A/N: Ok, they go back to Atlantis. Thanks for the reviews and suggestions. My apologies to anyone who actually knows how the military awards medals. I haven't viewed a ceremony.

A/N2: This will be my last update for several days as I get caught up with other things.


Disclaimer: Stargate: Atlantis, Stargate:SG1, their characters and locations are the intellectual property of others. This amateur effort is not meant as an infringement of those rights.

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Events and Celebrations

The next day was beautiful, fortunately, since General Landry had invited more people than would fit in Jack and Sam's house. John had a quick lunch in the mess and waited impatiently for Jack to come get him. He was nervous, not knowing exactly what to expect. After all, most sperm donors don't meet the donees.

Jack pulled up in an SUV and came around to be sure John could get in. The gym had paid off, however, and John had pulled himself in quickly, tucking the cane in the back.

"I hope the shorts are ok. Pants still put too much pressure on the leg."

"You're fine," said Jack, getting in the car and starting the engine. He pulled out of the Cheyenne complex and headed back toward town. "I also wanted to tell you that we're going to do name tags, telling everyone it's so you will know who folks are. Anyone with a red name tag is on the list of families."

John pondered this then looked over at O'Neill. Quietly, he said, "Thanks, Jack. I really appreciate it." He looked out the window, a little embarrassed.

When they got to the house, John was impressed. As much as he loved Atlantis, the idea of his own place, with a little privacy, was something of a dream for him. They got to the front door and Carter opened it up to let them in.

"Hey, Colonel, looks like you're getting around ok."

"Yep, doing good. And remember, it's John," he said, entering the house.

"Right, John. Want a beer?"

"You bet!"

"Here you go," handing him a Samuel Smith's. "Hope that's ok."

"Like water for a guy in a desert," said John, taking a long pull.

O'Neill glanced at Carter who nodded.

"John, why don't you settle down out on the deck while Carter and I keep cooking. There's a lot of chopping to do."

"Sure, but let me know if I can do anything" said John, moving slowly to the back of the house, beer in one hand and cane in the other.

As he stepped out the door, someone stood up from a lawn chair and turned to face him. John froze at the sight of his father and straightened to attention. "Sir," he said.

Colonel Edward Sheppard looked at his son, seeing the man his son had become, the man of the Atlantis mission reports. He hadn't known how to start this conversation, but John's response to seeing him brought back painful memories.

Flashback

"Dad, I'm home." John dumped his duffle by the front door and made his way to the den where his father usually hung out. He found him facing the fireplace, bouncing on his toes. "Dad?"

His father swung around, his face stark with disapproval. "How could you? After all I taught you, you had to break the one rule that's a career killer."

"Dad, I. . ."

"Stand up straight, Major, when I'm talking to you! I won't accept a lack of respect from you."

John had snapped to attention, his focus on the wall above his father's left shoulder. The older Sheppard had proceeded to rip him a new one, but for John, it was just the latest in a series of reprimands. He had his response practiced.

"And of course, the worst part was I had to hear it from an old rival who was delighted to tell me my son had really fucked up. I am very disappointed in you."

There was a pause as the older Sheppard stared hard at the younger man who was still focused on the wall.

"Well, what do you have to say for yourself?"

"Nothing."

"That's right, because there is no excuse for your actions."

Another pause. "May I go now, sir?"

The older man nodded. "Go get settled in and we'll talk more later." He then turned his back on his son and headed to the kitchen to find something for them to eat. He was so deep in his own chagrin that he didn't hear the front door open and close.

Later, when he called his son to dinner, he found him gone.

As Edward Sheppard looked at his son, standing at attention and staring off at the woods, the memories of that last conversation poured through him. He hadn't heard from John since that day. Suddenly, the words he needed were there.

Approaching his son, he stopped two feet in front of him, extended his hand, and said, "John, I'm sorry."

