Carson was mad when he was seemingly the last to find out that Jennifer was pregnant. He insisted that John should have called him that evening so he could have looked her over.. She was taking the equivalent of prenatal vitamins and had been reading up on pregnancy despite going through an OBGYN round in med school. Jennifer and Rodney had a long talk, and Jennifer let Rodney know based on how far along she was that their baby was conceived on the moon. Jennifer was also telling Rodney that first trimester things could go wrong and that was why she was hesitant in telling him. She gave a lot of numbers that she knew Rodney would understand but also told him she didn't want him to be scared. It was too late because Rodney's fear was multi-facilitated.

Rodney never thought he would want children. Although genius wasn't exactly genetic, he figured that between him and Jennifer, the odds were good they would have a genius baby, even if an IQ test said otherwise. Rodney felt weird, different since finding out he was going to be a dad. He wasn't sure what all the new feelings were but he had the old reliable feeling of impending doom, no matter what he does it wouldn't be enough. Rodney wouldn't say anything to Jennifer, he had to admit that Atlantis wasn't the safest for a baby. They were always in close encounters. He knows how much Jennifer had made Atlantis home. He also knew how much she wanted to stay, but was the risk of his child worth it? He wasn't lying to Jack though, if Jennifer was returning to Earth he was as well. Rodney loved Atlantis, and it was the first place in his whole life where he fit in. Although while at the SGC he was doing life-saving dangerous work, this was different. As much as it would pain him to leave, he would and had kept that possibility open.

Rodney was also reading more so than Jennifer, he wasn't to concerned about the biology of the baby he knew that well enough, he didn't care if it was the size of a pea, tomato, or other fruit. He cared about how to parent this child. He had no great male role model. His father condoned him every chance he could. He had no brothers no uncles in which to offer insight. He knew John's family wasn't any good either so there wasn't much he could ask his best friend. Fatherhood was a touchy subject for Jack and he wasn't close enough to ask anyway. Rodney hoped that his sister could help out a whole lot as soon as he told her the happy news.

It was odd seeing Jennifer now, because of course everyone in Atlantis had now known the news. Jennifer still wasn't showing no one would know if they weren't told but yet there was a small bit of him growing with a small bit of her. Rodney couldn't help but put his hands on her belly when they were alone. Jennifer hadn't been expecting Rodney to be so, caring. She hated using those words because Rodney had always had his own way of showing her how much he loved and cared for her. She just figured he would be overly scientific, telling her details of the baby she already knew.

Jennifer had never even thought of a baby, as a baby at 7 weeks, it was a fetus by any means in any other woman fetus would be the term she would use, but this 7-week-old fetus was her baby and baby is what she would say now, until the end of time most likely. Even when her baby was grown and gone. Jennifer had tried to tell herself there were still a few more weeks where a lot could go wrong, and even then, there is a lot going on in Atlantis, it wasn't the safest place in the universe. She knew that, and she questioned if Earth would be better off but she couldn't give Atlantis up, not yet.

Jennifer was glad her pregnancy was out in the open, she didn't think she would but everyone was giving her well wishes. Hardly any expedition had children, for obvious reasons people who chose to go either had older adult children or never had any. Teyla had become an invaluable friend quickly giving her Athosian remedies that worked better than the medication that they had. Teyla had told Jennifer how she felt through her pregnancy and had insisted that her team had treated her like any other member. She had recalled the mission she went on after knowing she was pregnant ensuring she still could do her duties and how upset she was at herself for going. Teyla also expressed that although Atlantis seemed to regularly have Wraith and other issues the city was safer than most places across the Pegasus. She knew that Jennifer had the option of Earth, and she had even been told at the time if she felt it was safer she too could go to Earth and stay at the SGC before being cleared to live off base, and she could work there and have Torren grow up there. Teyla was flattered by the option but never gave it a chance because she felt that was hiding, and she wouldn't leave Atlantis until there was the answer for the Wraith.

Teyla was hopeful that Jennifer and Rodney would stay on Atlantis. She hoped that although selfishly, Torren would have a friend. Teyla had often wondered how life would be for her son, as he would be the only child on the ship. She, of course, had taken him to friendly planets and allowed her son to get to know well-established worlds but it wasn't like he would have daily interaction with children once he started to grow. Teyla hoped more children would come to the ship one way or another so her son could have a fragment of a normal life.

Jack looked around the office that would soon be his. Richard was packing up his personal possessions.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Jack asks.

"I have seen my future Jack, and I know what it means. I came here hoping I could get IOA off SGC's ass, but if anything I've only made it worse over the years. Jennifer tells me that she and Carson are looking into my cure. I have to believe they will find it, and hopefully faster than last time. I want to be able to see my kids again and reconnect. I thought I was doing myself a favor coming out here. All I did was delay the inevitable." Wolsey explains.

