Sheppard had had a leisurely breakfast in the commissary knowing that today would be his last one on Atlantis for a while. He'd sat in the corner and people watched for nearly an hour by the time he checked his watch. Today was going to be a busy day, what with helping Lorne find his feet as Commanding Officer and finishing up long over due mission reports. He was also going to make it his own personal mission to appease Mckay before he left. The scientist had been stubbornly ignoring him all morning and he didn't want to leave the base with any animosity. Even if animosity with Colonel Stark was going to be in his future for a while.
He deposited his tray and left the commissary to immediately have Colonel Stark fall into step beside him.
"Good morning Sir," he said as he unconsciously quickened his pace.
Stark gave him a curt nod before speaking without looking at him, "You busy?" he asked.
Two soldiers stepped around them and gave Sheppard and his superior an over the shoulder glance before continuing on their way.
"I've got a few loose ends to tie up," said Sheppard.
"Doctor Weir suggested that you give me a tour of the city." He didn't say whether he thought it was a good idea or not and let Sheppard ponder the suggestion.
"I'm sure I could find time to do that Sir," he said and side stepped one of the technicians, "If Doctor Weir suggested it."
Stark nodded, "I'd be interested to see Atlantis."
"Of course," said Sheppard. Their blanket conversation was beginning to aggravate him. Stark was obviously uncomfortable at having no role within his city and was loathed to ask for a tour himself.
"Well, if you'll follow me," said Sheppard.
Stark deliberately took a step forward so that Sheppard had to keep up with him and the tour began.
After an hour and a half of walking Sheppard arrived at a set of doors, "And this-," he said stepping through and pointing to the south pier, "-Is one of the best views from Atlantis."
Colonel Stark looked out over the seascape, gave it the briefest of glances and then turned back to him, "Very nice, now how about you show me something of actual importance?" he said looking up at Sheppard with a steely gaze.
Sheppard shuffled from one foot to the other and activated the door, "Of course. What do you want to see? Generators? control room systems? strategic points of the city? our defensive plans? puddle jumpers? The cafeteria? the ladies changing rooms?"
"You never could take anything seriously, could you?" stated Stark as they walked down the corridor. "That smart ass attitude was always going to get you in trouble."
Sheppard looked away as they walked, him all the while trailing behind like a child.
Stark stopped all of a sudden. "Take me to the gate room, show me the control systems and how it is you protect this city."
They walked in silence until they had got to the control room and Sheppard started to tell him what each panel was for. "Primary and secondary systems, this is the internal controls, external, defensive and tactical station. Communications. This is a life signs detector. It can show us anything which is inhuman" he paused, "You know like the wraith or anything else," he cleared his throat and extended his arm out towards the DHD, "And this is the dialling device for the stargate."
"Impressive," Stark said studying the DHD, "Very impressive."
"I think so," said Sheppard.
"When Colonel Sumner said he was moving up in the world, I didn't understand what he meant at the time. But now I see," he turned to Sheppard and didn't miss the pained expression which crossed his face.
Sheppard tried to avoid his eyes as Stark sought them out. He felt overwhelmed by guilt.
Guilt for Sumner and for Stark.
"I hear you've been breaking protocol again, not listening to your superiors," said Stark suddenly.
Sheppard felt his mouth drop open and steered Stark away from everybody's prying ears.
"So you've read the files already" stated Sheppard keeping his expression as neutral as possible.
"When I was informed by the General of the Air Force of your position here. I was naturally able to assess your recent performance."
Sheppard found his eyebrows shooting up. The General of the Air Force. It would appear that somebody had gone over Starks head and Stark didn't like it.
"It surprises me that you have been the commanding officer here for so long. I'm astounded nobody intervened."
Sheppard rubbed his face wearily, "I was the next highest ranking Officer," he said and looked over Stark's shoulder to Weir who was watching them talk, "I have the experience of-"
"You don't follow the chain of command. How can you expect the people here, your military personnel to respect you, when you don't impart that you would do the same."
"Somehow I manage," he said looking down at the floor. "So you've read the files. What else do you want to talk about? Me waking up the wraith, shooting Sumner-"
"Colonel Sumner was a good friend of mine" he paused,
"I'm aware of that, but with all due respect Sir, you weren't there," said Sheppard exasperated.
