A/N: Pardon the stuff on genetics. I accidently created a situation where women couldn't have the gene, and I had to fix it. The conversation everyone is waiting for is in the next chapter. Also, sorry about the delays. I'm a doctoral student with a full time job.

Disclaimer: Stargate Atlantis, its characters, terms, and locations, are the intellectual property of others. This amateur effort is not intended to infringe on those copyrights.

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Debriefing

Stargate Command – Cheyenne Mountain

Dr. Carolyn Lam knocked softly on General Landry's office door.

"Come in, doctor. What can I do for you?"

The doctor came in and closed the door behind her, an action that had Landry raising his eyebrows. She then sat down in a chair in front of his desk and placed a folder on her lap.

"I wanted to update you on the artificial insemination process as well as the DNA testing results we discussed earlier. First, I thought I'd let you know that we have two confirmed pregnancies so far."

"Excellent. Has anything changed regarding the DNA tests?"

"Well, yes and no. Do you remember when I said that either Dr. Beckett was wrong about the ATA gene being on the Y chromosome or Edward Sheppard wasn't John's biological father?"

Landry nodded.

"Well, it turns out both statements are correct."

Landry frowned. "I don't understand."

Lam opened up the folder showing the general two bands of genetic information. "This genetic profile shows that John Sheppard and Edward Sheppard aren't related. There are only five points of similarity between their profiles."

"OK, so how is Beckett wrong?"

"Dr. Beckett was working from his own samples, and he discovered that his Y chromosome contained extra nucleotides. He assumed, rightly, that these nucleotides were genetic markers left over from the Ancients who interbred with humans. The problem was, he didn't account for some other things we've found since then. For one, women are able to activate ancient technology as well as men, so the gene can't be a sex related trait."

"OK, I can see that. We haven't seen many women with the gene, but that doesn't mean they aren't out there."

"Precisely. When I compared Dr. Beckett's DNA with John Sheppard's, I found that Sheppard had extra nucleotides on his X chromosome as well as chromosomes 5, 11, and 17. In other words, it would appear that the ability to use ancient technology relies on a cluster of genes. If a person has either the X or the Y, that person can turn on technology but not use it with the facility demonstrated by Sheppard. By having them both, plus possibly some additional genetic factors, he is able to operate the technology with little effort."

"So," Landry paused, trying to work out the implications. "John Sheppard's children may not have his facility unless their mothers have a similar gene on the X chromosome. . ."

"And, that particular X chromosome is present in the egg used. In other words, it is still uncertain we will have any children with Sheppard's facility with ancient technology."

"Have you checked any of the mothers?"

"No, that was my next step."

"Thanks, Carolyn. Keep me posted," said Landry, standing as she stood.

Dr. Lam nodded and exited the office to return to her lab. Landry remained, wondering if there was a way to clone John Sheppard.

Atlantis

Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard had been rushing around all day preparing for the party/debriefing to be held that evening. The secret crates were in the hands of the kitchen staff, and the contents of other boxes were being unpacked. They had originally planned on using the mess hall, but the crew of the Daedalus was invited, and there just wasn't enough space. The gate room, therefore, had become the official party room.

John was now on his way to Colonel Caldwell's office on the Daedalus. The colonel had an office on Atlantis, but he was supervising the work on the radio that had given out during the trip back from Earth, so John was told to look for him there.

John knocked on the cabin door and came to attention as Caldwell looked up.

"Come in, Colonel, what can I do for you?"

"Well, sir, as you know we are holding an open debriefing this evening to tell the whole story once, and I wanted to be sure you knew that we wanted you to contribute your experiences."

Caldwell was a little taken aback. He knew that there was a residual distrust for him among the Atlantis personnel, and he usually didn't push his way in on their gatherings.

"Of course, Colonel, what time?"

"That would be 1900 hours. We are setting up in the gate room, and we'd like to have you with those of us telling the story. We were planning on sitting on the steps so everyone could see."

"Fine, I'll be there," said Caldwell, turning back to the report he was reading. He noticed after a few seconds, however, that Sheppard hadn't left.

"Was there something else, Colonel Sheppard?"

"Uh, yes sir. While I was on Earth I got something for each person, and they will be wearing them tonight. I picked one up for you, too, but I wanted to be sure you could laugh at the situation. If it makes you uncomfortable, don't wear it." John held out a small bundle to the older colonel and looked at the wall behind him.

Caldwell looked at Sheppard suspiciously and took the offered garment, shaking it out. All of a sudden he cracked a grin and looked over at the younger colonel. "Are you sure this will be received well on Atlantis?"

John grinned. The colonel got it. "If you wear it with that grin, I think everyone will enjoy it."

Caldwell nodded, still smiling. "OK, I'll have it on. I'm assuming the dress for tonight is casual."