Jack just raised his eyebrows. He had learned to respect the man over the years. He has been good to them. He had seen the light a few times. Richard also seemed to know just what to say and when. He was good at that. Something Elizabeth Weir would be proud of. Jack hated that the woman's face came to mind. Not that he didn't like Elizabeth. No, Jack had respected her more than almost anyone in the universe. He hated how things happened. He hated the way everything had to go. She was another in a long list of names that would never be recognized for literally changing the world. Jack closed his eyes not sure if he was up for this. He was old, older than he had ever felt before. He knew he could handle himself, and handle the ship but, he feels like he shouldn't have to. He also knows he will. Jack finally had everything he could ask for.

As Richard continued to pack up, Jack finally said what he's always wanted to say to the man.

"When I met you, I knew your type. I was ready to do whatever it took to make sure the SGC didn't go down. When I finally had you figured out I couldn't think of a better person to run this place, after everything. I know that you weren't the one to oust Carter. I know it was single-handed and I know a lot worse who could have came in here. Although I will never agree with the IOA, I appreciate your efforts, Wolsey, you're one hell of a guy."

Richard smiled and took his last box.

"There is a meeting at 1400 hours, plenty to discuss." Richard reminds Jack.

Jack closes his eyes hating the reminder and walked back down to the gate room, wondering how he got so lucky.

Sam was in her private quarters, and they were only a few hours away from landing. She hadn't many items when they left the moon, it felt like a lifetime had passed since then, it had only been a few weeks. There had been a lot of moments she will never forget, but she didn't know a rouge Atlantis Ship flying back to Pegasus would be one of them. She didn't think the start of her married life would begin in another galaxy but here they were, and nothing would stop them. Sam had thought about not waiting. She and Jack were to return back, along with Daniel to Earth. All her friends would be there. She could get Mark and the family together.

Mark had been kinder, and gentler to her, after the passing of their father. He was still angry she had gone and left only seeing him twice a year at best. He would still make jabs and ask her when it was time to come home. He knew though, how much she loved her work. He could see just how happy she was. He had made another shift when she announced her engagement. He was excited for his sister. She had told Mark, that it was her former CO and there was a lengthy discussion but when everything was said and done, when Mark finally got to meet Jack, and get to know him, he understood.

Daniel was talking to some scientists on the ship. He had known that this short trip had affected people profoundly, but to him, this was just another drop in the bucket. If anything, it did make him realize his care for Vala and the possibility of losing her was a lot to bear. He of course knew there were always risks they were taking. It was different without Sam and Jack but Vala, Cam, and Daniel made up SG-1. The fourth member was never established, as Sam, Teal'c, or someone else would go through the gate as needed. Teal'c was regularly visiting but often spending time with his family or with the free Jaffa never staying to long anymore.

Daniel wondered if a family was in the cards for him. He had finally admitted to himself that he enjoyed Vala's company. When she first arrived it felt like, he was getting laughed at. He had cared for Vala, in a different way, where everyone had seen it as love. He had cared for the woman but never romantically. He had empathy for her. He had wanted what was best for her and he was a friend. He did feel early on that Vala and his friends used his feelings to play at him. Although he knew they were teasing it still hurt. The longer he got to know Vala, and the more he realized how much she cared about the same things he did, he realized that they had a lot in common. He also realized how much she had cared for him. He had tried to be mean to her, and like some young child, it only pulled her closer, which made Daniel feel bad. Daniel had realized a lot of Vala's quirks we coping mechanisms. Once she was finally able to heal and see herself. When Vala was able to do what she wanted to, with no one trying to kill her or forcing her upon things, Daniel could finally see the beautiful woman for who she really was. If anything, this trip reminded Dr. Daniel Jackson that there is more to life than work. He was going to ask for some time off and finally show Vala a few things on Earth she's been missing.

It was a beautiful planet they dropped out of hyperspace and they got a glance at the orb the ship had been aiming for. It had land with lush green trees a green that no one had quite seen before it seemed like the forest itself was illuminated and who knew, maybe they were. From what Sam and Rodney could tell, there weren't any human life signs on the planet. The orbit around the sun seemed to mean both harsh winters and summers and they assumed that the planet only had 2 seasons. The orbit was unlike Earth it seemed to go around the sun a lot faster about 200 days. About 130 of those days were close to the sun but pulled out further away from the rest, causing very hot summers and very cold winters. There was little doubt there were animals roaming the planet but the team all agreed nothing too large could live here without significant technical advancements for heating and cooling.