"And you have made more than one questionable decision in the course of you being here."
"You don't leave-"
"-People behind. Son, I have heard this spiel before and-"
"Bullshit" and Sheppard and he thought he could hear the audible gasp of a collective crowd eavesdropping.
"And you would still speak to your Commanding Officer with such little respect," he said and Sheppard began to feel like he was ten years old and being reprimanded for breaking a window with a baseball.
"Have you enjoyed your tour?"
Sheppard was grateful when he turned to see Elizabeth standing next to them.
Stark cut Sheppard a nasty look and then turned back to Elizabeth, "Doctor Weir, the tour has been most informative."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," said Sheppard.
"Colonel Stark, perhaps you'd like to join me for a coffee in my office. I could answer any other questions you might have."
Stark put his hands behind his back in stereotypical military style, "After you. Sheppard," he said as he walked off.
"Colonel."
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Sheppard knocked on the door to the lab before he entered and Mckay answered without even turning around from his desk, "Ah Lt Colonel Abandon Atlantis, I wondered when you would come down here."
Sheppard didn't react to the remark and strolled in, "What are you up to?"
Mckay craned his head around to the side, "Boring boring, staff evaluations," he said prodding the folder in front of him with his pen, "Do you think the evaluation of pig ignorant is too harsh?"
Sheppard chuckled and dropped down onto one of the stools next to him. He picked up one of the files and read out another one of McKay's insights, "Likes to wear her spectacles on her head? That's a criticism?"
"Yes because she forgets they are there and then spends the next hour scrambling around trying to find them. Its annoying and distracting."
Sheppard picked up another file, "Cries when I insult her? Mckay, you cant submit these."
"I will," said Mckay grabbing the file back defensively, "If I cant be honest when I'm filling these things out then what's the point."
"And maybe they won't ask you to fill them out again," said Sheppard understanding Mckay's tactic.
"Well, I'm very busy and this is puerile." He dropped his pen on top of the pile, "So when are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow morning," said Sheppard. He reached across the table to a fresh pot of coffee and poured himself one.
"You didn't change your mind," said Mckay with a sigh.
"Sorry," offered Sheppard.
"Showering with other men, close quarters with other men, talking with jocks, idiots the lot of them," he paused for breath, "You'll hate it."
"Its been part of my life since I was eighteen so somehow I think I'll cope."
"Has Lorne been informed of his duties?" he asked reaching across for his coffee and realising Sheppard had taken his cup.
"Yes he knows to insult you, goad you, engage in pointless arguments and be at your beck and call for any gene experiments."
Mckay snatched his coffee cup off Sheppard and looked at the liquid with disgust, "Good good, get another cup."
Sheppard waved a hand up, "Its okay. I'm off to a training session with Teyla anyway."
"Oh, so this is my allotted time for the day," said Mckay.
"No. I'm meeting up with some people tonight in the commissary for farewell drinks so I would appreciate it if you'd be there."
"I will if I'm not busy," said McKay.
Sheppard hopped off his stool and headed to the door, "Seven, don't be late."
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Sheppard entered the training room and saw Teyla leaning over her gym bag and puling out her towel. She jerked up when he approached from behind and smiled, "Element of surprise?" she asked picking up her sticks.
Sheppard dropped his own bag down next to hers and grabbed his own set, "I'm trying to get you off guard," he said taking a swig of water before they started.
"So you leave us tomorrow?" she asked stepping onto the mat.
Sheppard walked onto his side of the mat and took up his fighting stance, "Yeah. You gonna try to convince me to stay too?"
"I believe you have your reasons for leaving us, if only for a while," she said and lunged forwards, swiping out at his leg. He moved away and watched as her skirt swished rhythmically towards him.
"I'm glad you understand."
"Oh, I don't," she said hitting his elbow when he failed to out manoeuvre her, "You are fighting your own people?"
Sheppard lunged forward and tapped her on her hip, "Earth is still fighting each other. I think they'd change their minds though if they knew what else was out here."
