Final Chapter

They'd asked him if he wanted a lawyer. That was cute. He'd declined. He wasn't fighting the charges. John didn't deny the fact he deserted. There were five Generals - two Major, three Brigadier respectively. John had never been in a room with so many stars. Oh, and the Director of the IOA, Mr. Zamboni. Seriously. John couldn't look at him without thinking about hockey.

Mr. Woolsey was also in attendance as the head of Atlantis and John's immediate boss. They'd called Dr. Keller in for his medical information regarding both his heart and the Wraith enzyme. Rodney was there because, as General Bacalis had put it, "You may be the smartest man in two galaxies, Doctor, but us grunts do know how to count supply lists. It's the funniest thing. The past six months they just haven't added up quite right." John didn't understand why they had linked Rodney with the missing ammo at first but as it turned out, they had accused Lorne until Rodney stepped up and admitted it was him. Ronon remained absent. It might have had something to do with his comment about 'shooting them' in front of Woolsey.

'There' was the conference room. Major General Thomlinson, a broad-shouldered man well into his fifties though somehow holding onto his dark blonde hair, flipped through his papers. "According to your report, Colonel, yourself and former Lt. Aiden Ford stumbled across one of the researchers of the facility. Is this correct?"

John folded his hands on the wooden table. "Yes, sir."

"You determined that the purpose of the facility was for medical experimentation in order to preserve their people and that the other researchers were hidden somewhere in the building."

"Yes, sir."

Zamboni, who was not so much broad shouldered as just broad, cut in. "And then you shot him when you should have taken him hostage. Do you realize how much information we could have retrieved from that man? Thanks to you, Colonel, we still are unaware of whom the threat really is. We are no closer now than we were before."

John stiffened in anger but held it in, calmly replying, "Ninety seven people were saved that day."

"Yes, and there are still fifty more missing. Correct me if I'm wrong, Colonel, but that implies that there is more than one base of operations. And we have nothing to go on."

Jennifer gently placed the folder she had been clinging to on the table. "Excuse me for interrupting but Colonel Sheppard can't be held responsible for that. He was under the influence of an extremely strong dose of Wraith enzyme."

Brigadier General Hubler sat forward in his chair. "How exactly does that matter?"

His question wasn't asked sarcastically but in honest curiosity. Jennifer explained it as best she could. "It matters because the enzyme not only enhances your physical abilities, it also alters your brain chemistry to an alarming degree. This can lead to rash judgment decisions and violent mood swings. When faced with a tormentor of innocent people, a sober individual would find it hard not to kill him instantly. For a person in Colonel Sheppard's condition, it had to have taken a massive amount of self control."

Mr. Zamboni shook his bald head. "It doesn't change the facts one bit. We still have nothing to go on because of you," he pointed at Sheppard.

Waltzing into the room, Lt. General Jack O'Neill grouched, "Oh, cool it, Zammy."

John and the others rose out of their seats in respect. Jack ignored it, setting down his briefcase beside his seat, continuing, "Sorry about that. Had to see about a Space Monkey. Please continue."

It wasn't every day Sheppard heard a General apologize about anything but then again, O'Neill was definitely not like any other General he'd ever met.

Getting comfortable in his chair, Jack began, "Let's go on what we do know. Caldwell said the ship that attacked was Ancient design. McKay!"

Rodney jerked his head to attention at being called upon.

"Recognize it as any particular year model?"

To everyones surprise, Rodney replied, "Actually, yes."

Rodney glanced at the other Generals in the room. Thomlinson motioned him to continue.

Getting excited at his discovery, Rodney uttered, "I don't know why I didn't realize it before. It looks exactly like the ship that John described the Asgard as using."

Jack's eyebrows shot up. "Asgard?"

Knowing what Jack was thinking, Rodney quickly added, "The Pegasus Asgard - the faction that broke off and started the Attero device."

Jack nodded sagely. "Ah, yes. The evil clones."

Hubler leaned back in his seat. "So we think the Asgard are involved in this now?"

