Semper Fi
By Ann3
Writer's Note: Okay, folks, journey's end ! Thanks to everyone who have shared the story with me, I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Now let's hope TPTB bring Cadman back where she belongs !!
And you'll notice this final chapter's quite a bit longer than the others. So dress up in your best suits and frocks, lads and lassies, and remember the confetti and hankies - 'cos we're heading for a wedding !!
Oh, by the way, girls, Carson's in his kilt - so you might want to stock up on cold flannels and smelling salts too... ;o)
Enjoy !!
Chapter Sixteen
You Are Cordially Invited
"You're really gonna wear that...?!?!? Jeez, Carson, you look like some cheesy Scottish tourist ad...!"
From where he stood, somewhat self consciously, in front of his mirror, Carson Beckett sighed. Caught in a three-way tie for that prestigious wedding day role, he'd chosen... well, three best men. That decision, he now dryly reflected, was rapidly coming in real danger of a last minute re-think.
He was shaking with nerves enough as it was. As always, Rodney McKay really wasn't helping.
"Yes, Rodney, I am wearin' my kilt for the ceremony..." he said at last, with quite astonishing calm – a much practised glare warning McKay that any further comment he made would likely be his last.
Seeing Rodney open his mouth to risk life and limb anyway, John Sheppard now blessedly intervened – his genuine, if slightly off-kilter interest in Scottish culture still earning him a glance of pure gratitude.
"So this is like your... um... what is it, Carson, your... um... Beckett tartan, or clan, or... something...?"
To his surprise, Carson blushed at that, shaking his head while grinning almost ruefully back at him.
"Actually, son... um... well, no..." he said at last, sitting, carefully, on his bed to tug on his brogues – a quietly sheepish admission over his ancestry causing a three-way exchange of startled glances.
"Beckett isn't... well, it isn't a Scottish name, ye see... it's actually from old English, for beck, an'... well, this – this is Munro tartan, from my mother's side, an'... aye, that's definitely Scottish..."
In spite of this revelation, though, there was no hiding the pride in Carson's eyes as he stood up again. He was the Pegasus galaxy's proudest Scot at the best of times, of course, but in full Highland dress – well, on this already momentous occasion, it had to be said that Dr Carson Beckett really did cut the most dashing of bridegrooms.
He was, needless to say, the most nervous too. Not to mention, John Sheppard dryly noted, the fussiest. To quiet amusement, every pleat on his kilt was, yet again, thoroughly inspected, gently tugged into place
There was another tradition to it, of course, which was just crying out to be teasingly discussed. Promising himself that entertainment for a safer, less emotionally fraught time, John simply nodded – noting, with some amusement, that Ronon had watched this entire exchange in curious silence.
The idea of men wearing check-patterned skirts clearly hadn't made it to Sateda's part of the galaxy. Then again, John dryly reflected, there were still quite a few countries back on Earth that struggled with it too.
Still, one Canadian, at least, appeared to have overcome the sight of bare knees and swinging pleats. More to the point, he'd now realised that his earlier remarks had been needed like a hole in the head – the hand which now settled, in silent apology, on Carson's shoulder met with a gently forgiving smile
That was it. No further words were needed as Rodney helped Carson with those last few, vital touches. Then again, John noted in brotherly approval, where these two were concerned, they rarely were.
That unique, so very special friendship had faced its share of trials and tribulations over the years. As the most nerve-wracking hour of Carson's life grew closer, it was facing its toughest challenge yet.
Short of zapping him with a stunner, it was going to take a minor miracle to get him through it, and – well, John Sheppard's butt was still gently smarting from the last time he'd used that little trick.
So it was with some astonishment, and relief, that John now watched a minor miracle take place.
It wasn't much, just the briefest of pats on Carson's shoulder, then his back, the quietest of exchanges between them. Whatever Rodney had said to him, though, with such a teasing grin on his face... well, it had worked. The bundle of nerves beside him had now dissolved, too, into fits of helpless, red-faced laughter.
Still shaking his head, in wry wonder at this miraculous sight, John Sheppard then checked his watch – casting Rodney a genuinely proud nod while giving Carson's arm the gentlest of prompting tugs.
"Okay, Carson, here we go... let's get ye hitched to yon lovely wee lassie..."
However lousy his take on a Scottish accent had been, it still won him a nervously grateful smile. As much as he wanted to, though, Carson couldn't trust himself to voice that appreciation out loud. He'd been counting the days to this moment, of course, but... dear God, he was shaking like a bloody leaf.