She ducked, swivelled and he missed a strike to the arm.
"But you would still willingly engage in such a fight?" she asked and took a step back. She twirled the sticks in an impressive manner. A style that Sheppard could never quite mimic with the same finesse. As usual he tried and ended up smacking himself in the nose, "Air Force," he stated simply and now nasally.
She nodded, "Well I hope you are careful," she said and thwacked him on his leg.
"I will be," he said and stopped dead when he saw who was standing in the doorway watching him.
Colonel Stark walked into the room as if he owned it.
"Perhaps you should get back into uniform" stated the elderly man. Sheppard winced and turned on his heel, twirling his sticks.
"I don't know what they told you, but things are a little different here and we're not expected to be in full uniform all the time" he paused, "Especially when we're stick fighting."
"Stick fighting," said Stark with a hint of mockery, "Don't you have any military issue work-out gear?"
Sheppard looked down at his Adidas sweats and trainers and back up to Stark, "All of my Atlantis T-shirts are In the wash, Sir."
"Colonel Stark, I am Teyla."
"An Athosian," said Stark. He took her hand and gave it a gentle shake, "Pleased to meet somebody so willing to cooperate with the American cause."
Sheppard flinched at his obvious disregard for the other countries helping on the expedition and the assumption that Teyla was caught up in an American dominated war.
"I think we're done Teyla," said Sheppard feeling his good mood wear thin.
Teyla seemed to sense it and nodded obligingly.
"Why don't you have a go against me?" he heard Stark ask reaching out for Teyla's sticks.
Sheppard put his hand up and said, "No I think I'll leave it to another day" he said, "I have things to do" He handed Teyla his sticks and walked towards the door.
"Oh, of course," said Stark smiling.
That was it. Sheppard walked back into the room and then held his hands out to Teyla for his sticks back. She offered them up without a comment and sat herself down on the bench.
"You sure you know how to do this?" said Sheppard moving the sticks in his hands and swinging them in what looked like an impressive display. He was thankful he didn't have a repeat of earlier and hit his face.
Stark moved the sticks in a similar fashion, but without answering lunged forward and tried to strike him. Sheppard dove to the side, managed to roll and get back to his feet, crouching low and ready to hit. However, he couldn't do it and hesitated. Stark struck down at his wrist and he reflexively dropped the stick. He winced, sucked in his breath and picked up the weapon without saying anything.
"You going easy on me?" asked Stark. "Because the enemy wont go easy on you." Sheppard didn't like the way that Stark was placing himself within the category of his enemy.
Stark was sweating and a bead rolled down from his thick grey hair and down his cheek. Dark eyes glaring straight at his inferior he smiled, "Don't, come on, fight properly, otherwise there's no point"
"Then there's no point" said John standing up straight.
"What are you a wimp? How in the hell did you get into the army?" he laughed and the pitch and tone of his voice made Sheppard close his eyes tightly. He could feel the anger boiling up inside of him and turned, "Okay," he nodded and moved forward to strike to the left. It was blocked and a strike came from his right, he blocked it and crouched low to avoid an overhead swing.
From the floor he jabbed upwards at his Commanding Officers gut and he grunted as the stick struck flesh. The look in Stark's eye told him that he wouldn't go unpunished for that cheap shot and another swish and he ducked a stronger, firmer blow.
He smiled, "You missed me," but wished he had shut up when a stick swiped up at his chin. He saw stars momentarily and his eyes snapped open as he looked at Stark.
He was smiling. Pleased with the shot.
Sheppard bought his hand up and was surprised when it came away red. He could feel the blood dripping down his neck and could hear the splat as droplets hit the floor.
"Colonel Sheppard are you-" began Teyla.
Sheppard turned to her and held his hand up, "I'm fine," he said wiping at his chin and wincing when in stung, "Its nothing."
Stark stood in front of him and dropped the sticks to the ground with a clatter. Sheppard mimicked him and stood there breathing heavily.
"How are your skills at armed combat?" he asked simply.
Sheppard scanned over the older man. He was in his prime for a man of around 60. He had muscular shoulders and arms, a taught stomach, a full head of hair and a barely wrinkled face. Years of being a Colonel, sitting behind a desk and only occasionally fighting had paid dividends. Sheppard wondered if he would look as young when he was that old.