Rodney tilted his head back and forth in a thoughtful gesture. "It's possible. I mean, it fits their MO - experimentation on humans."

John quipped, "So the researchers are just patsy's."

O'Neill sat up in his seat, the "General" definitely coming to the forefront in his expression. "Colonel, did you get the impression that the researchers had the capability to use Ancient technology - such as one of their ships?"

"No, sir. Their building had no advanced tech, no shields, no jamming devices, no defensive weapons - nothing."

"Right." Jack fiddled with the pen in his hands. "So assuming we are dealing with Asgard," which did not sit well with him -Thor would not be pleased, "they've got to be relatively few in number if they are having us insignificant humans doing their dirty work."

"I just don't understand it," Rodney voiced in frustration. "Their methods are far more advanced than anything those researchers could have come up with. What could they possibly hope to gain by doing this?"

Bacalis waved his hand. "We're jumping to conclusions. We don't know if the Asgard are involved or not."

"There is always the Travelers. They are familiar with Ancient ships, are they not?"

John leveled Zamboni with a glare. "Those Travelers, as you call them, would not submit the people of this galaxy to endless torture! What purpose could you see them possibly having for that?! It doesn't even make any god damn sense."

"Colonel!," Jack barked, giving him a calming look that he needed to back down.

John's frown stayed firmly in place, glaring at Zamboni across the table.

Thomlinson licked his lips. "I believe we've gotten slightly off topic for this discussion. Colonel, do you have anything to add to the hearing?"

"No, sir. It's all in the report."

"Alright then, Sheppard. Dismissed."

Keller and McKay exited with John and Jack was left with the big wigs. He knew most of them fairly well, some more than he would care to. Thomlinson was level-headed. Jack knew that his decision would be fair. Hubler was the youngest among them and too quiet for Jack to really figure out. Anytime he had spoken during the hearing, it was to ask a question gathering more information about the situation. Bacalis was a little more of a hothead and a stickler. Jack had been in Special Ops with Baker and would easily trust the man with his life. Normandy, well he was an unknown - hadn't said a word the whole time. And of course, Zamboni. Jack really really hated that man. If he had to list the number one thing he hated about his job, it would be the IOA and Zamboni in particular.

Think of the devil and he shall speak. "I think it's fairly obvious what should be done with him."

Jack withheld his sigh, rotating his chair around to Zammy. "And what, pray tell, is that?"

Zamboni closed his file. "Imprisonment and a resign of his commission. He's a deserter and a disgrace to the United States government."

Point blank, Jack decided it was best to inform, "This is an Air Force matter so you can keep your little opinions to yourself."

Bacalis tapped his pen against his left index finger. "Colonel Sheppard has always been a big of a rogue."

Zamboni latched onto that and ran with it. "Yes, and now he's gone too far! He can't get off scott free for this."

Jack leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Why are you here? This is a United States military hearing. You have no say."

"I'm here, General, because Atlantis is an expedition run by the IOA. Thus Colonel Sheppard's placement here is my decision."

"Well, you've made your opinion clear. It's a stupid one considering John Sheppard has the strongest Ancient gene in this galaxy and more valuable experience and connections than most anyone else on this base but ya know, whatever."

"And it's that information right there that's got him grabbing you all by the balls."

Zamboni stood, taking his file and exiting the room.

Jack turned to Richard. "You're his boss, Woolsey. What do you think?"

Richard calmly folded his hands together on the table while he gathered his thoughts. "I agree that imprisoning Colonel Sheppard would be depriving Atlantis of a valuable asset."

Thomlinson decided to play devil's advocate. "You appear to have done just fine without him for the past six months."

Woolsey allowed that with a nod. "That may be true but we have also not had any emergencies in the city in that time. I understand Colonel Sheppard's motives in doing what he did. Teyla Emmagan is a valuable member of his team," here Jack internally winced at instances in his own life where that had been just as clearly a massive understatement, "and an invaluable asset to this expedition. However, Colonel Sheppard dedicated his life to his country and must follow their rules. It's not as if he was gone for a week. It was almost a year. His punishment should be accordingly."