John Sheppard's eyes jerked back to those of his father. He read in them the regret he also felt. Setting down the beer, he put his hand in his father's. He felt himself being pulled into his father's arms, and his father's voice adding, "Please forgive me. I love you, and I should never have said those things after what you had been through."

John had to shut his eyes tightly against the sudden rush of moisture. Putting his own arms around his father, and taking a shuddering breath, he whispered, "Thanks, Dad." He paused a moment to regain control, then he said, even more softly, "I love you, too."

His father had felt the shudder and heard the words. Knowing how John felt about emotion, he knew he had made the right choice. Pulling back to look his son in the eye, he added, "I'm proud of you, John, and your mother would be, too. Never doubt it for a moment. After I finally got a copy of the entire incident report, I understood why you went back for those men. I taught you that."

"Yes sir, you did," said John, looking away and trying to sniff quietly. He looked back at his father, and suddenly realized his father was here in Colorado Springs. A look of confusion on his face, John asked, "Dad, what are you doing here?"

The older Sheppard smiled, giving John's arms one last squeeze, and led the way over to a table in the corner of the deck. There were some chips and salsa along with a small ice chest with two more beers. "General Landry came to see me." Edward Sheppard looked down. "God help me, I thought he was going to say you were dead." The fear he had felt upon seeing the Air Force uniform still caused a chill up his spine. Looking up, he continued, "He said he thought I should know what my son had been doing for the last two years, and he got me clearance to read your mission reports. I'm amazed, John!" He leaned forward, an eager look on his face. "Tell me about Atlantis."

John hadn't missed the residual fear in his father's bearing. When he was asked about Atlantis, however, his face broke into a huge grin. "I've been wanting to, Dad. Where should I start?"

"How about when you got to the city? It sounds fantastic. Things were turning on as you arrived?"

"It is fantastic, and that's not the half of it," said John, and he proceeded to catch his father up with his life and friends of the last two years.

In the kitchen, Jack and Sam watched the two men talking and heaved two sighs of relief.

"I guess our meddling was ok," said Jack.

"This time," said Sam, going back to making a salad. "Now get those patties ready for the guests. You still have to cut up the ribs, and we've got only four hours."

"Yes ma'am," said Jack, with a mock salute, and he turned back to the large pile of hamburger on the counter.

By the time the other guests arrived around 7, John and his father were more comfortable with each other. After all the funny stories and amazing stories, John had shared some of the not-so-great stories. His father listened and understood about Sumner. He also understood John's continuing concern about Ford. John finally had a sounding board for some of the stresses of command that he had been holding inside all this time. While Elizabeth, Rodney, Teyla, and Ronon were there for him, none had known his past and the difficulties of an American military command. His father, with his thirty years in the military, knew the territory.

The arriving guests all got nametags, as Jack had said. John introduced those he knew to his father, and they both mingled, meeting the others. John kept an eye out for the red name tags. He was relieved to meet a scientist with a wife and two sons who were among the red tagged. He also met a major's family, including two girls and a boy, and one of the doctors with two girls. The girls seemed shy around John, but he teased them into smiles.

Volleyball was set up on the lawn as Jack got the grill going for hamburgers and ribs. Sam set out hamburger fixings along with potato salad, pickles, fruit, and plenty of napkins. As he expected, John noticed that Jack and Sam were wearing red nametags. He walked over to Jack at the grill and offered to take over.

"No, this event is in your honor. I don't want you to miss anything."

"Uh, whose idea was it to contact my father?"

"Well, the General and I had the same idea at the same time. So you can blame both of us."

John looked over at his dad, deep in conversation with Daniel Jackson and Teal'c, and shook his head. "Not blame, Jack. Thanks." He caught his eye with a lopsided grin, and wandered back to his father.

General Landry was late, but John saw him come in with his wife. He set out to thank him as well when he was stunned to see him put on a red nametag. He was finding his wife's nametag when John walked up.

"Uh, you, sir?"