Stark stepped forwards and bought his hands up in front of his face. His right fist very slightly in front of his left fist. Sheppard did the same but again hesitated. He wanted to beat the shit out of the man before him, but he couldn't help but feel this was wholly unnatural.
He found himself punching first, a right hook, which missed, and hit air. He dragged his hand back quickly to protect his face and curled inwards very slightly to avoid a blow from in front of him. He ducked again and swung his left out, a quick jab which hit flesh but didn't do damage. It was a gentle reminder that he could hit him if he wanted to. Starks reminder wasn't so gentle and he felt the punch rip into his side and knock the wind from his lungs.
Angry and breathing heavily he found himself going to his knees, he swung out his left leg and hooked it behind Starks, then with a push he managed to get him to the ground.
It didn't get the response he wanted. Stark instead laughed and pushed himself up onto his elbows, "Good. Dirty tactics," he said getting to his knees.
Sheppard ground his teeth and clenched his jaw. He breathed in a ragged breathe before answering," Lets just say I learnt from a pro."
Sheppard narrowly avoided being taken to the floor and Stark continued, he laughed and hit out again. His fist struck Sheppard in the face and he stumbled back into Teyla. She was now standing and stood between to the two men who were panting, "Stop it, both of you" she said, "Enough is enough. I came down here to train you and you have turned it into a-"
"A pissing contest," said Sheppard hanging his head down and feeling quite ashamed that Teyla had had to watch their display.
He probed his mouth with his tongue and could taste blood. He shook his head, "Its over," he said to Stark and picked up his gym bag and left.
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Sheppard was angry, so incredibly angry that when he walked passed one of the other training rooms he had to go in and let off some steam. He walked into the room, threw down his bag and stormed over to the hanging boxing bag. He began hitting it as hard as he could. He was beginning to sweat when that damn training dummy caught his eye.
It was staring at him and looking so god damned smug that he forgot all about the punch bag, strolled over to it and punched it in the face, repeatedly. He felt the sting of his knuckles as skin tore off and only stopped when he heard someone come in. Elizabeth was stood watching him, arms crossed and she was shaking her head, "You know there's a punch bag," she said indicating to it with a nod.
Sheppard nodded, "I know," he paused, "But I kinda wanted to hit something with a face," he punched the dummy again, "And seen as it would be highly wrong for me to punch out Colonel Shark, this will have to do." He punched it again and the head rolled off the dummy and onto the floor.
He hung his head and was still for a moment, "We need a new dummy."
"John. You want to talk about this?"
Sheppard turned to Elizabeth, bought his bleeding knuckle up and sucked at the wound, "No, I don't want to talk about it," he said and picked up his bag and left.
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Beckett had found Sheppard in his infirmary trying to put a butterfly stitch on his chin. He was having trouble as it was a rather fiddly job and was cursing wildly when he stepped up behind the young man, "Can I help you?"
"Jesus," he said jumping. Without turning towards him he said, "I'm fine, nothing serious."
"Well I'll be the judge of that," said Beckett and he pulled the Colonel round to face him. He was surprised when he saw the bleeding gash under his chin and the reddened bruise which was beginning to appear just to the side of his eye. It wasn't a bad one but it was still noticeable, "What the hells been going on here?" he questioned examining his wound and guiding Sheppard over to a bed.
"Just some sparring that got a little heated," he stated looking off to the far side of the room, not looking Beckett in the eye.
Beckett reached for his penlight and looked in Sheppard's eyes. He asked him to follow the light but Sheppard just swatted his hand away.
"Did Teyla do this?"
"Teyla, god no," said Sheppard watching as Beckett put some gloves on and reached for a sterile wipe, "Well who then?"
"Colonel Stark," said Teyla as she walked in from the dark corridor.
Sheppard sighed and lowered his gaze to his boots. Beckett tilted his chin back up towards the ceiling, and tried to clean the wound, "A bit rough," he questioned.
"Yeah, that's his way" said Sheppard fidgeting in an uncomfortable manner, "Are you done?"