"Yes, sir, it is. However, you might want to throw a jacket over that until we're ready to unveil things. We kind of want to make a statement."

"Excellent, colonel. I'll see you at 1900. Dismissed."

"Thank you, sir." John turned and left Caldwell's office with a smile on his face. "This might help mend some fences," he thought as he headed back to his own office.

Teyla had stopped in to visit Elizabeth who was anxious to get out of the infirmary that evening. The expedition leader had had two full nights' sleep and had eaten three healthy, if not large, meals, and Teyla could see her color returning. The light in her eyes, however, was probably due more to the return of the missing men rather than to more rest and food.

"I am glad to see you looking so well, Dr. Weir."

"Thank you, Teyla. I am sorry I let things get out of hand." Elizabeth looked down and plucked at the sheet that covered her, somewhat embarrassed at the admission.

"I believe everyone here understands your choices. Some of us found it difficult to help you, however."

Elizabeth looked at the Athosian. This woman, the leader of her people, probably understood Elizabeth's position better than anyone else on the planet.

"Teyla, I wanted to thank you for instructing me in stick fighting. During the last seven weeks, that was probably the only activity I enjoyed at all." Teyla nodded, but Elizabeth went on. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I would like to continue learning from you."

Teyla smiled and nodded again. "I would be happy to continue your instruction. I have noticed you have a natural grace that many men lack, and that flexibility can help you against a stronger opponent. It is always wise to be able to defend oneself."

"Good. Dr. Beckett has asked that I take it easy for the rest of the week, but maybe we can resume next week?"

"I look forward to it." Teyla gave Elizabeth's hand a squeeze and left the infirmary, passing Kate Heightmeyer coming in.

Elizabeth, who had picked up a book when Teyla left, looked up as Kate dragged over a chair. "Hello, Kate. Another session already?"

Dr. Heightmeyer smiled and shook her head. "No, this is more of a social call, but I wanted to be sure you understand that we will need to continue these sessions for a little while."

Elizabeth nodded, resignedly. "I realize my reaction to stress and grief wasn't healthy. Can we start next week? Carson is asking me to take the rest of this week off."

Kate frowned. "Couldn't we get in at least one session while you're off, like maybe in a few days? It will be better if our first session is during a time when you have fewer pressures on you."

Elizabeth sighed. "Ok, in four days or so."

Kate stood up and approached the bed. "So, are you feeling OK now?"

Elizabeth smiled. "Yes, food and sleep are amazing things when you haven't had much recently."

Kate nodded, but she knew that the real reason for Elizabeth's recovery was the return of John, Rodney, and Ronon. She was hoping to give Elizabeth the tools and strength to deal with their loss when a miracle did not occur.

"OK, then I'll see you in a few days."

"No, you'll see me this evening. You're going to the debriefing, aren't you?"

Kate grinned. "Wouldn't miss it for the world! Later," she added as she turned to leave.

As she passed Dr. Beckett's office, however, she noticed that the man was staring at a chart, looking completely puzzled. Knocking lightly on the door, she stepped in his office.

"Carson, is anything wrong?"

Carson started at the soft knock, but quickly regained his equilibrium. "No, love, everything is fine."

"I just noticed you looked concerned and wondered if there was anything I could do."

Carson Beckett looked up at the psychiatrist and motioned her in. He got up and closed the door, puzzling Kate even more.

"Actually, I'd like to talk to someone about this, and I don't want it to get back to the people involved." He raised his eyebrows at her and Kate nodded in understanding and acceptance of his terms. He moved behind his desk and opened up the file again.

"You know of course about the ancient technology activation gene, right?"

"Of course."

"Well, when Colonel Sheppard's father arrived, I did a standard workup on him including drawing blood. Since I had a little left over, I decided to do a genetic profile of him to compare with John so I could see if there were any other genetic markers we might have missed."

Kate nodded again. So far, this made sense.

"The profiles don't match."

Kate froze. "What do you mean, they don't match?"

"I mean that Colonel Edward Sheppard and Colonel John Sheppard aren't related to one another."

Kate frowned. "Has Colonel, um, this is confusing. Has John given you any reason to think he was adopted?"

"No, he hasn't, and I'm afraid he may not know."

"Oh, that is a difficult situation. Especially if he expects his father to use his genes around here."

"So you see my predicament."

Kate nodded, trying to think of possible scenarios. "You might want to talk to John's father in private to be sure he understands about the gene and to give him a chance to explain about the adoption. If he doesn't volunteer, ask him point blank. In this galaxy, you are his doctor, and he should know he can count on your discretion. But he needs to know before John finds out by accident."

Carson nodded. "I had pretty much come to that conclusion myself. Thanks for listening, Kate."

Kate stood up to leave. "Anytime, Carson. And by the way, I'll be having sessions with Elizabeth for the next few weeks."