More of his best friend's miracle working was sorely needed. Right on cue, it blessedly arrived.
And, to John's rolled eyed realisation, this time he caught the private joke between them.
As Rodney continued to comically mime out his once more giggling friend's unique, unsung talent, John Sheppard smiled too – whispering as much of a stern, best-manly warning as his own helpless laughter now allowed.
"I'm telling you now, Carson... don't – you – dare...!"
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Laura was sure that she'd just heard him laugh, its familiarity gently soothing her mounting nerves. She was so used to that irrepressible sound. In fact, she'd spent most of yesterday laughing along with him.
It had been a wonderful day, spent simply with those who'd helped to make this dream come true. John Sheppard. Elizabeth. Kate. Ronon, Teyla, and – yes, she wryly reflected, yes, even Rodney.
Their mutually loved friends. Their shared, surrogate family.
In keeping with tradition, though, she and Carson had spent last night, and this morning, apart. And while starting married life together under a cloud of bad luck had dissuaded her from temptation – well, it hadn't stopped her from hating the fact that she'd spent that night, alone, in her own quarters. God, how she had missed not having that gloriously cuddly body to snuggle up to.
She must have betrayed that frustration now, too, since a motherly arm now slid across her shoulders.
"I know ye must be worryin' for him, lass..." Kate Buchanan said at last, giving Laura a gentle, commiserating hug. "An' the nerves must be gettin' to ye now, but... well, ye know he's in good hands wi' the Colonel... an' in a couple of hours, you'll have him, in all his lovely wee cuddliness, all to yerself again..."
Laura had to smile at that, nodding in still distracted agreement while she absently fingered her ring.
"I know, Kate..." she said at last, sighing through the only downside of a traditional wedding day. "It's just that... well, I'm just so used to waking up with him now, and being around him, and..."
"...an' jus' one night away from him feels like forever... aye, lass, I know..." Kate finished for her – the slyness of her next words reducing herself, Laura, and Teyla into peals of delighted laughter.
"But think on this, lass... jus' imagine the fun you'll both have, makin' up for it...!"
Still giggling at this wonderful prospect, Laura then settled back to enjoy a much happier wedding day tradition.
She'd have to wait, of course, for the official Cadman/ Beckett family wedding back on Earth. And her mother's treasured, antique silk dress had already been quietly earmarked for the occasion. But for the Pegasus galaxy's equivalent, ingenious improvisation was very much the order of the day
Luckily, John Sheppard had given Teyla some further, vital intel on Earth's wedding day customs. The 'something borrowed...' part of one of them was, it had to be said, proving to be blessedly handy.
Now all she had to do was choose one of Teyla's stunning assortment of richly embroidered gowns.
She'd narrowed it down to three so far, each of them pale enough to pass for traditional white, but – well, it was another which her fingers, yet again, just seemed to be inexorably drawn towards.
It was simply beautiful, and Laura knew it complemented her colouring perfectly, but... well – no, surely it was asking too much of Teyla's already exploited generosity, for her to...
...take that breathtaking silk gown from its hanger and drape it, so gently, into Laura's arms.
"I have always kept this for a special occasion, Laura... a very special occasion..." Teyla said at last – meeting Laura's astonished eyes with a gentle smile which took their friendship to a whole new level.
"I cannot think of a more appropriate time, or a more joyous occasion, than this for you to wear it, as... well, as the very special friends, the sister and brother, which you and Carson have become to me..."
If Laura hadn't been choked with emotion before, she certainly was now. The same went for Teyla. Without Kate's gently proud intervention, they might have stood in this sisterly embrace for hours.
"Aye, lass, ye'll be knockin' him for six right enough, but... well, let's be gettin' ye ready for him now. I know it's tradition for the bride tae keep her laddie waitin' and frettin' for her at the aisle, but..."
Laura had to grin at that, laughing out loud as she slipped, with slyly explained speed, out of her gown
"Ain't gonna happen, Kate. I'll be heading up that aisle so fast, there'll be warp trails behind me...!"
"Aye, lass, I jus' bet ye will..." Kate retorted dryly, setting off another three-way chorus of laughter.
She'd always held a soft spot for the young doctor who led his staff with such gentle, inspiring calm. Doubts may have been raised at his appointment as CMO for this once in a lifetime expedition – envious mutters that he was too young, too inexperienced, that he became too emotionally involved with his patients.
But Kate had never held such doubts. She'd always known Carson Beckett was special. Very special.
If anyone deserved to be loved through his constantly endangered life... well, it had to be Carson. And if one person could love him and protect him, give him the strength to survive, it was Laura.