Two hours later and John's verdict was given him. He wasn't going to prison. That was something. He was to be restricted to base for six months except in the case of an off world emergency. And the bit that shocked Sheppard with how much it actually hurt was the biggest part of his punishment; he was getting demoted. That stung. John never would have thought he would have made it to Lt. Colonel in a million years. Hell, he was shocked when he'd made Major. But to have it taken away after the fact - John took a deep breath.

Teyla was safe. She was home and with her son and that was all that mattered. Being demoted was nothing compared to the thought of losing her.

John sat on the edge of his bed, toying with the silver oak leaves that once pinned to the top of the uniform he hated wearing. It was the first time John had been back in his room since he left Atlantis. Jennifer told him that Rodney personally ensured that his things were left as John had left them and that no one else was given John's quarters. John wasn't entirely sure what that meant but knowing Rodney it had something to do with electronics. Standing up, John quickly left his dark quarters and stepped into the hall. It was nice to no longer have a guard.

He was in the gate room before he found his target. "General O'Neill, sir?"

Jack was waiting for him. "Sheppard."

They'd decided no ceremony was in order. Who would want one for their demotion anyway? The other General's and Mr. Zamboni had already taken their leave, only Jack remaining. Sheppard handed over his Lt. Colonel insignias and accepted the gold oak leaves symbolizing his Major status. The gate sprung to life but as no one was panicking John assumed it was expected. He wasn't not used to not knowing.

John couldn't quite hide his surprise when Colonel Carter stepped through the gate. Noticing the General and himself first, Sam walked over with a smile on her face.

"General," she greeted with a nod and a sparkle in her eye. John's amazed by the fact that they call each other by their ranks in front of him when he knows they're married.

"Carter," her husband nodded back, hands buried in his pockets.

"John, it's so good to see you." He's surprised by the honesty in her voice.

"I'm very surprised to see you," he counters.

"Ah." She smiles brightly and even though John had never really thought of her as an unhappy person, the contrast between now and when she was in command of Atlantis was stark. "Mr. Woolsey's being sent back for a review of his command and I was asked to take over for the week he'll be gone."

"A week? That long?"

Jack rocked on his feet. "Zamboni wasn't too keen on how things turned out today and wants someone he can trample on without the Air Force getting in his way."

John looked back and forth between the two of them. "Should I be worried about his position?"

Shaking his head, Jack drawled, "Nah. Zammy's all bark. Besides, Woolsey's the IOA golden boy."

Changing the conversation, Sam said, "I wanted to personally congratulate you, John."

He was confused. "Congratulate me?"

Sam touched his arm. "I never doubted you'd bring her home. Job well done."

Squeezing gently, she pulled her hand away. John couldn't help but notice the lack of rank in everything that she'd said and realized that he hasn't heard anyone call him by his new rank yet. Mentally, he started preparing himself for it.

Seeing someone behind him, Sam excused herself and John knew who it was without turning when he heard Vala squeal with glee.

Looking over John's shoulder at Colonel Carter's retreating form, Jack told him, "If it was her, they could have hanged me and I would have done the same damn thing."

Then locking eyes with John to make sure that he'd gotten the full meaning of his words, Jack ordered, "Take good care of your people, Major," and followed after his wife.

"Sir, may I have a word in private?"

Jack looked over Major Lorne's perfect military expression and knew he wasn't going to much like this conversation. "Sure." Jack pointed to the balcony with an askance look to see if that was private enough. Evan nodded briskly. Once they were outside, Jack asked, "What's on your mind, Major?"

Standing practically at attention, Lorne said, "I'd like to belay my promotion, sir."

Jack tried to maintain his General mask but wasn't quite sure he managed it. "Excuse me?"

"I'd like to..."

Jack waved his hand. "I heard what you said. God - at ease, Lorne. You of all people here should know how I feel about that."