"Good. The lass needs to know how to take care of herself."

"That's what I'm working toward. See you tonight?"

Carson grinned as he escorted Kate to his office door. "You couldn't keep me away. I've already worked out the schedules so almost everyone can go."

"Great. See you later."

As Carson watched Kate leave, he thought back to his problem. Tapping his earpiece, he said, "Colonel Edward Sheppard, please report to the infirmary."

Several hours later, John stopped by the infirmary to pick up Elizabeth for the debriefing, and he grinned when he saw her up and dressed.

"I came to get you for the briefing. I see Carson decided to let you out."

"Yes," said Elizabeth, "but I had to promise to let you do most of the work and to eat anything you gave me."

"Now that has all kinds of possibilities," said John, offering his elbow as an escort.

As they exited the infirmary, John steered them to the residential quarters. "There's something you need to put on for the debriefing."

Elizabeth looked confused. "What's wrong with my uniform?"

"Nothing. It's just that I brought back a t-shirt for everyone, and most of them will be wearing theirs, so I thought you might want to wear yours," he said, looking down at her with a grin. That was when she realized that though he had on his Atlantis jacket, the t-shirt underneath was not black. Her eyes narrowed. "John Sheppard, what have you done?"

John had carefully developed his innocent look, and he now pulled it out full force. "Me? I just wanted to bring everyone a souvenir." They had reached her quarters, and John opened the door for her. "It's on your bed. Why don't you change and we can go on."

Elizabeth slipped into her quarters and found a blue t-shirt with Greek lettering on it. "John?" she called. He stuck his head in to see what the problem was and found her holding up the t-shirt as if it were a particularly loathsome object. "Before I put this on, I want to know what it says."

"It's Greek to me."

"I know it's Greek, I want to know what the translation is."

John grinned. "That is the translation: It's Greek to me. Now you have a pat answer for any language you don't understand." He ducked back out into the corridor so she could change.

Elizabeth smiled, taking off her uniform top and putting on the t-shirt. Hmm. How did he know her size?

She opened the door and stepped out. "Ready," she said, smiling up at him.

Holding out his arm again, John smiled back. She was still too thin, and the shadows under her eyes were still there, but the vitality was back in her manner, and her smile lit up the room.

They entered the gate room together to find everyone milling around comparing t-shirts. While on Earth, John had logged into and a few other sites and found something for almost everyone. Bates' shirt said "To err is human; to forgive divine. Neither is Marine Corps policy." The marines around him were grinning and giving him a hard time. Radek was wearing a strange shirt that said "Black holes are where God is dividing by zero." The head nurse from the infirmary was wearing "She who must be obeyed," and the other female nurses were jealous. Kate's shirt said "I put the fun in dysfunctional," and she was seated next to Carson whose shirt said "Ask me about my minor medical problems." Kavanaugh was in the corner stewing by himself. His shirt said "My boss went to Earth and all I got was a lousy t-shirt!" John had had the shirt made especially for him.

John escorted Elizabeth to a place in front of the impromptu stage. Elizabeth noticed an older man who stood up when he saw her approach. "Dr. Elizabeth Weir, this is my father, Colonel Edward Sheppard."

Elizabeth had heard from Beckett that John's father was visiting, but she wasn't sure what to expect. As she shook his hand and said all the right things, she realized that whatever had divided John and his father had been dealt with. John looked anxious that they get along, and his father looked at his son with a mixture of pride and wonder. "Well, Atlantis does that to you," thought Elizabeth.

After Elizabeth was seated next to his father, John gestured for his team to join him. Rodney and Ronon joined John on the steps while Teyla sat on the other side of Elizabeth. Her shirt said "Earth Tourist." Daniel Jackson and Colonel Caldwell also joined them on the steps to give the Earth and the Daedalus points of view. In keeping with the t-shirt theme, Daniel was wearing a shirt with a Latin phrase: "If you can read this, you are overeducated." A few scattered laughs indicated that there were, indeed, some in the audience who met that requirement. Caldwell, taking John's advice, had a coat over his shirt. As he sat down on the steps, he gave his most evil grin and took off his jacket to a stunned silence followed by a roar from his men and general laughter from the Atlantis personnel. The message: "Age and treachery will triumph over youth and skill."

John scanned the room getting everyone's attention then the three returning men took off their jackets all at once. The laughter was instantaneous as folks read the t-shirts. Ronon's said "Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints." Rodney's and John's shirts, however, were priceless. John's said "Sarcasm, just another service we offer," while Rodney's said "National Sarcasm Society, like we need your support."

