Memories
A Stargate: Atlantis story by Deana Lisi

Disclaimer: I don't own John or Carson.
This is dedicated to my wonderful friend Karri, for her b-day today! ;) Today is also 'National Sticky Bun Day'! Isn't that cool? lol

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"Colonel? Colonel?"

John Sheppard looked up from his table, to find Carson Beckett standing in front of him, holding a cup of coffee and a sticky bun.

"Ya in there, lad?"

John smiled, nodding. "Oh, yeah. 'Course."

"It didn't seem like it a moment ago," Carson said, sitting down across from him.

"Sorry," said John. "Thinking."

Carson watched him for a few seconds, before motioning to the Colonel's own plate. "Eat yer bun, before it gets cold."

John smiled slightly as he reached for it. "We wouldn't want that."

"No, indeed," said Carson, taking a bite out of his own. "Missing someone?" he asked.

John's eyebrows shot up. "How did you know?"

Carson took a sip from his mug. "I see the same look on m'own face in the mirror sometimes. A girl?"

John nodded, licking frosting off his lips. "Yeah."

"She musta been special."

John nodded again. "She was."

"What happened?" Carson asked.

"I took a bullet for her."

Carson almost choked on his bun. "Ya sure know how ta impress a lass!"

The remarked cracked a slight smile on John's face.

"All right, then," said Carson. "What happened after that? Or before? How'd ya take the bullet, anyway?"

"She was a National Guardswoman that served under me. We were in Afghanistan…"

John never forgot that day. Never forgot the instant when one of the enemy had aimed his gun at the person standing to his left. Without hesitation, he turned and ran towards her.

"Karri! Get down!"

She'd looked up at his voice, but before she had a chance to obey, John had slammed into her and knocked her down himself.

The bullet had hit him in the shoulder; if she'd been hit, it would've struck her head.

He didn't remember hitting the dirt. He didn't remember the shooting continue around him, he didn't even remember being rescued and transferred to a military hospital. All he remembered was the female face above him, stroking his hair.

"John! You'll be all right John, don't worry…"

She'd called him 'John', not 'Major'…

"By the time I went back on duty, I found out that she'd been given new orders. I haven't seen her since."

Carson made a sympathetic face. "Ya loved her." He ate the last piece of his bun, rubbing his sticky fingers together.

John licked the frosting off his own. "Yeah," he sighed. "I did."

"Sad story, son," Carson said, wiggling his fingers like a cat with a piece of tape stuck to its paw. "Why don' ya try ta find her, and have her sent here?"

John shook his head. "I've thought of that, but I can't. I can only request Air Force personnel."

"Well then, Elizabeth should be able to make the request," Carson continued. "As the leader o'this expedition. It's worth a try."

John's eyes lit up. "Yeah, it is." He turned and rushed towards the door.

Carson watched him go, with a smile.

Suddenly, John took a detour and came back. "Carson? Thanks."

Carson's smile widened. "Anytime, lad."

John returned the smile and handed some napkins to the doctor, before rushing off.

Wiping his sticky hands clean, Carson chuckled.

THE END
Happy birthday, Karri! ;)