Landry grinned ruefully and glanced at his wife before pulling John away. "Yeah, they needed volunteers, and we're suffering empty nest syndrome." He stopped and looked John straight in the eye. "Don't worry about any child of yours. We're honored to be considered as parents."

John gulped and nodded, turning to be introduced to Mrs. Landry.

Dr. Carolyn Lam slipped in as everyone was helping the kids build their first burgers. She stepped over to her father, General Landry, and pulled him aside.

"I got back those results you requested."

Landry looked interested and led her farther away from the crowd. "And?"

She shook her head.

Landry was shocked. He had taken a coffee cup the older Colonel Sheppard had used and had his DNA tested for the gene. "I thought Beckett determined the gene was on the male chromosome?"

"So did I. So either he's wrong, or…"

"Edward Sheppard is not John's biological father." He looked over to where the two men were talking to Cameron Mitchell. John was obviously describing the Red Flag event at Nellis, and Mitchell was adding in his two cents. The two Sheppards did not strictly favor each other, but they were not so different.

"We'd better get back before we're missed. I'll have to think about this," he said, leading the way back to the tables. His hope of finding some of John's relatives had just taken an unexpected turn.

As everyone was packing up and leaving, John found his father again on the deck. "Are you going back to base quarters?"

"No, the O'Neills are letting me stay here." He smiled, ruefully. "I think they were thinking ahead in case you didn't want to see me."

John stood next to his father, looking at the stars that were just coming out. "No, I already told them they were right to tell you." He looked at his father again in the fading light. "I need you in my life, even if it's a galaxy away."

Edward Sheppard smiled and slapped his son on the back. And they stood there, companionably, in the fading light.

Atlantis

"Carson, we've got to do something." Kate Heightmeyer was in Carson Beckett's office. She had just come from visiting Elizabeth. "She's not eating and not sleeping, and I'm worried about her slipping into a deep depression. She took my advice on preparing the memorial service, and the Daedalus is due back tomorrow, so we should have one scheduled in a few days. But I'm not sure she'll make it that long. I'm thinking of prescribing an antidepressant, but that won't help with her appetite or sleep for some time."

Beckett sighed. "I know, love. I was going to go fetch her for dinner tonight and give her one last chance. I'm sorry I got distracted with my research and lost track of her condition. It is so easy to think she's invincible."

"Yeah, I fell for the same image. She's not, though, and this is tearing her up." She paused, thinking of possible interventions. "Let me know how this evening goes. If it doesn't go well, we need to do something tomorrow."

"Good. I'll be in touch."

In the control room, Chuck was trying to raise the Daedalus. It had appeared on their long range sensors two days ago, but there had been no radio contact. Elizabeth was hovering, trying not to let her anxiety get in the way of her people doing their job.

"Daedalus, this is Atlantis. Do you read?"

The response was just static, then a broken message was heard. "…lus, . . .radio . . . oken . . . arr. . . tomo. . ."

"Say again, Daedalus, you arrive tomorrow?"

"Af . . .mative. . .da out."

Chuck looked over at Dr. Weir and shrugged. "They appear to have a radio problem, but it does sound like they will be in tomorrow."

Elizabeth tried to smile but it didn't reach her eyes. "Good, we'll get ready for them." She turned and went to her office. She swayed a moment, feeling dizzy, and she quickly sat down at her desk. She opened her laptop, but again she could do no work. There was nothing in the message mentioning John, Rodney, or Ronon. She closed her eyes, shook herself, and called up the memorial service. It looked like they needed to have it ready.

General Landry was in his office the next day when Daniel Jackson dropped by.

"Come in, Dr. Jackson, what can I do for you?"

"Uh, well, you see, uh, . . ."

"Spit it out, Daniel."