As the laughter died down, John stepped forward and said, "Thanks for coming to this first group debriefing. We decided it was easier to tell our story once for everyone, including our disagreements on what happened, than to keep repeating things. We invited Dr. Daniel Jackson to give Earth's side of the story, and Colonel Caldwell is here to contribute information on the battles. We're also broadcasting over the mikes so the folks on duty can hear, but you guys can override in case of emergency. I'm going to ask Dr. Zelenka to start by explaining what they found after the Daedalus had left." John sat down, then, and the Czech scientist came up from the audience to start the tale with the discovery of the wraith computer virus.

As soon as he seemed finished, Rodney interrupted with stories of life on the hive ship while helping the wraith.

It wasn't quite a repeat of the debriefing at the SGC. For one thing, though McKay started off fairly reasonably, he was soon interrupted by Ronon who pointed out how the beam out technology didn't work. John piped in about the fighters launching to attack the hives, and Colonel Caldwell explained how the hives jumped into hyperspace and the Daedalus' search for Sheppard.

John then described his landing on the hive and beginning the search for Rodney and Ronon.

"And you took your sweet time in getting to us," sniped McKay. "On top of that, you released Ronon first."

"Ronon doesn't talk as much, and we were trying to avoid the wraith."

"Of course he doesn't talk as much. We were in a hive, and I had solutions to prob -- . . ."

John had opened a power bar and shoved it into Rodney's mouth. Ronon grinned. "That worked on the hive ship as well." The audience laughed.

"Hunting and gathering in a hive ship is not exactly my idea of fun," Sheppard continued.

McKay had gotten the power bar out of his mouth in time to add "and the smell wasn't great either."

And it went on from there.

"And I want to point out it was I that figured out how to overload the engines on your F-302."

"Actually, Dr. McKay, that was my F-302, and now the Daedalus is one short, "said Caldwell.

Daniel described the difficulties the SGC had in trying to get the weapons chair to work. Then they began to describe the battle. Everyone was on the edge of their seats until Rodney went into excruciating detail on how he had fixed the Antarctic weapons chair.

"Once the battle was over, Sheppard fainted."

"I passed out. I had an infection if you'll recall."

"He fainted."

"Passed out."

Ronon stood up. "Sheppard collapsed," he said, then he made a point of sitting down between the other two.

Rodney described the beaming to the SGC and waiting for Sheppard to wake up, while Caldwell explained how they had to hurry back to Atlantis once the Daedalus was cleared for travel.

Someone from the audience shouted "What was it like on the Daedalus for three weeks with Dr. McKay?" Ronon grimaced and shook his head.

"Well, excuse me," said Rodney, "at least we didn't have to scavenge for food and we had a few choices besides odd fruit."

John then gave a fairly abbreviated version of his time at the SGC. He didn't mention his donations since Ronon and Rodney didn't know about them. From his previous conversations, he didn't think his father knew either. He would get with Daniel later to be sure he didn't mention something accidentally. Instead, he covered those three weeks by emphasizing moving the dart and fighting in the exercise at Nellis.

"Uh, Colonel, aren't you forgetting something?" said Daniel, when John got to the day they came back through the gate.

John started to blush and look uncomfortable. "I didn't think we needed to mention that."

Daniel looked dumbfounded, and Edward Sheppard rolled his eyes.

Daniel stood up. "I think everyone here needs to know that Colonel John Sheppard was awarded the Air Force Cross for his part in the battle against the wraith. The ceremony was the morning of the day we came back through the gate. The President himself presented the medal."

Several people had open mouths, and the military contingent began cheering. Gradually, everyone began to applaud until there was a roar of noise and a standing ovation. John was red by this time. He glanced at Elizabeth and his father and saw that they were beaming while they applauded.

Holding up his hands for quiet, John stood up and faced the group again, his discomfort at the attention evident. "OK, OK. Thanks, folks. But I think you realize from our descriptions that this was far from a one-man show. Now, I think we wanted to use this occasion for a party, so is the food ready?"

The group from the kitchen waved, and John waved back. "As you are aware, we used the trip back to bring some stuff we've been missing. I gave it to the kitchen folks earlier, so now we can eat. Let's go!"

The crowd began to amble over to some tables set up with food when a marine suddenly cried out "Chocolate chip cookies!" After that there was a run on the tables as everyone tried to get some of their favorites.

John stepped down from the makeshift dais and approached his father and Elizabeth. "Well, was it worth the wait?"

Elizabeth grinned. "I don't think any of our debriefings have been that much fun. Maybe we should do this more often."

"If it's all the same to you, I'd like to avoid any more six week missions with unclear results."

Elizabeth's smile faded somewhat. "I'd like that, too."

Seeing Elizabeth's discomfort, the older colonel suggested they enter the fray at the refreshment tables.

"He's right, Elizabeth. You have to eat whatever I tell you to eat." John grinned, remembering Carson's rule.

Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. "Before you get any strange ideas, colonel, just remember that paybacks can be hell."

"Yes, ma'am," said John, extending his arm once again as they moved among the citizens of their city.

TBC

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