Because of the lack of humans, it was probably not on Wraith's radar which is good, and Jack had hoped to keep it that way for as long as possible. They would need to calculate their gate address, to head to the midway station in the puddle jumper. As Atlantis landed in the large ocean, with a slightly green hue, John and Teyla were quick to head to the control room and look around. Sam smiled and Jack tried not to laugh at the younger man who reminded him so much of himself and asked permission to check out the planet. Jack over the years had gotten used to confined spaces for long periods. He knew that John had moments too where he had been in one place a lot longer than this trip. Jack also knew a lot of people realized there were a lot of changes that needed to happen in some of their lives.

John, Teyla, Ronon, and Daniel, and Sam got into the puddle jumper. The planet was beautiful, and the plants were strange like tropical plants, but brighter, They all assumed this meant that the summer season was ending and Winter would soon arrive. Based on projections it would be very cold, John hated the cold. When he had flown Jack to Antarctica all he could hope was that his outfit would keep him warm. He was grateful that Atlantis would keep them protected from extreme temperatures. Teyla had looked around at the new planet that Atlantis called home. She hoped the wraith would stay away and wouldn't realize they were there. Ronon looked intently as If he could map the place in one go, and maybe he could. Daniel was hoping for some ancient civilization ruins but nothing popped up as they flew around. The whole trip took a couple of hours, they barely touched the place but they knew they would have time later to explore.

Daniel, Sam, Richard, Jack and several scientists who hadn't expected the trip, were the first to be going back to Eath. Jack would only be there as long as necisarry so he could officially sign the paperwork, and get things going. Sam had enjoyed being close to him for so long and knew it would hurt to leave his side as he would be going back to Atlantis while she wrapped up a few things back at the SGC before joining him. She knew they were in the home stretch.

Jack smiled looking around realizing that he would be in charge of this large city when he returned, until he did John had control. They were under strict orders of no gate travel, they could go around the planet but only in large groups just in case. They were all in the gate room, with everyone cluttered inside the gateroom and control room packed in.

Richard Wolsey made an announcement to the whole crew.

"First off I wanted to say thank you, to all of you who have been so understanding. I know that when I came in, I wasn't anyone's first pick. I want to say that appreciate everything done here on Atlantis. I know I am only one voice and can only do so much but I will make every effort to ensure that the people here stay as long as they want. There has been a lot of trial and error over the years. I believe that Atlantis is the best way for Earth to advance and make contact with other advanced races. Please know it is with a heavy heart I am leaving. I will have another position ahead of me and I hope going back to Earth will make it easier for everyone. After the recent events I have come to realize time is precious and I want to be back home for the few family members that still care about me. If I can help any of you in any way don't hesitate, and I hope to make a visit every now and again, at my home away from home."

Jack smiled at the man knowing what he said came from the heart. "You'll always have a place here Richard, thanks for running it and keeping us safe," Jack concluded.

John looked over to Jack.

"Well, I bet Atlantis wasn't on your retirement schedule."

"Can't say that it was."

Teyla smiled at the older man. She wished she had met him earlier in her life. Sam had talked a lot about when they were in the field together. Everything she heard from everyone, made her believe he was a great leader. She hoped that in the few months they had together she would get to the man better.

Rodney had said his goodbyes hours earlier. He also tried to talk Jennifer into going to Earth to get checked out but Jennifer and Carson insisted that there was nothing Earth could do differently. Jennifer also had never heard back if she could stay. She would rather not risk it. Rodney could understand, she did trust Carson and Jennifer so he didn't push it too hard. Besides who would be there to cuddle him 2-3 days a week when their sleep pattern actually matched? Rodney was glad about the adjustment and felt safer than he had in a while. There was no rest for the scientists though they were busy looking at the alternate timelines Wraith research hoping they're other selves had found the solution they were desperately looking for.

Sam and Daniel smiled at each other not knowing what else to do. Even though they were very aware of the concept of the Stargate it still felt strange that it was faster to get from another Galaxy, than it was to Drive to Daniel's apartment. There was a long briefing, and despite all the information already being transferred to the SGC, General Landry insisted on a retelling of the written stories. Sam and Daniel weren't sure if he didn't quite believe it or hadn't gotten around to reading everything yet, it was a lot of information.

Cam and Vala had been brought in for the debriefing and Sam was happy to see the group of SG-1 members she had been missing. She was only missing Teal'c now, and he was expected to return in about a week. She hoped she would have the opportunity to drag him to Pegasus but she wasn't sure if it was the best use of his time. As Sam, Daniel, and the rest of the group give details of the last several days, Landry and SG-1 sit in awe realizing some of the research would be life-changing for a lot of people on Earth. The meeting took a little under three hours, and everyone was dismissed to go home. Sam in most circumstances would have stayed on base trying to look over everything she had missed. She didn't this time, she went to her locker, got changed, and headed home.