"I just need to put a butterfly stitch on this" he said, "Any headaches, nausea?"
"I haven't got concussion," stated Sheppard and he jumped off the bed when he felt that Beckett had finished with the stitch.
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Sheppard was surprised at just how many people had turned up to say goodbye to him when he entered the commissary. All eyes were on him as he entered the room and a bottle of beer was thrust into his hands as he pushed through the crowds to Mckay, Teyla and Ronon. He sat down with them and gulped down some of the beer.
He was taken aback when he saw Elizabeth pushing her way towards them, "John," she said.
"What happened to your face?" asked Mckay. He took a sip of his drink and watched him over the top of his glass.
Sheppard unconsciously bought a hand up to his chin, "Oh sparring. Not Teyla," he interjected.
Mckay sighed, "Well it's a nice leaving present, whoever it was from."
Sheppard nodded and swigged on his bottle, "I'll treasure it always."
Beckett sat down on a chair he had pulled up and reached for a bottle of beer himself, "Bloody long day," he muttered and downed half the bottle, "I've left Casey in charge so everything should now be under control and out of my hands for tonight."
"You deserve a break now and then Carson," said Elizabeth. She appeared to only be drinking orange juice as far as Sheppard could tell.
"Well, to Sheppard," said Mckay standing up and trying to speak over raucous laughter, "May he return not dead."
Sheppard rolled his eyes, clinked glasses and downed his beer, "Thanks guys. I really appreciate this."
"Wouldn't have it any other way," said Ronon. He regarded the drink in his hand with scrutiny and then took a generous slurp.
"Just be careful," said Mckay. Sheppard realised he was serious and nodded.
"Just don't forget about me," said Sheppard, "Remember, two months so I expect to have the same quarters when I get back. Elizabeth," he warned.
"What?" she asked innocently, "Yours is south facing. Why would I want a south facing room?"
"Because is has a kick ass balcony off the bathroom, that's why," said Sheppard. He reached for his second beer.
"I don't ever see my quarters. I think I live in the infirmary," said Beckett with a small smile.
"And I live in my lab," said Mckay holding up his drink.
Sheppard was enjoying the jovial atmosphere. Enjoying the company of his friends and was almost sorry as the night wore on, and his friends started to say their goodnights, that he would be leaving it all.
At the end of the night, the crowds had dispersed and Sheppard was 'goodbyed out'. He and Mckay sat in the commissary playing cards and drinking the remaining beers.
"So, you wont die then?" said Mckay rather drunkenly.
Sheppard put down his card and looked up, "I promise not to die."
"Good," said Mckay, "Because we cant have that."
Sheppard dropped his cards with a triumphant smile, "Flush, beats your-" he looked at Mckay's cards, "What are those?"
"I thought we were playing go fish," said Mckay.
Sheppard shook his head and clinked glassed with Mckay, "Cheers."
"Right," said Mckay getting up slowly, "I am off to my abode. I shall bid you adieu and see you early in the morning for awkward manly goodbyes."
Sheppard gave him a little wave, "You alright to get back to your room?" he asked when he noticed Mckay was staggering a bit.
"Are you implying I'm drunk?" asked Mckay nearly tripping over a chair. He laughed to himself and whirled around to face the door and nearly collided with Stark, "Night good Sheppard."
"Night," said Sheppard and he began gathering up the cards. A shadow descended over his table and he looked up to Stark.
"Don't you think you should be resting up for tomorrow?" asked Stark.
He picked up one of the empty bottles on the table and looked at the meagre contents.
"I'm not so sure drinking on base is entirely appropriate? Do you?"
"I'm leaving for two months," said Sheppard.
"Sir," his superior corrected him.
"Sir," said Sheppard standing up a bit shakily. His legs felt a bit rubbery and he realised that he'd been affected by the alcohol more than he had thought, "I'm leaving tomorrow. They just wanted to say their goodbyes in case I don't make it back."
"You probably wont," said Stark dropping the bottle in the trash on the way out, "Bright and early Soldier," he said before disappearing around the corner.
TBC
REVIEW PLEASE………
Oh and he'll be back in Atlantis soon so don't be put off.