirmary. Perhaps I will see you on the East pier in half an hour."

"Alright, I'll see you then Teyla."

"Goodbye John."

He watched as Teyla walked away and eventually he headed towards the mess hall to get some food to share with Teyla and he couldn't be happier. Tonight, they would tell their friends and he would then tell Woolsey the next day – he only hoped that the IOA and Stargate command would have no problems with them being together.

oOo

Sitting with his legs dangling off the edge of the East pier, John stared at the deep blue ocean and admired the tall glistening spires in the background. The sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud on the sky. It was a beautiful day except, the only thing that was missing was Teyla.

As much as he'd enjoyed his time on Arastica, he'd missed Atlantis. Atlantis was his city and when he connected with her it was different – and definitely better - than when he had been connected to Arastica.

Perhaps if they found Arastica in this time period he would have a chance to connect with her again and maybe it would feel different. He had no idea whether she would have been infected with the Wraith virus as yet, but he couldn't wait to find out – well he didn't really want to have to deal with the virus again, but he certainly couldn't wait to find Arastica. Perhaps they could get Arastica and Atlantis connecting, he was positive that the cities would love that.

"Hey Sheppard, did you hear a word I said?" Rodney asked interrupting his thoughts, which surprised him because he had no idea when his friend had arrived.

"What do you want McKay?" He asked feeling annoyed that the scientist was there talking to him when all he wanted to do was spend time alone with Teyla.

"I need the coordinates for the planet with Arastica on it!?" Rodney demanded.

"Sheppard's planet."

"Huh?" Rodney replied.

"The planet's called Sheppard's planet."

He didn't miss the eye roll that Rodney gave him as he replied, "Okay…whatever, but do you have the coordinates for it?"

"Yes, I have the coordinates for it but I'm not giving them too you now McKay, I'm about to meet Teyla for lunch."

For the first time since he'd got there, Rodney looked down at the picnic rug and the food that had been spread out on it. He'd been wondering how long it would take Rodney to discover the food.

"Hey, I'm starving I hope you brought enough for me too."

"No, I didn't bring enough for you Rodney because I would like to spend some time with Teyla and I would like for us to be on our own."

"You just spent three and a half weeks with her, why don't you want to spend some time with me? I am your best friend after all."

He was really annoyed by this time so he practically shouted at his friend hoping that he would get the message and go away, "Rodney, go away and leave me alone. I will speak to you later!"

The look on Rodney's face could only be described as one of shock as he answered, "alright, alright, I'll go, but can you see me later?"

"If it's work-related no, as Carson has forbidden me to go through the gate for the next four days so for the next twenty-four hours, I won't be doing any work."

"Don't get your boxers in a twist, Colonel Cranky pants," Rodney replied as he walked away.

He chose to ignore that comment because as much as he liked Rodney, he could be arrogant and condescending at times, and sometimes he was just downright painful. Besides he knew that his friend would be back annoying him before too long anyway.

Sighing he looked back at the glistening blue ocean and wondered if he should take a swim. The weather was warm, and he was beginning to feel hot so he decided that after lunch he would jump in. Teyla could join him if she wanted to, although he suspected that she couldn't swim. He'd never seen her in the water, so just assumed that she couldn't, although he'd never bothered to ask.

"I am sorry that I took so long Honey, but Carson and Jennifer insisted on running a series of tests," Teyla told him coming up alongside him.

Suddenly he felt worried, if Carson was running tests on Teyla something had to be wrong with her, "are you alright Sweetie?"

"It is nothing to worry about; they are still worried that I may have been infected with the strange bacterium that is present on Sheppard's planet."

"Why would they think that, Sweetie?"

"Because when we first crashed, I hit my head and if you remember there was a large open gash on it."

"Yes, I remember, and you still have a scar," he took her hand before continuing, "and have they found anything?"

"No honey, apparently I am in perfect health."

He leant in and kissed her on her luscious lips and he was pleased when she kissed back, that is until someone behind them cleared their throat.

Turing around he was surprised to see that Ronon was standing behind them with a huge grin on his face and his arms crossed.

"What?" He asked with impatience.

"It's about time you two got together," Ronon smirked. "Did this all happen in the future?"

All John could do was nod and look at his feet and luckily Teyla answered the question for him, "yes we finally realised our feelings for one another when Sheppard told us what had happened to his Teyla."

"Well, I'm happy for you guys, but when were you intending on telling us?" Ronon asked and John thought he looked a little hurt that he hadn't been told.

Again, Teyla answered the question, "We were planning on telling you and Rodney after dinner tonight."

Tiring of the conversation, John decided that it was about time he changed the topic, "is there something you needed me for Ronon?"

"I'm bored I was wondering if you guys wanted to do something, but obviously you already have plans so I'll catch you later."

Sighing he grabbed his friend by the arm, "don't go Ronon, why don't you stay and have lunch with us?"

"Yes, we seem to have plenty," Teyla added.

Nodding his head, John continued, "After we eat I intend on going for a swim if you're interested."

"Are you sure, I can go if you want some privacy and don't want me here?"

"Stay Ronon, we have more than enough food and we will be happy to have your company," Teyla answered in a soothing tone.

"Alright if you insist," Ronon said sitting down on the picnic rug and taking a sandwich.