Daniel jumped then pushed his glasses up his nose. "Well, SG-1 has no missions in the next week, and I thought I'd ask if I could go back to Atlantis with the Colonel. You see, we'll get there immediately, and they will be sending a message from Atlantis next week, so I'll only lose a week of time. It's a great opportunity, and I have some material I've been wanting to share with Dr. Weir, and. . ."

"Dr. Jackson."

"Sir?"

"Go. It's ok. We'll see you a week from tomorrow."

Daniel smiled. "Thank you, sir. I think I'll go pack, now."

On this, the last day before he could go home, John was lying on the bed in his base quarters. He had spent the day making sure all the new personnel were ready to go and packing up the special stuff he had requisitioned for Atlantis. Fortunately, he had ordered all the goodies the day Landry said they could use the gate, so everything arrived in time. The pool table was going to be heavy, but a dolly and a couple of the new marines solved that problem. Fortunately, the ping pong table was lighter. The rest of the booty included more popcorn and movies and several crates of different types of chocolate and coffee. He'd also had time to find some special things for his friends: single malt scotch for Beckett, a special knife for Ronon, some typical American clothes for Teyla, a private stash of chocolate and power bars for Rodney along with the latest laptop, and a whole collection of strange t-shirts for most of the expedition members.

He was currently looking at a silver pendant created with the symbol for Atlantis. He had ordered it made for Elizabeth. He wasn't sure if it was a good idea, but he felt if they were to have a chance, he had to start somewhere. He also had another jewelry box buried in his luggage, but he didn't want to hope, yet.

John looked up at a knock at the door. "It's open."

Edward Sheppard stepped in and looked around. Some of John's stash was still in his room though the larger stuff was in the gateroom already.

"Nacho cheese?" said Edward, noticing a crate in the corner.

"Yeah, nacho cheese. Goes good with football. You got a problem with that?"

"No, no, just wondering."

John noticed his father looked uncomfortable. "What is it, Dad?"

"Well, I understand you will be leaving tomorrow through the stargate, and I also understand that Atlantis sends weekly reports."

"Yeah, so?"

"Well, I was wondering if you'd let me come with you for a week. I would come back through the gate when you dial up for the weekly message."

John jumped up. "Have you asked General Landry yet?"

"No, I thought I'd be sure it was ok with you, first."

"Hell, yeah. Let's go see."

Landry agreed, of course, and the two Sheppards left to finish packing. When Jack O'Neill stuck his head in a few minutes later to ask about the ceremony the next day, Landry stood up and stretched. "Jack, did you get any work done when you had this office?"

"Not much. It seems to become grand central station after awhile."

"Yeah, I noticed."

Friday morning dawned on another clear day. John was tying his tie when his father knocked on the door, already in his dress uniform.

"You brought your uniform?" John said, somewhat amazed.

The older man shrugged. "I was going to a military installation. It's wise to be prepared."

John turned back to the mirror. "Do you know what this is about?"

Edward Sheppard grinned. Landry had let him in on the secret yesterday, and he couldn't wait to see John's face. "Yep, and I can't tell you."

"Gee, thanks," John said with a grimace. "There, how does that look?"

Edward Sheppard critically reviewed his son's uniform. The silver oak leaves of his rank as Lieutenant Colonel were polished as were his shoes. His ribbons reflecting his campaigns were in the proper order and alignment. Everything looked fine.

"You look great, son. Let's go."

The two men walked to the elevator. "Uh, where are we going?"

"To the gate room. It's the only place big enough."

"Big enough for what?" said John, but Edward just smiled.

As the two men entered the gateroom, they moved to stand with General Landry, General O'Neill, SG-1, and the rest of the SGC military contingent. The civilians were there as well, lined up on the other side. John noticed a podium had been set up on the ramp with the Stargate behind it. The United States Flag and the Air Force flag were on each side of the gate.

Just then a disturbance in the hall announced another arrival.

General Landry called out, "Atten-hut," and all military personnel came to attention as the President of the United States entered the room and approached the podium. John gulped.