Lorne nodded, slipping into an at ease posture and actually looking the part. "Yes, sir."

"You mind telling me why you've had this little bit of insanity?"

"When Colonel Sheppard left, I took over as 2IC of this base. I never intended to keep it, General. Merely keeping the seat warm."

"Major Sheppard deserted, Lorne. He can't go unpunished for that. His demotion is what was decided upon. And you can't go screwing up your career over what he's done with his. You'll stay as 2IC of this base as Lt. Colonel Evan Lorne and Sheppard will be under your command."

Lorne's jaw clenched, but there was no anger in his words. "With all due respect, no sir."

Jack's eyebrows shot up. "No sir?"

"I won't lead the Major. He's earned military command of this base and you won't find a man or woman in Atlantis that doesn't agree with me."

Jack locked eyes with the younger man, getting up in his face. "You realize if you do this, Major, you may not get this opportunity again? In fact, it's a sure fire way to ensure you won't get another promotion."

"I am aware of that, sir."

"Well, too bad. Request denied."

"Sir..."

Jack sent Lorne a look that shut him up fast.

"Damn it, Lorne. You've earned this promotion. Long since earned it. I respect what you are trying to do, hell, I respect what Sheppard did, but it's not gonna change a damn thing for him and it's going to cost you everything. I won't let that happen."

"Permission to speak freely, sir."

Jack rolled his eyes and waved his hand in agreement, walking to the railing.

"Imagine when we were both under General Hammond. What if it had been him? They demoted him right down to Colonel and offered you the promotion. What would you have done?"

Jack looked over his shoulder. Sighing, he said, "I would have told 'em where they could shove it."

Never losing eye contact, Evan said, "I respect him too much. Please don't make me do this."

Jack was torn between being distinctly proud of this man's loyalty and shaking his head in aggravation. Stepping away from the railing, Jack squared his shoulders. "Request granted, Major."

Lorne's relief was palpable. "Thank you, sir."

Jack did shake his head then. "Yeah, yeah. Get inside before I change my mind."

Evan wasn't really surprised when there was a pounding on his door an hour after O'Neill's scheduled departure time. Okay, maybe the pounding was a little unexpected. He couldn't remember the last time he'd heard someone knocking on a door.

Evan opened the door. "Sir."

"Don't you sir me," John glared as he stormed into the room. At first it seemed Sheppard was so mad that he couldn't even speak, instead burning his energy by wearing a hole in his floor. Then, rather abruptly, he stopped, waving dramatically at Evan. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Before Evan could even open his mouth, John continued his tirade. "Do you know where I just came from?!"

He could imagine.

"Colonel Carter's office. And she told me the damndest thing, Lorne. But I wouldn't believe her so I came to see you myself because I know there was no way you'd be such an idiot."

When Evan didn't say anything, John puffed in annoyance. "You deserved that promotion a long time ago. And what did you do when you got it?! You blew it! And for what? For me? Not acceptable! You march your ass up to that gate room and tell them you changed your mind."

"Not gonna happen, sir," Lorne replied mildly.

John wanted to shake him. Or shoot him. Or quite possibly shake his hand. And damn it if he didn't hate conflicting emotions.

Sighing, John shifted his weight to one leg. "Stop calling me sir. We're the same rank."

Lorne visibly relaxed, knowing he was off the hook. "Don't relax yet," John gestured at him. "I'm still pissed at you."

John blearily brought the image outside his doorway into focus.

"I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"

Teyla. "No," he lied, motioning her into his quarters.

"I was just able to get Torren to sleep. He was over-stimulated today with being back in Atlantis after so long and very restless this evening."

"He's just happy to see everyone," John said, masking a yawn before she turned around.

Teyla nodded in agreement, wringing her hands together in front of her in a nervous habit that was so un-Teyla that John became instantly awake.

"What's wrong?"