Little wonder, then, that Kate now watched her slip into that stunning dress with such pride in her eyes. For so many reasons, this precious day of hope promised to be one that Atlantis would never forget.
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Each of them, in their own way, had claimed their place in Elizabeth Weir's heart as well as her life.
A second in command who could make her laugh, cry and tear her hair out within the same single hour
Her chief of science, an arrogant pain in the butt to everyone else – a private tower of strength to her.
And her CMO – always fretting over others while his own welfare was, so often, so selfishly forgotten
How many times had his innate compassion, that sweetest of natures, been taken for granted...? Yet not once had Carson borne any grudges against the friends who, sometimes, were anything but.
What astonished her more was that he was genuinely unaware of how special, how unique, he was. It had taken Laura Cadman's feisty intelligence, her recognition of that uniqueness to... well, gently convince him otherwise.
And now he was getting married. Carson Beckett was getting married. Damn, even now, she still couldn't quite get her head around it.
Ten days ago, the most famously cautious soul in the city had turned that city completely on its head. Yet among all the chaos which had followed, one aspect of life in Atlantis was still as strong as ever.
John, Rodney and Carson – all so different, yet as close and loyal to each other as any trio of brothers.
Then again, Elizabeth then dryly observed, even the closest of brothers had their off days.
"An' – An' ye do have the ring, don't ye, John...? I – I mean, ye havenae lost it, have ye...? Ye – Ye do still have it...?"
Just as he'd done moments earlier, and several times before that, John Sheppard sighed in exasperation. He hated the use of blackmail, especially against a syringe-wielding doctor, but... well, needs must.
"Carson...?"
"Wh – Wha'...?"
"If you ask me that one more time, I will personally show the whole city what you're wearing under that skirt...!"
It had been a rather empty threat, of course, since most of the guests had drawn their own conclusions. And if Carson was even aware of the whispered 'is he or isn't he...?' discussions behind him, then – well, perhaps thankfully, he was too consumed by now overwhelming nerves to hear them. Even Rodney's rapidly smothered snigger of laughter went unnoticed as Carson fretfully rubbed his stomach.
Fearing the consequences if his nerves got the better of him, he'd skipped breakfast that morning. Now, as his rollercoastering adrenaline levels crashed against his hunger, he was clearly regretting it – a wince of genuine distress moving John Sheppard to slip back into the role that suited him so well.
"Hey, it's okay, Carson..." he added softly, all seriousness now as he squeezed Carson's shoulder – noting, with brotherly approval, that Rodney's hand was already settling gently on the other.
"It's okay, just take a couple of deep breaths... attaboy, Carson, that's it... you're doing just fine..."
If she'd not been so concerned herself, Elizabeth might have smiled at this charmingly surreal sight – her chief military officer and her chief of science, trying to doctor her decidedly shaky-legged CMO.
As it was, this show of support was sorely needed – because a telltale sound now rose behind them
A soft chorus of admiring 'oooohs...' and a mass turning of heads heralded a very important arrival behind them. And in time honoured tradition, the bride had left her future husband totally and utterly stunned.
Even when Carson finally re-found his voice, it barely managed to climb above a spellbound whisper.
"Holy crap...!"
Even as he smiled his agreement, John Sheppard still felt a little wedding day decorum was called for.
"Whoa, easy, Carson..." he murmured, deadpan through years of practice as he nodded towards Elizabeth. "Don't forget the... um... well, you know, the whole language thing in front of the you-know-what..."
There was a waspish Scottish retort in there somewhere. But for the life of him, Carson couldn't find it.
He could't even react to Elizabeth's stifled giggle of laughter, or John Sheppard's mischievous grin. He was still staring, wide eyed, completely mesmerised by the near fairy-tale sight in front of him.
Laura didn't just look beautiful, as all brides do on their wedding day. Instead she looked stunning.
She'd chosen a classically simple, fitted silk dress which complemented her figure to perfection. In softest ivory instead of colour draining white, its bodice glittered with an array of crystalline jewels.
Topped by a circle of softly white flowers, her hair was swept up on top of her head, with just a few curling waves left free to frame her face.
Even with the veil which obscured it, he could still see her excited, nervous, admiring smile beaming from beneath – her eyes never leaving his as Steven Caldwell, as proud as any father, walked her slowly towards him.
Concerned that Carson's nerves would again overwhelm him, John set his hand back on his shoulder – proudly noting that a broad smile of pure, delighted excitement had chased all of those nerves away.