"At ease, and please be seated." Those in the military shifted to the at-ease stance, while the civilians sat in the chairs provided.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am here today for one of my most pleasant duties: to recognize the heroism and dedication of one of our Air Force pilots. Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard, would you please step forward."

John gulped again, returned to attention, and walked slowly up the ramp to stand next to the president.

"If there are any members of Colonel Sheppard's family present, you may join him if you wish."

Colonel Edward Sheppard made the same journey and came to a stop behind John.

"Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard, as a result of your actions during the recent battle with the Wraith, actions which contributed greatly to our final victory, the Air Force has chosen to award you the Air Force Cross. General Landry, would you please read the citation."

General Landry stepped up the ramp to the podium and read the citation, describing John's actions in saving his team members, destroying one hive ship with his F-302, and operating the chair to destroy the other ship and the remaining darts. John barely heard what he said. He was standing next to the President of the United States, with his father behind him. Never had he expected those two things to happen to him.

General Landry finished and stepped back from the podium, and the President stepped forward.

"Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard, in recognition of your extraordinary heroism in defending this planet, I hereby award you the Air Force Cross. Thank you for your service."

The President removed the medal from its box, and John leaned over slightly to let him put it around his neck. Then he shook John's hand. The room erupted in applause, joined by the president himself.

John turned to look at his father and was surprised by the tears in his eyes accompanying his huge smile.

The president waved to everyone and the room quieted. "I'm sorry I can't spend more time with you and hear first hand about your adventures. Know that you are living our hopes and dreams, and we look forward to more of your contributions."

With that, the president shook hands again with John, then with Edward Sheppard and General Landry. He made his way down the ramp shaking hands and patting shoulders as he went, to the continuing applause of the crowd. Then he and his entourage left as quickly as they came.

Landry heaved out a breath he didn't know he was holding and looked over at John and his father. Stepping up to the podium, he told the crowd, "A reception is being held in the mess hall. Please join us to congratulate Colonel Sheppard." With that, he turned to the Sheppards and said, quietly, "I don't know about you, but I need a drink!"

"I'll agree to that," said the older Colonel, and the two escorted John to the party in his honor.

Three hours later, Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard finally stood in his new Atlantis uniform in the gateroom. He had been afraid the party would never end, and he really, really wanted to get home. His father stood in the gate room, talking with Dr. Jackson about gate travel and what to expect. Several of the new marines were trying to listen in so they wouldn't make fools of themselves. Other personnel were pulling the dollies carrying the new equipment and supplies in place so they would move rapidly through the gate. He made his way through the crowd and up to the control room.

"So, is everything ready to go, Colonel?" General Landry was in the control room along with General O'Neill, both watching the preparations below.

"Yes, sir. Just awaiting your word."

Landry nodded. "You have a go, Colonel Sheppard. Colonel Carter, connect the ZPM and dial the gate."

The dialing sequence started and John glanced at his father. The older man appeared to be holding his breath as he watched the large circle spin through its combination. The whoosh of the wormhole establishing itself made him jump, and John smiled, remembering his first experience. The smile faded as he remembered a young lieutenant who teased him about his first time through the gate.

"Send the IDC for Earth, Sergeant."

The sergeant manning the computer sent the sequence and received an acknowledgment. John backed out of range of the camera so that he could see but not be seen. He wasn't sure what to expect when he returned.

General Landry was establishing their communication with Atlantis. "Atlantis, this is General Landry. Dr. Weir, do you read?"

In a few seconds, Elizabeth's face filled the screen, smiling as she faced Landry. "General, it is very good to hear from you. I trust things worked out well?"

"Yes, Dr. Weir. The wraith have been destroyed. I am using this opportunity to send through some supplies and reinforcements, so please lower the shield."

"The shield is lowered, General, you are free to come through."

John keyed his mike and told the marines to move out. He stayed, though, to watch the transmission. Something was wrong.