John sat down beside him and took a sandwich and just as he was going to take a bite, Rodney came rushing back and he didn't look happy.

"Hey I thought you wanted to be alone with Teyla, so what's Conon doing here!?"

John didn't blame him for being angry and he looked as if he was going to explode by the rigid way he stood and the redness of his face. Taking a deep breath, he attempted to placate the annoying scientist, "I apologise Rodney for not inviting you to join us, but please feel free to join us as we appear to have plenty of food."

He was relieved when Rodney seemed to calm down a little, "are you sure, I mean I wouldn't want to intrude?"

Teyla answered before he had a chance to say anything else, "please join us Rodney as it has been a while since we have been together as a team and John and I have the most wonderful news to share with you?"

Great John thought, now I have to sit through Rodney's reaction to the fact that Teyla and I are together and all I wanted was a quiet afternoon with the woman I love.

"I'm listening, "Rodney commented with his eyes open wide.

Before he or Teyla had a chance to say anything Ronon opened his mouth, "Sheppard and Teyla are a couple. They got together in the future."

He just glared at his big friend, "thanks for sharing for us Chewie?"

"Sorry Sheppard, but knowing the two of you, you'd probably take forever getting around to telling him."

He had to admit that Ronon was probably right, but he still felt a little insulted by the comment. Looking over at Rodney he realised that the man was standing with his mouth open.

Teyla patted Rodney's arm, "do you have anything to say, Dr McKay?"

"Umm…so Teyla, you and Kanaan are no longer together?"

"We split up before John and I were sucked into the anomaly and ended up in the future, that was where John and I admitted our feelings for one another."

"Okay…is that all?" Rodney asked and John thought that he still looked a little stunned.

"Yep, there's nothing else to say, but I'm going for a swim. Who's with me?" John asked standing to his feet. Whatever appetite he'd had when Teyla had arrived was long gone, so he decided that he didn't want to sit still any longer.

Teyla looked up and him and smiled as she answered, "I will stay here, tidy up and then I will enjoy the sunshine and watch you swim."

"I think I'll help Teyla tidy up and I'm still hungry so I'll need to eat some more," Rodney answered picking up another sandwich.

"I'm in," Ronon answered, before diving off the edge of the pier.

John watched as Ronon hit the water and it was anything but smooth, but Ronon had never claimed to be a swimmer, so who was he to judge.

Leaning in he kissed Teyla on the lips and out of the corner of his eye he could see Rodney squirming, "I'll see you soon Sweetie." He turned to Rodney and smirked, "you too Rodney."

"Yeah I'll catch you later Sheppard, but whatever you do, don't kiss me."

After taking one last look at Teyla he took his top of – he had shorts on so he decided that he'd swim in them – and walked to the edge of the pier and dived in. He was pleasantly surprised to find that the water was cool and refreshing and he was delighted at how smoothly he entered the water. The first thing that happened when he resurfaced was that he received a face full of water when Ronon splashed him. Once he'd finished coughing and spluttering, he did the same to Ronon and was amused that it left the big man spluttering as well. They continued to splash and dunk each other for another few minutes until he decided that he wanted to swim.

"Hey Chewie, I'll race you across to the small balcony over to our left," he suggested.

He knew that he was a much better swimmer than Ronon. Ronon had more strength though, so chances are that Ronon would beat him, but it seemed like a bit of fun.

Before he had a chance to realise what was going on Ronon had taken off and was at least ten metres ahead of him, "hey Chewie that's not fair," he yelled at his friend as he tried to catch up with him.

"Don't be so lazy Sheppard; you're a much better swimmer than me so you should be able to keep up with me!" Ronon shouted with a smirk on his face.

"Yeah, maybe I could have if you hadn't cheated," He yelled back.

He was relieved when Ronon stopped and waited for him, "okay Sheppard I'm going to give you a chance to catch up."

Before he had a chance to start swimming again, he felt something brush against his legs, he hoped he was imagining it, but it seemed extremely large. Starting to swim forwards he felt it brush his legs again and this time he kicked at it hoping that it would go away, and much to his relief whatever it was seemed to disappear – he really hoped that was the end of it.

He looked up to find that Ronon was looking at him with a worried look, "are you alright Sheppard?"

Other than being a bit freaked out he felt fine, so he smiled at his friend, "I'm good, so now that I've caught up with you, how about I race you back to the pier and this time don' cheat?"

"Fine by me," Ronon said right before he took off ahead of him again.

Sighing he started out after him and he was amazed at how quickly he seemed to be catching up to his big friend until suddenly something brushed his legs again and this time when he kicked out with his foot whatever it was grabbed his leg and dug its teeth in. The pain in his leg was excruciating and it felt like his leg was being shredded to pieces as he was pulled under the water. He managed to drag himself to the surface and was surprised when he was hit by a giant wave, which almost drowned him as he took in a huge mouthful of water. Before he had even stopped coughing he had been pulled under the water again. Slowly he managed to pull himself to the surface again, but each time he resurfaced it was becoming harder to keep his head above the water and he seemed to be swallowing more and more water.

He was barely conscious when Ronon came up beside him and started to stab at whatever was attached to his leg, but the thing still didn't want to let go. His arms were beginning to tire, his vision was beginning to blur and his leg was beginning to feel numb. The last thing he felt before he lost consciousness, was someone calling his name.

TBC…

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