The moment that Carson Beckett had planned so painstakingly, waited so long for, had finally arrived. As Laura reached his side and gently took his hand, he was determined to enjoy every last second of it.
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Technically speaking, of course, she wasn't really qualified to conduct this kind of ceremony, but – well, since the nearest priest was in another galaxy, Earth-based bureaucracy hardly seemed to matter.
Besides, Elizabeth Weir now proudly reflected, she wouldn't have missed this moment for the world.
Out of all the honours she'd enjoyed in her career, to officiate the marriage of a much loved friend – well, this moment, this day, the joy and hope it had brought to her city, would take some beating.
And for all they knew or cared, Carson and Laura could have made their vows standing in a shed. Whatever galaxy they were in, whatever planet they were on, nothing mattered except this moment.
If truth be told, though, for Carson at least, that moment seemed to pass in a blurry puzzle of contrasts. To him, two nervously soft, helplessly choked words had still sounded deafeningly loud.
"I – I will..."
And all Laura could think about, all she'd remember, was the intense blue of Carson's eyes – more brilliant than she'd ever seen before, bright with tears of pure pride as he gently pushed that priceless ring into place.
Nor would she forget his reaction when she re-caught his hand, singling out his corresponding finger – the surprise and delight in those wide, wonderful eyes as she circled it in gleaming Celtic gold.
He was so astonished, in fact, that the words he'd waited so long to hear completely passed Carson by. It took the subtlest of nudges from John Sheppard to 'help' him hear them the second time around.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me the greatest pleasure to present, for the first time in public, Dr, and Mrs, Carson Beckett..."
It was just as well that he'd heard Elizabeth's openly proud announcement on that second occasion – because there wasn't a chance in hell that Carson, or Laura, or anyone else in the Gate Room, would have heard it the third time around.
The eruption of wildly cheering applause around them was so loud that another long awaited moment was also missed. Halfway through her second attempt, Elizabeth rolled her eyes, in helpless laughter, and gave up.
Then again, both Carson and Laura had been to enough weddings in the past to know what she'd tried to say – and Carson needed no further incentive than Laura's inviting smile, the mischievous lift of a prompting eyebrow, to gently lift the veil from her face.
Using it to bring his runaway heart-rate back under control wasn't the only reason for him to take a deep breath. Then another. Another. Their first kiss as husband and wife, and... by God, he wanted to make the most of every last second.
That, at least, gave everyone plenty of time to re-settle and bring out their cameras. And even the slowest of picture-takers had all the time they needed to capture that priceless moment.
Because that first, softly tender kiss between Dr and Mrs Beckett went on... and on... and on.
John Sheppard wasn't counting, of course, but... well thirty seconds later, it was still going strong – refusing to break even as a further chorus of cheers and wolf-whistles rose through the Gate Room
If not for Rodney McKay's incredulous, spell-breaking question, it might have gone on all night.
"How – How the hell is he managing to breathe...?!?"
Glaring back at his friend, as much as a helplessly spreading smile allowed, Carson then grinned – the very innocence of his reply causing everyone's eyebrows, even Laura's, to quizzically rise.
"Ah, just another o' my many surprisin' talents, Rodney..."
Chalking up another rare time where he'd left Rodney McKay lost for words, he then turned back to Laura – the pure mischief on his face, the devilish glint in his eye, promising her many more glorious surprises to come.
For now, though, Carson had a mystery of his own to solve as he fingered the ring on his hand – Laura's innocently shrugged explanation causing another three-way lifting of curious eyebrows.
"It's amazing what you can do, baby, with just a little piece of string..."
She'd spoken completely seriously, with no hint at all as to where she'd learned that little trick. Then again, Carson dryly reflected, it was a wee bit late to start fretting and worrying about that now. So instead he just smiled back at her and nodded, thanking her with a gently tender kiss on her hand.
He'd have loved to thank her properly, but... well, in one way or another, he'd generated quite enough entertainment for one day.
Promising himself that pleasure for a more sensibly private time, he then turned back to Elizabeth – hoping she'd put the rising redness in his cheeks down to the natural excitement of the occasion.
"Thank ye, lass, for... well, for doin' us so proud wi' such a lovely service..."
He seemingly had, since Elizabeth returned his smile every bit as warmly – embracing and kissing him, and Laura in turn, before watching them disappear into a waiting cluster of hugs.
There were still so many dangers, so many uncertainties, which still surrounded their futures, but – well, if any two people could survive life in the Pegasus galaxy, it was Dr and Mrs Beckett.