"Thank you for the supplies, General. We are also expecting the Daedalus sometime today."

"Good. We sent them back as soon as we could, but it still takes 18 days."

John finally figured it out. Her face was haggard. She had dark circles under her eyes, and her bone structure was clearly visible. Her smile did not reach her eyes, and her hair was flat and dull. She was clearly not well.

Nodding to Landry, and giving him a salute, Sheppard headed down to the gate where the last of the marines and supplies were going through. He grabbed a bunch of roses that he had talked Sam Carter into picking up for him this morning, and walked over to his father.

"Roses?" The older man's eyebrows went up almost an inch.

"Yeah, well, I think I'm going to have to repair some fences when I get back. You ready?"

Edward Sheppard grinned. "Who would have thought this old dog would get another adventure. Let's go."

With one last nod at the control room, where O'Neill, Landry, and now Carter were smiling, John stepped through the gate to return to the city that had become home.

"Dr. Weir, the last of the men are now leaving, so I'll sign off. We've sent you some information on the wraith attack as well as some new policy changes. We'll look forward to your message next week."

As Landry watched, Dr. Weir's focus suddenly shifted up toward the gate in Atlantis. In the next instant she was gone, leaving a confused Dr. Zelenka to close out the message with a smiling General Landry.

John stepped through the gate to see Elizabeth in the control room. Upon seeing him, she jumped up and moved down the stairs, but much too fast. John saw her stumble and moved to catch her.

"John, you're. . ." But that was all she got out before she fainted in his arms.

"We need a medical team to the gate room," yelled John, looking up at the control room to see the men nodding that they had put in the call. John laid Elizabeth on the floor and checked for breathing and a pulse. Edward Sheppard came over to take the flowers out of his hands as he checked Elizabeth.

"Is she all right?"

"I don't know. I was worried when I saw her on the screen. She's obviously lost weight. Where's Beckett!"

"Here, Colonel, right behind you." The Scotsman was leading a group with a gurney, and he crouched down to check Elizabeth's vitals. "It's good to see you back, Colonel. Your memorial service was scheduled for tomorrow."

"Yeah, right, what's wrong with her?"

"I think it's a combination of stress, malnutrition and lack of sleep. I'll take her to the infirmary for a more thorough check up. Which, I might add, I will need to do for you and all these folks you've brought with you."

"Fine, fine," said John, as he moved to accompany the gurney. Catching sight of Major Lorne, who was trying to decide between a grin and a frown, he motioned for the Major to walk with him. "I brought back 15 more marines plus two civilian guests. Get them to the infirmary then start scouting out accommodations."

Lorne nodded and moved back to collect the marines. Daniel Jackson and Edward Sheppard stepped up to Lorne as he approached.

"Major, can we be of any help?"

"Thank you, sir, but for now, I think the doctor has things under control." He then turned to the marines. "Listen up. You need to get your gear together and follow me to the infirmary. After a quick check, we'll get you quarters and a briefing. Fall in."

The marines were glad to have someone tell them what to do, so they willingly complied.

Just as the whole group was leaving the gate room, there was a bright flash, and Rodney McKay and Ronon Dex appeared, courtesy of the Daedalus' beaming technology.

"Hello, we're home." Rodney looked around, but aside from a small group in the control room, no one was around. "Where is everyone?"

Dr. Jackson, at the end of the Earth group, heard him and came back. "Hi, Dr. McKay, everyone's on the way to the infirmary."

"What? What do you mean everyone?"

"Well, we just came through from Earth with Colonel Sheppard and 15 new personnel, Dr. Weir collapsed, and everyone is going to the infirmary to be checked out. You may as well come, too." With that, he headed back to join the group.

Rodney looked at Ronon, but found the Satedan wrapped around Teyla. Or was that the other way around?

"Great. Once again Sheppard steals my show." And with that, he headed off to see Beckett, not waiting on Ronon or Teyla.

TBC

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