The travel back home seemed surreal and frustrating. The time on the ship was spent with worry. Jack had held Sam close when they slept, and it was comforting but at the same time, a lot of changes happened quickly. Sam and Jack had slept together sure, but not for days on end, they never had that kind of time. Sam really didn't realize what it would all mean. She knew that when the time came and she took over the SGC, they would have more time than ever. With Jack retired, he would often get to go home at night. Although the SGC always seemed to have an emergency, both General Laundry and Hammond had more nights at home than not. It would be a transition for sure.

As Sam made her way to her door, she wondered how long this would be home. This little house was perfect, for her. She also had fallen in love with Jack's house over time. The backyard just seemed beautiful and the side porch had been built strategically away from the neighbors. She looked around wondering just how much of her stuff would fit into Jack's home.

She wasn't a sentimental person when it came to most objects. The only thing she cared strongly for was a set of her mother's dishes, and photo albums she had as well as her mother's jewelry. She would love to take her living room suite as it was newer than Jack's but she wouldn't put up a fight for it. Sam had also a room set up for Cassie, and it held several of the young woman's possessions. Sam knew Jack would love for Cassie to have a place to call home no matter what. She had missed Cassie more than ever, and she had expressed interest in moving back to Colorado.

Sam took a breath happy to be back on Earth even if it was only a day or two before packing up some stuff for an extended stay in Atlantis.

Daniel had found himself seeking out Vala's company, after the debriefing.

"Well Daniel, you did miss me," Vala said cheekily.

"I really did," Daniel said with a somber tone.

"Daniel, are you okay?" Vala asks seriously.

"I am, actually better than I have been in a long time. I've been through stranger incidents, this doesn't even begin to crack the top 20, but it has been my most personal in reflection."

Vala is suddenly hanging on to every word Daniel has to say.

"I came to realize that I have been going about this all wrong. The reason why I've pushed you away so much is that I care deeply about you."

"Daniel, are you sure you're okay, let's get you to Dr. Lam shall we?" Vala tugged tightly on Daniel's arm but he doesn't follow.

"Already seen her, I am perfectly fine. I shut you out because you remind me so much of dead wife, that I thought, if I let you in, I would have to give you up."

"Well, that's the way to win a girl's heart…"

Daniel smiled. "I know you faced loss your self Vala you can't blame me for hiding."

Vala looked at the man, "I can I will. I know when we first met, I had kidnapped you, I understand why you didn't care for me, and I understood why you kept me at an arm's length for so long, but after a while, I thought that you genuinely disliked me."

"I'm sorry I may have come across as sarcastic and grumpy but Vala you know just how to press my buttons."

"And you love every minute," Vala said as she put her hands on his cheek and laughed, a belly laugh because she was right, she was always right. It was annoying, it was frustrating but it was beautiful.

Daniel allowed her to stroke his cheek and leaned in for a kiss.

A week later everyone was where they need to be. Jack and Sam were on Atlantis back together. Jack looked at Sam for a lot of guidance and she was glad to help. Rodney and Sam had spent more time together than ever before researching testing and writing down their discoveries.

"You know Rodney it's funny after all this time, I can finally see why and how Jennifer has fallen for you." Sam says as they finish their last test of the day.

"Really?!" Rodney asks.

"Yeah, really I'm glad you found her Rodney," Sam said.

"Well, I can't say I'm happy for you and Jack had you before I even got the chance. It's a good thing though or things would be a lot different right now."

"How so Rodney?" Sam asks.

"Well didn't you say we were married in another universe?" Rodney asks.

"It wasn't for love and in fact, we got divorced." Sam reminded him.

"I wonder if that me finds Jennifer."

Sam peers at the man wishing his brain had just a little bit more room for proper social cues. She shakes her head and finishes the last of her report.

Jack walks in at that very moment and Sam smiles seeing his face.

"How did it go today?" Jack asks.

Rodney starts to ramble on in detail. Sam is glaring at Jack he should have known Rodney's behaviors by now.

Luckily one Dr. Jennifer Keller saves the day reminding Rodney that tonight and tomorrow are the only evenings they both have off together.

Rodney stops midsentence

"You know what I think Sam here has enough grasp on the concept she can fill you in."

Jack looks at the man wildly as he walks out the door his arm already sliding around Jennifer's flat belly asking "how has your day been?"

Sam laughs and does tell Jack a 3 sentence version of today's events.

"I'm glad she loves him," Jack claims

"Me too," Sam answered.

The end.

A/N: An epilogue looking into the future will be posted soon. Thank you all so much for reading this and following this story. I am at the very beginning stages of a VERY A/U Rodney Jennifer fic, I know the beginning and the end it's just the middle of connecting the dots I can't get. If you're enjoying this story please give my other stories a read. I love reviews but I am not the best at writing them even with some of my favorite stories so I am just so grateful for anyone who takes the time to drop a quick comment. I also enjoy the emails I get when someone has followed me or the story.