Her eyes jerked up to his. "Nothing," she said far too quickly and then realized she had and frowned at herself. John merely raised an eyebrow in a manner she had done on more than one occasion to him when he was fumbling things up. It was kind of nice to have the tables turned.

Sighing in annoyance at herself, Teyla met his eyes. "I wanted to apologize."

John looked at her incredulously. "For what?"

"I feel responsible."

Maybe he was more tired than he thought. "You're really gonna have to help me out here because I'm still not following you."

She sighed again only this time her annoyance was directed at him. It never failed to amaze him how easily he could rankle her when Teyla was the utmost of polite with everyone else. John could tell she was about five seconds away from saying 'nevermind' and backing out of whatever she wanted to tell him so he thought back, trying to think of what she could be talking about. And then it hit him. "You're not talking about me getting demoted, are you?"

"Yes. John, I..."

"Don't." He waved her off. "I don't want to hear it. You are not responsible. I left - my decision. Period."

"But..."

John forcefully interrupted her. "I would do it again. It wouldn't matter what they did when I got back."

There was such intensity in his eyes and he turned away from her as if ashamed of himself.

"John?"

His eyes flicked up to her face. Teyla thought that John had let down his barriers on that battlefield - that he had let her in but ever since she'd been back, it was the same. Possibly worse. There had been so much happening around them that she had hardly seen him at all.

For Athosians, it was traditional for a man to show his interest in a partner and if the woman reciprocated, then they would become a couple. Teyla was not traditional in many respects, but this she found agreeing with her nature.

It was why, after her courtship with Kanaan ended and Teyla came to the startling conclusion that she cared for John Sheppard far more than she had originally thought, Teyla never pursued it. If she and John were to have a relationship, John would have to learn to let her in and she had always believed that him taking the first step in the relationship was vital for that to happen. Maybe she was wrong, maybe she was tired of waiting, tired of hiding behind her traditional values, but Teyla could not maintain this shaking uncertainty any longer. Whatever held John Sheppard back would withhold her no more.

Teyla's eyebrows rose in an almost pleading inquiry. "I need to know what you want."

It was obvious what she was asking of him and she could see he understood by the startled expression on his face. John bit his lip in the way he always did when he was unsure quite what to say. A hint of annoyance or frustration rolled off of him as John gestured, "Teyla, now's really not the time."

Her own ire rising, Teyla voiced, "There will never be a time, John. There is always something. This can be put aside no longer." Articulating, her eyes firmly set upon his own, Teyla repeated, "Now what do you want?"

John fidgeted on his feet, then stared out of his balcony window sightlessly. Finally, under his breath he whispered, "Damn it." Obviously coming to the conclusion he couldn't get out of this, John looked at her in resignation. "I want what I've always wanted, Teyla."

"And that is?"

His eyes hadn't left hers, and his whole body had an air of casualness that belied how still his frame was - as if his body was a shield, preparing to ward off whatever she might say in response to his one word.

"You."

Teyla's breath held in her chest. The frisson of surprise that shot through her caused her heart to beat rapidly. Teyla had hoped, but to actually hear the words from John's lips was a completely different matter.

Narrowing her eyes, Teyla stepped toward him in obvious thought. She didn't stop until she was right in his face, making John more than a little nervous as Teyla had yet to say anything. Her eyes roamed over him and then Teyla seemed to come to a decision - only John had no idea what that decision was.

Fortunately, Teyla chose not to keep him in the dark for long. Just as John opened his mouth to apologize, Teyla cupped the back of his head in her hand and firmly cut off his words with her lips. For one very John-like moment, he stood there with his eyes bugged open, stunned senseless. And then instinct and his desire for her kicked in and John was lost in the simple glorious fact that he was kissing Teyla and lord help him, she was kissing him back.

Author's Note: Normally, I wouldn't use space monkey because I think people use it too much. But I wanted Jack to have been late because of Daniel but Jack would never say something so mundane as 'Sorry I'm late. Had to see Daniel before I came here' when he could say something that would confuse everyone and thus amuse him.